Final answer:
The goodwill write-off for Norbend Corporation as of December 31, year 3 should be $504,000, which is the difference between the total purchase price and the fair value of the net assets acquired.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of the goodwill write-off as of December 31, year 3 should be the difference between the fair value of the net assets acquired and the total amount paid. Norbend Corporation acquired the net assets for a total of $6,000,000 ($4,000,000 in cash plus $2,000,000 in notes payable). The fair value of the net assets was $5,496,000. Therefore, the goodwill initially recognized would be $6,000,000 - $5,496,000 = $504,000. When the goodwill is determined to be worthless, Norbend would write off the entire $504,000 of goodwill.
The correct answer to the amount of write-off necessary is: a) $504,000.