If the partnership deed stipulates that accounts must be audited at the year end, what will be the nature of the audit fee?

Correct answer: Expense of the firm

An audit mandated by the deed is an obligation of the firm and relates to the firm's accounts; hence the audit fee is a revenue expense of the firm (debited to Profit & Loss and borne by the firm). Option B (partners' drawing) is incorrect because drawings are personal withdrawals by partners, not firm liabilities for mandatory services. Options C and D are wrong since they refer to capital treatment or distribution of profits, whereas audit fee is an operating expense. Exam tip: always read the deed—if it imposes the obligation on the firm, classify the payment as a firm expense.