Why is the reserve distributed among the old partners when a new partner is admitted?

Correct answer: Because it is accumulated profit earned before admission

A reserve generally represents profit earned and accumulated before the date of admission. Therefore, it belongs only to the old partners and is distributed among them in their old profit-sharing ratio through their capital or current accounts. The new partner is entitled to profits earned after admission, not to profits accumulated earlier. Exam tip: At admission, distribute an existing general reserve among the old partners in their old ratio; a reserve need not be held in cash.