Depreciation

Depreciation in Accounting 

Depreciation in the context of accounting methods is the determination of the cost incurred in the life expectancy or usage of a particular tangible asset. 

The characteristics of depreciation are mentioned below.

• Depreciation is a loss of value that takes place for tangible assets due to the passage of time.

• It is primarily the decrease that is recorded in fixed assets’ book value.

• Depreciation is necessarily a continuous process until it reaches the conclusion of the lifespan of the assets.

Reasons for Depreciation 

There are a host of different causes that lead to depreciation of physical assets.

• The passage of time and regular wear and tear leads to deterioration which in turn causes a decrease in the asset value. Such deterioration may also arise from revenue-generating activities of the asset as well as business operations.

• In a few instances, with the expiry of legal rights which are inherent to a certain class of assets, the latter loses its value with the expiry of the pre-determined period.

• The tangible asset may also become out-of-date, causing its value to go in a downward spiral. In this case, the particular asset becomes outdated, and usually, newer substitutes are made available.

Depreciation Methods 

The types of depreciation calculation owing to its methods are indicated below. 

1. Straight-Line 

In case of straight-line depreciation calculation, the amount of expense is the same for each year of the asset lifespan. 

The depreciation formula is – 

2. Units of Production 

An asset is depreciated on the basis of the total number of units that are generated by utilising the asset or the total number of hours for which it has been used across its lifespan.

The depreciation formula is – 

3. Double Declining Balance 

Double declining balance depreciation method causes a higher amount of expenses in the previous years when compared to the latter years of the lifespan of a particular asset. It shows that such classes of assets are significantly more productive in its earlier years. 

The depreciation formula is – 

4. Sum-of-Years Digits 

The sum-of-years digits method of depreciation is accelerated when compared to other methods. In the early years of the lifespan of an asset much higher expense is incurred, and as the years’ progress, the expenses reduce. For this calculation, the asset’s remaining life is divided by the aggregate of years and subsequently multiplied by the depreciating base.

The depreciation formula is – 

Different Aspects of Straight Line Method of Depreciation 

The benefits of the straight-line method of depreciation are –

• Given that it is a relatively simple method for calculation of depreciation, asset depreciation can go up to zero value which is also the net scrap value.

• In the profit and loss account, pursuant to this method, the same is charged as depreciation amount.

The limitations of the straight-line method of depreciation are –

• Even though the depreciation of assets under this calculation can go up to zero, assets’ book value can never be zero.

• A suitable rate of depreciation becomes difficult to be ascertained.

Written Down Value Method of Depreciation 

Written down value essentially indicates the asset value after accounting amortisation or depreciation. It shows what is the present worth of an asset which has already been purchased.

(The term, amortisation is mostly used with respect to intangible assets. The concept of amortisation includes the measure of writing off certain intangible assets such as copyrights, patents, franchises, trademarks etc. It can be understood that those aspects are also covered under the written down value method of depreciation)

The calculation of the written down value is done by subtracting the amortisation or the accumulated depreciation from the original value of the asset. The depreciation becomes a fixed percentage on the asset’s original cost. The written down value figure will reflect on the balance sheet. 

Comparison Between the Straight-Line Method and Written Down Value Method

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