written by | March 7, 2023

Depreciation Methods: Concept, Formula, Factors & Types

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Depreciation is a financial accounting term that refers to the allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. It is a way for businesses to spread out the cost of an asset over the period it is being used rather than expensing the entire cost in the year it was purchased. Each method has its unique rules and calculations; the right one for your business will depend on your specific assets and financial goals. 

Did You Know? Depreciation as an expense is different from all other conventional expenses.

Concept of Depreciation 

Depreciation is the process of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. There are several methods of calculating depreciation, including the straight-line method, the declining balance method, and the sum-of-the-years'-digits method.

For example, let's say a company in India purchases a new machine for ₹200,000. The useful life of the machine is 10 years, and the company estimates that the residual value (the value of the machine at the end of its useful life) will be ₹20,000. To calculate the annual depreciation expense, we use the following formula:

Depreciation expense = (Cost of the asset - Residual value) / Useful life of the asset

Plugging in the values from our example, we get:

Depreciation expense = (₹200,000 - ₹20,000) / 10 years = ₹18,000 per year

This means that the company will record an annual depreciation expense of ₹18,000 for the machine for each of the 10 years of its useful life. The expense will be recorded as a reduction in the company's net income on its income statement.

Need for Depreciation Expenses

In accounting, depreciation is the process of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. This is necessary because the value of an asset typically decreases over time due to wear and tear, obsolescence, or other factors. Depreciation expenses are recorded on the income statement and are used to reduce the value of an asset on the balance sheet.

The purpose of depreciation is to more accurately match the expenses associated with using an asset with the revenue that the asset generates. Depreciation is a non-cash expense, meaning that it does not involve any actual cash outflows. Instead, it is a way of allocating the cost of an asset over its useful life and recognizing the loss in value on the company's financial statements.

Also Read: Brief on How To Book a Fixed Asset Depreciation Journal Entry

Why Should Depreciation Expenses Be Tracked?

Depreciation is a method of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. Tracking depreciation expenses is important for a number of reasons:

  • It provides a way to spread the cost of an asset over a period of time. This is in contrast to recording the entire cost as an expense in the year the asset is purchased. This can help smooth out the impact of large purchases on a company's financial statements.
  • It helps a company accurately reflect the value of its assets on its balance sheet. As an asset depreciates, its value on the balance sheet is reduced by the amount of depreciation expense. This gives a more accurate picture of the company's overall financial position.
  • It allows a business to more accurately reflect the cost of an asset over its useful life rather than expensing the entire cost in the year it was purchased. This can provide a more accurate picture of a business's financial performance.
  • It can help a business manage its cash flow. By spreading the cost of an asset over its useful life, a business can avoid paying the entire cost upfront. This can be especially helpful for small businesses with limited cash.
  • It is a required accounting practice. Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) require businesses to use some form of depreciation when accounting for the cost of tangible assets.

Factors Involved in the Depreciation Method

Here are some factors that can affect the choice of depreciation method:

  1.  Useful Life of the Asset

The useful life of an asset refers to the period of time over which the asset is expected to be useful. The depreciation method should take into account the expected useful life of the asset.

  1.  Residual Value of the Asset 

The residual value of an asset refers to the estimated value of the asset at the end of its useful life. The depreciation method should take into account the residual value of the asset. 

  1.  Cost of the Asset 

The cost of the asset is the amount paid to acquire the asset. The depreciation method should take into account the cost of the asset. For example, a method that depreciates the asset at a constant rate may not be appropriate if the cost of the asset varies significantly over its useful life.

  1.  Tax Regulations 

Tax regulations may require a specific depreciation method to be used for tax purposes. The company may choose to use the same method for financial reporting purposes to simplify the accounting process.

  1.  Management Preferences

Management may have a preference for a particular depreciation method based on their experience, industry norms, or other factors.

Also Read: Straight Line Method of Depreciation - Straight Line Depreciation Formula

Types of Depreciation Method

Depreciation expense is a way for businesses to more accurately reflect the cost of an asset over its useful life, manage cash flow, and comply with accounting standards. There are several methods for calculating the depreciation of an asset. 

The most common methods are

  1.  Straight-line Method 

The straight-line method is the most straightforward method, where the asset is depreciated at a constant rate each year over its useful life.

  1.  Units-of-production Method

This method calculates depreciation based on the number of units of production that an asset generates over its useful life.

  1.  Declining Balance Method 

This method calculates depreciation at a higher rate in the earlier years of an asset's useful life and at a lower rate in the later years.

  1. Sum-of-the-years'-digits Method 

This method calculates depreciation using a formula that takes into account the asset's useful life and the number of years it has been in use.

  1.  Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) 

This is a complex method used for tax purposes in the United States that allow for accelerated depreciation of assets.

  1.  Double Declining Balance Method 

The method is similar to the declining balance method, but the rate of depreciation is doubled.

  1. Group Method

It is used to depreciate a group of assets as a single unit, rather than depreciating each asset individually. It is important to note that different methods may be more suitable for different types of assets and in different countries, as depreciation rules can vary.

  1. Activity Method

Such a depreciation method is used for intangible assets, such as patents and trademarks. It involves allocating the cost of the asset over its useful life based on the level of activity or use of the asset. 

  1.  Depletion

This is a method of depreciation used for natural resources, such as oil and gas reserves. It involves calculating the depletion expense based on the amount of the resource extracted or consumed.

  1. Amortisation

Amortisation is a method of depreciation used for intangible assets, such as copyrights and trademarks. It involves allocating the asset's cost over its useful life systematically and rationally.

It's important to note that the depreciation method can impact a business's financial statements and tax liability. It is important for a business to choose the depreciation method that best fits its specific needs and circumstances.

Also Read: Depreciation Rate as Per Companies Act | How to Use Depreciation Calculator

Conclusion

Depreciation is a method of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. Businesses use depreciation to account for the decline in the value of an asset over time. There are several methods for calculating depreciation, including straight-line depreciation, declining balance depreciation, and sum-of-years digits depreciation. The choice of method depends on the type of asset, its useful life, and the company's accounting practices. In general, straight-line depreciation is the most commonly used method, as it is the simplest and easiest to understand. It involves dividing the cost of the asset by its useful life to determine the annual depreciation expense.
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FAQs

Q: What is depreciation?

Ans:

Depreciation is a financial accounting term that refers to the allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. It is a way for businesses to spread out the cost of an asset over the period it is being used, rather than expensing the entire cost in the year it was purchased.

Q: Why is depreciation important?

Ans:

Depreciation is important for businesses to understand and track for a few reasons. It allows a business to more accurately reflect the cost of an asset over its useful life rather than expensing the entire cost in the year it was purchased. It can also help a business manage its cash flow by spreading the cost of an asset over its useful life. Additionally, it is a required accounting practice, as both Indian Accounting Standards and IFRS require businesses to use some form of depreciation when accounting for the cost of tangible assets.

Q: What are the different types of depreciation methods?

Ans:

Several different methods can be used to calculate depreciation, each with its own rules and calculations. Some common depreciation methods include straight-line depreciation, declining balance depreciation, units of production depreciation, sum-of-the-years'-digits depreciation, and double declining balance depreciation. There are also more specialized methods, such as group depreciation and composite depreciation, and methods specifically designed for intangible assets, natural resources, and tax purposes.

Q: How do I choose the right depreciation method for my business?

Ans:

The right depreciation method for your business will depend on your specific assets and financial goals. Factors to consider when choosing a depreciation method include the type of asset being depreciated, the asset's useful life, the pattern of the asset's expected usage or consumption, and the business's financial reporting and tax needs. It may be helpful to consult a financial professional or accountant to determine the best depreciation method for your business.

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Disclaimer :
The information, product and services provided on this website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranty or representation, express or implied. Khatabook Blogs are meant purely for educational discussion of financial products and services. Khatabook does not make a guarantee that the service will meet your requirements, or that it will be uninterrupted, timely and secure, and that errors, if any, will be corrected. The material and information contained herein is for general information purposes only. Consult a professional before relying on the information to make any legal, financial or business decisions. Use this information strictly at your own risk. Khatabook will not be liable for any false, inaccurate or incomplete information present on the website. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this website is updated, relevant and accurate, Khatabook makes no guarantees about the completeness, reliability, accuracy, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, product, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Khatabook will not be liable for the website being temporarily unavailable, due to any technical issues or otherwise, beyond its control and for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or access to, or inability to use or access to this website whatsoever.