Depreciation, Provision and Reserves

Depreciation and Causes for Depreciation

Perhaps one of the most common accounting concepts, Depreciation is a topic that requires in-depth and conceptual study. In order to gain a fundamental understanding of the subject, it is very important to understand the basics of this chapter. Before learning any definitions and formulas in this chapter, one needs to understand the causes of depreciation.

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The Causes of Depreciation

Causes of Depreciation

Depreciation can be easily defined as a reduction in the carrying amount of a fixed asset. Depreciation is equated with a value of consumption of the asset for a specific period. Over the span of an asset, over which it is considered usable, depreciation brings down the value of the asset to a salvage value.

This salvage value is the sum of money that is expected to accrue to the owner if he makes a sale of the asset. Or it can be said to be the scrap value that he gets on disposal of the asset. Following are the causes of depreciation:

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Wear and Tear of the Asset

Every machinery or tool is bound to undergo wear over a period of time. There will be parts that may need replacing or repairing. Usually, such assets have a fixed span of life, after which, they need to be scrapped. This wear and tear of the asset must be accounted for in financial terms, hence depreciation.

Perishability of Inventory

Items such as raw material and inventory, undergone deterioration over a quick span of time. This is faster in relation to a fixed asset, which normally lasts for a few years at least. This perishability of assets is a point of consideration for depreciation accounting.

Usage Right Expiration

Some assets such as software and licenses have a typical span over which it can be used. As soon as this time span finishes, the owner has to give up using the asset. So the depreciation of this asset must be done over time, it cannot just be written off on the day of expiration.

Obsolescence

Another cause of depreciation is the obsolute nature of certain assets. Over a period of time, every asset loses its novel value. A new alternative can always be developed for replacing the asset and its functions.

Need to Comply with Accounting Standards

As per the guidelines set down in the standard of accounting, a firm needs to follow the matching concept. This means that the funds for replacing the asset are set aside at regular intervals. Also, the expense related to each period is charged to that period simultaneously.

It is mandatory to provide depreciation as per Accounting standard 6 and the Companies Act, 2013. Not providing depreciation during a year is also a violation of the accounting standard and the provisions stated therein. Further, providing for depreciation ensures that the accounts of a firm present a true and fair view of the financial status of the firm.

Solved Example for You

Question: X Corporation purchases the special deluxe machine for INR 60,000. It has an estimated salvage value of INR 10,000 and also a useful life of five years. How will X calculate straight-line depreciation for the machine for the year ending?

Answer – Calculation of Depreciation is done as follows:

Purchase cost of INR– estimated salvage value of INR  = Depreciable asset cost of INR

60,000 – 10,000 = 50,000

Depreciation = Depriciable Cost / Useful Life = 50,000/5 years

Depreciation = Rs. 10,000/- per year.

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6 responses to “Provisions”

  1. satish says:

    can we take certain/uncertain income in provision

    • asif says:

      Uncertain amount will be taken in provision. present obligation arising past event and second condition 50% probability and third amount will be perfect observation not randomly.

  2. Mostakim says:

    Tk. 50000 against audit and evaluation costs has been provisioned during 30th june 2019 whike settlement was made at actual taka 47500 as on 25th July 2019? please solve this journal..

    • Srikar says:

      On 30th June:
      1. Audit expense a/c dr 50000
      To Provision for Audit expense 50000
      (Being Provision created for Audit expenses)
      2. Profit and loss a/c dr 50000
      To Audit expense a/c 50000
      (Being Audit expense charged to Profit and loss a/c as an expense of
      current year on accrual basis)
      On 25th July, 2019:
      1. Provision for Audit expense a/c dr 47500
      To Cash/Bank 47500
      (Being payment made towards Audit expense charged to the Provision
      created previously)
      2. Provision for Audit expense a/c dr 2500(i.e,50000-47500)
      Profit and loss a/c 2500
      (Being excess provision reversed by charging to Profit and loss a/c)

  3. Hari Prasad says:

    We have made provision for Bad Debts by debiting P&L during the year 2016-17. The debtors balance is still debit in our Books. How to make write off entry?

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