Depreciation and its types
To understand what is balance sheet its quite important depreciation and it's types.So first we should know what is depreciation? Depreciation is an important head amongst the most significant heads in records.
This method helps in calculating the genuine value of assets now and again. To put it in simple words, Depreciation and its types. Depreciation is a decrease in the value of an asset after some time, due specifically to wear and tear.
For instance - An association acquired a plant worth Rs. 10 crores and its life is for 10 years. in this manner, the value of a plant will diminish by Rs. 1 crore every year consistently (straight-line method).
The assets are of two sorts - Tangible Assets and Intangible Assets, the value of Tangible Assets (plant, apparatus, building, and so on.) dependably declines with time. however, the value of Intangible Assets (trademark, copyright, and so on.) might be expanded or diminished.
What are Various Methods of Depreciation
There are various methods of charging depreciation of a company's tangible assets. Every business chooses its own depreciation method for tax purposes depending on the nature and size of the business. The different asset depreciation rates are prescribed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) keeping in view their categories. Sometimes the companies defer their appreciation of some products to improve their tax responsibilities.
The Common Types/Methods of Depreciation are:
1. Straight Line Method
Under this method, the total value of assets is divided by their
useful life. The depreciation is charged with an equal amount every year until its useful life.
For Example, if The total value of machinery is $ 100,000, the scrape value is nil and its lifespan is 10 years then the depreciation will be charged $ 10,000 each year ($100,000/10=$10,000).
In this case, $ 10,000 will be shown as expenses of that machinery and the value of that asset and owner's equity will be decreased by that amount.
2. Decline Value Method
This method of depreciation is most suitable for assets which have lost their value faster in the previous years. some examples of these assets are computers, laptops and mobiles which become
obsolete with the technology change. This is the best method to book the expenditure of assets quickly and reduce tax liability. It is known as a type of increased depreciation.
For example, suppose a company purchased a plant worth $ 100,000 and decided to choose the decline depreciation method the estimated life of that plant is 10 years and the savage value is $ 10,000.
In this case, the company has to calculate depreciation as under:
Strate-line rate = 1 / useful life = 1/10 = 1/10 or 10%
= $ 100,000/10 = 10,000 (1st year)
$ 90,000/10 = $ 9,000, and the residual value of assets is $ 81,000 (at the end of 2nd year).
Now the depreciation expenses are charged in the same way up to 10 years i.e. the useful life of the assets.
3. Double Decline (Reducing) Balance Method
This is also a quick depreciation method and charges the depreciation of assets at a double rate as the decline balance method. This method is also commonly used by companies.
This method of depreciation is most suitable for
assets which lose their value more quickly than at the beginning of their useful life. This method of depreciation is applied by companies who had assets that become obsolete quickly.
The formula to charge depreciation under the double decline balance method is:
2 X depreciation rate X Current Book Value
Example - suppose the book value of an asset at the end of the year is:
Suppose the life of assets is $ 1000,000 and the lifespan is 10 years then the depreciation will be charged as under:
$ 1000,000/10 = 10,000, and the residual value of assets is $ 90,000 (in the first year).
$ 90,000/10 = $ 9,000, and the residual value of assets is $ 81,000 (at the end of 2nd year).
$ 81,000/10 = 8,100, and the balance value of assets is $ 72,900 (at the end of 3rd year)
The depreciation will be charged in the same way until the useful life of the assets.
4. Sum of the Year' Digit (SYD) Methods of Depreciation
This method of depreciation is suitable for assets which are depreciated very fast in the earlier years of their useful life.
Example - A company buy a petrol filling truck worth $ 100,000 and the useful life of that truck is 5 years with zero salvage value this organization selected the sum of the year digit method of depreciation.
Now before calculating the depreciation under this method first we have to understand the formula of this depreciation method as under:
The remaining useful life of the assets/SYD (Real Cost of the Assets - Salvage Value)
SYD = (n*(n+1))/2
Now the calculation of the value of a petrol-filling truck is:
For Ist year depreciation expenses are (5/15)*100,000 = 33,334
For 2nd year depreciation expenses are (4/15)*100,000 = 26,666
For 3rd year depreciation expenses are (3/15)*100,000 = 20,000
For 4th year depreciation expenses are (2/15)*100,000 = 13,334
For 5th year depreciation expenses are (1/15)*100,000 = 6,666
At the end of 5 years, the total value of depreciation and book value of the petrol fill truck will be equal.
5. Unit Production Method
Under this method, the depreciation expenses are charged based on the total number of units produced by the company in a year and the total number of units the assets can produce in their lifetime. This method of depreciation is very useful for manufacturing companies. Under this method the depreciation expenses are calculated as under:
Example - Suppose a company buy a plant worth $ 100,000 and its production capacity in the first year is 500,000 units. The company produced 50,000 units.
The formula to calculate depreciation changes is as under:
Per Unit Depreciation = ( Assets Cost - Salvage Value ) / the estimated items produced over the lifespan of the asset.
Depreciation on items of production x per item depreciation x total items produced.
per unit depreciation = $ 100,000 - $ 10,000 /500,000, = $ 90,000 /500,000, = $ 0.18, = $ 0.18 X 50,000 = $ 9,000
Thus the depreciation on items production is $ 9,000. Therefore, the balance value of the plant will be $ 91,000 ( 100,000 = 9000 ) at the end of the year.
Which is the Best Method of Depreciation
It is very difficult to decide which is the best method of depreciation as it depends on the nature and size of the company. For example, the unit production method of depreciation is the best for manufacturing companies and every company has to choose its own depreciation method keeping in view the lifespan of the assets and high tax savings.
In most cases, the company's top management decides the method of depreciation to be adopted in consultation with the finance department and the financial advisor. In case any company still have any confusion it can take advice from tax and financial experts by hiring them or by outsourcing.
Arrangements identifying depreciation