How To Account For Fixed Assets
Are you struggling with keeping track of your company’s fixed assets? In this article, we will guide you on how to effectively account for fixed assets in a friendly and straightforward manner. Whether you’re a small business owner or a financial professional, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to keep your assets in order. From understanding the concept of fixed assets to recording and depreciating them correctly, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding fixed asset accounting and gain peace of mind knowing that you’re on top of your company’s valuable assets.
Understanding Fixed Assets
Definition of Fixed Assets
Fixed assets, also known as property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), are long-term assets that are held for use in the business rather than for resale. These assets provide economic benefits to the company for a duration longer than one year. Fixed assets can include tangible assets such as buildings, land, machinery, and vehicles, as well as intangible assets such as patents, copyrights, and software.
Examples of Fixed Assets
Some common examples of fixed assets include office buildings, manufacturing plants, vehicles used for business purposes, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, computer systems, and even software licenses. These assets represent the core infrastructure of a business and are essential for its operations, productivity, and growth.
Difference between Fixed Assets and Current Assets
Fixed assets differ from current assets in terms of their conversion to cash. While current assets, like cash, accounts receivable, and inventory, can be easily converted into cash within the accounting year, fixed assets have a long-term nature and cannot be liquidated quickly. Current assets are crucial for daily operations, whereas fixed assets reflect a company’s long-term investments in its future.
Cost Identification of Fixed Assets
Initial purchase cost
The initial purchase cost is the price paid to acquire a fixed asset. It includes the agreed-upon purchase price, any taxes, and applicable import duties. It is important to accurately record the initial purchase cost as it forms the basis for future accounting treatment, such as calculating depreciation.
Installation and setup costs
Fixed assets often require installation and setup before they can be used effectively. These costs include expenses related to assembling, installing, and testing the asset to ensure it functions as intended. Examples of installation and setup costs include fees paid to contractors, costs of machinery calibration, and software installation charges.
Transportation costs
Transportation costs associated with acquiring fixed assets involve the expenses of shipping or transporting the asset to the business premises. It includes costs such as freight charges, insurance during transit, and any customs duties or taxes paid during transport.
Normal operating cost
Fixed assets also incur ongoing operating costs during their lifespan. These costs, such as maintenance, repairs, and insurance premiums, ensure the assets remain in good condition and operate efficiently. Normal operating costs are necessary to preserve the value and useful life of the fixed assets.
Classification of Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets are physical assets that can be seen, touched, and felt. These assets have a physical substance and provide long-term benefits to the business. Examples of tangible fixed assets include land, buildings, machinery, vehicles, furniture, and fixtures. Tangible assets are subject to wear and tear, and their values gradually decrease over time due to depreciation.
Intangible Fixed Assets
Intangible fixed assets are non-physical assets that lack physical substance but still hold significant value for a business. These assets are typically non-monetary and provide long-term benefits. Examples of intangible fixed assets include patents, copyrights, trademarks, licenses, brand names, and software. Unlike tangible assets, intangible assets are not subject to physical wear and tear but may experience impairment over time.
Financial Fixed Assets
Financial fixed assets are non-operating assets that hold value as investments or provide financing benefits to the business. These assets are usually long-term investments made by the company, such as equity shares, bonds, debentures, and long-term loans given to other entities. Financial fixed assets generate income through dividends, interest, or capital appreciation.
Fixed Assets Lifespan Estimation
Understanding Useful Life of an Asset
The useful life of a fixed asset refers to the estimated duration over which the asset is expected to contribute to the business operations. It represents the period during which the asset is economically beneficial to the company. The useful life is determined based on various factors, including the asset’s physical wear and tear, technological advancements, and potential changes in industry practices.
Factors Determining Lifespan of an Asset
Several factors influence the lifespan of a fixed asset. These include the asset’s quality and durability, maintenance practices, frequency of use, technological advancements, changes in regulations, market demand, and economic conditions. Regular maintenance and proper care can extend an asset’s lifespan, while obsolescence, physical damage, or technological advancements may shorten it.
Estimation methods
There are several methods used to estimate the lifespan of fixed assets. Some common methods include industry benchmarks, historical data analysis, expert opinions, and engineering analysis. Companies may also consider external factors such as legal and contractual requirements when estimating the useful life of an asset.
Depreciation Accounting for Fixed Assets
Concept of depreciation
Depreciation is an accounting process that allocates the cost of a fixed asset over its useful life. It represents the gradual decrease in value or wear and tear that fixed assets experience over time. By recording depreciation, a business can accurately reflect the decreasing value of its assets on the balance sheet and income statement.
Methods of Calculating Depreciation
Various methods exist for calculating depreciation. The most common methods include straight-line depreciation, reducing balance depreciation, and units of production depreciation. Straight-line depreciation evenly allocates the cost of an asset over its useful life. Reducing balance depreciation allocates a higher depreciation amount in the asset’s early years and decreases the depreciation expense over time. Units of production depreciation bases the depreciation on the asset’s usage or output.
Recording Depreciation in Accounting Books
Depreciation is recorded in accounting books as an operating expense. The depreciation expense is debited, reducing the asset’s value and accumulated depreciation is credited, representing the total depreciation recorded over time. The accumulated depreciation is then subtracted from the initial cost of the asset to determine its net book value, which reflects the current value of the asset on the balance sheet.
Accounting for Purchase of Fixed Assets
Initial Entry of Purchase
When purchasing a fixed asset, the initial entry is recorded by debiting the appropriate fixed asset account and crediting the accounts payable or cash account. The debited fixed asset account reflects the increase in the asset’s value, while the credited accounts payable or cash account represents the decrease in cash or the obligation to pay.
Accounting for Any Ancillary Costs
Ancillary costs associated with the purchase of fixed assets, such as installation, setup, and transportation costs, should be recorded separately. These costs are added to the initial cost of the fixed asset and increase its overall value. The accounting treatment involves debiting the relevant fixed asset account for the ancillary costs and crediting the cash or accounts payable account.
Impact on Cash Flow
The purchase of fixed assets has a direct impact on the cash flow of a business. If the purchase is made using cash, there is an immediate decrease in cash inflow. If the purchase is made on credit, there is no immediate impact on cash flow, but the future installment payments may affect cash flow. It is important to consider the cash flow implications when making significant fixed asset purchases.
Accounting for Disposal of Fixed Assets
Removing the Asset from the Balance Sheet
When a fixed asset is disposed of or sold, it needs to be removed from the balance sheet to reflect the change in the company’s asset holdings. The accounting entry involves debiting the accumulated depreciation account to remove the accumulated depreciation related to the asset and crediting the fixed asset account to zero out its value.
Accounting for Any Disposal Proceeds
If the disposal of a fixed asset generates proceeds, such as cash or receivables, it needs to be recorded separately. The accounting entry involves debiting the cash or receivable account and crediting the disposal proceeds account to reflect the increase in assets or reduction in receivables resulting from the disposal.
Recognizing Any Loss or Gain on Disposal
If the disposal proceeds are less than the asset’s net book value, a loss on disposal is recognized. The loss on disposal is calculated by subtracting the disposal proceeds from the asset’s net book value. Conversely, if the disposal proceeds exceed the net book value, a gain on disposal is recognized. The gain on disposal is calculated by subtracting the asset’s net book value from the disposal proceeds.
Fixed Assets Revaluation
Understanding Revaluation
Revaluation of fixed assets involves updating the recorded values of assets to reflect their current market values. This process can be useful when the asset’s market value has significantly increased or decreased since the initial acquisition. Revaluation helps to provide a more accurate representation of the company’s asset holdings and potential gains or losses.
When to Revalue Fixed Assets
Fixed assets should be revalued when there are significant changes in their market value. Factors such as changes in the market conditions, inflation, technological advancements, or substantial improvements to the asset may warrant revaluation. Revaluation is generally done periodically, but it can also be triggered by specific events or when required by accounting standards.
Record Keeping for Revaluation
When fixed assets are revalued, the original cost of the asset is adjusted to the new market value, and the increase or decrease in value is recorded as a revaluation surplus or deficit. The revaluation surplus or deficit is reported in the equity section of the balance sheet. Proper record keeping is essential to maintain an accurate history of the asset’s value and changes over time.
Fixed Assets Impairment
Understanding Impairment of Assets
Fixed assets may become impaired when their carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell or its value in use. Impairment occurs when there is a significant and unexpected decline in an asset’s value or when external factors make the asset unable to generate the expected future cash flows.
Identifying Impaired Assets
Impaired assets are identified through regular assessments of their value and future cash flow generation ability. The assessment considers factors such as changes in market conditions, technological advancements, physical damage, legal or regulatory changes, and any indicators of obsolescence. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, it is considered impaired.
Accounting for Impaired Assets
Impaired assets are accounted for by reducing their carrying value to their recoverable amount. The accounting entry involves debiting the impairment expense and crediting the corresponding fixed asset account. The impairment expense is reported as a loss in the income statement, reducing the net income for the period. Impairment testing should be conducted regularly to ensure the carrying values of assets are accurately reflected.
Can Fixed Assets Be Used to Match Expenses with Credit Card Transactions?
Yes, fixed assets can be used to match credit card expenses. By capitalizing certain expenses, such as large purchases made with a credit card, the cost is spread out over time. This method allows for more accurate matching of credit card expenses with the period in which they benefit the business.
Fixed Assets Management
Maintaining Asset Register
Maintaining an accurate asset register is vital for effective fixed asset management. The asset register records essential information about each fixed asset, including its description, acquisition cost, location, useful life, depreciation method, and any revaluation or impairment adjustments. Regular updates to the asset register ensure that the company has a clear overview of its fixed assets and can effectively manage them.
Regular Asset Audits
Regular asset audits should be conducted to verify the existence, condition, and location of fixed assets. Asset audits involve physically inspecting and reconciling the assets recorded in the asset register with the assets found at the business premises. These audits help identify any missing or damaged assets and ensure accurate reporting in the financial statements.
Handling Insurance and Tax for Fixed Assets
Fixed assets should be adequately insured to protect the company against potential losses due to damage or theft. The insurance coverage should accurately reflect the market value of the assets. Additionally, fixed assets are subject to various tax regulations, including property taxes and depreciation deductions. Proper management of insurance and tax obligations for fixed assets ensures compliance and minimizes financial risks for the business.
In conclusion, understanding fixed assets is essential for proper accounting and management within a business. From the definition of fixed assets to their classification, estimation of lifespan, depreciation accounting, purchase, disposal, revaluation, impairment, and overall asset management, each aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate financial reporting and efficient use of resources. By effectively accounting for fixed assets, businesses can make informed decisions, maintain accurate records, and maximize the value of their long-term investments.
