Fixed assets are long-term tangible assets used in business operations, such as buildings, machinery, and vehicles. Over time, these assets undergo depreciation, revaluation, or disposal based on their condition and business needs. Proper accounting for these changes ensures accurate financial reporting and asset management. This article explores the concepts of depreciation, revaluation, and disposal of fixed assets.
1. Understanding Fixed Assets
Definition
Fixed assets are physical assets acquired for long-term use and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery, equipment, and vehicles.
Key Features of Fixed Assets
- Used in business operations for more than one accounting period.
- Not intended for immediate sale.
- Subject to depreciation (except land).
- Can be revalued or disposed of over time.
2. Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Definition
Depreciation is the systematic allocation of the cost of a fixed asset over its useful life. It accounts for wear and tear, obsolescence, and loss of value.
Methods of Depreciation
- Straight-Line Method: Depreciation expense is the same each year.
- Reducing Balance Method: Depreciation is calculated as a percentage of the asset’s remaining book value.
- Units of Production Method: Depreciation is based on usage rather than time.
Example of Depreciation
A machine costing $10,000 has a useful life of 5 years and no residual value. Using the straight-line method:
Annual Depreciation = Cost / Useful Life
= $10,000 / 5 = $2,000 per year
Journal Entry (Recording Depreciation Expense):
Debit: Depreciation Expense $2,000
Credit: Accumulated Depreciation $2,000
3. Revaluation of Fixed Assets
Definition
Revaluation is the process of adjusting the book value of an asset to reflect its current market value. Businesses revalue assets when there is a significant change in fair value.
Reasons for Revaluation
- Increase in asset value due to market appreciation.
- Decrease in asset value due to economic conditions.
- Compliance with international accounting standards (IFRS/GAAP).
Accounting Treatment of Revaluation
A. Upward Revaluation
If an asset’s value increases, the gain is recorded in the revaluation surplus (equity section).
Journal Entry (Upward Revaluation):
Debit: Asset Account
Credit: Revaluation Surplus (Equity)
Example:
A building purchased for $100,000 is revalued to $120,000.
Journal Entry:
Debit: Building $20,000
Credit: Revaluation Surplus $20,000
B. Downward Revaluation
If an asset’s value decreases, the loss is recorded as an expense.
Journal Entry (Downward Revaluation):
Debit: Revaluation Loss (Expense)
Credit: Asset Account
Example:
A machine valued at $50,000 is revalued down to $40,000.
Journal Entry:
Debit: Revaluation Loss $10,000
Credit: Machine $10,000
4. Disposal of Fixed Assets
Definition
Disposal of fixed assets occurs when a business sells, discards, or retires an asset that is no longer needed.
Reasons for Disposal
- The asset has become obsolete or inefficient.
- Business restructuring or upgrade of assets.
- Recovering value from assets no longer in use.
Accounting Treatment of Asset Disposal
A. Disposal With a Profit
If an asset is sold for more than its book value, the gain is recorded as income.
Journal Entry (Profit on Disposal):
Debit: Cash/Bank
Debit: Accumulated Depreciation
Credit: Asset Account
Credit: Gain on Disposal (Income)
Example:
A vehicle with a book value of $5,000 is sold for $7,000.
Journal Entry:
Debit: Cash $7,000
Debit: Accumulated Depreciation $5,000
Credit: Vehicle $5,000
Credit: Gain on Disposal $2,000
B. Disposal With a Loss
If an asset is sold for less than its book value, the loss is recorded as an expense.
Journal Entry (Loss on Disposal):
Debit: Cash/Bank
Debit: Accumulated Depreciation
Debit: Loss on Disposal (Expense)
Credit: Asset Account
Example:
A machine with a book value of $8,000 is sold for $6,000.
Journal Entry:
Debit: Cash $6,000
Debit: Accumulated Depreciation $8,000
Debit: Loss on Disposal $2,000
Credit: Machine $8,000
C. Asset Discarded With No Resale Value
If an asset is no longer usable and has no resale value, it is simply written off.
Journal Entry (Writing Off an Asset):
Debit: Accumulated Depreciation
Debit: Loss on Disposal
Credit: Asset Account
5. Summary of Fixed Asset Accounting Treatments
| Process | Accounting Impact | Journal Entries |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | Reduces asset value and recorded as an expense. | Debit: Depreciation Expense Credit: Accumulated Depreciation |
| Revaluation (Increase) | Increases asset value and recorded in equity. | Debit: Asset Account Credit: Revaluation Surplus |
| Revaluation (Decrease) | Decreases asset value and recorded as an expense. | Debit: Revaluation Loss Credit: Asset Account |
| Disposal | Removes asset from books and records gain/loss. | Debit: Cash/Accumulated Depreciation Credit: Asset Account/Gain or Loss |
Managing Fixed Assets Efficiently
Fixed assets require proper accounting for depreciation, revaluation, and disposal. Understanding these processes ensures accurate financial reporting, maintains asset efficiency, and helps businesses make informed financial decisions.