Depreciation,Provisions And Reserves Class 11 Notes Accountancy Chapter 6 - CBSE
Chapter : 6
What Are Depreciation, Provisions And Reserves ?
Depreciation
In accounting parlance, depreciation is referred to as the reduction in the value of a fixed asset in a sequential order due to wear and tear till the asset becomes obsolete. It refers to the period within which the asset can be considered to be productive. Beyond its useful life, the fixed asset is no longer considered to be cost-effective for continuing the operation of the asset.
Institute Of Cost And Management Accounting, London (ICMA)
Accounting Standard-6 issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) defines
depreciation as “a measure of the wearing out, consumption or other loss of value of depreciable assets arising from use, effluxion of time or obsolescence through technology and market change.
Depreciation is allocated so as to change the fair proportion of depreciable amount in each accounting period during the expected useful life of the assets. Depreciation includes amortisation of assets whose useful life is predetermined.”
Features/characteristics Of Depreciation
- Depreciation is a decline in the book value of a fixed asset.
- Depreciation includes loss of value due to effluxion of time, usage, or obsolescence.
- Depreciation is a continuing process.
- Depreciation is an expired cost and hence must be deducted before calculating taxable profits.
- Depreciation is a non-cash expense.
Need For Depreciation
- To show the correct value of an asset
- Consideration of Tax
- To show the True and Fair Financial Position
- Compliance with Law
Causes Of Depreciation
- By Constant Use: When the fixed assets like a motor vehicle, machinery are used for a good amount of time, it manages to wear out.
- By Expiry of Time: Due to natural calamities or elements of nature land may start to erode. Similarly, the machinery particles might start rusting.
- Outdated Technology: The machine and the technology used today might be outdated and might have to be discarded.
Factors Affecting The Amount Of Depreciation
- Cost of Assets
- Estimated Net Residual Value
- Depreciable Cost
- Estimated Useful Life
Importance Of Depreciation
- For Ascertaining the True Profit or Loss: The true profit of a company can be determined only when all the cost acquired is used to earn revenues is debited to the profit and loss account.
- Showing Correct Financial Status: When the depreciation is not imposed, the asset is recorded in the balance sheet at an amount which is excess of their actual value. In this case, the balance sheet does not present the actual financial status of a company.
- To avoid excess payment of Income Tax: Here, if the depreciation is not subtracted to profit and loss account, the net profit shown will be surplus to the actual profit. Therefore, the company will have to pay extra income tax.
Methods of Calculating Depreciation
- Straight-line Method
- Written down Method
Asset Disposal Account
Asset Disposal Account means that the cost of the asset and also the depreciation provision is transferred to the account at the time of its sale. The sale proceeds are credited to the acount and profit or loss on sale on its disposal is determined.
Meaning Of Reserve
Reserves refer to the amount that is set aside out of profits and other surpluses to meet future uncertainties. In other words, a reserve is meant for meeting any sort of an unknown liability or losses in the future.
Types of Reserve
- Revenue Reserve: The share of the profits which is not paid to the owner or shareholders, and is kept reserved for operations or other demands, is known as a revenue reserve.
- Capital Reserve: Capital reserve is the type of reserve that is created from capital profits. The purpose for which a capital reserve is created is for preparing the company for sudden events like
inflation, business expansion, funds for a new project.
Meaning Of Provision
The amount retained by way of providing for any unknown liability of which the amount cannot be detained with substantial accuracy.
Features of Provision
- Provision is arranged to meet a known liability.
- The liability is known but the amount of these liabilities cannot be ascertained with reasonable accuracy.
- Provision is a charge against profit and as such reduces the profits of the year in which it is created.
