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Revenue expenditure

Revenue expenditure is expenditure charged to profit or loss for the period because it does not qualify for recognition as an asset. Distinguish routine repairs that maintain an asset from qualifying expenditure that creates or improves an asset. An expense reduces profit in the period; capital expenditure is recognised as an asset where the applicable conditions are met and may be depreciated subsequently. An expense is recognised on the accrual basis, which may differ from the payment date.

Worked example

Routine machine repairs are generally an expense.

Common mistake

Capitalise qualifying asset costs instead of expensing every payment connected with operations.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA F1 Direct July 2027–August 2028
ACCA F2 Direct July 2027–August 2028
ACCA FA Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA K1 Direct July 2027–August 2028
FIA FFA Direct September 2026–June 2027

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