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Changing Estimates

SSherlocked3y ago
Hello Sir, Could you please help me with this question? Alfie purchased a Non-current asset for 100,000 on 1st January 20x2 and started depreciating it over 5 years. Residual value was taken as 10,000. At 1st January 20x3 a review of asset lives was undertaken and the remaining useful life of the asset was estimated at 8 years. Residual value was estimated to be nil. Calculate the depreciation charge for the year ended 31st December 20x3 and subsequent years. Ans: 10,250 Solution: They have used 82,000/8 years to arrive at the new depreciation charge. Sir, I understand that we would utilise the new revised useful life of 8 years. I'm confused as to why they didn't use the original cost to calculate the depreciation since it's a straight line method? when we revise estimates, do we utilise the CA? Would really appreciate your help. Thank you!
John MoffatJohn MoffatTutor3y ago#1
We never use the original cost when there is a change of estimates. As at 31 December 20X2 the carrying value was 100,000 - ((100,000 - 10,000)/5) = 82,000. Therefore it is the 82,000 that remains to be depreciated. The residual value is now zero and the expected remaining life is now 8 years. So to depreciate it down to zero over 8 years means a depreciation charge in future of 82,000/8. The current assets have nothing to do with it. Have you watched my free lectures on this? The lectures are a complete free course for Paper FA and cover everything needed to be able to pass the exam well.
SSherlocked3y ago#2
Thank you so much sir, was a bit confused. Thank you clarifying that we never use cost. Much appreciated.
John MoffatJohn MoffatTutor3y ago#3
You are welcome :-)
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