No, Goodwill cannot be called a fictitious asset. A fictitious asset does not have any physical existence or realizable value. Although it is recorded in the assets column, it is not really an asset, rather it is an expense that is incurred during the accounting period. Its benefit, however, is realRead more
No, Goodwill cannot be called a fictitious asset.
A fictitious asset does not have any physical existence or realizable value. Although it is recorded in the assets column, it is not really an asset, rather it is an expense that is incurred during the accounting period. Its benefit, however, is realized for extended periods. This is why they are recorded as assets. They are recorded in a single year and are amortized over the years. A fictitious asset is neither tangible nor intangible.
Examples of Fictitious Assets
- Preliminary expenses
- Promotional expenses
- Discount on issue of shares/debentures etc.
Now, goodwill is an intangible asset that relates to the purchase of a company. It is the amount that a company pays over the net worth of the company being purchased. This can be because of its brand value, good customer base, etc. As a company’s reputation improves, its goodwill increases accordingly. Therefore, It does not have a tangible existence but it does have a monetary value. They are also recorded on the asset side of the balance sheet under the head “Intangible assets”.
Reason for not being a fictitious asset
Since goodwill is an asset and not an expense, it cannot be called a fictitious asset. Moreover, goodwill has a realizable value. Unlike fictitious assets, goodwill can be purchased or sold. Therefore, goodwill is termed as an intangible asset but not a fictitious asset. The major difference between an intangible asset and a fictitious asset is:




What is Impairment of Assets? Impairment of assets means a decline in the value of assets due to unforeseen circumstances. Assets are impaired when the carrying value of assets increases its market value or “realizable value”. Impairment can be caused due to factors that are internal or external toRead more
What is Impairment of Assets?
Impairment of assets means a decline in the value of assets due to unforeseen circumstances. Assets are impaired when the carrying value of assets increases its market value or “realizable value”.
Impairment can be caused due to factors that are internal or external to the firm. Internal factors such as physical damage, obsolescence or poor management and external factors such as a change in legal or economic circumstances, increased competition or reduction in asset’s fair value in the market result in impairment.
Impairment Vs Depreciation
Asset impairment is often confused with asset depreciation, which is rather a recurring and expected event, unlike impairment that reflects an abrupt decrease in the value of the asset.
Impairment Loss
Impairment is always treated as a loss in accounting. It is the amount by which the carrying value or the asset’s book value exceeds its fair market value.
Before recording Impairment loss, a company must determine the recoverable value of the asset which is higher of the asset’s net realizable value or value in use. Then it is to be compared with the book value of the asset.
If the carrying value exceeds the recoverable value then the impairment loss is to be recorded at the exceeding value i.e. difference of carrying value and realizable value.
Example
Suppose a company Royal Ltd. has an asset with a carrying value of 50,000, which has suffered physical damage. According to the company’s calculation, the asset has a net realizable value of 30,000 and a value in use of 25,000.
Then, the recoverable value would be higher of the asset’s net realizable value or value in use, i.e., 30,000 which is still lower than the carrying amount of 50,000. Therefore, Royal ltd. will have to record 20,000 (50,000-30,000) as impairment loss.
This is will increase Royal Ltd’s expenses by 20,000 and decrease the asset’s value by the same amount.
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