Simply explaining the meaning of the useful life of an asset, it is nothing but the number of years the asset would remain in the business for purpose of revenue generation, making it more simple, the amount of time an asset is expected to be functional and fit for use. It is also called economic lRead more
Simply explaining the meaning of the useful life of an asset, it is nothing but the number of years the asset would remain in the business for purpose of revenue generation, making it more simple, the amount of time an asset is expected to be functional and fit for use. It is also called economic life or service life
It is a useful concept in accounting as it is used to work out depreciation. By knowing this useful life of an asset an entity can easily analyze how to allot the initial cost of an asset across the relevant accounting period rather than doing it unfairly manner.
How do we calculate the useful life of an asset?
The useful life of an asset is not an accounting policy, but an accounting estimate. calculating useful life is not an exact phenomenon but an estimate that is done because it directly impacts how much an asset is to expense every year.
Factors affecting “how long an asset is expected to be useful” depends on some stated points as below:
- Usage, the more the assets are used, the more quickly it will deteriorate.
- Whether the asset is new at the time of purchase or reused model.
- Change in technology.
As per the companies act 2013, some of the useful life of assets are stated below
To know more about the different categories of assets you can follow the given link useful life of assets.
POINT TO BE NOTED:- There lies a huge difference in the useful life v/s the physical life of an asset. It is very important to note that amount of time an asset is used in a business is not always be same as an asset’s entire life span.
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Definition Prepaid expenses are those expenses whose payments are done in advance which can be for the goods or services whose benefit will accrue in the subsequent accounting period. A prepaid expense is a current asset. prepaid expenses are classified under the head current assets in the balance sRead more
Definition
Prepaid expenses are those expenses whose payments are done in advance which can be for the goods or services whose benefit will accrue in the subsequent accounting period.
A prepaid expense is a current asset. prepaid expenses are classified under the head current assets in the balance sheet.
This is because they provide future economic benefits to the company. As such, they are assets that can be used to generate revenue in the future.
For example prepaid rent, prepaid insurance, etc.
Current assets are defined as cash and other assets that are expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of goods or rendering of services in the normal course of business.
Or in other words, we can say that the expected realization period is less than the operating cycle period although it is more than the period of 12 months from the date of the balance sheet.
For example, goods are purchased with the purpose to resell and earn a profit, debtors exist to convert them into cash i.e., receive the amount from them, bills receivable exist again for receiving cash against it, etc.
Current liabilities are liabilities that are payable generally within 12 months from the end of the accounting period or in other words which fall due for payment in a relatively short period.
For example bills payable, short-term loans, etc.
Why current assets and not a current liability?
Now let me try to explain to you that prepaid expenses are classified as current assets and not as a current liability which is as follows :
Example
Now let us take an example for explaining prepaid expenses which are mentioned below.
An insurance premium of Rs 50000 has been paid for one year beginning (previous year). The financial year ends on 31st  march YYYY.
It means the premium for 6 months i.e., 1st April, YYYY(current year) to 30th September, YYYY(current year) amounting to Rs 25000 is paid in advance.
Thus, of premium paid in advance (Rs 25000) is a Prepaid Expense. It will be accounted as an expense in the financial year ending 31st  march next year. In the balance sheet as of 31st march YYYY ( current year ) it will be shown as Current Asset.
Here is an extract of the profit /loss account and balance sheet of the above example:
Key points
There are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with prepaid expenses.