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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Realisation account A realisation account is a nominal account prepared at the time of dissolution of a business. All the assets and liabilities except cash and bank balance are transferred to the realisation account. A realisation account is prepared to calculate the profit or loss on the dissoluRead more
Realisation account
A realisation account is a nominal account prepared at the time of dissolution of a business. All the assets and liabilities except cash and bank balance are transferred to the realisation account. A realisation account is prepared to calculate the profit or loss on the dissolution or closing of the firm.
All the assets are transferred to the debit of the realisation account and all the liabilities are transferred to the credit of the realisation account. When assets are sold, Cash A/c is debited and Reliastion A/c is credited and when liabilities are paid off, Cash A/c is credited and Realisation A/c is credited.
If the credit side exceeds the debit side of the realisation account, it results in profit. In contrast, if the debit side exceeds the credit side of the realisation account, it results in a loss. in case of profit, the Capital account is credited and in case of loss, the Capital account is debited.
The debit side of the realisation account
All the assets including Land and building, Plant and machinery, furniture, stock, debtor and investment are transferred to the debit of the realisation account and payment of outside liabilities is also recorded on the debit side of the realisation account. Payment made for dissolution expenses is also recorded on the debit side of the realisation account.
Realisation A/c Dr…..
To Assets A/c …..
(All the assets transferred to the realisation account)
Realisation A/c Dr…..
To Cash A/c …..
(Payment made for liabilities)
Realisation A/c Dr…..
To Capital A/c …..
(Being profit transferred to the capital account)
Credit side of realisation account:
All the liabilities and provisions are transferred to the credit side of the realisation account. Capital account of partners, profit and loss balance and loans from partners are not transferred. Sale proceeds of all the assets including Land and building, Plant and machinery, furniture, stock, debtor and investment are transferred to the credit side of the Realisation account.
Format for realisation Account is as under: