Course Outline
Join PRO

If cash and a note are exchanged for a plant asset, is the amount of the note used in the depreciation calculation?

Author:
Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA

A plant asset’s cost is depreciated, unless the asset is land.

Cost is defined as the cash or cash equivalent amount at the time of the transaction. This means that the asset’s cost is the cash amount plus the note’s present value at time that the asset is purchased.

To illustrate this, let’s assume that equipment is purchased by giving $50,000 of cash plus a promissory note of $100,000. If the note has an interest rate that is a fair rate considering the market rates and the riskiness of the party signing the note, then the present value of the note is $100,000. The equipment will then be recorded at its cost of $150,000. This cost of $150,000 will be depreciated over the equipment’s useful life.

If the note specifies zero interest, then the present value of the note is less than $100,000. Let’s assume that the note’s present value is computed to be $90,000. This means that the asset’s cost will be $140,000?the cash of $50,000 plus the note’s $90,000 of present value. Assuming no salvage value, the total depreciation expense over the life of the equipment will equal $140,000. The $10,000 difference will be reported as interest expense over the life of the note.

Join PRO to Track Progress

Features

Free

PRO

Lifetime Access (One-Time Fee)
Explanations
Quizzes
Q&A
Dictionary
Bookkeeping Video Training
Financial Statements Video Training
Visual Tutorials
Quick Tests
Quick Tests with Coaching
Cheat Sheets
Flashcards
Crossword Puzzles
Word Scrambles with Coaching
Bookkeeping Study Guide
Managerial and Cost Accounting Study Guide
Certificates of Achievement
Bookkeeping Certificate of Excellence
Business Forms
Printable PDF Files
Progress Tracking
Motivational Badges and Points
Motivational Medal Rankings
Motivational Activity Streaks
Public Profile Page of Achievements

About the Author

Harold Averkamp

For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) has
worked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online. He is the sole author of all the materials on AccountingCoach.com.

Learn More About Harold

Read 3,033 Testimonials

PRO for Teams
  • Easily onboard new users and team admins
  • Monitor individual user progress and grades
  • Monitor team progress and compare users
  • View average grades and find problem areas
  • Monitor recent activity and user achievements
PRO for Teams
Take the Tour Join Pro Upgrade to Pro