Depreciation journal entries: Definition, benefits, and examples

Depreciation journal entries, a cornerstone of accounting, empower businesses to accurately spread the cost of assets over their lifespan. This practice of documenting the gradual decline in asset value enables a genuine portrayal of a company's financial standing. This article will serve as a valuable resource whether you're an accountant aiming to optimize your processes, or a business owner aiming to deepen your comprehension of this vital subject. We delve into the realm of depreciation journal entries, exploring its function within the context of today's sophisticated accounting software.

What is a depreciation journal entry?

A depreciation journal entry is a financial accounting method that records the reduction in value of a long-term tangible asset over its useful life. It reflects how assets lose their value due to factors such as age, wear and tear, or obsolescence. These entries involve debiting the Depreciation Expense account and crediting the Accumulated Depreciation account, effectively reducing the book value of the asset over time. This process provides a more accurate picture of a company's financial status by aligning the cost of an asset with the periods in which it generates revenue.

Why are depreciation journal entries important?

Depreciation journal entries hold significant importance in accounting for several reasons:

• Accurate financial reporting: Recording depreciation accurately allows the fair representation of assets' net worth, thus enhancing the reliability and validity of financial statements.
• Matching principle: Depreciation follows the matching principle in accounting, which aligns the cost of an asset to the period in which it generates revenue.
• Tax deductions: Depreciation can significantly impact a company's tax liability as it is a non-cash expense that reduces taxable income.
• Asset replacement planning: By recording depreciation, businesses can effectively plan for asset replacements, providing smooth operations and preventing unexpected costs.

How do depreciation journal entries work?

To understand how depreciation journal entries work, consider the following steps:

• Determine useful life: The useful life of an asset is determined by assessing its expected lifespan, taking into consideration factors like usage, wear and tear, and technological advancements.
• Choose a depreciation method: The selection of a depreciation method, such as straight-line, declining balance, or units of production, depends on the nature of the asset and the pattern of its economic benefits.
• Calculate depreciation: Depreciation is calculated based on the asset's initial cost, its salvage value, and its estimated useful life, in line with the chosen depreciation method.
• Recording the journal entry: The depreciation expense is then recorded in the journal entry as a debit to Depreciation Expense and a credit to Accumulated Depreciation, updating the asset's net book value.

Benefits of depreciation journal entries

Depreciation journal entries offer several benefits to accountants and businesses:

• Accurate financial statements: With depreciation journal entries, companies can maintain accurate financial statements that truly reflect their assets' value, ensuring stakeholders have reliable data on which to base decisions.
• Better decision making: Detailed depreciation records support better decision-making, allowing managers to discern when it's optimal to replace, upgrade, or maintain assets, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
• Tax savings: By accounting for depreciation, companies can significantly reduce their taxable income, leading to substantial tax savings and a healthier bottom line.
• Asset tracking: Depreciation journal entries aid in efficient asset tracking, providing a clear picture of each asset's lifecycle and the rate at which it's depreciating, enabling proactive asset management.

Challenges with depreciation journal entries

While depreciation journal entries offer numerous advantages, it is essential to consider potential downsides:

• Inaccurate estimates: If accountants inaccurately estimate an asset's useful life or depreciation method, it can lead to distorted financial statements and improper decision making.
• Complexity: Different depreciation methods and regulations can make depreciation journal entries a complex process, requiring expertise and attention to detail.
• Timing considerations: Accountants need to ensure that depreciation expenses are recorded in the appropriate accounting periods to reflect the asset's actual usage.

Alternatives to depreciation journal entries

Although the depreciation journal entry is a widely used practice, alternative methods to manage assets exist, including:

Capital expenditure budgeting

Capital expenditure budgeting involves the planning and tracking of significant investments in long-term assets, helping businesses manage costs without accounting for depreciation.

Leasing

In some cases, leasing—instead of owning assets—eliminates the need for depreciation, as assets are returned to the lessor at the end of the lease term. However, some leases may result in the need to record and depreciate an asset. A capital lease is an agreement where the lessor has agreed that the ownership of the asset will be transferred to the lessee when the lease period is over. It gives the lessee the choice of buying the asset at a bargain price that is lower than the market value at the end of the lease period. 

Asset revaluation

Asset revaluation, where assets are regularly assessed and updated to their market value, can provide an alternative approach for tracking the value of assets without traditional depreciation.

Impact of depreciation on financial statements

Depreciation has a significant impact on financial statements. Here's how it affects each statement:

Balance sheet

On the balance sheet, depreciation reduces the book value of assets, while simultaneously increasing the accumulated depreciation account. As a result, the net worth or the total assets of the company may decrease over time, reflecting the gradual usage of assets.

Income statement

In the income statement, depreciation is recorded as an expense, reducing the firm's overall profits. Although it's a non-cash expense, it affects net income—and thus earnings per share—contributing to a more accurate depiction of a company's profitability.

Cash flow statement

On the cash flow statement, depreciation is added back to the net income in the operating activities section since it's a non-cash expense that has reduced net income. This adjustment ensures that only cash flows are reflected in this statement, presenting a more accurate view of the company's liquidity.

Depreciation methods

There are several accounting methods available for calculating depreciation. The choice of method depends on factors such as the nature of the asset, industry practices, and applicable accounting standards. Here are some commonly used methods:

Straight-line method

• Allocates an equal amount of depreciation expense over the asset's useful life.
• Formula: (Cost of Asset - Salvage Value) / Useful Life

Declining balance method

• Allocates higher depreciation expenses in the early years of the asset's life and lower expenses in later years.
• Commonly used declining balance methods include the double-declining balance (DDB) and 150% declining balance methods.
• Formula: (Book Value - Accumulated Depreciation) x Depreciation Rate

Units of production method

• Calculates depreciation based on the asset's usage or output instead of time.
• Formula: (Cost of Asset - Salvage Value) / Total Units of Production x Units Produced

Sum-of-years'-digits method

• Allocates higher depreciation expenses in the early years and lower expenses in later years, using a fraction based on the sum of the asset's useful life digits.
• Formula: (Remaining Useful Life / Sum of Digits) x (Cost of Asset - Accumulated Depreciation)

How to calculate depreciation

To calculate depreciation, you need the following information:

• Cost of the asset: The original cost of acquiring the asset, including any associated expenses such as shipping or installation.
• Salvage value: The estimated residual value of the asset at the end of its useful life. This represents the value the asset is expected to have when it is disposed of or sold.
• Useful life: The estimated period over which the asset will provide economic benefits. It can be expressed in years, units of production, or other appropriate measures.

Types of assets subject to depreciation

Not all assets are subject to depreciation. Generally, tangible assets with a determinable useful life are eligible for depreciation. Here are some common types of assets subject to depreciation:

• Buildings: Includes office buildings, warehouses, factories, and other structures used in business operations
• Vehicles: Cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles used for business purposes
• Machinery and equipment: Equipment, machinery, tools, and technology used in production, manufacturing, or service delivery
• Furniture and fixtures : Desks, chairs, cabinets, shelves, and other furniture items used in business settings
• Computer hardware: Computers, servers, printers, and other hardware devices used for business operations

Frequently asked questions  

What is the difference between depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation?

Depreciation expense represents the portion of an asset's value allocated as an expense in a particular accounting period. Accumulated depreciation, on the other hand, is the total amount of depreciation recorded for an asset over its useful life. It is a contra-asset account used to reduce the asset's carrying value.

Can I change the depreciation method after recording initial journal entries?

Generally, changing the depreciation method after recording initial journal entries is discouraged, as it can distort financial statements and require adjustments. However, businesses may change methods if there is a significant change in circumstances or if required by accounting standards.

How can accounting software simplify the depreciation journal entry process?

Accounting software can automate and streamline the depreciation journal entry process by allowing users to input asset details, depreciation methods, and useful life. The software then automatically calculates and records the journal entries, reducing manual effort and the risk of errors.

Where is depreciation recorded on the balance sheet?

Depreciation is indirectly represented on the balance sheet through the accumulated depreciation account. This account is listed as a contra-asset account, deducted from the corresponding asset's value. The carrying value of the asset (cost minus accumulated depreciation) is presented on the balance sheet as a separate line item.

What is the impact of changes in useful life or salvage value on a depreciation journal entry?

Changes in useful life or salvage value of an asset can impact the depreciation journal entry. If the useful life is extended or salvage value changes, it may result in a revision of the depreciation expense calculations. The revised calculations would then be reflected in the subsequent journal entries for depreciation.

What happens if an asset's value increases after its initial recognition and depreciation?

If an asset's value increases after its initial recognition and depreciation, the increase in value is not reflected in the depreciation journal entry. Instead, the increase is recorded separately, typically as a revaluation or appreciation, to reflect the asset's new fair value. The depreciation calculations continue based on the original cost and remaining useful life.

Can a depreciation journal entry be recorded for assets that are fully expensed under tax laws?

No, a depreciation journal entry is not recorded for assets that are fully expensed under tax laws, such as those eligible for immediate expense or special tax deductions. These assets are treated as an expense in the year of purchase and do not require depreciation calculations or journal entries.

Can a depreciation journal entry be recorded for assets acquired through business combinations?

Yes, a depreciation journal entry can be recorded for assets acquired through business combinations. When an acquiring entity recognizes the fair value of the assets acquired, it may include the value of depreciable assets, and subsequent depreciation journal entries would be made accordingly based on the useful life of those assets.

Sources: 

1. Person, J., & Edwards. (2013, December 3). A history of financial accounting (RLE Accounting): J. Edwards: Tayl. Taylor & Francis. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315883328/history-financial-accounting-rle-accounting-edwards
2. Kieso, D. E., Weygandt, J. J., & Warfield, T. D. (2022, April 26). Intermediate accounting, 18th edition. Wiley.com. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Intermediate+Accounting,+18th+Edition-p-9781119790976