Depreciation vs. amortization

Depreciation is an annual income tax deduction that enables you to gradually recoup the purchase price or other basis of a particular item of property over the course of its usage. It is a provision for the property's normal wear and tear, degeneration, or obsolescence. Most categories of tangible property, including structures, machines, cars, furniture, and equipment, are eligible for depreciation (with the exception of land). Additional intangible property that can be depreciated includes software, copyrights, and patents.

Definition of Amortization

Amortization is a technique for recuperating (deducting) some capital expenses over a predetermined time frame. It is comparable to the straight-line depreciation approach. The list below includes all of the different amortisable charges discussed in this chapter. However, the amortisation of bond premium is not covered in this chapter.

What can be amortized?

Intangibles can be amortized: 1. Generosity. 2. Value as a going concern. 3. Employed personnel. 4. Company records, operating systems, or any other database, including lists or other data pertaining to existing or potential clients. 5. A method, procedure, design, pattern, know-how, format, or similar thing protected by a patent or copyright. 6. An intangible related to customers. 7. An intangible depending on a supplier. 8. Anything that fits in with items 3 through 7. 9. A government body or agency's granting of a licence, permission, or other entitlement (including issuances and renewals). 10. A non-competition agreement signed in conjunction with purchasing an interest in a trade or business. 11. Any trademark, trade name, or franchise. 12. A term interest in or a contract for the use of any item on this list.

Differences betweeen amortization and depreciation

Depreciation:

• Only applies to tangible assets.
• Decreases the value of an asset philosophically.
• There are several options from which a firm might pick, which could lead to rapid, irregular quantities being reported each year.
• When computing depreciation base, salvage value may be taken into account.
• Always employs counterassets.

Amortization:

• Only pertains to intangible assets.
• Philosophically, only the straight-line technique is often used to spread the expense of an item.
• The same quantity is frequently recorded each year.
• Does not take salvage value into account when calculating amortisation basis.
• Possibly not always employ opposing assets.

Author: Sonia María Soriano Marín

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