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Methods of Depreciation

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Topics

  • Introduction
  • Comparison of Depreciation Methods
  • Suitability of Methods
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11

Introduction

  • The methods of depreciation describe how and how much of an asset’s value should be reduced each year.
  • Each method follows a different logic for distributing an asset’s cost across its useful life, depending on how the asset is used and wears out over time.
  • Choosing the correct method ensures fairness and accuracy in financial reporting, reflecting the asset’s real usage pattern and lifespan while maintaining consistency and reliability in accounts.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11

Comparison of Depreciation Methods

Sr. No. Method Description Key Feature
1 Straight Line Method (SLM) Equal depreciation each year on original cost. Fixed amount charged yearly.
2 Written Down Value Method (WDV) Depreciation at a fixed rate on book value reduces each year. Decreasing amount each year.
3 Annuity Method Considers time value of money;  Uses a fixed annual charge, including interest.
4 Depreciation Fund (Sinking Fund) Method A fixed amount is set aside yearly to replace the asset after its life. Builds replacement fund through investments.
5 Revaluation Method Depreciation based on periodic revaluation difference. Simple for fluctuating-value assets.
6 Insurance Policy Method Premiums paid to insurance policy for replacement of asset. The insurance company pays the replacement cost.
7 Machine Hour Rate Method Depreciation is charged per hour of machine use. Based on usage instead of time.
8 Units of Production Method Based on the asset’s output,  Variable charge based on activity.
9 Sum-of-the-Years’-Digits Method (SYD) Accelerated method; higher depreciation in early years. Charges decline each year, shortening payback.
10 Double Declining Balance Method (DDB) Accelerated form of declining balance; twice the SLM rate. Quick recovery of cost; higher early expense.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 11

Suitability of Methods

Method of Depreciation Suitable For Reason for Suitability
Straight Line Method (SLM) Buildings, office furniture, patents, fixtures Assets give equal benefits each year; depreciation is spread evenly across useful life.
Written Down Value Method (WDV) Machinery, vehicles, equipment Assets lose more value in early years; this corresponds with higher early wear and tear.
Annuity Method Long-term leases, costly assets with interest element Suitable when the asset provides steady income and the time value of money is considered.
Depreciation Fund or Sinking Fund Method Ships, large plants, or assets with high replacement cost Useful when a business wants to accumulate a fund for asset replacement after its life.
Revaluation Method Livestock, loose tools, small instruments Practical where assets’ values fluctuate frequently and exact cost is hard to track.
Insurance Policy Method Assets replaced by insurance (e.g., leasehold property) Appropriate when a business takes an insurance policy to fund future replacements.
Machine Hour Rate Method Machines and production equipment Ideal when depreciation depends on usage hours rather than time. Prevents overcharging in idle years.
Units of Production Method Mines, quarries, and factories (output-based assets) Suitable where asset wear depends on units produced instead of years used.
Sum-of-the-Years’-Digits (SYD) Method Vehicles, computers, quickly obsolescent equipment Best for assets that lose usefulness rapidly and need higher initial depreciation.
Double Declining Balance Method (DDB) Electronic devices, heavy machinery Useful for fast-depreciating assets to recover cost quickly during early productive years.

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