Question

Blue Co. has a patent on a communication process. The company has amortized the patent on a straight-line basis since 2017, when it was acquired at a cost of $39 million at the beginning of that year. Due to rapid technological advances in the industry, management decided that the patent would benefit the company over a total of six years rather than the nine-year life being used to amortize its cost. The decision was made at the end of 2021 (before adjusting and closing entries). What is the appropriate patent amortization expense in 2021? (Do not round your intermediate calculation.)

$21.67 million.

$5.42 million.

$10.83 million.

$4.33 million.

Which of the following is not a change in estimate?

A change in the useful life of a depreciable asset.

A change in the mortality rate used for pension computations.

A change from the cost to the equity method in accounting for investments.

A change in the warranty expense percentage.

Answer 1

	cost		$39
	Previous annual amortization ($39 ÷ 9 years)		$                                                                4.33
	Amortization to date (2017–2020)		$                                                              17.33
	Unamortized cost (balance in the patent account) ($39-17.3)	$                                                              21.67
	Estimated remaining life (6 years – 4 years)		2
	New annual amortization		$                                                              10.83
	Which of the following is not a change in estimate?		Remarks
a	A change in the useful life of a depreciable asset.		It is a change in estimate
b	A change in the mortality rate used for pension computations.		It is a change in estimate
c	A change from the cost to the equity method in accounting for investments.		It is not a change in estimate, but change in method of accounting for investment
d	A change in the warranty expense percentage.		It is a change in estimate
	Answer is C_