In: Accounting
Striker has determined that the depreciable lives of several production machines are too long and thus do not fairly match the cost of the assets with the revenue. They, therefore, decide to reduce the depreciable lives of those machines by three years. 1. Is this change allowed? If so, is it a –Change in accounting principle –Change in accounting estimate –Correction of an error in previously issued financial statements, or –Change in reporting entity 2. In what Period should this be recognized (retrospective, current and/or prospective) 3. Is financial statement disclosure required?
Answer:-
1.Yes Allowed , as this is change in accounting estimate. Because company expectation regarding depreciable lives of several production machines too long was restated for fair match of cost os assets with revenue, so it is not an error in previously issued financial statements. Since new information is received, the estimate number needs to be adjusted.
2.It should be recognized now and in future period.
3.If the change is not material, company doesn’t need financial statement disclosure, and if it is it requires proper disclosure in financial statement regarding decrease in profit due to increase in depreciation costs.
Explanation:-
Examples of Changes in Accounting Estimate
All of the following are situations where there is likely to be a change in accounting estimate:
When there is a change in estimate, account for it in the period of change. If the change affects future periods, then the change will likely have an accounting impact in those periods, as well.
A change in accounting estimate does not require the restatement of earlier financial statements, nor the retrospective adjustment of account balances.
If the effect of a change in estimate is immaterial (as is usually the case for changes in reserves and allowances), do not disclose the alteration. However, disclose the change in estimate if the amount is material. Also, if the change affects several future periods, note the effect on income from continuing operations, net income, and per share amounts.