What are Real accounts and what is the related ledger and the accounting rule?
There are many different ways in which accounts can be classified and types of accounts be discussed. One of the ways is to divide all of the accounts in personal and impersonal accounts. Real accounts are basically a sub-classification of accounts under the type of accounts which are impersonal accounts. Such classifications are usually taught […]
What is the recognition criteria for subsequent expenditures incurred on non-current assets?
Subsequent expenditures refers to such costs which are incurred after the asset is recognized in the financial statement and brought to the location and condition intended. Examples of such expenditures include repair and maintenance, overhauling, upgradation, replacement costs etc. However, not all the subsequent costs can be capitalized in the carrying amount (carrying value or […]
Can we capitalize material relocation expenses incurred on non-current asset?
First of all we must be clear about subsequent expenditures, criteria for capitalizing subsequent expenditures in carrying amount of non-current/fixed assets and relocation costs or expenses. Subsequent expenditures refers to such costs which are incurred after the asset is recognized in the financial statement and brought to the location and condition intended. Examples of such […]
Is depreciation expense a fixed cost or a variable cost?
Let’s revisit the terms Fixed cost and Variable cost and then we will discuss where depreciation cost/expense really fits. Fixed costs are such costs that do not change with the change in activity level (e.g. units produced) with in the relevant range. Where relevant range can be defined in terms of time or activity level. […]
Is ‘Cost of goods sold’ a Product cost or a Period cost?
Before we discuss under what heading should we classify cost of goods sold, let’s first of all clear out our minds for the terms inventoriable costs and period costs with a quick review. You can the answer on difference between period costs and product costs in good detail here. Inventoriable costs (Product cost) or Product […]
Understanding changes in ACCA/FIA exam format by December 2011
After the introduction of Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) - suits of qualifications, many important things have gone under the change phase and the most affected under ACCA qualification are the knowledge module exams i.e. ACCA F1, ACCA F2 and ACCA F3. This ASK TUTOR SPECIAL episode will be about understanding the changes in exam formats […]
What is Specific identification method of inventory valuation?
Specific identification method is just another method to value ending inventory of the business to be reported in the financial statements. IAS 2 permits the use of specific identification method. According to this method each identified items of inventory is assigned specific cost and hence the name specific identification. In simple words cost is attributed […]
What is accelerated depreciation method?
i-ask! | Have a question? Ask Tutor! What is meant by accelerated depreciation method? When such method is used and how many types are there for this method? And what is the position of accounting standards on such depreciation method? As the name suggests, the accelerated depreciation method accelerates the the recognition of depreciation […]
Can we capitalize Tax amounts?
According to IAS 16 the purchase price of the asset includes the amount of non-refundable taxes i.e. such taxes which cannot be claimed back are capitalized and are included in the cost of the asset at the time of purchase. For example, when the asset is purchased or imported then buyer/importer is required to pay […]
Why Training Costs are not capitalized as cost of the asset?
First of all not every directly attributable cost can amount to capitalization as cost of the asset. IAS 16 requires more than just a cost to be directly attributable before it qualifies for capitalization as cost of the asset or to be included in the carrying amount of the non-current asset or fixed asset. According […]

