Reducing Balance Method
The reducing balance method is an accelerated depreciation method that calculates depreciation as a fixed percentage of the book value (remaining cost) of the asset. The formula is:
```
Depreciation = Book Value x Depreciation Rate
```
where:
- Depreciation is the amount of depreciation to be recorded for the period
- Book Value is the remaining cost of the asset (Original Cost - Accumulated Depreciation)
- Depreciation Rate is a fixed percentage
Steps to Calculate Depreciation Using Reducing Balance Method:
1. Determine the Depreciation Rate:
Calculate the depreciation rate based on the estimated useful life of the asset and the desired rate of depreciation. The most common method is to use the straight-line rate and double it.
2. Calculate the Book Value:
In the first year, the book value is the original cost of the asset. In subsequent years, it is the book value from the previous year less the depreciation recorded in that year.
3. Calculate Depreciation:
Multiply the book value by the depreciation rate to determine the depreciation for the year.
Example:
An asset has an original cost of $10,000 and an estimated useful life of 5 years. The straight-line rate is 20% per year (1 / 5). Therefore, the reducing balance rate is 40% per year (2 x 20%).
Year 1:
- Book Value: $10,000
- Depreciation Rate: 40%
- Depreciation: $10,000 x 0.40 = $4,000
Year 2:
- Book Value: $10,000 - $4,000 = $6,000
- Depreciation Rate: 40%
- Depreciation: $6,000 x 0.40 = $2,400
Year 3:
- Book Value: $6,000 - $2,400 = $3,600
- Depreciation Rate: 40%
- Depreciation: $3,600 x 0.40 = $1,440
Year 4:
- Book Value: $3,600 - $1,440 = $2,160
- Depreciation Rate: 40%
- Depreciation: $2,160 x 0.40 = $864
Year 5:
- Book Value: $2,160 - $864 = $1,296
- Depreciation Rate: 40%
- Depreciation: $1,296 x 0.40 = $518.40 (rounded to $518)
Therefore, the depreciation expense for each year using the reducing balance method is:
- Year 1: $4,000
- Year 2: $2,400
- Year 3: $1,440
- Year 4: $864
- Year 5: $518