The Facts about Amortization and Depreciation
Amortization measures the consumption of the value of an intangible asset, such as a copyright, patent or trademark. In accounting parlance, amortization refers to the deduction of capital expenses over the life of an intangible asset.
Intangible assets are usually expensed according to their life expectancy, but nonphysical assets could have either an identifiable or indefinite helpful life. Examples of intangible assets with identifiable useful lives incorporate copyrights and patents, and these are amortized on a straight-line basis over their economic or legal life, whichever is shorter.
Intangible assets with indefinite beneficial lives are reassessed every year for impairment. If an impairment has occurred, then a loss should be recognized. An impairment loss is determined by subtracting the asset’s fair value from its book value. This impairment loss may possibly be reversed only under particular circumstances. Trademarks and goodwill are examples of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.