What is Amortization of Intangible Assets? Formula + Calculator

In other words, the depreciated amount expensed in each year is a tax deduction for the company until the useful life of the asset has expired. Amortization is an accounting technique used to periodically lower the book value of a loan or an intangible asset over a set period of time. Concerning a loan, amortization focuses on spreading out loan payments over time. When applied to an asset, amortization is similar to depreciation.

The value ‘P’ represents the period in months when you repay the loan. The above figures are a little daunting if you look at them as is, so here is an example to demonstrate it. This is mainly used to calculate the amortization schedule of a loan. There is a mathematical formula to calculate amortization in accounting to add to the projected expenses. Once you subtract the expenses and discounts from your revenue, you get the net revenue.

How is Amortization Calculated?

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The company should subtract the residual value from the recorded cost, and then divide that difference by the useful life of the asset. If an intangible asset is anticipated to provide benefits to the company firm for greater than one year, the proper accounting treatment would be to capitalize and expense it over its useful life. Typically, businesses include write-offs from amortization under a line item titled “depreciation and amortization” in their income statements. Don’t be afraid to consult your accountant for tips on your specific needs. The cash interest payment is still the stated rate times the principal. The interest on carrying value is still the market rate times the carrying value.

Calculating Amortization

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• Depreciation  refers to the gradual reduction in the value of an asset over its useful life.
• Assets that are expensed using the amortization method typically don’t have any resale or salvage value.
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• Ensure services revenue has been accurately recorded and related payments are reflected properly on the balance sheet.
• Almost all intangible assets are amortized over their useful life using the straight-line method.

Both terminologies spread the cost of an asset over its useful life, and a company doesn’t gain any financial advantage through one as opposed to the other. Amortization and depreciation are the two main methods of calculating the value of these assets, with the key difference between the two methods involving the type of asset being expensed. In addition, there are differences in the methods allowed, components of the calculations, and how they are presented on financial statements. Amortized loans feature a level payment over their lives, which helps individuals budget their cash flows over the long term. Amortized loans are also beneficial in that there is always a principal component in each payment, so that the outstanding balance of the loan is reduced incrementally over time.

What Other Calculations are Involved in Prepaid Expense Amortization?

Of the different options mentioned above, a company often has the option of accelerating depreciation. This means more depreciation expense is recognized earlier in an asset’s useful life as that asset may be used heavier when it is newest. Tangible assets can often use the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS). Meanwhile, amortization often does not use this practice, and the same amount of expense is recognized whether the intangible asset is older or newer. In some instances, a prepaid expense is not applied equally because the benefit is not the same for each accounting period.

• Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience covering personal finance, corporate finance and investing.
• For example, an insurance policy may offer a different level of coverage at the beginning of the term than it does at the end.
• We help them move to modern accounting by unifying their data and processes, automating repetitive work, and driving accountability through visibility.
• Intangible assets that are outside this IRS category are amortized over differing useful lives, depending on their nature.
• Understanding amortization and its implications for your startup is essential to your financial health.