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  • Will You Add? - Characteristics of Depreciation, Basic Factors of Determination of Depreciation

    SDC Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning - Brighton & Hove - Choose Local
    With ECO issues making the headlines in most countries around the world, often the finger can and should be pointed at the large multi-nationals we see on our high street.We have been in business for twenty three years, over the last decade we have witnessed large national companies abandoning the local businesses in favour of, again, larger national companies. This has a damaging effect on local economies in many ways.For example, a large supermarket arrives just outside of town. We must agree that they generate extra jobs for local people that work in the store, but this is where the benefit ends, in my mind.Local, traditional shops close, with the loss of employment.The supermarket DOES NOT interact with other members of the business community, for example, in recent weeks we have spoken to an electrician working on a bank in Eastbourne, he was sent down from the midlands to execute three hours work! what a ridiculous situation, traveling two hundred miles, for three hours work, lets imagine the financial cost, the carbon footprint and the fact that there are many qualified electricians in the area.We think that this practice produces a low quality of service, mainly because contacts negotiated at a National level will squeeze the national contractors into a price that often will lose them money.B
    p>Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpos

    General Session Speaker - Keynote Speaker - Plenary Speaker
    Meetings are as diverse in their purpose and structure as the speakers who are on the platform at these meetings. They can be international, national, regional. They can be internal meetings, external meetings, sales meetings, client conferences, user conferences, annual conferences or leadership retreats.Once you have determined the purpose, theme and structure of your meeting you will have a better idea of your speaker needs. The following descriptions will help you define exactly how you utilize a speaker’s services:Keynote Speaker (keynote - the main idea or theme).In public speaking the word keynote refers to the principal underlying theme of a larger idea hence the topic that a keynote speaker addresses usually relates to the reason or purpose behind a meeting.The keynote address or keynote speech:An opening keynote speaker is bought in to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event. A closing keynote speaker will be engaged to end a conference on a high note. If an event is held over a longer period of time, it is not unusual to have a different keynote speaker for each day of the event. Often referred to as “featured keynote speaker"General Session SpeakerA well chosen general session speaker can contribute a lot to a success
    Characteristics of Depreciation

    Depreciation has the following characteristics:

    (1) Depreciation is charged in case of fixed assets only, e.g., Building, Plant and Machinery, Furniture 'etc. There is no question of depreciation in case of current assets-such as Stock, Debtors, Bills Receivable etc.

    (2) Depreciation causes perpetual, gradual and continuous fall in the value of asset

    (3) Depreciation occurs till the last day of the estimated working life of asset

    (4) Depreciation occurs on account of use of asset In certain cases, however, depreciation may occur even if the assets are not used, e.g., Leasehold Property, Patent right, Copyright etc.

    (5) Depreciation is a charge against revenue of an accounting period.

    (6) Depreciation does not depend on fluctuations in market value of asset

    (7) The amount of depreciation of an accounting year cannot be determined precisely-it has to be estimated. In certain cases, however, it may be ascertained exactly, e.g., Leasehold Property, Patent Right, Copyright etc.

    (8) Total depreciation of an asset cannot exceed its depreciable value (cost less scrap value).

    Basic factors of determination of depreciation

    (1) original cost of fixed asset i.e., purchase price plus freight and installation expenses;

    (2) estimated amount of expenditure on repairs during the useful life;

    (3) estimated useful life of asset after which it will be discarded;

    (4) estimated residual or scrap value;

    (5) interest on investment-the amount invested on purchase of asset, if it had been invested in some other investment what interest would have been earned;

    (6) possibility of obsolescence.

    Fixed Installment or Original Cost or Straight Line Method, reducing/Diminishing Balance method

    Under this method depreciation is not calculated on cost of asset. It is computed on the book value. of asset. The book value of the asset is obtained by deducting depreciation from its cost. The book value of asset gradually reduces on account of depreciation charge. Since the depreciation percent rate is applied on reducing balance of asset. this method is called reducing balance or diminishing installment method or written down value method.

    Merits and demerits.

    Declining balance method not only equitably matches depreciation expenses against the related revenue but also fairly spreads. the incidence of depreciation and repairs (viz higher depreciation but heavier repairs in later years.) on profit and loss account over the assets life span. Elimination of major portion of cost in early years also minimizes the impact of obsolescence. It is equally useful to management as accelerated depreciation means smaller taxable profits and taxes hence lesser outflow of cash.

    Accelerated Depreciation Methods

    Sum-of-the year's digits (SYD). This method of depreciation accelerates depreciation expenses so that the amount recognized in the earlier periods of an asset's useful life are greater than those recognized in the latter periods. The SYD is found by estimating an asset's useful life in years, then assigning consecutive numbers to each year, and totaling these numbers. For n years, SYD = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... +n

    Annuity Method

    The method recognizes the time value (Interest) of money and hence regards the real cost of using a long-lived asset equivalent to the actual amount invested thereon plus the interest lost on the acquisition of asset. Under this method, so much depreciation is written off each year as after debiting the asset account with interest upon the diminishing value, will reduce the asset to nil at the end of its life. Thus, the amount written off as depreciation is the same every year, but the interest will diminish each year.

    The amount of annual depreciation to be written off by Annuity method will be ascertained from Annuity Tables

    Depreciation Fund method or Sinking Fund method

    Under this method, a fixed amount is charged as depreciation every year. It endeavors to provide the required lump sum cash at the retirement of a long, lived asset by annually setting aside and investing a fixed sum in readily realizable securities. These securities earn interest at fixed rate and the same being reinvested along with successive fixed installments of depreciation, allowed to accumulate at compound interest. The sinking fund method thus takes into account of this probable income from interest while fixing the annual depreciation and investing the same which together with compound interest accumulated to the asset's depreciable cost by the end of its useful life. Obviously, the fixed installment of annual depreciation is here smaller as compared to straight line method. Its magnitude, however, rests on the asset's life span and interest rate. Longer the span and higher the rate, smaller is the annual depreciation per rupee of depreciable cost.

    Shortcomings of Depreciation Fund Method

    Depreciation fund method assumes constant rate of return on every periodic investment in identical securities. This is hardly true in this dynamic world where rates do vary now and then. Any variation in the rate of return upsets the earlier periodic allocation for depreciation and entails refection thereof. Further the amount realized on the sale of security rarely agrees with its acquisition cost owing to made fluctuations which may be both erratic and considerable. Those may cause a wide gap between the required and supplied cash.

    Insurance Policy Method

    This method endeavors the supply of required cash at the retirement of a specified asset in return of periodic contribution (premium). Under this a trader takes a 'Capital Redemption Insurance Policy' from an insurance company which undertakes to pay at a given date a certain sum if the trader, paying a fixed number of premiums after regular intervals. The trader treats the periodic payment as depreciation and charges it to profit and loss account. In this case, depreciation is charged at the end of the year, whereas, the premium is paid at the beginning of the year. At maturity, the insurance company pays the policy money which is normally sufficient to replace the retired set. Normally, amount received is more than total premium paid as the policy yields interest.

    Revaluation Method

    Under the system, each year the asset is valued and the value is compared with that in the beginning of the year. The fall is treated as depreciation. Suppose if the value of the tools at the beginning of the year was Rs. 8,000, during the year tools worth Rs. 6,000 were purchased and at the end of the year, on valuation these amounted to Rs. 11,000. The amount of depreciation for the year will be : 8,000 + 6,000-11,000 = Rs. 3,000 . This method is useful for charging depreciation on livestock and loose tools.

    Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpose

    A Simply Stupid Plan for Your Success!
    Consistant, honest effort will always lead you to a successful outcome in internet marketing! The goal may not be achieved in the time frame that you would like, but it will always come if you have belief and patience in the message of your ad campaign. Look aroung you, nothing of importance was built or constructed over night; and, if it was, then it will be gone over-night, just as fast. Never give in to the fast buck, 6-weeks to success, 3 months to #1, or any other almost instant success program or format. It may take you 3 or more months just understand the magnitude of what it takes to become a successful internet marketer. Creating a plan of what you must do everyday is vital to success. It is a road map to keeping your website in a favorable position to be seen when the real shoppers click through your ad links.Besides making sure your website functions like it should, a straight-forward plan is easy to create.1. check for new orders.2. check site statistics.3. read email.4. prepare the days ad copy.5. send ad emails.6. locate a reciprocal link partner.7. locate a no cost advertising avenue.8. S.O.S.9. write an article and post.No plan is the same, but ALL plans keep you focused on what to do. If you want to succeed, then you have to follow a plan, either yo
    olescence.

    Fixed Installment or Original Cost or Straight Line Method, reducing/Diminishing Balance method

    Under this method depreciation is not calculated on cost of asset. It is computed on the book value. of asset. The book value of the asset is obtained by deducting depreciation from its cost. The book value of asset gradually reduces on account of depreciation charge. Since the depreciation percent rate is applied on reducing balance of asset. this method is called reducing balance or diminishing installment method or written down value method.

    Merits and demerits.

    Declining balance method not only equitably matches depreciation expenses against the related revenue but also fairly spreads. the incidence of depreciation and repairs (viz higher depreciation but heavier repairs in later years.) on profit and loss account over the assets life span. Elimination of major portion of cost in early years also minimizes the impact of obsolescence. It is equally useful to management as accelerated depreciation means smaller taxable profits and taxes hence lesser outflow of cash.

    Accelerated Depreciation Methods

    Sum-of-the year's digits (SYD). This method of depreciation accelerates depreciation expenses so that the amount recognized in the earlier periods of an asset's useful life are greater than those recognized in the latter periods. The SYD is found by estimating an asset's useful life in years, then assigning consecutive numbers to each year, and totaling these numbers. For n years, SYD = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... +n

    Annuity Method

    The method recognizes the time value (Interest) of money and hence regards the real cost of using a long-lived asset equivalent to the actual amount invested thereon plus the interest lost on the acquisition of asset. Under this method, so much depreciation is written off each year as after debiting the asset account with interest upon the diminishing value, will reduce the asset to nil at the end of its life. Thus, the amount written off as depreciation is the same every year, but the interest will diminish each year.

    The amount of annual depreciation to be written off by Annuity method will be ascertained from Annuity Tables

    Depreciation Fund method or Sinking Fund method

    Under this method, a fixed amount is charged as depreciation every year. It endeavors to provide the required lump sum cash at the retirement of a long, lived asset by annually setting aside and investing a fixed sum in readily realizable securities. These securities earn interest at fixed rate and the same being reinvested along with successive fixed installments of depreciation, allowed to accumulate at compound interest. The sinking fund method thus takes into account of this probable income from interest while fixing the annual depreciation and investing the same which together with compound interest accumulated to the asset's depreciable cost by the end of its useful life. Obviously, the fixed installment of annual depreciation is here smaller as compared to straight line method. Its magnitude, however, rests on the asset's life span and interest rate. Longer the span and higher the rate, smaller is the annual depreciation per rupee of depreciable cost.

    Shortcomings of Depreciation Fund Method

    Depreciation fund method assumes constant rate of return on every periodic investment in identical securities. This is hardly true in this dynamic world where rates do vary now and then. Any variation in the rate of return upsets the earlier periodic allocation for depreciation and entails refection thereof. Further the amount realized on the sale of security rarely agrees with its acquisition cost owing to made fluctuations which may be both erratic and considerable. Those may cause a wide gap between the required and supplied cash.

    Insurance Policy Method

    This method endeavors the supply of required cash at the retirement of a specified asset in return of periodic contribution (premium). Under this a trader takes a 'Capital Redemption Insurance Policy' from an insurance company which undertakes to pay at a given date a certain sum if the trader, paying a fixed number of premiums after regular intervals. The trader treats the periodic payment as depreciation and charges it to profit and loss account. In this case, depreciation is charged at the end of the year, whereas, the premium is paid at the beginning of the year. At maturity, the insurance company pays the policy money which is normally sufficient to replace the retired set. Normally, amount received is more than total premium paid as the policy yields interest.

    Revaluation Method

    Under the system, each year the asset is valued and the value is compared with that in the beginning of the year. The fall is treated as depreciation. Suppose if the value of the tools at the beginning of the year was Rs. 8,000, during the year tools worth Rs. 6,000 were purchased and at the end of the year, on valuation these amounted to Rs. 11,000. The amount of depreciation for the year will be : 8,000 + 6,000-11,000 = Rs. 3,000 . This method is useful for charging depreciation on livestock and loose tools.

    Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpos

    Prevent Your Business From Falling Victim To Dial Through Fraud
    What steps would you take to protect your business from a burglar coming in after office hours and stealing ?40,000? I suspect that you would make sure that all the doors have very good locks. You would install a burglar alarm and maybe even have CCTV surveillance. That should protect your business. Wrong! The burglar did not break into your office; they broke into your internal phone exchange (PBX). Unseen by human or electronic eyes, thousands of pounds are being spent on international telephone calls and your business will pay the bill.How Does It Work? Dial through fraud is not a new problem, it just has limited publicity. It exploits a PBX feature that allows employees to ring in to the switchboard and by keying certain dialling codes, make national and international calls for which the company will pay the bill.Many businesses will take an "It will never happen to me" approach to dial through fraud, even though most business PBXs are setup to be maintained remotely. This is to allow engineers from a maintenance company to make changes to the configuration without needing to make a site visit but it exposes the PBX. The administration port on the PBX will be connected to a modem that in turn is connected to an extension on the PBX.Using trial and error, hackers will identify the number that t
    mount invested thereon plus the interest lost on the acquisition of asset. Under this method, so much depreciation is written off each year as after debiting the asset account with interest upon the diminishing value, will reduce the asset to nil at the end of its life. Thus, the amount written off as depreciation is the same every year, but the interest will diminish each year.

    The amount of annual depreciation to be written off by Annuity method will be ascertained from Annuity Tables

    Depreciation Fund method or Sinking Fund method

    Under this method, a fixed amount is charged as depreciation every year. It endeavors to provide the required lump sum cash at the retirement of a long, lived asset by annually setting aside and investing a fixed sum in readily realizable securities. These securities earn interest at fixed rate and the same being reinvested along with successive fixed installments of depreciation, allowed to accumulate at compound interest. The sinking fund method thus takes into account of this probable income from interest while fixing the annual depreciation and investing the same which together with compound interest accumulated to the asset's depreciable cost by the end of its useful life. Obviously, the fixed installment of annual depreciation is here smaller as compared to straight line method. Its magnitude, however, rests on the asset's life span and interest rate. Longer the span and higher the rate, smaller is the annual depreciation per rupee of depreciable cost.

    Shortcomings of Depreciation Fund Method

    Depreciation fund method assumes constant rate of return on every periodic investment in identical securities. This is hardly true in this dynamic world where rates do vary now and then. Any variation in the rate of return upsets the earlier periodic allocation for depreciation and entails refection thereof. Further the amount realized on the sale of security rarely agrees with its acquisition cost owing to made fluctuations which may be both erratic and considerable. Those may cause a wide gap between the required and supplied cash.

    Insurance Policy Method

    This method endeavors the supply of required cash at the retirement of a specified asset in return of periodic contribution (premium). Under this a trader takes a 'Capital Redemption Insurance Policy' from an insurance company which undertakes to pay at a given date a certain sum if the trader, paying a fixed number of premiums after regular intervals. The trader treats the periodic payment as depreciation and charges it to profit and loss account. In this case, depreciation is charged at the end of the year, whereas, the premium is paid at the beginning of the year. At maturity, the insurance company pays the policy money which is normally sufficient to replace the retired set. Normally, amount received is more than total premium paid as the policy yields interest.

    Revaluation Method

    Under the system, each year the asset is valued and the value is compared with that in the beginning of the year. The fall is treated as depreciation. Suppose if the value of the tools at the beginning of the year was Rs. 8,000, during the year tools worth Rs. 6,000 were purchased and at the end of the year, on valuation these amounted to Rs. 11,000. The amount of depreciation for the year will be : 8,000 + 6,000-11,000 = Rs. 3,000 . This method is useful for charging depreciation on livestock and loose tools.

    Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpos

    WARNING. Easy Journey Ahead
    I am on my way to the quarterly status update with my Sales Manager. The last quarter has been terribly bad. We reached nowhere near the Sales target. Naturally, I am moving ahead with a great resistance and a palpitation rate of the highest order. I have no idea of what will turn out for me in the meeting.Fifteen minutes later, I come out of the room. There is a sigh of relief on my face; a similar _expression can be seen on my Sales Manager's face. As soon as I come to my cubicle - out of my Sales Manager's sight, this "sigh of relief" explodes into an _expression of joy - I DID IT, AND I DID IT AGAIN !!!I could convince him easily about why the sales couldn't happen this time, why I had absolutely nothing to do with the figures not being met, and why it would be a cake-walk in the next quarter. He is absolutely convinced about it. I am safe. At least for the next 3 months!Is it that I am more skillful at providing execuses than meeting sales figures? May be.MAY BE NOT.May be, I just didn't apply myself enough at meeting the sales figures.May be, I didnt feel enough "ownership" of that problem. May be, I didnt come up with a good enough strategy. May be, the sales projections were impossible to reach.May be .... May be .... May be ....I will never know. NOBODY
    tes do vary now and then. Any variation in the rate of return upsets the earlier periodic allocation for depreciation and entails refection thereof. Further the amount realized on the sale of security rarely agrees with its acquisition cost owing to made fluctuations which may be both erratic and considerable. Those may cause a wide gap between the required and supplied cash.

    Insurance Policy Method

    This method endeavors the supply of required cash at the retirement of a specified asset in return of periodic contribution (premium). Under this a trader takes a 'Capital Redemption Insurance Policy' from an insurance company which undertakes to pay at a given date a certain sum if the trader, paying a fixed number of premiums after regular intervals. The trader treats the periodic payment as depreciation and charges it to profit and loss account. In this case, depreciation is charged at the end of the year, whereas, the premium is paid at the beginning of the year. At maturity, the insurance company pays the policy money which is normally sufficient to replace the retired set. Normally, amount received is more than total premium paid as the policy yields interest.

    Revaluation Method

    Under the system, each year the asset is valued and the value is compared with that in the beginning of the year. The fall is treated as depreciation. Suppose if the value of the tools at the beginning of the year was Rs. 8,000, during the year tools worth Rs. 6,000 were purchased and at the end of the year, on valuation these amounted to Rs. 11,000. The amount of depreciation for the year will be : 8,000 + 6,000-11,000 = Rs. 3,000 . This method is useful for charging depreciation on livestock and loose tools.

    Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpos

    The Value of Virtual
    While secretaries and administrative assistants have been around for years, the term “virtual assistant” is a relatively new term that has become popular along side the Internet. What is a virtual assistant? Also called a VA, a virtual assistant is the online equivalent of an office administrative assistant.As independent contractors, virtual assistants work for their clients off-site, performing a variety of administrative tasks. Common duties include data entry, web design and maintenance, bookkeeping, word processing and transcription. While many virtual assistants offer basic office skills like these, others specialize in areas like accounting, research, mailings, marketing and public relations.Because virtual assistants work off-site, often from their own home offices, businesses that hire them do not incur additional overhead expenses, payroll taxes or benefit payments. Instead, the business gains the experience and expertise of the virtual assistant while only paying for the services performed. This set-up can be particularly valuable to the small business owner or nonprofit that can’t afford to hire additional staff. It can also be ideal for firms that need to fill employment gaps during peak times, maternity leaves and vacations.How does it work? Once a virtual assistant has been selected, the hiring firm and th
    p>Depletion Method

    Natural resources include physical assets like mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and timber stands. These natural resources get exhausted by exploitation. In some cases, the reduction in physical deposits is offset by growth or development of additional deposits.

    The cost of natural resources is the price paid for its acquisition plus price paid for development of such asset in order to bring it to a state suitable for production.

    The periodic depletion is better not calculated in terms of year. Rather it is better to calculate the cost per unit and then multiply the cost of unit to units produced in that particular year.

    Machine Hour Rate

    Under this method, the total number of working hours of a machine during the whole of its effective life is estimated, and then the cost of machine is divided by the expected number of hours of useful life, this gives the rate per hour. The annual depreciation is calculatedly multiplying this rate by the number of hours, the machine actually runs in a year.

    Mileage Method

    This method is used only for those assets whose useful life depends upon the fact that how many kilometers they have been driven e.g. buses, cars, trucks and rolling stock etc.

    Global Method

    Under this method, the value of the assets, irrespective of their nature is added together and depreciation is charged at an average rate on aggregated value.

    Choice of a Method

    Aforesaid methods of depreciation reveal that none is absolutely best or worst as each method has its own merits and demerits. Suitability of every method is relative and depends upon various factors. Most important of these are the type of the asset and purpose of depreciation. Straight line method suits to buildings and lease etc.. reducing installment method fits to machinery equipment etc. and depletion method for wasting assets like mines. quarries etc. However, the underlying purpose is the basic determinants of the propriety of a depreciation method. Important purpose comprise of true reporting of accounts, tax benefits, comparative product cost, financial flexibility, replacement and expansion etc. For example. depreciation fund method envisages that the amount set aside for depreciation is to be invested outside the business in specific securities. Similarly under insurance policy method, the amount so set aside is handed over to insurance company. If a business is having working capital problems the advisability of these methods is questionable.

    Of the above-mentioned methods (1) Fixed Installment and (2) Reducing Installment methods are most widely used.

    Distinction between Fixed Installment Method and Reducing Installment Method

    Fixed Installment Method

    1. The rate and amount of depreciation remain the same each year.

    2. Depreciation rate per cent is calculated on cost of asset each year.

    3. At the end of its life the value of asset is reduced to zero or scrap value.

    4. The older the asset, the larger the cost of its repairs. But the amount of depreciation remains the same each year. Hence, the total of depreciation and repairs increases every year. This reduces annual profit gradually.

    5. Computation of depreciation comparatively easy and simple.

    Reducing Installment Method

    1. The rate remains the same, but the amount of depreciation diminishes gradually.

    2. Depreciation rate percent is calculated on book value of asset.

    3. The value of asset is never reduced to zero at the end of its life.

    4. The amount of depreciation decreases gradually, while the cost of repairs increases. So the total of depreciation and repairs remains more or less the same each "year. Hence, it causes little or no change in annual profit/loss.

    5. Depreciation can be computed without any difficulty, but it is not so easy and simple.

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