Lake Worth Texas Finance Department: Depreciation

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Depreciation of Capital Assets

SUBJECT: Depreciation of Capital Assets

Policy:

	The cost (less salvage value) of all exhaustible capital assets should be allocated (depreciated) over the estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.
	The useful life should be determined when the asset is acquired.
	Amortization of capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
	Depreciation expense that can be specifically identified with a function should be included with its direct expense in the statement of activities (full cost allocation approach as used in GASB Statement 34).
	Depreciation expense for general infrastructure capital assets should be reported as a direct expense of the function normally associated with capital outlays for, and maintenance of, general infrastructure fixed assets or as a separate line in the statement of activities.
	Valuation for infrastructure capital assets acquired prior to implementation of GASB 34: Estimated accumulated depreciation is reported for infrastructure capital assets if determining the accumulated depreciation of general infrastructure capital assets is not practical because of inadequate records.
	Depreciation expense is not reported for eligible infrastructure capital assets that are reported by the Modified Approach.

General:

Capital assets are generally categorized by the following broad asset types.

Asset Type

Estimated Useful Life

	Roads
	Water and sewer mains and extensions
	Drainage Systems
	Capital leases
	Land
	Buildings
	Autos and equipment
	Furniture and fixtures

Responsibility

Action

Accounting Department

	Record depreciation expense of capital assets.
	Reconcile depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation in the detailed fixed asset sub-ledger to the general ledger.
	Investigate and resolve differences found in the reconciliation.
	Results of the reconciliation should be reviewed and approved by the Director of Finance before any adjustments are recorded. Such review should be evidenced by a signature.

Procedure Coordinator: Director of Finance