Delali Ltd adopts the revaluation model for subsequent measurement of its intangible assets in accordance with IAS 38: Intangible Assets. The policy of Delali is to revalue its intangible asset at the end of each year. An intangible asset with an estimated useful life of 9 years was acquired on 1 January 2016 for GH¢45,000. It was revalued to GH¢54,400 on 31 December 2016, and the revaluation surplus was correctly recognized on that date. As at 31 December 2017, the asset was revalued at GH¢32,000.

Required:
Discuss the accounting treatment required in the 2016 and 2017 financial statements. (4 marks)

In 2016:

  • The asset was initially recognised at cost (GH¢45,000).
  • Amortisation for the year is based on the original cost:
    Amortisation (2016) = GH¢45,000 ÷ 9 years = GH¢5,000
  • At the end of 2016, the asset was revalued to GH¢54,400.
  • The revaluation surplus is the difference between the carrying amount and the revalued amount:
    Revaluation surplus (2016) = GH¢54,400 – (GH¢45,000 – GH¢5,000) = GH¢14,400
  • The revaluation surplus is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and credited to the revaluation reserve in equity.

In 2017:

  • The asset’s carrying amount at the start of 2017 is GH¢54,400, and the useful life is now 8 years.
  • Amortisation for the year is based on the revalued amount:
    Amortisation (2017) = GH¢54,400 ÷ 8 years = GH¢6,800
  • A transfer should be made from the revaluation surplus to retained earnings for the excess depreciation:
    Excess depreciation = GH¢6,800 – GH¢5,000 = GH¢1,800
  • As at 31 December 2017, the asset was revalued downward to GH¢32,000.
  • The revaluation loss is calculated as follows:
    Revaluation loss (2017) = GH¢32,000 – (GH¢54,400 – GH¢6,800) = GH¢15,600
  • The revaluation reserve is reduced first by the GH¢12,600 balance, and the remaining GH¢3,000 is recognised as an expense in the Profit or Loss statement.

(4 marks evenly spread)