Straight Line Method of depreciation under Schedule III Balance Sheet Format

Straight Line Method of Depreciation Under the Companies Act

The Straight Line Method (SLM) of depreciation is one of the most commonly used methods for allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. Under the Companies Act 2013 in India, specific guidelines have been established for calculating depreciation using the SLM, ensuring that companies provide a true and fair view of their financial statements.

Here is a detailed explanation of the Straight Line Method under the Companies Act:

What is the Straight Line Method (SLM)?

The Straight Line Method calculates depreciation as a fixed percentage of the cost of an asset, minus its residual value, evenly over the asset’s useful life. This method ensures that an equal amount of depreciation is charged to the profit and loss account every year.

Formula for SLM

The formula to calculate depreciation using the Straight Line Method is:

Depreciation per year=Cost of the Asset−Residual ValueUseful Life of the Asset\text{Depreciation per year} = \frac{\text{Cost of the Asset} – \text{Residual Value}}{\text{Useful Life of the Asset}}Depreciation per year=Useful Life of the AssetCost of the Asset−Residual Value​

Where:

  • Cost of the Asset is the purchase price plus any costs necessary to make the asset operational.
  • Residual Value is the estimated amount that will be recovered at the end of the asset’s useful life.
  • Useful Life is the period over which the asset is expected to be used.

Depreciation Rates as per Companies Act 2013

The Companies Act 2013 prescribes the rates of depreciation based on the useful life of different types of assets. The Schedule II of the Act provides a list of assets with their respective useful lives. Some examples include:

Asset Useful Life (Years)
Buildings (other than factories) 60
Furniture and fittings 10
Plant and machinery 15
Computers and data processing 3
Vehicles 8

How to Calculate SLM Depreciation

Here is an example to illustrate how SLM depreciation is calculated:

Example:

  • Cost of machinery: ₹1,00,000
  • Residual value: ₹10,000
  • Useful life: 10 years

Using the formula:

Depreciation per year=1,00,000−10,00010=90,00010=₹9,000\text{Depreciation per year} = \frac{1,00,000 – 10,000}{10} = \frac{90,000}{10} = ₹9,000Depreciation per year=101,00,000−10,000​=1090,000​=₹9,000

Therefore, the company would charge ₹9,000 as depreciation expense for the machinery every year for ten years.

Accounting Treatment

In the financial statements:

  • The annual depreciation is charged to the Profit and Loss Account as an expense.
  • The accumulated depreciation is deducted from the gross value of the asset in the Balance Sheet to show the net book value.

Advantages of SLM

  1. Simplicity: Easy to calculate and understand.
  2. Consistency: Depreciation expense remains consistent over the asset’s useful life.
  3. Uniform Allocation: Provides a uniform charge to the income statement, simplifying financial planning and analysis.

Compliance with Companies Act 2013

To comply with the Companies Act 2013:

  • Companies must follow the useful life and residual value guidelines provided in Schedule II.
  • Changes in the useful life or residual value should be justified and disclosed in the financial statements.
  • Companies can adopt a useful life or residual value different from the schedule if it is technically justified and disclosed.

The Straight Line Method under the Companies Act 2013 ensures that companies allocate the cost of assets evenly over their useful lives, providing a consistent and transparent approach to depreciation. By adhering to the guidelines and schedules provided by the Act, companies can ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of their financial statements.

 

How LedgerFusion helps in calculation of depreciation

LedgerFusion: Streamlining Depreciation Calculation under the Companies Act 2013

Overview

LedgerFusion simplifies the depreciation calculation process for assets, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2013. It automates the preparation of detailed depreciation notes, minimizing manual errors and saving valuable time.

How LedgerFusion Helps in Depreciation Calculation

LedgerFusion provides users with a structured and user-friendly interface for calculating depreciation under the Straight Line Method (SLM). The tool requires users to input key details into specific fields, which are clearly marked for ease of use. The columns marked in yellow are designed to guide users through the process, ensuring that all necessary information is captured accurately.

Required Inputs

Users need to provide the following details to calculate depreciation:

  1. Purchase Price of the Asset: The original cost of the asset at the time of purchase.
  2. Purchase Date of the Asset: The date on which the asset was acquired.
  3. Useful Life of the Asset: The estimated period over which the asset is expected to be used.
  4. Salvage Value: The estimated residual value of the asset at the end of its useful life.

Depreciation Calculation Process

  1. Data Entry: Users fill in the purchase price, purchase date, useful life, and salvage value in the designated yellow-highlighted fields.
  2. Accumulated Depreciation: LedgerFusion considers the accumulated depreciation recorded in Tally data up to the current date.
  3. Automated Calculation: Based on the entered details and existing accumulated depreciation, LedgerFusion calculates the depreciation for the asset in accordance with the Straight Line Method as outlined in the Companies Act 2013.
  4. Depreciation Note Preparation: The tool generates a comprehensive depreciation note, providing a clear and compliant presentation of the depreciation calculation.

Benefits of Using LedgerFusion for Depreciation

  1. Accuracy and Compliance: Ensures that depreciation is calculated accurately and in compliance with the Companies Act 2013.
  2. Time and Effort Saving: Automates the calculation process, reducing the time and effort required for manual calculations.
  3. User-Friendly Interface: Provides a simple and intuitive interface for users to enter the necessary details, minimizing the risk of errors.
  4. Standardized Reporting: Produces standardized and professional depreciation notes that are ready for inclusion in financial statements.

Conclusion

The Straight Line Method under the Companies Act 2013 ensures that companies allocate the cost of assets evenly over their useful lives, providing a consistent and transparent approach to depreciation. By adhering to the guidelines and schedules provided by the Act, companies can ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of their financial statements.

By leveraging LedgerFusion’s capabilities,user can efficiently and accurately calculate depreciation for their assets, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and enhancing the overall quality of their financial reporting.