, ` , ` , Written down value on . . Less: Depreciation for at % on , ` , ` , Written down value on . .
Less: Depreciation for at % on , ` , ` , When depreciation is plotted on a graph for years, it appears as follows: Amount ` Year Merits Following are the merits of written down value method. (a) Equal charge against income In the initial years depreciation is high and repair charges are low. When the asset becomes older, the amount of depreciation charged is less but repair charges are high. Hence, the total burden on profit in respect of depreciation and repairs put together remains almost similar year after year.
(b) Logical method In the earlier years, when the asset is more productive, high depreciation is charged. In the later years when the asset becomes less productive, the depreciation charge is less. Limitations Following are the limitations of written down value method. (a) Assets cannot be completely written off Under this method, the value of an asset even if it becomes obsolete and useless, cannot be reduced to zero and some balance would continue in the asset account.
Accountancy (b) Ignores the interest factor This method does not take into account the loss of interest on the amount invested in the asset. The amount would have earned interest, had it been invested outside the business is not considered. (c) Difficulty in determining the rate of depreciation Under this method, the rate of providing depreciation cannot be easily determined. The rate is generally kept higher because it takes very long time to write off an asset down to its scrap value.
(d) Ignores the actual use of the asset Under this method, a fixed rate of depreciation is provided on the written down value of the asset by applying the predetermined rate of depreciation on its original cost. But, the actual use of the asset is not considered in the computation of depreciation. Suitability This method is suitable in case of assets having a comparatively