The concept of Asset Depreciation
A depreciation consists of the natural loss of the value of the assets. This devaluation occurs due to the natural wear and tear of these assets, wear and tear caused by nature, or by the use of these assets in the production process. This concept affects Equity Management because the more depreciated an asset is, the less tax is paid on it. The depreciation is interesting for the management of a company because as the asset depreciates, the company pays less tax on it and accumulates capital that can be used to purchase a new similar asset, providing an opportunity to perpetuate and renew the company's activity for an indefinite period of time and totally relevant for efficient accounting management. The assets depreciation/devaluation is typically calculated on an annual basis. As a simple example of how depreciation works, we can use vehicles and the IPVA tax. Every year, the car naturally devalues, and the IPVA paid on it decreases.
There are a few basic methods for calculating the depreciation of the assets::
Depreciation is calculated as standard taking into account that a machine or vehicle produces for a maximum of 8 hours a day. However, in practice, it may be that a vehicle or machine produces all day long, being operated in several shifts by several different people, in which case we have the so-called accelerated depreciation. In this model, depreciation can be accelerated by applying 3 coefficients depending on how much the asset is required:
But what if after the asset is fully depreciated, it is still in usable condition? A vehicle, for example, that depreciates completely in five years, what if it is still roadworthy after this period? In this case, we must perform the so-called revaluation of the asset, in which case the asset is revalued, a new value is assigned to it, and depreciation restarts.
Below is a basic table summarizing how assets are depreciated under Brazilian law:
Asset | Rate of Depreciation |
Aircraft and Ships | 5% p.a. |
Measuring Devices, Communication Equipment and Tools | 10% p.a. |
Industrial Machinery and Equipment | 10% p.a. |
Energy Production Machinery and Equipment | 10% p.a. |
Computers and IT Equipment | 20% p.a. |
Light and Heavy Tractors and Agricultural Machinery | 20% p.a. |
Furniture | 10% p.a. |
General Light and Heavy Vehicles | 20% p.a. |
With the change in Statute no. 11.638, there is the possibility of Reduction to the Recoverable Value of Assets, being necessary to evaluate the assets of the venture to check this possibility.