Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets Similarities Although US GAAP does not have a comprehensive standard that addresses long-lived assets, its definition of property, plant and equipment is similar to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment, which addresses tangible assets held for use that are expected to be used for more than one reporting period. Other concepts that are similar include the following: Cost Both accounting models have similar recognition criteria, requiring that costs be included in the cost of the asset if future economic benefits are probable and can be reliably measured. Neither model allows the capitalization of start-up costs, general administrative and overhead costs or regular maintenance. Both US GAAP and IFRS require that the costs of dismantling an asset and restoring its site (i.e., the costs of asset retirement under ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations — Asset Retirement Obligations or IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets) be included in the cost of the asset when there is a legal obligation, but IFRS requires provision in other circumstances as well.
Depreciation Depreciation of long-lived assets is required on a systematic basis under both accounting models. ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, and IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, both treat changes in residual value and useful economic life as a change in accounting estimate requiring prospective treatment. Assets held for sale Assets held for sale criteria are similar in the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets subsections of ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment, and IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Under both standards, the asset is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, the assets are not depreciated and they are presented separately on the face of the balance sheet. Exchanges of nonmonetary similar productive assets are also treated similarly under ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions, and IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment, both of which allow gain or loss recognition if the exchange has commercial substance and the fair value of the exchange can be reliably measured.
Capitalized interest ASC 835-20, Interest — Capitalization of Interest, and IAS 23, Borrowing Costs, require the capitalization of borrowing costs (e.g., interest costs) directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset. Qualifying assets are generally defined similarly under both accounting models. However, there are differences between US GAAP and IFRS in the measurement of eligible borrowing costs for capitalization. US GAAP versus IFRS The basics
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