IND AS-36 Impairment of Assets

Preeti Sharma

The Objective of Ind AS 36 is to ensure that assets are carried at not more than at recoverable value. The standard also specifies when an entity should reverse an impairment loss and provide disclosures while preparing and presenting the financial statements.

This standard shall not apply to:

• Inventories
• Contracts that are recognized in accordance with Ind AS 115
• Deferred Tax Assets
• Financial Assets
• Non Current Assets classified for sale in accordance with Ind AS 105
• Biological Assets related to agricultural activity
• Assets arising from the employee benefits.

How to calculate impairment loss?

Impairment loss =Recoverable Value- Carrying Amount

Recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset shall be reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss.

If recoverable amount is more than carrying amount of an asset, then no impairment loss will be recognized.

Recoverable amount shall be higher of the following:

• Fair Value less cost of disposal
• Value in use

Fair Value less cost of disposal

Costs of disposal are deducted while determining the fair value less cost of disposal. Examples of such costs are:

• Legal costs
• Stamp duty and similar taxes
• Costs of removing the assets
• Incremental costs for bringing the assets into the conditions for its sale
• Other costs

Value in use

It shall be calculated on the following basis:

• Estimated Future Cash Flow
• Discount Rate

Recognising and measuring an impairment loss

Paragraphs 58–108 set out the requirements for recognizing and measuring impairment losses

Paragraphs 65–108 deal with the recognition and measurement of impairment losses for cash-generating units and goodwill

An impairment loss shall be recognised immediately in Statement of profit or loss. An impairment loss on a non-revalued asset is recognised in profit or loss. However, an impairment loss on a revalued asset is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that the impairment loss does not exceed the amount in the revaluation surplus for that same asset. Such an impairment loss on a revalued asset reduces the revaluation surplus for that asset.

Para 62 deals with where the amount estimated for an impairment loss is greater than the carrying amount of the asset to which it relates, an entity shall recognise a liability.

When to test for Impairment?

• It can be conducted on annual basis.

Test for impairment annually when:

Intangible asset has indefinite life or intangible assets are not available for use.

• Whenever impairment indicators occurs. These are external indicators and internal indicators.

External Indicators

• Significant decline in market value
• Change in technology, market, economic or legal environment
• Change in interest rate.
• Low market capitalization

Internal Indicators

• Assets performance is declining
• Discontinuance or restructuring plan
• Evidence of physical obsolesces

Impairment loss for Cash Generating Units

Allocation of Impairment loss in the following ways:

First, to the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to for Cash Generating Unit.

Then to other assets, pro rata on the basis of carrying amount of each asset.

(Author can be reached at preeti111145@yahoo.com)