Amortization
In the course of doing business, you will likely acquire what are known as
intangible assets. These assets can contribute to the revenue growth of your
business and, as such, they can be expensed against these future revenues. An
example of an intangible asset is when you buy a patent for an invention.
An Example Of Calculating amortization
The formula for calculating the amortization on an
intangible asset is similar to the one used for calculating straight-line
depreciation. You divide the initial cost of the intangible asset by the
estimated useful life of the intangible asset. For example, if it costs $10,000
to acquire a patent and it has an estimated useful life of ten years, the
amortized amount per year equals $1,000. The amount of amortization accumulated
since the asset was acquired appears on the balance sheet as a deduction under
the amortized asset.