US GAAP ASC 360

Accumulated Depreciation

Cumulative contra-asset account offsetting gross historical asset cost on the balance sheet.

Detailed Definition & General Ledger Context

Accumulated Depreciation is governed by US GAAP ASC 360 in general ledger financial reporting and fixed asset sub-ledgers. Maintaining accurate records of Accumulated Depreciation is vital for audit compliance, asset balance verification, and tax schedule reconciliation.

Mathematical Standard & Equation

            Ending Accumulated Depreciation = Beginning Balance + Depreciation Expense - Disposals
          

General Ledger Journal Entry Standard

            Debit: Fixed Assets Expense Account

            Credit: Fixed Assets Contra-Asset / Payable Liability

Common Operational Pitfalls

Failing to reconcile fixed asset sub-ledgers with the general ledger trial balance monthly.
Conflating IRS MACRS tax depreciation tables with GAAP straight-line financial reporting.
Misclassifying lease obligations under ASC 842 capitalization standards.

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Authoritative Source

Source: https://www.fasb.org/ ↗