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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 26 – Impairment of Intangible Assets (AS 28)

## Impairment Test — AS 28

An impairment test compares the Carrying Amount (CA) of an asset to its Recoverable Amount (RA).

---

## Recoverable Amount

```

Recoverable Amount = HIGHER of:

(a) Value in Use (VIU) — Present value of future cash flows from using the asset

(b) Net Selling Price (NSP) — Amount obtainable on sale, net of disposal costs

```

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## Impairment Loss

SituationTreatment
CA > RAImpairment Loss = CA – RA → Expense to P&L
CA ≤ RANo impairment; asset stays at CA

> There is NO concept of Impairment Gain. If RA > CA, the asset remains at CA (gain is NOT recorded).

Journal Entry for Impairment Loss:

```

Impairment Loss (P&L) Dr [CA – RA]

To Intangible Asset A/c [CA – RA]

```

After impairment, the revised CA = RA, and future amortization is based on this revised figure.

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## Impairment vs Revaluation

ConceptEffect
ImpairmentOnly reduces asset value; never increases above cost
RevaluationCan increase or decrease asset to fair value

These are distinct and separate concepts under separate standards.

Worked example

### Example 1

Impairment Loss Calculation:

CA of intangible = ₹1,75,000

Value in Use = ₹1,50,000

Net Selling Price = ₹1,20,000

Recoverable Amount = Higher(₹1,50,000 ; ₹1,20,000) = ₹1,50,000

Impairment Loss = ₹1,75,000 – ₹1,50,000 = ₹25,000

```

Impairment Loss (P&L) Dr 25,000

To Intangible Asset 25,000

```

Revised CA = ₹1,50,000

### Example 2

No Impairment Scenario:

CA = ₹2,00,000; Value in Use = ₹1,70,000; Net Selling Price = ₹1,90,000

RA = Higher(₹1,70,000 ; ₹1,90,000) = ₹1,90,000

CA (₹2,00,000) > RA (₹1,90,000) → Impairment Loss = ₹10,000

---

No Impairment (RA exceeds CA):

CA = ₹2,00,000; Value in Use = ₹1,80,000; Net Selling Price = ₹2,20,000

RA = ₹2,20,000 > CA = ₹2,00,000 → No impairment. Asset stays at ₹2,00,000. No gain recorded.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Recording an 'Impairment Gain' when Recoverable Amount exceeds Carrying Amount — this concept does NOT exist; the asset stays at CA.
  • Using the LOWER of VIU and NSP instead of the HIGHER to compute Recoverable Amount.
  • Confusing Impairment with Revaluation — impairment is a loss recognition mechanism; revaluation involves adjusting to fair value and can go up or down.
  • Not revising future amortization after an impairment loss — amortization for remaining years must be recomputed on the new (post-impairment) CA.
  • Applying impairment loss to P&L reserve instead of directly to P&L — for intangibles not previously revalued, impairment is always a P&L charge.
Reference:
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