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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 26 – Recognition Criteria and Initial Measurement

## Recognition Criteria (Both must be satisfied)

1. Future Economic Benefits (FEB) will flow to the entity from the asset

2. Cost can be measured reliably

> Same twin criteria as AS 10 for PPE.

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## Measurement

StageBasis
InitialCost
SubsequentCost less Accumulated Amortization

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## How the Asset was Acquired → Determines Initial Cost

### (i) Purchased Outright

+ / –Item
+Purchase price
Trade discounts and rebates
+Non-refundable taxes and duties
+Directly attributable expenses
Refundable taxes (excluded — same rule as AS 10)

> Decommissioning costs and exclusions from cost → same rules as AS 10 PPE.

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### (ii) Acquired by Way of Exchange

Same as AS 10 — record at fair value of asset given up or asset received, whichever is more clearly evident.

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### (iii) Acquired in Amalgamation

  • All intangible assets taken over by the purchasing company are recorded at Fair Value.
  • Any excess of purchase consideration over fair value of net assets taken over = Goodwill (recorded separately).

Formula:

```

Goodwill = Purchase Consideration – Fair Value of Net Assets acquired

```

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### (iv) Intangible Asset Acquired in Exchange for Shares

Record at:

  • Fair value of asset acquired, OR
  • Fair value of shares given up

…whichever is more clearly evident.

Worked example

### Example 1

Amalgamation Example:

Mulcku Ltd (Selling Co) is taken over by Akita Ltd (Purchasing Co).

AssetBook ValueFair Value
PPE₹10 cr₹15 cr
Intangible Assets₹15 cr₹20 cr
Inventories₹5 cr₹5 cr
Debtors₹5 cr₹5 cr
Total Assets₹35 cr₹45 cr (approx)
Less: Creditors/Loans₹8 cr₹8 cr
Net Assets (FV)₹37 cr

Purchase Consideration = ₹50 cr

Goodwill = ₹50 cr – ₹37 cr = ₹13 cr

Intangible Assets recorded at Fair Value = ₹20 cr (not book value of ₹15 cr).

### Example 2

Software Cost Computation (Q10):

ItemAmount (₹)
Purchase price1,50,000
Less: Trade discount @ 2.5%(3,750)
Net price1,46,250
Cost in ₹ (×100)1,46,25,000
Import duty @ 10%14,62,500
Additional import duty @ 5%8,04,375
Installation expenses1,50,000
Professional fees50,000
Total cost to capitalise₹1,70,91,875

Note: Entry Tax (recoverable) is excluded from cost.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Including refundable taxes in the cost of the asset — only non-refundable taxes form part of cost.
  • In amalgamation, recording intangibles at book value instead of fair value.
  • Forgetting that goodwill in amalgamation = Purchase Consideration minus Fair Value of Net Assets (not book value of net assets).
  • Not including directly attributable expenses (installation, professional fees) in the initial cost.
Bare-Act text Paragraph 21 – Recognition · AS 26 – Intangible Assets · click to expand
An intangible asset should be recognised if, and only if: (a) it is probable that the future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the enterprise; and (b) the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
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