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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 28 – Recognition and Treatment of Impairment Loss

## AS 28 — Treatment of Impairment Loss

### When to Recognise

Impairment loss is recognised immediately when CA > RA.

---

## Two Accounting Models

### Model 1: Cost Model

Asset is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.

  • Entire impairment loss → Profit & Loss Account

```

Dr P&L / Impairment Loss XXX

Cr PPE / Intangible Asset XXX

```

---

### Model 2: Revaluation Model

Asset is carried at revalued amount (fair value).

Impairment must first be absorbed by the existing Revaluation Reserve (RR) for that asset.

Step 1: Set off impairment loss against RR balance (up to RR balance):

```

Dr Revaluation Reserve XXX

Cr PPE XXX

```

Step 2: If impairment loss > RR balance, remaining excess → P&L:

```

Dr P&L / Impairment Loss XXX

Cr PPE XXX

```

Summary Table:

RR Balance vs. Impairment LossTreatment
RR ≥ Impairment LossFully absorbed by RR; nothing hits P&L
RR < Impairment LossRR fully used; excess goes to P&L
No RR balanceFull impairment loss → P&L

---

## Post-Impairment Depreciation

After recognising impairment, revise depreciation prospectively based on the new carrying amount:

```

Revised Annual Depreciation = (Revised CA − Residual Value)

÷ Remaining Useful Life

```

The original depreciation rate is not continued — it must be recalculated.

---

## Special Note: Carrying Amount Can Reach Zero

If RA = 0, impairment loss = full carrying amount. The asset is written down to zero.

Worked example

### Example 1

Cost Model — PPE Impairment (from Illustration)

CA on 31.12.2011 = ₹25,375 lakhs

RA on 31.12.2011 = ₹20,000 lakhs

Impairment Loss = ₹5,375 lakhs

Journal Entry:

```

Dr Profit & Loss A/c (Impairment Loss) 5,375

Cr Plant & Machinery (PPE) 5,375

```

Revised Depreciation for 2012:

Revised CA = ₹20,000 | Residual = ₹1,000 | Remaining life = 5 years

Annual Dep = (20,000 − 1,000)/5 = ₹3,800 lakhs/year

### Example 2

Revaluation Model — Partial RR Absorption

Given: CA = ₹100, RA = ₹83, Revaluation Reserve balance = ₹5

Impairment Loss = 100 − 83 = ₹17

Step 1: Absorb from RR (limited to ₹5):

```

Dr Revaluation Reserve 5

Cr PPE 5

```

Step 2: Balance to P&L (17 − 5 = ₹12):

```

Dr P&L (Impairment Loss) 12

Cr PPE 12

```

After impairment: RR balance = NIL | Revised CA = ₹83

### Example 3

Revaluation Model — No RR (Downward Revaluation Followed by Impairment)

Cost Day 1: ₹150 lakhs | Life: 10 years | Scrap: NIL

Depreciation p.a. = 150/10 = ₹15 lakhs

End of Year 4:

  • CA before revaluation = 150 − 4×15 = ₹90 lakhs
  • Fair value = ₹75 lakhs
  • Downward revaluation loss = 90 − 75 = ₹15 lakhs → P&L (no prior RR)

Impairment test at same date:

  • Revised CA = ₹75 lakhs
  • VIU = ₹60 lakhs | NSP = ₹64.5 lakhs
  • RA = Higher(60, 64.5) = ₹64.5 lakhs
  • Impairment Loss = 75 − 64.5 = ₹10.5 lakhs → P&L (no RR exists)

Total P&L charge in Year 4 = 15 + 10.5 = ₹25.5 lakhs

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Under the Revaluation Model, charging the full impairment loss directly to P&L without first checking and utilising the Revaluation Reserve balance.
  • After impairment, continuing to charge depreciation at the original rate on the original carrying amount instead of recalculating on the revised CA.
  • Using remaining life from the original purchase date instead of the remaining useful life from the date of impairment for the revised depreciation calculation.
  • Netting the downward revaluation and impairment into a single number — they are separate events with separate accounting treatment (downward revaluation per AS 10, impairment per AS 28).
  • Under Cost Model, incorrectly crediting accumulated depreciation instead of the asset account directly when recording impairment.
Bare-Act text Paragraphs 56–58 (Recognition and Measurement of Impairment Loss) · AS 28 — Impairment of Assets (ICAI) · click to expand
An impairment loss on a non-revalued asset is recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss immediately. An impairment loss on a revalued asset is recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss. However, an impairment loss on a revalued asset is recognised directly against any revaluation surplus for the asset to the extent that the impairment loss does not exceed the amount held in the revaluation surplus for that same asset. After the recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation charge for the asset should be adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset's revised carrying amount, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
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