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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 28 – Value in Use Calculation and Integration with AS 26 (Intangibles)

## Value in Use Calculation — Integration with AS 26 (Intangible Assets)

### Background: AS 26 Research vs. Development

Before an intangible asset can be impaired under AS 28, it must first be recognised under AS 26:

PhaseTreatment
Research PhaseExpense to Profit & Loss (never capitalise)
Development PhaseCapitalise as intangible asset (if all 6 AS 26 criteria are met)

Once capitalised, the intangible asset is tested for impairment under AS 28.

### Recoverable Amount — When NSP is Not Available

Recoverable Amount = max(Net Selling Price, Value in Use)

If NSP is not available (no active market for the asset), then:

Recoverable Amount = Value in Use (VIU)

### How to Calculate Value in Use

VIU = Present Value of future cash flows expected from the asset.

Steps:

1. Identify future cash inflows for each year of remaining useful life.

2. Identify an appropriate discount rate (pre-tax, risk-adjusted).

3. Multiply each year's cash flow by the present value factor (PVF): PVF = 1/(1+r)^n

4. Sum all discounted cash flows.

$$\text{VIU} = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{CF_t}{(1+r)^t}$$

### Recognising Impairment on the Intangible

If CA > RA (VIU):

  • Impairment Loss = CA − VIU
  • Revised CA = VIU
  • Future amortisation is based on revised CA over remaining useful life.

Worked example

### Example 1

Intangible Asset: Research + Development + Impairment Test (Page 28)

Phase 1 — AS 26 Recognition:

  • Apr–Aug 2020 (5 months): Research Phase → ₹10 lakhs → Expensed to P&L
  • Sep 2020–Mar 2021: Development Phase → ₹8 lakhs → Capitalised as Intangible Asset

On 01.04.2021:

  • CA of intangible = ₹8 lakhs
  • NSP: Not available
  • Recoverable Amount = Value in Use

Value in Use Calculation (discount rate ≈ 10%):

YearCash Flow (₹L)PV FactorPV (₹L)
120.9091.82
220.8261.65
320.7571.51
420.6831.37
520.6211.24
Total≈ 7.59

VIU ≈ ₹7.58 lakhs (rounded)

Impairment:

  • CA = ₹8.00 lakhs
  • RA = VIU = ₹7.58 lakhs
  • Impairment Loss = 8.00 − 7.58 = ₹0.42 lakhs
  • Revised CA = ₹7.58 lakhs

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Capitalising research phase expenditure — it must always be expensed under AS 26.
  • Using NSP when it is unavailable, or blending NSP and VIU instead of taking the higher of the two.
  • Using post-tax discount rate instead of pre-tax rate for VIU calculation.
  • Including financing cash flows (interest, dividends) in the future cash flows for VIU — only operating cash flows are included.
  • Forgetting to test the capitalised development-phase intangible for impairment under AS 28 after initial recognition.
Bare-Act text Definitions — Recoverable Amount and Value in Use (para. 5) · AS 28 – Impairment of Assets · click to expand
Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's net selling price and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life.
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