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Microlesson · 5-min read

Adjustment of foreign exchange rate changes to cost of asset – Section 43A

## Changes in the Rate of Exchange of Currency — Section 43A

Where an asset is acquired from a foreign country for business/profession, and there is an increase or decrease in liability due to a change in the foreign exchange rate at the time of:

  • settlement of the liability, or
  • repayment of a loan specifically borrowed to acquire the asset,

then the rate variation is adjusted to the cost of the asset.

### Key points

  • Applies to all capital expenditures referred to under Section 43(1) (actual cost), 35(1) (scientific research), 36(1)(ix), and the cost of acquisition of non-depreciable assets.
  • The revised amount becomes the actual cost / capital expenditure / cost of acquisition.
  • Forward exchange contract (hedging): If a forward contract is entered into for hedging, the rate as per the forward contract is used.

> Note: The adjustment is on an actual settlement/repayment basis, not a notional year-end restatement.

Worked example

### Example 1

Example — increase in liability. Machinery imported for ₹50,00,000. Due to exchange-rate movement at the time of settling the foreign-currency loan, an additional ₹2,00,000 becomes payable. The revised actual cost = ₹52,00,000, on which depreciation is then computed.

### Example 2

Example — forward contract. An assessee hedges the import liability with a forward contract. The amount adjusted to the asset cost is determined using the forward-contract rate, not the spot rate on the settlement date.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Adjusting the cost on a notional year-end basis instead of on actual settlement/repayment.
  • Ignoring a forward contract and using the spot rate where hedging was done.
  • Restricting Section 43A only to depreciable assets — it also covers cost of acquisition of non-depreciable assets.
Reference: Section 43A — Income-tax Act, 1961
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