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Microlesson · 5-min read

Depreciation Computation Format (Block-of-Assets WDV)

## Depreciation Computation Format [Sec. 43(6)(c)]

Depreciation under the block method is computed step-by-step on the WDV of the block:

StepParticularsAmount
1Opening WDV of the block as on 1 April of the current PYXXXX
2Add: Actual cost of assets acquired during the PY — split into: (a) put to use ≥180 days; (b) put to use < 180 days; (c) acquired but not installed; (d) capital repairs (Sec. 30/31)XXX
3Gross value of block (Step 1 + 2)XXXX
4Less: Money received/receivable on assets of the block sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed during the PY (cannot exceed Step 3)(XXX)
5Closing WDV before depreciation (Step 3 − 4)XXXX
6Less: Depreciation (per Working Note 1; cannot exceed Step 5)(XXX)
7Closing WDV after depreciation (Step 5 − 6)XXXX

> For a slump sale asset removed in Step 4, the reduction = Actual cost of the asset − depreciation that would have been allowable as if it were the only asset in the block.

### Working Note 1 — Normal Depreciation (Part 1)

Apply against Step 5 value in this order of allocation:

1. First, allocate to assets bought but NOT put to useNil depreciation.

2. Then, allocate to assets used < 180 days → apply half rate → Depreciation (B).

3. Last (balancing figure) → apply full rate → Depreciation (A).

Total Normal Depreciation = A + B

### Working Note — Additional Depreciation (Part 2)

AssetDays used in PYAdditional Depreciation
Acquired & not installedZero
New P&M, ≥ 180 daysActual cost × 20%
New P&M, < 180 daysActual cost × 10%
Asset bought last year (balance)balance to be claimedActual cost × 10%

Total Depreciation = Part 1 (Normal) + Part 2 (Additional)

> 'Actual cost' here = Sec. 43(1) cost and includes borrowing cost per Explanation 8.

Worked example

### Example 1

Full format: Opening WDV (P&M 15%) = ₹20,00,000. Add new machine (≥180 days) ₹5,00,000. Sale of an old machine = ₹3,00,000. → Step 3 = ₹25,00,000; Step 5 = ₹25,00,000 − ₹3,00,000 = ₹22,00,000; Normal depreciation = 15% × ₹22,00,000 = ₹3,30,000; Closing WDV = ₹18,70,000.

### Example 2

Allocation order with a < 180-day asset: Step 5 value ₹22,00,000 includes a ₹5,00,000 new machine used < 180 days. → Half-rate on ₹5,00,000 = 7.5% × ₹5,00,000 = ₹37,500 (B); full rate on remaining ₹17,00,000 = 15% × ₹17,00,000 = ₹2,55,000 (A); Total normal dep = ₹2,92,500.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Letting Step 4 (sale consideration) exceed Step 3 — it is capped at the gross value of the block.
  • Charging depreciation on assets acquired but not yet installed/put to use — they get nil depreciation.
  • Applying the full rate to < 180-day assets instead of half the rate.
  • Excluding borrowing cost (Explanation 8) from actual cost when computing additions/additional depreciation.
  • Wrongly ordering the allocation — assets not put to use and < 180-day assets must be carved out before the balancing (full-rate) figure.
Reference: Section 43(6)(c); Rule 5(1) — Income-tax Act, 1961
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