Question

To what extent do cost recovery deductions based on the capitalized cost of a tangible asset reflect a decline in the economic value of that asset?

Answer 1

Answer:

Cost recovery deductions do not have relationship to any decline in value of the property to which the deduction relates.

Explanation:

Capitalised costs are the cost that is incurred when building and financing a fixed asset. For example labour cost in building and financing an asset.

These expenses are added to the cost of the asset (capitalised) and taken gradually over time through depreciation, depletion, and amortization. They are not taken out of revenue in the period when they were incurred.

So cost deductions through capitalised cost is not related to the value of the asset but is an expense that is incurred in relation to the asset, and it's payment is spread out over time.

For example if $1,200 is incurred on construction of an asset worth $500,000. If $1,200 is capitalised over 12 months $100 will be deducted each month from expense. This does not affect the value of the asset ($500,000).