Accrual-based accounting requires a business to match the expenses it incurs with the revenues it generates each accounting period. Because a long-term asset, such as a piece of equipment, contributes ...

When a business acquires an asset to be used in its operations, the cost of the asset is generally not expensed all at once. Rather, the cost is depreciated over a period of time that depends on the ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Khadija Khartit is a strategy, investment, ...

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Depreciation expense can be a big portion of a company’s total expense. And since expenses decrease income, it affects the overall value of a company. Understanding what it is and the methods can help ...

A business wants to deduct expenses against revenues in the most effective fashion possible. But being effective doesn't mean that you always deduct an expense immediately. Depreciation allocates the ...

What is depreciation? Learn how it works, the main methods and how it impacts your business taxes and accounting.

Depreciation determines the loss of value of an asset over its useful life. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take ...