Discussion Question A
Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), a company can use a variety of depreciation methods. Under tax law, companies follow the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Discuss the major differences between the computation of depreciation under GAAP and then under MACRS. Defend your position of different systems like this for book income versus taxable income. Why? Identify if one system could work for all. Why?
Discussion Question B
You are an accounting tutor. One of your students is confused about impairment because the student has learned earlier that all assets are recorded at their historical cost. The student has the following list of questions for you:
• Identify the rules of impairment, and when might an asset end up impaired? Provide examples to justify your answer.
• How can a balance be computed with any amount of accuracy? Isn't this just an estimate that can be subjective? Why?
• Explained what happens if the asset increases back up in value after an impairment loss is recorded?