Question

A fixed asset with a five-year estimated useful life and no scrap value is sold at the end of the second year of its useful life. How would using the straight-line method of depreciation instead of the double-declining balance method of depreciation affect a gain or loss on the sale of the plant asset?
A) A gain would be greater or a loss would be less using straight-line depreciation.
B) A gain would be less or a loss would be greater using straight-line depreciation.
C) A gain would be less or a loss would be less using straight-line depreciation.
D) Neither the gain or loss would be different using straight-line depreciation instead of double-declining-balance method.

Answer 1

Answer:

B) A gain would be less or a loss would be greater using straight-line depreciation.

Explanation:

In straight line method of depreciation there is a fixed amount of depreciation,  and in double declining method the rate is double of straight line method,

Let us take an example,

Cost of asset = $500,000

Selling price at end of 2nd year = $300,000

Straight line depreciation = $100,000 for each year i.e. $500,000/5

Double declining method rate = ($100,000/$500,000) $\times$ 100 $\times$ 2 = 40%

Therefore value at end of second year

Straight line = $500,000 - ($100,000 $\times$ 2 ) = $300,000

Double Declining method = ($500,000 -40%) - 40% = $180,000

In case of sale at $300,000

Profit shall be

Straight line = $300,000 - $300,000 = 0

Double Declining = $300,000 - $180,000 = $120,000

Now, there will be more profit in double declining that is gain is less in straight line and losses would be greater in straight line thus statement B is correct.