Accounting for Exchanged Assets (trade-in)

This is controversial topic recording gain/loss based on FMV or using NBV with no recognizing gain/loss.

Whether it’s an exchange of similar or different assets, there is a high possibility of Commercial Substance. An exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows change as a result of the transaction. That is, if the two parties’ economic positions change, the transaction has commercial substance.

fixed assets

Has Commercial Substance

Recognize gains and losses immediately.

Cost of New Asset = Cash paid + FMV of the old asset
(Where: Cash paid = New asset price – Trade-in allowance)

Gain/Loss of old asset disposal = FMV of the old asset – NBV of the old asset

Dr. New Asset (as per above)
Dr. Acc. Dear. of old asset (from books)
Dr. Loss of disposal
Cr. Old Asset (original cost from books)
Cr. Cash/AP (cash paid)

Lacks Commercial Substance

Defer gains and losses

Cost of New Asset = Cash paid + NBV of the old asset

Dr. New Asset (as per above)
Dr. Acc. Dear. of old asset (from books)
Cr. Old Asset (original cost from books)
Cr. Cash/AP (cash paid)

References: IFRS, Intermediate Accounting (Kieso, …)

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