IAS 38 Intangible Assets

The purpose of IAS 38 is to give a summary of accounting requirements for intangible assets. Which are non-monetary assets and without physical existence & identifiable (either beingseparable or arising from contractual or other legal right).

IAS 36 requires an entity to recognize an intangible asset only if, specified criteria is met. This standard also specifies how to measure carrying amount of intangible assets and guide on the required specified disclosures about intangible assets.

Initially intangible assets meeting the relevant recognition criteria measured at cost, amortized on a systematic basis over their useful lives (unless the asset has an unlimited useful life, it which it is not amortized) and subsequently measured at cost or revaluation model.

What is an “Intangible asset”    
An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset that is physical in nature. Anything will be considered an asset that is controlled by an entity as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are anticipated. Such as, patents, copy rights, customer list, franchise agreements and trademarks etc.

Hence, the three critical attributes of an intangible asset are as follows:

• Future economic benefits
• Control (power to obtain benefits)
• Identifiability (an asset is identifiable when it is separable or arises from contractual or other legal rights) 

Recognitionand measurement
Recognition criteria:
IAS 36 requires an entity to recognize an intangible asset only if:

1. The cost of the asset can be measure reliable; and
2. It is feasible that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity.

The probability recognition criteria is always consider being satisfied for intangible assets that are in a business combination or separately

Initially intangible assets are measured at cost;

The cost of a separately acquired intangible asset consists of;

1. Its original purchase price, including non-refundable taxes, import duties, after deducting rebates and trade discounts.
2. Any other directly attributable cost incurred to bring the asset in working condition.

According to IFRS 3 Business Combinations, when an intangible asset is acquired in a business combination, the cost of that intangible asset is the fair value at the acquisition date. However if an asset acquired in a business combination is separable or arises from legal or other contractual rights, sufficient information is present to measure reliably the fair value of the asset.

Internally generated intangible assets
Internally generated goodwill can’t be recognized an asset.

• Any intangible asset arising from the research phase of an internal project will not be recognized. In fact all research cost is charged to expense.
• An intangible asset arising from the development phase of an internal project will be recognized only if,    an entity can demonstrate all of the following:
• Technical and commercial feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale.
• Its intention to complete the asset either to use it or sell it.
• How the asset will generate future economic benefits.
• The availability of adequate resources to complete the development.
• Ability to measure reliably the cost attributable to the intangible asset during its development 

Measurement after recognition:
An entity will need to choose either the cost model or the revaluation model as its accounting policy.

Cost model: After recognizing, an asset is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses.

Revaluation model: An intangible asset is carried at the revalued amount (based on fair value) less any subsequent accumulated amortization and impairment losses.

Fair value should be measured by reference to the active market. In an active market, all of the following conditions exist:

• Items traded in the market should be same;
• Willing sellers and buyer can be found easily at any time; and
• Prices available to local public

If an intangible asset is measured at the revaluation model, all other assets of the same class should also be accounted for using the same model, unless there is no active market for those assets.

Under the revaluation model, if there is an increase in the value; the increase is recognized in the other comprehensive income e and accumulated in equity as a revaluation surplus except to the extent that it reverses a previously recognized revaluation decrease in the profit & loss.
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How Can I apply the standard myself?
Without full grip on the standard as well as other accounting techniques it’s often difficult to deal with therefore we suggest you to use outsourced business accounting services by WeAccountax and contact one of accountancy companies UK rather than remain stuck in rules across recognition and measurement of tangible asset.

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