Causes of DepreciationDepreciation may be of two types :-
(1) Internal-Depreciation which occurs for certain inherent normal causes is known as internal depreciation. The causes of internal depreciation are : (a) Wear and Tear-An asset declines on account of continued use e.g. building, plant, machinery etc. such decline depends upon quantum of use of an asset. If a factory works double-shift instead of single shift, depreciation on plant and machinery will be doubled. It is obvious that such loss is unavoidable. An asset may be kept in proper working conditions through repairs for the time being, but it can not be done so permanently: At one time the asset will become unfit for repairs, when it will no longer be suitable. (b) Depletion-Some assets decline
in value proportionate to the quantum of production, e.g. mines, quarry etc.
With the raising of coal etc. from coal mine, the total deposit reduces
gradually and after some time it will be fully exhausted. Then its value will be
nil.
(1) External-Depreciation caused by
some external reasons is called external
depreciation. The causes of external depreciation
are:
(a) Obsolescence Some assets, though in proper
working order, may become obsolete. For example old machine becomes obsolete
with the invention of more economical and sophisticated machine, whose
productive capacity is generally higher and cost of production is lesser. In
order to survive in the competitive market the manufacturer must install new
machine replacing the old one.
(b) Passage of timeSome assets diminish in value on
account of sheer passage of time, even though they are not used e.g. lease hold
property, patent rights, copy rights etc.
(c) AccidentsAssets may be destroyed by abnormal
reasons such as fire, earth quake, flood etc. In such a case the destroyed asset
may be written-off as loss and a new one purchased.
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