Practice Question
If a company sells a piece of equipment for $35,000 that originally cost $100,000 and had accumulated depreciation of $80,000, what is the gain or loss on the sale of the asset?
- $5,000 loss
- $15,000 gain
- $20,000 gain
- $65,000 gain
First, determine the book value of the asset:
\[ \text{Book Value} = \text{Original Cost} - \text{Accumulated Depreciation} = 100{,}000 - 80{,}000 = 20{,}000 \]
Then, calculate the gain or loss:
\[ \text{Gain/Loss} = \text{Sale Price} - \text{Book Value} = 35{,}000 - 20{,}000 = \textbf{15{,}000 Gain} \]
Since the sale price exceeds the book value, the company recognizes a $15,000 gain on disposal. This gain would typically be reported in the income statement under non-operating income.