What Is Deferred Charge?

August 25, 2024 4 min read Finance Accounting Real Estate Deferred Charge Amortization Intangible Asset Accounting Finance

A deferred charge represents an intangible expenditure that is carried forward as an asset and amortized over the period it represents. It commonly includes fees such as those for arranging long-term loans.

Deferred Charge: Intangible Expenditure Carried Forward as an Asset

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A deferred charge is an intangible expenditure or cost that is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet and amortized (spread out) over the life it represents. In essence, these are prepayments for future expenses that benefit more than one accounting period.

For example, fees incurred for arranging a 30-year mortgage on income-producing real estate are considered deferred charges. These costs are initially recorded as an asset and subsequently amortized over the 30-year life of the mortgage.

Types of Deferred Charges

Preliminary and Preoperating Expenses

Certain costs incurred before a company begins its operations can be deferred if they provide future economic benefits. Examples include legal fees for setting up the corporation and design costs in a project development phase.

Loan Arrangement Fees

Costs incurred for arranging long-term financial instruments, such as bank fees for a long-term loan or mortgage arrangement, are recorded as deferred charges.

Large Maintenance Expenses

Expenditures on major maintenance activities (unlike routine maintenance) that have long-term benefits, such as overhauls of factory machinery, are often deferred and amortized over their useful life.

Special Considerations

Accounting Treatment

Deferred charges should be systematically amortized over the period they benefit. Proper documentation and allocation over the right period are crucial for accuracy.

Firms should follow the specific guidelines laid out by accounting standards such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to ensure consistency and transparency.

Examples

Loan Arrangement Fees: Suppose a company incurs $30,000 in fees for arranging a 30-year mortgage. These fees will be capitalized as an asset on the balance sheet and amortized over the 30 years.
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Yearly Amortization Expense = \frac{\$30,000}{30} = \$1,000 \text{ per year}
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Preliminary Expenses: A startup company incurs $50,000 in legal fees for setting up the corporation. These costs are deferred and amortized over the expected useful life of these startup costs.

Historical Context

The concept of deferring charges has its roots in the principles of accrual accounting, which aims to match revenues with the related expenses in the period in which they are incurred, regardless of when the cash transactions occur. This matching principle provides a more accurate financial picture of a company’s performance and financial position.

Applicability

Deferred charges are applicable in various industries, especially where large initial costs are involved that provide benefits over multiple periods. Common sectors include real estate, manufacturing, and finance, where significant setup and arrangement fees are often incurred.

Comparisons

Deferred Revenue: Represents money received before a service is performed or a product is delivered, whereas deferred charges are incurred costs to be amortized over future periods.
Prepaid Expenses: Are similar to deferred charges, but typically, prepaid expenses are short-term and related to operational costs like insurance or rent.

Amortization: The systematic allocation of the cost of an intangible asset over its useful life.
Accrual Basis Accounting: A method of accounting where revenue and expenses are recorded when they are earned or incurred, not when cash is exchanged.
Intangible Assets: Non-physical assets with economic value, such as patents, trademarks, and goodwill.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a deferred charge?

Deferred charges allow a business to spread out a large expense over the period it benefits, aligning costs with revenues generated from those costs.

How is a deferred charge different from a prepaid expense?

A deferred charge typically involves long-term costs that provide future benefits over multiple periods, while prepaid expenses usually relate to short-term operational expenses.

How are deferred charges accounted for?

Deferred charges are initially recorded as assets on the balance sheet and then amortized over the periods they benefit, following either GAAP or IFRS guidelines.

References

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): The IFRS provides guidelines on the accounting treatment of deferred charges and other intangible assets.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): The principles set forth in GAAP detail the standards for financial reporting, including how to handle deferred charges.
Investopedia: Articles and definitions regarding complex financial and accounting terms.

Summary

Deferred charges play an essential role in financial accounting, allowing businesses to align large, non-recurring expenses with the income they generate. By deferring and amortizing these costs, companies can present a more accurate and stable view of their financial performance over time. Understanding the principles and proper accounting treatments of deferred charges is crucial for anyone involved in financial planning and analysis.