Sample Disclosure – Intangible Assets (14 April 2009)

Intangible assets

Acquired computer software licenses are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use of the specific software. These costs are amortised over their estimated useful lives. Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense when incurred. Cost that are directly associated with identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group, and that will probably generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognised as intangible assets. Costs include employee costs incurred as a result of developing software and an appropriate portion of relevant of overheads. Costs which enhances or extends the performance of computer software programme beyond their original specifications is recognised as a capital improvement and added to the original cost of software. Computer software development costs recognised as assets are amortised using straight line method over their estimated useful lives, not exceeding a period of 10 years.

Tagged As: Accounting policy, computer software, developments costs, Intangible assets, sample disclosure