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    What is the Meaning of Write-Down?

    In accounting, write-down describes the reduction in the book value of an asset when the asset's fair market value (FMV) has dropped below the carrying book value; it becomes an impaired asset. The book value of the asset minus the cash obtainable by disposing of it in an optimal way equates to the amount to be written down.

    A write-down is the opposite of a write-up; it transforms in a write-up when the value of the asset becomes worthless and eliminated from the account completely. If the asset is held for sale, the write-down must include the expected cost of the sale.

    Understanding a Write-Down

    Write-downs can create a huge impact on the net income and balance sheet of a company. During a financial crisis, the market value of assets drops on the balance sheets, forcing the financial institutions to raise capital in order to meet the minimum capital criterion.

    A company's accounts receivable, goodwill, inventory, and other long-term assets, such as property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) are the accounts that must be written down. PP&E may become damaged or obsolete over time, or the price of properties may have fallen far below the historical cost. Write-downs are commonly seen in businesses that sell or manufacture goods. In this case, the stock of inventory can become damaged or obsolete.

    Consider the example of an automobile and electronic gadgets' inventory. These goods lose value with time if they remain unsold as latest models keep entering the market every other day. Sometimes, full inventory write-off may also be necessary.

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    CONTENTS

    • What is the Meaning of Write-Down?
    • Understanding a Write-Down

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    FAQs

    Write Down - Definition, What is Write Down, Advantages of Write Down, and Latest News - ClearTax? ›

    In accounting, write-down describes the reduction in the book value of an asset when the asset's fair market value (FMV) has dropped below the carrying book value; it becomes an impaired asset.

    What is the meaning of "written down"? ›

    to write something on a piece of paper so that you do not forget it: Did you write down Jo's phone number? SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

    What is the difference between write-off and write-down? ›

    A write-down reduces the value of an asset for tax and accounting purposes, but the asset still retains some value. A write-off reduces the value of an asset to zero and negates any future value.

    What is a write-down in banking? ›

    A write-down is an accounting adjustment that reduces the book value of an asset to reflect a decline in its fair market value. Write-downs impact a company's balance sheet by lowering the carrying value of assets, which can have ripple effects across the financial statements.

    What is a write-down in taxes? ›

    A write-down is the reduction in the book value of an asset when its fair market value has fallen below the book value, and thus becomes an impaired asset. Depreciation: Definition and Types, With Calculation Examples.

    What is an example of write-down? ›

    Examples from the Collins Corpus

    I am going to write down all the information we have gathered. All the same, I'd be glad if you could write down the names and places while they're fresh in your memory. It wasn't only the doctor's delivery that made it hard to write down what he said.

    What is the difference between write and write-down? ›

    "Write" means "compose a sentence (or sentences)." "Write down" means "write something on a piece of paper (or other similar material)" or "put something in writing." We can write something mentally, but we have to write things down physically.

    What is write-down in financial terms? ›

    A write-down is an accounting term for the reduction in the book value of an asset when its fair market value (FMV) has fallen below the carrying book value, and thus becomes an impaired asset.

    How does a write-down affect the financial statements? ›

    An inventory write-down impacts both the income statement and the balance sheet. A write-down is treated as an expense, which means net income and tax liability is reduced. A reduction in net income thereby decreases a business's retained earnings, which would then decrease the shareholder' equity on the balance sheet.

    What is the difference between write-up and write-down in accounting? ›

    Whereas a write-down is generally considered a red flag; a write-up is not considered a positive harbinger of future business prospects — since they're generally a one-time event. During an asset write-up, special treatment for intangible assets and tax effects are considered.

    What does the term "write down" mean? ›

    What Is a Write-Down? A write-down is an accounting term for the reduction in the book value of an asset when its fair market value (FMV) has fallen below the carrying book value, and thus becomes an impaired asset.

    What does the expression write-down mean? ›

    : to reduce in status, rank, or value. especially : to reduce the book value of. intransitive verb. : to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence.

    What is another word for "written down"? ›

    enter inscribe jot down log record take down transcribe. write down (verb as in tally) Strongest matches. itemize register.

    What is written down as someone says it? ›

    Dictation is the process of writing down what someone else has said.

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