This article will provide an overview of how Depreciation is accounted for in Class, as well as explain the best way to set up Depreciation to benefit from the automation features available.

It provides links to all the relevant articles on the topic of Depreciation.

The topics that will be covered include:

• Top Tips on Depreciation Worksheets
• Depreciation Methods
• Depreciation Types & Treatments
• Depreciation Worksheet Set-Up Options
• Configuring Depreciation Worksheets 
• Annual Depreciation Processing
• Depreciation FAQ
• Depreciation Errors and Warnings Summary of Articles

Top Tips on Depreciation Worksheets

In this video, you will learn 5 top tips to help you set up and manage Depreciation Worksheets in Class efficiently.

Depreciation Methods

There are two options to track depreciation, the benefits of each are listed below:

1. Depreciation Worksheet - (Recommended method)
   • Automatically calculated CA and CWD each year once set up
   • The Depreciation Worksheet can be easily rolled forward each year
   • Fixed assets can be easily added/removed to the worksheet
   • Simplifies the property disposal process and potential Captial Gain Tax calculation
2. Manual Depreciation
   
   • Doesn't require set up, useful if the property will only be held for a very short time period e.g. one year

You can only choose one method of calculating depreciation for each property. 

Depreciation Types & Treatments

Below is a summary of the depreciation types available in Class and their impact on the various areas.

Depreciation Worksheet Set-Up Options

There are two ways that a Depreciation Worksheet can be set-up in Class, the benefits of each are listed below:

1. Combined and set up under a property - (Recommended method)
   • Should be used where assets relate to the property 
   • Streamlines the disposal of the property (you won't need to record separate disposals or manually calculate CGT)
2. Separate asset to the property e.g. Furniture & Fittings'
   
   • Should only be used if the depreciable assets are unrelated to the property

If you want to change from Option 2 to use the recommended Option 1:
Review the instructions here where at least one period update has occurred and you can't roll back or here where a period update hasn't occurred and you can configure the Load Opening Balance screen

Changing of CA to CWD and vice-versa is not allowed. User will not be able to edit the type, once entered. If required to change the type to CA or CWD, will need to delete the line item completely and re- enter.

Configuring Depreciation Worksheets 

There are two ways to configure the set up of a Depreciation Worksheet on Class:

• Import a Depreciation Worksheet from csv template
• Adding Assets to a Depreciation Worksheet
• If you have a Quantity Surveyor we recommend following this process to process this in bulk each year.

After the Depreciation Worksheet has been set up ensure that the residual in the Depreciation Worksheet always equals zero.

Annual Depreciation Processing

There are some processes that you may need to complete during the year in relation to Depreciation Worksheets including:

• Capitalising & Depreciating New Assets
• Fixed Asset disposal, if an asset is sold without the property
• Rollover Depreciation Worksheets Between Years
• Depreciation sale/disposal of property

Depreciation FAQ

• This page documents Depreciation FAQs
• How to create an Accumulated Depreciation Account in Class (mainly for non-smsf entities)
• How to include Capital Works Depreciation (CWD) in Accounting Book Cost (Trusts)

Depreciation Errors and Warnings Summary of Articles

Depreciation Worksheet errors and warning messages will appear for a various reasons.

Below are the warning/errors you might encounter:

• 'In the current year, the Total Book Cost should accurately reflect the sum of the Fixed Asset within the Depreciation Worksheet.' 
• 'Active depreciation worksheet in the current financial year already exists for XXX'
• 'There is a residual balance in the current year depreciation worksheet'

You can refer to our User Guide for more information on how to troubleshoot and resolve.