The financial concept called "The Historical Cost"

The Historical Cost Concept

This demands that transactions are recorded at the original cost when they occurred. That is assets are recorded at the amount of cash or cash equivalent paid or the fair value of the consideration given for them. Also, liabilities are recorded at the amount of proceeds received in exchange for the obligation.

      

The Historical Cost Accounting (H.C.A.) has the following advantages

                    i.            It is simple and cheap to apply.

                  ii.            Profit/loss ascertained is well understood.

                iii.            Generally used in practice since no better alternative exists.

                iv.            H.C.A. records are objective and verifiable.

                  v.            It makes it simple when comparing historical cost figures with past results or budgets.

The problems of   Historical Cost Accounting are

                    i.            The statement of financial position does not show the value of a business.

                  ii.            It maintains financial capital but not physical capital.

                iii.            It overstates profit in times of inflation and vice versa.

                iv.            It is a poor basis for assessing performance. Effects of inflation may be interpreted as growth.

                  v.            The loss suffered through holding monetary assets such as cash or receivables is  not recognized by H.C.A.

NB: Assets are preferably measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value

<<Back to Home Page