SLM vs. WDV: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 30, 2024
SLM (Straight Line Method) depreciates assets evenly over their useful life, while WDV (Written Down Value) method depreciates them at a higher rate early on, decreasing over time.
Key Differences
SLM, or Straight Line Method, is an approach where the asset's cost is evenly distributed over its useful life. This method results in a fixed annual depreciation expense. Conversely, WDV, or Written Down Value method, also known as the declining balance method, applies a fixed depreciation rate to the reduced balance of the asset each year, resulting in a larger depreciation expense in the early years and decreasing over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
In SLM, the depreciation expense is consistent and predictable each year, making it simpler and more straightforward for long-term financial planning. WDV, on the other hand, offers higher depreciation charges in the initial years, which can be advantageous for tax purposes or for assets that lose value more rapidly early in their lifespan.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
The SLM is ideal for assets whose benefits are expected to be derived evenly over their lifespan, such as buildings or furniture. The WDV method is more suited for assets like vehicles or machinery, which tend to lose value more quickly in the initial years.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
While SLM offers simplicity and ease of calculation, it may not accurately reflect the actual wear and tear of an asset. WDV provides a more realistic depreciation for assets that become obsolete quickly but can be more complex to calculate due to the changing depreciation expense each year.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Comparison Chart
Depreciation Calculation
Depreciates an asset by a fixed percentage of its original value annually.
Depreciates an asset by a fixed rate, but the amount decreases every year as it's calculated on the reduced value.
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Jan 30, 2024
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Complexity
Simple and straightforward to calculate.
More complex as it requires calculating depreciation on the remaining value each year.
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Jan 30, 2024
Depreciation Amount
Constant annual depreciation amount.
Variable annual depreciation amount; higher in the early years and decreases over time.
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Jan 30, 2024
Suitability
Suitable for assets with a consistent utility over their lifespan.
Suitable for assets that lose value more rapidly in the initial years.
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Jan 30, 2024
Impact on Financial Statements
Leads to a uniform charge on the profit and loss statement over the years.
Higher depreciation expenses in initial years, leading to lower profits initially and higher in later years.
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Jan 30, 2024
SLM and WDV Definitions
SLM
SLM evenly spreads the cost of an asset over its useful life.
The company used SLM to depreciate its new office building.
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WDV
WDV depreciates assets more in the early years.
The company chose WDV for their new computers.
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Jan 08, 2024
SLM
SLM is ideal for assets with a consistent utility over time.
For their long-lasting equipment, they prefer SLM.
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Jan 08, 2024
WDV
WDV is suitable for rapidly depreciating assets.
For high-tech equipment, WDV is their preferred method.
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Jan 08, 2024
SLM
SLM offers predictable financial planning.
SLM aids in their budgeting process for asset expenses.
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WDV
WDV applies a constant rate to the diminishing value.
WDV is used for their fleet of vehicles.
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Jan 08, 2024
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SLM
SLM results in a fixed depreciation amount each year.
Their accounting system applies SLM for furniture depreciation.
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Jan 08, 2024
WDV
WDV offers higher initial tax savings.
WDV benefits their short-term tax strategy.
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Jan 08, 2024
SLM
SLM is a straightforward method of depreciation.
SLM simplifies their annual financial statements.
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Jan 08, 2024
WDV
WDV is complex but reflects realistic asset wear and tear.
They find WDV accurate for machinery depreciation.
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Jan 08, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can SLM be used for all types of assets?
SLM can be used for most assets, but may not be ideal for those with rapid early depreciation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What does SLM stand for in depreciation?
SLM stands for Straight Line Method in asset depreciation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What is the key feature of WDV?
The key feature of WDV is higher depreciation in the initial years, decreasing over time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How does SLM affect financial statements?
SLM results in consistent depreciation expenses in financial statements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Is SLM suitable for tax planning?
SLM is less beneficial for short-term tax planning compared to WDV.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How is the depreciation rate determined in SLM?
In SLM, the depreciation rate is determined based on the asset's useful life.
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Jan 30, 2024
How does WDV reflect an asset's value?
WDV reflects an asset's value more realistically, mirroring its declining utility.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What makes WDV complex in calculation?
WDV is complex due to its changing depreciation amount each year.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Is SLM depreciation the same each year?
Yes, SLM provides the same depreciation expense each year.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Why is WDV preferred for certain assets?
WDV is preferred for assets that lose value faster in the early years.
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Jan 30, 2024
Why choose SLM for long-lasting equipment?
SLM is chosen for its simplicity and consistency, suitable for assets with a long lifespan.
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Jan 30, 2024
How does SLM impact cash flow projections?
SLM offers predictable depreciation, aiding in steady cash flow projections.
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Jan 30, 2024
Which method is easier for auditors, SLM or WDV?
SLM is generally easier for auditors due to its straightforward calculation.
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Jan 30, 2024
Is WDV more tax-efficient initially?
Yes, WDV can offer greater tax efficiency in the early years of an asset’s life.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can SLM be changed to WDV for an asset?
Switching methods is typically not recommended and can complicate accounting.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Does WDV require reassessment annually?
WDV requires annual reassessment of the depreciation rate and asset value.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Is training required for implementing SLM or WDV?
Basic accounting knowledge is sufficient for SLM, while WDV may require more training due to its complexity.
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Jan 30, 2024
What industries commonly use WDV?
Industries with rapidly depreciating assets, like technology, often use WDV.
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Jan 30, 2024
How does WDV benefit short-term budgeting?
WDV offers higher initial depreciation, reducing taxable income in the short term.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can WDV be applied to intangible assets?
WDV is typically not suitable for intangible assets due to their different depreciation patterns.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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