In an asset main number in Asset Accounting, which information can be different between international GAAP and local GAAP? There are 2 correct answers to this question.

Question

Options

• ANet book value
• BDeprecation start date
• CCapitalization date
• DAsset class

• A
  74% (17)
• C
  9% (2)
• D
  17% (4)

Explanation

In SAP Asset Accounting, an asset master record uses depreciation areas to hold valuation data per accounting standard (e.g., IFRS vs. local GAAP). Net book value (A) differs because each depreciation area can use different useful lives, depreciation methods, or rates, leading to divergent accumulated depreciation and therefore different NBVs over time. Depreciation start date (B) also differs because each depreciation area independently stores when depreciation begins - for example, IFRS may require depreciation from the date of availability for use, while local GAAP may use a period-start rule.

Why C and D are wrong: Capitalization date (C) is a header-level field on the asset master, shared across all depreciation areas - it reflects when the asset was capitalized in the books and cannot vary by GAAP standard. Asset class (D) is also a master-data header field that drives account determination and control parameters; it is assigned once and applies uniformly regardless of valuation view.

Memory tip: Think "header vs. area." Fields at the asset header level (asset class, capitalization date) are GAAP-neutral - they exist once. Fields stored within a depreciation area (start date, values, NBV) are where parallel valuation lives, so those are the ones that can diverge between standards.

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