Does IFRS for SMEs make a distinction between assets with finite and assets with infinite lives?

Asked by: Antoinette Dibbert  |  Last update: August 6, 2026
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No, the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard does not make a distinction between intangible assets with finite and indefinite (infinite) useful lives. Unlike full IFRS, all intangible assets—including goodwill—are assumed to have a finite life, must be amortized, and are only tested for impairment when there is an indication of impairment.

How does IFRS for SME differ from the full IFRS?

IFRS allows for the recognition of internally generated intangible assets where certain conditions are met. IFRS for SMEs does not allow for the recognition of these intangible assets. Borrowing costs under IFRS for SMEs are expensed as opposed to IFRS which requires them to be capitalised where applicable.

What is the difference between finite and indefinite life intangible assets?

Finite-Life Intangible Assets: Examples include patents, copyrights, and franchises. These assets are amortized over their useful lives. Indefinite-Life Intangible Assets: Examples include brand names and reputation. These assets are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually.

What is Section 22 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 22 requires the issuer of a financial instrument to classify the instrument or its component parts on initial recognition as a financial liability or as an equity instrument, in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and with the definitions of a financial liability and equity.

What is Section 33 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 33 is to prescribe the disclosure requirements for related party transactions so that users of the financial statements can see information about an entity's related parties and form a view about the possibility that an entity's financial position and profit or loss may have been affected by ...

102: Intangible assets with finite life vs Intangible assets with infinite life

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What is Section 21 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 21 is to prescribe criteria for accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets, and to require disclosures in the notes to financial statements to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount. Provisions are a subset of liabilities.

What is Section 29 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 29 is to prescribe the accounting requirements for income tax. Income tax includes all domestic and foreign taxes that are based on taxable profit. It also includes taxes, such as withholding taxes, payable by a subsidiary, associate or joint venture on distributions to the reporting entity.

What is Section 17 of IFRS for SMEs?

Under Section 17 of IFRS for SMEs, the cost model is predominantly used, where the asset is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The revaluation model is not generally available under IFRS for SMEs, simplifying the accounting process for smaller entities.

What is Section 19 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 19 of the IFRS for SMEs standard covers the determination of goodwill arising from business combinations. This section also gives guidance on the many principles that need in-depth consideration when accounting for a transaction that meets the definition of a 'business combination'.

What is Section 5 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 5 specifies the presentation of an entity's income and expenses. Other sections of the IFRS for SMEs Standard specify requirements for recognising and measuring income and expenses.

What is an example of a finite intangible asset?

Finite life intangible assets are non-physical assets that have a limited useful life, meaning they are expected to provide economic benefits for a specific period. These assets include items such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks that will eventually expire or become obsolete.

What is a finite asset?

Earth's Finite Assets designate the non-renewable natural resources, including mineral deposits, fossil fuel reserves, and certain ecological sinks, which exist in a fixed quantity and cannot be regenerated within human timescales.

What does it mean if an asset has a finite life?

Useful Life and Amortization of Intangible Assets

Indefinite life implies that the asset has no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows for the entity. On the other hand, having a finite life implies an intangible asset has a limited period of benefit to the entity.

What is the difference between IFRS 19 and IFRS for SMEs?

Unlike IFRS 19, which is a disclosure-only Standard, the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard is a stand-alone Standard that includes recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements.

Which accounting treatment is not allowable under IFRS for SMEs?

In addition, there are certain accounting treatments that are not allowable under the SMEs Standard. Examples of these disallowable treatments are the revaluation model for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and proportionate consolidation for investments in jointly controlled entities.

What is Section 30 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 30 prescribes how to include foreign currency transactions and foreign operations in the financial statements of an entity and how to translate financial statements into a presentation currency. The Section requires each entity to identify its functional currency.

Does IFRS 15 apply to IFRS for SMEs?

Is an entity preparing financial statements in terms of the IFRS for SMEs Standard required to apply IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16? No. IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 which became effective during 2018 and 2019 are applicable to entities applying IFRS.

What is module 12 of IFRS for SME?

Module 12 - Other financial instrument issues focuses on the accounting and reporting of financial instruments and transactions, other than those covered by Section 11, applying Section 12 of the IFRS for SMEs Standard.

What is Section 16 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 16 requires an entity to account for all items of investment property at initial recognition at their cost. Measurement after initial recognition will either be the cost or fair value models. The approach taken depends on circumstances rather than being an accounting policy choice.

What is Section 21 of the IFRS for SME?

The objective of Section 21 is to prescribe criteria for accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets, and to require disclosures in the notes to financial statements to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount. Provisions are a subset of liabilities.

What is Section 20 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 20 is to prescribe the accounting and disclosure requirements for leases in the financial statements of lessees and lessors. A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a payment or a series of payments the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time.

What is IAS 29 in IFRS?

IAS 29 applies to the financial statements of any entity from the beginning of the reporting period in which it identifies the existence of hyperinflation in the country in whose currency it reports. a gain or loss on the net monetary position is included in profit or loss.

What are the 4 criteria for recognizing revenue?

In this instance, revenue is recognized when all four of the traditional revenue recognition criteria are met: (1) the price can be determined, (2) collection is probable, (3) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, and (4) delivery has occurred.

What is Pfrs for SMEs 28?

PFRS for SMEs No. 28 Valuation is also an accounting valuation that is used to determine the recognized cost of employee benefits in the financial statements, but it is specifically designed for small and medium-sized entities in the Philippines. It is governed by PFRS for SMEs No.