What is the purpose of depreciation in accounting?

The purpose of depreciation in accounting is to allocate the cost of an asset over its useful life. This systematic process allows businesses to match the expense of the asset with the revenue it generates over time, providing a more accurate reflection of financial performance. By recognizing depreciation, companies can report their profit more accurately, as the cost of using an asset is spread out over the years it contributes to operations. This also helps in complying with accounting principles, such as the matching principle, which ensures that expenses are recorded in the period in which they contribute to revenue generation. This method not only offers a clearer picture of profitability but also impacts tax calculations, as depreciation can reduce taxable income.