What is Reducing balance method of depreciation?

Answer 1

This is an accelerated method of depreciation in which the depreciation is computed by applying a fixed rate to the book value of the fixed asset. This method results in a higher depreciation charge in the early life of the asset compared to later years. The rationale for using this method is that many kinds of plant assets are most efficient when new, so they provide better service in the early years of its useful life. It is therefore consistent with the matching rule to allocate more depreciation to the early years compared to later years if the benefits to be received in the early years are higher. E.g. Computers are more useful in the early years compared to later years, since they are easily obsolete by technological advances. Hence, it has diminishing value as the years goes by.