Guide to right-of-use assets (ROU) and lease liabilities under ASC 842

How do you determine lease liability?

Recording the lease liability on a company’s balance sheet requires you to determine the lease term and lease payment. You must also know the rate to be used in discounting the lease liability.

The lease liability pertains to the obligation to make the rental payments using the present value of the future rental payment. Once the company has determined all the information needed such as the lease payment, lease term, and discount rate, then the liability can be discounted over the lease period using the discount rate.

The resulting amount becomes the lease liability and is recorded on the balance sheet. Now, the company has to proceed with recording the leased asset.

What is Included in a Right of Use Asset?

A right-of-use asset, also known as an ROU asset, is a key component of lease accounting under accounting standards such as ASC 842 and IFRS 16. The right-of-use asset encompasses several components, including:

• Lease Liability: The lease liability represents the present value of the lessee’s future lease payments. It is recognized on the balance sheet as a liability associated with the lease agreement.
• Initial Direct Costs: Initial direct costs incurred by the lessee in obtaining a lease are included in the right-of-use asset. These costs may include fees for legal services, commissions, and other directly attributable costs incurred to secure the lease.
• Lease Payments: The right-of-use asset incorporates the total lease payments over the lease term, including fixed payments, variable payments based on an index or rate, and any residual value guarantees.
• Lease Modifications: If there are any modifications to the lease agreement, such as changes in lease terms or lease extensions, the right-of-use asset is adjusted accordingly to reflect the revised lease terms.
• Impairment Losses: If there is an indication that the right of use asset is impaired, such as a decline in the asset’s value or changes in the expected lease term, impairment losses may be recognized to adjust the carrying amount of the asset.

How to calculate right-of-use assets under ASC 842

Calculating right-of-use assets under ASC 842 involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Identify Lease Contracts: Determine which lease contracts fall under the scope of ASC 842. Leases with a term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets may have specific exemptions.
2. Record Lease Liability: Calculate the present value of future lease payments and record the lease liability on the balance sheet. This requires determining the lease term, discount rate, and lease payments (including any variable payments, residual value guarantees, and lease term options).
3. Determine the Initial Right-of-Use Asset: The initial right-of-use asset is typically equal to the lease liability, adjusted for any lease payments made before or at the lease commencement date, initial direct costs, and any lease incentives received.
4. Account for Lease Payments: Recognize and allocate lease payments between reducing the lease liability and accounting for interest expense. This involves applying the effective interest method to calculate interest expense over the lease term.
5. Adjust for Lease Modifications: If there are any modifications to the lease contract during its term, such as lease extensions or changes in lease terms, reassess the lease liability and right-of-use asset based on the updated terms.
6. Assess Impairment: Periodically review the right-of-use asset for impairment, considering factors such as changes in the expected lease term, the occurrence of triggering events, or a decline in the asset’s value.

It’s important to note that the specific calculations and considerations may vary depending on the complexity of lease agreements and individual circumstances.