CIRD12530 - Core computational rules: deductible debits: general matters and adjustments for tax purposes: expenditure charged to the profit and loss account as it accrues
CTA09/PART8/S728
General rule
Subject to the exception for previously capitalised expenditure described below, CTA09/S728 provides that expenditure on an intangible asset gives rise to a deductible debit for the period of account in which it is written off to a company’s profit and loss account (see CIRD12220).
A deduction is therefore due for any expenditure treated in this way for accounting purposes, which falls within the (wide) definition described in CIRD12250. Examples include expenditure:
- on maintaining or preserving an asset;
- on defending title to it;
- by way of royalties for its use; or
- for the purpose of acquiring or creating an asset which in the event proves abortive.
Priority of other provisions
But sums written off to the profit and loss account, which represent previously capitalised expenditure, should be excluded from S728 and relieved instead:
- under the rules in CTA09/PART8/CHAPTER4 if the sums are written off on the realisation of the asset (see CIRD13210 onwards), or otherwise,
- under CTA09/PART8/S729 (see CIRD12700).
Sums written off on the realisation of intangible assets, which have never appeared on a formal balance sheet simply because the assets turn out to have been sold shortly after acquisition, should be dealt with under CTA09/PART8/CHAPTER4.
Tax adjustments
Sums that would otherwise give rise to deductible debits under section 728 are ‘subject to any adjustment required by this Part or TIOPA10/PART4 (provision not at arm’s length)’. See: