Yukelson Company owns the building occupied by its administrative office. The office building was reflected in the accounts at the end of last year as follows: Cost when acquired $ 396,000
Accumulated depreciation (based on straight-line depreciation, an estimated life of 50 years, and a $36,000 residual value) 72,000
During January of this year, on the basis of a careful study, management decided that the total estimated useful life should be changed to 30 years (instead of 50) and the residual value reduced to $30,000 (from $36,000)). The depreciation method will not change.
Required:
1. Compute the annual depreciation expense prior to the change in estimates.
2. Compute the annual depreciation expense after the change in estimates.3. What will be the net effect of changing estimates on the balance sheet, net income, and cash flows for the year?

1. Compute the annual depreciation expense prior to the change in estimates.

annual depreciation = ($396,000 - $36,000) / 50 = $7,200 per year

2. Compute the annual depreciation expense after the change in estimates.

annual depreciation = ($324,000 - $30,000) / 20 = $14,700 per year

3. What will be the net effect of changing estimates on the balance sheet, net income, and cash flows for the year?

Any changes in an asset's useful life are reported prospectively, this means that they do not affect any past records, only future records are affected. In this case, the depreciation expense per year will increase form $7,200 to $14,700, so net income will be negatively affected by it. Cash flows will not be affected, since depreciation expense is a non-cash expense. P,P&E on the balance sheet will be affected because the net value of the building will decrease faster.