Fixed Assets

An organization records fixed assets on the books when it purchases items it will use and benefit from for a period of time greater than one year. Before the organization records fixed assets, it should determine the value at which an item qualifies as a fixed asset instead of an expense. Determining the value of a fixed asset is called a "capitalization policy." Typically this value is based on the overall size of the organization. For small nonprofits, an item worth more than $500 to $1,000 is typical for a capitalization threshold.

Fixed assets are broken down into two broad categories:

1. real property-typically determined by an appraisal
   1. land
   2. buildings
   3. collection items 
2. furniture and equipment- determined by the amount paid to purchase the item
   1. desks
   2. chairs
   3. computers
   4. printers

See also:

• Tips for good management of your organization's fixed assets
• Basic Accrual Concepts
• Depreciation Schedule