Which depreciation method records higher amounts in the initial years of an asset's life?

The method that records higher amounts in the initial years of an asset's life is accelerated depreciation. This approach allows for a greater depreciation expense to be recognized in the earlier years compared to later years. The rationale behind this is that many assets tend to lose their value more quickly in the initial years of use due to factors such as wear and tear, technological advancements, and obsolescence.

Accelerated depreciation methods, such as the double declining balance method, emphasize the decrease in value when an asset is new, aligning the expense recognition with the asset’s actual usage pattern. As a result, businesses can benefit from lower taxable income in the early years following the asset’s purchase, which can improve cash flow and provide immediate tax benefits.

In contrast, other methods like straight-line depreciation distribute the cost of an asset evenly across its useful life, resulting in consistent, lower depreciation expenses each year. The units of production method ties depreciation to actual usage rather than time, which may not necessarily yield higher expenses in the early years unless the asset is used intensely at the start. Balanced depreciation is not a standard term used in depreciation accounting, leading to confusion when discussing methods that affect financial reporting. Therefore, the correct choice aligns with the principle of accelerated depreciation's effect on