What is the purpose of accumulated depreciation?

• A. To show the original cost of the asset
• B. To calculate the total depreciation expense over the asset's life
• C. To offset the value of the asset on the balance sheet
• D. To determine the fair market value of the asset

Answer: (C)

Accumulated depreciation is a contra-asset that records the total depreciation expense recognized for an asset since it was placed in service. On the balance sheet, the asset’s original cost stays in the asset section, but accumulated depreciation is subtracted from that cost to reveal the net book value—the amount of the asset’s cost that has not yet been allocated to expense. This setup keeps the original cost intact for historical purposes while showing how much of that cost has been consumed over time. It’s not about the asset’s current market value, and while it reflects all depreciation taken, its main role is to offset the asset’s value to present net book value.