On March 1, Squire Company purchased a new stamping machine with a list price of $24,000. The company paid cash for the machine; therefore, it was allowed a 3% discount. Other costs associated with the machine were: transportation costs, $550; sales tax paid, S1,680; installation costs, $450; routine maintenance during the first month of operation, $500. The cost recorded for the machine was:A. $23,730

B. $24,000

C. $25,960

D. $26,680

C. $25,960

Explanation:

The cost of an asset includes all cos incurred in making the asset available for use. These includes the cost of the item net all discounts, sales tax, freight cost etc.

As long as the cost is necessary for the asset to be available for use, such cost will be capitalized with the cost of the item of asset. Other cost such as maintenance, insurance costs are expensed and not considered as a part of the cost of the asset.

Hence, the cost recorded for the machine

= (100 - 3) % * $24,000 + $550 + $1,680 + $450

= $25,960

C. $25,960

Explanation:

Cost of asset includes all the cost involved to acquire and install the asset. In simple term all the costs that are necessary to make the asset usable are capitalised and added to the cost of the asset.

In this question stamping machine has following cost which need to be capitalised.

Discounted Price = $24,000 x (100% - 3%) = $24,000 x 97% = $23,280

Transportation cost = $550

Sales Tax = $1,680

Installation cost = $450

Total cost to be capitalized = $23,280 + $550 + $1,680 + $450 = $25,960

Routine Maintenance cost is the routine / period cost which incur every month, It is not necessary to make the asset usable and it is incurred after the asset is used.