Lamont Communications has amortized a patent on a straight-line basis since it was acquired in 2010 at a cost of $50 million. During 2013 management decided that the benefits from the patent would be received over a total period of 8 years rather than the 20-year legal life being used to amortize the cost. Lamont's 2013 financial statements should include:

A) A patent balance of $50 million.

B) Patent amortization expense of $2.5 million.

C) Patent amortization expense of $5 million.

D) A patent balance of $34 million.

C) Patent amortization expense of $5 million.

Explanation:

Patent acquisition date is 2010

Cost of acquisition = $50 million

Initial Useful life = 20 years

Annual amortization = $50,000,000/20

= $2,500,000

Between 2010 and start of 2013 is 3 years

Carrying value at the start of 2013

= 50,000,000 - 3 (2,500,000)

= $42,500,000

If patent would be received over a total period of 8 years rather than the 20-year legal life being used to amortize the cost,

Patent amortization expense in 2013 = $42,500,000/8

= $5,312,500

This can be estimated as $5 million.

The right option is C) Patent amortization expense of $5 million.