Finance/Compliance Consultant
73721 Points
Posted on 07 November 2026
Capital vs revenue:
• Capitalise if the work creates a new asset, adds capacity, extends useful life significantly, or improves the asset beyond its original condition (e.g. adding floors, structural rebuilding, a new façade, major upgrades). AS 10 / Ind AS 16: subsequent costs are capitalised if future economic benefits flow and the cost is measurable. The replaced part is derecognised.
• Expense if it maintains the asset in its existing condition: repainting, plastering, repairs to flooring or plumbing, routine replacement.
• Tax: Sec 30/31 allow "current repairs" (not capital in nature). The Explanation to Sec 30 excludes capital expenditure. Courts apply the enduring-benefit test. Renovation of an old building for the same use without new capacity is often allowed as revenue (case law is mixed).
• Leased premises: renovation cost by the tenant is a "building" asset (Explanation 1 to Sec 32), depreciated at 10%.