Misconception · MIS:every-contract-related-cost-is-capitalized

Mistaken idea “Every contract-related cost is capitalized”

Mistaken reasoning: This mistake uses association with a contract instead of testing other guidance, incrementality, fulfillment criteria, recovery, amortization, impairment, and expedients.

Updated Aug 21, 2026 Review due Nov 7, 2026

Why this is mistaken

Route the cost to other applicable guidance first. For acquisition costs, test whether the cost is incremental and recoverable. For fulfillment costs, test the specified resource and future performance criteria, then control amortization, impairment, and any practical expedient.

Where to watch

When this mistake may appear

  • We would not have spent it without the project.
  • The cost supports a customer contract.
Check your work

Your work may contain this mistake if:

  • Capitalizes ordinary salary or waste.
  • Skips another applicable Topic.
  • Has no amortization or impairment control.