Accounting for transactions that involve exchanging one tangible asset for another arises a lot when trading in an old business vehicle for a new one — an occurrence you’ve probably encountered in your personal life. Key to these types of transactions is the fair value, which is what the asset would fetch in an open marketplace, in other words — a transaction between unpressured parties.
Commercial substance comes into play if the asset exchange affects future cash flows.
For example, if a business trades in an old delivery truck for a new one, the new delivery truck most likely has a longer useful life. This extended useful life affects future cash flows. GAAP is picky about accounting for these types of transactions, so make sure you follow these guidelines: