Last reviewed: July 2026.
IAS 38 separates internally generated project expenditure into a research phase and a development phase. Research expenditure is expensed. Development expenditure is capitalised only from the date all recognition criteria are demonstrated.
The rule prevents uncertain exploration costs from being reported as assets while allowing qualifying development resources to be recognised when feasibility and future benefits are supported.
Research versus development
| Phase or cost | IAS 38 treatment | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Research phase | Expense when incurred | The entity cannot yet demonstrate an asset that will generate probable future benefits. |
| Development after all criteria are met | Capitalise qualifying expenditure | Technical feasibility, intention, ability, benefits, resources and reliable measurement are demonstrated. |
| Training, advertising and start-up costs | Normally expense | They do not create a separately controlled qualifying intangible asset. |
| Internally generated brands and customer lists | Do not recognise | Cost cannot be distinguished from developing the business as a whole. |
| Subsequent amortisation | Begin when available for use | Allocate finite-life asset cost over its useful life. |
What counts as research?
Research is original and planned investigation undertaken to gain new scientific or technical knowledge. Examples include searching for alternatives, evaluating possible materials, exploring technologies and investigating new processes before a specific feasible solution is selected.
Research costs are recognised as expenses when incurred. They cannot later be reinstated as an asset if a project succeeds.
What counts as development?
Development applies research findings or knowledge to a plan or design for producing new or substantially improved products, processes, systems or services before commercial production or use begins.
The name “development” is not enough. Capitalisation starts only when all IAS 38 criteria are demonstrated.
Six development capitalisation criteria
- Technical feasibility of completing the asset.
- Intention to complete and use or sell it.
- Ability to use or sell it.
- Probable future economic benefits, such as a market or internal usefulness.
- Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete and use or sell it.
- Ability to measure attributable expenditure reliably.
Evidence should be project-specific and approved at the date capitalisation begins.
Worked phase example
A company spends 300,000 CU researching possible technology from January to March. On 1 April, management documents feasibility, funding, market demand, completion intention and reliable cost tracking. From April to December, qualifying development costs are 900,000 CU.
- Expense research costs of 300,000 CU.
- Capitalise qualifying development costs of 900,000 CU from 1 April.
Costs incurred before the recognition date remain expenses even though the same project later qualifies.
Costs that may be capitalised
Qualifying costs can include directly attributable employee costs, materials, services, testing and consumption of relevant assets. Allocation of overhead must be systematic and directly attributable.
General administration, inefficiencies, training, advertising and initial operating losses are not capitalised merely because they support the project.
Software development
Internal software projects often contain preliminary research, configuration, coding, testing, data migration and training. Analyse each phase. Capitalise only costs directly attributable after recognition criteria are met and before the asset becomes available for use.
Data cleansing, user training and routine maintenance are commonly expensed unless another Standard requires different treatment.
Available for use and amortisation
Capitalisation stops when the asset is in the location and condition necessary to operate as intended. A finite-life development asset is amortised from the date it is available for use, not necessarily the commercial launch date.
Review useful life, residual value and amortisation method. Revenue-based amortisation is generally inappropriate except in limited IAS 38 circumstances.
Impairment testing
An intangible asset not yet available for use is tested annually for impairment and whenever indicators exist. Once available for use, apply IAS 36 according to useful-life classification and indicators.
Project cancellation, technical failure, loss of funding, competitor innovation or weaker market demand may trigger impairment.
Internally generated brands and goodwill
IAS 38 prohibits recognition of internally generated brands, mastheads, publishing titles, customer lists and similar items. Internally generated goodwill is also not recognised because it is not an identifiable resource measured reliably at cost.
Compare with the IFRS 3 purchased goodwill guide.
Research tax incentives
Tax credits, grants and deductions do not determine IAS 38 recognition. Account for assistance under the applicable Standard and local rules separately. The gross project expenditure still requires research/development classification.
Materiality and disclosure
Material research and development expenditure may require disaggregation and explanation even when it is expensed. Users may need to understand project risks, recognised development assets, amortisation, impairment and commitments.
Apply the materiality judgement guide and connect recognised assets to the financial statements presentation guide.
Project accounting controls
- define project phases and approval gates;
- document the date each criterion is met;
- use project codes and reliable time records;
- separate maintenance, training and marketing costs;
- reconcile capitalised amounts to payroll and invoices;
- review status, budget, benefits and impairment indicators;
- approve useful life and available-for-use date;
- retain evidence supporting forecasts and resources.
Current IASB review
The IASB is reviewing IAS 38 to consider how reporting for intangible items could be improved. The research project has not replaced current IAS 38 recognition requirements. Do not apply tentative project discussions as if they were effective amendments.
Apply the IAS 8 policy and estimate guide when requirements or estimates change.
Common mistakes
- capitalising research expenditure retrospectively;
- capitalising from project start without evidence;
- treating management intention as proof of all six criteria;
- including training, advertising and start-up losses;
- delaying amortisation until sales begin;
- ignoring annual impairment testing before availability for use;
- treating IASB research projects as current requirements.
Related Accounting Support guides
Key takeaway
Expense research costs and capitalise development expenditure only from the date every IAS 38 criterion is demonstrated. Maintain project evidence, reliable cost tracking, amortisation and impairment review.
Official references: IAS 38 Intangible Assets and IASB Intangible Assets project.