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The Daily Insight Hub

What is an asset write up?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on December 29, 2025

A write-up is an increase made to the book value of an asset because its carrying value is less than fair market value. It may also occur if the initial value of the asset was not recorded properly, or if an earlier write-down in its value was too large.

How do you record an asset?

Tip. When you record a fixed asset, you debit the Fixed Assets account for the purchase price and credit the Cash or Loan account. Later you reduce the value in Fixed Assets to reflect the asset’s depreciation over time.

How do you record a journal entry for a fixed asset?

To record the purchase of a fixed asset, debit the asset account for the purchase price, and credit the cash account for the same amount. For example, a temporary staffing agency purchased $3,000 worth of furniture.

What is a write up and write-down?

“Write down” is an idiom which means “make a note of”, or “get something written”. “Write up” is an idiom which means “write an account, record or essay” about something.

Can you write-up an asset under GAAP?

Under GAAP, the value of an asset can only be written down, not up.

What is a write-up example?

The definition of a write-up is a written report on something or someone. An example of write-up is a full movie review. Write-up is defined as to write a report on someone or something. An example of write-up is writing an article on how Michelle and Barak Obama met.

Can I write up inventory?

The write down of inventory involves charging a portion of the inventory asset to expense in the current period. Inventory is written down when goods are lost or stolen, or their value has declined. This should be done at once, so that the financial statements immediately reflect the reduced value of the inventory.

What do you write in a write up?

The write-up plan is supposed to cover the following three critical areas:

  1. 1.2.4.1 Stating the topic argument in one sentence. The introduction of the write-up is an extension of the main question argument.
  2. 1.2. 4.2 Stating key points that support the argument.
  3. 1.2. 4.3 Stating one key point to leave in the readers’ minds.

How do you write a work write up?

Follow these eight easy steps to make sure you get it right.

  1. Don’t do it when you’re angry.
  2. Document the problem.
  3. Use company policies to back you up.
  4. Include any relevant witness statements.
  5. Set expectations for improvement.
  6. Deliver the news in person (and proof of receipt)
  7. Keep a copy for your records.
  8. Follow up.