There are clear boundaries between tangible and intangible fixed assets. Whenever you have profit which you have put in your business bank account, or once you’ve placed the last payment on your company’s premises, these are all tangible fixed assets that have a financial value, offering a safety net if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, not all of the assets that a company has can be bought and clearly defined. For example, intangible fixed assets will include the patent that a manufacturer may have to include an innovative feature in their goods and services. This protection ensures that their competitive advantage can’t be emulated too easily by other businesses.
Further examples of intangible fixed assets may include the franchise that an entrepreneur may have of a business model, or the trademark which has been used to protect a brand name. If you’re looking for a clear-cut definition, always remember that intangible assets aren’t something that can be touched.
Finally, tangible assets won’t always just be the money that you have sitting in your bank account. You need to remember that the fleet of cars that you may have in your company will also be highly valuable, adding to the tangible assets of your business. The computers that all of your staff have at their desks, office furnishings, the telephone network and other pieces of technology that are integral to the production of your goods and services will also be tangible assets. For more information on valuing a business accurately, and on differentiating between these two types of assets, talking to an accountant or a financial advisor is a good place to start.
Further examples of intangible fixed assets may include the franchise that an entrepreneur may have of a business model, or the trademark which has been used to protect a brand name. If you’re looking for a clear-cut definition, always remember that intangible assets aren’t something that can be touched.
Finally, tangible assets won’t always just be the money that you have sitting in your bank account. You need to remember that the fleet of cars that you may have in your company will also be highly valuable, adding to the tangible assets of your business. The computers that all of your staff have at their desks, office furnishings, the telephone network and other pieces of technology that are integral to the production of your goods and services will also be tangible assets. For more information on valuing a business accurately, and on differentiating between these two types of assets, talking to an accountant or a financial advisor is a good place to start.