How frequently should I test for goodwill impairment?

You should test the goodwill of a reporting unit for impairment on an annual basis, which you can perform at the same time of each succeeding year. It is not necessary to test all reporting units at the same time.

You should also test the goodwill of a reporting unit for impairment between the normal annual tests if there is a change that would more likely than not reduce its fair value below its carrying amount. Examples of such changes are:

• Adverse action by a regulator
• Loss of key personnel
• Significant adverse change in legal factors
• The reporting unit is more likely than not to be sold or disposed of
• There was a goodwill impairment loss for a subsidiary of the reporting unit
• Unanticipated competition

Related Topics

Intangible asset accounting
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