Question

In general, research and development costs for projects other than software development should be: A. None of the answer choices are correct. B. Expensed if unsuccessful; capitalized if successful. C. Expensed in the period they are determined to be unsuccessful. D. Expensed in the period they are determined to be successful. E. Deferred pending determination of success.

Answer 1

Answer:

Research and development costs must be expended during the period that they occur, they are not capitalized. Whether the project is successful or not does not affect the expensing of the R&D costs.

Both options C and D are correct:

• C. Expensed in the period they are determined to be unsuccessful.
• D. Expensed in the period they are determined to be successful.

Explanation:

On the other hand, software companies are allowed to capitalize some (not all) R&D costs.