What type of intangible assets are reported on a company’s balance sheet?

Study for the WGU ACCT5000 C213 Accounting Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Intangible assets can be classified based on their origin, and their treatment on a company's balance sheet varies accordingly. The correct answer highlights that only purchased intangible assets are recognized in the financial statements.

When a company acquires intangible assets from another entity, such as patents, trademarks, or goodwill, these assets are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value on the acquisition date. This includes any costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

In contrast, internally developed intangibles are typically not recognized as assets on the balance sheet due to the uncertainty and difficulty in reliably measuring their value. Costs associated with research and development activities, for example, are usually expensed as incurred.

The option stating that "all types of intangibles regardless of origin" would imply that internally developed assets could also be recorded, which is generally not compliant with accounting standards. Finally, the option about "no intangible assets at all" is inaccurate since many companies do report purchased intangibles on their balance sheets, especially firms that rely heavily on intellectual property.

Thus, acknowledging only purchased intangible assets aligns with established accounting principles, making this answer the most accurate choice.

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