# ASC 350-950: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other — Financial Services—Title Plant Source: FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Basic View [Read online](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/) Study and research edition. Verify current requirements with the official source. Summaries, enrichment, and tags are machine-generated study aids. Paragraph html preserves source markup; snippet is abbreviated. Pending content is not necessarily effective. Tables and mathematical or amendment markup are retained as HTML where Markdown would lose structure. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:47.698Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:10.067Z Record version: sha256:ea42a7a60762459c4ec77797279465b57701837e581d5b4d55096df3918a947c Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other — Financial Services—Title Plant ### Machine-generated study aids ```json { "summary": "ASC 350-950 governs accounting for title plants — the indexed historical records of land ownership, encumbrances, maps, and prior title reports used by title insurers, abstract entities, and title agents. Costs directly identifiable with constructing a title plant (and purchased title plants, recorded at cost/fair value of consideration given) are capitalized, while maintenance and title search costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized title plant is not amortized or depreciated; it is carried indefinitely unless impaired under the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10.", "key_points": [ "Costs incurred to construct a title plant are capitalized only if directly related to, and properly identified with, the construction activities (350-950-25-1); capitalizable costs are those to obtain, organize, and summarize historical information until the plant can be used for title searches (350-950-30-1).", "A purchased title plant, including a purchased undivided interest, is recorded at cost at the date of acquisition, measured for a separate acquisition by the fair value of the consideration given (350-950-25-2; 350-950-30-2).", "Costs to maintain a title plant (daily updating) and to perform title searches are expensed as incurred (350-950-25-2); backplant construction costs must be identifiable to be capitalized (350-950-25-2).", "Costs incurred after the title plant is operational to convert information between storage and retrieval systems or to modify/modernize the system are not capitalized as title plant (350-950-25-3), but may be capitalized separately (350-950-25-4) and then charged to expense in a systematic and rational manner (350-950-35-4).", "Capitalized title plant costs are not depreciated or charged to income unless circumstances indicate impairment (350-950-35-1); indicators include changes in legal requirements, obsolescence, competitor actions, failure to maintain the plant currently, and abandonment (350-950-35-2), with Subtopic 360-10 impairment provisions applying (350-950-35-3).", "On sale with relinquishment of all rights to future use, gain or loss equals the amount to which the entity is entitled under Subtopic 610-20 net of the adjusted cost of the title plant (350-950-40-1(a)); sale of an undivided interest yields gain or loss of the amount received net of a pro rata portion of adjusted cost (350-950-40-1(b)).", "Sale of a copy of the title plant or the right to use it is revenue under Topic 606 if with a customer (otherwise Subtopic 610-20), and ordinarily no cost is allocated unless the plant's value falls below its adjusted cost as a result of the sale (350-950-40-1(c))." ], "categories": [ "Recognition", "Initial measurement", "Subsequent measurement", "Impairment" ], "audience_level": "intermediate", "student_note": "Title plant is the classic example of a capitalized asset that is never amortized — the common mistake is assuming an intangible with a long life must be amortized; here the only write-down comes through ASC 360-10 impairment. Also distinguish construction costs (capitalize) from maintenance and title search costs (expense), and from post-operational storage/retrieval system costs (capitalize separately and expense systematically).", "related_topics": [ "360-10", "610-20", "606", "350-30", "944" ], "key_concepts": [ "title plant", "backplant", "capitalization of construction costs", "title plant maintenance", "title searches", "no amortization", "impairment indicators", "undivided ownership interest" ] } ``` Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:47.698Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:47.698Z Record version: sha256:922d9c0fadf62c2da2e382154ae0c60a59617dbce0268f0a8ea45c6eeab9baec Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-00: 00 Status [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#00-status) SEC content: no ##### [350-950-00-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-00-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:47.698Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:47.698Z Record version: sha256:b70c08b08f60c9af7935dbf31fff1a04b2d2cf12b16b23a330f9c285847dab0a Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. The following table identifies the changes made to this Subtopic.
ParagraphActionAccounting Standards UpdateDate
ContractAddedAccounting Standards Update No. 2014-0905/28/2014
CustomerAddedAccounting Standards Update No. 2014-0905/28/2014
RevenueAddedAccounting Standards Update No. 2014-0905/28/2014
950-350-40-1AmendedAccounting Standards Update No. 2014-0905/28/2014
Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:4068d2ff86216f10678a602d3c0e0f53b9a81f888fe53d989752295a5dd02612 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-05: 05 Overview and Background [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#05-overview-and-background) SEC content: no ##### [350-950-05-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:ce233b9d299d22ffb60683278d833b20b7f3db3a16eb27a8a44fa69d1be0bace Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. This Subtopic addresses the accounting and reporting for [title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") and related intangible assets. ##### [350-950-05-2](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-2) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:8bc4bdea37d63fcedb4f4aa214891e339de86f8c7956b27a84dde636dcf48f90 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. A title plant consists of all of the following: 1. a Indexed and catalogued information for a period concerning the ownership of, and encumbrances on, parcels of land in a particular geographic area 2. b Information relating to persons having an interest in real estate 3. c Maps and plats 4. d Copies of prior title insurance contracts and reports 5. e Other documents and records. ##### [350-950-05-3](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-3) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:0aff9d8a3a5c65c781fb7e27cb00605083b2f2dc6b5741032ccd1f3571f75291 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. A title plant constitutes a historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently. ##### [350-950-05-4](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-4) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:344c2af850847a88cd169a5487e3c2a3fe966eeef9fc9169dd015f2afc356e56 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. An entity may decide to construct or purchase a title plant that antedates the period covered by its existing title plant ([backplant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/b/#backplant "A title plant that antedates the period covered by its existing title plant.")). ##### [350-950-05-5](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-5) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:ec5ecebcec682cab2333df9fbb631c9e44697547c271bf7f97671e07510a8fc5 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Title plant maintenance involves the updating of the title plant on a daily or other frequent basis by adding both of the following: 1. a Reports on the current status of title to specific parcels of real estate 2. b Other documents, such as records relating to security or other ownership interests. ##### [350-950-05-6](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-05-6) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:51.049Z Record version: sha256:ab135ba663b7a9af43f6b92ab0d105b079977e2550299268c9e6e4852393ef42 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Title searches involve the process of searching through records for all recorded documents or updating information summarized in the most recently issued title report. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:54.962Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:54.962Z Record version: sha256:e69c5181df12ae7e9ecbf9b54063737a7ab6b0f058218b1c590b5d71eb10ee5a Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-15: 15 Scope and Scope Exceptions [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#15-scope-and-scope-exceptions) SEC content: no #### Entities ##### [350-950-15-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-15-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:04:54.962Z to 2026-09-10T00:04:54.962Z Record version: sha256:a4c49f23e35c7c3898e3a17191c6d95bc7fa5779a9a711a3670d0b4d9753548b Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. The guidance in this Subtopic applies to all entities that use a [title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") in their operations. Those entities include, but are not limited to: 1. a Title insurance entities (underwriters) 2. b Title abstract entities 3. c Title agents. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z Record version: sha256:26d6714aed38ed2553925cbb4d6b9c9eac273d7ccd6d99bbfdf546ef493317c1 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-25: 25 Recognition [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#25-recognition) SEC content: no #### Title Plant ##### [350-950-25-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-25-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z Record version: sha256:2f105f6884e3565c1d1a9084a7077233a53ad6b5787767ad0023da0e7f636e38 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Costs incurred to construct a [title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") shall be capitalized. To qualify for capitalization, costs need to be directly related to, and properly identified with, the activities necessary to construct the title plant. ##### [350-950-25-2](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-25-2) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z Record version: sha256:9861dc6810885cb7416db7893609a6a32787eebd4d9d50bcc798e1dcf8971382 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. A purchased title plant, including a purchased undivided interest in a title plant, shall be recorded at the date of acquisition. Costs to construct a [backplant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/b/#backplant "A title plant that antedates the period covered by its existing title plant.") need to be identifiable to qualify for capitalization. Costs incurred to maintain a title plant and to do title searches shall be expensed as incurred. #### Storage and Retrieval ##### [350-950-25-3](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-25-3) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z Record version: sha256:7d56b7fd15d5c9c439aa279eb332e04e69706da5f762d317f215f9c066d0f3fb Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. The following costs incurred after a title plant is operational shall not be capitalized as title plant: 1. a Costs to convert the information from one storage and retrieval system to another 2. b Costs to modify or modernize the storage and retrieval system. ##### [350-950-25-4](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-25-4) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:01.119Z Record version: sha256:8a5e9c7ba6b2904467e4bf156f89409c0b518733537a658d2366714bc9ffa125 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Those costs, however, may be capitalized separately. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z Record version: sha256:2d152926c54aaf66bd909010ca6d4315a1143e0fa3ee13dcfd62b667a477c160 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-30: 30 Initial Measurement [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#30-initial-measurement) SEC content: no ##### [350-950-30-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-30-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z Record version: sha256:3d92a85a8dc5bdc658662b857d01ce596c5421c85d1b6bce07c0ec2f42c6fb2b Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. [Title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") costs to be capitalized include the costs incurred to obtain, organize, and summarize historical information in an efficient and useful manner until the title plant can be used by the entity to do title searches. ##### [350-950-30-2](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-30-2) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:04.529Z Record version: sha256:a7abb1c5d0c27aa047cd81c877c655bcb791f89cf445186ee877fc7946e5d95f Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. A purchased title plant, including a purchased undivided interest in title plant, shall be recorded at cost. For a title plant acquired separately, cost shall be measured by the fair value of the consideration given. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z Record version: sha256:d80689d17ff0dc966b4a1fb5b491b8ea2c6714f7ea30d0a355987751b4fbf1ba Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-35: 35 Subsequent Measurement [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#35-subsequent-measurement) SEC content: no #### Title Plant ##### [350-950-35-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-35-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z Record version: sha256:5554a06d2f7085d906ff266d800d65079743c03fbc8349d33130040f2b8142cf Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Capitalized costs of a [title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") shall not be depreciated or charged to income unless circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the title plant has been impaired. ##### [350-950-35-2](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-35-2) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z Record version: sha256:13e73601b5cfbcb66b91280c69ff185e147c13a157244c5164e516e842bdf547 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. The following circumstances may indicate that the carrying amount of title plant has been impaired: 1. a Changes in legal requirements or statutory practices 2. b Effects of obsolescence, demand, and other economic factors 3. c Actions of competitors and others that may affect competitive advantages 4. d Failure to maintain the title plant properly on a current basis 5. e Abandonment of the title plant or other circumstances that indicate obsolescence. ##### [350-950-35-3](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-35-3) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z Record version: sha256:975c6b93ef7adca467b9758ed7d06c94d876137af022967a1022ba6978b8688b Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Those events or changes in circumstances, in addition to the examples in paragraph [360-10-35-21](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/360/10/#360-10-35-21), indicate that the carrying amount of the capitalized costs may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the provisions of the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10 apply. #### Storage and Retrieval ##### [350-950-35-4](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-35-4) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:08.281Z Record version: sha256:bc66385ae6265029fec5484d77726826daea65b5f77fcb33b775a973c2dbe7b8 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. Capitalized storage and retrieval costs (addressed in paragraph [950-350-25-3](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-25-3)) incurred after a title plant is operational shall be charged to expense in a systematic and rational manner. Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:10.067Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:10.067Z Record version: sha256:33653b616f75230849337ca4107612382d90a6732fd7154f3b951120769f202c Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. ## ASC 350-950-40: 40 Derecognition [Read section](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#40-derecognition) SEC content: no ##### [350-950-40-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-40-1) Pending content: no Source downloaded (UTC): 2026-09-10T00:05:10.067Z to 2026-09-10T00:05:10.067Z Record version: sha256:c0240f23e1b3de73b36dce7f5f35152d9eb4ab55b43f94d45f23931b00356cb0 Snapshot version: sha256:15aea8165dff9f5ae47d9484f8470588b13b307f56e1d50801bf4d85ec190e3f Effective as of: not established by retrieval timestamps. The sale of a [title plant](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/t/#title-plant "A historical record of all matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. The number of years covered by a title plant varies, depending on regulatory requirements and the minimum information period considered necessary to issue title insurance policies efficiently.") shall be reported separately as follows: 1. a If an entity sells its title plant and relinquishes all rights to its future use, the reported gain or loss shall be recognized at the amount to which the entity is entitled in accordance with Subtopic 610-20 on the gains and losses from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets net of the adjusted cost of the title plant. 2. b If an entity sells an undivided ownership interest in its title plant (that is, the right to its joint use), the reported gain or loss shall be the amount received net of a pro rata portion of the adjusted cost of the title plant. 3. c If an entity sells a copy of its title plant or the right to use it, the recognized [revenue](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/r/#revenue "Inflows or other enhancements of assets of an entity or settlements of its liabilities (or a combination of both) from delivering or producing goods, rendering services, or other activities that constitute the entity's ongoing major or central operations."), if in a [contract](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/c/#contract "An agreement between two or more parties that creates enforceable rights and obligations.") with a [customer](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/glossary/c/#customer "A party that has contracted with an entity to obtain goods or services that are an output of the entity's ordinary activities in exchange for consideration."), shall be accounted for in accordance with Topic 606 on revenue from contracts with customers. If the contract is not with a customer, the gain or loss shall be accounted for in accordance Subtopic 610-20. Ordinarily, no cost shall be allocated to the sale of a copy of or the right to use a title plant unless the value of the title plant decreases below its adjusted cost as a result of the sale (see paragraph [950-350-35-1](https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/950/#350-950-35-1)).