computer software costs

ASC 350-985 is a link-only subtopic: it contains no substantive rules of its own but points readers to Subtopic 985-20 for the capitalization of computer software costs as intangible assets. Specifically, it directs users to 985-20-25-3 (costs of producing product masters incurred after technological feasibility is established) and 985-20-25-10 (purchased software having an alternative future use).

ASC 985-10 is the Overall subtopic of the Software Topic, which sets the scope umbrella for the industry-specific software guidance (costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed; inventory; intangibles—goodwill and other; provision for losses; cost of sales and services; and research and development). The Topic provides only incremental industry-specific guidance—entities within its scope must also apply all other applicable GAAP (985-10-15-1). It applies to all entities and to computer software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed as a separate product or as part of a product or process (985-10-15-2 through 15-3).