The glossary to understand and take action

Fixed asset

An item intended for long-term use in the business, whose classification and measurement must be assessed under the applicable accounting framework.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

Equipment, premises or certain rights may qualify as fixed assets. These items must be distinguished from inventory intended for sale and operating expenses. The cost, commissioning, possible depreciation and disposal must be explainable in the register and accounts.

In your file

What this changes in practice

A fixed asset is intended for long-term use in the business according to the applicable accounting criteria. The distinction from an expense depends on the nature and use of the asset or right, not only on the method of payment. The file must make it possible to identify the cost, commissioning, useful life and movements. An invoice alone does not always describe all the elements required for monitoring.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A company acquires equipment and documents its commissioning in order to organise its recording, depreciation and inventory.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Qualifier l’usage durable
  • Déterminer le coût retenu
  • Tenir un suivi des entrées et sorties

The practical question

Find out more

Pourquoi tenir un registre des immobilisations ?

Il relie chaque bien à son acquisition, coût, mise en service, amortissements et éventuelle sortie. Il facilite l’inventaire, les contrôles et les calculs de cession. Sans ce suivi, un équipement vendu ou inutilisé peut rester dans les comptes sans explication. Le registre doit être rapproché périodiquement de la comptabilité et des biens effectivement utilisés.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

DepreciationDepreciation allocates the depreciable amount of an asset over its estimated useful life, in accordance with the applicable rules.Physical inventoryAn operation to verify and count assets on a given date, with identified references, units and persons responsible.LeasingLeasing arranges for an asset to be made available in exchange for payments under the terms of a financing or rental agreement.AssetsThe assets side of the balance sheet includes resources controlled by the company: fixed assets, inventories, receivables, cash and other items recognised under accounting rules.Purchase invoiceA purchase invoice describes the goods or services invoiced to the company by a supplier.Capital gainA capital gain is a gain determined in a transaction by comparison with a reference value under the relevant rules.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideFixed assets: maintain a register and prepare depreciationPractical guideVAT deduction: checking supporting documents and mixed use

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.