If you've deleted an asset from a register and need it back, this article explains why it can't be restored directly, and the two ways to re-add it correctly.


Why can't a deleted asset be restored?

Once an asset is deleted from AssetAccountant, it cannot be recovered. There is no undo option, and our support team cannot restore it from our end either.

This is why we strongly recommend only deleting assets that were entered by mistake or never actually existed, rather than assets that already have depreciation or journal history. If in doubt, consider archiving the register or exporting your data before deleting anything.


What happens when you delete an asset?

AssetAccountant runs on an event-based ledger. Every transaction on an asset (its purchase, first use, depreciation, disposal, and so on) is recorded as an event, and all of these events are reversible.

When you delete an asset, AssetAccountant automatically generates the reversal entries for that asset's events. This removes its purchase, depreciation, and disposal data from your books on your next journal, keeping your ledger consistent even though the asset record itself is gone.


How to bring the asset back

Since the original asset can't be restored, the asset needs to be re-added as a new entry. There are two ways to do this, depending on what you need.


Option 1: Re-add using the original purchase details

Use Add Assets > Add New Asset and enter the same purchase date, first use date, and cost as the original asset. AssetAccountant will recalculate depreciation from these dates going forward, and your next journal will post the entries needed to bring the asset back onto your books.

This works well if none of the depreciation settings, reassessments, or revaluations on the original asset changed after it was first entered, since the recalculation will land in the same place as before.


Option 2: Re-add using an Opening Balance at a known date

If the original asset had reassessments, revaluations, or other changes over its life, recalculating from the purchase date may not exactly reproduce the same cost and accumulated depreciation it had just before deletion.

In this case, use the Add Opening Balance action instead. This lets you nominate an opening balance date (for example, 31 December 2024) and enter the known Written Down Value for both Tax and Accounts as at that date. AssetAccountant will treat this as the asset's starting position and depreciate forward from there, rather than recalculating from the original purchase details.


Which option should I use?

  • If the asset's depreciation was straightforward and nothing changed after it was first entered, Option 1 is simpler and will get you to the same result.
  • If you need the cost and accumulated depreciation to match a specific date exactly, or the asset had reassessments, revaluations, or other adjustments, Option 2 is more reliable.

If you're not sure which applies to your situation, reach out to our support team and we can help you check.