TAX DETERMINATION OF LOSS ACCOUNTING AND ENTERPRISE DEPRECIATION POLICY AMIDST WARTIME ECONOMIC DESTABILIZATION

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of accounting and taxation mechanisms for enterprise fixed assets amidst the economic destabilization caused by the war in Ukraine. Three groups of key challenges are identified and detailed: the methodological distortion of inventory procedures, the fiscal dilemma of incurring excessive tax liabilities, and information asymmetry resulting from the loss of physical control over assets. The article analyzes issues surrounding the write-off of destroyed or damaged property in the context of the Tax Code of Ukraine’s requirements, specifically focusing on the adjustment of VAT liabilities and the avoidance of "technical" additional tax assessments. A mechanism for adaptive accounting management of fixed assets during periods of forced enterprise downtime is proposed and substantiated; it aims to minimize tax risks and prevent legal disputes with tax authorities. It is established that the effective operation of this mechanism relies on proactive documentation—specifically, the development of an internal policy on downtime and a clear distinction between technical readiness for operation and the temporary suspension of asset use. The necessity of incorporating a provision into the accounting policy is demonstrated by stating that a temporary shortage of orders or raw materials due to force majeure circumstances does not constitute grounds for altering the assets' useful lives. Emphasis is placed on the importance of analytically justifying the retention of the «production» status of fixed assets by documenting expenses related to their security, power supply, and minimal technical maintenance. The author substantiates an algorithm for the documentary verification of incurred losses—integrating digital tools, remote monitoring, and satellite imagery—to protect businesses from fiscal pressure when direct access to assets is unavailable. Regulatory, fiscal, and judicial inconsistencies regarding the calculation of depreciation during forced downtime are systematized. Based on this, a mechanism for the adaptive accounting management of non-current assets is formulated, and criteria for distinguishing between "downtime" and "preservation" modes are established; this approach ensures the tax neutrality of losses, safeguards expenses, and maintains the financial stability of business entities during a crisis.