an asset's initial book value is its actual cash value or its acquisition cost. cash assets are recorded or "booked" at actual cash value. assets such as buildings, land and equipment are valued based on their acquisition cost, which includes the actual cash cost of the asset plus certain costs tied to the purchase of the asset, such as broker fees. not all purchased items are recorded as assets; incidental supplies are recorded as expenses. some assets might be recorded as current expenses for tax purposes. an example of this is assets purchased and expensed under section 179 of the us tax code.