What expense refers to the cost allocated to each year of the asset's life?

The correct response is based on the concept of depreciation expense, which pertains to the systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. This process allows a business to match the cost of the asset with the revenue it generates, adhering to the matching principle in accounting. By recording depreciation, a company reflects the wear and tear, aging, or obsolescence of the asset over time, rather than recognizing the full expense at the time of purchase.

In essence, depreciation expense breaks down the total cost of an asset into manageable annual amounts, providing a clearer financial picture on the income statement. This is particularly relevant for physical assets like machinery, buildings, or equipment that have a finite useful life.

Amortization expense, while similar, applies specifically to intangible assets rather than tangible ones. Operating and maintenance expenses represent different categories of costs; operating expenses typically involve ongoing costs for running the business, while maintenance expenses focus specifically on the costs incurred to keep assets in working condition, rather than to allocate their value over time.