Accumulated Goodwill Amortization represents accumulated amortization of goodwill acquired through mergers according to the Purchase Method. Due to the nature of Accumulated Goodwill Amortization as a contra account to assets, it is always a negative figure. Upon the institution of SFAS 142 (which took effect in January 2002), goodwill ceased to be amortized, and may only be written off if it is impaired.