Ias 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
Ias 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
This version includes amendments resulting from new and amended IFRSs issued up to 31 March 2004. The section Changes in this Edition at the front of this volume provides the application dates of these new and amended IFRSs and also identifies those current IFRSs that are not included in this volume. International Accounting Standard 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (IAS 8) is set out in paragraphs 1-56 and the Appendix. All the paragraphs have equal authority but retain the IASC format of the Standard when it was adopted by the IASB. IAS 8 should be read in the context of its objective and the Basis for Conclusions, the Preface to International Financial Reporting Standards and the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements.
Introduction
IN1. International Accounting Standard 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (IAS 8) replaces IAS 8 Net Profit or Loss for the Period, Fundamental Errors and Changes in Accounting Policies (revised in 1993) and should be applied for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005. Earlier application is encouraged. The Standard also replaces the following Interpretations: SIC-2 ConsistencyCapitalisation of Borrowing Costs SIC-18 ConsistencyAlternative Methods.
IN3.
(b) (c)
(d)
(e) IN4.
to incorporate the consensus in SIC-2 ConsistencyCapitalisation of Borrowing Costs and in SIC-18 ConsistencyAlternative Methods.
Materiality
IN7. The Standard defines material omissions or misstatements. It stipulates that: (a) the accounting policies in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) need not be applied when the effect of applying them is immaterial. This complements the statement in IAS 1 that disclosures required by IFRSs need not be made if the information is immaterial. financial statements do not comply with IFRSs if they contain material errors. material prior period errors are to be corrected retrospectively in the first set of financial statements authorised for issue after their discovery.
(b) (c)
(b) IN9.
As a result of the removal of the allowed alternative, comparative information for prior periods is presented as if new accounting policies had always been applied and prior period errors had never occurred.
Impracticability
IN10. The Standard retains the impracticability criterion for exemption from changing comparative information when changes in accounting policies are applied retrospectively and prior period errors are corrected. The Standard now includes a definition of impracticable and guidance on its interpretation. The Standard also states that when it is impracticable to determine the cumulative effect, at the beginning of the current period, of: (a) (b) applying a new accounting policy to all prior periods, or an error on all prior periods,
IN11.
the entity changes the comparative information as if the new accounting policy had been
applied, or the error had been corrected, prospectively from the earliest date practicable.
Fundamental Errors
IN12. The Standard eliminates the concept of a fundamental error and thus the distinction between fundamental errors and other material errors. The Standard defines prior period errors.
Disclosures
IN13. The Standard now requires, rather than encourages, disclosure of an impending change in accounting policy when an entity has yet to implement a new Standard or Interpretation that has been issued but not yet come into effect. In addition, it requires disclosure of known or reasonably estimable information relevant to assessing the possible impact that application of the new Standard or Interpretation will have on the entitys financial statements in the period of initial application. The Standard requires more detailed disclosure of the amounts of adjustments resulting from changing accounting policies or correcting prior period errors. It requires those disclosures to be made for each financial statement line item affected and, if IAS 33 Earnings per Share applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share.
IN14.
Other Changes
IN15. IN16. The presentation requirements for profit or loss for the period have been transferred to IAS 1. The Standard incorporates the consensus in SIC-18 ConsistencyAlternative Methods, namely that: (a) an entity selects and applies its accounting policies consistently for similar transactions, other events and conditions, unless a Standard or an Interpretation specifically requires or permits categorisation of items for which different policies may be appropriate; and if a Standard or an Interpretation requires or permits such categorisation, an appropriate accounting policy is selected and applied consistently to each category.
(b)
The consensus in SIC-18 incorporated the consensus in SIC-2 Consistency Capitalisation of Borrowing Costs, and requires that when an entity has chosen a policy of capitalising borrowing costs, it should apply this policy to all qualifying assets. IN17. IN18. The Standard includes a definition of a change in accounting estimate. The Standard includes exceptions from including the effects of changes in accounting estimates prospectively in profit or loss. It states that to the extent that a change in an accounting estimate gives rise to changes in assets or liabilities, or relates to an item of equity, it is recognised by adjusting the carrying amount of the related asset, liability or equity item in the period of the change.
International Accounting Standard 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors Objective
1. The objective of this Standard is to prescribe the criteria for selecting and changing accounting policies, together with the accounting treatment and disclosure of changes in
accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and corrections of errors. The Standard is intended to enhance the relevance and reliability of an entitys financial statements, and the comparability of those financial statements over time and with the financial statements of other entities. 2. Disclosure requirements for accounting policies, except those for changes in accounting policies, are set out in IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.
Scope
3. This Standard shall be applied in selecting and applying accounting policies, and accounting for changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and corrections of prior period errors. The tax effects of corrections of prior period errors and of retrospective adjustments made to apply changes in accounting policies are accounted for and disclosed in accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes.
4.
Definitions
5. The following terms are used in this Standard with the meanings specified: Accounting policies are the specific principles, bases, conventions, rules and practices applied by an entity in preparing and presenting financial statements. A change in accounting estimate is an adjustment of the carrying amount of an asset or a liability, or the amount of the periodic consumption of an asset, that results from the assessment of the present status of, and expected future benefits and obligations associated with, assets and liabilities. Changes in accounting estimates result from new information or new developments and, accordingly, are not corrections of errors. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) are Standards and Interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). They comprise: (a) (b) (c) International Financial Reporting Standards; International Accounting Standards; and Interpretations originated by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) or the former Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC).
Material Omissions or misstatements of items are material if they could, individually or collectively, influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. Materiality depends on the size and nature of the omission or misstatement judged in the surrounding circumstances. The size or nature of the item, or a combination of both, could be the determining factor. Prior period errors are omissions from, and misstatements in, the entitys financial statements for one or more prior periods arising from a failure to use, or misuse of, reliable information that: (a) (b) was available when financial statements for those periods were authorised for issue; and could reasonably be expected to have been obtained and taken into account in the preparation and presentation of those financial statements.
Such errors include the effects of mathematical mistakes, mistakes in applying accounting policies, oversights or misinterpretations of facts, and fraud . Retrospective application is applying a new accounting policy to transactions, other
events and conditions as if that policy had always been applied. Retrospective restatement is correcting the recognition, measurement and disclosure of amounts of elements of financial statements as if a prior period error had never occurred. Impracticable Applying a requirement is impracticable when the entity cannot apply it after making every reasonable effort to do so. For a particular prior period, it is impracticable to apply a change in an accounting policy retrospectively or to make a retrospective restatement to correct an error if: (a) (b) the effects of the retrospective application or retrospective restatement are not determinable; the retrospective application or retrospective restatement requires assumptions about what managements intent would have been in that period; or the retrospective application or retrospective restatement requires significant estimates of amounts and it is impossible to distinguish objectively information about those estimates that: (i) provides evidence of circumstances that existed on the date(s) as at which those amounts are to be recognised, measured or disclosed; and would have been available when the financial statements for that prior period were authorised for issue
(c)
(ii)
from other information. Prospective application of a change in accounting policy and of recognising the effect of a change in an accounting estimate, respectively, are: (a) (b) 6. applying the new accounting policy to transactions, other events and conditions occurring after the date as at which the policy is changed; and recognising the effect of the change in the accounting estimate in the current and future periods affected by the change.
Assessing whether an omission or misstatement could influence economic decisions of users, and so be material, requires consideration of the characteristics of those users. The Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements states in paragraph 25 that users are assumed to have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities and accounting and a willingness to study the information with reasonable diligence. Therefore, the assessment needs to take into account how users with such attributes could reasonably be expected to be influenced in making economic decisions.
Accounting Policies
Selection and Application of Accounting Policies
7. When a Standard or an Interpretation specifically applies to a transaction, other event or condition, the accounting policy or policies applied to that item shall be determined by applying the Standard or Interpretation and considering any relevant Implementation Guidance issued by the IASB for the Standard or Interpretation. IFRSs set out accounting policies that the IASB has concluded result in financial statements containing relevant and reliable information about the transactions, other events and conditions to which they apply. Those policies need not be applied when the
8.
effect of applying them is immaterial. However, it is inappropriate to make, or leave uncorrected, immaterial departures from IFRSs to achieve a particular presentation of an entitys financial position, financial performance or cash flows. 9. 10. Implementation Guidance for Standards issued by the IASB does not form part of those Standards, and therefore does not contain requirements for financial statements. In the absence of a Standard or an Interpretation that specifically applies to a transaction, other event or condition, management shall use its judgement in developing and applying an accounting policy that results in information that is: (a) (b) relevant to the economic decision-making needs of users; and reliable, in that the financial statements: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 11. represent faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the entity; reflect the economic substance of transactions, other events and conditions, and not merely the legal form; are neutral, ie free from bias; are prudent; and are complete in all material respects.
In making the judgement described in paragraph 10, management shall refer to, and consider the applicability of, the following sources in descending order: (a) (b) the requirements and guidance in Standards and Interpretations dealing with similar and related issues; and the definitions, recognition criteria and measurement concepts for assets, liabilities, income and expenses in the Framework.
12.
In making the judgement described in paragraph 10, management may also consider the most recent pronouncements of other standardsetting bodies that use a similar conceptual framework to develop accounting standards, other accounting literature and accepted industry practices, to the extent that these do not conflict with the sources in paragraph 11.
15.
Users of financial statements need to be able to compare the financial statements of an entity over time to identify trends in its financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Therefore, the same accounting policies are applied within each period and from one period to the next unless a change in accounting policy meets one of the criteria in
paragraph 14. 16. The following are not changes in accounting policies: (a) (b) 17. the application of an accounting policy for transactions, other events or conditions that differ in substance from those previously occurring; and the application of a new accounting policy for transactions, other events or conditions that did not occur previously or were immaterial.
The initial application of a policy to revalue assets in accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment or IAS 38 Intangible Assets is a change in an accounting policy to be dealt with as a revaluation in accordance with IAS 16 or IAS 38, rather than in accordance with this Standard. Paragraphs 19-31 do not apply to the change in accounting policy described in paragraph 17.
18.
(b)
20. 21.
For the purpose of this Standard, early application of a Standard or an Interpretation is not a voluntary change in accounting policy. In the absence of a Standard or an Interpretation that specifically applies to a transaction, other event or condition, management may, in accordance with paragraph 12, apply an accounting policy from the most recent pronouncements of other standard-setting bodies that use a similar conceptual framework to develop accounting standards. If, following an amendment of such a pronouncement, the entity chooses to change an accounting policy, that change is accounted for and disclosed as a voluntary change in accounting policy.
Retrospective application
22. Subject to paragraph 23, when a change in accounting policy is applied retrospectively in accordance with paragraph 19(a) or (b), the entity shall adjust the opening balance of each affected component of equity for the earliest prior period presented and the other comparative amounts disclosed for each prior period presented as if the new accounting policy had always been applied.
24.
which retrospective application is practicable, which may be the current period, and shall make a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of each affected component of equity for that period. 25. When it is impracticable to determine the cumulative effect, at the beginning of the current period, of applying a new accounting policy to all prior periods, the entity shall adjust the comparative information to apply the new accounting policy prospectively from the earliest date practicable. When an entity applies a new accounting policy retrospectively, it applies the new accounting policy to comparative information for prior periods as far back as is practicable. Retrospective application to a prior period is not practicable unless it is practicable to determine the cumulative effect on the amounts in both the opening and closing balance sheets for that period. The amount of the resulting adjustment relating to periods before those presented in the financial statements is made to the opening balance of each affected component of equity of the earliest prior period presented. Usually the adjustment is made to retained earnings. However, the adjustment may be made to another component of equity (for example, to comply with a Standard or an Interpretation). Any other information about prior periods, such as historical summaries of financial data, is also adjusted as far back as is practicable. When it is impracticable for an entity to apply a new accounting policy retrospectively, because it cannot determine the cumulative effect of applying the policy to all prior periods, the entity, in accordance with paragraph 25, applies the new policy prospectively from the start of the earliest period practicable. It therefore disregards the portion of the cumulative adjustment to assets, liabilities and equity arising before that date. Changing an accounting policy is permitted even if it is impracticable to apply the policy prospectively for any prior period. Paragraphs 50-53 provide guidance on when it is impracticable to apply a new accounting policy to one or more prior periods.
26.
27.
Disclosure
28. When initial application of a Standard or an Interpretation has an effect on the current period or any prior period, would have such an effect except that it is impracticable to determine the amount of the adjustment, or might have an effect on future periods, an entity shall disclose: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the title of the Standard or Interpretation; when applicable, that the change in accounting policy is made in accordance with its transitional provisions; the nature of the change in accounting policy; when applicable, a description of the transitional provisions; when applicable, the transitional provisions that might have an effect on future periods; for the current period and each prior period presented, to the extent practicable, the amount of the adjustment: (i) (ii) (g) (h) for each financial statement line item affected; and if IAS 33 Earnings per Share applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
the amount of the adjustment relating to periods before those presented, to the extent practicable; and if retrospective application required by paragraph 19(a) or (b) is impracticable for a particular prior period, or for periods before those presented, the circumstances that led to the existence of that condition
and a description of how and from when the change in accounting policy has been applied. Financial statements of subsequent periods need not repeat these disclosures. 29. When a voluntary change in accounting policy has an effect on the current period or any prior period, would have an effect on that period except that it is impracticable to determine the amount of the adjustment, or might have an effect on future periods, an entity shall disclose: (a) (b) (c) the nature of the change in accounting policy; the reasons why applying the new accounting policy provides reliable and more relevant information; for the current period and each prior period presented, to the extent practicable, the amount of the adjustment: (i) (ii) (d) (e) for each financial statement line item affected; and if IAS 33 applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
the amount of the adjustment relating to periods before those presented, to the extent practicable; and if retrospective application is impracticable for a particular prior period, or for periods before those presented, the circumstances that led to the existence of that condition and a description of how and from when the change in accounting policy has been applied.
Financial statements of subsequent periods need not repeat these disclosures. 30. When an entity has not applied a new Standard or Interpretation that has been issued but is not yet effective, the entity shall disclose: (a) (b) this fact; and known or reasonably estimable information relevant to assessing the possible impact that application of the new Standard or Interpretation will have on the entitys financial statements in the period of initial application. the title of the new Standard or Interpretation; the nature of the impending change or changes in accounting policy; the date by which application of the Standard or Interpretation is required; the date as at which it plans to apply the Standard or Interpretation initially; and either: (i) (ii) a discussion of the impact that initial application of the Standard or Interpretation is expected to have on the entitys financial statements; or if that impact is not known or reasonably estimable, a statement to that effect.
31.
In complying with paragraph 30, an entity considers disclosing: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
bad debts; inventory obsolescence; the fair value of financial assets or financial liabilities; the useful lives of, or expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in, depreciable assets; and warranty obligations.
The use of reasonable estimates is an essential part of the preparation of financial statements and does not undermine their reliability. An estimate may need revision if changes occur in the circumstances on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information or more experience. By its nature, the revision of an estimate does not relate to prior periods and is not the correction of an error. A change in the measurement basis applied is a change in an accounting policy, and is not a change in an accounting estimate. When it is difficult to distinguish a change in an accounting policy from a change in an accounting estimate, the change is treated as a change in an accounting estimate. The effect of a change in an accounting estimate, other than a change to which paragraph 37 applies, shall be recognised prospectively by including it in profit or loss in: (a) (b) the period of the change, if the change affects that period only; or the period of the change and future periods, if the change affects both.
35.
36.
37.
To the extent that a change in an accounting estimate gives rise to changes in assets and liabilities, or relates to an item of equity, it shall be recognised by adjusting the carrying amount of the related asset, liability or equity item in the period of the change. Prospective recognition of the effect of a change in an accounting estimate means that the change is applied to transactions, other events and conditions from the date of the change in estimate. A change in an accounting estimate may affect only the current periods profit or loss, or the profit or loss of both the current period and future periods. For example, a change in the estimate of the amount of bad debts affects only the current periods profit or loss and therefore is recognised in the current period. However, a change in the estimated useful life of, or the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in, a depreciable asset affects depreciation expense for the current period and for each future period during the assets remaining useful life. In both cases, the effect of the change relating to the current period is recognised as income or expense in the current period. The effect, if any, on future periods is recognised as income or expense in those future periods.
38.
Disclosure
39. An entity shall disclose the nature and amount of a change in an accounting estimate that has an effect in the current period or is expected to have an effect in future periods, except for the disclosure of the effect on future periods when it is impracticable to estimate that effect. If the amount of the effect in future periods is not disclosed because estimating it is impracticable, an entity shall disclose that fact.
40.
Errors
41. Errors can arise in respect of the recognition, measurement, presentation or disclosure of
elements of financial statements. Financial statements do not comply with IFRSs if they contain either material errors or immaterial errors made intentionally to achieve a particular presentation of an entitys financial position, financial performance or cash flows. Potential current period errors discovered in that period are corrected before the financial statements are authorised for issue. However, material errors are sometimes not discovered until a subsequent period, and these prior period errors are corrected in the comparative information presented in the financial statements for that subsequent period (see paragraphs 42-47). 42. Subject to paragraph 43, an entity shall correct material prior period errors retrospectively in the first set of financial statements authorised for issue after their discovery by: (a) (b) restating the comparative amounts for the prior period(s) presented in which the error occurred; or if the error occurred before the earliest prior period presented, restating the opening balances of assets, liabilities and equity for the earliest prior period presented.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
for each financial statement line item affected; and if IAS 33 applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
the amount of the correction at the beginning of the earliest prior period presented; and if retrospective restatement is impracticable for a particular prior period, the circumstances that led to the existence of that condition and a description of how and from when the error has been corrected.
51.
52.
from other information. For some types of estimates (eg an estimate of fair value not based on an observable price or observable inputs), it is impracticable to distinguish these types of information. When retrospective application or retrospective restatement would require making a significant estimate for which it is impossible to distinguish these two types of information, it is impracticable to apply the new accounting policy or correct the prior period error retrospectively. 53. Hindsight should not be used when applying a new accounting policy to, or correcting amounts for, a prior period, either in making assumptions about what managements intentions would have been in a prior period or estimating the amounts recognised, measured or disclosed in a prior period. For example, when an entity corrects a prior period error in measuring financial assets previously classified as heldto-maturity investments in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, it does not change their basis of measurement for that period if management decided later not to hold them to maturity. In addition, when an entity corrects a prior period error in calculating its liability for employees accumulated sick
leave in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits, it disregards information about an unusually severe influenza season during the next period that became available after the financial statements for the prior period were authorised for issue. The fact that significant estimates are frequently required when amending comparative information presented for prior periods does not prevent reliable adjustment or correction of the comparative information.
Effective Date
54. An entity shall apply this Standard for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005. Earlier application is encouraged. If an entity applies this Standard for a period beginning before 1 January 2005, it shall disclose that fact.
Appendix
Amendments to Other Pronouncements
The amendments in this appendix shall be applied for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005. If an entity applies this Standard for an earlier period, these amendments shall be applied for that earlier period.
*****
The amendments contained in this appendix when this Standard was revised in 2003 have been incorporated into the relevant pronouncements published in this volume.
Introduction
BC1. This Basis for Conclusions summarises the International Accounting Standards Boards considerations in reaching its conclusions on revising IAS 8 Net Profit or Loss for the Period, Fundamental Errors and Changes in Accounting Policies in 2003. Individual Board members gave greater weight to some factors than to others. In July 2001 the Board announced that, as part of its initial agenda of technical projects, it would undertake a project to improve a number of Standards, including IAS 8. The project was undertaken in the light of queries and criticisms raised in relation to the Standards by securities regulators, professional accountants and other interested parties. The objectives of the Improvements project were to reduce or eliminate alternatives, redundancies and conflicts within Standards, to deal with some convergence issues and to make other improvements. In May 2002 the Board published its proposals in an Exposure Draft of Improvements to International Accounting Standards , with a comment deadline of 16 September 2002. The Board received over 160 comment letters on the Exposure Draft. The Standard includes extensive changes to the previous version of IAS 8. The Boards intention was not to reconsider all of the previous Standards requirements for selecting and applying accounting policies, and accounting for changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and corrections of errors. Accordingly, this Basis for Conclusions does not discuss requirements in IAS 8 that the Board did not reconsider.
BC2.
BC3.
In both circumstances, comparative information was presented as it was presented in the financial statements of prior periods. The Board identified the removal of optional treatments for changes in accounting policies and corrections of errors as an important improvement to the previous version of IAS 8. The Standard removes the allowed alternative treatments and requires changes in accounting policies and corrections of prior period errors to be accounted for retrospectively. The Board concluded that retrospective application made by amending the comparative information presented for prior periods is preferable to the previously allowed alternative treatments because, under the now required method of retrospective application: (a) profit or loss for the period of the change does not include the effects of changes in accounting policies or errors relating to prior periods.
BC7.
(b)
information presented about prior periods is prepared on the same basis as information about the current period, and is therefore comparable. This information possesses a qualitative characteristic identified in the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements , and provides the most useful information for trend analysis of income and expenses. prior period errors are not repeated in comparative information presented for prior periods.
(c) BC8.
Some respondents to the Exposure Draft argued that the previously allowed alternative treatments are preferable because: (a) (b) correcting prior period errors by restating prior period information involves an unjustifiable use of hindsight; recognising the effects of changes in accounting policies and corrections of errors in current period profit or loss makes them more prominent to users of financial statements; and each amount credited or debited to retained earnings as a result of an entitys activities has been recognised in profit or loss in some period.
(c) BC9.
The Board concluded that restating prior period information to correct a prior period error does not involve an unjustifiable use of hindsight because prior period errors are defined in terms of a failure to use, or misuse of, reliable information that was available when the prior period financial statements were authorised for issue and could reasonably be expected to have been obtained and taken into account in the preparation and presentation of those financial statements.
BC10. The Board also concluded that the disclosures about changes in accounting policies and corrections of prior period errors in paragraphs 28, 29 and 49 of the Standard should ensure that their effects are sufficiently prominent to users of financial statements. BC11. The Board further concluded that it is less important for each amount credited or debited to retained earnings as a result of an entitys activities to be recognised in profit or loss in some period than for the profit or loss for each period presented to represent faithfully the effects of transactions and other events occurring in that period.
Eliminating the Distinction Between Fundamental Errors and Other Material Prior Period Errors
BC12. The Standard eliminates the distinction between fundamental errors and other material prior period errors. As a result, all material prior period errors are accounted for in the same way as a fundamental error was accounted for under the retrospective treatment in the previous version of IAS 8. The Board concluded that the definition of fundamental errors in the previous version was difficult to interpret consistently because the main feature of the definitionthat the error causes the financial statements of one or more prior periods no longer to be considered to have been reliablewas also a feature of all material prior period errors.
(c) (d)
Appendices to the Standard that do not form a part of the Standard; and Implementation Guidance issued in respect of the Standard.
BC14. The Board decided not to set out a hierarchy of requirements for these circumstances. The Standard requires only applicable Standards and Interpretations to be applied. In addition, it does not mention Appendices. BC15. The Board decided not to rank Standards above Interpretations because the definition of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) includes Interpretations, which are equal in status to Standards. The rubric to each Standard clarifies what material constitutes the requirements of an IFRS and what is Implementation Guidance. The term Appendix is retained only for material that is part of an IFRS.
BC18. The Standard refers to the most recent pronouncements of other standard-setting bodies because if pronouncements are withdrawn or superseded, the relevant standard-setting body no longer thinks they include the best accounting policies to apply. BC19. Comments received indicated that it was unclear from the Exposure Draft whether a change in accounting policy following a change in a pronouncement of another standardsetting body should be accounted for under the transitional provisions in that pronouncement. As noted above, the Standard does not mandate using pronouncements of other standard-setting bodies in any circumstances. Accordingly, the Board decided to clarify that such a change in accounting policy is accounted for and disclosed as a voluntary change in accounting policy (see paragraph 21 of the Standard). Thus, an entity is precluded from applying transitional provisions specified by the other standardsetting body if they are inconsistent with the treatment of voluntary changes in accounting policies specified by the Standard.
Materiality
BC20. The Standard states that accounting policies specified by IFRSs need not be applied when the effect of applying them is immaterial. It also states that financial statements do not comply with IFRSs if they contain material errors, and that material prior period errors are to be corrected in the first set of financial statements authorised for issue after their discovery. The Standard includes a definition of material omissions or misstatements, which is based on the description of materiality in the previous version of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and in the Framework.
BC21. The former Preface to Statements of International Accounting Standards stated that International Accounting Standards were not intended to apply to immaterial items. There is no equivalent statement in the Preface to International Financial Reporting Standards. The Board received comments that the absence of such a statement from the Preface could be interpreted as requiring an entity to apply accounting policies (including measurement requirements) specified by IFRSs to immaterial items. However, the Board decided that the application of the concept of materiality should be in Standards rather than in the Preface. BC22. The application of the concept of materiality is set out in two Standards. The revised IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements continues to specify its application to disclosures. IAS 8 specifies the application of materiality in applying accounting policies and correcting errors (including errors in measuring items).
Definition of impracticable
BC25. The Board decided to clarify the meaning of impracticable in relation to retrospective application of a change in accounting policy and retrospective restatement to correct a prior period error. BC26. Some commentators suggested that retrospective application of a change in accounting policy and retrospective restatement to correct a prior period error are impracticable for a particular prior period whenever significant estimates are required as of a date in that period. However, the Board decided to specify a narrower definition of impracticable because the fact that significant estimates are frequently required when amending comparative information presented for prior periods does not prevent reliable adjustment or correction of the comparative information. Thus, the Board decided that an inability to distinguish objectively information that both provides evidence of circumstances that existed on the date(s) as at which those amounts are to be recognised, measured or disclosed and would have been available when the financial statements for that prior period were authorised for issue from other information is the factor that prevents reliable adjustment or correction of comparative information for prior periods (see part (c) of the definition of impracticable and paragraphs 51 and 52 of the Standard). BC27. The Standard specifies that hindsight should not be used when applying a new accounting policy to, or correcting amounts for, a prior period, either in making assumptions about what managements intentions would have been in a prior period or estimating the amounts in a prior period. This is because managements intentions in a
prior period cannot be objectively established in a later period, and using information that would have been unavailable when the financial statements for the prior period(s) affected were authorised for issue is inconsistent with the definitions of retrospective application and retrospective restatement.
(b)
BC33. Some respondents to the Exposure Draft disagreed with requiring the effects of all changes in accounting estimates to be recognised in profit or loss. They argued that this is inappropriate to the extent that a change in an accounting estimate gives rise to changes in assets and liabilities, because the entitys equity does not change as a result. These commentators also argued that it is inappropriate to preclude recognising the effects of changes in accounting estimates directly in equity when that is required or permitted by a Standard or an Interpretation. The Board concurs, and decided to provide an exception to the requirement described in paragraph BC32 for these circumstances.
1.3
20-1 opening retained earnings was CU20,000 and closing retained earnings was CU34,000. Betas income tax rate was 30 per cent for 20-2 and 20-1. It had no other income or expenses. Beta had CU5,000 of share capital throughout, and no other components of equity except for retained earnings. Its shares are not publicly traded and it does not disclose earnings per share. Beta Co Extract from the Income Statement
20-2 CU (restated) 20-1 CU
Sales Cost of goods sold Profit before income taxes Income taxes Profit
5,000
20,000
25,000
Profit for the year ended 31 December 20-1 as restated Balance at 31 December 20-1 5,000
9,450
9,450
29,450
34,450
16,800
16,800
5,000
46,250
51,250
1,950 (4,550)
2.2
2.3
2.4 2.5
20-1 opening retained earnings was CU20,000 and closing retained earnings was CU32,600. Gammas tax rate was 30 per cent for 20-2, 20-1 and prior periods. Gamma had CU10,000 of share capital throughout, and no other components of equity except for retained earnings. Its shares are not publicly traded and it does not disclose earnings per share. Gamma Co Extract from the Income Statement
20-2 CU Profit before interest and income taxes Interest expense Profit before income taxes Income taxes Profit 30,000 (3,000) 27,000 (8,100) 18,900
CU
Balance at 31 December 20-0 as previously reported Change in accounting policy for the capitalisation of interest (net of income taxes of CU1,560) (Note 1) Balance at 31 December 20-0 as restated
10,00 0
20,000
30,000
(3,640)
(3,640)
10,000
16,360
26,360
Profit for the year ended 31 December 20-1 (restated) Balance at 31 December 20-1 10,000
10,780
10,780
27,140
37,140
18,900
18,900
10,000
46,040
56,040
information because it results in a more transparent treatment of finance costs and is consistent with local industry practice, making Gammas financial statements more comparable. This change in accounting policy has been accounted for retrospectively, and the comparative statements for 20-1 have been restated. The effect of the change on 20-1 is tabulated below. Opening retained earnings for 20-1 have been reduced by CU3,640, which is the amount of the adjustment relating to periods prior to 20-1.
Effect on 20-1 (Increase) in interest expense Decrease in income tax expense (Decrease) in profit Effect on periods prior to 20-1 (Decrease) in profit (CU5,200 interest expense less tax of CU1,560) (Decrease) in assets in the course of construction and in retained earnings at 31 December 20-1 (3,640) (5,460) CU (2,600) 780 (1,820)
Example 3 - Prospective Application of a Change in Accounting Policy When Retrospective Application is not Practicable
3.1 During 20-2, Delta Co changed its accounting policy for depreciating property, plant and equipment, so as to apply much more fully a components approach, whilst at the same time adopting the revaluation model. In years before 20-2, Deltas asset records were not sufficiently detailed to apply a components approach fully. At the end of 20-1, management commissioned an engineering survey, which provided information on the components held and their fair values, useful lives, estimated residual values and depreciable amounts at the beginning of 20-2. However, the survey did not provide a sufficient basis for reliably estimating the cost of those components that had not previously been accounted for separately, and the existing records before the survey did not permit this information to be reconstructed. Deltas management considered how to account for each of the two aspects of the accounting change. They determined that it was not practicable to account for the change to a fuller components approach retrospectively, or to account for that change prospectively from any earlier date than the start of 20-2. Also, the change from a cost model to a revaluation model is required to be accounted for prospectively. Therefore, management concluded that it should apply Deltas new policy prospectively from the start of 20-2. Additional information:
CU Property, plant and equipment at the end of 20-1: Cost Depreciation Net book value Prospective depreciation expense for 20-2 (old basis) Some results of the engineering survey: Valuation 17,000 25,000 (14,000) 11,000 1,500
3.2
3.3
3.4
Estimated residual value Average remaining asset life (years) Depreciation expense on existing property, plant and equipment for 20-2 (new basis)
3,000 7 2,000
Table of Concordance
This table shows how the contents of the superseded version of IAS 8 and the current version of IAS 8 correspond. Paragraphs are treated as corresponding if they broadly address the same matter even though the guidance may differ. This table also shows how the requirements of SIC-2 and SIC-18 have been incorporated into the current version of IAS 8.
Supersede d IAS 8 paragraph Current IAS 8 paragraph Supersede d IAS 8 paragraph Current IAS 8 paragraph Superseded IAS 8 paragraph or Interpretatio n 48 Current IAS 8 paragrap h 30, 31
Objective
24
34
25
35
49
22, 23
55
26
36
50
26
27
38
51
None
None
28
None
52
24, 25
29
None
53
28, 29
30
39, 40
54
None
(IAS 1.78)
31
41
55
None
(IAS 1.79)
32
41
56
None
(IAS 1.80)
33
48
57
None
10
(IAS 1.85)
34
42
58
54
11
None
35
46
Appendix A
12
None
36
None
13
None
37
49
14
None
38
None
SIC-2
13
15
None
39
None
SIC-18
13
16
(IAS 1.86)
40
None
None
17
None
41
15
None
20, 21
18
(IAS 1.87)
42
14
None
27
19
None
43
14
None
37
20
None
44
16-18
None
43-45
21
None
45
None
None
47
22
None
46
19
None
50-53
23
32, 33
47
None
None
56
iIn these examples, monetary amounts are denominated in currency units (CU).