RESERVES &

PROVISIONS
Accounting treatments & Auditing
procedures

Ahmad Tariq Bhatti

FCMA, FPA, MA (Economics), BSc
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Reserves &
Provisions

(1/19)

Contents
A.

Definition of reserves.................................................................................... 3

B.

Definition of provisions..................................................................................3

C.

Measurement of provisions...........................................................................4

D.

Use of provisions............................................................................................ 5

E.

Disclosure of provisions................................................................................ 5

F.

Auditors responsibility in respect of provisions.........................................5

G.

Reserves versus provisions...........................................................................8

H.

Classification of reserves.............................................................................. 9

I.

Auditors responsibility in respect of revenue reserve..............................9

J.

Definition of capital reserve.......................................................................10

K.

Auditors responsibility in respect of capital reserves............................11

L.

Capitalization of reserves...........................................................................11

M.

Capital reserves versus capitalization of reserves..................................12

N.

Advantages of capitalization of reserves..................................................13

O.

Auditors responsibility in respect of capitalization reserve...................13

P.

Reserve fund................................................................................................. 14

Q.

Sinkingfund................................................................................................... 14

R.

Creation of sinking fund.............................................................................. 15

S.

Auditors responsibility in respect of sinking fund...................................15

T.

Secret/ hidden reserves...............................................................................15

U.

Auditors responsibility in respect of secret reserves.............................17

V.

Specific reserves.......................................................................................... 18

W.

Auditors responsibility in respect of specific reserves..........................18

X.

References.................................................................................................... 20

(2/19)

(3/19)

A.

Definition of reserves
Reserves are amounts appropriated out of profits, which are not intended to
meet any liability, contingency, commitment or diminution in the value of
assets known to exist at the date of the balance sheet or retained by way of
providing for any known liability.
(Clause 1(x) of Part 1 of the 5thSchedule to CO, 1984.)
Another definition given by the AICPA is, the use of the term reserve is
limited to indicate that an undivided portion of the asset is being held or
retained for general or specific purpose.
Reserves refer to retained profits or surpluses. In a not-for-profit entity,
these are described as accumulated funds. Reserves may be distributable
(revenue reserves) or non-distributable (capital reserves).
(Cima Official Terminology)
Amounts set aside from profits in company accounts for an unspecified
purpose. Reserves are part of retained earnings i.e. undistributed profits and
belong to the ordinary shareholders of the company.
(International Dictionary of Finance by Graham Bannock & William Manser)

B.

Definition of provisions
Provisions refer to liabilities of uncertain timing or amount. A provision should
be recognized when and only when:
an enterprise has present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of
past event;
it is probable (i.e. more likely than not) that an outflow of resources
embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
(Source: IAS 37para 10 and 14)
Provisions are amounts charged against revenue to provide for the following:
Depreciation, renewals or diminution in the value of assets
A known liability, the amount whereof cannot be determined with
substantial accuracy
A claim, which is disputed
A possible obligation (a contingent liability) is disclosed but not accrued.
However, disclosure is not required if payment is remote. [IAS 37.86]
(4/19)

In rare cases, for example in a lawsuit, it may not be clear whether an entity
has a present obligation. In those cases, a past event is deemed to give rise
to a present obligation if, taking account of all available evidence, it ismore
likely than not that a present obligation exists at the balance sheet date. A
provision should be recognized for that present obligation if the other
recognition criteria described above are met. If it is more likely than not that
no present obligation exists, the entity should disclose a contingent liability,
unless the possibility of an outflow of resources is remote. [IAS 37.15]

C.

Measurement of provisions
The amount recognized as a provision should be the best estimate of the expenditure
required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date, that is, the amount
that an entity would rationally pay to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date or to
transfer it to a third party. [IAS 37.36]
This means:
Provisions for one-off events

(restructuring, environmental clean-up, settlement of a lawsuit) are measured

at the most likely amount. [IAS 37.40]
Provisions for large populations of

events (warranties, customer refunds) are measured at a probability-weighted

expected value. [IAS 37.39]
Both measurements are at

discounted present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the
liability. [IAS 37.45 and 37.47]
In reaching its best estimate, the entity should take into account the risks and
uncertainties that surround the underlying events. [IAS 37.42]
If some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be
reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement should be recognized as a separate
(5/19)

asset, and not as a reduction of the required provision, when, and only when, it is
virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation.
The amount recognized should not exceed the amount of the provision. [IAS 37.53]

(6/19)

In measuring a provision consider future events as follows:

Forecast reasonable changes in applying existing technology [IAS 37.49]

Ignore possible gains on sale of assets [IAS 37.51]

Consider changes in legislation only if virtually certain to be enacted

[IAS 37.50]

D.

Use of provisions
Provisions should only be used for the purpose for which they were originally
recognized. They should be reviewed at each statement of financial position date and
adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of
resources will be required to settle the obligation, the provision should be reversed. [IAS
37.61]

E.

Disclosure of provisions
Reconciliation for each class of provision: [IAS 37.84]
Opening balance
Additions
Used (amounts charged against the provision)
Unused amounts reversed
Unwinding of the discount, or changes in discount rate
Closing balance

F.

Auditors responsibility in respect of provisions

Provisions should be reviewed at each statement of financial position date and
adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of
resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the
provision should be reversed. (Para 8, IAS 37)
A provision should be used for expenditure for which the provision was originally
recognized.(Para 9, IAS 37)
The assessment of the adequacy or otherwise of a provision is one of the most difficult
judgments we have to make in audit. The quality of audit evidence varies in this regard.
(7/19)

This area of work therefore requires the close attention of the manager and audit
partner.
The method used to verify each provision made in the accounts varies considerably,
depending on the nature of the provision. Both understatement and overstatement must
be considered. For each provision or group of provisions, an auditor should carry out
the following steps:
1. Prepare or obtain a schedule showing opening and closing balances
2.

Analyze the movements in the year

3.

Review, with supporting evidence, the adequacy of the closing provision and
consider whether it is, in fact, necessary

4.

Review the appropriateness of previous years provisions in the light of

subsequent movements whether all provision consumed for last years envisaged
expenses

5.

Consider the need for written confirmation of representations made by

management

6.

Assess the competence of the personnel responsible for calculating the closing
balance of all provisions under audit.

7.

Check approval of such provisions by a competent authority

8.

Identify the areas of potential liability from the following sources:

9.

Audit files
Client correspondence
Reviews of minutes of meetings
Discussions with management

Verify provisions for losses on forward foreign exchange or commodity

transactions

10. Verify provisions for warranty and repair claims

11. Obtain confirmations, in a letter of representations from management that the
auditors have been informed of all pending legal actions and that in managements
opinion adequate provision and disclosures have been made.
12. Re-measurement of provisions [IAS 37.59]
Review and adjust provisions at each balance sheet date
If an outflow no longer probable, provision needs to be reversed.
(8/19)

G.

Reserves versus provisions

Reserves

Provisions

1. It is an appropriation of profit. Hence,

it is created by debiting statement of
retained earnings.

1. It is a charge against profit. It is

debited to statement of
comprehensive income.

2. A reserve is created for an unknown

liability.

2. A provision is made for a known

liability.

3. Creation of reserves depends upon

the financial policy of the firm.

3. Creation of provisions is a must as

these are meant for meeting known
liabilities.

4. The reserve is shown in the balance

sheet of a company under the head
Reserves and Surplus.

4. The provisions are usually

deducted from the concerned
assets in the asset side of the
statement of financial position.

5. Past reserves can be utilized for

distribution of dividend.

5. Provision can never be utilized for

dividend payment. Only excess
provision written-back can be
utilized for dividend utilization.

6. It is possible to create revenue

reserve only if the company earns
profit. If there is a loss, a reserve
cannot be created as it is an
appropriation of profit.

6. Provisions are possible to be made

even if there is loss as it is a charge
against profit.

7. Creation of reserves is discretionary

and the auditor need not devote
much time for the verification of
reserves.

7. Creation of provision is a must and

the auditor should qualify his report
if adequate provisions are not
made.

8. A reserve is always reserve till it is

fully utilized. Even if it is more than
the requirement, it will not change its
nature.

8. Provision in excess of requirement

can be treated as reserve.

(9/19)

H.

Classification of reserves
1. Revenue reserves
2. Capital reserves
Definition of revenue reserve
Revenue reserve means a reserve that is normally regarded as available for distribution
through the profit and loss account, including general reserves and other specific
reserves created out of profit and un-appropriated profit i.e. credit balance of
statement of comprehensive income after appropriation for the period to the date of
statement of financial position.
(Clause 2(v) of Part 1 of 4th Schedule to the CO, 1984.)
It represents profits that are available for distribution to shareholders held for the time
being for any one or more purposes for example supplement divisible profits in lean
years, to finance an extension of business, or to generally strengthen the financial
position of the company.
A revenue reserve shall include:
General reserve
Dividend equalization reserve
Other reserves created out of profit
Un-appropriated profits/ retained earnings

I.

Auditors responsibility in respect of revenue reserve

1. Since the creation of this reserve is not a must, the auditor has no duty to
report on the creation, adequacy or inadequacy of such a reserve.
2. He may advise the management on the desirability of creation and
maintenance of such reserve in the best interest of the business.

(10/19)

J.

Definition of capital reserve

It represents reserves which are created out of capital profit. Capital profits are those
profits, which donot arise in the normal course of the business. So a capital reserve is
created out of the profits of the following nature:
Profits earned on sale of fixed assets at a price in excess of written down value
(WDV)
Profit on revaluation of all assets/liabilities
Profit earned prior to incorporation of the company
Profit on reissue of forfeited shares
Premium on issue of shares or debentures
Profits on redemption of debentures
Amount utilized out of profits to redeem redeemable preference shares
A capital reserve can be utilized for the following purposes:
1. For issuing bonus shares, if the Articles of Association so provides
2. For writing-off various types of fictitious or intangible assets
A capital reserve includes:
Capital redemption reserve
Capital repurchase reserve account
Share premium account
Profit prior to incorporation
Any reserve regarded free for distribution by way of dividend
(Clause 2(ii) of Part 1 of 4th Schedule to the CO, 1984)

(11/19)

K.

Auditors responsibility in respect of capital reserves

1. The auditor should examine that the capital reserve is created out of capital
profits only.
2. If the management is giving dividend out of capital reserve, then he should
ensure that it is permitted by the Articles of Association of the company.
3. The auditor should ensure that reserves are appropriately classified in
accordance with the provisions of CO, 1984, and the companies own
constitution, for instance revenue and capital reserves must be classified
separately.
4. Check movements during the year to the supporting evidence and confirm
authorization with board minutes
5. Ensure that the movements in the reserves do not contravene the
requirements of CO, 1984 and companys own constitution. For instance, the
share premium account can only be utilized for the following purposes:

in paying up bonus shares to be issued as fully paid

to write-off preliminary expenses of the company

L.

to write-off expenses, commission or discount on any issue of shares

or debentures of the company

Capitalization of reserves
Capitalization of reserves must not be confused with capital reserves. It is a different
concept.
Capitalization of reserves is the process of retaining any capital or revenue reserve
permanently by issuing bonus shares.
It is one of the methods of internal financing for the growth and expansion of the
business and is popularly known as the ploughing back of the profits.

(12/19)

M.

Capital reserves versus capitalization of reserves

Following are the differences between capital reserve and capitalization of reserves:

Capital reserves

Capitalization of reserves

1. Capital reserve is created out of

capital profits only i.e. gain on sale of
fixed assets, gain from
mergers/acquisitions etc., etc.

1. Capitalization of reserve is done

either out of capital or revenue
reserve.

2. Capital reserve does not increase the

capital of the company.

2. Capitalization of reserve
increases the amount of
companys capital.

3. Capital reserve is created by any type

of capital profit when they arise.

3. Capitalization of reserve is
possible only out of some
specific reserves.

4. Creation of capital reserve is

accompanied by an increase in asset
of the company.

4. Capitalization of reserves does

not increase the assets of the
company. Only there is a sort of
reorganization of capital structure
of the company.

(13/19)

N.

Advantages of capitalization of reserves

Following are advantages from the point of view of shareholders:
The shareholders get back their undistributed profit in the shape of shares.
Accumulated profit can be distributed without disturbing the liquidity position
of the company.
It will increase the number of shares in the hands of the existing shareholders
without making any extra payment. Thus it will increase the marketability of
the shares.
They receive profit of the company, though in kind, but in case of necessity,
shares can be converted into cash by selling them in the market.
Advantages from the point of view of the company:
The company can keep its shareholders happy without impairing the financial
position and liquidity of the company.
Creditors can feel more protected due to increase in share capital.
Growth of the company is ensured by permanently keeping the reserve in the
business.
By way of capitalization of reserves, disparity between effective capital and
book capital can be eliminated and the statement of financial position can
be presented in a more meaningful way.

O.

Auditors responsibility in respect of capitalization

reserve
An auditor can frame his audit work in the light of following guidelines:
1. Bonus shares can be issued out of free reserves created out of genuine
profits or securities premium only.
2. Reserves created out of revaluation of assets have not been utilized for the
purpose of capitalization.
3. The company has not defaulted in payment of interest and principle in respect
debentures and public deposits.
(14/19)

4. There has been provision in the Articles of Association authorizing the

company to issue bonus shares
5. The extended capital after the issue of bonus shares has been within the limit
of the authorized capital of the company
6. In addition to the above guidelines, the auditor will also check the accounting
entries to ensure himself that they have been passed properly in the books of
accounts.
P.

Reserve fund
If amounts equal to a reserve are invested in outside securities, the reserve will be
named as reserve fund. If there are no specific investments, it cannot be called a
reserve fund but merely a reserve.
Reserves can be retained in the business as a part of working capital or invested
outside the company in marketable securities.
Fund in relation to any reserve, shall be used only where such a reserve is represented
by specifically earmarked investments or other assets realizable at not less than the
amount of the reserve.
(Clause 1(v) of Part 1 of 5th Schedule to CO, 1984.)
The term reserve fund is used to describe a reserve only when the amount of reserve is
invested outside the business of the company and it is represented by readily realizable
assets. It means that it has a separate legal existence. Board of trustees takes care of
such funds. Their income is separately reported in the separate accounts which are
audited separately and reported to the said board.
The auditor should see that the reserve fund has been distinctly shown in the statement
of financial position and the fund is represented by readily realizable assets.

Q.

Sinking fund
A sinking fund is a specific type of fund which is created for the redemption of a longterm debt or for the replacement of an asset in future. This fund is created by the
regular investment of an amount, which will accumulate along with the compound
interest earned thereon to make available a certain amount of money at the end ofa
stated period.

(15/19)

R.

Creation of sinking fund

Sinking fund investment method
Sinking fund policy method
Brief description of each method is as follows:

Sinking fund - Investment method

Under this method, a predetermined amount is debited to a profit and loss account at
the end of a year and credited to sinking fund account.
The aforementioned amount is taken out of business and invested in readily saleable
securities. When the period of the fund expires, the investments are sold and the
amount so realized is utilized for the conceived purpose.

Sinking Fund - Policy method

Under this method, a policy for the period is taken up and the premium on the policy is
debited to the profit and loss account. At the end of the policy period, the amount
received is utilized in the conceived purposes.

S.

Auditors responsibility in respect of sinking fund

The auditor should ensure that the reserve fund created has been separately
shown in the statement of financial position.
He has to ensure that the purpose for which the fund is created has been
clearly indicated.
He should also see that the creation of sinking fund for any specific purpose
is authorized by Articles of Association of the company.
He should also ensure that proper entries have been passed in the books of
accounts to record the creation and utilization of the fund.

T.

Secret/ hidden reserves

The existence of secret reserves in a companys statement of financial position
means that stockholders equity is understated because assets are understated or
(16/19)

liabilities are overstated. When the secret reserves exist, the financial position of the
company is better than what appears.
They are the reserves which are not shown on the face of statement of financial
position. Obviously, if secret reserves are created then a statement of financial
position cannot reveal the true and fair view of the companys statement of financial
position. And, therefore, can be subject of audit objection, if noted. The actual financial
position of the company can be better than what is revealed on the face of statement of
financial position.
Following are the few ways by which secret reserves are created:
1. Charging capital expenditure as revenue expenditure.
2. Providing for excessive/more depreciation on fixed assets.
3. Making excessive provision for bad and doubtful debts.
4. Writing down the goodwill to a nominal value.
5. Under-valuation of stock-in-trade.
6. Omitting some assets from the face of the statement of financial
position.
7. Showing contingent liabilities as real/actual liabilities.
8. Showing fictitious liabilities or over-valuation of the liabilities.
9. Making an excessive provision for contingencies or by continuing to carry forward
provisions when they are not required.
10. Ignoring the permanent appreciation in the value of assets.
11. Suppression of sales.
12. Inflating purchases.
13. Using the last-in, first-out inventory method in periods of rising price levels.
14. Showing an asset as a contingent asset.
15. Crediting revenue receipts to an asset e.g. Rent received credited to
Building Account.
(17/19)

(18/19)

Reasons for creating secret reserves

Following are the reasons for which management creates secret reserves:
1. Meet any extraordinary loss in future without disclosing the fact to the
shareholders i.e. showing the consistent profitability
2. Strengthen the financial position of the company
3. Mislead the competitors about the financial position of the company
4. Evade income tax and wealth tax
5. Manipulate share price for some ulterior motives
6. Regulate steady payment of dividend
7. Sometimes, secret reserves may arise themselves. For instance, assets might
increase in value permanently or there may be a permanent diminution in a
particular liability. They are not brought on books immediately. Of course
valuation will take place once in a year or more.

U.

Auditors responsibility in respect of secret reserves

The auditor is required to report on the truth and fairness of the companys financial
state of affairs. If secret reserves were created during the year under audit, the true and
fair view will not be possible for the auditor to report, irrespective of the purpose positive
or negative underlying creation of such reserves. So the position of the auditor in the
case of secret reserves detection is quite clear. He has to exercise reasonable skill
and due care in detecting all the cases of secret reserve creation and advise the
management to rectify the accounts by dissolving these secret reserves. If the advice is
not followed immediately, he should qualify the audit report. And if the auditor fails to
detect the secret reserves or deliberately ignores their existence in the statement of
financial position, he can be criminally persecuted along with the management in the
court of law.
Even a provision in the Articles of Association forbidding the auditor from disclosing
the fact of secret reserves is ultra vires and invalid as was held in the case of Newton
vs. Birmingham Small Arms Co Ltd. In these judicial pronouncements, it is noted that
although creation of secret reserve was permitted by the Articles of Association, its
disclosure was made obligatory.

(19/19)

V.

Specific reserves
These are the reserves created for some definite purpose to be served in future out of
profits of the company. The purpose of creating reserves can be pre-defined in Articles
or by the decision of the Board. Also some of the specific reserves may be required to
be created under contractual obligations or legal compulsion. An example of the former
would be the fund for redemption of debentures and the example of the latter would be
the development rebate reserve, which is compulsory to be created, if the advantages
of the development rebate are to be enjoyed from income tax liability. Such reserves
take on the character of capital reserves.
Following are some of the purposes of creating such reserves:
1. Debenture redemption reserve:
2. Capital redemption reserve:
for redemption of preference shares
3. Dividend equalization reserve:
to enable the company to pay dividend at a stable rate in different years
irrespective of the amount of profit earned
4. Foreign project reserve
5. Staff welfare reserve fund: Workers Profit Participation Fund (WPPF)

W.

Auditors responsibility in respect of specific reserves

Since the creation of these reserves is specified and they appear on the face of balance
sheet, therefore, the auditor must verify its adequacy and ensure that it is not used for
any purpose other than that for which it is created. So, the auditor has to take the
following steps ensure the justification of existence of these reserves in the balance
sheet of a company.
1. Examining Articles of Association
The auditor should study the articles to examine whether there is any provision for
creation of specific reserves.

(20/19)

2. Reviewing directors meeting minute books

Scanning the minute books for all the meetings of the directors for the decisions taken
for the creation of specific reserves and to ensure that the reserves have been created
according to the decisions taken in those meetings.
3. Examining the statement of financial position
The auditor should ensure himself that the specific reserve created has been shown in
the statement of financial position according to the requirements of the 4th or 5th
schedule to the CO, 1984.
4. Reading the legal documents
He will also examine the related documents e.g. the debenture trust deed, the tax audit
file etc., to ensure that adequate provision has been created according to the legal
requirements and the amount created, if utilized, has been utilized according to the legal
provisions.

(21/19)

X.

References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Companies Ordinance, 1984 (i.e. CO, 1984)

IAS 37
Practical Auditing by Spicer & Peglers
Cima Official Terminology
International Dictionary of finance by Graham Bannock and William
Manser
6. IAS Plus.com

The End.

(22/19)