Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
Contents
Objective Scope Definitions Accounting policies
Selection and application of accounting policies Consistency of accounting policies Changes in accounting policies Applying changes in accounting policies Retrospective application Limitations on retrospective application Disclosure
Paragraph
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-31 7-12 13 14-31 19-27 22 23-27 28-31 32-40
3940 41-49
Errors
Limitations on retrospective restatement Disclosure of prior period errors
43-48 49 50-53
Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
(This Indian Accounting Standard includes paragraphs set in bold type and plain type, which have equal authority. Paragraphs in bold type indicate the main principles.)
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. Disclosure requirements for accounting policies, except those for changes in accounting policies, are set out in Ind AS 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 Ind AS 12 Income Taxes.
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. Indian Accounting Standards Ind ASs are Standards prescribed under Section 211(3C) of the Companies Act, 1956. Material Omissions or misstatements of items are material if they could, individually or collectively, influence the economic decisions that users make 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 approved 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
(c)
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 approved for issue from other information.
(ii)
Prospective application of a change in accounting policy and of recognising the effect of a change in an accounting estimate, respectively, are: (a) 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.
(b)
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 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India states in paragraph 26 that It is assumed that users have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities and accounting and 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 an Ind AS specifically applies to a transaction, other event or condition, the accounting policy or policies applied to that item shall be determined by applying the Ind AS. Ind ASs set out accounting policies that 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 effect of applying them is immaterial. However, it is inappropriate to make, or leave uncorrected, immaterial departures from Ind ASs to achieve a particular presentation of an entitys financial position, financial performance or cash flows. Ind ASs are accompanied by guidance to assist entities in applying their requirements. All such guidance states whether it is an integral part of Ind ASs. Guidance that is an integral part of the Ind ASs is mandatory. Guidance that is
not an integral part of the Ind ASs does not contain requirements for financial statements. 10 In the absence of an Ind AS 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:
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, performance and cash flows of the entity; financial
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 in Ind ASs 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 first consider the most recent pronouncements of International Accounting Standards Board and in absence thereof those of the 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. The following are not changes in accounting policies: (a) the application of an accounting policy for transactions, other events or conditions that differ in substance from those previously occurring; and (b) the application of a new accounting policy for transactions, other events or conditions that did not occur previously or were immaterial.
16
17
The initial application of a policy to revalue assets in accordance with Ind AS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment or Ind AS 38 Intangible Assets is a change in an accounting policy to be dealt with as a revaluation in accordance with Ind AS 16 or Ind AS 38, rather than in accordance with this Standard.
18Paragraphs 1931 do not apply to the change in accounting policy described in paragraph 17.
(a)an entity shall account for a change in accounting policy resulting from the
initial application of an Ind AS in accordance with the specific transitional provisions, if any, in that Ind AS; and
20For the purpose of this Standard, early application of an Ind AS is not a voluntary
change in accounting policy.
21
In the absence of an Ind AS 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 International Accounting Standards Board and in absence thereof those of the other standardsetting 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
25
26
27
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.
Disclosure
28 When initial application of an Ind AS 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)the title of the Ind AS; (b)when applicable, that the change in accounting policy is made in
accordance with its transitional provisions; (c)the nature of the change in accounting policy; (d)when applicable, a description of the transitional provisions; (e)when applicable, the transitional provisions that might have an effect on future periods; (f)for the current period and each prior period presented, to the extent practicable, the amount of the adjustment: (i) for each financial statement line item affected; and (ii) if Ind AS 33 Earnings per Share applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
(g)
the amount of the adjustment relating to periods before those presented, to the extent practicable; and 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.
of
subsequent
periods
need
not
repeat
these
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) the nature of the change in accounting policy; (b) the reasons why applying the new accounting policy provides reliable and more relevant information; (c) for the current period and each prior period presented, to the extent practicable, the amount of the adjustment: (i) (ii) for each financial statement line item affected; and if Ind AS 33 applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
(d) the amount of the adjustment relating to periods before those presented, to the extent practicable; and (e) 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 Ind AS that has been issued but is not yet effective, the entity shall disclose: (a) this fact; and (b) known or reasonably estimable information relevant to assessing the possible impact that application of the new Ind AS will have on the entitys financial statements in the period of initial application. 31 In complying with paragraph 30, an entity considers disclosing: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) the title of the new Ind AS; the nature of the impending change or changes in accounting policy; the date by which application of the Ind AS is required; the date as at which it plans to apply the Ind AS initially; and either: (i) a discussion of the impact that initial application of the Ind AS is expected to have on the entitys financial statements; or
(ii)
33
34
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 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
38
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
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 Ind ASs 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 approved 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 4247). Subject to paragraph 43, an entity shall correct material prior period errors retrospectively in the first set of financial statements approved for issue after their discovery by: (a) restating the comparative amounts for the prior period(s) presented in which the error occurred; or (b) 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.
42
43 A prior period error shall be corrected by retrospective restatement except to the extent that it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the error. 44 When it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects of an error on comparative information for one or more prior periods presented, the entity shall restate the opening balances of assets, liabilities and equity for the earliest period for which retrospective restatement is practicable (which may be the current period). 45 When it is impracticable to determine the cumulative effect, at the beginning of the current period, of an error on all prior periods, the entity shall restate the comparative information to correct the error prospectively from the earliest date practicable. The correction of a prior period error is excluded from profit or loss for the period in which the error is discovered. Any information presented about prior periods, including any historical summaries of financial data, is restated as far back as is practicable. When it is impracticable to determine the amount of an error (eg a mistake in applying an accounting policy) for all prior periods, the entity, in accordance with paragraph 45, restates the comparative information prospectively from the earliest date practicable. It therefore disregards the portion of the cumulative restatement of assets, liabilities and equity arising before that date. Paragraphs 5053 provide guidance on when it is impracticable to correct an error for one or more prior periods. Corrections of errors are distinguished from changes in accounting estimates. Accounting estimates by their nature are approximations that may need revision as additional information becomes known. For example, the gain or loss recognised on the outcome of a contingency is not the correction of an error.
46
47
48
(a)
(b)
the nature of the prior period error; for each prior period presented, to the extent practicable, the amount of the correction: (i) for each financial statement line item affected; and (ii) if Ind AS 33 applies to the entity, for basic and diluted earnings per share;
(c)
the amount of the correction at the beginning of the earliest prior period presented; and
(d)
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. of subsequent periods need not repeat these
51
52
(b) would have been available when the financial statements for that prior period
were approved for issue 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 held-to-maturity investments in accordance with Ind AS 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 Ind AS 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 approved 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.
Appendix A
References to matters Accounting Standards contained in other Indian
Appendix B, Liabilities arising from Participating in a Specific Market Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment contained in Ind AS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets makes reference to (Ind AS) 8
1.1 1.2
During 20X2, Beta Co discovered that some products that had been sold during 20X1 were incorrectly included in inventory at 31 December 20X1 at Rs. 6,500. Betas accounting records for 20X2 show sales of Rs.104,000, cost of goods sold of Rs. 86,500 (including Rs. 6,500 for the error in opening inventory), and income taxes of Rs. 5,250.
1.3In 20X1, Beta reported: Rs. 73,500 (53,500) _______ Profit before income taxes 20,000 Income taxes (6,000) _______ Profit 14,000 _______ 20X1 opening retained earnings was Rs. 20,000 and closing retained earnings was Rs. 34,000. Sales Cost of goods sold Betas income tax rate was 30 per cent for 20X2 and 20X1. It had no other income or expenses. Beta had Rs.5,000 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.
Sales Cost of goods sold Profit before income taxes Income taxes Profit
Extracts from the notes 1 Some products that had been sold in 20X1 were incorrectly included in inventory at 31 December 20X1 at Rs. 6,500. The financial statements of 20X1 have been restated to correct this error. The effect of the restatement on those financial statements is summarised below. There is no effect in 20X2.
Example 2 Prospective application of a change in accounting policy when retrospective application is not practicable
2.1.During 20X2, 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. 2.2.In years before 20X2, Deltas asset records were not sufficiently detailed to apply a components approach fully. At the end of 20X1, 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 20X2. 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. 3.3 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 20X2. 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 20X2.
2.3.Additional information:
Deltas tax rate is 30 per cent Rs. Property, plant and equipment at the end of 20X1: Cost Depreciation Net book value Prospective depreciation expense for 20X2 (old basis) Some results of the engineering survey: Valuation Estimated residual value Average remaining asset life (years) Depreciation expense on existing property, plant and equipment for 20X2 (new basis) 25,000 (14,000) 11,000 1,500 17,000 3,000 7 2,000
Appendix 1
Note: This Appendix is not a part of the Indian Accounting Standard. The purpose of this Appendix is only to bring out the differences, if any, between Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8 and the corresponding International Accounting Standard (IAS) 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors.
Comparison with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
1.
Different terminology is used in this standard, e.g., the term balance sheet is used instead of Statement of financial position and Statement of profit and loss is used instead of Statement of comprehensive income. The words approval of the financial statements for issue have been used instead of authorisation of the financial statements for issue in the context of financial statements considered for the purpose of events after the reporting period. 2 In paragraph 12 of Ind AS 8, it is mentioned that in absence of an Ind AS, management may first consider the most recent pronouncements of International Accounting Standards Board .