Government grants: IFRS compared to US GAAP
IAS 20, which was introduced in 1983, has largely remained unchanged in its core requirements. The IASB has acknowledged that deferring the P/L recognition of unconditional grants can lead to recognising a liability (deferred income) that isn’t an actual obligation or can understate the recognised assets. For a detailed history and development of IAS 20 and its inconsistencies with the Conceptual Framework, see Accounting Miscellany.
Investment tax credits
The nature of the grant determines how the grant accounting must be done to accurately track its costs and benefits. IFRS® Standards include specific accounting requirements for government assistance in the form of a government grant. Therefore, companies need to consider the distinction between government grants and other forms of assistance carefully. IAS 20 defines a government grant as a transfer of resources in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the company. Understand the specific requirements of the grant Accounting for Churches and what accounting methods and practices are allowed.
- The other method deducts the grant in calculating the carrying amount of the asset.
- Government grants in the UK are financial support provided to you (individual), businesses (partnerships, LTDs), or other types of organisations (charitable).
- There is also secondary condition that the government may also attach to include the restriction of type or location of the assets or the period that those assets are to be purchased or acquired or held.
- Government grants are transfers of resources to an entity by government in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the entity.
- Government grants are presented in financial statements to ensure clarity for stakeholders.
Disclosure
IAS 20.39 outlines disclosure requirements related to government grants and other forms of government assistance. A forgivable loan is considered a government grant if there’s a reasonable assurance that the entity will meet the forgiveness terms (IAS 20.10). Until that assurance is established, such a loan is recognised as a liability at its fair value under IFRS 9.
IAS 20 or another standard?
Our contra asset account view, is that the benefits received were due to the relationship with the lessor rather than as a result of a government grant. In such an instance, lease modification accounting may apply unless the recently published practical expedient by the IASB is used. Please refer to our article ‘Accounting for Lease Modifications’ which explains this practical expedient provided to lessees.
- While this reduces some of the approaches that are currently in practice, the alternative accounting methods will require additional work for investors to examine financial statements of differing companies’ side-by-side.
- Due to this lack of uniformity and cohesion, investors and practitioners alike have expressed a desire for a standard for reporting government grants.
- The manual is available online (free registration required) as part of EY Atlas Client Edition.
- Grants often require an itemized invoice and proof from an independent auditor that there is no performance-related barrier.
- The manner in which a grant is received does not affect the accounting method to be adopted in regard to the grant.
- Company may elect to analogize to an NFP and apply the guidance in the Contributions Received Subsections of ASC 958.
About the IFRS Foundation
Any difference between cash proceeds and the liability’s fair value is recognised as a government grant (IAS 20.10A). Refer to Interest-free loans or loans at below-market interest rate for further insights. The recognition of government grants under IFRS and GAAP requires assurance that the entity will comply with the grant’s conditions, such as maintaining employment levels or investing in specific projects. Government grants significantly support businesses by providing financial assistance to foster growth and innovation. These grants enable companies to expand operations or invest in new technologies without bearing the full cost. Accurately recording these grants in financial accounting ensures transparency and compliance with accounting government grant accounting standards, providing a clear view of a company’s financial position and performance.
If some, or all, of a government grant becomes repayable (e.g. due to non-fulfillment of the grant conditions), then the repayment is accounted for prospectively as a change in accounting estimate. The effect of the change in estimate is recognized in the period in which management concludes that it is no longer reasonably assured that all of the grant conditions will be met. A corresponding financial liability is recognized for the amount of the repayment.