...Impact of LIFO Accounting When discussing IFRS vs. GAAP regarding inventory, LIFO Accounting is one of the most controversial topics. Although LIFO is hardly used globally, it is heavily used in the United States. A shift from LIFO would have a significant effect on US companies specifically because tax law requires any company that uses LIFO for tax purposes to also use it for book accounting according to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §472(c). Since IFRS disallows LIFO Accounting, US companies will either be in non-compliance with US tax code or accounting standards according to IFRS. By disallowing LIFO Accounting, US companies will not only have larger tax liabilities because of accelerated income recognition but they must also account for a change in inventory methods (Bloom & Cenker, 2009). GAAP provides guidance under Statement 154- Accounting Changes and Errors Corrections which states when a change in inventory method occurs; the company must retrospectively apply the change to prior financial statements presented in effected annual reports. Only if change is unfeasible can the company apply the new principle prospectively. When an inventory method change is made, the company can deduct the change for tax purposes. According to IRC §481(a), the company can deduct the entire change in the year of the change if the change is favorable to the entity. However if they change is unfavorable, the company can apply the change of a period of four years starting with the...
Words: 482 - Pages: 2
...GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS ABSTRACT Accounting principles in the United States are converging toward international standards. If convergence continues, and there are proponents and detractors, then the U.S. system of accounting, called Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), will eventually be replaced by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Convergence has profound implications for publicly traded companies and their many stakeholders such as investors, lenders, government agencies, and employees. A key issue facing accounting standard-setters is the treatment of inventory costing, an area in which GAAP and IFRS differ. This study addresses three research questions: What is the past and current usage of different inventory costing methods?, How important is inventory on corporate financial reports?, and What will be the impact on corporate financial reporting, specifically regarding inventory costing, if IFRS replaces GAAP? Findings show that a change from GAAP to IFRS will have a major impact on inventory costing and, as a result,...
Words: 7313 - Pages: 30
...LIFO to be accepted as costing method? I. Introduction In the United States, the SEC is expected to eventually mandate the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). U.S. standards setters have been working toward this eventuality through a process of convergence. The SEC issued a statement in early 2010 that updated its timeline and indicated that companies could be required to adopt IFRS as early as 2015 (see SEC, "Commission Statement in Support of Convergence and Global Accounting Standards," Release Nos. 33-9109; 34-61578, February 24, 2010, at www.sec.gov/nles/other/2010/33-9109.pdf). The SEC plans to revisit the issue this year. The general consensus suggests, however, that under IFRS, the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method will no longer be permitted for financial or tax reporting. The adoption of IFRS is a contentious issue for companies currently using LIFO as an inventory valuation method. In order to claim the tax benefits of LIFO, companies must also present financial statements using the same method, as required by the conformity rule (IRC section 472 [c]). LIFO is not permitted under IFRS, which means U.S. companies must switch from LIFO to first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost upon adoption of IFRS. Although only a small subset of U.S. companies currently uses LIFO for at least some of their operations, a change in inventory valuation method can have a significant impact on reported income, inventory balances, tax...
Words: 2386 - Pages: 10
...Accounting for inventory under IFRS and U.S. GAAP ABSTRACT U.S. General Accepted Accounting Standards (U.S. GAAP) and International Financial Reported Standards (IFRS) both give guidance for inventory valuation. This study will give several examples, compare cost flow assumptions and inventory valuation under U.S. GAAP and IFRS, and indicate the possible influences to reported companies and financial information users. INTRODUCTION The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to move forward in its proposed plans to replace U.S. GAAP for U.S. public companies with IFRS. Inventory valuation is important, because inventory is a crucial element not only in the computation of profit, but also in the valuation of assets for balance sheet purposes. Unfortunately, inventory values sometimes are manipulated by management in order to create a more favorable impression. In the following sections, I introduced several differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. I also analysis the possible reasons of information manipulation and influence. In section one and section two respectively I will talk about differences in cost flow assumptions and inventory valuation under both methods. I. COST FLOW ASSUMPTIONS Companies typically purchase merchandise at several different prices. Ending inventory equals the quantity on hand multiply the unit acquisition price. If a company use historical cost to determine the cost of inventory and it purchases inventory at different unit prices...
Words: 4341 - Pages: 18
...One Global GAAP: IFRS vs. US GAAP Acct 522 Current Topics in Financial Reporting Zhipeng Cao CIN: 300443421 Introduction The most influential accounting reporting criteria today is the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by and U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). These two different accounting standards have various emphases. In short, IFRS states principles and it leaves the decision-making in everyday questions for accountants, while US GAAP consists of very detailed measures. Under the globalization environment, many companies are operating under a global scale; however, each country has its own accounting standard which makes the translation more difficulty. So the demand for the convergence of the two most important standards comes out. (Accounting Reporting Criteria, 2009, March 23). In this paper, I will put more emphasis on the comparison of the detail differences between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). I will also pay attention to the convergence of the two accounting principles. Body 1 In this part, I will mainly discuss the difference between IFRS vs. US GAAP; the table below shows the brief summary of the major differences between IFRS vs. US GAAP. I would like to discuss some of them. General approach The most significant difference between IFRS and U.S. GAAP exist in the general approach. IFRS mostly provides the basic accounting...
Words: 2150 - Pages: 9
...1. Arguments for and against LFO abolition in the US a) What are the arguments in favour of retaining LIFO? The arguments are being made on a number of different grounds so be clear to separate these out. b) What are the arguments in favour of the US abolishing LIFO? c) Should decisions on matters such as this be made on the basis of what is the most appropriate from an accounting perspective (i.e. principles) or from the perspective of the impact of the decision on the real economy (i.e. profits, jobs, growth)? d) Decide which of these two arguments you support on balance and justify your choice. a. What are the arguments in favour of retaining LIFO? The arguments are beint made on a number of different grounds so be clear to separate these out. Some business community in favour of retaining LIFO. Especially manufacturers, oil and gas companies, and other business that carry large inventories. Their taxes could increase a lot if they could no longer use LIFO. LIFO is particularly important to companies that have slow-moving inventory – such as industrial manufacturers and distributors – and are therefore vulnerable to rising prices. LIFO accounting is a “timing issue”, rather than a tax gimmick. LIFO accounting reverses itself when demand drops. When companies reach lower-cost inventory layers last year as demand solwed, and at that point, profits rose under LIFO accounting and the company had to pay more in taxes. The same is true when deflation...
Words: 947 - Pages: 4
...IFRS and GAAP Convergence Mercy Hudson Strayer University I have read and understand Strayer University’s Academic Integrity Policy. I promise to conduct myself with integrity in the submission of all academic work to the University and will not give or receive unauthorized assistance for the completion of assignments, research papers, examinations or other work. I understand that violations of the Academic Integrity Policy will lead to disciplinary action against me, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. I understand that all students play a role in preserving the academic integrity of the University and have an obligation to report violations of the Academic Integrity Policy committed by other students. Chevron Corporation, an American multinational energy corporation is active in more than 180 countries. Chevron is one of the world’s six ‘super major’ oil companies. For the past five years, Chevron has been continuously ranked as one of America’s five largest corporations. Chevron’s headquarters is in San Ramon, California (Fox, 2012). It is engaged in every aspect of the oil, gas, and geothermal energy industries, including exploration and production; refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and power generation. Chevron was originally known as Pacific Coast Oil Company in 1979, where they made their oil discovery in Pico Canyon north of Los Angeles, California (2012)....
Words: 1734 - Pages: 7
...INVENTORIES QUESTIONS: 1. Write down the definition of ‘Inventory’ under IAS-2. What physical materials does ‘Inventory’ include? 2. According to IAS-2, what are the components of non-components of Inventory Cost? 3. Distinguish between ‘Perpetual’ and ‘Periodic’ system for recording Inventory? Show proper examples. 4. What are the Cost Flow Formulas/Assumptions allowed in IAS-2 for maintaining Inventory? Show examples. Which one should be used in what situation? 5. Explain LIFO? Why LIFO is not permitted in IAS-2. Do you think repealing LIFO was wise decision of IASB? Discuss with its advantages & disadvantages. 6. What is NRV of an asset? When should company write down its inventories to NRV? Explain write-down processes with illustrations. * Write down the definition of ‘Inventory’ under IAS-2. What physical materials does ‘Inventory’ include? * Paragraph-6 of IAS-2 defines inventories as following- 1. Held for sale in ordinary course of business 2. In the process of production for such sale 3. in the form of materials or supplies to be consumed in the production process or in the rendering of services. This definition implies that 3 types of physical materials are to be included in ‘Inventories’- a) Raw Materials b) Work in process c) Finished Goods * According to IAS-2, what are the components of non-components of Inventory Cost? * Components of Inventory Cost: 1) Cost of Purchase Includes-...
Words: 1781 - Pages: 8
...about the initiative to wipe out the LIFO inventory technique seems that is not a piece of cake. Actually is so controversial that is putting companies, which are using LIFO in real problems. Some of the reason that companies had been using LIFO is because the benefits of paying less tax and also for book purposes. What I think about the three options of eliminate LIFO either for financial accounting or tax purposes, or not allowing it for financial accounting purposes but allowing it for tax purposes by removing the conformity requirement or allowing it for financial reporting and tax purposes by conforming IFRS to US standards in some way my response is “Eliminate LIFO”. So, Last-in-first-out (LIFO) is an inventory accounting technique which allocates the most recent inventory prices to cost of goods sold and the oldest inventory prices to items remaining in the inventory. In a period of increasing prices, this assumption assigns the recent and higher prices to cost of goods sold and the older lower prices to inventory. LIFO can have a significant cumulative downward effect on the inventory’s value. The cost of goods sold for any particular year equals the sum of beginning inventory, plus purchases, less ending inventory. Thus, a lower ending inventory increases cost of goods sold and reduces taxable income. Under current tax law, companies are allowed to use LIFO for tax purposes only if it also uses LIFO for financial reporting purposes. LIFO inventories means that the last...
Words: 512 - Pages: 3
...have legal authority to enforce compliance with financial reporting standards. Difference Between GAAP & IFRS GAAP (FASB) | IFRS (IASB) | Under U.S GAAP firms can choose to report comprehensive income in the statement of shareholder’s equity. | Under IFRS the income statement can be combined with “other comprehensive income” & presented as a single statement of comprehensive income. Alternatively presented separately. | CHAP – 24 GAAP (FASB) | IFRS (IASB) | FASB framework includes revenue, expenses, gains, losses and comprehensive income. | IASB framework lists income and expenses as elements related to performance. | FASB defines an asset as a future economic benefit. It also uses word probable in its definition of assets and liabilities. | IASB defines it as a resource from economic benefit is expected to flow. | FASB does not allow the upward valuation of most assets. | ------------- | U.S GAAP has traditionally been more rules-based, but the common conceptual framework is moving towards an objective-oriented approach. | IFRS is largely a principles-based approach. | Companies must disclose their accounting policies and estimates in the footnotes and Management’s Discussion Analysis. | Companies must disclose their accounting policies and estimates in the footnotes and Management’s Discussion Analysis. | CHAP – 25 GAAP (FASB) | IFRS (IASB) | When the outcome of a long term contract can b reliably estimated, percentage-of –completion method...
Words: 1974 - Pages: 8
...International Financial Reporting Standards Abstract The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are designed as a common global language for business affairs so that company accounts are understandable and comparable across international borders. It represents the general accounting conventions outlining the way transactional reports should be completed as well as stating the information to be included or eliminated. IFRS has provided businesses with a quicker way of conducting their operations. Although the IFRS has been considered by many businesses as a solution to a number of financial issues, a few see it as a basis of new challenges in the financial business world. This research will look to evaluate whether the IFRS lessens the level of clearness for financiers globally. It will discuss this concern by reviewing some of the rewards and deficiencies, as well as try to differentiate the IFRS standards from the US GAAP standards. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 2.0 Advantages of adapting IFRS 5 2.1 Better Comparison 5 2.2 Flexibility 6 3.0 Disadvantages of adapting IFRS 6 3.1 Global Unacceptability 6 3.2 Manipulative 7 3.3 Cost 7 3.4 Increased Taxes 7 4.0 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction Subsequent to the collapse of the stock market, the American Institute of Accounts (AIA) during the early 20th century proposed various...
Words: 1779 - Pages: 8
...IFRS vs U.S. GAAP Victoria Harris American Public University Acct 610 There are two sets of accounting standards that are used worldwide. One is the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). There is a huge desire for there to one set of accounting standards worldwide with the increase of companies performing business in many different countries and global expansion. The International Financial Reporting Standards are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These set of accounting standards are international in more than 110 countries and the state how certain transactions and other events should be reported in the preparation of financial statements. This set of standards’ purpose is to make international comparisons easier. This is not an easy task, though, because there is already set rules in every country. U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are another set of accounting standards that is adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are the rules followed by companies in the United States when compiling financial statements. These set of standards was originally developed by auditors and regulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) historically. The SEC is now considering changing the standards for the United States and going with the International Financial Reporting Standards in order to create a more constant...
Words: 1532 - Pages: 7
...IFRS VS.GAAP Tyana Campbell ACC/291 November 12, 2014 Habib Ousmane Diallo The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are rules and guidelines established to attempt to standardize accounting and recording practices across the United States and Internationally. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a set of international accounting standards stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reported in financial statements. IFRS uses fair-value accounting of assets and liabilities. GAAP also known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which is a common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements. Generally an accepted accounting practice is a combination of authoritative standards and the commonly accepted ways of recording and reporting accounting information. Some differences between IFRS and GAAP is that IFRS is considered more of a principle based accounting standard used in more than 110 countries where as GAAP is considered more rule based and is used generally within the United States. By being more principle based, IFRS represents and captures the economics of a transaction better than U.S. GAAP. Under GAAP, the research is more focused on the literature whereas under IFRS, the review of the facts pattern is more through. Investopedia states another difference between...
Words: 889 - Pages: 4
...|FRAMEWORK | | |U.S. GAAP |IFRS |Similarities | |Purpose of Framework |The FASB framework resides lower in hierarchy. |Management is explicitly required to |Both the frameworks are similar in | | |Management is not required to prioritize it if no|prioritize the IASB framework if there is |their purpose to assist in developing| | |standard is available. |no standard or interpretation available. |and assisting standards. | |Objectives of |It provides different objectives for business |It gives one objective for different |Both frameworks have a broad focus to| |financial statement |entities versus non business entities. |business entities. |provide relevant information to a | | | | |wide range of users. | |Underlying assumptions|Although it recognizes, but not given much |Give importance to accrual and going | | | |prominence is given to accrual and going concern |concern basis...
Words: 3962 - Pages: 16
...are three basis approaches to valuing inventory that are allowed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). First-in, first-out (FIFO) is an inventory method that assumes that the first items produced or purchased in the inventory are the first ones sold. This inventory method is acceptable under the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). FIFO is most often used in accordance with the restaurant industry or businesses that deal with perishable products. This allows them to use all of their products before they expire or go to waste, which helps to lower their food costs. “In a period of inflation, FIFO produces a higher net income because the lower unit costs of the first units purchased matched against revenues. In a period of rising prices, FIFO reports the highest net income” (Kimmel et al, 2007, p. 278). FIFO is most recognized for the reason that it includes up to date purchases and, as such, more precisely reflects the price of substitutions. Last-in, First-out (LIFO) is an inventory method that assumes the last items produced or purchased in the inventory are the first ones sold. This inventory method is acceptable under the U.S....
Words: 677 - Pages: 3
