...CHAPTER 20 ACCOUNTING FOR PENSIONS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS IFRS questions are available at the end of this chapter. TRUE-FALSE—Conceptual Answer F T F T T F F T F T F F T F T F T F F T No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Description Funded pension plan. Qualified pension plans. Defined-contribution plan liability. Defined-benefit plans. Vested benefit obligation. Accumulated benefit obligation. Definition of service cost. Definition of interest cost. Recognizing accumulated benefit obligation. Pension Asset /Liability balance. Plan amendment and projected benefit obligation increase. Years-of-service amortization method. Expected return and actual return. Unexpected gains and losses. Accumulated OCI (G/L) account and the corridor. Amortization of net gains and losses. Recording prior service cost. Reporting accumulated OCI (PSC) on the balance sheet. Other comprehensive income (PSC) and net income. Reconciliation of PBO and fair value of plan assets. MULTIPLE CHOICE—Conceptual Answer d c d c b b a c a a d d d a c b No. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Description Factors considered by actuaries. Process of funding a pension plan. Accounting problems in pension plans. Nature of a defined-contribution plan. Nature of a defined-benefit plan. Defined-contribution plan characteristics. Accounting for a defined-benefit plan. Pension obligation measurement using future salaries. Definition...
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...Accounting 322 Exam 2 Essays 16 Pre-Tax Accounting Income: Taxable Income: Deferred Tax Liability: This occurs when the pretax accounting income is more than taxable income. This comes from revenues being reported on the income statement before the tax return or an expense that is recognized on the tax return before the income statement. This creates a liability for the income tax deferred that will be paid in the future when the related assets are recovered or liabilities settled. The temporary difference reverses, pretax accounting income will be less than taxable income to compensate for the liability. Can also be better economically than a DTA because of the time value of money, it acts as an interest free loan. (Depreciation) Deferred Tax Asset: This occurs when taxable income is more than pretax accounting income. This comes from revenues being recognized on the tax return before the income statement or expenses being recognized on the income statement before the tax return. This a tax benefit in the form of a future deductible amount. All deductible amounts, such as loss carryfoward create deferred tax assets. If the DTA is more like than not that some portion or all of the amount will be realized, it is lowered by a Valuation Allowance account. Temporary Differences: This is from the differences in financial account and taxes, and the reported amount of and asset/liability and its tax basis. For example, pretax account income may be greater than taxable income...
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...CEO FROM: Accounting SUBJECT: Reporting of Pension Plan in acquisition of Company ABC DATE: June 11, 2013 In the acquisition of Company ABC, many factors must be considered, including the acquisition of the company’s pension plans and the addition of two segments. After careful analysis, the two operating segments have caused a loss to the company and must be eliminated. This memo will outline the reporting procedures for the pension plans and the necessary steps that must be taken to eliminate the segments. Defined Contribution Plan One of the most frequently encountered and widely used pension plans is the defined benefit plan. Under this plan, the employer is required to contribute a pre-determined amount of the employee’s salary to this pension plan. The amount of benefits paid out at the onset of retirement are not guaranteed and “are determined by the return earned on the invested pension funds during the investment period” (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, 2011). Employees also have the option of designating where their funds are invested, whether it be in stocks or in fixed-income securities. The defined contribution plan has become popular among employers due to no risk on behalf of the employer and the ease of reporting. Variations of the plan include: thrift plans, savings plans, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing plans, and incentive savings plans. Because of its simplicity in reporting, the defined contribution plan periodic pension expense is...
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...GASB 68: An Examination of Affects to the Pension Problem Including Stakeholder Interests Private retirement systems are regulated by the Pension Benefit Corporation (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974); state and local governments are not subject to federal regulation but rather voluntarily comply with GASB standards. (Mattrell, 2013) With all the newsworthy stories involving public pensions, analysts were becoming increasingly critical of GASB regulation over the pension systems. When compared to the requirements of the private retirement systems, it was lacking in transparency. Thus, GASB replaced statement 27 with 68. Government entities with a financial period ending June 30, 2015 will be first to experience the implementation of GASB 68. Many feel that GASB 68 is part of the solution for the ever-increasing public pension crisis in the United States but is reporting for the first time ever in most cases a rather large Net Pension Liability (NPL) on the face of the financials going to solve the problem of underfunded pensions. Employees within the public sector generally enjoy a rather generous pension when compared to others but when they are looked at for their sustainability they fail miserably. Chicago retirement system for teachers, fire fighters and others us underfunded by nearly $24 billion, with residents facing potential 150% increase in property taxes. (Birrer, 2014) Public pension systems in the United States are in need of change if they...
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...CHAPTER 20 Accounting for Pensions and Postretirement Benefits ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATION TABLE (BY TOPIC) Topics 1. Questions Brief Exercises Exercises 16 Problems Concepts for Analysis 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 4, 5 Basic definitions and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, concepts related to pension 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, plans. 14, 24 Worksheet preparation. Income statement recognition, computation of pension expense. Balance sheet recognition, computation of pension expense. Minimum liability computation. Corridor calculation. Reconciliation schedule. Prior service cost. 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18 3 1, 4 2. 3. 3, 4, 7, 10, 15 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 4. 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 20, 22 2 3, 9, 11, 13, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2, 5, 7 14, 15, 17, 6, 7, 8, 9 18, 19 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 8, 14, 20, 21 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 2, 4, 5 5. 8, 9, 10 6. 7. 8. 19 25 13, 14, 21, 23 7 6 5, 8, 9, 10 3, 4, 5, 6 3, 9, 10, 14, 1, 2, 3, 15, 19 6, 8, 9 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 1, 4 9. 10. Unrecognized net gain or loss. Disclosure issues. 15 25 26 27, 28, 29, 30 7 8, 9, 14, 15, 1, 2, 3, 5, 19, 20, 21 6, 7, 8, 9 9, 12, 13 4, 5, 6 3, 4 *11. Special Issues. *12. Postretirement benefits. 11, 12 22, 23, 24, 25 10 *This material is dealt with in an Appendix to the chapter. 20-1 ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATION TABLE (BY LEARNING OBJECTIVE) Learning Objectives...
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...Lukenbill Dr. Sonja Wilson To: Sonja Wilson From: Calie Lukenbill Date: November 21, 2011 Subject: Pensions As you may know there are two types of pension plans that are most commonly used: a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. “A defined contribution plan sets forth a certain amount that the employer is to contribute to the plan each period (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, "Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," 2011). “A defined benefit plan specifies the amount of pension benefits to be paid out to plan recipients in the future. Companies that use this plan must make sufficient contributions to the funding agency in order to meet benefit requirements when they come due” (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, "Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," 2011). The defined contribution plan makes no promises on what the ultimate benefits are to be paid. “The benefits received by the recipients are determined by the return earned on the invested pension funds during the investment period” (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, "Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," 2011). When you account for this plan the risk for future benefit is the employee and the employer’s only cash outflow is the annual contribution to the pension plan fund. “The pension expense is equal to the amount of promised annual contribution”(Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, "Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," 2011). The financial statements should disclose the plan, what...
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...Intermediate Accounting III – Entire Course http://hwguiders.com/downloads/acct-312-intermediate-accounting-iii-entire-course/ ACCT 312 Intermediate Accounting III Complete Homework Sets ACCT 312 Week 1 Homework Chapter 16, Exercise 16-3, 16-5, 16-10,16-22 ACCT 312 Week 2 Homework Chapter 17, Exercise 17-5, 17-10, 17-12, 17-15 ACCT 312 Week 3 Homework Chapter 18, Exercise 18-5, 18-11, 18-13, 18-19 ACCT 312 Week 4 Homework Chapter 19, Exercise 19-2, 19-5, 19-10, 19-17 ACCT 312 Week 5 Homework Chapter 20, E20-1, E20-10, E20-17, E20-24 ACCT 312 Week 6 Homework Chapter 21, E21-14, E21-21, P21-4] ACCT 312 Week 7 Homework Problems P21-5, P21-6 ACCT 312 Intermediate Accounting III Complete Quizzes ACCT 312 Week 1 Quiz 1. (TCO 1) Which causes a temporary difference between taxable and pretax accounting income? 2. (TCO 1) Which difference between financial accounting and tax accounting ordinarily creates a deferred tax liability? 3. (TCO 1) Which temporary difference ordinarily creates a deferred tax asset? 4. (TCO 1) Under current tax law, a net operating loss may be carried forward up to 5. (TCO 1) Which causes a permanent difference between taxable income and pretax accounting income? ACCT 312 Week 2 Quiz 1. (TCO 2) Which causes a temporary difference between taxable and pretax accounting income? 2. (TCO 2) Which statement typifies defined contribution plans? 3. (TCO 2) Which is not a way of measuring the pension obligation? ...
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...1. Describe clearly the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 as stated in Note 2 of its financial statements. Note 2 (pg. 17) states that in 1984 Harnischfeger changed their depreciation method that was being used to expense their plants, machinery and equipment from the direct method to the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. An adjustment of the residual values on certain machinery and equipment was made. Harnischfeger also included the products purchased from Kobe Steel, LTD and sold by them in their net sales instead of stating only the gross margin per unit. They also included the financial statements of some foreign subsidiaries. 2. What is the effect of the depreciation accounting method change on the reported income in 1984? How will this change affect profits in future years? Harnischfeger is adjusting its depreciation policy to the straight-line method from accelerated method they were using previously, which let the company increase net income as the adjustments are being applied retroactively. This change increased the net income to 11 million for 1984. Furthermore, this change will decrease profit in future years, because with the accelerated method, in the future years the depreciation expense would have been lower, and with the straight line they will continue to depreciate in the same amount for the life of the asset. This change will decrease profit going forward, because with the accelerated method the depreciation...
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...Porter Gervais Professor Duron 10/21/13 IFRS Rough Draft Ch.20 IFRS vs. GAAP When accounting for pensions and post-retirement benefits, IFRS and GAAP have similarities as well as differences. There are two pension plans that are frequently used in accounting for pensions. These two plans are known as, defined contribution plan and defined benefit plan. Both GAAP and IFRS separate their pension plans, but their accounting for defined benefit plans differ. Another major difference occurs when recognizing actuarial gains and losses. Differences between IFRS and GAAP arise when distinguishing unrecognized past service cost. IFRS and GAAP also have their similarities. They both have similar views when it comes to their view of pensions and postretirement benefits. Both IFRS and GAAP also use the corridor approach when recognizing gains and losses. The defined contribution plan relies on an employer who contributes an amount on certain periods to a pension trust, while the defined benefit plan summarizes the benefits that employees will receive when they retire. There are similarities and differences concerning defined benefit plans. Both IFRS and GAAP recognize liabilities and costs for employee benefits during the period when the service is provided. It’s important to understand that GAAP refers to the defined benefit obligation as the (APBO), while IFRS states it as the (PVDBO). The differences start occurring when recognizing net funded status. Under...
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... DATE: January 29, 2015 SUBJECT: Required Reporting for Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans Several issues have to be considered in the wake of the firm’s recent acquisition of a new company. First, the acquired company has two different pension plans whose reporting requirements are unfamiliar to the firm. Second, the acquired company has two segments that do not fit the firm’s requirements, and should be targeted for closure. This memo describes the reporting requirements of pension plans, namely, defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans and Other Postretirement Plans or OPEBs. In addition, this memo describes how to close an unwanted segment. A defined contribution plan sets forth a certain amount that the employer is to contribute to the plan each period. In the other hand, defined benefit plans specify the amount of pension to be paid out to plan recipients in the future (Cathey, Clark & Schroeder, 2011). The fixed monthly income to be paid to the employee is calculated using a pre-determined formula that usually takes into account the employee’s years of service, annual salary, and in some instances, age (Ruppel, 2010). Both pension plans guarantee the employee will receive monetary compensations, either directly or indirectly, from the employer at retirement. The financial reporting of defined contribution plans is straightforward. The employer only records the pension expense that equals the cash contribution to the employee. For instance...
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...Segments and Pension Plan | | | The recent acquisition by our company has created two issues which need to be addressed; the two segments which are required to be reported and the two different pension plans. My goal is to eliminate the segments as well as determine the appropriate method for reporting both pension plans. Discussed herein are descriptions of the defined contribution plan, the defined benefit plan, as well as other post retirement plans. Furthermore, I have include a recommendation as to eliminating the two segments. The expansion of our organization is indicative of our growth and success; however, with change comes difficulty in fully disclosing each financial aspect in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. In our financial reporting, we must be thorough in explaining each of our pension plans. Beginning with the defined contribution plan, contributed to by both employee and employer of which only employer contributions are guaranteed. Accounting for this method is simple in that we shall record our liability to the extent of the contributions made (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, 2011). The defined benefit plan is more complex; this plan guarantees a specific benefit amount per month at retirement. The benefit amount is determined by several factors: employee salary, years of employment, and age. With this plan, we have full control over investing decisions, as such we carry a higher liability. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards...
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...Pension expenses have risen over the past decade and this rise in pension is expense is as a result of numerous factors. According to the detailed report by John C. Liu, the two main contributing factors to the disproportionate increase in New York City’s pension costs are lower investment returns and benefits enhancement put in 2000. Mayor Bloomberg believes that the primary reason for the increase is the benefits enhancement. This partially ties in with Liu’s findings from his research, as Liu believes it’s one of the two primary reasons for the increase. Mayor Giuliani, the New York City mayor from 1994 to 2001, increased pension benefits in the 90s because the city was benefiting from the bull market. This resulted in an increase in pension fund investment profits and thus the Giuliani increased pension benefits. The increase in investment returns reduced the pension expenses incurred by businesses thus making them feel as though the markets will soar forever. Companies got comfortable with the bull market since they were incurring less pension cost. However, they had little knowledge that they were setting themselves up for failure since the rate will balance out in the long run. This failure was triggered over the past decade when the bear market hit thus resulting in a major decrease in investment returns. This significantly increased the pension expense due to the gap between benefit obligation and plan assets that resulted from continuous decline in actual return on plant...
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...exam will be a grade of 0 for this examination. Academic dishonesty includes giving aid to or receiving aid from another student during this exam. 6. No hats. No cell phones I certify by signing below that I have neither given nor received aid in completing this examination. Signature Date I. Accounting Concepts 20 points. A. Accounting Change. ABC Company has been using specific identification inventory method. However, it has grown and has a broader array of products. The company would like to use the greater efficiency of the FIFO method on a periodic basis for financial reporting. (a) Is ABC Company allowed to change its inventory methods? Why or why not? (b) Assuming that the company is allowed to make this accounting change, what financial reporting method will the company use in making this change? prospective method retrospective method cumulative effect B. Pension Plans. Why are defined benefit pension plans recognized on a corporate balance sheet, but defined contribution pension plans are not? C....
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...Questions for students 1. Exhibits 1 and 2 report the income statements and excerpts from the notes to Marks and Spencer’s financial statements for the fiscal years ending between March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2009. Critically analyze M&S’s accounting choices. What choices may have helped the company to overstate its net profits between 2005 and 2009? 2. Exhibit 3 provides information about the liability that Marks and Spencer reclassified as equity. Do you agree with the decision to reclassify? What will be the effect of this decision on future financial statements? Case analysis Question 1 Exhibit 2 shows various note disclosures related to Marks and Spencer’s accounting choices for non-current assets, leases and pensions. Following is a discussion of some of the accounting methods that Marks and Spencer may or could have used to boost accounting performance during the past years. Depreciation of fixtures, fittings & equipment Marks and Spencer’s depreciation policy for fixture, fittings & equipment is to depreciate the assets to their residual values over a period of 3 to 25 years. Although it may be difficult to evaluate whether the company’s useful life estimates are reasonable without more detailed information, the analyst can evaluate trends in depreciation expenses as a percentage of assets’ initial cost. TABELA It appears that Marks & Spencer gradually reduced its depreciation expense (as a percent of average cost) from close to 8 percent in 2006...
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...What are the components of pension expense? How do the components of pension expense differ among the various types of contribution and benefit plans? In the calculation of pension expense for a defined benefit plan, what are the most complicated calculations? Why? The components of pension expense are made up service costs, service cost, interest on the liability, return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost, and gain or loss. 1 Service costs is the expense caused by the increase in pension payable to employees based on service rendered during the year. Interest on the Liability is taken in to account because the pension is deferred compensation and the interest expense accrues each year on the projected benefit obligation. Actual return on plan assets needs to be adjusted each year to account for interest and defends paid by the underlying investments of the pension fund. Amortization of prior service cost refers to the recognition of a pension expense in future periods resulting from a retroactive change to the plan's benefit formula. 2 Gain or loss need to be accounted for which can be caused by the difference between the actual return and the expected return and amortization of the net gain or loss from previous periods. There are two types of defined contribution where the employer and employee both contribute to the plan, or a Defined benefit plan in which the employer funds the plan and the employer agrees to pay the employee a defined benefit upon retirement...
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