IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

IAS 8 Objective Scope Definitions

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 entity’s financial statements, and the comparability of those financial statements over time and with the financial statements of other entities.

2 Disclosure requirements for accounting policies, except those for changes in accounting policies, are set out in IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

Scope

3 This Standard shall be applied in selecting and applying … Read more

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

IAS 8 Accounting policies

Selection and application of accounting policies

7 When an IFRS specifically applies to a transaction, other event or condition, the accounting policy or policies applied to that item shall be determined by applying the IFRS.

8 IFRSs set out accounting policies that the IASB has concluded 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 IFRSs to achieve a particular presentation of an entity’s financial position, financial performance or … Read more

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

IAS 8 Changes in accounting estimates

32 As a result of the uncertainties inherent in business activities, many items in financial statements cannot be measured with precision but can only be estimated. Estimation involves judgements based on the latest available, reliable information. For example, estimates may be required of:

1. bad debts;
2. inventory obsolescence;
3. the fair value of financial assets or financial liabilities;
4. the useful lives of, or expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in, depreciable assets; and
5. warranty obligations.

33 The use of reasonable estimates is an essential part of the preparation of financial statements and does not undermine their reliability.

34 An estimate may need … Read more

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

IAS 8 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 IFRSs if they contain either material errors or immaterial errors made intentionally to achieve a particular presentation of an entity’s financial position, financial performance or cash flows.

Potential current period errors discovered in that period are corrected before the financial statements are authorised 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 42–47).

42 Subject to paragraph … Read more

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors

IAS 8 Guidance Examples

Guidance on implementing IAS 8 Guidance Examples

This guidance accompanies, but is not part of, IAS 8.

Example 1 – Retrospective restatement of errors

1.1 During 20X2, Beta Co discovered that some products that had been sold during 20X1 were incorrectly included in inventory at 31 December 20X1 at CU6,500.

1.2 Beta’s accounting records for 20X2 show sales of CU104,000, cost of goods sold ofCU86,500 (including CU6,500 for the error in opening inventory), and income taxes of CU5,250.

1.3 In 20X1, Beta reported

1.4 20X1 opening retained earnings … Read more