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January 21, 2016

Guidance addresses software accounting for federal agencies

Federal government reporting entities received fresh guidance this week on how to implement a 1998 accounting standard for internal-use software.

January 12, 2016

IASB issues leases standard; FASB to follow

The International Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting standard that will bring all lease assets and liabilities onto the balance sheet.

January 5, 2016

FASB issues new financial instruments recognition and measurement standard

FASB issued a standard Tuesday that makes targeted changes to existing GAAP for the recognition and measurement of financial instruments.

January 4, 2016

Private company alternatives to become more accessible

FASB has endorsed a decision by the Private Company Council that would remove the effective dates from four GAAP alternatives for private companies.

January 4, 2016

Insurance programs are subject of proposed federal accounting standards

FASAB proposed standards designed to increase the transparency of information in federal government financial statements about insurance program costs and liabilities.

January 1, 2016

Lease accounting standard gets preliminary approval

Rules will bring new assets and liabilities onto balance sheets.

January 1, 2016

SEC penalties total $4.2 billion in FY 2015

Actions for federal securities laws violations set a record high.

January 1, 2016

PCC will continue to explore GAAP alternatives

Council’s advisory role to FASB will be expanded.

January 1, 2016

Bookkeeping or preparation service? That is the question

The Center for Plain English Accounting provides considerations for accountants to help them determine whether an engagement is considered a bookkeeping service or a preparation service that would require adherence to the requirements of SSARS No. 21.

January 1, 2016

ASB issues new standard

Rules will apply to audits of ICFR integrated with financial statement audits.

January 1, 2016

SEC adopts crowdfunding rules

Funding limits and disclosure requirements will apply.

January 1, 2016

IASB presents its view of materiality

FASB also is working to clarify the concept for preparers.

January 1, 2016

FASB proposal addresses government assistance disclosures

The board is seeking to eliminate diversity in practice.

December 23, 2015

GASB moves to reduce confusion for external investment pools

Many state and local government external investment pools—and participants in those pools—will continue to qualify for amortized cost accounting under new guidance from GASB.

December 23, 2015

FASAB proposal addresses opening balances for general PP&E

FASAB is proposing alternative methods for federal government reporting entities in establishing opening balances for general property, plant and equipment.

December 22, 2015

GASB addresses fiduciary activities, asset retirement obligations, pension issues

GASB proposed new accounting and financial reporting guidance related to fiduciary activities, certain asset retirement obligations, and pension issues.

December 18, 2015

Revenue recognition clarifications affirmed by FASB, IASB

FASB and the IASB have agreed to clarify principal vs. agent guidance contained in the converged revenue recognition standard.

December 17, 2015

2016 GAAP taxonomy available

The 2016 taxonomy contains updates for accounting standards changes and other improvements to the previous taxonomy.

December 10, 2015

FASB’s Golden gives spirited defense of impairment project

FASB’s project on impairment of financial instruments will provide a realistic view of expected loan losses, board Chairman Russell Golden said at the AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.

December 10, 2015

Revenue recognition: SEC looking ahead for comparability

Securities and Exchange Commission officials say they are focused on comparability and consistency in future financial reporting under the new revenue recognition standard as companies undergo transition.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Tax-efficient drawdown strategies in retirement

Want to stretch retirement funds and avoid tax pitfalls? This article shares tips and models for smarter drawdown strategies that maximize after-tax wealth, manage Social Security and Medicare impacts, and minimize surprises. Also see: Tax season preview and quick guide.