CPAs should understand how to handle startup and organization costs and, especially, how they are treated differently for book and tax purposes.
Accounting & reporting
IASB proposal would guide management on materiality
The IASB published a draft to help preparers determine which information is material and should be included in financial statements.
ASB addresses audits of ICFR integrated with financial statement audits
The AICPA Auditing Standards Board established requirements and provided guidance that apply only when an auditor is engaged to perform an audit of internal control over financial reporting that is integrated with an audit of financial statements.
Tips for successful revenue recognition implementation
The effective date of the revenue recognition standard is fast approaching. Here are some of the SEC chief accountant’s tips for implementing the new standard.
SEC filed more than 800 enforcement actions in fiscal 2015
The SEC filed 807 enforcement actions and obtained orders totaling about $4.2 billion in disgorgement and penalties in fiscal 2015.
GASB proposes pension standards relief for certain governments
Some governments with multiple-employer defined benefit pension plans have found it difficult to comply with GASB’s new pension accounting standards.
Accounting for software at federal agencies addressed in proposal
A recent proposal is designed to address challenges that federal government agencies have experienced in accounting for internal-use software.
FinREC gives mixed review to FASB’s not-for-profit proposal
AICPA committee has concerns about divergence with for-profit model.
FASB changes employee benefit plan accounting
Three-part document is designed to reduce complexity.
IFRS Foundation proposes taxonomy updates
Updates are intended to assist organizations that report electronically.
FASB clarifies electricity contract scope exception
The standard removes derivatives and hedging label from some agreements.
FASB should look again at not-for-profits reporting
A reader responds to a recent JofA article on FASB’s project on NFP reporting.
FASB issues formal notice of revenue recognition deferral
Delay addresses preparers’ implementation concerns.
FASB proposes updates to derivatives and hedging accounting
Changes would clarify certain requirements.
FASB simplifies inventory measurement guidance
Changes apply to entities using last-in, first-out or retail methods.
IASB may delay new rules for transactions with associates, joint ventures
An upcoming, broader review may include more substantial simplifications.
SEC approves CEO pay-ratio rule
The SEC approved a new rule requiring U.S. public companies to disclose the ratio between their CEO’s compensation and that of their median employee.
GASB proposes Q&As to elaborate on recent pronouncements
GASB has issued a proposed implementation guide that contains questions and answers that are designed to clarify, explain, or elaborate on recently issued standards for state and local government financial reporting.
FASB proposes narrow changes to revenue recognition standard
FASB intends to improve the guidance on collectibility, noncash consideration, and completed contracts at transition in the new revenue recognition standard.
FASB moves to simplify business combination accounting
FASB issued new rules that are intended to simplify accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination.
Features
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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.
