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Published on:

August 16, 2024

Alankar Mishra

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Concept of Deferred Tax and Its Presentation in Financial Statements

Deferred tax is an accounting principle that refers to future tax payments or reimbursements, arising from differences in calculations of income for accounting purposes and taxable income, often resulting from timing differences in recognition of revenues and costs. Deferred tax can be a deferred tax liability or deferred tax asset A clear comprehension of deferred taxation is crucially important for the sake of accurate financial reporting because it ensures that company’s financial statements exhibit a true and fair view regarding its financial status and its activities.

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This paper will argue for the importance of understanding deferred taxation in financial statements. Deferred taxes affect both the balance sheet and the income statement, thus affecting the net income reported by companies and their financial ratios. It also provides insights into future tax obligations and benefits, which aids better tax planning and management For investors who rely on detailed information to make informed decisions, correct presentation of deferred taxes improves financial reliability With this comprehension, firms can also adhere to accounting standards more effectively, enhancing transparency in their financial reports.

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What is Deferred Tax?

Deferred tax refers to future tax payments or receipts that a company will make due to temporary differences existing between accounting profits and taxable income. such differences arise because some items of income and expense are recognized in different periods of financial reporting and taxation.

Deferred Tax Asset:

Deferred tax asset, conversely, arises when a firm pays an excess tax for a certain period which can be used to minimize its future income taxes. It is the anticipated economic profits, usually resulting from carry-forward losses or deductible temporary differences.

Deferred Tax Liability:

In contrast, there is a situation where firms must pay more in future taxes than it has already paid called deferred tax liability. This results from taxable temporary differences in which income is recognized within the financial statements earlier than it becomes taxable thus leading to future obligations for payment of taxes.

Causes of Deferred Tax

Deferred tax is a result of the variance between taxable and accounting income, which can be either temporary or permanent.

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Temporary Differences

Definition: Temporary differences occur when carrying amount of an asset or liability in the financial statements differs from its tax base remaining into subsequent periods. These leads to deferred tax liabilities and assets due to changes in their taxable incomes during these time frames.

Examples:

Depreciation: For example, a company’s financial statements may expense depreciation differently than taxation does by using straight-line method versus accelerated depreciation meaning that there is temporal difference.

Revenue Recognition: On the other hand, revenue gains that are earned in advance e.g. subscriptions fees are taxed when they are received but they should be recognized over time on financial statements.

Permanent Differences

Definition: Permanent differences arise when some items of expense/income go into either taxable or accounting profit but not both. These do not reverse as a result there is no recognition for deferred tax consequences hence deferred tax assets and liabilities do not arise.

Examples:

Non-deductible Expenses: To mention just one example, monetary fines and penalties represent how much can be spent against tax obligations although this cannot happen on ledgers.

Tax-exempt Income: In addition, revenue can be accrued from municipal bonds interest while these dividends will never become taxable.

How do you Calculate Deferred Tax?

Basic Formula

The basic formula for calculating deferred tax is:

Deferred Tax=Temporary Difference×Tax Rate

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Step-by-Step on Calculating Deferred Tax

Identify Temporary Differences: This refers to differences between the tax base of assets and liabilities versus their carrying amounts in financial statements which will be reversed in future periods.

Calculate the Temporary Difference: Take away the carrying amount from the tax base to get the temporary difference.

Determine the Applicable Tax Rate: Use a rate of taxation that would be applied when the temporary difference is reversed.

Apply the Formula: The deferred tax asset or liability is arrived at by multiplying this value with the applicable tax rate i.e; temporary difference x applicable tax rate

Examples Illustrating the Calculation

Example 1: Deferred Tax Liability

A company has a machine with a carrying amount of $50,000 in the financial statements and a tax base of $30,000 with a temporary difference of $20,000. At a rate of 25%, this results in a deferred tax liability:

Deferred Tax Liability=$20,000×0.25=$5,000

Example 2: Deferred Tax Asset

A company has a provision for doubtful debts amounting to $10,000, which is not yet deductible for tax purposes. The tax rate is 30%. The deferred tax asset is: Deferred Tax

Asset=$10,000×0.30=$3,000

These procedures and examples explain how deferred taxes are calculated thereby encouraging accurate financial reporting and compliance with taxation laws.

Conclusion

Deferred tax understanding is important for proper financial reporting and efficient tax planning. It assists in the identification of taxes payable or recoverable in future and thus fair presentation of financial statements. Correct handling of deferred tax will also build investors' trust as it demonstrates openness and good management practices.

With the knowledge about reasons, accounting and disclosure methods for deferred tax, firms can have better choices, minimize their taxes, and maintain sound financial positions. This awareness has a vital role to play in evaluating the long-term monetary viability of a corporation by both financial practitioners and stakeholders.

FAQs

What is the difference between deferred tax and current tax?

Deferred tax means either liabilities or assets that accrue due to temporary differences between accounting income and taxable income which will be settled during future periods. On the other hand, current tax is the amount of tax payable or recoverable for the current year calculated on this basis.

How does deferred tax affect financial ratios?

Financial ratios such as debt-to-equity ratio and return on equity are affected by deferred taxes. Leverage ratios affected by deferred tax liabilities increase total liabilities while return ratios influenced by deferred tax assets increase total assets. Thus, accurate reporting of deferred taxes ensures these ratios reflect the company’s real financial position.

Can deferred tax assets be carried forward?

Yes, future periods shall not end without forwarding unused DTA. Therefore, when a business has incurred losses or generated credits it cannot use in the present fiscal years but expects to offset against taxable income in subsequent years to lower its future levies.

Why is deferred tax important for investors?

The importance of found in investor information about what they owe for their taxes at any point in time from a company’s balance sheet for potential investors can hardly be overestimated. Accurate recording of deferment levy improves transparency with which factors like potential taxing risks and business health may be assessed Since this data is useful for making good investment choices.