Short Answer:
11. Briefly describe some of the similarities and differences between GAAP and IFRS with
respect to income tax accounting.
1. Both IFRS and GAAP use the asset and liability approach for recording deferred tax
assets. In general, the differences between IFRS and GAAP involve limited
differences in the exceptions to the asset-liability approach, some minor differences
in the recognition, measurement and disclosure criteria, and differences in
implementation guidance. Following are some key elements for comparison
• Under IFRS, an affirmative judgment approach is used by which a deferred
tax asset is recognized up to the amount that is probable to be realized.
GAAP uses an impairment approach. In this approach, the deferred tax asset
is recognized in full. It is then reduced by a valuation account if it is more
likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be
realized.
• IFRS uses the enacted tax rate or substantially enacted tax rate (Substantially
enacted means virtually certain). For GAAP the enacted tax rate must be
used.
• The tax effects related to certain items are reported in equity under IFRS.
That is not the case under GAAP, which charges or credits the tax effects to
income.
• GAAP requires companies to assess the likelihood of uncertain tax positions
being sustainable upon audit. Potential liabilities must be accrued and
disclosed if the position is “more likely than not” to be disallowed. Under
IFRS, all potential liabilities must be recognized. With respect to
measurement, IFRS uses an expected value approach to measure the tax
liability which differs from GAAP.