Sample Disclosure – Income Taxes (30 November 2008)

Income tax

Income tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax is the expected amount of income taxes payable in respect of the taxable profit for the period and is measured using the tax rates that have been enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is provided for, using the liability method. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilised. Deferred tax is not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or negative goodwill or from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit.

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is recognised as income or an expense and included in the profit or loss for the period, except when it arises from a transaction which is recognised directly in equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised directly in equity, or when it arises from a business combination that is an acquisition, in which case the deferred tax is included in the resulting goodwill or the amount of any excess of the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of the combination.

6 thoughts on “Sample Disclosure – Income Taxes (30 November 2008)”

  1. can you explain to me in more easy/simple explanation since I found it hard to understand the concept of deferred tax?

  2. This is not a straight forward topic. It requires a good grasp of both accounting and tax understanding. In a short description, deferred tax represents tax on temporary differences arising by comparing the carrying amount of the balance sheet items with their respective tax base. Suggest you start by studying this topic from textbook and develop your understanding further through some real work experience if possible, especially if you have a chance to work in an accounting firm.

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