Updated on: Jun 15th, 2024
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2 min read
For AS 4 contingencies and events occurring after the balance sheet date, following sections are covered in this article:
AS 4 deals with treatment in the financial statements of:
The followings that might result in the contingencies are excluded from the scope of AS 4 bearing in mind special considerations which are applicable to them:
Contingencies are situations or conditions, the eventual outcome of which, profit or loss, would be determined or known only on happening, or non- happening, of an uncertain future event(s).
These are those noteworthy events, favorable as well as unfavorable, which occurs between balance sheet date and date on which such financial statements are considered and approved by the BoD (Board of Directors) in case of companies, and, by equivalent approving authorities in the of other entities.
There are two kinds of events that could be identified:
For a contingent loss, the accounting treatment is determined by likely outcome of such contingency. In case it’s likely that such contingency would result in the loss of the business, then it’s prudent to account for such loss in the enterprise’s financial statements.
In case there is insufficient or conflicting evidence for assessing the value of the contingent loss, then the disclosure in financial statements is provided for the nature and existence of the contingency. Obligations which might arise from the discounted bills of exchange and such similar obligations which are undertaken by the enterprise are usually disclosed in the financial statements by way of notes, even if the possibility of loss is remote.
A Contingent gain isn’t recognized in the financial statements as their recognition could result in recognition of revenue that might never be realized. When the realization of gain is certain and not contingent anymore, the gain can be accounted in the books of accounts.
The value at which contingencies are stated in financial statements depends on the information that is available on a date when the financial statements are considered and approved.
Events which occurs after balance sheet date which suggest that the asset might have been impaired, or a liability might have existed, at balance sheet date are, hence, taken into consideration in recognizing the contingencies and determining the value at which the contingencies are included in the financial statements
Events that occur between balance sheet date and date on which these are approved, might suggest the requirement for an adjustment(s) to the assets and the liabilities as at balance sheet date or might need disclosure.
Adjusting Events
Adjustments are required to assets and liabilities for events which occur after balance sheet date which offer added information substantially affecting the determination of the amounts which relates to the conditions that existed at balance sheet date.
Non-Adjusting Events
Adjustments aren’t required to assets and liabilities for events which occur after balance sheet date, in case such events don’t relate to the conditions which existed at balance sheet date.
There’re events which, though occurring after balance sheet date, are sometimes presented in financial statements because of their special nature or due to statutory requirements.
According to AS 4, disclosure requirements would be applicable only with respect to such contingency or event that affect financial position to a substantial extent.
Case Study for AS 4 Contingencies and Events Occurring After the Balance Sheet Date
ABC Limited Company ended the accounting year on 30/6/15 and accounts for that accounting period were approved by the BoD on 20th August 2015. The enterprise was in the business of laying pipeline for oil companies beneath the earth. While executing its boring work on 1.9.2015 it met with a rocky surface and due to this, it was expected an extra cost of INR 80 lakhs would be required. How this event will be dealt with financial statements for the year ended 30.6.2015.
The given case should be discussed keeping in mind the requirements of AS 4. In the present case the occurrence, that was anticipated to increase the cost became apparent only after the date on which the accounts are approved by the BoD. Hence, it wasn’t an event that occurred after balance sheet date. Still, this might be cited in company’s Directors’ Report
Particulars | AS 4 | Ind AS 10 |
Disclosure of non-adjusting events | As per AS 4, non-adjusting events need to be disclosed in the report of the approving authority. | As per Ind AS 10, only material non-adjusting events need to be disclosed in company’s financial statements |
Proposed dividend | As per AS 4, proposed dividend needs to be adjusted in the financial statements | According to Ind AS 10, dividend declared or proposed after reporting period, cannot be recognized as liabilities in financial statements |
Distribution of Non-Cash Assets to Owners | AS 4 doesn’t include such appendix | Ind AS 10 provides an appendix labeled “Distribution of Non-Cash Assets to Owners”, that is an essential part Ind AS 10. Together with this, this appendix also offers guidance when to recognize the dividends payable to shareholders. |
Fundamental accounting assumption of going concern | AS 4 requires adjustment of assets and liabilities for events that occur after balance sheet date which signify that the fundamental going concern accounting assumption isn’t appropriate. | As per Ind AS 10, in case after reporting date, it’s determined that fundamental going concern accounting assumption isn’t appropriate, a fundamental change in the basis of accounting is required |
AS 4 deals with contingencies and events post-balance sheet date. Contingencies' accounting treatment varies based on outcomes. Adjusting events impact asset/liability values, while non-adjusting events may require disclosure. Events occurring after the balance sheet date influence financial reporting. ABC Limited case illustrates AS 4's application. Differences between AS 4 and Ind AS 10 include dividend recognition and accounting assumptions.