D.8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
D.8.1 Note A — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
D.8.1.1 Income Taxes
Sample Disclosure
We account for income taxes under the
asset and liability method, which requires the
recognition of DTAs and DTLs for the expected future tax
consequences of events that have been included in the
financial statements. Under this method, we determine
DTAs and DTLs on the basis of the differences between
the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the
year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
The effect of a change in tax rates on DTAs and DTLs is
recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
We recognize DTAs to the extent that we
believe that these assets are more likely than not to be
realized. In making such a determination, we consider
all available positive and negative evidence, including
future reversals of existing taxable temporary
differences, projected future taxable income,
tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if
permitted under the tax law, and results of recent
operations. If we determine that we would be able to
realize our DTAs in the future in excess of their net
recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the DTA
valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision
for income taxes.
We record uncertain tax positions in
accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step
process in which (1) we determine whether it is more
likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained
on the basis of the technical merits of the position and
(2) for those tax positions that meet the
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize
the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50
percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement
with the related tax authority.
D.8.1.2 Classification of Interest and Penalties
Sample Disclosure
We recognize interest and penalties
related to UTBs on the income tax expense line in the
accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
Accrued interest and penalties are included on the
related tax liability line in the consolidated balance
sheet.
Sample Disclosure
We recognize interest and penalties
related to UTBs on the interest expense line and other
expense line, respectively, in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest
and penalties are included on the related liability
lines in the consolidated balance sheet.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-19.
D.8.1.3 ITC Recognition Policy
Sample Disclosure
We earn ITCs from the state of X’s
economic development program. We use the deferral method
of accounting for ITCs.
Sample Disclosure
We use the flow-through method to
account for ITCs earned on eligible scientific R&D
expenditures. Under this method, the ITCs are recognized
as a reduction to income tax expense in the year they
are earned.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-20.
D.8.2 Note B — Statement of Cash Flows (Before Adoption of ASU 2023-09)
Sample Disclosure
Supplemental cash flows and noncash
investing and financing activities are as follows:
Connecting the Dots
Under ASC 230-10-50-2, the supplemental cash flow
information for income taxes paid is required when an indirect method is
used. Such disclosure can be included in the company’s statement of cash
flows or in a footnote.
D.8.3 Note C — Acquisitions
Sample Disclosure
The preliminary purchase price allocation
resulted in goodwill of $XX million, which is not deductible
for income tax purposes. Goodwill consists of the excess of
the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired
assets and represents the estimated economic value
attributable to future operations.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary
and subject to revision. At this time, except for the items
noted below, we do not expect material changes to the value
of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed in conjunction
with the transaction. Specifically, the following assets and
liabilities are subject to change:
- Intangible customer contracts.
- Payments due from and to related parties.
- Deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
As management receives additional
information during the measurement period, these assets and
liabilities may be adjusted.
Under the acquisition method of accounting
for business combinations, if we identify changes to
acquired DTA valuation allowances or liabilities related to
uncertain tax positions during the measurement period, and
they are related to new information obtained about facts and
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those
changes are considered a measurement-period adjustment, and
we record the offset to goodwill. We record all other
changes to DTA valuation allowances and liabilities related
to uncertain tax positions in current-period income tax
expense. This accounting applies to all of our acquisitions,
regardless of acquisition date.
Sample Disclosure
Goodwill of $XX million was assigned to the
X and Y segments in the amounts of $XX million and $XX
million, respectively, and is deductible for tax purposes.
The amounts of intangible assets and goodwill have been
assigned to the X and Y segments on the basis of the
respective profit margins of the acquired customer
contracts. The transaction was taxable for income tax
purposes, and all assets and liabilities have been recorded
at fair value for both book and income tax purposes.
Therefore, no deferred taxes have been recorded.
See ASC 805-10-50-5 for more information on financial effects of
adjustments related to business combinations that occurred in the current or
previous reporting periods, and see ASC 805-30-50-1(d) for the total amount of
goodwill that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
D.8.4 Note D — Income Taxes3
Sample Disclosure
For financial reporting purposes, income
before income taxes includes the following components:
The expense (benefit) for income taxes
consists of:
Sample Disclosure
For financial reporting purposes, income
before income taxes includes the following components:
The provision for income taxes for 20X3,
20X2, and 20X1 consists of the following:
D.8.4.1 Components of Income Tax Expense or Benefit
Sample Disclosure
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-9, which requires disclosure of other
items, such as the effects of changes in tax law or in valuation allowances,
that may be disclosed elsewhere (i.e., in the reconciliation of the ETR).
Sample Disclosure
If presented, the other tax expense (benefit) line above would include items
affecting the expense that neither meet the definition of a deferred tax item
(see ASC 740-10-30-4) nor the definition of a current tax item (see ASC
740-10-20). If material, the components of the other tax expense (benefit)
should be separately described below the table. For additional information, see
ASC 740-10-50-9.
D.8.4.2 Rate Reconciliation (Before Adoption of ASU 2023-09)
Sample Disclosure
Reconciliation between the ETR on income
from continuing operations and the statutory tax rate is
as follows:
For more information, see Regulation S-X, Rule 4-08(h), and ASC
740-10-50-12 through 50-14.
Connecting the Dots
SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-08(h)(2), indicates that for
entities subject to SEC reporting requirements, the reconciliation
should disclose all components of the income tax expense or benefit that
constitute 5 percent or more of income tax expense or benefit from
continuing operations, determined by using the statutory tax rate.
Entities that are not subject to SEC reporting requirements are
permitted to omit this reconciliation but must disclose the nature of
significant reconciling items.
Sample Disclosure
The differences between income taxes
expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
of 21 percent and the reported income tax (benefit)
expense are summarized as follows:
D.8.4.3 Unrecognized DTL Related to Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries4
Sample Disclosure
As of December 31, 2018, the company has
accumulated undistributed earnings generated by foreign
subsidiaries of approximately $XXX million. We have not
recognized a DTL for these unremitted earnings and
related translation adjustments. Because $XXX million of
such earnings have previously been subject to (1) the
one-time transition tax on foreign earnings required by
the 2017 Act or (2) the GILTI tax, the amount of outside
basis difference in our foreign subsidiaries is not
material. In addition, any additional taxes due with
respect to the reversal of the outside basis difference
as a result of a repatriation would generally be limited
to the tax effect of currency gains or losses, capital
gains, foreign withholding, and state taxes. The amount
of unrecognized DTL is not material.
D.8.4.4 Components of the Net DTA or DTL
Sample Disclosure
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-2, ASC 740-10-50-6, ASC 740-10-50-8, and
ASC 740-10-50-16.
D.8.4.5 Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards
Sample Disclosure
We have income tax NOL carryforwards
related to our international operations of approximately
$XXX. We have recorded a DTA of $XXX reflecting the
benefit of $XXX in loss carryforwards. Such DTAs expire
as follows:
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-3.
D.8.4.6 Valuation Allowance5 and Risks and Uncertainties
Sample Disclosure
Management assesses the available
positive and negative evidence to estimate whether
sufficient future taxable income will be generated to
permit use of the existing DTAs. A significant piece of
objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative
loss incurred over the three-year period ended December
31, 20X3. Such objective evidence limits the ability to
consider other subjective evidence, such as our
projections for future growth.
On the basis of this evaluation, as of
December 31, 20X3, a valuation allowance of $XXX has
been recorded to recognize only the portion of the DTA
that is more likely than not to be realized. The amount
of the DTA considered realizable, however, could be
adjusted if additional objectively verifiable positive
evidence materializes in future reporting periods, such
as a demonstrated operating profitability.
Sample Disclosure
Management assesses the available
positive and negative evidence to estimate whether
sufficient future taxable income will be generated to
permit use of the existing DTAs. A significant piece of
objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative
loss incurred over the three-year period ended December
31, 20X3.
Such objective evidence limits the
ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as
our projections for future growth. We have determined
that the reversal of future taxable temporary
differences corresponding to our DTLs will provide a
sufficient source of income for realization of our DTAs.
On the basis of this evaluation, as of
December 31, 20X3, no valuation allowance has been
recorded against our DTAs. In the absence of future
taxable income, reductions in our DTLs may result in the
need for a valuation allowance in a subsequent
period.
For more information, see ASC 275-10-50-8.
Sample Disclosure
We have federal and state income tax NOL
carryforwards of $XXX and $XXX, which will expire on
various dates in the next 15 years as follows:
We believe that it is more likely than
not that the benefit from certain state NOL
carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of
this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of
$XXX on the DTAs related to these state NOL
carryforwards. If or when recognized, the tax benefits
related to any reversal of the valuation allowance on
DTAs as of December 31, 20X3, will be accounted for as
follows: Approximately $XXX will be recognized as a
reduction of income tax expense and $XXX will be
recorded as an increase in equity.
The federal, state, and foreign NOL
carryforwards in the income tax returns filed included
UTBs. The DTAs recognized for those NOLs are presented
net of these UTBs.
Because of the change of ownership
provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, use of a
portion of our domestic NOL and tax credit carryforwards
may be limited in future periods. Further, a portion of
the carryforwards may expire before being applied to
reduce future income tax liabilities.
D.8.4.7 Valuation Allowance Reversal6
Sample Disclosure
As of December 31, 20X3, our DTAs were
primarily the result of U.S. NOL, capital loss, and tax
credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance of $XXX and
$XXX was recorded against our gross DTA balance as of
December 31, 20X3, and December 31, 20X2, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 20X3, and December 31,
20X2, we recorded a net valuation allowance release of
$XXX (comprising a full-year valuation release of $XXX
related to the X segment, partially offset by an
increase to the valuation allowance of $XXX related to
the Y segment) and $XXX, respectively, on the basis of
management’s reassessment of the amount of its DTAs that
are more likely than not to be realized.
As of each reporting date, management
considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that
could affect its view of the future realization of DTAs.
As of December 31, 20X3, in part because in the current
year we achieved three years of cumulative pretax income
in the U.S. federal tax jurisdiction, management
determined that there is sufficient positive evidence to
conclude that it is more likely than not that additional
deferred taxes of $XXX are realizable. It therefore
reduced the valuation allowance accordingly.
As of December 31, 20X3, and December
31, 20X2, we have NOL carryforwards of $XXX and $XXX,
respectively, which, if unused, will expire in years
20Y6 through 20Z2. We have capital loss carryforwards
totaling $XXX and $XXX as of December 31, 20X3, and
December 31, 20X2, respectively, which, if unused, will
expire in years 20X4 through 20X8. In addition, as of
December 31, 20X3, and December 31, 20X2, we have
qualified affordable housing tax credit carryforwards
totaling $XXX and $XXX, respectively, which, if unused,
will expire in years 20X8 through 20Z3, and alternative
minimum tax credits of $XXX and $XXX, respectively, that
may be carried forward indefinitely. Certain tax
attributes are subject to an annual limitation as a
result of the acquisition of our Subsidiary A, which
constitutes a change of ownership as defined under IRC
Section 382.
D.8.4.8 Tax Holidays
Sample Disclosure
We operate under tax holidays in other
countries, which are effective through December 31,
20X3, and may be extended if certain additional
requirements are satisfied. The tax holidays are
conditional upon our meeting certain employment and
investment thresholds. The impact of these tax holidays
decreased foreign taxes by $XXX, $XXX, and $XXX for
20X3, 20X2, and 20X1, respectively. The benefit of the
tax holidays on net income per share (diluted) was $.XX,
$.XX, and $.XX for 20X3, 20X2, and 20X1,
respectively.
For more information, see SAB Topic 11.C.
D.8.4.9 Unrecognized Tax Benefits
D.8.4.9.1 Tabular Reconciliation of UTBs
Sample Disclosure
Below is a tabular reconciliation of
the total amounts of UTBs; this tabular
reconciliation disclosure is not required for
nonpublic entities.
Sample Disclosure
The table below illustrates a
selection of reconciling items that may be reported
separately or aggregated on the basis of the
specific facts and circumstances. The list is not
intended to be all-inclusive. If reported
separately, the descriptions should be appropriately
titled so that the user of the financial statements
will understand the nature of the reconciling item
being reported.
D.8.4.9.2 UTBs That, if Recognized, Would Affect the ETR
Sample Disclosure
Included in the balance of UTBs as
of December 31, 20X3; December 31, 20X2; and
December 31, 20X1, are $XXX, $XXX, and $XXX,
respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized,
would affect the ETR. Also included in the balance
of UTBs as of December 31, 20X3; December 31, 20X2;
and December 31, 20X1, are $XXX, $XXX, and $XXX,
respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized,
would result in adjustments to other tax accounts,
primarily deferred taxes.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-15A(b).
D.8.4.9.3 Total Amounts of Interest and Penalties Recognized in the Statement of Operations and Total Amounts of Interest and Penalties Recognized in the Statements of Financial Position
Sample Disclosure
We recognize interest accrued
related to UTBs and penalties as income tax expense.
We accrued penalties of $XX and interest of $XX
during 20X3 and in total, as of December 31, 20X3,
recognized a liability related to the UTBs noted
above for penalties of $XX and interest of $XX.
During 20X2, we accrued penalties of $XX and
interest of $XX and in total, as of December 31,
20X2, recognized a liability for penalties of $XX
and interest of $XX. During 20X1, we accrued
penalties of $XX and interest of $XX.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-15(c).
D.8.4.9.4 Tax Positions for Which It Is Reasonably Possible That the Total Amounts of UTBs Will Significantly Increase or Decrease Within 12 Months of the Reporting Date
Sample Disclosure
We believe that it is reasonably
possible that a decrease of up to $XX in UTBs
related to state exposures may be necessary within
the coming year. In addition, we believe that it is
reasonably possible that approximately $XX of
current other remaining UTBs, each of which is
individually insignificant, may be recognized by the
end of 20X4 as a result of a lapse of the statute of
limitations. As of December 31, 20X2, we believed
that it was reasonably possible that a decrease of
up to $XX in UTBs related to state tax exposures
would have occurred during the year ended December
31, 20X3. During the year ended December 31, 20X3,
UTBs related to those state exposures actually
decreased by $XX as illustrated in the table
above.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-15(d).
D.8.4.9.5 Description of Tax Years That Remain Subject to Examination by Major Tax Jurisdictions
Sample Disclosure
We are subject to taxation in the
United States and various states and foreign
jurisdictions. As of December 31, 20X3, tax years
for 20X0, 20X1, and 20X2 are subject to examination
by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, as of
December 31, 20X3, we are no longer subject to U.S.
federal, state, local, or foreign examinations by
tax authorities for years before 20X0. Tax year 20W9
was open as of December 31, 20X2.
For more information, see ASC 740-10-50-15(e).
D.8.4.10 Subsequent-Events Disclosure
Sample Disclosure
In January 20X4, we received notice of a
tax incentive award of $XX that will allow us to
monetize approximately $XX of state R&D tax credits.
In exchange for this award, we pledged to hire more
employees and maintain the additional head count through
at least December 31, 20X8. Failure to do so could
result in our being required to repay some or all of
these incentives.
For more information, see ASC 855-10-50-2.
Connecting the Dots
Disclosure of a nonrecognized subsequent event is required only when the
financial statements would be considered misleading without such
disclosure.
Footnotes
3
At the 2010 AICPA Conference, Jill Davis, associate chief
accountant in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, stated that one of
the requirements in SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 4-08(h), is to disclose the
components of income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) as either
domestic or foreign. Ms. Davis indicated that some registrants’ disclosures
about these components have been limited in circumstances in which the
registrants had a very low income tax expense because a substantial amount
of profits were derived from countries with little or no tax. She explained
that the disclosures provided should allow an investor to easily determine
the ETR for net income attributable to domestic operations and foreign
operations and stated that the lack of such disclosure may result in SEC
staff comments. For additional information, see SEC Regulation S-X, Rule
4-08(h), “General Notes to Financial Statements: Income Tax Expense.”
4
See footnote 1.
5
At the 2011 AICPA Conference, Mark Shannon advised that
entities must consider all available evidence, both positive and
negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is needed to
reduce a DTA to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
Mr. Shannon said that some registrants are placing less weight on recent
losses when weighing the positive and negative evidence because they
view the current economic downturn as an aberration, as given in an
example in ASC 740-10-30-22. He stated that while each company’s facts
and circumstances could differ, in general it would be difficult to
conclude the economic downturn is an aberration. He also reminded
participants that overcoming such negative evidence would require
significant objective positive evidence. At the 2012 AICPA Conference,
Mr. Shannon reiterated these comments. He also emphasized the importance
of evidence that is objectively verifiable and noted that it carries
more weight than evidence that is not.
6
At the 2012 AICPA Conference, Mark Shannon noted that
registrants who have returned to profitability may be considering
whether they should reverse a previously recognized valuation allowance.
He indicated that factors to consider in making this determination
include (1) the magnitude and duration of past losses and (2) the
magnitude and duration of current profitability as well as changes in
the factors that drove losses in the past and those currently driving
profitability. Nili Shah further noted that registrants should assess
the sustainability of current profits as well as their track record of
accurately forecasting future financial results. She pointed out that
registrants’ disclosures should include a discussion of the factors or
reasons that led to a reversal of a valuation allowance that effectively
answers the question “why now.” Such disclosures would include a
comprehensive analysis of all available positive and negative evidence
and how the entity weighed each piece of evidence in its assessment. She
also reminded registrants that the same disclosures would be expected
when there is significant negative evidence and a registrant concludes
that a valuation allowance is necessary.