Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures
Overview
ASC 323 comprises three Subtopics, below is an overview of each Subtopic.
323-10 Overall
ASC 323-10 provides guidance on the application of the equity method of accounting to investments within the Subtopic’s scope. It further notes the following:
The equity method is an appropriate means of recognizing increases or decreases measured by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the economic resources underlying the investments. Furthermore, the equity method of accounting more closely meets the objectives of accrual accounting than does the cost method because the investor recognizes its share of the earnings and losses of the investee in the periods in which they are reflected in the accounts of the investee. The equity method also best enables investors in corporate joint ventures to reflect the underlying nature of their investment in those ventures.
The equity method tends to be most appropriate if an investment enables the investor to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee. The investor then has a degree of responsibility for the return on its investment, and it is appropriate to include in the results of operations of the investor its share of the earnings or losses of the investee. Influence tends to be more effective as the investor’s percent of ownership in the voting stock of the investee increases. Investments of relatively small percentages of voting stock of an investee tend to be passive in nature and enable the investor to have little or no influence on the operations of the investee.
323-30 Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Limited Liability Entities
ASC 323-30 discusses specific guidance on applying the equity method of accounting to investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures, and limited liability companies.
323-740 Income Taxes
ASC 323-740 notes the following:
This Subtopic contains standalone Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments Subsections, which provide income tax accounting guidance on a specific type of investment in real estate. Income tax accounting guidance on other types of equity method investments and joint ventures is contained in Subtopics 740-10 and 740-30.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, enacted in August 1993, retroactively extended and made permanent the affordable housing credit. Investors in entities operating qualified affordable housing projects receive tax benefits in the form of tax deductions from operating losses and tax credits. The tax credits are allowable on the tax return each year over a 10-year period as a result of renting a sufficient number of units to qualifying tenants and are subject to restrictions on gross rentals paid by those tenants. These credits are subject to recapture over a 15-year period starting with the first year tax credits are earned. Corporate investors generally purchase an interest in a limited partnership that operates the qualified affordable housing projects.