Indian Accounting Standard 8 (Ind AS 8)

In the corporate world, the financial statements serve as the basic foundation for the purpose of decision-making, which ensures that stakeholders have reliable, comparable and transparent data and information. To maintain uniformity and comparability, accounting standards play a crucial role. Among all of these, Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in the Accounting Estimates and various Errors holds particular importance in the world of business. It guides you on how to deal with the various accounting guidelines and policies, handle changes in the estimates and rectify prior-period errors or mistakes. This standard is well aligned with Ind-AS 8, which is issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), ensuring that Indian companies follow globally accepted accounting principles.

This blog provides a comprehensive explanation regarding Ind AS-8, its scope, key definitions, treatment of accounting policies, estimates and errors, along with the practical implications for companies.

Overview of Ind AS-8

Ind AS-8 prescribes the criteria for:

1. Selecting and applying accounting policies.
2. Accounting for changes in accounting policies.
3. Accounting for changes in accounting estimates.
4. Correction of prior period errors.

The objective is to enhance the relevance, reliability, and comparability of financial statements both across different reporting periods of the same entity and among entities.

Scope of Ind AS-8

Ind AS-8 applies to all companies preparing financial statements under the Ind AS framework and structure. However, it does not cover the following:

• The Transition of an entity to the Ind AS for the first time (governed by Ind AS-101).
• The Inconsistencies arising from the process of revaluations of assets or liabilities, which are dealt with in the specific standards like Ind AS-16 (PPE) or Ind AS-38 (Intangible Assets).

Key Definitions

• Accounting Policies: There are some specific principles, bases, conventions, rules and practices applied in the process of preparing and presenting the financial statements.
• Change in Accounting Estimates: Adjustment of the carrying amount of an asset or liability, or recognition of a change in the periodic consumption of an asset, that results from reassessing the expected future benefits and obligations.
• Prior Period Errors: Omissions or misstatements in financial statements for one or more prior periods that arise from the failure to use or misuse of reliable information that was available when those statements were prepared.
• Materiality: Information is considered material if its omission, misstatement, or mismatch could influence the economic decisions of users of financial statements.

Accounting Policies under Ind AS-8

1. Selection of Accounting Policies

When a specific Ind AS applies to a transaction or event, the company must apply that standard. In cases where no Ind AS directly applies, management should develop a policy that:

• Provides relevant and reliable information.
• Reflects substance over form.
• It is neutral, prudent, and complete.

Guidance may also be taken from:

• Standards dealing with similar issues.
• Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements.
• Pronouncements of other standard-setting bodies consistent with Ind AS.

2. Consistency of Policies

Once selected, accounting policies should be applied consistently to ensure comparability. However, changes are permitted under two circumstances:

• When required by an Ind AS.
• When the new policy results in more reliable and relevant information.

3. Changes in Accounting Policies

When a company changes its accounting policy:

• The change should be applied retrospectively, unless it is impracticable.
• Retrospective application means adjusting the opening balance of each affected component of equity for the earliest prior period presented, along with restating comparative figures.

4. Changes in Accounting Estimates

Unlike accounting policies, changes in estimates are applied prospectively. This means adjustments are made only in the current and future reporting periods.

Reasons for changes in estimates include:

• Revision of the useful life of assets.
• Change in provision for doubtful debts.
• Adjustments in warranty obligations.

5. Errors and their Rectification

What Constitutes an Error?

Errors may arise due to:

• Mathematical mistakes.
• Mistakes in applying accounting policies.
• Misinterpretation of facts.
• Fraud or oversight.

Correction of Prior Period Errors

Errors must be corrected retrospectively by:

• Restating comparative information for prior periods.
• Adjusting the opening balances of assets, liabilities, and equity for the earliest period presented.

Disclosure Requirements under Ind AS-8

Proper disclosure enhances transparency. Companies must disclose:

1. Changes in Accounting Policies
   • Nature of the change.
   • Reasons for the change.
   • Amount of adjustment for current and prior periods.
   • If retrospective application is impracticable, explain why.
2. Changes in Accounting Estimates
   • Nature of the change.
   • Impact on current and future periods.
3. Prior Period Errors
   • Nature of the error.
   • Amount of correction for each financial statement line item.
   • Amount of correction at the beginning of the earliest prior period.

Practical Implications of Ind AS-8

1. Investor Confidence: By ensuring the element of comparability and reliability, Ind AS-8 helps investors make informed decisions.
2. Corporate Governance: Proper implementation of this standard reflects the element of transparency in financial reporting, strengthening the trust and confidence among stakeholders.
3. Audit and Compliance: The Auditors are relying heavily on the Ind AS-8 for evaluating the accuracy of accounting policies and correcting errors.
4. Challenges for Companies: Retrospective application of accounting policy changes or error correction can be complex, requiring recalculations and adjustments for past periods.

Importance of Ind AS-8 in Financial Reporting

1. Ensures Comparability – Users can compare financial statements across periods and entities.
2. Maintains Reliability – By mandating retrospective adjustments, it ensures information is not misleading.
3. Global Alignment – Since Ind AS-8 is aligned with IAS-8, Indian companies remain competitive in global markets.
4. Reduces Manipulation – Transparent disclosure requirements minimize opportunities for creative accounting or earnings management.

Conclusion

Ind AS-8 is one of the most fundamental accounting standards as it ensures consistency and reliability in financial reporting. While changes in policies, estimates and corrections of errors are inevitable in the dynamic business environment, this standard provides a structured framework for dealing with them. By mandating retrospective adjustments for policies and errors and prospective adjustments for estimates, it strikes a balance between accuracy and practicality.

For companies, adherence to Ind AS-8 is not just about regulatory compliance but also about building trust and credibility with investors, regulators and the public at large. In the age of globalization, where financial statements cross borders, the role of Ind AS-8 becomes even more crucial.

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