GASB’s Proposed Changes to the Financial Reporting Model
GASB has proposed its Exposure Draft which would improve the financial reporting model. The proposal includes changes to MD&A, extraordinary items, presentation of proprietary funds, and implements the short-term financial resource measurement focus for governmental funds which was introduced in an ED earlier this month. Comments are due February 26, 2021.
Proposed ASU: Insurance Effective Date
FASB has issued an exposure draft that would delay the effective date of ASU 2018-12 which provides updated guidance on financial reporting for long duration insurance contracts. The ED would also provide for transition relief for entities who early adopt. Comments are due August 24th.
GASB Preliminary Views: Revenue and Expense Recognition
GASB has issued a preliminary views document which is their second phase in updating revenue and expense guidance. Building on the ITC issued in 2018, the PV continues to develop the model for categorization, recognition, and measurement. In lieu of the 3 methods proposed in the ITC, GASB has developed a Category A / Category B. For those familiar with the FASB guidance in Topic 606, the introduction of performance obligations for Category A should feel somewhat similar. Due to the scope of the project, COVID19 and upcoming fiscal year ends for many governments, comments are not due until February 2021.
Recognition of Elements of Financial Statements
GASB has proposed major changes to the concept statements for recognition. The proposal further develops the concept of the short term financial resources measurement focus. It makes changes to these concepts from the prior preliminary views document. Comments are due February 26, 2021.
Q2 2020 in Review
This week we review the standards issued and proposed in the second quarter of 2020 for GASB, FASB, and the AICPA. While it was a slower quarter, GASB did manage to finalize quite a few final standards while also issuing exposure drafts for the conceptual framework and a preliminary views document on revenue and expenses. FASB focused solely on COVID19. The AICPA addressed COVID19, as well, while also issuing the final standard in their reporting suite and four TQAs.
OMB Allows Several Covid_Related Flexibilities to Expire
OMB has issued an updated memo addressing Covid-related flexibilities provided under prior OMB Memos. Many of the flexibilities offered in the earlier memos have been rescinded. The memo does permit two flexibility measures to continue – coverage of salaries and single audit submission deadlines. However, the flexibility for 2020 year ends has been rescinded.
AICPA Issued Technical Q&A for CARES Act Accounting
The AICPA has issued a Technical Q&A to provide guidance on how nongovernmental entities should account for monies received under the CARES Act. The Q&A addresses questions related to how to account for the forgiveable portion of the PPP loans. GASB has issued a separate exposure draft addressing accounting for governmental entities.
GASB Proposes Application Guidance on CARES Act
GASB has issued an exposure draft, Accounting and Financial Reporting Issues Related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020 and Coronavirus Diseases, to address questions relating to the proper accounting for CARES Act funding including PPP. The Q&A addresses questions about whether this would be treated as an extraordinary or special item, as operating or nonoperating revenue and when does a forgivable loan become revenue. Comments are due June 25th.
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