In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. As the guidance currently stands, inventory is measured at the lower of cost or market. This new guidance replaces “market” with net realizable value, which is defined as “the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” It should be noted, however, that for tax purposes, inventory must generally be valued at cost or the lower of cost or market. Absent changes to the tax rules for inventory accounting, additional book-to-tax differences may be required as a result of this guidance.
This new guidance is not applicable to inventory currently being measured using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory methods. All other inventory, including inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods, is subject to this new guidance.
For public entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. The guidance should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.
You’ve heard our thoughts… We’d like to hear yours
The Schneider Downs Our Thoughts On blog exists to create a dialogue on issues that are important to organizations and individuals. While we enjoy sharing our ideas and insights, we’re especially interested in what you may have to say. If you have a question or a comment about this article – or any article from the Our Thoughts On blog – we hope you’ll share it with us. After all, a dialogue is an exchange of ideas, and we’d like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].
Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.
This site uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Cookies assist in navigation, analyzing traffic and in our marketing efforts as described in our Privacy Policy.