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How to account for Government Grants under IAS 20 and US GAAP ASC 958

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Government grants can materially affect an entity’s financial performance and position, especially in industries dependent on public subsidies or development support. Accounting for these grants varies significantly between IFRS (IAS 20) and US GAAP (ASC 958 and ASC 450). While IFRS provides a structured model for both recognition and presentation, US GAAP distinguishes between not-for-profit and for-profit entities and relies on a patchwork of standards, often requiring judgment in classification, timing, and income recognition.



Government grants are defined differently under IFRS and US GAAP.

Under IAS 20, government grants are defined as transfers of resources in return for past or future compliance with specific conditions. These may include:

  • Cash subsidies

  • Forgivable loans

  • Asset-related grants (e.g., to purchase machinery)

  • Income-related grants (e.g., wage support or operating subsidies)


In US GAAP, no unified standard governs government grants for for-profit entities. Instead:

  • ASC 958 applies to not-for-profit organizations.

  • ASC 450 (Contingencies) and SEC guidance are commonly used by public companies.

  • Entities must classify grants as contributions, revenue, or gain contingencies, depending on nature and conditions.

The difference in conceptual basis leads to different income timing and presentation choices.


IFRS provides clear guidance on recognition and classification of grants.

IAS 20 divides grants into two main types:


1. Grants related to income

Recognized in the profit and loss statement systematically over the periods in which the related costs are incurred.

Example:

Dr. Cash                            200,000  
    Cr. Other income                          200,000

Or:

Dr. Cash                            200,000  
    Cr. Government grants deferred            200,000  

[Then amortized]
Dr. Government grants deferred      50,000  
    Cr. Other income                           50,000

2. Grants related to assets

Presented in one of two ways:

  • Deferred income approach: recognize grant as a liability and amortize over the asset’s useful life.

  • Netting off: deduct the grant from the carrying amount of the asset.

Choice of method affects depreciation and reported asset values.

Option

Impact on balance sheet

Impact on P&L

Deferred income

Shows full asset cost + liability

Recognized as other income over time

Netting off

Lower asset base, lower depreciation

No separate income line item


Under US GAAP, treatment differs sharply between not-for-profit and for-profit entities.

For not-for-profit entities (ASC 958)

Grants are usually treated as nonreciprocal contributions and recognized when:

  • The conditions are met, and

  • The barriers to entitlement are overcome.

Revenue recognition follows ASC 958-605 and can involve:

  • Conditional contributions (recognized once conditions are met)

  • Unconditional contributions (recognized immediately)


For for-profit entities

No specific standard. They typically follow:

  • ASC 450 (gain contingency): Recognize only when grant is received or virtually certain

  • SEC SAB Topic 13: Can follow IAS 20-like treatment (if consistently applied and disclosed)

  • ASC 606: If grant resembles a contract with a customer

Entity Type

Recognition trigger

Standard

Not-for-profit

Conditions met; barrier cleared

ASC 958

Public company

Contingency resolved or payment received

ASC 450 / SEC SAB

Government contract

Performance obligation satisfied

ASC 606


Forgivable loans require judgment under both frameworks.

  • IFRS (IAS 20): Forgivable loans are treated as grants once reasonable assurance exists that conditions will be met.

  • US GAAP: Often treated as gain contingencies, recognized only when forgiven unless the entity qualifies for an ASC 958-type model.

Treatment

IFRS (IAS 20)

US GAAP (ASC 450 / 958)

Forgivable loan not yet forgiven

Liability until conditions are met

Liability until formally forgiven

Forgiveness probable

Reclassified as grant income

Recognized only if virtually certain


Disclosures differ in focus but aim to provide transparency on grant effects.

IFRS (IAS 20) requires:

  • Nature and extent of grants

  • Unfulfilled conditions or contingencies

  • Accounting policy chosen (netting vs deferred income)

  • Income recognized in the period


US GAAP disclosures depend on applied guidance:

  • ASC 958: Contribution classes, conditional vs unconditional, timing

  • ASC 450: Nature of contingencies, probability assessments

  • SEC guidance: Consistency with IFRS-like disclosure if adopted


Key differences between IFRS and US GAAP in government grant accounting.

Area

IFRS (IAS 20)

US GAAP

Standard applicability

All entities

ASC 958 (nonprofits), no unified guidance for for-profits

Recognition threshold

Reasonable assurance of compliance

Contingency resolved or cash received

Presentation methods

Deferred income or asset reduction

Revenue, gain, or other income depending on judgment

Forgivable loans

Recognized when forgiveness is likely

Recognized only when forgiven

Timing differences

May lead to earlier recognition

Generally more conservative timing


Both IFRS and US GAAP aim to reflect the economic substance of government support, but IFRS provides a clearer framework for all entity types, while US GAAP remains fragmented and more conservative. Entities must ensure consistent application, robust documentation of conditions, and transparent disclosures—especially when government assistance materially affects reported earnings or cash flows.


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