Deferred expenses in accounting (financial) reporting: The current status

Abstract

Subject. This article examines the current state of formation and disclosure of information on expenses of future periods in the accounting (financial) statements of top commercial organizations in Russia. Objectives. The article aims to study the current practice of forming information on expenses of future periods in the accounting and reporting of organizations engaged in various activities, identify the peculiarities of information presentation, and solve the identified problems. Methods. For the study, I used a comparative analysis, observation, comparison, generalization, and systematization. Results. Having considered the practices of presenting information on deferred expenses in the financial statements of the top Russian organizations for 2020, compiled in accordance with the Russian accounting rules, the article substantiates that the expenses of future periods (or deferred expenses) are a special object of accounting due to their uniqueness and information capability. Recognition of such expenses in accounting and reporting is possible if they lead to the receipt of income during several reporting periods. Conclusions. Currently, the presentation of information on deferred expenditures in the accounting (financial) statements causes many problems, for the structure and content of expenses of various organizations are heterogeneous, they depend on industry characteristics and professional accounting judgment of reporting accountants.