Deferred_income
Deferred income, also known as deferred revenue or unearned revenue, refers to payments received by a company in advance for goods or services that it has not yet delivered or performed, recorded as a current or non-current liability on the balance sheet until the revenue is earned.[1] This accounting practice ensures that financial statements accurately reflect the timing of economic events by deferring recognition of income until the performance obligations are satisfied, adhering to the accrual basis of accounting.[2]
Under international financial reporting standards (IFRS 15) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (ASC 606), deferred income arises when a customer prepays under a contract, creating a contract liability that is reclassified to revenue as control of the promised goods or services transfers to the customer, either at a point in time or over time depending on the nature of the obligation.[3] These standards establish a five-step model for revenue recognition—identifying the contract, performance obligations, transaction price, allocation of the price, and recognition upon satisfaction—which directly governs the treatment of deferred amounts to prevent premature revenue inflation.[3]
Common examples of deferred income include subscription fees for software services, advance ticket sales for events, or prepaid maintenance contracts, where the liability decreases as the company fulfills its obligations over the contract period.[4] Accurate management of deferred income is crucial for businesses, as it impacts cash flow visibility, tax liabilities, and compliance with regulatory reporting requirements, while also providing investors with insights into future revenue potential.[5] Failure to properly account for it can lead to misstated financial positions, potentially affecting credit ratings and operational decisions.[1]
Definition and Principles
Core Definition
Deferred income, also known as unearned revenue or deferred revenue, refers to consideration received by an entity in advance of transferring goods or services to a customer, representing an obligation to fulfill future performance obligations and recorded as a contract liability on the balance sheet, classified as current or non-current depending on the expected timing of satisfaction.[6] This liability arises under accrual accounting, where revenue is not recognized until the entity satisfies its performance obligations by transferring control of the promised goods or services to the customer.[6]
The concept of deferred income originates from the foundational principles of accrual accounting, particularly the matching principle, which ensures that revenues are recognized in the same periods as the expenses incurred to generate them, thereby providing a more accurate depiction of financial performance.[7] This principle gained prominence in early 20th-century accounting practices, influenced by works such as the 1940 monograph by William A. Paton and Archer J. Littleton, which emphasized matching costs with associated revenues to align with the objectives of financial reporting.[7] Modern standards, such as IFRS 15 and ASC 606, build on these accrual-based foundations to guide the deferral and subsequent recognition of income.[6]
Deferred income establishes a legal performance obligation under the terms of a contract, which is enforceable by law should the entity fail to deliver the promised goods or services, thereby imposing a binding commitment on the recipient of the advance payment.[6] This obligation underscores the liability's role in reflecting not only accounting requirements but also contractual duties that protect customer interests.[8]
Key Characteristics
Deferred income, also known as deferred revenue or unearned revenue, is classified as a liability on the balance sheet because it represents an entity's obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer in the future after consideration has been received or is due.[6] Under both U.S. GAAP (ASC 606) and IFRS 15, this liability remains until the performance obligation is satisfied, at which point it is reclassified as revenue.[9] The classification as current or non-current depends on the expected timing of recognition: it is typically short-term (current liability) if the revenue is anticipated to be earned within one year, and long-term otherwise, following general balance sheet presentation guidance such as ASC 210 or IAS 1.[9]
A key distinguishing feature involves the nature of refund rights associated with the deferred amount. If the contract includes refund obligations—such as when performance fails or the customer exercises cancellation rights—the entity recognizes a separate refund liability measured at the amount expected to be refunded, excluding any portion the entity anticipates retaining as compensation for goods or services transferred.[6] This impacts classification under standards like IFRS 15, where refundable portions are distinctly accounted for to reflect the entity's right to consideration only to the extent it expects to retain it.[6] In contrast, non-refundable deferred income remains a straightforward contract liability without separate refund accounting, though the absence of refund rights does not alter its initial liability status.[9]
Deferred income positively affects the cash flow statement by increasing cash inflows from operating activities upon receipt of advance payments, as this represents actual cash received from customers, though it does not yet impact net income.[2] Subsequent recognition of the deferred amount as revenue adjusts net income but has no further cash flow effect, since the cash was already collected upfront.[2] This timing difference can lead to operating cash flows exceeding reported net income in periods of significant advance collections, providing a liquidity boost without immediate earnings recognition.[2]
The reversibility of deferred income arises when the underlying obligation is modified, terminated, or canceled, allowing for adjustments to the liability balance. Under IFRS 15 and ASC 606, such changes—such as contract cancellations without performance—may result in derecognition of the liability, potentially leading to immediate revenue recognition if no refund is required, or a reduction paired with cash outflows if refunds are issued.[6] These adjustments ensure the liability reflects the current expected outflow of goods, services, or refunds, with updates applied prospectively based on revised estimates of the transaction price or performance progress.[9]
Accounting Recognition and Measurement
Revenue Recognition Criteria
Under the accrual basis of accounting, deferred income, also known as unearned revenue or a contract liability, is recognized as revenue only when the entity satisfies its performance obligations by transferring control of the promised goods or services to the customer.[3][10] This principle ensures that revenue reflects the economic substance of the transaction rather than merely the receipt of cash.[11]
Both US GAAP under ASC 606 and IFRS 15 establish a converged five-step model for revenue recognition from contracts with customers, which directly applies to determining when deferred income is earned.[6] The steps are: (1) identify the contract with the customer, ensuring it meets criteria such as enforceable rights and obligations; (2) identify the distinct performance obligations within the contract, such as delivery of goods or provision of services; (3) determine the transaction price, including fixed and variable amounts; (4) allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation based on standalone selling prices; and (5) recognize revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied, which converts the deferred income liability to earned revenue. This model provides a systematic framework to defer revenue until the entity has fulfilled its obligations under the contract.[3]
Performance obligations are satisfied either at a point in time or over time, influencing the timing of deferred income recognition.[10] Recognition at a point in time occurs when control transfers upon delivery, such as in the sale of physical goods where the customer obtains immediate control upon receipt, requiring the full amount of deferred income to be recognized simultaneously.[11] In contrast, over-time recognition applies when the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits, as in subscription services where deferred income is ratably recognized over the subscription period using output methods (e.g., time elapsed) or input methods (e.g., costs incurred relative to total expected costs).[6]
Variable consideration, such as discounts, rebates, or performance penalties, must be estimated and included in the transaction price, potentially reducing the amount of deferred income initially recorded and affecting subsequent recognition. Estimates are made using either the expected value method (suitable for a range of outcomes) or the most likely amount method, but only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved.[3] This constraint ensures conservative recognition of deferred income, aligning it with the expected collectible amount as performance obligations are satisfied.[11]
Initial Recording and Subsequent Adjustments
When an entity receives advance payment from a customer for goods or services that will be provided in a future period, the initial recording of deferred income involves recognizing the amount as a liability on the balance sheet. This is achieved by debiting cash (or another appropriate asset account) for the amount received and crediting a deferred income or contract liability account, reflecting the entity's obligation to perform under the contract. Under U.S. GAAP (ASC 606-10-45-1), this liability arises when consideration is received or due before the entity transfers control of the promised goods or services to the customer. Similarly, IFRS 15.106 requires recognition of a contract liability in such circumstances, ensuring that revenue is not recorded until the performance obligation is satisfied.
Subsequent adjustments to deferred income occur as the entity fulfills its performance obligations, involving periodic reclassification from the liability account to revenue. This process typically takes place monthly, quarterly, or at other regular intervals, depending on the contract terms and the nature of the performance. For instance, as services are rendered or goods are delivered, the entity debits the deferred income liability and credits revenue for the portion earned during the period.[6] This reclassification aligns with the core principle of revenue recognition standards, where income is deferred until the entity has a right to consideration that corresponds to the transfer of control to the customer.
In multi-period contracts, deferred income is often recognized on a pro-rata basis, allocating the total amount proportionally over the periods benefiting from the performance. A common method is the straight-line approach, applied when the entity provides benefits evenly across the contract term, such as in subscription services or maintenance agreements.[12][13] This ensures that revenue recognition depicts the transfer of goods or services over time, as outlined in ASC 606-10-25-31 through 25-37 and IFRS 15.35-37.
If changes in circumstances indicate that a contract is onerous—meaning the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be received—the entity recognizes a provision for the present value of the net loss under IAS 37 (IFRS) or ASC 450 (US GAAP). This provision is recorded as an additional liability with a corresponding expense and is assessed separately from the contract liability.[14][15]
Journal Entries and Financial Reporting
Debit and Credit Mechanics
In accounting for deferred income, the initial receipt of funds for goods or services not yet delivered or performed is recorded using double-entry bookkeeping principles under U.S. GAAP (ASC 606) and IFRS 15. Upon receipt, the transaction debits the cash account to reflect the increase in assets and credits the deferred income liability account for the same amount, indicating an obligation to perform in the future. For example, if a company receives $12,000 in advance for a 12-month service contract, the entry is:
Debit: Cash $12,000
Credit: Deferred Income $12,000
Debit: Cash $12,000
Credit: Deferred Income $12,000
This entry ensures that the advance payment is not immediately recognized as revenue, aligning with the core principle that revenue is earned only when performance obligations are satisfied.[12]
As the performance obligation is satisfied over time, a portion of the deferred income is reclassified to revenue through periodic adjusting entries. The entry debits the deferred income liability to reduce the obligation and credits the revenue account to recognize the earned amount. For instance, in the same $12,000 service contract, if one month has passed and $1,000 is earned, the entry is:
Debit: Deferred Income $1,000
Credit: Revenue $1,000
Debit: Deferred Income $1,000
Credit: Revenue $1,000
This process continues until the full obligation is fulfilled, with the amount recognized based on the measure of progress toward completion, such as time elapsed or milestones achieved.[12]
In cases of refund or cancellation prior to full satisfaction of the performance obligation, the unearned portion is reversed by debiting the deferred income liability and crediting cash (for direct refunds) or a revenue reversal account if previously recognized amounts are adjusted. For example, if $4,000 remains unearned in the ongoing contract and a partial refund is issued, the entry is:
Debit: Deferred Income $4,000
Credit: Cash $4,000
Debit: Deferred Income $4,000
Credit: Cash $4,000
This maintains balance sheet integrity by settling the liability without implying earned revenue. If the cancellation affects already recognized revenue, an additional entry may reverse prior credits, but the primary refund targets the remaining deferred balance.[16]
For performance obligations satisfied evenly over a defined period, such as annual subscriptions, the earned portion of deferred income is calculated using a proportional time-based method to ensure systematic recognition. The formula is:
\text{Earned Revenue} = \text{Total Deferred Income} \times \left( \frac{\text{Time Elapsed}}{\text{Total Period}} \right)
To derive this, start with the principle under ASC 606-10-25-31 and IFRS 15.35 that revenue reflects the transfer of promised goods or services, measured by progress toward satisfaction. For time-based obligations where input (e.g., effort) is uniform, time serves as a reliable input method per ASC 606-10-25-37. Thus, progress is the ratio of elapsed time to total time, applied to the transaction price allocated to the obligation. For calculation: If total deferred income is $12,000 over 12 months and 3 months have elapsed, earned revenue = $12,000 × (3/12) = $3,000. This is adjusted at each reporting date, with remeasurement if estimates change.[17][12]
Balance Sheet and Income Statement Impact
Deferred income, also known as deferred revenue or unearned revenue, is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet when cash is received in advance of satisfying the related performance obligations. This classification typically places it under current liabilities, such as "customer advances" or "contract liabilities," reflecting the entity's obligation to deliver goods or services in the future. Until the revenue is earned, this liability remains on the balance sheet and indirectly reduces shareholders' equity by representing funds that have not yet contributed to net income.[1][5]
On the income statement, deferred income has no immediate effect upon receipt of payment, as revenue is not recognized until the performance obligations are satisfied over time or at a point in time. As obligations are fulfilled, the liability is reduced, and an equivalent amount is reclassified to revenue, thereby impacting gross profit and net income in the periods of recognition rather than upfront. This timing mechanism ensures that earnings reflect the actual transfer of value to customers, aligning revenue with the period in which it is earned.[1][5]
The presence of deferred income influences key financial ratios by increasing current liabilities, which can lower the current ratio—a measure of short-term liquidity—potentially signaling higher obligations relative to current assets. Additionally, by deferring revenue recognition, it can smooth earnings volatility across reporting periods, providing a more stable depiction of financial performance that reduces fluctuations from lumpy cash inflows.[1][18][19]
Under ASC 606 (U.S. GAAP) and IFRS 15 (international standards), entities must disclose deferred income details in the notes to the financial statements, including opening and closing balances of contract liabilities, revenue recognized from prior-period liabilities, and explanations of significant changes in these balances. Furthermore, disclosures require information on remaining performance obligations, such as the aggregate transaction price allocated to unsatisfied obligations and the expected timing of revenue recognition, to provide transparency on future revenue streams; exemptions apply for short-term contracts (one year or less).[20][3]
Practical Examples and Applications
Everyday Business Scenarios
In everyday business operations, deferred income commonly arises when companies receive payments for services or goods to be delivered over time, such as in magazine subscriptions. A publisher receiving an upfront annual fee, for instance, records the full amount as a liability initially and recognizes revenue incrementally as each issue is delivered, typically allocating one-twelfth of the fee monthly over the 12-month period to match the transfer of value to the subscriber.[21] This approach ensures that revenue recognition aligns with the satisfaction of the performance obligation under applicable accounting standards.[22]
Retailers frequently encounter deferred income through gift cards and prepaid services, where the payment creates an obligation to provide goods or services upon redemption. The retailer initially records the received funds as a liability, deferring revenue until the card is used, at which point the corresponding portion is recognized as earned. If cards remain unredeemed after dormancy periods—ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on the jurisdiction, such as 1 year in Georgia or 5 years in Iowa—escheatment laws may require the issuer to remit unclaimed balances to the state as abandoned property, potentially limiting the amount available for breakage income recognition.[23]
Event organizers also deal with deferred income from advance ticket sales, where payments for future performances are collected well before the event date. These funds are recorded as a liability and deferred until the performance occurs, at which time revenue is recognized in full, reflecting the completion of the service obligation; in some cases, if preparatory activities qualify under revenue recognition criteria, partial amounts may be allocated earlier.[24] For example, major concert promoters like Live Nation report billions in such deferred ticket revenue annually; as of Q3 2025, deferred revenue stood at $3.5 billion, with recognition timed to the event to accurately portray financial performance.[25]
Software companies often handle deferred income via annual maintenance contracts, where customers pay upfront for ongoing support services like updates and technical assistance. The entire fee is initially deferred as a liability and recognized ratably—typically on a straight-line basis—over the contract term, such as monthly across the 12-month period, to reflect the continuous provision of stand-ready services.[22] This ratable method, guided by standards like ASC 606, ensures revenue matches the period during which the customer receives and consumes the benefits of the support.[22]
Industry-Specific Cases
In the real estate industry, down payments received from buyers, often ranging from 1% to 20% of the sales price, are recorded as deferred revenue when the contract does not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under ASC 606, such as when the buyer lacks a commitment to purchase or the entity retains significant risks of ownership.[26] These deposits remain as liabilities until the closing date, at which point revenue is recognized upon transfer of control to the buyer, assuming no further performance obligations exist.[26] For construction contracts, such as custom home builds or land development, revenue is deferred and recognized over time using methods akin to the percentage-of-completion approach if the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits or controls the asset as it is created, with progress measured by inputs like costs incurred relative to total estimated costs.[26]
In the airline sector, frequent flyer miles issued as part of loyalty programs are treated as a separate performance obligation, with a portion of the ticket price allocated to these miles and recorded as deferred revenue liability based on their relative standalone selling price.[27] This deferred amount is recognized as revenue upon redemption for flights or other rewards, or earlier for estimated breakage—miles not expected to be redeemed—using statistical models derived from historical redemption patterns, which typically result in 15-30% of miles remaining unredeemed.[28] Airlines value these liabilities by estimating future redemption costs, including incremental costs for seating and fuel, adjusted for breakage rates to reflect the probability of non-redemption.[27]
Within the technology and software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, revenue from multi-year licenses is generally deferred and recognized ratably over the contract term as the customer receives and consumes the benefits of the service, particularly for subscription-based SaaS arrangements where the entity provides a stand-ready obligation.[22] For bundled offerings, such as software licenses combined with post-contract support or implementation services, the total transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using relative standalone selling prices (SSP), estimated via methods like adjusted market assessments or expected cost plus margin, with the license portion often recognized upfront if it provides a right to use intellectual property, while support is deferred over the usage period.[22] This allocation ensures that deferred revenue reflects the timing of satisfaction for each element, such as ratable recognition for a three-year SaaS bundle where professional services are completed early.[22]
In the insurance industry, premiums received in advance are deferred as unearned premium liabilities and recognized as revenue over the policy coverage period in proportion to the insurance protection provided, using a straight-line method for short-duration contracts (typically one year or less) or actuarial schedules for long-duration contracts to match the expiration of risk.[29] For short-duration policies, such as property or casualty insurance, recognition follows the pattern of risk exposure, often straight-line unless seasonal variations apply, while long-duration contracts like life insurance use net premium ratios or assumptions about future benefits and expenses to amortize premiums over the expected term, with periodic updates to actuarial assumptions if deficiencies arise.[29] Deferred acquisition costs associated with these premiums are amortized in proportion to the earned revenue, ensuring alignment with the policy's benefit period under ASC 944.[29]
Comparison with Accrued Revenue
Accrued revenue refers to income that a company has earned by delivering goods or services to customers but has not yet invoiced or received payment for, and it is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet, typically under accounts receivable.[30] This contrasts with deferred income, which arises when payment is received before the related performance obligation is fulfilled.[31]
The primary distinction between deferred income and accrued revenue lies in the sequence of cash receipt and revenue earning: deferred income involves receiving cash upfront, creating a liability that is recognized as revenue only upon fulfillment of the obligation, whereas accrued revenue involves performing the obligation first, generating an asset that converts to cash upon billing and collection.[30][31] Under accrual accounting principles, this ensures that both concepts align revenue recognition with the period in which economic benefits are transferred, but they represent opposite timing mismatches relative to cash flows.[32]
In terms of timing, deferred income occurs prior to performance, where the company owes the customer future delivery, while accrued revenue follows performance but precedes cash collection, where the customer owes the company payment.[33] For instance, receiving rent payments in advance results in deferred income recorded as a liability until the rental period elapses, whereas providing utilities services at month-end without an immediate bill creates accrued revenue as an asset until invoiced.[30] This differentiation supports accurate financial reporting by matching revenues to the periods they are earned, preventing overstatement or understatement of income.[31]
Comparison with Deferred Expenses
Deferred expenses, commonly referred to as prepaid expenses, are costs incurred and paid by a company in advance for goods or services that will provide economic benefits over multiple future accounting periods. These payments are initially recorded as assets on the balance sheet, such as prepaid insurance or rent, and are gradually recognized as expenses in the income statement through adjusting entries as the benefits are realized.[34][35]
A fundamental distinction between deferred income and deferred expenses lies in their classification and implications on the financial statements. Deferred income, or unearned revenue, arises when a company receives payment from customers before fulfilling its obligations to deliver goods or services, creating a liability that represents an ongoing commitment to perform. In contrast, deferred expenses embody a future economic benefit already secured through prepayment, positioning them as assets rather than obligations.[34][35]
This opposition highlights a balance sheet symmetry in deferral accounting, where both concepts uphold the matching principle by aligning revenues and expenses with the periods in which they are earned or incurred, yet they occupy opposite sides of the equation—deferred expenses bolstering assets and deferred income augmenting liabilities to reflect the timing of cash flows relative to economic events.[34][21]
For instance, if a software company receives $12,000 in advance for a one-year subscription service, this deferred income is recorded as a liability and recognized as revenue monthly over the term. Conversely, if the same company prepays $12,000 for a year's office rent, this deferred expense is recorded as an asset and amortized as rent expense each month, illustrating the mirrored deferral mechanics on the revenue versus cost sides.[34]
Tax and Regulatory Considerations
Tax Treatment Differences
In financial accounting under accrual principles, deferred income is recognized as revenue only when the related performance obligations are satisfied, aligning with standards such as GAAP or IFRS 15, which emphasize earning the income over time or upon delivery.[3] In contrast, tax treatment often diverges, with many jurisdictions, particularly for cash-basis taxpayers like small entities, requiring inclusion in taxable income upon receipt rather than deferral until earned.[36] This mismatch can create temporary differences, leading to deferred tax liabilities or assets, as the timing of revenue recognition for tax purposes may accelerate taxation compared to book accounting.[37]
In the United States, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 451 governs the taxable year of inclusion for gross income, mandating that accrual-method taxpayers generally include advance payments—such as deferred income from goods or services—in taxable income in the year of receipt.[38] However, Section 451(c), enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, permits limited deferral of these advance payments to the subsequent tax year, provided the income is included no later than when recognized for financial accounting purposes or within a short period thereafter.[36] Final Treasury Regulations under Section 451(c) (Treas. Reg. § 1.451-8), effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2020, provide deferral methods allowing taxpayers to defer qualifying advance payments (e.g., for services or goods not exceeding one year) until the next tax year, subject to full inclusion if not earned by year-end.[39] Specific methods like installment sales under IRC Section 453 also allow deferral of gain recognition over the payment period for certain sales, reducing immediate tax liability.
Internationally, tax treatment of deferred income varies significantly from financial accounting under IFRS, which defers recognition until control transfers to the customer, potentially aligning more closely with accrual-based tax systems in some countries.[3] For instance, in the United Kingdom, HMRC generally follows the accounting treatment for revenue recognition, permitting ratable inclusion over the period services are provided for certain advance payments, thus allowing deferral until earned rather than immediate taxation upon receipt.[40] Other jurisdictions may impose stricter cash-receipt rules, but some, like Mauritius, explicitly accept IFRS 15-derived revenue timing for tax purposes to minimize discrepancies.[41]
Taxpayers may have deferral election options that impact deferred income, particularly for financial instruments. For example, under IRC Section 475, traders in securities or commodities can elect mark-to-market accounting, which requires annual recognition of unrealized gains or losses as ordinary income, potentially accelerating inclusion of deferred amounts from derivatives or other instruments rather than deferring them until realization.[42] This election eliminates deferral benefits but allows ordinary loss deductions, offering relief in volatile markets.[43]
Compliance and Reporting Standards
Under US GAAP, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) established ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, through Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, which provides a comprehensive framework for recognizing revenue, including the deferral of income received in advance of satisfying performance obligations, recorded as contract liabilities until control transfers to the customer.[44] Similarly, under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in 2014, requiring entities to defer revenue for unsatisfied or partially satisfied obligations, aligning the timing of recognition with the transfer of promised goods or services.[3] For public companies in the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandates disclosures under ASC 606-10-50-13 regarding the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations, including qualitative and quantitative information about expected timing of satisfaction and significant judgments affecting the amount, to ensure transparency in financial filings.[45]
Auditors must test the appropriateness of deferred income recognition by evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting related to revenue processes, including walkthroughs of contract initiation to recognition, as outlined in PCAOB Staff Audit Practice Alert No. 15.[46] This involves substantive procedures such as reviewing contracts for performance obligation identification, assessing allocation of transaction prices, and verifying deferral amounts through vouching to supporting documentation, with particular attention to risks of premature recognition.[46] Impairment assessments for deferred income require auditors to evaluate management's judgments on collectibility and changes in contract terms, performing procedures like recalculating expected credit losses or testing for indicators of obligation modification that could accelerate or extend deferral periods.[46]
The convergence efforts between US GAAP and IFRS, culminating in the joint issuance of ASC 606 and IFRS 15 in May 2014, have significantly reduced differences in revenue recognition practices, particularly for deferred income, by establishing a common five-step model that enhances comparability for multinational entities reporting under both frameworks.[47] Post-2014 amendments, such as ASU 2016-20 and clarifications to IFRS 15, further harmonized guidance on contract modifications and disclosures, minimizing variances in how deferred liabilities are measured and presented across jurisdictions.[47]
Following the 2020 economic disruptions from COVID-19, the FASB issued ASU 2020-05 in June 2020, deferring the effective date of ASC 606 for certain non-public entities to provide implementation relief amid volatility, while emphasizing the need for robust disclosures on contract liabilities.[48] The FASB's 2022 post-implementation review of ASC 606, with the final report issued in November 2024, highlighted enhanced disclosure requirements for contract liabilities, noting that investors found the information more transparent, particularly in volatile conditions where judgments on performance obligations, such as delays in service delivery, impact deferral balances; the review concluded that the standard is achieving its objectives with no need for amendments as of 2025.[49] Under IFRS 15, similar post-2020 guidance from the IASB encouraged expanded qualitative disclosures on uncertainties in contract liabilities due to economic events, aligning with efforts to address pandemic-related modifications without altering core recognition principles.[50]