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9.2 Recognition of provisions
Publication date: 30 Nov 2022
us IFRS & US GAAP guide
Differences in the definition of “probable” may result in earlier recognition of liabilities under IFRS.
The IFRS “present obligation” criteria might result in delayed recognition of liabilities when compared with US GAAP.
US GAAP
| IFRS
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A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss to an entity that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.
An accrual for a loss contingency is required if two criteria are met: (1) if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and (2) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
| A contingent liability is defined as a possible obligation from a past event whose outcome will be confirmed only by the occurrence or nonoccurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the entity’s control.
A contingent liability is not recognized. A contingent liability becomes a provision and is recorded when three criteria are met: (1) a present obligation from a past event exists, (2) it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and (3) a reliable estimate can be made.
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Implicit in the first condition above is that it is probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of the loss.
The guidance uses the term “probable” to describe a situation in which the outcome is likely to occur. While a numeric standard for probable does not exist, practice generally considers an event that has a 75% or greater likelihood of occurrence to be probable.
| The term “probable” is used for describing a situation in which the outcome is more likely than not to occur. Generally, the phrase “more likely than not” denotes any chance greater than 50%.
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