Understanding international accounting standard setting : a case study of the process of revising IAS 12 (1996), income tax

Abstract: Considerable energy and resources continue to be expended on accounting rule-making, particularly through standard setting. This has been the case both at the national and international (global) level for a long time. Despite this, there is continuing dissatisfaction with what has been achieved. Criticism continues to be expressed over the rule-makers, their processes of setting rules as well as the rules being produced.Based on a detailed longitudinal case study of one process of setting an international accounting standard this study suggests a comprehensive model for understanding the (international) accounting standard setting process. In addition to the previously emphasised role of politics, it also recognises the potential significance of learning and executive concerns, as well as significant interactions between these three sub-processes of accounting standard setting. In doing this the suggested model provides a framework for approaching concerns regarding the prospects of, and problems involved in, accounting standard setting as a means of achieving (more) standardised accounting practices.A significant part of this book provides a detailed account explaining why the IASC published a standard on income tax requiring the balance sheet liability method in 1996. This case is especially interesting, not only because income tax constitutes a considerable expense for most companies, but also because the revised standard implied a change in financial accounting practices in most countries. The appendix contains several numerical examples illustrating the difference between alternative methods of accounting for income tax