Audit Success Center Now Available! Check It Out

US GAAP Accounting Articles

Operating Expenses Explained: Types, Examples, Accounting, & More

1. What are operating expenses? 2. Operating expenses vs. capital expenditures 3. Types of operating expenses Cost of goods sold (COGS) Selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A) Depreciation and amortization Research and development (R&D) Notable...

Lessor vs. Lessee: Differences, Accounting, & More Explained

1. Lessee meaning 2. Lessor meaning Lessor vs. lienholder 3. Who are the lessor and the lessee in rental agreements? Commercial real estate Lessor and lessee in subleases Sale-leaseback transactions 4. What is lessor’s risk insurance? 5. Differences in lessor vs....

The Art of Shrinking: Lease Adjustments in Real Estate Downsizing

Working from home began as a two week “temporary” experiment in March 2020 at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic. Over four years later, remote work has evolved into the new normal as companies and employees realize they can operate as efficiently, if not more...

Bonds Payable: Understanding the Basics of Accounting for Bonds

1. What are bonds payable? Interest in bonds Discount vs. premium Issuance costs 2. Bonds payable accounting Amortization of the discount or premium 3. Summary 4. Related articlesWhen an organization requires additional funds, a common action is to borrow money from a...

SaaS / Software Subscription Accounting under US GAAP

1. The rise of software subscriptions Understanding popular pricing models in SaaS 2. How to account for software subscriptions What does the guidance say? 3. Financial statement impact of software subscriptions Accounting for prepaid subscriptions 4. SummaryThe rise...

NetSuite Lease Accounting: What You Need to Know

Are you considering doing your lease accounting in NetSuite? Oracle NetSuite is one of the most well-known accounting software solutions on the market. Its popularity is due to its wide range of accounting functionalities and superb customer support. While NetSuite is...

Software Capitalization Rules under US GAAP and GASB

1. Software Capitalization Rules under FASB and GASB 2. Types of software Purchased software Internally-developed software Software as a Service (SaaS) 3. SummarySoftware Capitalization Rules under FASB and GASB The capitalization of software development costs was a...

Related Party Leases under ASC 842: Review of the Accounting Changes

Update to ASC 842 for Common Control Arrangements Common control leasing arrangements are frequent among private companies for various reasons, including tax planning and legal liability. However, private companies have found applying ASC 842 to these types of leases...

What Are Fixed Assets? Fixed Assets in Accounting Explained

1. What are fixed assets? 2. What are the three types of fixed assets? 3. What are some examples of fixed assets? 4. How do you account for fixed assets? 5. How do you calculate fixed assets? 6. What are the advantages of fixed assets? 7. What are the disadvantages of...

Operating Lease Accounting under ASC 842 Explained with a Full Example

1. Operating lease treatment under ASC 842 vs. ASC 840: What changed? 2. Operating lease vs. finance lease identification under ASC 842 Transference of title/ownership to the lessee Purchase option Lease term for major part of the remaining economic life of the asset...

Documenting ASC 842 Policies and Procedures

As with any new standard update, adopting ASC 842 will require the implementation of new policies and procedures. To get a better idea of what policies and procedures should be developed, it is helpful to have a good understanding of what your auditors will be looking...

Don’t Ghost The New Accounting Standards

Are you afraid of the looming accounting standards? ASC 842, GASB 87, and GASB 96 may be frightening, but ghosting them isn’t the right answer. At some point, you have to approach compliance head on. While you should beware of the repercussions of noncompliance, there...

Sale-Leaseback Transactions and Accounting under ASC 842 Explained

1. What is a sale-leaseback transaction? 2. Why enter into a sale-leaseback transaction? What are the benefits of a sale-leaseback transaction? What are the disadvantages of a sale-leaseback transaction? 3. Examples of sale leasebacks 4. Identifying a sale-leaseback...

Asset Capitalization Explained with a Lease Example

1. What is capitalization in accounting? How assets are capitalized 2. Capitalized right-of-use asset example 1: Capital/Finance lease Classification test 3. Capitalized right-of-use asset example 2: Operating lease 4. SummaryTo understand capitalization, start with...

Dive Into Day Two Lease Accounting

Summer is in full swing. The sun is out, the air is hot, and the pool is finally open. While vacations and pool parties are on everyone’s mind, this summer also means companies who completed their transition to ASC 842 are ready to make a splash into day two lease...

Accrued Rent Accounting under ASC 842 Explained

1. What is accrued rent? Accrued rent vs. deferred rent 2. Accounting for accrued rent with journal entries Accounting for accrued rent under ASC 840 Accounting for accrued rent and deferred rent under ASC 842 3. SummaryWhat is accrued rent? Accrued rent is a...

Initial Direct Costs under ASC 842 Explained: Summary, Full Example

1. What are initial direct costs? Definition of initial direct costs ASC 840 treatment of initial direct costs 2. Initial direct costs under ASC 842 What changed? Accounting treatment under ASC 842 3. Example: Initial direct costs under ASC 842 4. Summary 5. Related...

May 2022 FASB LEASE Summit: Important Lease Accounting Insights

On May 12, LeaseQuery hosted another virtual LEASE summit, The FASB Series, during which accounting experts explored the new FASB lease accounting standard, ASC 842. Over 700 attendees of the free CPE event heard speakers from LeaseQuery, DHG, Riveron, Grant Thornton,...

ASC 805 Business Combinations & Lease Accounting Explained

1. Accounting for a business combination Favorable and unfavorable leases Leases obtained in a business combination under ASC 840 Leases obtained in a business combination under ASC 842 Transitioning leases obtained in a business combination under ASC 840 to ASC 842...

How to Conduct an Inventory of Your Leases

1. Scoping your leases Leases defined Exemptions 2. Finding your leases Look at your requisition process Engage the right departments 3. Consolidate your leases in one place Cross-check your template for accuracy and completeness 4. Summary 5. Related articlesThere’s...

Lease Commencement Date and Start Date for US GAAP Accounting Explained

1. Determining the lease start date and lease term under ASC 840 2. Determining the lease start date and lease term under ASC 842 3. Examples of finding a lease start date 4. Complications and subjectivity under ASC 842 Renewal options Termination options Short-term...

Lease Modifications and Remeasurements under ASC 842

1. Lease modification types Modification of existing lease vs. new lease Modification to terminate all or part of the lease Modification vs. reassessment 2. Summary 3. Related articlesA lease modification is a change to the terms and conditions of a contract resulting...

Investment Accounting Methods under US GAAP Explained

What is an investment in accounting? You have probably heard of stock investments, and the term “investment” may lead you to immediately envision stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While this line of thinking is correct, accountants view investments as this and much...

Benefits of Lease Accounting Software for Dual-Filers

The new lease accounting standards are nuanced regardless of which one you apply. Having to account for your leases under two separate standards only increases the complexities. Dual-filers face challenges single filers do not have to consider. With the right lease...

Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) Accounting Example for Real Estate

An asset retirement obligation (ARO) represents the legal commitment to remove certain improvements or modifications to an asset at the end of the asset’s use. The FASB’s ASC 410 Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (ASC 410) discusses accounting for AROs....

Don’t Let the New Lease Accounting Standards Spook You

Transitioning to ASC 842 can be scary. The new standards are starting to spook private organizations as they begin the implementation process. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate the unknown alone. Every good team, like the Ghostbusters or Scooby-Doo and the...

How to Transition to ASC 842: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Are you prepared? What are the keys to a successful transition? 2. Understanding your lease portfolio 3. Summary 4. Related articlesThe ASC 842 deadline is rapidly approaching. Private companies and not-for-profit entities adopting the new standard need to prepare...

The Benefits of Early Adoption of ASC 842 and GASB 87

The new lease accounting standards are coming whether you’re ready for them or not. Preparing to adopt GASB 87 and ASC 842 is a formidable endeavor. While many public companies have already undergone the process, private companies are still in the midst of the...

Lease Accounting Transition Advice from the Experts

Private companies are either in the process of implementing the new lease accounting standard, ASC 842, or they are preparing for the transition. With the shift to the new standard comes a lot of questions. We gathered a few LeaseQuery accountants who have traveled...

FASB Proposes Amendment for Guidance on ASC 842 Discount Rate

On June 16, 2021, the FASB issued a proposed Accounting Standard Update (ASU), or amendment to ASC 842. The amendment affects private companies and not-for-profits that have not yet adopted ASC 842. The proposed change provides additional guidance and flexibility for...

Lease Amendment Accounting Explained: Expansion of Leased Premises

1. Accounting for amendments resulting in additional assets under ASC 840 Example: Accounting for amendments resulting in obtaining additional asset(s) under ASC 840 2. Accounting for amendments resulting in additional assets under ASC 842 Example: Accounting for...

Accounting for Loss from Equity Method Investments

1. Equity method 2. Loss from equity method investments Example of accounting for equity method losses in excess of investment 3. Summary 4. Related articlesThis article is part of a series of articles covering equity method accounting in accordance with ASC 323...

Lease Accounting on the CPA Exam: Changes & What You Need to Know

1. Lease accounting changes Balance sheet recognition Lease costs and variable payments Lease classification Financial statement disclosures Lease vs. buy 2. Miscellaneous changes SOC reports Business process Data analytics Administrative 3. Summary 4. Related...

Accounting for Service Contracts: Software Licenses & Leases

1. Accounting for leases embedded in service contracts 2. Are software licenses considered service contracts under ASC 842, IFRS 16, or GASB 87? 3. Accounting for software as a service contracts – what’s changed 4. Subscription-based information technology...

Financial Statement Audits for Leases: Testing

1. Completeness and existence 2. Documentation of policies 3. Accuracy of calculations 4. Presentation 5. Summary 6. Related articlesThis is the third segment of an article targeted at private companies who have not yet adopted the lease accounting standard, as well...

Leasehold Improvements Accounting and Amortization under US GAAP

1. Common examples 2. Accounting for leasehold improvements Amortization of leasehold improvements Example of leasehold improvement amortization 3. Leasehold improvements and AROs 4. Bonus depreciation and tax considerations for qualified LHIs Qualified improvement...

Financial Statement Audits for Leases: Assessing Risks and Controls

1. Assessing risks and controls Process documentation Internal control design for ASC 842 Assessing risks and controls With the implementation of the new lease accounting standard, ASC 842, new financial statement and process risks emerge for private companies. As...

ASC 350-40: Internal-Use Software Accounting & Capitalization

1. FASB internal-use software standard 2. Effective date of ASC 350-40 3. The need for clarity Capitalizable vs. non-capitalizable 4. Updates to ASC 350-40 Capitalizable vs. non-capitalizable software costs 5. Initial measurement and subsequent measurement Initial...

Sublease Accounting under ASC 840 and ASC 842

1. Accounting for a sublease under ASC 840 2. A comprehensive example of sublease accounting under ASC 840 Straight-line amortization schedule for the head lease Accounting for an operating sublease under ASC 840 3. Accounting for a sublease under ASC 842 4. A...

IRS Section 179, ASC 842, and the Impact on Lease vs. Buy Decisions

1. Understanding IRS Section 179 Section 179 and bonus depreciation 2. How IRS 179 affects lease vs. buy considerations 3. How new lease guidance affects lease vs. buy decisions 4. Getting it right with a collaborative decision-making process 5. Related...

Rent Abatement and Rent-Free Period Accounting under US GAAP

1. What is rent abatement? 2. Accounting for rent abatement and rent-free periods under ASC 840 and ASC 842 example Example under ASC 840 Example under ASC 842 3. Summary 4. Related articlesFor a simple operating lease, calculating the straight-line rent expense...

Discount Rate Implicit in the Lease under ASC 842

1. What is the implicit rate under ASC 842? How to calculate the rate implicit in a lease under ASC 842 Example of calculating the rate implicit in a lease under ASC 842 Validating the calculated implicit rate If you are unable to calculate the implicit rate 2....

Financial Statement Audits for Leases: Planning

Private organizations are moving closer to the required adoption date for ASC 842, Leases. The highly publicized lease accounting transition to ASC 842 will, qualitatively and quantitatively, impact a company’s financial statements in a significant manner. When...

Lease Accounting Compliance: Five Things To Remember

1. Lease accounting compliance is crucial for your organization Understand the lease accounting standards Utilize your resources Gather a full scope of your leases Look out for errors within your leases Conduct due diligence in selecting your software solution 2. What...

ASC 842 Disclosure Requirements: Example and Explanation

1. A focus on quantitative disclosures for lessees 2. Why software makes generating disclosures more accurate and efficient 3. Looking at quantitative disclosures in four “buckets” Lease costs Other information Weighted averages Maturity analysis 4. Related...

Lease Accounting for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know

1. Complying with the new standards is a headache – especially in Excel 2. Investing in technology can prevent non-compliance Listen to your peers Evaluate the software’s features Analyze your budget The new lease accounting standards affect every business, no matter...

Lease Abandonment Accounting: Common Questions and a Full Example

Lease abandonment from the lessee’s perspective means precisely that the lessee is still paying for an asset they are no longer using. While the asset has in fact been abandoned by its initial renter, the landlord is still receiving payment for the property....

Lease Liability Amortization Schedule: How to Calculate It in Excel

1. What is lease liability? 2. How to create the lease amortization schedule and calculate your lease liability Create five-column spreadsheet Enter the number of periods and cash payments Enter expense formula Fill expense column Enter liability reduction formula...

Audit Procedures for Leases under ASC 842

This article was written in collaboration with LeaseQuery’s valued partner, LBMC. For more information on LeaseQuery partnerships, please visit our partner page. Whether internal or external, auditors can play key roles during the adoption of ASC 842. Internal audit...

GASB 87 vs ASC 842: Five Differences from a Lessee’s Perspective

There has been a lot of material in the marketplace about the new lease standards. Up until this point, the majority of this has been focused on the new FASB guidance, ASC 842. For individuals at organizations that have been following some of the ASC 842 requirements,...

What Is the Early Impact of ASC 842 for Investors?

Now that public companies have completed or are in the final stages of their lease accounting transition, we can get an idea of what the ripple effect of the new lease accounting guidance will be beyond the accounting department. One of the main factors driving the...

When to Start Your Lease Accounting Project

For private companies, the January 1, 2021 compliance deadline is nearing and your transition should be underway. However, with all you have to do, we understand that starting and completing this huge task isn’t at the top of your to-do list. Nonetheless, beginning...

Why Lease Accounting in Excel Will Set You Up for Non-Compliance

Excel is an accountant’s best friend. The ubiquitous software has been around for over 30 years and most of us can’t imagine a world without it. It seems like it can do anything. Unfortunately, to comply with FASB Topic 842 and IFRS 16, as well as GASB 87, Excel...

Lease Data for Accounting: How and What to Collect

Adopting ASC 842, IFRS 16, and GASB 87 requires you to revamp your lease accounting practices. In order to transition properly and maintain compliance going forward, you’ll need to collect comprehensive data for each of your organization’s leases. Here’s an overview...