Multiple Dataset Approach
In the multiple dataset approach, you enter the Return to Provision true-up adjustments for prior periods in a separate dataset. The true-up dataset has the current year's activity in another dataset. The reporting dataset will have the total current provision. There are pros and cons to this approach.
Pros
- The system automatically calculates the current expense.
- The amount is recalculated if items change.
- Permanent adjustments flow from federal to state. Therefore, the state current expense is automatically calculated.
- Information is isolated from the current year provision.
- Adjustments to temporary differences do not display in the effective rate report.
Cons
- There are multiple datasets that need to be managed, including appropriate tax rates.
- Deferred tax assets/liabilities balances need to be migrated from the true-up dataset. If not, balances will be in two different datasets. Balances can be merged using the dataset combine feature when creating a new dataset.
- To view reports for the current year provision, be sure you are looking at the appropriate dataset(s). The dataset view needs to be adjusted to view the separate true-up dataset, the current year's provision dataset, and the reporting dataset with the total current year's data.
note
Each true-up item needs to be entered in a dataset.
Permanent Differences and Tax Adjustments
The true-up for these items should impact the current tax expense and the taxes payable. This can be achieved by entering the permanent true-up amount as a permanent difference with an R tag and tax adjustments.
The impact to the current tax expense is computed based on statutory rates.
Temporary and After Tax Temporary Differences
- The true-up for these items should impact the deferred and current tax expense, the deferred tax asset/liability and the taxes payable.
- The current and deferred tax expense, deferred tax asset/liability and taxes payable true-up can be achieved by entering the true-up amount as activity with an R tag.
- The impact to the current and deferred tax expense is computed based on statutory rates.
Net Operating Losses
If the true up is a year in which the provision was in a Net Operating Loss position, the NOL should be offset, instead of the taxes payable account.