CIRD13090 - Core computational rules: taxable credits: accounting gains reversing previous accounting losses

FA02/SCH29/PARA17

Exceptionally, a company may recognise an ‘accounting gain’ for a period of account which reverses some or all of an ‘accounting loss’ recognised in a previous period. (See CIRD12210 for an explanation of these expressions). Where the accounting loss gave rise, in whole or in part, to a deductible debit under Schedule 29 (see CIRD12560) paragraph 17 provides that the accounting gain gives rise to a corresponding taxable credit.

Where the earlier deductible debit was the same as the accounting loss then the taxable credit will be the same as the accounting gain.

Where the deductible debit was different from the earlier accounting loss, the taxable credit to be recognised is the accounting gain adjusted in the ratio that the earlier debit bears to the earlier accounting loss.

For example, if the earlier accounting loss was £100 but the deductible debit was only £80 and half that loss was reversed in the current period (giving an accounting gain of £50), then the taxable credit would be £40 - that is £80 / £100 x £50.

This provision does not apply to the reversal of amortisation or impairment losses by way of revaluation gains within FA02/SCH29/PARA15. See CIRD13050 for the treatment of revaluation gains.

See CIRD12560 for the (complementary) treatment of accounting losses that reverse earlier accounting gains.

See CIRD12300 onwards for guidance on credits or debits resulting from a change in accounting policy.