Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets Practices and Conservatism

Abstract

The application of IAS 12 promotes a form of conservative accounting practice, especially concerning the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In this paper, we observe whether these conservative practices are also evident in Malaysia. We examine one book-tax difference that may have an impact on the adoption of IAS 12 in Malaysia. This rule concerns the treatment of losses or allowances under normal business operations (category I) and those types of business that are granted tax incentives (category II). We propose that companies are more conservative if they recognise less deferred tax assets due to unabsorbed tax losses and allowances and vice versa. We also identify whether any distinct patterns exist among industries and auditor type with the recognition of deferred tax assets. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, we analyse the recognition of deferred tax assets practices for 880 public listed companies. Two main conclusions can be made from the findings. Firstly, Malaysian companies reflect a high degree of conservatism in their practices of adopting FRS 112. Secondly, a further analysis shows that companies in the Plantation, Properties and Construction Industry show significant differences in their level of conservatism while Big-4 auditors also show higher levels of conservatism.