Introduction To Liabilities
Introduction To Liabilities
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
a. Liability is present obligation of a particular entity.
b. Liability arises from past event.
c. The settlement of the liability requires an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits.
1. Present Obligations:
Legal obligations – consequence of a binding contract or statutory requirement
Constructive obligations – give rise to liabilities by reason of normal business practice, custom and desire to maintain
good business relations or act in an equitable manner.
2. Past Event
The past event that leads to a legal or constructive obligation is known as an obligating event.
3. Outflow of future economic benefits
A liability which is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period is classified as current, even if:
Covenants – often attached to borrowing agreements which represent undertakings by the borrower.
Breach of covenants:
-if certain conditions relating to the borrower’s financial situation are breached, the liability becomes payable on demand.
-PAS 1, par 74, provides that such liability is classified as current even if the lender has agreed, AFTER the reporting period and
before the statements are authorized for issue, not to demand payment as a consequence of the breach.
- the liability is classified as noncurrent if the lender has agreed ON OR BEFORE the end of the reporting period to provide a
grace period ending at least 12months after that date.
Grace period – a period within which the entity can rectify the breach and during which the lender cannot demand immediate
repayment.
Estimated liabilities
- Are obligations which exist at the end of the reporting period although their amount is not definite.