On 1 October 2016, Abudu Ltd decided to revalue its land for the first time. The land was originally purchased six years ago for GH¢65,000 and was revalued to its current market value of GH¢80,000 on 1 October 2016. The difference between Abudu Ltd’s net assets (including revaluation of land) and the lower tax base at 30 September 2017 was GH¢27,000. The opening deferred tax liability at 1 October 2016 was GH¢2,600, and Abudu Ltd’s tax rate is 25%.

Required:
Explain how to account for the above transaction in the financial statements of Abudu Ltd for the year to 30 September 2017. (5 marks)

Explanation:
When revaluing non-depreciable assets like land, deferred tax must be accounted for on the revaluation surplus, which creates a temporary difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its tax base.

  • Initial Revaluation of Land:
    The revaluation surplus on the land is GH¢15,000 (GH¢80,000 – GH¢65,000). Since the tax base is lower than the carrying amount, a deferred tax liability arises. The deferred tax liability is calculated based on the temporary difference, applying the tax rate to the revaluation surplus.
  • Deferred Tax Calculation:
    The deferred tax on the revaluation surplus of GH¢15,000 is 25% x GH¢15,000 = GH¢3,750.
  • Total Deferred Tax Liability:
    At 30 September 2017, the total deferred tax liability is GH¢6,750 (GH¢27,000 x 25%).
  • Change in Deferred Tax Liability:
    The increase in the deferred tax liability from 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017 is GH¢6,750 – GH¢2,600 = GH¢4,150. Of this amount, GH¢3,750 relates to the revaluation surplus and should be charged to other comprehensive income, while the remaining GH¢400 (GH¢4,150 – GH¢3,750) should be charged to the income statement.

Journal Entries:

  • Charge to the Income Statement (SPL):
    Dr. Income tax expense (SPL) GH¢400
    Cr. Deferred tax liability GH¢400
  • Charge to Other Comprehensive Income (SOCI):
    Dr. Income tax on revaluation surplus (SOCI) GH¢3,750
    Cr. Deferred tax liability GH¢3,750

Total Increase in Deferred Tax Liability: GH¢4,150