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Glossary/Uncertain tax positions

What is Uncertain tax positions?

In short

For an uncertain tax position, a company recognizes the tax benefit only if it is more likely than not (over 50%) to be sustained on examination on its technical merits, and measures it at the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized on settlement.

Key takeaways

  • The difference between the benefit claimed on the return and the benefit recognized is a liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
  • It assumes the tax authority will examine the position with full knowledge of the facts.
  • Companies choose an accounting policy for classifying related interest and penalties.

Where it's tested

FAR: Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Accounting) — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

A company has a $300,000 deferred tax asset related to a net operating loss carryforward. Based on a recent history of losses, management concludes it is more likely than not that only $100,000 of this asset will be realized. What should the company record?

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