IAS 20 provides guidelines for how organizations should account for government grants and disclose other forms of assistance. The purpose is to ensure transparency and consistency in financial reporting, especially where public funding supports operations or assets. Grants are only recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the conditions attached will be fulfilled and the funds will be received.
Grants are generally divided into two categories: those related to income and those related to assets. Income-related grants are reported in the profit and loss statement over the periods in which the related expenses are incurred. Asset-related grants, such as those for purchasing machinery or constructing buildings, can be shown as deferred income or deducted from the asset's cost, allowing the benefit to be recognized over time.
If a grant becomes repayable due to non-compliance with conditions, the repayment is treated as a revision of an accounting estimate. Non-cash grants, such as land or equipment, are typically measured at fair value unless otherwise justified.
Disclosure is a key aspect of IAS 20. Entities must clearly present the nature and extent of grants received, any attached conditions, and how these impact financial results. This allows stakeholders to assess how public support influences the organization's performance.