Finance Act 2004

Special computational provisions

36 After paragraph 19 insert—

“Adjustment on change of accounting policy

19A (1) This paragraph applies where—

(a) there is a change of accounting policy in drawing up a company’s accounts from one period of account (the “earlier period”) to the next (the “later period”), and

(b) the approach in each of those periods accorded with the law and practice applicable in relation to that period.

(2) This paragraph applies, in particular, where—

(a) the company prepares accounts for the earlier period in accordance with UK generally accepted accounting practice and for the later period in accordance with international accounting standards, or

(b) the company prepares accounts for the earlier period in accordance with international accounting standards and for the later period in accordance with UK generally accepted accounting practice.

(3) If there is a difference between—

(a) the accounting value of an asset or liability representing a loan relationship of the company at the end of the earlier period, and

(b) the accounting value of that asset or liability at the beginning of the later period,

a corresponding debit or credit (as the case may be) shall be brought into account for the purposes of this Chapter in the later period.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3) “accounting value” means the carrying value of the asset or liability recognised for accounting purposes.

(5) This paragraph does not apply if or to the extent that such a debit or credit as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) falls to be brought into account apart from this paragraph.

(6) Where or to the extent that an adjustment is made under this paragraph, no adjustment under Schedule 22 (computation of profits: adjustment on change of basis) shall be made.

Power to make further provision by regulations

19B (1) The Treasury may by regulations make provision for cases where there is a change of accounting policy in drawing up a company’s accounts from one period of account to the next affecting the amounts to be brought into account for accounting purposes in respect of the company’s loan relationships.

(2) The regulations may provide for any debits or credits that would otherwise be brought into account for the purposes of this Chapter—

(a) not to be brought into account,

(b) to be brought into account only to a prescribed extent, or

(c) to be brought into account over a prescribed period or in prescribed circumstances.

(3) Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, modify the operation of paragraph 19A.

(4) The power to make regulations under this paragraph includes power—

(a) to make different provision for different cases, and

(b) to make such consequential, supplementary, incidental or transitional provision, or savings, as appear to the Treasury to be necessary or expedient.”.