Question

Bronson Industries reported a deferred tax liability of $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, related to a temporary difference of $26 million. The tax rate was 40%. The temporary difference is expected to reverse in 2019 at which time the deferred tax liability will become payable. There are no other temporary differences in 2017–2019. Assume a new tax law is enacted in 2018 that causes the tax rate to change from 40% to 30% beginning in 2019. (The rate remains 40% for 2018 taxes.) Taxable income in 2018 is $42 million.

Required:
1. & 2. Determine the type of accounting change and prepare the appropriate journal entry to record Bronson's income tax expense in 2018 and adjustment, if any, is needed to revise retained earnings as a result of the change.

Answer 1

Solution 1 & 2:

The type of accounting change is not a change in accounting principal that requires retrospective adjustment. This change arises due to change in tax rate, which is considered as change in accounting estimate and apply prospectively.

Journal Entries - Bronson Industries
Date	Particulars	Debit	Credit
31-Dec-18	Income tax expense Dr	$14.20
	Deferred tax liability Dr ($26*10%)	$2.60
	To Income taxes Payable ($42*40%)		$16.80
	(To record income tax expense)