Question

what is materiality?

Answer 1

Materiality is the threshold above which missing or incorrect information in financial statements is considered to have an impact on the decision making of users. The objective of an audit of financial statements is to enable the auditor to express an opinion whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in conformity with an identified financial reporting framework such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

During the audit planning process the auditor decides what the level of materiality will be, taking into account the entirety of the financial statements to be audited. Materiality relates to both the content of the financial statements and the level and type of testing to be done. The decision is based on judgements about the size, nature and particular circumstances of misstatements (or omissions) that could influence users of the financial reports. In addition, the decision is influenced by legislative and regulatory requirements and public expectations.

Information is material if its omission or misstatement could influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements