Topic 208 - Borrowing costs

IAS 23 Borrowing Costs

• 208.1.1.1

• IFRIC Agenda Decision - Foreign exchange and capitalisable borrowing costs

• 208.1.1.2

• IFRIC Agenda Decision - Over Time Transfer of Constructed Good

• 208.2.1.1

• IFRIC Agenda Decision - Expenditures on a qualifying asset

• 208.5.1.1

• IFRIC Agenda Decision - Borrowing costs on land

208.1.1.1

IFRIC Agenda Decision - Foreign exchange and capitalisable borrowing costs

January 2008 - The IFRIC received a request for guidance on which foreign exchange differences may be regarded as adjustments to interest costs for the purpose of applying IAS 23. IAS 23 states that ‘Borrowing costs may include…exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs’ (emphasis added). The request asked for guidance both on the treatment of foreign exchange gains and losses and on the treatment of any derivatives used to hedge such foreign exchange exposures.

The IFRIC noted that the principle set out in paragraph 8 of IAS 23 states ‘an entity shall capitalise borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset.’ The IFRIC also noted that paragraph 11 states ‘the determination of the amount of borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of a qualifying asset is difficult and the exercise of judgement is required.’ Consequently, how an entity applies IAS 23 to foreign currency borrowings is a matter of accounting policy requiring the exercise of judgement. IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements requires clear disclosure of significant accounting policies and judgements that are relevant to an understanding of the financial statements.

The IFRIC noted that, notwithstanding the guidance in paragraphs 8 and 11 of IAS 23, the standard itself acknowledges that judgement will be required in its application and appropriate disclosure of accounting policies and judgements would provide users with the information they need to understand the financial statements. The IFRIC concluded that it was unnecessary to provide application guidance. The IFRIC also noted that, as part of its project to amend IAS 23, the Board specifically considered this issue and decided not to develop further guidance in this area. The IFRIC concluded that it should not develop guidance as the Board had already decided not to provide it.

The IFRIC therefore decided not to add the issue to its agenda.

Back to sub-topic index

208.1.1.2

IFRIC Agenda Decision - Over Time Transfer of Constructed Good

March 2019 - The Committee received a request about the capitalisation of borrowing costs in relation to the construction of a residential multi-unit real estate development (building).

In the fact pattern described in the request:

The request asked whether the entity has a qualifying asset as defined in IAS 23 and, therefore, capitalises any directly attributable borrowing costs.

Applying paragraph 8 of IAS 23, an entity capitalises borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. Paragraph 5 of IAS 23 defines a qualifying asset as ‘an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale’.

Accordingly, the entity assesses whether, in the fact pattern described in the request, it recognises an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Depending on the particular facts and circumstances, the entity might recognise a receivable, a contract asset and/or inventory.

The Committee concluded that, in the fact pattern described in the request:

The Committee concluded that the principles and requirements in IAS 23 provide an adequate basis for an entity to determine whether to capitalise borrowing costs in the fact pattern described in the request. Consequently, the Committee decided not to add this matter to its standard-setting agenda.

Back to sub-topic index

208.2.1.1

IFRIC Agenda Decision - Expenditures on a qualifying asset

September 2018 - The Committee received a request about the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation when an entity uses general borrowings to obtain a qualifying asset.

In the fact pattern described in the request:

The request asked whether an entity includes expenditures on a qualifying asset incurred before obtaining general borrowings in determining the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.

The Committee observed that an entity applies paragraph 17 of IAS 23 to determine the commencement date for capitalising borrowing costs. The paragraph requires an entity to begin capitalising borrowing costs when it meets all the following conditions:

Applying paragraph 17 of IAS 23 to the fact pattern described in the request, the entity would not begin capitalising borrowing costs until it incurs borrowing costs.

Once the entity incurs borrowing costs and therefore satisfies all three conditions in paragraph 17 of IAS 23, it then applies paragraph 14 of IAS 23 to determine the expenditures on the qualifying asset to which it applies the capitalisation rate. The Committee observed that in doing so the entity does not disregard expenditures on the qualifying asset incurred before it obtains the general borrowings.

The Committee concluded that the principles and requirements in IFRS Standards provide an adequate basis for an entity to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation in the fact pattern described in the request. Consequently, the Committee decided not to add this matter to its standard-setting agenda.

Back to sub-topic index

208.5.1.1

IFRIC Agenda Decision - Borrowing costs on land

September 2018 - The Committee received a request about when an entity ceases capitalising borrowing costs on land.

In the fact pattern described in the request:

The request asked whether the entity ceases capitalising borrowing costs incurred in respect of expenditures on the land (land expenditures) once it starts constructing the building or whether it continues to capitalise borrowing costs incurred in respect of land expenditures while it constructs the building.

The Committee observed that in applying IAS 23 to determine when to cease capitalising borrowing costs incurred on land expenditures:

The Committee concluded that the principles and requirements in IFRS Standards provide an adequate basis for an entity to determine when to cease capitalising borrowing costs on land expenditures. Consequently, the Committee decided not to add this matter to its standard-setting agenda.

Back to sub-topic index