On 5 July 2007 the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) issued an Interpretation, IFRIC 14 IAS 19—The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction.
Since the release of the Interpretation the IFRIC has observed several press articles and statements by market commentators providing an inaccurate assessment of the effect of IFRIC 14. This document addresses the key issues that have been raised.
Whether and how IFRIC 14 applies to a particular entity will depend on the exact terms of the pension plan and the regulatory requirements in the relevant jurisdiction, and should be determined by reference to IFRIC 14 itself.
The Interpretation does not change the rules on funding
The Interpretation clarifies how entities should account for the effect of any statutory or contractual funding requirements. It cannot change those requirements as they are set by regulators and pension fund trustees, and it is for management to decide how it satisfies those requirements.
The Interpretation does not affect an entity's ability to get a refund
The Interpretation provides guidance on how to account for any restrictions that may be in place. It does not affect an entity’s ability to get a refund. An employer’s ability to get a refund is determined by the statutory requirements in the jurisdiction in question and the scheme rules.
An additional liability is recognised only if two conditions exist at the same time
An additional liability is recognised only if both of the following conditions exist:
In that case, the recognition of an additional liability reflects the economic reality.
The Interpretation clarifies when a surplus in a pension plan can be recognised
IFRIC 14 provides a clearer interpretation of the availability of a surplus than the original standard, IAS 19 Employee Benefits. Under IAS 19 some have argued that a surplus is not available to a plan sponsor unless it is immediately realisable at the balance sheet date. IFRIC 14 states that the employer only needs to have an unconditional right to use the surplus at some point during the life of the plan or on its wind up in order for a surplus to be recognised.
The Interpretation ensures that the accounting for surpluses is consistent and transparent
The Interpretation will ensure that any economic consequences of making contributions required by legislation or the terms of the plan will be treated in a transparent and consistent manner by all entities.
Further information can be found in the IFRIC 14 Q&A.