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Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets Essay

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This memo is to assess the establishment of valuation allowance for Deferred Tax Assets. I also explain the current sources of deferred tax for Packer, Inc. Applying GAAP, I will advise not using a valuation allowance of 60% of deferred tax assets.
I. Sources of deferred taxes
Deferred tax liabilities
A deferred tax liability is recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years. In Packer, Inc’s case, depreciation has been recognized as deferred tax liabilities. Packer uses straight-line depreciation, for tax purposes, the cost of the depreciable recourses may have been deducted faster than that for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax assets
A deferred tax asset represents the increase …show more content…

There presents some positive evidence to avoid the recording of valuation allowance. First, Packer, Inc has a profitable operation history from 1995 to 1997, despite a significant loss in 1994. This is agreed by FASB, which states that a “strong earnings history coupled with evidence indicating that the loss (for example, an unusual, infrequent, or extraordinary item) is an aberration rather than a continuing condition” is a piece of positive evidence (FASB 740-10-30-22). These profits may be carried forward into the future to offset net-operating loss. Secondly, Packer may not generate any significant U.S Federal tax net operating loss carry forwards in the near future because it has the ability to utilize tax planning, such as capitalization of R&D. Thirdly, Packer has never lost deferred tax benefits due to expiration of a US net operating loss carry-forwards.
Negative evidence
There is little negative evidence that might support the need for a valuation allowance. Firstly, losses occurred consecutively from 1992 to 1994. “A cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome”(FASB 740-10-30-23). Thus, establishing valuation allowances can be justified if Packer, Inc can prove that its operation earning is volatile against unusual events and might incur significant loss. 2. Foreign Credit

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