Can a subsidiary whose parent uses full IFRS use IFRS for SMEs if the subsidiary itself is not publicly accountable?

Asked by: Marcus Weissnat  |  Last update: July 12, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (58 votes)

Yes, a subsidiary whose parent uses full IFRS can apply IFRS for SMEs in its own financial statements, provided the subsidiary itself lacks public accountability. This applies regardless of the parent's accounting framework, as eligibility depends solely on the entity's own status, enabling the use of reduced disclosure requirements.

What is the difference between IFRS for SME and full IFRS?

IFRS for SME does not define a lease term BUT is the period over which the asset is leased for. Unlike IFRS, IFRS for SMEs does not provide further guidance on assessing the options to renew or terminate where it is reasonably certain the lessee will not terminate the lease.

Can a parent and subsidiary have different accounting policies?

Only in limited circumstances is it acceptable for the accounting policies of a parent and one or more of its subsidiaries to differ in the parent's consolidated financial statements.

Can a private company that sells shoes apply IFRS for SMEs in its separate financial statements if it is a subsidiary of a listed company?

All entities apart from public companies, state- owned companies and certain non-profit companies are allowed to apply the IFRS for SMEs.

Which accounting treatment is not allowable under IFRS for SMEs?

In addition, there are certain accounting treatments that are not allowable under the SMEs Standard. Examples of these disallowable treatments are the revaluation model for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and proportionate consolidation for investments in jointly controlled entities.

Financial Statements Complying With IFRS For SMES

23 related questions found

Which of the following is not permitted under IFRS?

LIFO is banned under IFRS due to potential financial distortions. LIFO can understate company earnings and lead to outdated inventory values. Under LIFO, tax liabilities are reduced but at the cost of outdated inventory values.

What is Section 22 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 22 requires the issuer of a financial instrument to classify the instrument or its component parts on initial recognition as a financial liability or as an equity instrument, in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and with the definitions of a financial liability and equity.

Which cost formula is not permitted for inventories under IFRS for SMEs?

The standard IAS 2 Inventories does not permit using LIFO (last-in-first-out).

What is Section 21 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 21 is to prescribe criteria for accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets, and to require disclosures in the notes to financial statements to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount. Provisions are a subset of liabilities.

What is Section 30 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 30 prescribes how to include foreign currency transactions and foreign operations in the financial statements of an entity and how to translate financial statements into a presentation currency. The Section requires each entity to identify its functional currency.

How to account for a wholly-owned subsidiary?

From an accounting standpoint, a wholly-owned subsidiary remains a separate company, so it keeps its own financial records and bank accounts and tracks its own assets and liabilities. Any transactions between the parent company and the subsidiary must be recorded by each entity.

Can a company use both GAAP and IFRS?

Can a company use both GAAP and IFRS? Ans: Generally, a company must choose one standard based on its jurisdiction or market. However, businesses that operate internationally may need to prepare separate financial statements according to both GAAP and IFRS for different regions.

What is the difference between parent and consolidated?

Consolidated financial statements present the combined financial position of a parent company and its subsidiaries as a single economic entity. Consolidating, meanwhile, refers to the actual process of combining, adjusting, and eliminating transactions to create those consolidated statements.

Does IFRS 15 apply to IFRS for SMEs?

Is an entity preparing financial statements in terms of the IFRS for SMEs Standard required to apply IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16? No. IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 which became effective during 2018 and 2019 are applicable to entities applying IFRS.

What is Section 17 of IFRS for SMEs?

Under Section 17 of IFRS for SMEs, the cost model is predominantly used, where the asset is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The revaluation model is not generally available under IFRS for SMEs, simplifying the accounting process for smaller entities.

When to use IFRS vs IFRS for SMEs?

In terms of the Company's Act a company only needs to apply IFRS if the company is a state-owned company as defined by the Act or if the company is a public company listed on an exchange such as the JSE or AltX for example, all other companies are able to apply IFRS for SMEs.

What is Section 33 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 33 is to prescribe the disclosure requirements for related party transactions so that users of the financial statements can see information about an entity's related parties and form a view about the possibility that an entity's financial position and profit or loss may have been affected by ...

What is Section 29 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 29 is to prescribe the accounting requirements for income tax. Income tax includes all domestic and foreign taxes that are based on taxable profit. It also includes taxes, such as withholding taxes, payable by a subsidiary, associate or joint venture on distributions to the reporting entity.

Which method is not allowed under IFRS?

Both GAAP and IFRS allow First In, First Out (FIFO), weighted-average cost, and specific identification methods for valuing inventories. However, GAAP also allows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) method, which is not allowed under IFRS.

Who uses IFRS for SMEs?

The IASB has determined that any entity that does not have public accountability may use the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard.

What is Section 21 of the IFRS for SME?

The objective of Section 21 is to prescribe criteria for accounting for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets, and to require disclosures in the notes to financial statements to enable users to understand their nature, timing and amount. Provisions are a subset of liabilities.

What is Section 19 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 19 of the IFRS for SMEs standard covers the determination of goodwill arising from business combinations. This section also gives guidance on the many principles that need in-depth consideration when accounting for a transaction that meets the definition of a 'business combination'.

What is Section 5 of the IFRS for SMEs?

Section 5 specifies the presentation of an entity's income and expenses. Other sections of the IFRS for SMEs Standard specify requirements for recognising and measuring income and expenses.

What is Section 20 of the IFRS for SMEs?

The objective of Section 20 is to prescribe the accounting and disclosure requirements for leases in the financial statements of lessees and lessors. A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee in return for a payment or a series of payments the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time.