What is IFRS for small and medium-sized entities?

Asked by: Kellen Klocko  |  Last update: October 13, 2026
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IFRS for SMEs is a simplified, self-contained accounting framework for entities without public accountability, developed by the IASB, that provides high-quality, globally recognized standards tailored to the needs and resources of small and medium-sized businesses, balancing user information needs with reporting costs compared to full IFRS. It's based on full IFRSs but removes complexity, offering a streamlined alternative for private companies. }

Who qualifies for IFRS for SME?

All entities apart from public companies, state- owned companies and certain non-profit companies are allowed to apply the IFRS for SMEs. Profit companies, other than state owned or public companies, whose public interest score for the particular financial year is at least 350.

What is the difference between IFRS and IFRS for SMEs?

IFRS allows for the recognition of internally generated intangible assets where certain conditions are met. IFRS for SMEs does not allow for the recognition of these intangible assets. Borrowing costs under IFRS for SMEs are expensed as opposed to IFRS which requires them to be capitalised where applicable.

What is a small and medium-sized entity?

Small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs), are entities that publish general purpose financial statements for external users and do not have public accountability.

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.

IFRS for SMEs Explained | Simplified Accounting Standards for Small and Medium Entities

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What is the IFRS for SME?

This is the first set of international accounting requirements developed specifically for small and medium-sized entities (SMEs). It has been prepared on IFRS foundations but is a stand-alone product that is separate from the full set of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).

What is the difference between IFRS 19 and IFRS for SMEs?

Unlike IFRS 19, which is a disclosure-only Standard, the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard is a stand-alone Standard that includes recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements.

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 are the criteria for SME?

SME IPO eligibility criteria

Post-issue paid-up capital should be less than or equal to ₹25 crores. Net worth: Minimum ₹1.5 crore. Tangible assets: At least ₹3 crores, with 50% held in India. Also, companies must demonstrate positive cash accruals for 2 out of the past 3 years, not just profitability or net worth.

What is the latest version of IFRS for SMEs?

The third edition of the IFRS for SMEs® Accounting Standard, issued in February 2025 and effective from January 2027, brings several key amendments compared to the second edition issued in 2015.

Is IFRS mandatory for all companies?

While IFRS compliance is not mandatory for all companies, certain entities are required to follow Ind-AS, including: Listed companies. Unlisted companies with a net worth of Rs. 250 crore or more.

Does IFRS 16 apply to small companies?

Under IFRS 16 Leases, companies are required to report all leases with terms longer than 12 months on their balance sheets, with some exceptions, and disclose more details about their lease obligations. Even for small businesses with a limited lease portfolio, managing the impacts of this standard can be difficult.

What is the main difference between IFRS 4 and IFRS 17?

Summary of Key Changes between IFRS 17 vs IFRS 4

Key changes include mandatory CSM-based profit recognition, enhanced disclosure requirements, and current value measurement approaches. These changes improve comparability but demand significant implementation investments.

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 qualifies someone as an SME?

Definition. An individual with qualifications and experience in a particular field or work process; an individual who by education, training, and/or experience is a recognized expert on a particular subject, topic, or system.

Which companies need to use IFRS?

IFRSs are required for Government-owned enterprises, newly privatised companies (large taxpayers, or 'LTOs'), banks, and insurance companies. IFRSs required in both consolidated and separate financial statements of financial institutions.

What are the four types of SMEs?

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are categorized into four groups: supporting industries, export-oriented industries, domestic market-oriented industries and cottage industries.

What is the new SME rule?

The minimum application size has been increased to two lots, with a minimum investment requirement of ₹2 lakh. For non-institutional investors (NIIs), the allocation is now split: one-third reserved for applications between two lots and ₹10 lakh, while two-thirds are reserved for those exceeding ₹10 lakh.

What is the minimum turnover for SME?

What is the minimum turnover requirement for an SME IPO in India? The minimum turnover requirement typically ranges between INR 10 Crores to INR 50 Crores, depending on the specific stock exchange and regulations.

Is IFRS mandatory in the USA?

It has not yet been adopted as an official system in the United States. However, any company that does a large amount of international business may need to use IFRS reporting on its financial disclosures in addition to GAAP.

What are the 4 pillars of IFRS?

The four pillars of IFRS S1 and S2 are governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets.

Is IFRS difficult to learn?

The difficulty of Dip IFRS depends on your accounting background, study habits, and access to the right support. It's a professional challenge—but not an impossible one.

Do US companies follow GAAP or IFRS?

IFRS is used in more than 110 countries around the world, including the EU and many Asian and South American countries. GAAP, on the other hand, is only used in the United States. Companies that operate in the U.S. and overseas may have more complexities in their accounting.

Who is eligible for IFRS 19?

In order to apply IFRS 19, an entity must meet all of the following criteria at the end of its reporting period: • is a subsidiary • does not have public accountability, and • has a parent that produces consolidated financial statements available for public use that fully comply with IFRS Accounting Standards.

Is Lifo allowed under IFRS?

LIFO in Accounting Standards

Under IFRS and ASPE, the use of the last-in, first-out method is prohibited. However, under GAAP, the use of Last-In First-Out is permitted. The inventory valuation method is prohibited under IFRS and ASPE due to potential distortions on a company's profitability and financial statements.