What is a Government Grant?
A government grant is an amount paid to an organization to help it pursue socially or economically desirable activities. Government grants can be of two main types: revenue-based grants and capital-based grants.
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Revenue-based Grants: These are given with reference to specific categories of revenue expenditure. According to accounting principles, such grants should be credited to the profit and loss account in the same period as the revenue expenditure to which they relate.
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Capital-based Grants: These grants are provided based on specific capital expenditure categories. They should be credited to the profit and loss account over the useful economic life of the asset to which they relate.
The accounting treatment of government grants is guided by Section 24 of the Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Examples of Government Grants
Example 1: A local government provides a revenue-based grant to a non-profit organization to support a community outreach program. The expenditure is incurred over the fiscal year, and the grant is credited to the profit and loss account within the same period.
Example 2: A manufacturing company receives a capital-based government grant to upgrade its machinery to more eco-friendly models. The grant is credited to the profit and loss account over the machines’ useful economic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are government grants considered income?
- A: Yes, government grants are considered income and are credited to the profit and loss account, either in the period of the expenditure (for revenue-based grants) or over the useful economic life of the asset (for capital-based grants).
Q: How should a government grant be recorded in financial statements?
- A: Revenue-based grants should be recorded in the profit and loss account in the period the related expenditure is recognized. Capital-based grants should be amortized over the useful life of the asset.
Q: Can a government grant be conditional?
- A: Yes, grants often come with conditions related to how the money should be used. If the conditions are not met, the grant may have to be repaid.
Q: Do government grants affect cash flow?
- A: Yes, receiving a grant increases an organization’s cash flow. However, its effect on profit depends on the grant type and the period when the associated expenditure is recognized.
Related Terms
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Revenue Expenditure: Costs incurred in the running of a business that are not capitalized.
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Capital Expenditure: Funds used by an organization to acquire or upgrade physical assets.
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Profit and Loss Account: A financial statement summarizing revenues, costs, and expenses incurred during a specific period.
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Useful Economic Life: The length of time an asset is expected to be productive for its intended use.
Online Resources
- Financial Reporting Council: The regulator setting accounting standards in the UK and Ireland.
- HMRC Guidelines on Grants and Loans
- Investopedia: Government Grant Definition
Suggested Books
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“Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Entities” by Earl Ray Wilson et al.: Provides an in-depth look into the accounting treatments for various government grants.
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“Financial Accounting and Reporting” by Barry Elliott and Jamie Elliott: Covers extensive treatments of financial transactions including government grants.
Accounting Basics: “Government Grant” Fundamentals Quiz
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