Question

eVade Pays Up eVade, an online retailer, fulfills its online orders by shipping its products directly to customers in all 50 states. eVade does not have a brick-and-mortar store presence in any state, but does operate distribution centers in various states across the country, including State X. Consistent with its practice in all 50 states, eVade does not collect or remit sales tax to State X.

In recent court rulings, State X has taken the position that operating a distribution center within a state constitutes nexus and thus would subject that company to collect and remit sales tax on all sales within that state.

As of December 31, 2011, eVade has operated its distribution center in State X for five years and has never collected or remitted sales tax to State X. Although the company considers the risk of detection to not be probable, eVade has estimated the total amount of sales tax payable to the state for the past five years to be $50 million plus $6 million in interest and $4 million in penalties.

On March 15, 2012, Mr. Needmoney, the governor of State X, established a tax amnesty program. The program provides that any unregistered taxpayer who voluntarily registers to collect sales tax on a prospective basis will be forgiven (1) 50 percent of all unpaid sales tax and (2) all interest and penalties on unpaid taxes. eVade management decides to take advantage of this program.

On June 15, 2012, eVade completes the necessary paperwork and other actions to participate in the program and pays State X $25 million to settle its obligation through December 31, 2011.

1. As of December 31, 2011, what amount, if any, of sales taxes due should be recognized in eVade’s financial statements?

Answer 1

Answer:

1. As of December 31, 2011, what amount, if any, of sales taxes due should be recognized in eVade’s financial statements?

According to ASC 450 – 20- 25 - 2,450 – 20- 25 - 6, 450 – 20- 25 - 7,

since evade considers the risk of detection as not probable, there is no need to make any provision as on 31st December 2011.

However, suitable disclosure has to be given in notes to financial statement about this loss contingency and amount of loss to be disclosed in the said notes will be

50 + 6+ 4= 60 Million.