Apply Governmental Reporting Requirements

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CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) › Apply Governmental Reporting Requirements

Questions 1 - 10
1

A school district reports a General Fund and a Special Revenue Fund for a federal nutrition program. The district initially recorded the federal grant as revenue when cash of $600,000 was received; at year-end, only $520,000 of allowable program expenditures had been incurred, and $80,000 remains unspent and must be returned if not used for allowable costs. Under GASB standards for nonexchange transactions (including GASB Statement No. 33), how should the district report the $80,000 in the Special Revenue Fund at year-end?

Report the $80,000 as a liability (unearned revenue) until eligibility requirements are met through allowable expenditures.

Report the $80,000 as a deferred inflow of resources because it will be collected after the availability period.

Report the $80,000 as revenue because cash was received and the grant is measurable.

Report the $80,000 as restricted fund balance because it is externally restricted for the nutrition program.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 33's eligibility requirements for government-mandated and voluntary nonexchange transactions, specifically expenditure-driven (reimbursement) grants. For expenditure-driven grants, revenue recognition occurs when all eligibility requirements are met, including incurring allowable costs. Choice B correctly requires reporting the unspent $80,000 as a liability (unearned revenue) because eligibility requirements have not been met through incurring allowable expenditures. Choice A incorrectly recognizes revenue before eligibility requirements are satisfied. Choice C incorrectly uses deferred inflow classification, which relates to timing/availability rather than eligibility. Choice D incorrectly shows the amount in fund balance when a liability exists for potential repayment. The key principle for reimbursement grants is that revenue recognition requires meeting all eligibility requirements, with unspent advances reported as liabilities until earned through allowable expenditures.

2

A city’s General Fund loaned $200,000 in cash to its Special Revenue Fund on October 1 to cover temporary cash flow needs; the loan is expected to be repaid by March 31 of the following year. At December 31, the loan is still outstanding. Under GASB guidance on interfund loans and governmental fund reporting (including GASB Statement No. 34), how should the city report this activity in the fund financial statements?

General Fund: other financing use—transfers out; Special Revenue Fund: other financing source—transfers in, because cash was provided.

General Fund: due from other funds (asset) of $200,000; Special Revenue Fund: due to other funds (liability) of $200,000.

General Fund: long-term receivable; Special Revenue Fund: long-term payable, because repayment is after fiscal year-end.

General Fund: expenditure—other; Special Revenue Fund: revenue—miscellaneous, because repayment is expected.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 34's treatment of interfund loans, which are amounts provided between funds with a requirement for repayment. The $200,000 loan from the General Fund to the Special Revenue Fund that will be repaid within the following fiscal year should be reported using interfund receivables and payables. Choice C correctly reports this as due from other funds (asset) in the General Fund and due to other funds (liability) in the Special Revenue Fund. Choice A incorrectly treats the loan as a transfer, which would not require repayment. Choice B incorrectly uses expenditure/revenue classification reserved for interfund services. Choice D incorrectly classifies these as long-term items when repayment is expected by March 31 of the following year, making them current. The decision framework is that interfund loans requiring repayment use due to/from accounts for current items (within one year) and advances to/from for noncurrent items.

3

A municipality is evaluating its reporting entity under GASB standards (including GASB Statement No. 14 as amended by GASB Statement No. 61). The municipality appoints a majority of the board of a legally separate parking authority, can impose its will on the authority’s operations, and the authority provides parking services primarily to the municipality. How should the municipality include the parking authority in its annual comprehensive financial report?

Do not include the parking authority because it is legally separate and has its own audited financial statements.

Report the parking authority as a fiduciary activity because the municipality appoints the board.

Include the parking authority as a component unit and present it using discretely presented component unit columns, unless criteria for blending are met.

Include the parking authority as part of the General Fund because it provides services primarily to the municipality.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 14 as amended by GASB Statement No. 61 regarding the financial reporting entity and component units. The parking authority meets the criteria for inclusion as a component unit because the municipality appoints a voting majority of the board and can impose its will, creating financial accountability. Choice B correctly requires including the parking authority as a component unit, typically using discrete presentation unless blending criteria are met. Choice A incorrectly excludes the authority based on legal separation alone. Choice C incorrectly suggests inclusion in the General Fund, which would only occur if blending criteria were met. Choice D incorrectly classifies this as fiduciary activity when the authority provides services to the municipality. The framework for component unit determination requires both board appointment and either the ability to impose will or financial benefit/burden relationship, with presentation method depending on whether blending criteria are satisfied.

4

A county implemented GASB Statement No. 87, Leases, during the current year. The county is the lessee under a 5-year noncancellable equipment lease that requires fixed annual payments of $120,000, with no transfer of ownership and no purchase option; the county’s incremental borrowing rate is 4%. In the county’s government-wide financial statements, what is the appropriate accounting treatment at commencement under GASB 87?

Recognize a capital asset (equipment) and long-term debt for the undiscounted sum of payments ($600,000).

Recognize a deferred outflow of resources for the present value of payments and amortize it straight-line over 5 years; no liability is recorded.

Recognize an intangible right-to-use leased asset and a lease liability measured at the present value of expected lease payments.

Recognize lease expense as payments are made and disclose future minimum lease payments in the notes; no asset or liability is recorded.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 87's requirements for lease accounting in government-wide financial statements, which use the economic resources measurement focus and full accrual accounting. Under GASB 87, lessees must recognize an intangible right-to-use lease asset and a corresponding lease liability measured at the present value of expected lease payments at lease commencement. Choice B correctly requires recognition of both the intangible right-to-use asset and lease liability at present value. Choice A incorrectly applies pre-GASB 87 operating lease treatment. Choice C incorrectly uses undiscounted amounts and misclassifies the asset as a capital asset rather than an intangible. Choice D incorrectly creates a deferred outflow without recognizing the liability, violating GASB 87's symmetrical approach. The key principle under GASB 87 is that leases create both an asset (the right to use) and a liability (the obligation to make payments), both measured at present value.

5

A county adopted a legally binding budget for its General Fund for the year ended December 31. The original budget estimated revenues of $12,000,000 and appropriations of $11,700,000; during the year, the governing body approved a budget amendment increasing appropriations by $300,000. Under GASB guidance on budgetary reporting (including GASB Statement No. 34), how should the county report the budgetary comparison information for the General Fund?

Present the final budget (including the $300,000 amendment) compared to actual amounts, and disclose the original budget in the required supplementary information.

Present only the original budget compared to actual amounts because amended budgets are not permitted for external reporting.

Present both original and final budget columns compared to actual amounts as required supplementary information for the General Fund.

Present the budgetary comparison as part of the government-wide statement of activities using the economic resources measurement focus.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 34's requirements for budgetary comparison information as required supplementary information (RSI) for the General Fund and major special revenue funds with legally adopted budgets. The county must present both the original budget and the final amended budget (including the $300,000 increase) compared to actual amounts in the budgetary comparison schedule. Choice C correctly requires presentation of both original and final budget columns compared to actual amounts as RSI. Choice A incorrectly states that amended budgets cannot be reported externally. Choice B incorrectly suggests disclosing the original budget elsewhere rather than presenting it in columns. Choice D incorrectly places the budgetary comparison in the government-wide statements, which use the economic resources measurement focus rather than the budgetary basis. The decision rule is that budgetary comparisons for the General Fund must show original budget, final budget, and actual amounts on the budgetary basis of accounting.

6

A county’s Debt Service Fund received $1,500,000 of property taxes levied for debt service during the year. At year-end, $120,000 of the levy is expected to be collected more than 60 days after year-end; the county’s policy is to use a 60-day availability period. Under GASB standards for governmental funds and revenue recognition (including GASB Statement No. 33 and GASB Statement No. 34), how should the Debt Service Fund report the $120,000 that is not available?

Recognize revenue for the full $1,500,000 because property taxes are measurable and enforceable when levied.

Recognize revenue for $1,500,000 and report an allowance for uncollectible taxes of $120,000 regardless of timing of collection.

Recognize revenue for $1,380,000 and report the $120,000 as a deferred outflow of resources—unavailable revenue.

Recognize revenue for $1,380,000 and report the $120,000 as a deferred inflow of resources—unavailable revenue.

Explanation

This question tests revenue recognition for property taxes in governmental funds under GASB Statements No. 33 and No. 34, specifically the availability criterion. Property taxes must be both measurable and available to be recognized as revenue in governmental funds, with availability typically defined as collectible within 60 days after year-end per the county's policy. Choice B correctly recognizes revenue of $1,380,000 for the available portion and reports the $120,000 expected to be collected after 60 days as a deferred inflow of resources—unavailable revenue. Choice A incorrectly ignores the availability criterion. Choice C incorrectly classifies unavailable revenue as a deferred outflow rather than inflow. Choice D incorrectly uses an allowance approach without considering the timing of collection. The framework for property tax revenue recognition requires both the measurable and available criteria, with amounts not meeting availability reported as deferred inflows.

7

A city is preparing year-end financial statements for its Capital Projects Fund related to construction of a new fire station. During the year, the city issued $8,000,000 of tax-supported general obligation bonds and incurred $7,600,000 of construction invoices, of which $7,200,000 was paid by year-end. Under GASB guidance for governmental fund financial statements (including GASB Statement No. 34), how should the Capital Projects Fund report these activities at year-end?

Report a capital asset (construction in progress) of $7,600,000 and a long-term liability (bonds payable) of $8,000,000 in the Capital Projects Fund balance sheet.

Report other financing sources—bond proceeds of $8,000,000 and expenditures—capital outlay of $7,600,000; report a fund liability (accounts payable) of $400,000 for unpaid invoices.

Report revenues—property taxes of $8,000,000 and expenses—public safety of $7,600,000; report the unpaid invoices as a long-term liability because they relate to construction.

Report bond proceeds as deferred inflows of resources until the fire station is placed in service and capitalize construction costs as an intangible asset in the fund.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 34's requirement that governmental funds use the current financial resources measurement focus and modified accrual basis of accounting. The Capital Projects Fund should report bond proceeds of $8,000,000 as other financing sources (not revenues) and construction costs of $7,600,000 as expenditures—capital outlay, with the unpaid $400,000 shown as accounts payable. Choice B correctly applies these principles by reporting other financing sources—bond proceeds and expenditures—capital outlay, plus the fund liability for unpaid invoices. Choice A incorrectly attempts to report capital assets and long-term liabilities in the fund statements, which violates the current financial resources focus. Choice C incorrectly classifies bond proceeds as revenues and construction costs as expenses. Choice D incorrectly treats bond proceeds as deferred inflows and misclassifies construction costs as intangible assets. The key framework is that governmental funds report sources and uses of current financial resources, not capital assets or long-term liabilities.

8

A city established a Capital Projects Fund to build a new library financed by a voter-approved $10,000,000 bond issue. At year-end, the city has $2,400,000 of bond proceeds remaining that are legally restricted for construction, and the city has $300,000 of contracts encumbrances outstanding. Under GASB standards for governmental funds (including GASB Statement No. 54 for fund balance reporting), how should the city classify the $2,400,000 in the Capital Projects Fund?

Committed fund balance, because the voters approved the bond issue and the city intends to use the resources for construction.

Nonspendable fund balance, because bond proceeds are not in spendable form.

Assigned fund balance, because management can redirect the remaining proceeds if priorities change.

Restricted fund balance, because external parties (voters and bond covenants) impose constraints on use for the library project.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 54's fund balance classifications for governmental funds, specifically the restricted category. Fund balance is classified as restricted when constraints are imposed by external parties (creditors, grantors, contributors, or laws/regulations of other governments) or by constitutional provisions or enabling legislation. Choice C correctly classifies the $2,400,000 as restricted fund balance because the constraints come from external parties—voters who approved the bonds and bond covenants requiring use for the library project. Choice A incorrectly uses nonspendable, which applies to resources not in spendable form. Choice B incorrectly uses committed, which requires formal action by the government's highest decision-making authority. Choice D incorrectly uses assigned, which involves internal constraints that can be removed. The hierarchy for fund balance classification prioritizes external constraints (restricted) over internal constraints (committed, assigned).

9

A city has a Special Revenue Fund used to account for a state grant legally restricted for street maintenance. During the year, the city incurred $900,000 of street maintenance costs, but only $820,000 was paid by year-end; the remaining $80,000 is expected to be paid within 60 days after year-end from available financial resources. Under GASB standards for governmental funds (including GASB Statement No. 34), how should the Special Revenue Fund report the $80,000 at year-end?

Recognize expenditures of $900,000 and a liability (accounts payable) of $80,000 because the costs were incurred and will be paid from current financial resources.

Recognize expenses of $900,000 and a long-term liability of $80,000 because the payment occurs after year-end.

Recognize a deferred outflow of resources of $80,000 and amortize it over the life of the streets.

Do not recognize the $80,000 because expenditures are recorded only when paid in governmental funds.

Explanation

This question tests the modified accrual basis of accounting for governmental funds under GASB Statement No. 34, specifically the recognition of expenditures and liabilities. In governmental funds, expenditures are recognized when the fund liability is incurred if it will be paid from current financial resources, typically defined as payment within 60 days after year-end. Choice B correctly recognizes expenditures of $900,000 for all costs incurred and accounts payable of $80,000 for the unpaid portion expected to be paid within 60 days. Choice A incorrectly applies cash basis accounting. Choice C incorrectly uses expense terminology and long-term liability classification inappropriate for governmental funds. Choice D incorrectly creates a deferred outflow for what should be a current liability. The key principle is that governmental funds recognize expenditures when incurred if payment will be made from current financial resources, with the 60-day rule typically defining "current."

10

A school district has a General Fund and a Debt Service Fund. During the year, the General Fund transferred $500,000 to the Debt Service Fund to help make principal and interest payments on outstanding bonds. Under GASB standards on interfund activity and governmental fund reporting (including GASB Statement No. 34), how should the district report this transfer in the fund financial statements?

General Fund: record an asset—due from other funds of $500,000; Debt Service Fund: record a liability—due to other funds of $500,000.

Eliminate the transfer in the fund financial statements because interfund activity is only reported in government-wide statements.

General Fund: record an other financing use—transfers out of $500,000; Debt Service Fund: record an other financing source—transfers in of $500,000.

General Fund: record an expenditure—debt service of $500,000; Debt Service Fund: record revenue—intergovernmental of $500,000.

Explanation

This question tests GASB Statement No. 34's classification of interfund activity, specifically interfund transfers between governmental funds. The $500,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Debt Service Fund represents a routine, recurring transfer to subsidize another fund's activities and should be reported as an interfund transfer. Choice B correctly classifies this as other financing use—transfers out in the General Fund and other financing source—transfers in in the Debt Service Fund. Choice A incorrectly treats the transfer as an expenditure and revenue, which would only apply to interfund services provided and used. Choice C incorrectly uses the due to/from accounts, which are for short-term interfund loans, not transfers. Choice D incorrectly suggests eliminating transfers in fund statements, when they should only be eliminated in government-wide statements. The key principle is that interfund transfers represent flows of financial resources between funds without repayment and are reported as other financing sources/uses.