FASB proposes tweaks to leasing standard

The Financial Accounting Standards Board is proposing a new accounting standards update to reduce the costs of the new lease accounting standard and make implementing it a little easier.

The proposed update would simplify some of the transition requirements and offer lessors a practical expedient for separating nonlease components from lease components. The changes would add an option for transitioning to the new standard, allowing an organization to apply the transition provisions at its adoption date, as opposed to the earliest comparative period presented in its financial statements.

Another proposed amendment would add a practical expedient that would enable lessors to avoid separating nonlease components from the associated lease components if specific conditions are met. The practical expedient could be elected by class of underlying assets. If it’s elected, certain disclosures would then be required.

“The proposed ASU is aimed at reducing unnecessary costs around implementation of the new Leases standard without compromising the ultimate quality of information provided to investors,” said FASB Chairman Russell G. Golden in a statement. “It’s part of our ongoing effort to proactively address implementation issues raised by our stakeholders to ensure a successful transition to the new standard.”

FASB is asking for comments on the proposal by Feb. 5, 2018.

photo from AICPA conference