The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued an interpretation on how an entity should account for liabilities to pay levies imposed by governments, other than income taxes, in its financial statements.

IFRIC Interpretation 21: Levies is an interpretation of IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.

IAS 37 sets out criteria for the recognition of a liability, one of which is the requirement for the entity to have a present obligation as a result of a past event (known as an obligating event).

The interpretation considers when an entity should recognise a liability to pay a levy. It clarifies that the obligating event that gives rise to a liability to pay a levy is the activity described in the relevant legislation that triggers the payment of the levy, and also includes guidance illustrating how the interpretation should be applied.

IFRIC 21 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.