IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors par. 32 – 40 rules the treatment of changes in accounting estimates.
As a result of the uncertainties inherent in business activities, many items in financial statements cannot be measured with precision but can only be estimated. Estimation involves judgements based on the latest available, reliable information. For example, estimates may be required of : (a) bad debts, (b) inventory obsolescence, (c) the fair value of financial assets or financial liabilities, (d) the useful lives of, or expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in, depreciable assets, and (e) warranty obligations.
The use of reasonable estimates is an essential part of the preparation of financial statements and does not undermine their reliability.
An estimate may need revision if changes occur in the circumstances on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information or more experience. By its nature, the revision of an estimate does not relate to prior periods and is not the correction of an error (par. 34).
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