Accounting for Leases Under ASC 842

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Morgan Beard

When it comes to lease accounting processes, complying with the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842 is crucial. This accounting standard, implemented by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability, based on the present value of future lease payments. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, which impacts the pattern of expense recognition. ASC 842 also expands the disclosure requirements for leases to provide more information to financial statement users.

In this blog post, we will take you on a step-by-step through the intricacies of accounting for leases under the new lease standard ASC 842. We will explore the key requirements, discuss the implications for lessees, and provide insights on how to streamline the process. Join us as we unravel the complexities and shed light on this fundamental aspect of lease accounting.

Understanding ASC 842: Introduction to Lease Accounting

Before diving into the specifics of accounting for leases under ASC 842, let’s start with a brief overview of the standard and its objectives. ASC 842 was introduced to enhance transparency and comparability in a company’s performance and financial health especially as it relates to it’s lease portfolio. The goal of the new guidelines is to provide users of financial statements with a clearer understanding of an entity’s leasing activities and their financial impact.

Under ASC 842, leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. Finance leases are similar to the old capital leases, while operating leases are similar to the old operating leases. The classification criteria are based on the asset transfer of control and the right to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the underlying asset.

Step 1: Identifying a Lease

The first step in accounting for leases under ASC 842 is to identify whether an arrangement contains a lease. This may seem straightforward, but in practice, it can be challenging, especially when dealing with embedded leases. An embedded lease exists when the right to use an underlying asset is conveyed within a larger arrangement, such as a service contract. 

To determine if an arrangement contains a lease, ASC 842 provides specific guidance. It states that a contract contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The key elements to consider are the right to control, the identified asset, the period of control, and the consideration.

Step 2: Identifying the Lease Term

Once a lease has been identified, the next step is to determine the lease term. The lease term includes both the non-cancelable period and any additional periods covered by options to extend the lease or terminate the lease. It is important to consider all relevant factors and contractual terms when determining the lease term.

Under ASC 842, lessees are required to include options to extend or terminate the lease, as well as penalties associated with early termination, if they are reasonably certain to be exercised. This ensures that the lease term reflects the economic reality of the arrangement and provides a more accurate representation of the lease liability.

Step 3: Determining the Lease Payments

After identifying the lease and determining the lease term, the next step is to calculate the lease payments. Lease payments include fixed payments, variable payments that depend on factors such as usage or sales, options to purchase the underlying asset, and any residual value guarantees. It is important to evaluate all the contractual terms and make appropriate adjustments to ensure the inclusion of all required payments.

ASC 842 requires lessees to measure lease payments at the present value using the rate implicit in the lease. However, if the rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, lessees should use their incremental borrowing rate. The use of present value ensures that the lease liability and ROU asset are initially measured accurately.

Step 4: Initial Recognition and Measurement

With the lease payments determined, the next step is to recognize the lease liability and ROU asset on the balance sheet. The lease liability represents the present value of future lease payments, while the ROU asset represents the lessee’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term.

Under ASC 842, the initial measurement of both the lease liability and ROU asset should include costs directly attributable to obtaining the lease, such as initial direct costs and lease incentives received. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the lease term, along with the subsequent measurement of the lease liability.

Step 5: Subsequent Measurement and Expense Recognition

After the initial recognition and measurement, the lease liability and ROU asset are subject to subsequent measurement and expense recognition. The lease liability is adjusted for lease payments made, reassessed lease payments, changes in lease term or discount rate, and modifications to the lease arrangement. 

For finance leases, lessees recognize interest expense on the lease liability and amortize the ROU asset over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the underlying asset. For operating leases, lessees recognize a straight-line lease expense over the lease term.

Step 6: Disclosures

ASC 842 expands the disclosure requirements for leases to provide more information to financial statement users. The disclosure requirements aim to enhance transparency and allow users to understand the nature, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The specific disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about leases, significant judgments and assumptions made, and additional narrative explanations to provide context.

Lessees are required to provide information about lease liabilities, lease costs, lease terms, and other relevant lease details for their entire lease portfolio. This information facilitates users’ understanding of an entity’s leasing activities and their financial impact.

Streamlining the Process with Lease Accounting Software

Accounting for leases under ASC 842 can be complex and time-consuming, especially for organizations with a large portfolio of leases. Manual processes and spreadsheets may not be sufficient to handle the volume of lease data and ensure compliance with the standard. 

To streamline the lease management and accounting processes, many organizations are turning to lease management software solutions. These solutions offer centralized lease data storage, automated calculations, lease payment tracking, and comprehensive reporting capabilities for all lease assets. They not only enhance efficiency but also strengthen internal controls and improve data accuracy for GAAP purposes.

Occupier is a prime example of a lease management software solution designed to simplify lease accounting under ASC 842. Occupier caters to commercial tenants, CPAs, and real estate teams who need a user-friendly and collaborative solution to streamline lease management and accounting processes. With Occupier, you can effectively track lease data, calculate lease payments, generate accurate financial reports, and ensure compliance with ASC 842.

Lease Accounting Under ASC 842  

Accounting for leases under the new lease standard ASC 842 is a significant undertaking for lessees. The standard introduces new requirements for lease recognition, measurement, journal entries, and disclosure, aiming to enhance transparency and comparability in financial reporting. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this blog post and leveraging lease management software solutions like Occupier, organizations can streamline their lease accounting treatments and ensure compliance with ASC 842.

Navigating the complexities of lease accounting can be challenging, but with the right tools and knowledge, it becomes more manageable. Stay informed about the latest developments in lease accounting and consider utilizing lease management software solutions to simplify your lease management and accounting activities. The new standard will have significant implications on financial ratios and require updated accounting policies and procedures. Careful planning of the implementation process is key to smoothly transitioning to the new lease accounting model.