Making the right choice to manage your transition to ASC 842

by | Jan 11, 2023

ARTICLE | January 11, 2023

The deadline for private companies to implement the new ASC 842 lease accounting standard is rapidly approaching. Overall, the transition to ASC 842 was a significant challenge for public companies, and that was with having more experience and resources than private companies commonly have. The good news is that private companies have options for getting support and streamlining lease accounting implementation.

ASC 842 was effective Jan. 1, 2022, for calendar year-ending companies and will continue into 2023 for fiscal year-end companies. Companies are starting to scramble to find effective solutions, but the time to act is now to avoid getting backed into a corner.

In the past, many companies have managed their leases with spreadsheets. However, given the increased visibility of leasing and the need for an effective audit trail—most organizations realize they need lease accounting software and, in many cases, additional assistance with the ongoing lease accounting effort.

There are several proven lease accounting software solutions to consider. With these platforms, companies typically have two options:

  • Self-service: A company can purchase the tool and attempt to maintain it in-house.
  • Full-service: The company can implement a lease accounting outsourcing strategy that leverages an experienced advisor to provide software tools and support ongoing accounting in a scalable, efficient manner.

Bridging the gap

Many private middle market companies find themselves stuck in the middle and unsure of the best way to proceed with ASC 842 compliance. Is their lease portfolio too large to maintain internally? Do they have the resources necessary to manage the initial transition to ASC 842? Luckily, some solutions are emerging to help companies implement a quick fix that gets them through the year and allows them to attain compliance and gain breathing room afterward to reevaluate their lease accounting stance.

For example, RSM’s 842 Express platform meets the unique needs of the middle market, helping clients perform the necessary calculations before the deadline. Companies can overcome the initial obstacles related to lease accounting and then take a step back to develop an effective plan for the future. Most importantly, we help companies dedicate the right amount of time to ASC 842.

RSM also offers an enhanced 842 Express Plus solution, which helps companies reach ASC 842 compliance in the short term and includes ongoing accounting support to help ensure that they stay in compliance moving forward.

With the calendar year end, companies have run out of internal options, and it will become even more difficult and costly to reach ASC 842 compliance. Organizations must act quickly to implement the best choice to account for leases now and into the future.

Questions or Want to Talk?

Call us directly at 972.221.2500 (Flower Mound) or 940.591.9300 (Denton),
or complete the form below and we’ll contact you to discuss your specific situation.


This article was written by RSM US LLP and originally appeared on 2023-01-11.
2022 RSM US LLP. All rights reserved.
https://rsmus.com/insights/services/financial-management/making-the-right-choice-to-manage-your-transition-to-asc-842.html

RSM US Alliance provides its members with access to resources of RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance member firms are separate and independent businesses and legal entities that are responsible for their own acts and omissions, and each are separate and independent from RSM US LLP. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax, and consulting firms. Members of RSM US Alliance have access to RSM International resources through RSM US LLP but are not member firms of RSM International. Visit rsmus.com/aboutus for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. The RSM(tm) brandmark is used under license by RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance products and services are proprietary to RSM US LLP.

 

RSM

KHA Accountants, PLLC is a proud member of RSM US Alliance, a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms in the United States. RSM US Alliance provides our firm with access to resources of RSM US LLP, the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market. RSM US LLP is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 43,000 people in over 120 countries.

Our membership in RSM US Alliance has elevated our capabilities in the marketplace, helping to differentiate our firm from the competition while allowing us to maintain our independence and entrepreneurial culture. We have access to a valuable peer network of like-sized firms as well as a broad range of tools, expertise, and technical resources.

For more information on how KHA Accountants can assist you, please call 972.221.2500.

Business Travel Expenses: Per Diem vs Actual Expenses

If your employees travel for work purposes, it’s important to understand the various methods of tracking and substantiating travel expenses so that you can maintain accurate records, control costs, and take advantage of potential tax benefits. Watch this video to learn about business travel expenses, per diem allowances, and how they affect employees and employers.

6 Misconceptions of a Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust, or RLT, offers many benefits, including probate avoidance, privacy, and flexibility in managing assets during one’s life, incapacity, and death. However, despite their popularity as an estate planning tool, there are many misconceptions surrounding revocable trusts that lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Watch this video to learn about the top six misconceptions.

IRS Dirty Dozen Top Tax Scams To Avoid

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service publishes its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams highlighting various schemes that put taxpayers and their financial well-being at risk. In this video, we’ll provide an overview of five of the top scams on the list.