If you’re running a business that doesn’t fall under the "corporate" tag, you might be wondering, “Do accounting standards apply to me?”
Well, yes, they do! And understanding them is important if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
Let’s break this down into simple bits so you can easily get the hang of what accounting standards mean for non-corporates like you.
What Are Accounting Standards and Why Should You Care?
Before we dive into specifics, let’s clear up what accounting standards are. These are rules and guidelines that tell you how to keep your financial records clearly and uniformly.
They ensure transparency, consistency, and fairness in how businesses record their income, expenses, and everything related to money.
For corporates, it’s pretty clear. They have to follow certain rigid standards because they are larger entities with lots of public interest. But what about non-corporates? Let’s find out.
Are You a Non-Corporate? Here’s How to Know
In the accounting world, "non-corporates" usually means individuals, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other small businesses.
If you’re running a shop, a consultancy, or maybe a small manufacturing unit, you likely fall into this category. These businesses don’t have the complexities of big corporates, but they still need to follow rules.
So, how do these accounting standards apply to non-corporates in India? The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has set different standards based on the size and nature of the business. Let’s dive deeper.
Why Non-Corporates Need Accounting Standards (It’s Not Just for Corporates!)
You might wonder why a small business needs to follow any accounting standards at all. You’re not a big corporate after all, right? But the truth is, that accounting standards are important for all businesses, even non-corporates.
Here’s why:
- Uniformity: It ensures that your financial statements are easy to read and understand, whether by you, the tax authorities, or potential investors.
- Transparency: It brings clarity to how you record and report your financial information. No one can accuse you of cooking the books if everything is recorded clearly.
- Compliance: Following the correct standards helps you avoid penalties from the tax department and ensures you’re in line with the legal requirements.
Now that we’ve got the ‘why’ sorted out, let’s move on to the ‘how.’
Breaking Down the Levels: What Category Does Your Business Fit In?
In India, non-corporates follow a framework called the Accounting Standards for Non-Corporate Entities (AS for NCEs). This framework was issued by the ICAI to help small businesses and individuals comply with accounting requirements without the heavy burden that corporates face.
But wait, it’s not just one set of rules for everyone. Non-corporates are further classified into different levels, and each level has its own set of accounting standards to follow.
Let’s break it down:
Levels of Non-Corporates
Level 1: Large Non-Corporate Entities
If your business is big (but still not corporate), you fall under this level. You are a Level 1 non-corporate entity if:
- Your turnover is more than ₹50 crore
- You have borrowings of more than ₹10 crore
- You’re listed or in the process of being listed
If this sounds like your business, you need to follow all accounting standards issued by the ICAI, just like a corporate would.
Level 2: Medium-Sized Non-Corporate Entities
If your business is medium-sized, you fall under this level. You are a Level 2 non-corporate entity if:
- Your turnover is between ₹1 crore and ₹50 crore
- Your borrowings are between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore
For Level 2 entities, you don’t need to follow every single standard. Some standards are relaxed, especially when it comes to disclosure requirements.
Level 3: Small Non-Corporate Entities
If you’re running a small shop or consultancy, chances are you fall into Level 3. You are a Level 3 non-corporate entity if:
- Your turnover is less than ₹1 crore
- You have borrowings of less than ₹1 crore
Level 3 entities follow simplified accounting standards. There’s no need to worry about the complex requirements that large companies face.
Key Accounting Standards You Should Follow as a Non-Corporate
The ICAI has issued several accounting standards (AS) for non-corporates. But which ones apply to you? It depends on your level.
Let’s take a quick look at some key standards that might apply to non-corporates:
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Revenue Recognition (AS 9) This standard tells you how to recognize your income. It ensures that you record revenue when it is earned and not necessarily when cash is received. For non-corporates, this is especially important when dealing with credit sales or delayed payments.
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Cash Flow Statements (AS 3) If your business falls under Level 1, you need to prepare a cash flow statement. This displays where your money is coming from and going. It’s not mandatory for Level 2 or Level 3 entities.
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Property, Plant, and Equipment (AS 10) This standard applies to how you account for assets like machinery, buildings, or vehicles. It tells you how to record the cost and depreciation of these items.
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Borrowing Costs (AS 16) If your business has taken loans, you need to account for the costs of borrowing (like interest). This standard tells you how to do that.
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Related Party Disclosures (AS 18) If you’re doing business with friends, family, or associates, this standard ensures that these transactions are disclosed properly. It’s only mandatory for Level 1 entities.
Small Business? Here’s How You Can Stay Compliant Without the Hassle
If you’re a Level 3 entity, don’t stress! The ICAI has simplified the accounting standards for you. You only need to focus on the basics like maintaining simple financial statements, ensuring that your revenue is properly recognized, and keeping track of your assets and liabilities.
For small businesses, compliance is made easier because there are fewer disclosures and less complex rules to follow.
The Perks of Following Accounting Standards – It’s Not Just About Avoiding Penalties!
Here’s why sticking to these standards is a good idea for your business:
- Better decision-making: When your financial records are clear, it’s easier to make informed decisions.
- Access to loans: Banks will likely ask for proper financial records if you want a loan. Following standards make sure your books are in good shape.
- Avoid legal troubles: Being on the right side of the law is always a good thing. Accounting standards help you comply with tax laws and other regulations.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Clean
If you’re a non-corporate entity, accounting standards don’t have to be a headache. The key is to understand which standards apply to your business based on its size.
Once you know that, staying compliant is simple. You don’t need to worry about following all the complex rules that big corporates do.
Stick to the basics, keep your financials clean, and your business will benefit in the long run.
At Suvit, we’re passionate about helping businesses of all sizes navigate financial complexities with ease, which is why we’ve written this guide—so you can focus on growing your business without getting lost in accounting jargon. Remember, good accounting is the backbone of a healthy business!
