The Association between Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities and Future Tax Payments

Posted: 8 Jun 2011 Last revised: 21 Apr 2013

See all articles by Rick Laux

Rick Laux

Oklahoma State University - Stillwater - Spears School of Business

Date Written: November 14, 2012

Abstract

This study empirically examines whether deferred taxes provide incremental information about future tax payments and explores whether the relationship is affected by whether and when the deferred tax accounts reverse. The analysis provides evidence that while deferred taxes do provide incremental information about future tax payments, the magnitude of the information is small. Further, consistent with theoretical predictions (Guenther and Sansing 2000, 2004; Dotan 2003) the analysis demonstrates there is an asymmetrical association between deferred taxes and future tax payments. For instance, deferred taxes associated with temporary differences that are included in GAAP income prior to taxable income are associated with future tax payments. In contrast, deferred taxes associated with temporary differences that are included in GAAP income after taxable income are not associated with future tax payments. Finally, the analysis provides evidence that growth in the deferred tax balances does not defer future tax payments.

Keywords: accounting for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, deferred taxes, interperiod tax allocation, SFAS 109

JEL Classification: M41

Suggested Citation

Laux, Rick C., The Association between Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities and Future Tax Payments (November 14, 2012). Accounting Review, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1859633 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1859633

Rick C. Laux (Contact Author)

Oklahoma State University - Stillwater - Spears School of Business ( email )

307 Business Building
Stillwater, OK 74078-0555
United States
14057448602 (Phone)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
2,287
PlumX Metrics