Temporary or Timing differences

Temporary/timing differences relate to those items that are adjusted in the current period and are again adjusted in subsequent financial periods for tax purposes. E.g. investment income accrued in profits before tax will be deducted in the current period for tax purpose but will be added back in subsequent financial periods when investment income is received.

All temporary differences therefore result to deferred tax. However, currently the computation of deferred tax is based on the balance sheet approach whereby temporary differences are given as the difference between the carrying amount of an asset or liability (book value) and its tax base.

The carrying amount is the accounting value or book value of an asset or liability. The tax base is the value attributable to asset or liability for tax purpose.