Proposed accounting standard for transfer expenses – ED PBE IPSAS 48 Transfer Expenses
ED PBE IPSAS 48 Transfer Expenses
proposes accounting requirements for transfer expense transactions. There is currently no PBE Standard addressing these types of transactions. The proposed standard aims to fill this gap in PBE Standards to enhance consistency and clarity in the accounting for transfer expenses.
What is a transfer expense?
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A transfer expense is an expense arising from a transaction, other than taxes, in which an entity provides a good, service, or other asset to another entity, without directly receiving any good, service, or other asset in return. Examples of expenses that could meet this definition include grants and donations in cash or other assets, as well as social welfare payments. |
About ED PBE IPSAS 48 Transfer Expenses
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ED PBE IPSAS 48 contains two models for transfer expense accounting, based on whether a binding arrangement exists. The proposed new standard provides focused guidance to help entities apply the principles to account for PBE transfer expense transactions. The ED proposes that PBE IPSAS 48 Transfer Expenses be applied for annual financial statements covering periods beginning on or after 1 January 2029. |
Our exposure draft and accompanying consultation document detail the proposals.
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View our proposals for new revenue accounting here.
To allow entities ample time to consider the implications of the proposed standard, this consultation will be open until 1 December 2025.
Educational guidance and support
One of the key benefits of this ED is the inclusion of clear guidance, supported by 11 illustrative examples, aimed at enhancing consistency in accounting for transfer expenses transactions.
Our one-page fact sheet and webcasts summarise the proposals in the ED.
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Further educational guidance and support materials will be made available over the course of the consultation — please revisit this page for the latest material.
Upcoming events
We will discuss these new proposals at upcoming Need to Know webinars. You can register using the links below:
Keep an eye on this page for details of further events and feedback opportunities that will be added throughout the consultation period.
Have your say
We welcome your feedback on these important proposals.
Submit your comments:
- Directly to the XRB by email to accounting@xrb.govt.nz; or
- Complete the form below.
The consultation closes on Monday 1 December 2025
All submissions will be published on the XRB website unless confidentiality is requested. If you object to the release of any information in your submission, please identify the specific parts and the reasons under the Official Information Act 1982. We reserve the right not to publish defamatory submissions. Submissions are subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 2020. The XRB will handle personal information in accordance with these Acts.