GASB Standards

Deep-dive coverage of the governmental accounting standards that shape how state and local governments report their financial position.

GASB 87Effective FY2022

Leases

Establishes a single model for lease accounting based on the foundational principle that leases are financings of the right to use an underlying asset. Requires recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.

Right-of-use assetsLease liabilitiesDiscount rate selectionShort-term lease exceptionRegulated leasesLease modifications
GASB 96Effective FY2023

Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITAs)

Defines accounting for cloud computing contracts and other IT subscription arrangements. Modeled after GASB 87 with right-of-use subscription asset and corresponding liability.

SBITA definitionSubscription assetImplementation costsCapitalization thresholdsMulti-year contractsCloud migration
GASB 103Effective FY2026

Financial Reporting Model Improvements

The most significant overhaul of the government financial reporting model since GASB 34. Replaces government-wide operating statements, adds budget-to-actual at fund level, and restructures MD&A.

Operating statement redesignBudgetary comparisonMD&A restructuringMajor fund determinationGovernmental activitiesComponent unit presentation
GASB 68Effective FY2015

Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions

Requires governments to recognize their proportionate share of the net pension liability on their financial statements. Changed how pension costs flow through operating statements.

Net pension liabilityProportionate sharePension expenseDeferred inflows/outflowsCost-sharing plansActuarial assumptions
GASB 75Effective FY2018

Accounting and Financial Reporting for OPEB

Parallels GASB 68 for other post-employment benefits (healthcare, life insurance). Requires recognition of total and net OPEB liability, expense, and related deferrals.

Total OPEB liabilityNet OPEB liabilityHealthcare trend ratesSingle-employer plansAgent plansImplicit rate subsidy
GASB 34Effective FY2002

Basic Financial Statements — and Management's Discussion and Analysis — for State and Local Governments

The foundational standard that established the current dual-perspective reporting model: government-wide (full accrual) and fund-level (modified accrual) financial statements.

Government-wide statementsFund financial statementsMD&AInfrastructure reportingModified approachNet position categories