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Microlesson · 5-min read

AS 4 – Adjusting Events

## Adjusting Events Under AS 4

### Definition

Adjusting Events are post-balance-sheet events that provide further evidence of conditions that existed on the balance sheet date.

Key test: Was there any indication/condition of this event before the year end?

  • If YES → Adjusting Event
  • If NO → Non-Adjusting Event

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### Treatment

> Adjusting events must be adjusted (reflected) in the financial statements of the previous year.

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### Visual Test

```

01-04-2024 14-02-2025 31-03-2025 15-05-2025 31-07-2025

| | | | |

Start Devang (debtor) Year End Devang goes BOD Approval

has case filed bankrupt/insolvent

(provision made ₹100)

Was there indication before year end? YES (case existed, provision made)

→ ADJUSTING EVENT → Adjust in FY 24-25 financials

```

---

### Standard Examples of Adjusting Events

EventWhy Adjusting?
Theft/fraud that happened in previous year but detected in next yearCondition (theft) existed in previous year
Debtor against whom a legal case was filed before year end — declared insolvent after year endIndication of default existed (case filed)
Sale/purchase of PPE done before year end but documentation completed after year endTransaction occurred before year end
Value of inventory falls after year end — but conditions causing fall existed before year ende.g., obsolescence signs existed at B/S date
Debtor wins a case after year end — but favourable conditions existed before year endFavourable events are also adjusting if conditions existed

Worked example

### Example 1

Devang Debtor Example:

  • 14-02-2025: Legal case filed against debtor Devang; provision for bad debts of ₹100 made.
  • 31-03-2025: Year end. Devang still solvent.
  • 15-05-2025: Devang declared insolvent/bankrupt.

Question: Is this an adjusting or non-adjusting event?

Answer: Adjusting Event. The condition (Devang being a doubtful debtor — case filed) existed before year end. The post-year-end insolvency is just further evidence of that pre-existing condition. Adjust the provision in FY 24-25 financials.

### Example 2

Shivam Debtor – Favourable Event:

  • Provision for bad debts of ₹50 made against Shivam's case before year end.
  • 15-05-2025 (before BOD approval on 31-07-2025): Shivam wins the case.

Question: Adjusting or Non-Adjusting? Are favourable events also considered?

Answer: Adjusting Event. AS 4 applies to favourable events too. Since the condition existed (case was pending) before year end, and Shivam winning is further evidence of conditions at B/S date → adjust the provision in FY 24-25.

### Example 3

Negotiation vs Finalized Terms:

  • Scenario A: Negotiations ongoing at 31-03-2025; transaction closed after year end.

Non-Adjusting (no concluded condition at B/S date)

  • Scenario B: Terms and conditions finalized before 31-03-2025; transaction completed after year end.

Adjusting (condition existed at B/S date)

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Assuming only unfavourable events can be adjusting — favourable events with pre-existing conditions are also adjusting.
  • Treating documentation-pending PPE transactions as next-year events — the economic substance (transaction) occurred before year end, so it is adjusting.
  • Confusing 'detected after year end' with 'occurred after year end' — theft/fraud detected later but committed earlier is still an adjusting event.
Bare-Act text Adjusting Events – Definition and Treatment · AS 4 – Contingencies and Events Occurring After the Balance Sheet Date (ICAI) · click to expand
Adjusting events are those events that provide further evidence of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date.
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