Warning for Retailers and Other Businesses Using the LIFO Method
Recent supply shortages may cause unexpected problems for some businesses that use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for their inventory. Here’s an overview of what’s happening so you won’t be blindsided by the effects of so-called “LIFO liquidation.”
Inventory reporting methods
Retailers generally record inventory when it’s received and title transfers to the company. Then, it moves to cost of goods sold when the product ships and title transfers to the customer. You have choices when it comes to reporting inventory costs. Three popular methods are:
1. Specific identification. When a company’s inventory is one of a kind, such as artwork or custom jewelry, it may be appropriate to use the specific-identification method. Here, each item is reported at historic cost and that amount is generally carried on the books until the specific item is sold.
2. First-in, first-out (FIFO). Under this method, the first units entered into inventory are the first ones presumed sold. This method assumes that merchandise is sold in the order it was acquired or produced. Thus, the cost of goods sold is based on older — and often lower — prices.
3. LIFO. Under this method, the last units entered are the first presumed sold. Using LIFO usually causes the low-cost items to remain in inventory. Higher cost of sales generates lower pretax earnings as long as inventory keeps growing.
Downside of LIFO method
LIFO works as a tax deferral strategy, as long as costs and inventory levels are rising. But there’s a potential downside to using LIFO: The tax benefits may unexpectedly reverse if a company that’s using LIFO reduces its ending inventory to a level below the beginning inventory balance. As higher inventory costs are used up, the company will need to start dipping into lower-cost layers of inventory, triggering taxes on “phantom income” that the LIFO method previously has allowed the company to defer. This is commonly known as LIFO liquidation.
For more information
Accounting for inventory is one of the more complicated parts of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Fortunately, we can help evaluate the optimal reporting method for your business and discuss any concerns you may have regarding LIFO liquidation in today’s volatile marketplace.
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