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UITF Abstract 34 Pre-contract Costs

Issued May 2002. Effective accounting periods ending on or after 22 June 2002.

UITF Abstract 34 has been superseded by FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. For more information visit:

Synopsis

The consensus is:

  • Pre-contract costs should be recognised as expenses as incurred but directly attributable costs should be recognised as an asset when it is virtually certain that a contract will be obtained and the contract will have a present value no less than the amount of the recognised asset.
  • Costs incurred before the assets recognition criteria are met should not be recognised as an asset then or later. 
  • Directly attributable costs are those that relate directly to securing the contract.

Last updated 21 June 2015