Honors Theses
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Accountancy
First Advisor
Rick Elam
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This thesis concerns the current accounting environment and methodology related to gift cards, and proposes a new accounting standard. The lack of authoritative guidance for companies that issue gift cards has led to disparities in gift card financial treatment and disclosure. Of particular concern is the treatment of revenue resulting from unredeemed gift cards. Companies generally adhere to one of two basic methods of calculating said revenue. The first method calculates revenue from unredeemed gift cards annual percent reduction of the gift card liability. An alternative method recognizes from unredeemed gift cards with the passage of time. Thesis research included analysis of Form 10-Ks, testing of data from companies who issue gift cards, and simulated models to determine various ways in which revenue from unredeemed gift cards can effect financial reporting. The accounting concepts of comparability, consistency, revenue recognition, matching, materiality, and conservatism were considered in relation to gift card accounting methodology. It was concluded that a new, authoritative standard is needed. This standard should require revenue from unredeemed gift cards be recognized based on the passage of time, and mandate complete financial reporting of pertinent gift card information.
Recommended Citation
Van Landuyt, Ben Wilson, "Accounting for Gift Cards: A Demonstration of the Need for a New Accounting Standard" (2009). Honors Theses. 2141.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2141
Accessibility Status
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