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Net operating losses
A net operating loss (NOL) occurs when a company’s tax-deductible expenses exceed its taxable revenues for a given period. In other words, the entity reports a tax loss rather than taxable income.
From an accounting perspective, NOLs give rise to deferred tax assets (DTAs). This is because the loss can be carried forward and used to offset taxable income in future years, thereby reducing future tax liabilities. Although the benefit cannot be realized in the current period, the company records it as a deferred tax asset to reflect the expected tax savings.
The amount of the deferred tax asset is calculated using the enacted tax rate that will apply in the period when the NOL is expected to be utilized. This ensures that the future benefit is measured consistently with the tax laws in effect.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA, 2017) and subsequent guidance, NOLs arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 can be carried forward indefinitely. However, the deduction is limited to 80% of future taxable income in any given year.
NOLs generated before 2018 follow the old rules: they can generally be carried forward for 20 years and may offset 100% of taxable income in those years.
Because NOLs provide a tax benefit in future periods, they are recognized as deferred tax assets (DTAs), subject to a valuation allowance if it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be realized. The valuation allowance is discussed in the next section.
The journal entry to record deferred tax assets from NOL is the regular journal entry:
| Account | Debit | Credit | Financial statement element |
| Deferred tax asset | XXX | Asset | |
| Deferred tax benefit (income tax benefit) | XXX | Income tax benefit (reduces income tax expense) | |
| To record deferred tax asset from NOL | |||
Recognizing a DTA increases the tax benefit for the period, so the credit side reduces income tax expense - it’s an income tax benefit, not a “deferred tax expense.”
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
The value of a deferred tax asset (DTA) depends on the company’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize the benefit. In other words, a DTA only has economic value if the company expects to offset future taxable income with the deductible amounts recorded.
If it is more likely than not (i.e., probability greater than 50%) that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, the company must reduce the carrying amount of the DTA. This reduction is accomplished by recording a valuation allowance, bringing the net deferred tax asset to the amount that is expected to be utilized in the future.
This is done through a valuation allowance account as follows:
| Account | Debit | Credit | Financial statement element |
| Deferred tax expense | XXX | Expense | |
| Deferred tax asset valuation allowance | XXX | Contra asset | |
| To record valuation allowance on deferred tax asset | |||
Presentation of deferred tax balances
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are non-current assets and liabilities, respectively.
They are presented at net amounts in the balance sheet when the relevant future taxes are due to the same taxing authority.
If the net amount is a net debit, then a net deferred tax asset is presented in the non-current assets section of the balance sheet, while if the net amount is a net credit, then a net deferred tax liability is presented in the non-current liabilities section of the balance sheet. The calculations to determine the net amount of deferred taxes in the balance sheet include any relevant valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.
Deferred tax expense and any income tax benefit is presented as part of income tax.
Example: recording and presenting a DTA from an NOL
Osprey Co. reports a $500,000 net operating loss in 2024. The enacted tax rate expected to apply when the NOL is utilized is 21%.
- Deferred tax asset:
- Journal entry: debit deferred tax asset ; credit income tax benefit (deferred tax benefit)
Osprey’s management determines that it’s more likely than not that 40% of this DTA will not be realized.
- Valuation allowance:
- Journal entry: debit deferred tax expense ; credit deferred tax asset valuation allowance
- Net DTA after the allowance:
Osprey also has a $20,000 deferred tax liability arising from a temporary difference owed to the same taxing authority, so the two balances are presented net.
- Net non-current position:
Answer: Osprey presents a $43,000 net deferred tax asset in the non-current assets section of the balance sheet.