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Normal, Abnormal Book-Tax Differences and Accounting Conservatism

Author

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  • Rakia Riguen Koubaa

    (Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Sfax, R Aeoport Km4 P14, Sfax, Tunisia)

  • Anis Jarboui

    (Higher Institute of Business Administration, University of Sfax, R Aeoport Km4 P14, Sfax, Tunisia)

Abstract

The present paper investigates the effect of book-tax differences on the accounting conservatism (as a proxy for financial reporting quality). The major objective of this study was to examine the extent to which regulatory and opportunistic information in book-tax differences influence accounting conservatism. We also aim to examine if book-tax differences are a signal of "bad news" for investors. Using publicly available financial statements from 2005 to 2012 for 28 Tunisian listed firms on the Tunis Stock Exchange and operating in the industrial and commercial sectors, we use a current measure for accounting conservatism and documents that observation with large book-tax differences are associated with low levels of accounting conservatism. Also, we find that firms with abnormal book-tax differences and normal book-tax differences exhibit less accounting conservatism. Overall, the results suggest that the total and differing components of book-tax differences have differential implications on accounting conservatism. Our research is valuable for researchers, shareholders as well as regulators. For researchers, it appears to an innovative area for future research. For shareholders, it shows the role of the information transmitted by book-tax differences into the analysis of earnings quality published by firms. This study also helps regulators to improve accounting rules and tax rule.

Suggested Citation

  • Rakia Riguen Koubaa & Anis Jarboui, 2017. "Normal, Abnormal Book-Tax Differences and Accounting Conservatism," Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance (AAMJAF), Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, vol. 13(1), pages 113-142.
    • Handle: RePEc:usm:journl:aamjaf01301_113-142
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Plesko, George A., 2004. "Corporate Tax Avoidance and the Properties of Corporate Earnings," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 57(3), pages 729-737, September.
    3. Khan, Mozaffar & Watts, Ross L., 2009. "Estimation and empirical properties of a firm-year measure of accounting conservatism," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(2-3), pages 132-150, December.
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    5. Hanlon, Michelle & Laplante, Stacie Kelley & Shevlin, Terry, 2005. "Evidence for the Possible Information Loss of Conforming Book Income and Taxable Income," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 48(2), pages 407-442, October.
    6. Zhang, Jieying, 2008. "The contracting benefits of accounting conservatism to lenders and borrowers," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 27-54, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Heni PURWANTINI & Grahita CHANDRARIN & Prihat ASSIH, 2017. "Minimizing Tax Avoidance by Using Conservatism Accounting through Book Tax Differences. Case Study in Indonesia," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 3, pages 140-147.
    2. Neba Bhalla & Rakesh Kumar Sharma & Inderjit Kaur, 2022. "Effect of Tax Knowledge and Technological Shift in Tax System on Business Performance: A PLS-SEM Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Dyussembina, Saule & Park, Kunsu, 2024. "Book-tax differences, dividend payout, and firm value," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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