Accounting and accounting rules in Namibia

Accounting Rules

Tax Year

The tax year is from 1 March to 28 February.

Accounting Standards

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are required for both domestic and foreign companies whose securities trade in a public market. IFRS are also required for publicly accountable entities and entities that represent the public interest, whether or not their securities are publicly traded. SMEs and entities without public accountability and that do not represent the public interest may choose between:

• Full IFRS Standards
• IFRS Standards for SMEs
• The Eastern Central and Southern African Federation of Accountants Guide on Financial Reporting for Small and Medium-Sized Entities adopted as NAC001

Accounting Regulation Bodies

ICAN

Accounting Reports

Financial statements must include:

• Statement of financial position
• Statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income
• Statement of changes in equity
• Statement of cash flows
• Notes to financial statements

Publication Requirements

All public and publicly accountable companies (i.e. an entity that is economically significant on the basis of criteria such as total assets, total income, number of employees) are required to prepare financial statements pursuant to the Circular 1/2005 Status of Statements of Namibian Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) in Relation to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Professional Accountancy Bodies

ICAN , Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia

Certification and Auditing

Pursuant to the Companies Act 2004, all companies must have their accounts audited, with the exception of interim financial statements, by auditors who are Chartered Accountants of ICAN and registered with the Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Board (PAAB). Banks and other financial institutions are subject to the supervision of the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and must have their accounts audited annually by an auditor registered with the PAAB and approved by the BoN.

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