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The Franchise Memorandum

Financial Accounting Standards Board Releases Guidance for Franchise Industry Implementation of Revenue Recognition Rules

On November 5, 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) published a staff memo addressing franchise-specific questions surrounding the implementation of the revenue recognition accounting rules set to be applicable to private companies beginning in 2019. Under the previous accounting rules, franchisors recognized the entire initial fee as income when a franchised business opened. Under the new rules and FASB guidance, initial franchise fees must be amortized over the term of a franchise agreement. However, the FASB memo allows franchisors to accelerate their recognition of income when they demonstrate that the revenue is attributable to certain discrete goods or services provided to franchisees; the distinct goods and services need not be brand specific. The FASB memo provides examples for franchisors to consider when deciding how to implement the rules and guidance.

The process of determining whether pre-opening services are distinct goods or services is highly dependent on the business, and therefore should be carefully considered with your accountants. To learn more about how revenue recognition rules and guidance may impact your business, please contact us.

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The information contained in this post is provided to alert you to legal developments and should not be considered legal advice. It is not intended to and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Specific questions about how this information affects your particular situation should be addressed to one of the individuals listed. No representations or warranties are made with respect to this information, including, without limitation, as to its completeness, timeliness, or accuracy, and Lathrop GPM shall not be liable for any decision made in connection with the information. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

About this Publication

The Franchise Memorandum is a collection of postings on summaries of recent legal developments of interest to franchisors brought to you by Lathrop GPM LLP. 

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