GASB 87 and 96 Resource Center

As GFOA members continues to seek resources related to GASB 87 and GASB 96, we've compiled the information below to help in the learning and implementation process.

About GASB 96, Subscription-Based Implementation Arrangements (SBITAs)

In May 2020, GASB issued Statement No. 96, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements. GASB 96 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2022, and all reporting periods thereafter.  Like GASB 87, Leases, GASB 96 is required to be applied retroactively; preexisting SBITAs are required to be recognized and measured based on the facts and circumstances of SBITAs on the first day of the first fiscal year restated or reported in accordance with GASB 96.  Accounting and financial reporting for SBITAs is very similar to lessee accounting and financial reporting for leases, except that certain implementation costs of SBITAs may be capitalized as part of the value of the SBITA asset.

New Timely Accounting Discussion

Lease & SBITA Prepayment Accounting | Watch

Additional Tool | Preexisting SBITA with Prepayment

This excel file contains two examples illustrating the effects of full or partial prepayments that had been made on preexisting subscription arrangements, when initially implementing GASB 96, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements. Click here to download the excel file.


About GASB 87, Leases

In June 2017, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement No. 87, Leases.  GASB 87 became effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2021, and all reporting periods thereafter.  It is important to know that the standard was required to be applied  retroactively; preexisting leases were required to be recognized and measured based on the facts and circumstances of the lease on the first day of the first fiscal year for which reporting is done in accordance with  GASB 87, not inception of the lease.  While the opening net position of governments that had only operating leases in effect upon implementation will generally not be affected (due to offsetting intangible lease assets and lease debt), the increase in reported debt for lessee governments may impact compliance with debt limits, covenants, and statutes. For governments that had capital leases in effect upon implementation, the accounting for the capital lease will need to be “unwound” and leases in accordance with GASB 87 recorded, which may result in the need to restate opening net position in the first year restated or reported in accordance with GASB 87.


GFOA's Member Community

Do you have a question about GASB 87 or GASB 96? Reach out to your peers from across the United States in GFOA's General Forum. View current GASB discussions.

Additional Updates

Please check this page often for updates including information on upcoming trainings related to GASB 87 and GASB 96.