UPWARD AND DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENTS TO PRIOR YEAR OBLIGATIONS
3
Final Upward and Downward Scenario 2018
Overview
This guide is designed for those who:
• Prepare agency Financial and non-Financial statements;
• Audit the agency financial statements;
• Manage or provide service to participants in upward and downward adjustments
• Design and maintain computer systems for financial programs;
• Instruct others in basic accounting and reporting.
In order to understand and gain the most from this guide, users must have a working knowledge of the following:
• Budgetary and proprietary accounting, reporting, and terminology;
• The United States Standard General Ledger (USSGL) accounts for basic multiyear and annual appropriations, revolving fund and Special
and Trust Funds
• The concepts of Federal credit program accounting and reporting, fund structures, and terminology.
Scenario Assumptions
Scenarios can vary depending on many variables. Below is clarifying guidance to assist in the identification of an upward or downward
adjustment.
In general, the status of the appropriation (unexpired vs. expired) is not used as a basis for determining upward or downward adjustments. This
scenario can be applied to annual, no year as well as multiple year appropriations. This scenario occurs as a two year multiyear appropriation.
The basis for determining whether a transaction should be classified as an upward or downward adjustment depends on the specific event and the
fiscal year of the adjustment. Upward and downward adjustments are based strictly on dollar value adjustments. An error or mistake does not
constitute an upward or downward adjustment. In addition, changes to the budget/accounting structure (i.e. object class, direct/reimbursable
indicator, budget (cost) center, program, Federal/nonfederal indicator, vendor code, etc. [within a TAFS]) does not constitute an upward or
downward adjustment. Reference to OMB guidance Appendix F of OMB Circular No. A-11.
Unexpired and Expired Phase TAS:
• Upward and downward adjustments occur in subsequent years (year two and later), year one and year two are unexpired. The upward or
downward adjustments are to be recorded in year two if the original transaction occurred in year one.