Accrual Versus Cash Basis of Accounting in the Canadian COVID-19 Subsidy Programs*

Abstract

The principal eligibility criterion for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) during the COVID-19 pandemic was a reduction of at least a prespecified percentage in monthly revenues compared to the same months in the prior year, or compared to January and February 2020 (just prior to the launch of CEWS in March 2020). The revenues could be measured using accrual or the cash basis of accounting. Since subsidy applicants could choose the cash method of accounting and use January and February 2020 as reference periods, seasonal businesses that generated most of their revenues in January and February could claim subsidies without experiencing any reductions in revenue. We illustrate how a seasonal business with higher monthly accrued revenues compared to the pre-pandemic year could be eligible for CEWS by using the cash basis of accounting in the subsidy application even though it would not qualify using the accrual accounting method. It seems inequitable for business or wage subsidies to be based on the choice of accounting methods. There is no sound public policy reason to subsidize (or tax) one firm more than another just because they use a different method of accounting. Evaluating accounting methods embedded within government subsidy programs is an important endeavor to ensure neutrality and effectiveness of public spending programs.