US and international accounting standards have introduced the CAM process into the audit process, some of which include income tax accounts as a selected disclosure due to their materiality and the nature of being especially complex, challenging, subjective or complex auditor judgment (which is increasingly the norm for international tax rules)
For each CAM communicated in the auditor’s report, the auditor must:
Identify the CAM, describe the principal considerations that led the auditor to determine that the matter is a CAM,
Describe how the CAM was addressed in the audit, and
Refer to the relevant financial accounts/disclosures that relate to the CAM
As income taxes become more complex and subjective, including the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), MLI amendments to double tax treaties including permanent establishment (PE), OECD guidance and tax audit issues, a tax CAM may become more significant going forward, as it is an annual determination.
To the extent income tax is a CAM, there will be specific disclosures, preceded by more diligent review of the tax accounts, subjective determinations, etc. as part of the normal tax provision process.
PCAOB summary guidance and the relevant guidance links are referenced.
Click to access Implementation-of-Critical-Audit-Matters-The-Basics.pdf
https://pcaobus.org/Standards/Auditing/Pages/AS3101.aspx
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