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Deferred taxes, earnings management, and corporate governance: Malaysian evidence

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  • Kasipillai, Jeyapalan
  • Mahenthiran, Sakthi

Abstract

This study examines whether Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs) use deferred taxes to avoid an earnings decline. In addition, this study also examines whether corporate governance mechanisms attenuate the extent to which deferred taxes are used to manage earnings. Using a sample of 221 PLCs listed on the main and second boards of Bursa Malaysia in 2008 with a complete set of data available from 2005 to 2008, this study finds that Malaysian PLCs use both the accrual and valuation allowance components of net deferred tax liabilities to avoid a decline in earnings. The study also finds that ownership structure and board structure affect the extent to which earnings management is associated with a deferred tax component.

Suggested Citation

  • Kasipillai, Jeyapalan & Mahenthiran, Sakthi, 2013. "Deferred taxes, earnings management, and corporate governance: Malaysian evidence," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 9(1), pages 1-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jocaae:v:9:y:2013:i:1:p:1-18
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcae.2013.03.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Görlitz & Michael Dobler, 2023. "Financial accounting for deferred taxes: a systematic review of empirical evidence," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(1), pages 113-165, February.
    2. Wessel M. Badenhorst & Petri H. Ferreira, 2016. "The Financial Crisis and the Value-relevance of Recognised Deferred Tax Assets," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 26(3), pages 291-300, September.
    3. Karen Benson & Peter M Clarkson & Tom Smith & Irene Tutticci, 2015. "A review of accounting research in the Asia Pacific region," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 40(1), pages 36-88, February.
    4. Ester Chen & Ilanit Gavious & Tom Smith, 2017. "The roles of book-tax conformity and tax enforcement in regulating tax reporting behaviour following International Financial Reporting Standards adoption," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 57(3), pages 681-699, September.
    5. Alexandre Moniz & Gualter Couto & Pedro Pimentel, 2022. "Misuse of Deferred Taxes in Portugal," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-12, September.
    6. Kimouche Bilal, 2022. "The Impact of Deferred Tax on Earnings Quality: Evidence from Algerian Companies," Zagreb International Review of Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 25(1), pages 133-148.
    7. Salihu, Ibrahim Aramide & Annuar, Hairul Azlan & Sheikh Obid, Siti Normala, 2015. "Foreign investors' interests and corporate tax avoidance: Evidence from an emerging economy," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 11(2), pages 138-147.
    8. Abdul Majid, Jamaliah, 2015. "Reporting incentives, ownership concentration by the largest outside shareholder, and reported goodwill impairment losses," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 199-214.
    9. Chiu-Hui Wu, 2021. "On the Moderating Effects of Country Governance on the Relationships between Corporate Governance and Firm Performance," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-13, March.

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