Output & filing formats
These are not bases of accounting — they are layers on top of a chosen GAAP that govern how statements are tagged, filed or produced. They don't compete in the Standards policy; they apply once you've chosen a basis.
Relevant mainly for listed / SEC clients and for the engagement under which financials are issued. Documented here for completeness; deeper tooling is deferred until there's a public-company / assurance use case.
Digital filing taxonomies (XBRL)
| Format | Region | What it governs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESEF (European Single Electronic Format) | EU | iXBRL/xHTML tagging of listed issuers' IFRS consolidated statements; built on the IFRS XBRL taxonomy. 2025 taxonomy mandatory for FY starting on/after 1 Jan 2026 | ESMA — ESEF |
| US-GAAP Financial Reporting Taxonomy | US | Inline-XBRL tagging required of SEC filers (EDGAR); the US counterpart to ESEF | XBRL US — 2026 US-GAAP taxonomy |
SEC reporting overlay (US public companies)
| Framework | Issuer | What it governs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation S-X | SEC | Form & content of financial statements for SEC registrants (17 CFR Part 210) | sec.gov |
| Regulation S-K | SEC | Narrative/non-financial disclosure requirements | sec.gov |
SEC Reg S-X/S-K is mid-reform in 2026 (proposed optional semiannual reporting + S-X simplification) — confirm specifics before relying.
Engagement modes (how SMB financials are issued)
| Standard | Issuer | What it governs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AICPA SSARS (AR-C 70 / 80 / 90) | AICPA | The three service levels under which non-public financials are produced: Preparation, Compilation, Review — driving report wording & disclaimers | AICPA — SSARS |