OT(ish): what exactly is a "pre tax loss"

Old Feb 5, 2010 | 1:06 am
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OT(ish): what exactly is a "pre tax loss"

So BA has posted a "pre tax loss" of GBP 50 million, as discussed in the other thread.

I understand that you make a loss when your costs exceed your revenue. I assume that pre-tax profits means the difference between your revenue and costs when revenue > costs before you are taxed on the profits? So where does the 'pre-tax' come in when you make a loss. Surely you are not taxed on your losses?
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 1:18 am
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Taxes are not based on accounting income, but taxable income, which could differ significantly based on numerous issues-investments, loss carry forwards, etc. With much of the income statement being influenced by changes in market values of items (derivatives, investment assets, etc), accounting income isn't necessarily a good indicator of performance. That's where cash flow statements come in (Cash is King).
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 3:29 am
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That, and losses can have tax benefits. In rare cases a pre-tax loss can still result in a profit after tax benefits (at least in NL, but we are a corporate tax haven of course...)
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 3:57 am
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Tax losses can be carried forwards to future years and reduce the tax payable. This means you can effective record a negative tax charge (ie a tax rebate) to reduce the overall deduction you make to your reserves for the loss.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 4:56 am
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Thanks chaps. Slightly clearer now. ^
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 4:59 am
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Originally Posted by Sixth Freedom
Thanks chaps. Slightly clearer now.
I see, said the blind man.
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