Present fairly definition

What is Present Fairly in Accounting?

Present fairly is a term used within the text of an audit report to indicate that the following concepts were in place at the entity under review:

  • The accounting principles applied by the firm are generally accepted

  • The accounting principles are appropriate under the circumstances encountered by the firm

  • The financial statements are reasonably informative about matters that may impact their use and interpretation

  • The financial statement information is reasonably classified and summarized

  • The financial statements reflect the underlying transactions within a range of acceptable limits

Consequently, using the term "present fairly" means that the financial statements attached to the auditor's report give a reasonable view of the financial results, financial position, and cash flows of the reporting entity.

Example of Present Fairly in an Audit Report

The following text contains a sample of an audit report in which the ‘present fairly’ phrase is used:

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pensive Corporation as of December 31, 20X1, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

[Auditor’s signature]

[Auditor’s city and state]

[Date of the report]

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