2024 universal registration document

Accounting principles

The income tax charge includes the current tax expense payable by each consolidated tax entity and the deferred tax expense. Deferred tax is calculated whenever there are temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their basis for consolidated accounting purposes, using the balance sheet liability method.

The restatement of assets and liabilities relating to lease contracts results in the booking of deferred tax.

Deferred tax includes irrecoverable taxation on estimated or confirmed dividends.

Deferred tax is measured using the tax rate enacted at the closing date and which will also apply when the temporary differences reverse.

Deferred tax assets generated by tax loss carryforwards are only recognised to the extent it is probable that the entities will be able to generate taxable profit against which they can be utilised.

Under the French system of tax consolidation, the taxable profits of some French companies are offset when determining the overall tax charge, which is payable only by L’Oréal, the parent company of the tax group. Tax consolidation systems also exist outside France.

Uncertain tax positions are recorded in the balance sheet under Non-current tax liabilities. These correspond to an estimate of tax risks and litigation related to income tax for the various countries in which the Group operates.