The corporation tax expense or credit represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable or repayable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the profit and loss account because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. It also includes claims for Research and Development allowances. The company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.
Deferred tax is recognised on timing differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all material taxable timing differences.