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Startup Accounting

Contract Modifications, Upgrades, and Renewals Under ASC 606

Written by Nirmala Murugesan

Curated by Rubric Financial

Last updated

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What Counts as a Modification

  • A contract modification is a change in the scope or price of a contract that both parties approve.
  • Approval can be written, oral, or implied by customary business practices, as long as it creates enforceable rights and obligations.
  • Mid-term upsells, added seats, plan changes, and negotiated renewals are all common SaaS modifications.
  • If the parties have not yet approved a change in scope, you continue to apply the existing contract terms.

About the author

Nirmala MurugesanCA, CPA

Partner, Accounting

CA and CPA with 20+ years across U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and cross-border entity accounting. Leads accounting and controllership at StartupCFO: clean close, audit-ready books, and multi-entity structures for venture-backed startups.

More articles by Nirmala →

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