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Today, many organizations rely on cloud-based tools to store and manage data. However, the costs to set up cloud computing services can be significant, and many business owners are unsure whether the implementation costs must be immediately expensed or capitalized. Changes made in recent years provide some much-needed clarity to the rules.

Advantages of Cloud Storage

Before diving into the accounting rules, it’s important to understand the potential benefits of cloud-computing arrangements, including:

Cost Savings

Cloud storage reduces the need for physical servers and IT infrastructure, lowering capital expenses.

Remote Access

Cloud systems let your team access data and tools from anywhere. This can be ideal for hybrid or remote work models — or small business owners who frequently travel.

Scalability

As your business grows, cloud services can easily scale to match your data and software needs. However, it’s critical to vet cloud-service providers carefully. Always choose a provider that offers strong security protocols and automated data backup. This reduces the risk of data loss from hardware failure or human error. As companies grow, they may decide to switch to cloud providers that offer enhanced security or more robust features.

Implementation Costs

Whether your business is adopting cloud services for the first time or transitioning from one provider to another, setup costs can be significant. These often range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. First-time implementation costs typically include:

• Consulting and planning
• System configuration
• Data migration
• Integration with existing tools
• User training
• Post-launch support

Among the most labor-intensive, expensive parts of the process are migrating data securely and ensuring that cloud applications are tailored to your workflow. Additionally, time spent coordinating between your team, vendors and consultants can add up quickly. Switching cloud providers can also be costly. You’ll likely need to repeat many of the same implementation steps. Plus, you might face other challenges, such as reformatting or cleaning data, re-establishing integrations, retraining employees and minimizing downtime. Some providers may charge exit fees or make data retrieval cumbersome. The more customized your current system is, the harder (and costlier) it may be to transfer your setup to a new platform.

Accounting Rules

Previously, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required companies to immediately expense all setup costs for cloud contracts that didn’t include a software license. This treatment impaired a company’s profits in the year it implemented a cloud-computing arrangement. Fortunately, the Financial Accounting Standards Board updated the accounting rules in 2018. Now, businesses can capitalize and amortize certain implementation costs for service contracts that don’t include a software license. Specifically, costs related to the application development phase — such as configuration, coding and testing — can be capitalized and gradually expensed over the life of the contract. However, costs from the preliminary research phase or post-launch support still must be immediately expensed. Spreading out certain implementation costs over the contract’s life can improve financial ratios and reduce year-over-year volatility in reported profits. The updated guidance went into effect in 2020 for calendar-year public companies and in 2021 for all other entities. However, you may not be aware of these changes if your company is adopting cloud services for the first time — or if you previously implemented a cloud arrangement under the old rules and are now switching providers.

For More Information

The accounting rules for cloud computing arrangements can be complex, especially when determining which costs qualify and how to apply them across different contracts. Contact us for guidance on reporting these arrangements properly under current GAAP. We can help you review agreements, classify implementation costs, and choose a provider that offers both strong security and the functionality your business needs. © 2025