NIA-ES 570 (2026): what changes in viability audits and how it affects your company

Key data

Companies that are required to be audited will find a more demanding auditor in the next review of their accounts. The Resolution of July 16, 2026 from the ICAC submits to public consultation the Spanish adaptation of NIA 570 (Revised 2024), the international standard that regulates how auditors should analyze whether a company can continue operating as a going concern. The period for submitting comments is two months from publication in the BOE, that is, until October 2026.

The change is significant: this revision updates the standards of the IAASB (International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board) for application in Spain and brings modifications for consistency in another 21 auditing technical standards (NIA-ES).

What does this regulation establish?

NIA-ES 570 regulates the work that the auditor must perform to determine whether a company can continue operating in the foreseeable future, which in technical terms is called the "going concern principle". The 2024 revision raises the bar for this analysis.

The main changes introduced by NIA-ES 570 (Revised 2024) are:

• Strengthened viability assessment requirements: auditors must apply more rigorous procedures to detect signs that a company may not continue operating.
• Modifications in cascade in 21 NIA-ES: the new standard requires updating 21 other auditing technical standards to maintain the coherence of the Spanish regulatory framework.
• Obligation to report on corporate income tax in the audit report: this change aligns with the Startups Law and applicable European directives.
• Adaptation of IAASB international standards for specific application in the Spanish regulatory environment.

The standard is currently in the public information phase: any auditor, audited company or representative audit corporation can submit comments before the standard is definitively approved.

Economic and operational impact

Although the standard does not yet have an effective date, its final approval will have direct operational consequences for two groups:

• For audited companies: the auditor will request more information and documentation about the company's financial situation and ability to continue operating. This can result in longer audit processes, greater need to prepare supporting documentation and, in borderline cases, audit opinions with emphasis paragraphs or qualifications regarding going concern.
• For auditors: they will need to update their methodologies, work programs and report templates to comply with the new requirements of the 21 modified NIA-ES. This requires training and internal adaptation effort.

The inclusion of information about corporate income tax in the audit report adds a layer of tax transparency that particularly affects companies with complex tax structures or that benefit from special regimes such as those provided for in the Startups Law.

Who does it affect?

• Auditors: must adapt their procedures, methodologies and reports to the new standards of NIA-ES 570 and the 21 modified NIA-ES.
• Companies required to audit their financial statements: entities that exceed the legal thresholds for mandatory audit (by assets, turnover or number of employees) and that will have to provide more information about their financial viability.
• Representative audit corporations: have the right to submit comments during the public consultation period and to communicate the implications to their members.
• Companies covered by the Startups Law and others with special tax regimes, which will see their tax situation reflected in the audit report.

Practical example

Imagine a mid-sized technology company, required to audit its accounts, that has recorded accumulated losses over the last two fiscal years and has a credit line renewed annually by its bank. Under the current NIA-ES 570, the auditor analyzes that situation and may include an emphasis paragraph in their report.

With NIA-ES 570 (Revised 2024), the auditor will have to apply more exhaustive and documented procedures to assess whether that company can continue operating: analysis of projected cash flows, review of bank commitments, evaluation of business plans. Additionally, if the company benefits from any tax benefit under the Startups Law, that information must be expressly reflected in the audit report.

The practical result: the company will need to prepare more financial and tax documentation in advance to facilitate the auditor's work, and the audit process may be extended if information is not available from the start.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company is required to be audited: if you exceed the legal thresholds, this standard will directly affect you when it comes into force. Confirm your situation with your accounting advisor.
2. Review available financial documentation: prepare cash flow projections, business plans and documentation on financing lines. The auditor will request these in more detail under the new standard.
3. Coordinate with your auditor: ask your audit firm how it plans to adapt its methodology to NIA-ES 570 (Revised 2024) and what additional information it will need from your company.
4. If you are an auditor or representative corporation: take advantage of the comment period (until October 2026) to submit technical observations to the ICAC on the adaptation of the standard.
5. Follow the final approval process: the standard does not yet have an effective date. Monitor ICAC publications to learn about the mandatory application timeline.

Official source

Check complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-17276