On 20 July 2018, an update of mortality reference tables (Heubeck 2018 G), were released by Heubeck AG – the firm that has published mortality tables used for the valuation of German pension obligations since 1948. The report shows lower mortality rates and disability rates as well as, for the first time, the present need for gender-independent assessments. The new mortality reference tables will likely apply to international accounting statements and balance sheets at the latest on 31 December 2018. In the balance sheet, the effect of the conversion would be recognized as an expense immediately. In international accounting, the changes to the reference tables will be recognized directly in equity. An appropriation to book reserves of up to 1.5 percent is expected in the tax balance sheet, depending on the employee basis. Based on commercial law and international accounting principles, the effect may be greater, up to 2.5 percent, largely dependent on the actuarial interest rate, salary trends and fluctuations. The tax effects of the mortality table conversion are expected to be spread over at least three years, and the German tax balance sheet is likely to increase between 0.8 percent and 1.5 percent depending on the plan.