{"id":38765,"date":"2023-01-31T04:29:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T04:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=38765"},"modified":"2023-03-08T13:28:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T13:28:22","slug":"cash-basis-accounting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/finance-accounting\/cash-basis-accounting\/","title":{"rendered":"CASH BASIS ACCOUNTING: Definition, Expense Recognition & Basic Principle\u00a0","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

If you own a business, the term ”Cash basis accounting” might not be new to you. This is because you might be using this accounting method for your business or the accrual method. Whichever method of accounting you’re using both cash basis accounting vs accrual, you need to understand the details of it. Such details include its definition, an example of cash basis accounting, and examples of companies that use cash basis accounting. All the information above and more are the content you will find in this article.<\/p>

Cash Basis Accounting <\/span><\/h2>

The cash method of accounting is also known as the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting. This method of accounting is typically rooted in cash accounting records and revenue. Meaning that, when you receive cash, as well as the expenses in cash, it is basically a cash basis.<\/p>

You can also say that it refers to an accounting method that recognizes revenues and expenses at the time you receive cash or pay cash out. It is also the practice of recording revenue when your business receives cash and also recording expenses when you pay out in cash.<\/p>

This method of accounting is commonly used by individuals and small businesses since it involves the easiest accounting process and is also suitable for people in inventory. Understanding this method further typically means that when your business records transactions, they are on a cash basis. This affects business accounting upon exchange of consideration. <\/p>

Understanding This Method<\/h3>

So, does this mean that cash basis accounting is less accurate than accrual accounting in the short term?. I will answer this question by reminding you that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 prohibits that cash basis accounting method from being put in use for C corporations. As well as, tax shelters, certain types of trusts, and partnerships that have C Corporation partners why? We will discuss these reasons further.<\/p>

For instance, if an engineer secures a major contract but will only receive compensation upon completion of his project, using cash-basis accounting, the engineer will only be able to recognize the revenue upon project completion, which is when he\/she receives cash. However, during the time of the project, he records the project’s expenses as they come in, even if the project’s time span is greater than one year. Then, the business income statements will appear to be wrong as they will show the business incurring big losses one year following great gains the next.<\/p>

Some of the Advantages of the Cash Basis Method of Accounting<\/h2>

This method of accounting has two basic or major benefits and they include the following;<\/p>

Ease of Use<\/strong><\/h3>

To keep records with this method of accounting, you don\u2019t require a high knowledge of accounting in general. There are also many accounting software packages that are currently available online for this method of accounting, as well to ensure their easy use.<\/p>

Taxation <\/h3>

This method of accounting is often in use to record financial results, especially for tax purposes. Now, a business can increase a few payments in order to lower its taxable profits, thereby postponing its tax liability through the aid of this method. <\/p>

Cash Basis Accounting vs Accrual <\/h2>

Firstly before we compare cash basis accounting vs accrual, let\u2019s look at the two methods independently. A cash accounting basis is a method where receipts of payments are put on record during the period in which they receive them. While your business records expenses during the period in which they are paid.<\/p>

The Accrual method of accounting is a method where you record revenue or expenses immediately after a transaction occurs not when you receive payment. Accrual accounting is disconnecting from when the money in question actually changes hands. Which emphasizes the effect of timing and also yields a more accurate picture of a company\u2019s business activity.<\/p>

Importantly, the striking difference between accrual vs cash basis accounting is mainly the time in which the business recognizes revenue and expenses. While the cash method recognizes the revenue and expenses immediately, the accrual method concerns anticipated revenue and expenses.  <\/p>

Differences in Cash Basis vs Accrual Accounting<\/h3>

Having understood what these two methods of accounting means, you could tell what their differences are. However, these differences include;<\/p>

Accrual Method<\/h4>