by Blair Butters | Jun 20, 2022 | Accounting, General Tax and Accounting Information
As a small business owner, there are many decisions to be made, particularly when you’re just starting out, to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. One important decision to make is selecting an appropriate accounting method for your business. Accounting methods are simply the rules your business will follow when reporting revenues and expenses. Today, we’ll dive into the two primary accounting methods — accrual vs cash-based accounting — what they mean, and how to choose between the two when setting up your business. Before we get started, it’s important to note the IRS requires taxpayers to choose an accounting method that accurately reflects their income and to be consistent with their choice of accounting method from year to year. This is because switching between methods could potentially allow a company to manipulate its revenue to minimize its tax burdens. To change your accounting method, you must receive approval from the IRS, typically with Form 3115. It’s important to choose your method carefully; if you’re unsure which method would work best for you, consult with a tax advisor before launching your business. Cash-Based Accounting Method We will start with the cash-based accounting method, as it is the method most used by many small businesses. Cash-based accounting recognizes revenue when cash is received and when expenses are paid. For example, when you receive a bill from a vendor that is due next month, that expense is not recognized until it is paid. This is a simpler method because there is no need for accounts like Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable – only cash accounts are required. This option is...
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