Should You Use Cash Basis or Accrual Accounting for Tax Purposes?

The most popular method of accounting is cash basis, primarily because of its simplicity. Reporting on the cash basis allows the business to report income as cash received and expenses as they are paid. Under the accrual method, income is reported in the year it is earned and expenses are either deducted or capitalized in the year they are incurred.

Cash basis tax reporting is best for companies who are in their growth phase, where their accounts receivable grows each year and is in excess of their accounts payable and other accrued liabilities. This allows for a deferral of taxable income related to those receivables until they are actually collected. However, there are limitations on what entity types are eligible to report on the cash basis. With a few exceptions, C-corporations are generally not eligible to report on the cash basis method for tax purposes. However, many partnerships, limited liability corporations and S-corporations are eligible to use the cash basis method for tax reporting.

Wondering which method you should use for your business? Contact Aprio’s Assurance team for assistance and guidance.