Cash Accounting Method
In business, one may come across the cash accounting method, also known as cash-basis accounting, during the accounting period. The cash method of accounting is used where payments are recorded as revenues when cash is received, and expenses are recorded when cash is spent. This means that revenues can be registered in the financial statement during one accounting period, while expenses can be registered in the financial statement during another accounting period, regardless of the matching principle under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This situation limits the use of the cash accounting method to small businesses.
What is the Cash Accounting Method used for?
As one of the two basic methods of accounting, the cash accounting method is the simplest and less expensive of the two, perfect for the use of small businesses. The reason for that is the fact that it provides an accurate image of the business’ financial situation at that exact moment. It shows a company how much money they have on hand at that moment.
More prominent companies and corporations, however, are not allowed to use other accounting methods than the accrual method of accounting as it respects the generally accepted accounting principles. Small businesses are allowed to choose the type of accounting method they want to use. While the accrual method is more complex and expensive, the cash method can generate delays in the company’s books as it doesn’t give a broader picture of its financial situation.
Furthermore, the IRS prohibits using the cash accounting method for companies with an annual gross income of over $25 million, and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 forbids companies that have shareholders and partnerships from using it as well. It should be noted that the accounting method used for tax purposes must be the same as the one used for internal booking.
Popular Real Estate Terms
The definition for the gross living area published by the Appraisal Institute’s Dictionary of Real Estate 4th Edition is: “The total area of finished, above-grade residential ...
In urban areas, one way to organize urban development is to keep track of building density. The building density definition is a way to determine the concentration of buildings in a given ...
All expenses related to maintaining and operating a household. These expenses include the cost of rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, maintenance and structural improvements. The ...
Also called earnest money. Money deposited with an individual for security for the performance of some contract. This is intended to show his/her willingness to follow through with the ...
Apartment building in which each resident owns a percentage share of the corporation that owns the building. ...
Contract that intends to convey property form one individual to another but is defective in one respect. ...
Appraisal performed in accordance with the National Housing Act to determine the resale value of vacant or improved property in an urban area to be or under development. The renewal ...
Mutually binding property sales contract where the title remains with the seller until the purchase price is paid by the buyer. It is a contract to convey title in the future upon ...
Effective Age is the counterpart to a property’s Actual Age. While the former refers to the date a property was built, the latter is more of a sensorial depiction of its age; the age ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.