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
A forced sale or forced liquidation typically means an involuntary sale of valuables or property for financial reasons. If an unpredictable or uncontrollable event emerges, a seller must ...
Derogative term describing a high-pressure telemarketing office where sales personnel often use extremely exaggerated claims as well as intense sales practices to convince targets clients ...
Right of an individual to be offered something before it is offered to others. For example, a tenant whose apartment is going to be converted to a cooperative has the first right of ...
One who has committed a tort. A tort is a civil wrong that occurs as a result of a breach of legal duty owed to someone, e.g., negligence. A tort does not arise from a breach of contract. ...
A portion of a real estate company's assets financed with debt instead of equity. It involves interest an principal obligations. Financial leverage is beneficial to real estate investors ...
The largest financial intermediaries directly involved in the financing of real estate. Commercial banks act as lenders for a multitude of loans. While they occasionally provide financing ...
Sales commission charged to buy shares in a real estate mutual fund sold by a broker or salesperson. Typically, the fee ranges from about 1 percent to 8 percent of the initial investment. ...
maintenance procedures conducted to prevent later repairs and furthering a longer useful life. For example, many boilers and burners are cleaned and serviced each year before the winter ...
The amount of a periodic payment, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually, including interest and principal, required for a mortgage payment. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.