Accounting is an important part of running a small business. Whether you handle your own finances or work with an accountant, it's important to understand different strategies for bookkeeping.
Cash basis and accrual basis are two common methods of accounting for business. They both have potential advantages and disadvantages, and each can be useful for different types of businesses.
In this guide, learn more about the key differences between cash and accrual accounting.
Cash basis accounting is the process of reporting only income that has been received and expenses that have been paid. Meaning, a business won't report open invoices, bills, or accounts payable that haven't been paid off yet.
So if a small business purchased inventory on credit in December and didn't pay it off until January, it would only be listed as an expense in January.
Some of the potential advantages of cash basis accounting include:
There are certain limitations of cash basis accounting, such as:
Accrual basis accounting is the process of reporting income and expenses even before they are fully paid. So if a customer is billed but they haven't paid yet, it's still reported as revenue. And if inventory is purchased but not paid off yet, it's still reported as an expense.
Some of the potential advantages of accrual basis accounting include:
It's also important to understand the possible limitations of accrual basis accounting, such as:
Take these factors into account to decide when to use cash vs. accrual accounting:
Transitioning between cash vs. accrual accounting can be complicated. If you're used to only tracking current cash flow, you may need additional resources to start reporting unpaid invoices and expenses.
It's important to adhere to any IRS compliance standards regulations when reporting income on your taxes.
Businesses can also use PayPal accounting solutions to manage their billing, invoicing, and taxes from one place. Learn more about PayPal's integrated accounting software.
Cash and accrual basis accounting each offer unique benefits for different types of businesses. It's important to understand each method so you can choose the right approach for your financial needs. Remember to consult an accounting professional or financial advisor for guidance as you grow your business.
You can also use your PayPal Business account to streamline transactions and find new ways to improve your financial health. Learn more about managing your finances and accounting with PayPal’s Business Resource Center.
In partnership with three expert business owners, the PayPal Bootcamp includes practical checklists and a short video loaded with tips to help take your business to the next level.
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