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 time period a real estate investment is held. The return is tied to the time period of the investment. The period is used for income tax purpose to determine whether a profit earned or ...
The term market segmentation is mostly used in marketing for assembling prospective buyers in groups based on their needs and their response to a marketing action. One definition of market ...
Premiums in insurance and real estate define as a bonus or surplus money. A dividend means a periodic fee you have to pay for your insurance protection. While in real estate, a premium ...
Exposed heating unit located within a room that transfers heat generated by hot water or stream through conduction. The surrounding air circulates around the radiator using convection ...
The floor of a building closets to the building grade. Normally, the ground floor of a building is the first floor. A ground floor can sometimes be located between the first floor and the ...
An inlaid stone or wood flooring arranged in tightly fitting geometrical patterns. It is decorative and often more than one color. ...
Issued to correct errors in another deed such as spelling errors in a name or an improper legal description. For example, a correction deed was issued to the property owner Smith to amend ...
Real estate held for productive use or investment. Land is recorded at the acquisition price plus incidental costs including real estate commissions attorney's fees, escrow fees, title, ...
Form of financing that replaces or "takes-out" a construction loan to a developer. The take-out loan is a permanent mortgage loan which replaces the construction loan when, commonly, the ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.