I have seen plenty of North Texas businesses get into hot water because they were using the wrong method to track their cash.

Yep, today, let’s talk accounting. 🙂

Specifically, whether your business should operate as CASH or operate as ACCRUAL. Cash is a great option to start. It’s simple. But you can get into hot water, come tax time, or when you tally your profits, if you should be running an accrual business.

Here are some things to consider…

Cash vs. Accrual Accounting: Two Main Differences For North Texas Businesses To Consider

“Accounting is the language of business.” -Warren Buffett

Let’s look at a few differentiators between the two and how each could help, or hurt, your North Texas business moving forward.

Timing

The key difference between cash and accrual accounting is largely due to timing.

For instance, cash accounting considers revenue right when the cash is received, and right when you pay expenses. Many businesses opt for cash accounting because it’s easier to keep track of — it’s a simple method especially for entry-level accountants to maintain.

On the other hand, accrual-based accounting keeps track of earnings as opposed to what’s actually been received. Although cash accounting is simple, accrual is more popular because of this timing: businesses consider revenue upon “project completion” instead of waiting to receive the money.

Taxes

There are tax implications depending on which method you choose. 

The most obvious tax change, between cash and accrual accounting, is in what year the taxes will apply to any given business. A primary example using accrual: invoicing a client in December means the transaction occurred in 2019, even if you don’t get paid until January 2020.

Your accounting team should decide on a method that best suits you, but it’s important to be consistent in whichever you choose. Also, note that some businesses are REQUIRED to use accrual accounting.

Lastly, you’ll need to file Form 3115 if switching accounting methods. It’s not too difficult, but it is necessary.

Make sure you give this issue its rightful attention, or it could come back to haunt you — even if accounting already shows up in your nightmares. 🙂

I’m grateful for our chance to serve you and your business — and we are dedicated to its success. 

Can other attorneys say that?

Feel free to share this post with a business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance. While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we focus our practice in tax problem resolution and estate planning for families and business owners.

Warmly,

Bill Bronson

(972) 770-2660

The Bronson Law Firm, P.C.