accrual method

Accrual Accounting

A system of accounting that recognizes revenue and matches it with the expenses that generated that revenue. Unlike other systems of accounting, which recognize revenue and expenses in the order in which they are received, the accrual accounting convention ignores the function of time and only considers what expenses generate what revenues, even if payments have not actually been made. Companies with inventories are required to use the accrual method for tax purposes.

accrual method

An accounting method in which income is counted when it is earned (whether you receive the money at that time or not) and expenses are counted when incurred (whether you pay the bill at that time or not). It is the opposite of the cash method, in which income is counted when money is received and expenses are counted when the bills are paid.Most businesses use the accrual method because it allows income,and the expenses associated with generating that income, to be accounted for in the same period. (Many small businesses use the cash method because it's easier.)