Home / Cash basis
BusinessPlanning

Cash basis

Recording income when received and expenses when paid. The default for most sole proprietors and small businesses.

What is Cash basis?

Recording income when received and expenses when paid. The default for most sole proprietors and small businesses.

Why it matters on your return

Cash basis gives simple, controllable timing: paying a January bill in December moves the deduction. It also means unpaid invoices are not income yet, which is a planning lever at year end.

Example

A freelancer delays sending December invoices until January 2, pushing $15,000 of income into the next year, and prepays a $6,000 annual subscription in December to deduct it now.

Can I switch from cash to accrual later?

Yes, with a Form 3115 accounting method change. Some changes are automatic; others need IRS consent.

Last reviewed September 15, 2026. Tax rules change; confirm current law before acting.

Share this article
TALK TO US

Not sure how this applies to you?

A confidential consultation. Tell us what you have, and we will tell you what applies and what it costs.

SCHEDULE A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

Tell us what you have. We will tell you what applies and what it costs.

Hourly billing, estimated up front, with a deposit applied to the work.

Get started

Fill this out and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.