Why does accrual basis net income provide a better measure of performance than cash-basis net income?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 04, 2026
Accrual accounting is more accurate in terms of net income because it matches income with the expenses incurred to produce it. It is also more realistic for measuring business performance.
Why accrual basis is better than cash-basis?
Accrual accounting gives a better indication of business performance because it shows when income and expenses occurred. If you want to see if a particular month was profitable, accrual will tell you. Some businesses like to also use cash basis accounting for certain tax purposes, and to keep tabs on their cash flow.
Which is the better measure of performance cash flow or net income?
Net income is the money you have left after accounting for all forms of revenue and recognized costs of doing business. However, operating cash flow is often viewed as a better ongoing measure of a company’s financial health.
Why is accrual basis accounting better?
Accrual accounting generally makes the relationships between revenue and expenses clearer, providing better insight into profitability. It also offers a more accurate picture of a company’s assets and liabilities on its balance sheet.
How do you calculate cash basis net income?
Under the cash-basis method, you may not record any expenses that you have been billed for but have not paid. Subtract your total cash-basis expenses from your cash-basis income. The result is your net income using the cash -basis accounting method.
What is accrual basis net income?
Accruals are revenues earned or expenses incurred which impact a company’s net income on the income statement, although cash related to the transaction has not yet changed hands. Accruals also affect the balance sheet, as they involve non-cash assets and liabilities.
Can you change from accrual to cash basis?
Eligible small business taxpayers that have been using the accrual method but now want to switch to the cash method will need to file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method by the due date (including extensions) of the tax return for the year of change.
What is cash-basis net income?
Cash basis refers to a major accounting method that recognizes revenues and expenses at the time cash is received or paid out. This contrasts accrual accounting, which recognizes income at the time the revenue is earned and records expenses when liabilities are incurred regardless of when cash is received or paid. Live.
Is QuickBooks a cash or accrual basis?
QuickBooks generally reports cash on hand when you use it on a cash basis. It records income when you receive payments and expenses when you pay a bill. Outstanding invoices do not count toward your profit, nor can you deduct expenses when you incur them but only when you write the check.