Generally, you can use either of the following accounting methods.
- Cash method (most common)
- Accrual method
What is the Cash Method?
Under the cash method, include income when you actually receive it and deduct expenses when you pay them during the tax year.
What is the Accrual Method?
You generally report income in the year earned - not necessarily received and deduct expenses in the year incurred - not necessarily when paid.
Additional Information
Once you have set up your accounting method, you must receive approval from the IRS before you can change it.
See Publication 225.