Accrual method notes for Enrolled Agents

 Business expenses and interest owed to a related person who uses the cash method of accounting are not deductible until you make the payment and the corresponding amount is includible in the related person's gross income. Determine the relationship for this rule as of the end of the tax year for which the expense or interest would otherwise be deductible.

Under the accrual method, you generally report income in the tax year you earn it, regardless of when payment is reneived. You deduct expenses in the tax year you incur them, regardless of when payment is made.

• You can take a current deduction for taxes when economic performance occurs.

• You generally report income in the year earned and deduct or capitalize expenses in the year incurred.
• You generally report receipt of an advance payment for services to be performed in a later tax year as income in the year you receive the payment.

A corporation using the accrual method deducts only interest that has accrued during the tax year. 

Under the accrual method, an amount is includable in income when all events occur that fix the right to receive the income. Recognition occurs on the earliest of the date the required performance takes place, or payment is due, or payment is received and the amount can be determined with reasonable accuracy. The taxpayer earns the right for payment on the date of shipment.

In other words Under the accrual method use the earliest date documented that proves a sale. Example if a corporation ships their product to a customer. and provides the invoice to the customer to pay on a later date; Use the shipping date because it's the earliest date.