Accrual basis is an accounting method in which you factor in profits and expenses as they are incurred, rather than after the money has actually changed hands. For example, say you sell your friend a laptop, and he agrees to pay you $1,000 next week. If you’re keeping your accounts on an accrual basis, you write down the $1,000 as income now, even though you won’t actually get the money until next week.

Tags: accounting, accrual basis