Differentiate between cash-basis accounting and accrual-basis accounting. Why is accrual-basis accounting the preferred method for most businesses? The Internal Revenue Service requires all companies with sales over $5,000,000 to use the accrual-basis of accounting for income tax reporting purposes. Why

Reason : To ensure constant flow of cash

Explanation:

Accrual Basis of accounting records transactions when they meet definition and recognition criteria of Assets, Liabilities,Equity, Expense and Incomes.

This is different from cash-basis accounting which records transactions at the receipt or payment of cash.

Because of timing difference, the cash transactions (cash basis) can happen a late than the day of recognition of the elements (accrual basis).

Hence Revenue services demand that income tax be calculated on accrual basis to ensure a constant flow of cash whenever an entity transact.