Accounting Method is the method by which income and expenses are accounted for taxation purposes. The Internal Revenue Service needs taxpayers to select an accounting method that precisely reflects their income and to be reliable in their choice of accounting method from year to year. IRS approval is needed to modify methods. The chosen accounting technique is based on regulation and tax minimization strategies.

The two main accounting methods in North America are accrual and cash accounting. Cash accounting reports income and expenses in the year in which they are received and paid while accrual accounting reports income and expenses in the year in which they are gained and incurred. 

Cash, special, accrual and hybrid methods are all permissible choices if particular requirements are met.