Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.

In what year do payments to subcontactors count, for tax purposes? For example if I don't make the payment until after Jan 1 but the money was earned the previous year, which tax year does that count for?

I'm pretty sure the answer is obvious but just in case.

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

First you need to understand that each country has its own tax laws which vary.

In the United States companies have a choice of using either the cash or accrual basis of accounting. Under the cash basis the revenue counts in the tax year that the payment was actually received (or paid in the case of the company making the payment).

Under the accrual system, the revenue (or cost) is recognized in the year the work was done. Payment could have occurred either before (pre-payment) or after the work.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.