If I change my accounting method from cash to accrual, do I have the option to change it back later to cash? Or are there permanent changes that cannot be undone?

Hi there, mario17.

Thank you for visiting the QuickBooks Community. Let me discuss how Accounting Method works in QuickBooks. Then, I'll ensure you can update the method into cash or accrual.

You can always change your accounting method in QuickBooks in just a few steps in your reports and in the Accounting section. That said, yes, you have the option to change it back later to cash anytime. Please know that each method reports your income and expenses differently. Once you change your accounting method, accounts and balances in your reports might show up differently.

Change the accounting method for your company:

1. Click the Gear icon ⚙ and select Account and settings.
2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. From the Accounting section, click the Edit ✎ icon.
4. Choose the Accounting method and click the drop-down arrow. Then, choose Cash or Accrual.
5. Select Save and Done.

Change the method on a report:

1. Go to Business overview and select Reports.
2. Choose a report.
3. Under the Accounting method, select Cash or Accrual (you can also select the Customize button to open the Customize Report window and change the setting in the General section).
4. Click Run report.

Additionally, each method has its own pros and cons. It's necessary to understand how each method works so you can choose the best bookkeeping practices for your business. If you're unsure which method to use, you can consult your accountant to help you further on this matter.

Lastly, you can read this article to learn more about what happens behind the scenes in QuickBooks with accounting terms: Learn common accounting terms.

Stay in touch if you need further assistance when working on the accounting method in QBO. I’m more than happy to lend a helping hand, mario17. Have a great day ahead.

Thanks! Yes, I was only referring to making a change in QBO (not the IRS). Just wanted to make sure there are no permanent changes going to accrual, and no issues reverting back to cash if need be. 

Hello again, Rainflurry.

I appreciate you for always sharing your knowledge about QuickBooks. This will definitely help other users as well in the future. Please keep on posting here in the Community.

Keep safe and have a great rest of the day.

Changing your accounting method from cash to accrual-basis in QB just flips a switch to include or exclude the amounts on AP and AR Agings.  Doing accrual-basis vs. cash basis accounting is a matter of the entries made and the timing of those entries. For example, recording revenue in the month earned vs. when billed or paid.

Here are some examples that might help.