Al is a medical doctor who conducts his practice as a sole proprietor. During 2013, he received cash of $280,000 for medical services. Of the amount collected, $40,000 was for services provided in 2012. At the end of 2013, Al had accounts receivable of $60,000, all for services rendered in 2013. In addition, at the end of the year, Al received $12,000 as an advance payment from a health maintenance organization (HMO) for services to be rendered in 2014. Compute Al's gross income for 2013:
a. Using the cash basis of accounting.
b. Using the accrual basis of accounting.
c. Advise Al on which method of accounting he should use?

a. Cash basis

This recognizes revenue and expenses only when cash been received or spent.

Gross income for 2013 = Cash received for medical services + Advance payment

= 280,000 + 12,000

= $292,000

b. Accrual basis

This recognizes only revenue and expenses incurred in a period, regardless of if cash is paid or not.

Gross income for 2013 = Cash received for medical services - Cash received for medical services provided in previous periods + Accounts receivable

= 280,000 - 40,000 + 60,000

= $300,000

c. Use CASH BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

From a taxation point of view, using the cash basis would be more beneficial as Al will pay a less amount of tax as it is a lower income.

He will also be sure of the cash received unlike Accrual that recognizes Accounts receivable which have a chance of not being collected.