What are the three basis of accounting on which financial statements are created?

• A. accrual, cash, tax
• B. accrual, cash, fair value
• C. cash, tax, fair value
• D. accrual, cash, revenue

Answer: (A)

Bases of accounting define how transactions are recognized in financial statements. The three bases typically used are accrual, cash, and tax. Accrual records revenues when earned and expenses when incurred, aligning income with the period in which it relates. Cash basis records transactions only when cash changes hands, which can differ from when the event occurs. Tax basis follows tax rules and can diverge from financial reporting for timing and allowable deductions. These three cover the main ways organizations prepare statements, whereas other options mix a measurement approach (like fair value) or use an element (revenue) that isn’t itself a full accounting basis.