What is the main advantage of using the accrual basis of accounting?

The main advantage of using the accrual basis of accounting is that it recognizes income before actual physical receipt. This approach offers a more accurate representation of a company's financial performance over a specific period, as it aligns revenues with the expenses incurred to generate those revenues, regardless of when cash transactions occur. By recognizing income when it is earned—typically when goods are delivered or services are rendered—businesses can effectively track their obligations and financial health.

In contrast, other options do not reflect the key benefits of the accrual method. For instance, deferring income recognition until received can lead to a mismatch between income earned and expenses incurred, which can obscure the true economic state of a business. Similarly, while it is true that a deduction may be taken for an unpaid expense under the accrual method, the primary advantage lies in the timing of income recognition rather than expense handling. Finally, suggesting that total recognized income is less than with the cash method misses the essential point that the accrual method can actually provide a more comprehensive view of income by including all earned revenue, regardless of cash flow timing.