Service performed November 2021 and didn't get the invoice until February 2022, can I claim expense in 2021?

[videot7]

I ordered a newsletter printing and mailing in November 2021 and that service was performed later that month.  However, I did not receive the bill until yesterday (February 4, 2021).  I guess this was due to COVID because they don't normally take this long to bill me.  The expense is around $200.  

In looking at IRS Publication 538, I cannot claim this expense in 2021 because I've been using the Cash method on my Schedule C.  According to it, I can only claim it for 2021 if I use the accrual method, which I clearly don't.

Am I understanding this correctly?  

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[RaifH · Accepted solution]

Yes, you are understanding the IRS Publication correctly. Expenses are taken when incurred if you are using the accrual method of accounting. Since you have been using the cash method of accounting, you can not claim this expense until 2022 when you made the payment. It is possible to switch accounting methods by filing Form 3115.

[videot7]

Okay.  Thanks for the response!  It helps me a lot!