Which date to use for record keeping?

[aso186]

Just a quick question!

In my record of payments (and expenses), should I record the date I initiated the transaction, or the date the money actually left my account?

Many thanks,

Alex

[wizzard]

I would put the date you made the transaction.

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

HMRC state that the accounts should be prepared using the accruals method which means that you account for the transactions as they occur (different if you are on vat cash accounting though!).