Final answer:
A temporary difference in tax accounting refers to a timing difference between the recognition of revenue or expense under GAAP and tax purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A temporary difference in tax accounting refers to a timing difference between the recognition of revenue or expense under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and tax purposes. Temporary differences occur when an expense or revenue is recognized for tax purposes in a different period than for financial accounting purposes. For example, if a company incurs an expense this year for financial accounting purposes but is not allowed to deduct it until the following year for tax purposes, a temporary difference arises.