citing the method or sub-method to be changed as an issue under consideration for a taxable year in the subsequent examination.

 

If relief is available, the year of change for the IRC

Section 481(a) adjustment will be considered the taxable year that includes the first day of the 120 day window.

 

If the change results in a net positive adjustment under IRC section 481(a), the taxpayer must, beginning with the year of change, take the net IRC section 481(a) adjustment into account ratably over 3 taxable years in computing taxable income.

 

If the change results in a net negative adjustment, the

taxpayer must take the entire net IRC section 481 (a) adjustment into account in the year of change.

 

30 Day Window

 

This window will be available during the first 30 days of any taxable year if:

1.   The taxpayer has been under examination for at least 18 consecutive months prior to such 30-Day window, and

2.   The taxpayer has not received written notification from the examiner prior to the filing of the Form 3115 specifically citing the method or sub-method to be changed as an issue under consideration.

If relief is available, the year of change will be considered the taxable year that includes the first day of the 30 day window.

 

If the Category A adjustment results in a net positive

adjustment, the taxpayer must, beginning with the year of change, take the net IRC section 481(a) adjustment into account ratably over 3 taxable years in computing taxable income.

 

If the Category A method results in a net negative adjustment, the taxpayer must take the entire net IRC section 481 adjustment into account in computing taxable income for the year of change.

 

Each of these windows may have certain exceptions affecting the usual spread periods. (The $25,000 de minimis or 90 percent rule.) The examiner should consult the Revenue Procedure to recognize these exceptions and their ramifications.

 

 

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