Should I amend 2016 taxes for 2016 DIV though check cashed in 2017?

[thepitree]

We received a 2016 DIV but did not cash the check until 2017.  Do we file the income on our 2016 taxes?  If so, since we cashed the check in 2017, will IRS tag us again in 2017?

[NewGuy · Accepted solution]

You must claim the dividends in the year they were paid, not when you cashed the check.  You should amend your 2016 return to account for this income.