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Level 2
posted Feb 12, 2021 11:29:20 AM

How to find accounting method from past tax return?

I don't understand where to find the method used. The Turbotax help says "Form 1120, page 3, Schedule K, line 1." which is completely unhelpful.

There's just a monetary value entered for that line as far as I can see.

 

Where do I actually find which method was used previously?

Thank you kindly.

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1 Best answer
Level 2
Feb 12, 2021 12:19:31 PM

I see cash on schedule C in the personal docs but just found accrual with schedule B in the business docs.

Update: So the one with personal definitely isn't correct. Think there was an update with turbotax yesterday and today I see correct location in help:

 

"Accounting Method
Find your 2019 accounting method used on

Form 1120S, page 2, Schedule B, line 1."

Thank you Ray for the help. I would like to mark yours as the best answer but it would be misleading in the end. It did help me to get this figured out though.

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 12, 2021 11:43:24 AM

Look on your Schedule C Worksheet, Line F will indicate which method you used from last years return.

 

Most taxpayers operate on the Cash Basis of accounting.

 

The most common method is the Cash method- reporting income in the year actually received it and reporting expenses in the year actually paid.

The Accrual method of accounting is a bit more complicated and is often used by businesses that carry an inventory. Income is reported in the year earned even if not received yet, Expenses are reported as incurred even if not paid yet.

 

Level 2
Feb 12, 2021 11:56:48 AM

So fast! Thank you.

 

That allowed me to find it but it was found in the personal return docs. I was looking in the business docs which is where I expected it to be. Don't know which is should be with but that was confusing.

 

Without your help, would not have looked elsewhere.

Level 2
Feb 12, 2021 12:19:31 PM

I see cash on schedule C in the personal docs but just found accrual with schedule B in the business docs.

Update: So the one with personal definitely isn't correct. Think there was an update with turbotax yesterday and today I see correct location in help:

 

"Accounting Method
Find your 2019 accounting method used on

Form 1120S, page 2, Schedule B, line 1."

Thank you Ray for the help. I would like to mark yours as the best answer but it would be misleading in the end. It did help me to get this figured out though.