Can I use the cash method of accounting on tax returns and the accrual method of accounting on my books for my small business that is growing and I have employees?

[SFC-G]

The business is a staffing agency and is an LLC. It was started in 2015 so the tax returns for 2015 and 2016 show cash method of accounting. The returns had to be amended because the accounting books were incorrect. The 2017 is the return we want to change the accounting method. The company gross receipts were $100k in 2017 so I don't know if this is still considered a small business. All three years we reported a net loss. We invoice companies that we send employees to on a temporary basis but we give them 30 days to pay so at times cash is received in the following month which would demonstrate accrual accounting. If we can report cash accounting method on tax return and accrual accounting on books it would make it easier than to try to change accounting methods.

[TaxGuyBill]

Yes, your business can use one method for tax returns and another method for your 'books'.

However, that MIGHT complicate things, as you will need to essentially keep two sets of records.

If you change your method on your tax return, that needs a special form (3115) and I HIGHLY advise going to a tax professional for that year.

[ScruffyCurmudgeon]

and the confusion will be increased if you sell goods and maintain inventory and then have to do two different calculations of inventory as of the period.

[SFC-G]

Thanks. I certainly do not want to keep two sets of books. The business does not have inventory so that is  something we don't have to deal with.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

what method was used on the amended returns? if it was changed from cash to accrual, why?   what year is the LLC on for tax reporting purposes?

if the accrual method was used on the amended returns for 2015 and 2016 you need to file for a change in accounting methods  form 3115 which goes with the return that's being changed.  see the instructions for where and when a signed copy must be filed.  This is separate from the copy that goes with the return.. 

if the LLC is on a calendar year, regardless of whether it's a single or multi-member, the return is late and the accounting method change can't be done until the 2018 calendar year.    

seek professional help, the form is tricky 

but to answer your basic question,  you apparently do not have inventories and I assume not a tax shelter so you would qualify for an automatic change (in the proper year) 

tax shelter:

(A) any enterprise (other than a C corporation) if at any time interests in such enterprise have been offered for sale in any offering required to be registered with any Federal or State agency having the authority to regulate the offering of securities for sale,

(B) any syndicate (within the meaning of section 1256(e)(3)(B)), and

(C) any tax shelter (as defined in section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)).- i. e.  significant purpose is the avoidance or evasion of Federal Income Taxes

even if you had inventory, with annual gross receipts under $1,000,000 you would still qualify for the cash method.  but again assuming the business is not a tax shelter

it is quite common for businesses to keep their books on the accrual method to see how they're doing financially, while using the cash method for tax reporting.

[SFC-G]

Thanks for the thorough answer to my question. The method used on the original returns (2015, 2016) were cash. I am in the process of doing amended returns for both years because the accounting books were improperly kept. So I wanted to put the accrual method on the amended returns but I guess I can not do this because as you stated the accounting method has to be changed in 2018. And yes the business is on a calendar year basis. There is not any inventories and it is not a tax shelter. I want to change from cash to accrual because I do not want to keep two sets of books for each method. Thanks again for your help.

[TaxGuyBill]

Again, if you want to change your method on your tax return, you should go to a tax professional.

[saradan60]

I am an individual. I sold a Tax Shelter this year at a large loss . Where and how do I report it  ?

[saradan60]

I am an individual. I sold a Tax Shelter this year at a large loss . Where and how do I report it .

[GeorgeM777]

How has the Tax Shelter loss been reported to you?  In other words, what documents have you received from the Tax Shelter.  If your loss involves the disclosure of a reportable transaction, such disclosure requires Form 8886 which TurboTax does not support.   

@saradan60