Form 3115 - Change in Accounting Method

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
September 9, 2022
1 reply
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Hi, I'd like to know how to properly file Form 3115.

The IRS says to attach the original 3115 to the tax return for the year of change, and send a signed copy no earlier than the first day of the year of change.

So if I'm changing it for the 2022 tax year it would be too late since a signed copy was not sent on the first day of the year of change, correct?

If I want to change it for the 2023 tax year, then I can send it by the first day of 2023 and file the original copy with my 2022 return next year?

A little confused.

Thanks.

Not A Product Question

Best answer by Mike9241

You are not reading the instructions correctly if this is

Automatic change request. Except if instructed differently,
you must file Form 3115 under the automatic change procedures
in duplicate as follows.
• Attach the original Form 3115 to the filer's timely filed
(including extensions) federal income tax return for the year of
change. The original Form 3115 attachment does not need to be
signed. if the year of change is 2022 it would be due with the return filed timely in 2023.
• File a copy of the signed Form 3115 to the address provided
in the address chart on this page, no earlier than the first day of
the year of change - again assuming the year of change is 2022 then no sooner than 1/1/2022 - and no later than the date the original is filed - this would be the same date the original 2022 return is filed in 2023 - with the federal income tax return for the year of change.

M

Mike9241

Answer

Level 15

You are not reading the instructions correctly if this is

Automatic change request. Except if instructed differently,
you must file Form 3115 under the automatic change procedures
in duplicate as follows.
• Attach the original Form 3115 to the filer's timely filed
(including extensions) federal income tax return for the year of
change. The original Form 3115 attachment does not need to be
signed. if the year of change is 2022 it would be due with the return filed timely in 2023.
• File a copy of the signed Form 3115 to the address provided
in the address chart on this page, no earlier than the first day of
the year of change - again assuming the year of change is 2022 then no sooner than 1/1/2022 - and no later than the date the original is filed - this would be the same date the original 2022 return is filed in 2023 - with the federal income tax return for the year of change.

N

n1njahAuthor

Level 4

Thank you very much

M

mdeodhar

Level 2

Hi @n1njah

I am in the same boat. I am applying to change the accounting method to MTM effective 1/1/2022. Can you please share how you filled the form 3115? I think there is no confidential info on this form specific to your taxes. I am confused about some of the options to be selected on this form.

@Mike9241 can you please guide on where I can find form 481(a)? I have downloaded TT home and business but in the forms mode I cannot find form 481 when I search for it. Can you give an example on how to fill out the for 481(a) ?

Thanks

Mandar