taxmap/instr/i1040sf-003.htm#TXMP447b5e73If you use the cash method, check box 1, Cash.
Complete Schedule F, Parts I and II. Generally, report income in the year in which you actually or constructively received it and deduct expenses in the year you paid them. However, if the payment of an expenditure creates an asset having a useful life that extends substantially beyond the close of the year, it may not be deductible or may be deductible only in part for the year of the payment. See chapter 2 of Pub. 225.
If you use an accrual method, check box 2, Accrual.
Complete Schedule F, Parts II, III, and Part I, line 11. Generally, report income in the year in which you earned it and deduct expenses in the year you incurred them, even if you did not pay them in that year. Accrual basis taxpayers are put on a cash basis for deducting business expenses owed to a related cash-basis taxpayer. Other rules determine the timing of deductions based on economic performance. See Pub. 538.
taxmap/instr/i1040sf-003.htm#TXMP72ca10be Farming syndicates cannot use the cash method of accounting. A farming syndicate may be a partnership, any other noncorporate group, or an S corporation if:
- The interests in the business have at any time been offered for sale in a way that would require registration with any federal or state agency, or
- More than 35% of the loss during any tax year is shared by limited partners or limited entrepreneurs. A limited partner is one who can lose only the amount invested or required to be invested in the partnership. A limited entrepreneur is a person who does not take any active part in managing the business.