Instructions for Schedule F (Form 1040)
taxmap/instr/i1040sf-003.htm#TXMP365f9e0aIf you use the cash method, check box 1,
Cash.
Complete Schedule F, Parts I and II. In most cases, 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#TXMP34bd392d
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.