Publication 538 |
2001 Tax Year |
Introduction
Each taxpayer (business or individual) must figure taxable income
on an annual accounting period called a tax year. The calendar year is
the most common tax year. Other tax years are a fiscal year and a
short tax year.
Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which
is a set of rules for determining how and when to report income and
expenses. The most commonly used accounting methods are the cash
method and an accrual method. Under the cash method, you generally
report income in the tax year you receive it and deduct expenses in
the tax year you pay them. Under an accrual method, you generally
report income in the tax year you earn it, regardless of when payment
is received, and deduct expenses in the tax year you incur them,
regardless of when payment is made.
This publication explains some of the rules for accounting periods
and accounting methods. In many cases, however, you may have to refer
to the cited sources for a fuller explanation of the topic. Section
references are to the Internal Revenue Code and regulation references
are to the Income Tax Regulations.
This publication is not intended as a guide to general business and
tax accounting rules.
Comments and suggestions.
We welcome your comments about this publication and your
suggestions for future editions.
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Internal Revenue Service
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