Accounting Methods

Trust income must be computed using the method of accounting regularly used in keeping the trust's books and records. Generally, permissible methods include the cash method, the accrual method, or any other method authorized by the Internal Revenue Code. The method used must clearly reflect income.

Unless otherwise allowed by law, the trust may not change the accounting method used to report income (for income as a whole or for any material item) without first getting consent on Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method. See Pub. 538, Accounting Periods and Methods, for more details.