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Introduction

SECTION 9. REVIEW BY DIRECTOR

Internal Revenue Bulletin 2002-3 · 2026-10-03 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · United States

.01 In general . The director must apply a change in method of accounting made in compliance with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure in determining the taxpayer’s liability, unless the director recommends that the change in method of accounting should be modified or revoked. (See section 9.02 of this revenue procedure if a change in method of accounting is made without complying with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure.) The director will ascertain if the change in method of accounting was made in compliance with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure, including whether:

(1) the representations on which the change was based reflect an accurate statement of the material facts;

(2) the amount of the § 481(a) adjustment was properly determined;

(3) the change in method of accounting was implemented in compliance with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure.

The director will also ascertain whether:

(4) there has been any change in the material facts on which the change was based during the period the method of accounting was used; and

(5) there has been any change in the applicable law during the period the method of accounting was used.

.02 Changes not made in compliance with all applicable provisions . If the director determines that the taxpayer has

.02 Exceptions .

(1) Change not made or made improperly . The Service may change a taxpayer’s method of accounting for prior taxable years if (a) the taxpayer fails to implement the change, (b) the taxpayer implements the change but does not comply with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure, or (c) the method of accounting is changed or modified because there has been a misstatement or omission of material facts ( see section 8.02(2) of this revenue procedure). (2) Change in sub-method . The Service may change a taxpayer’s method of accounting for prior taxable years if the taxpayer is changing a sub-method of accounting within the method. For example, an examining agent may propose to terminate the taxpayer’s use of the LIFO inventory method during a prior taxable year even though the taxpayer

changes its method of valuing increments in the current year.

(3) Prior year Service-initiated change . The Service may make adjustments to the taxpayer’s returns for the same item for taxable years prior to the requested year of change to reflect a prior year Service-initiated change reported as an issue pending or in a Revenue Agent’s Report.

(4) Criminal investigation . The Service may change a taxpayer’s method of accounting for the same item for taxable years prior to the year of change if there is any pending or future criminal investigation or proceeding concerning (a) directly or indirectly, any issue relating to the taxpayer’s federal tax liability for any taxable year prior to the year of change, or (b) the possibility of false or fraudulent statements made by the taxpayer with respect to any issue relating to its federal tax liability for any taxable year prior to the year of change.

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▸Contents — Internal Revenue Bulletin 2002-3

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