SECTION 4. BAD DEBTS (§ 166).
Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-48 · 2026-10-03 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · United States
01 Change from reserve method to specific charge-off method
(1) Description of change . This change applies to a taxpayer (other than a bank as defined in § 585(a)(2)) that wants to change its method of accounting for bad debts from a reserve method (or other improper method) to a specific charge-off method that complies with § 166. For procedures applicable to banks, see § 585(c) and the regulations thereunder and section 25 of this revenue procedure.
(2) Designated automatic accounting method change number . The designated automatic accounting method change number for a change under this section 4. 01 is “5. ” (3) Contact information . For further information regarding a change under this section, contact Renay France at (202) 317-7003 (not a toll-free number).. 02 Conformity election by bank after previous election automatically revoked
(1) Description of change . This change applies to a bank that wants to change its method of accounting for bad debts by making the conformity election under § 1. 166‑2(d)(3)(iii)(C)( 3 ).
(2) Applicability . This change only applies to a bank (as defined in § 1.166‑2(d) (4)(i)) that:
(a) is subject to supervision by Federal authorities, or by state authorities maintaining substantially equivalent standards;
(b) has previously adopted or elected to change to the method of accounting for bad debts described in § 1. 166-2(d)(3);
(c) has had that previous election automatically revoked under § 1. 166‑2(d)(3) (iv)(C);
(d) meets the express determination requirement of § 1. 166‑2(d)(3)(iii)(D) for the year of change; and
(e) now seeks the consent of the Commissioner to make an election under § 1. 166‑2(d)(3)(iii)(C)( 3 ).
(3) Certain eligibility rule inapplica- ble . The eligibility rule in section 5. 01(1) (f) of Rev. Proc. 2015-13, 2015-5 I. R. B. 419, does not apply to this change. (4) Designated automatic accounting method change number . The designated automatic accounting method change number for a change under this section 4. 02 is “211. ” (5) Contact information . For further information regarding a change under this section, contact K. Scott Brown at (202) 317-6945 (not a toll-free number).
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code