📘 IRS Eases Accounting Method Change Rules

ChatGPT Image Jul 1, 2025 at 10_27_44 AM

📘 IRS Eases Accounting Method Change Rules

🔄 Rev. Proc. 2025-23 | Effective June 9, 2025

✉️ Issued in: Internal Revenue Bulletin 2025-24
🧾 Applies to: Forms 3115 (Change in Accounting Method)
🗓️ Effective for tax years ending on or after: October 31, 2024

🧩 What’s Changed and Why It Matters

The IRS has streamlined and clarified the list of accounting method changes that can be made automatically — saving time, reducing paperwork, and avoiding costly procedural missteps.

📌 Major Highlights

🛠️ Change Type📄 What Changed✍️ Why It Matters
🗑️ Obsolete Sections RemovedRevoked outdated provisions under Code Secs. 168(j)(8), 168(l)(3)(D), 181(a)(1)🧹 Simplifies compliance by eliminating dead law
📝 Clarified 481(a) AdjustmentsClearly applies to “any taxable year” when the election was made🧠 Prevents confusion on when adjustments apply
🏗️ Depreciation & Interest CapitalizationRemoved outdated waiver references💡 Updated to reflect current law and practice
📦 Inventory Valuation MethodsDeleted references to obsolete proposed regs📉 Eases implementation of inventory method changes
⚡ Foreign Income Tax + Regulated Utilities (Sec. 118(c))Now require non-automatic procedure🚫 Can no longer use Form 3115 under automatic rules

📋 Automatic vs. Non-Automatic Method Changes

⚙️ Automatic Method Change📝 Non-Automatic Method Change
✅ Fewer procedural hurdles⏳ Requires IRS consent
✅ Self-implemented with Form 3115💼 Formal ruling process needed
✅ Often no user fee💰 Usually includes user fee

🗓️ Key Effective Dates & Transition Rules

🔹 Applies to:

  • Form 3115s filed on/after June 9, 2025
  • For tax years ending on or after October 31, 2024

🔁 Transition Option: Convert to Automatic

If you have a pending non-automatic change request and now qualify for the automatic method:

📣 You can convert!

📝 What to do:

  • Notify the IRS National Office
  • Deadline: By July 9, 2025
  • Clearly state that you wish to convert your Form 3115 to the automatic procedures under Rev. Proc. 2015-13

🔸 Already Filed Before June 9, 2025?

ScenarioResult
✅ Filed under previous automatic rulesYou may continue for that year
❌ Didn’t file before deadlineMust follow non-automatic procedures
📂 Filed duplicates under old rulesYou can choose Rev. Proc. 2024-23 or the new 2025-23 rules

🔸 Already Filed Before June 9, 2025?

🧠 Not all accounting method changes are equal. Some can be done quickly using Form 3115 under the automatic method, while others need special IRS permission.

📣 If your business wants to:

  • Change how it values inventory
  • Adjust depreciation methods

Correct a past mistake in accounting methods
👉 These changes may now be simpler, faster, and penalty-free — but only if you act within the new rules.

  • Rev. Proc. 2025-23 – Full Text (irs.gov)
  • Rev. Proc. 2015-13 – Original procedure for automatic method changes
  • Form 3115 – Application for Change in Accounting Method
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