26 U.S.C. § 461
General rule for taxable year of deduction
The amount of any deduction or credit allowed by this subtitle shall be taken for the taxable year which is the proper taxable year under the method of accounting used in computing taxable income.
In the case of the death of a taxpayer whose taxable income is computed under an accrual method of accounting, any amount accrued as a deduction or credit only by reason of the death of the taxpayer shall not be allowed in computing taxable income for the period in which falls the date of the taxpayer’s death.
If the taxable income is computed under an accrual method of accounting, then, at the election of the taxpayer, any real property tax which is related to a definite period of time shall be accrued ratably over that period.
A taxpayer may, without the consent of the Secretary, make an election under this subsection for his first taxable year in which he incurs real property taxes. Such an election shall be made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return for such year (including extensions thereof).
A taxpayer may, with the consent of the Secretary, make an election under this subsection at any time.
In the case of a taxpayer whose taxable income is computed under an accrual method of accounting, to the extent that the time for accruing taxes is earlier than it would be but for any action of any taxing jurisdiction taken after
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, paragraph (1) shall be inapplicable to any item of tax to the extent that its application would (but for this paragraph) prevent all persons (including successors in interest) from ever taking such item into account.
Except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, amounts paid to, or credited to the accounts of, depositors or holders of accounts as dividends or interest on their deposits or withdrawable accounts (if such amounts paid or credited are withdrawable on demand subject only to customary notice to withdraw) by a mutual savings bank not having capital stock represented by shares, a domestic building and loan association, or a cooperative bank shall not be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year to the extent such amounts are paid or credited for periods representing more than 12 months. Any such amount not allowed as a deduction as the result of the application of the preceding sentence shall be allowed as a deduction for such other taxable year as the Secretary determines to be consistent with the preceding sentence.
This subsection shall not apply to points paid in respect of any indebtedness incurred in connection with the purchase or improvement of, and secured by, the principal residence of the taxpayer to the extent that, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, such payment of points is an established business practice in the area in which such indebtedness is incurred, and the amount of such payment does not exceed the amount generally charged in such area.
For purposes of this title, in determining whether an amount has been incurred with respect to any item during any taxable year, the all events test shall not be treated as met any earlier than when economic performance with respect to such item occurs.
If the liability of the taxpayer requires the taxpayer to provide property or services, economic performance occurs as the taxpayer provides such property or services.
In the case of any other liability of the taxpayer, economic performance occurs at the time determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
In making a determination under subparagraph (A)(iv), the treatment of such item on financial statements shall be taken into account.
This paragraph shall not apply to any item described in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2).
For purposes of this subsection, the all events test is met with respect to any item if all events have occurred which determine the fact of liability and the amount of such liability can be determined with reasonable accuracy.
This subsection shall not apply to any item for which a deduction is allowable under a provision of this title which specifically provides for a deduction for a reserve for estimated expenses.
In the case of a tax shelter, economic performance shall be determined without regard to paragraph (3) of subsection (h).
In the case of a tax shelter, economic performance with respect to amounts paid during the taxable year for drilling an oil or gas well shall be treated as having occurred within a taxable year if drilling of the well commences before the close of the 90th day after the close of the taxable year.
In the case of a tax shelter which is a partnership, in applying section 704(d) to a deduction or loss for any taxable year attributable to an item which is deductible by reason of subparagraph (A), the term “cash basis” shall be substituted for the term “adjusted basis”.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in the case of a tax shelter other than a partnership, the aggregate amount of the deductions allowable by reason of subparagraph (A) for any taxable year shall be limited in a manner similar to the limitation under clause (i).
In the case of the trade or business of farming (as defined in section 464(e)), in determining whether an entity is a tax shelter, the definition of farming syndicate in subsection (k) shall be substituted for subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3).
For purposes of this subsection, the term “economic performance” has the meaning given such term by subsection (h).
If a taxpayer other than a C corporation receives any applicable subsidy for any taxable year, any excess farm loss of the taxpayer for the taxable year shall not be allowed.
Any loss which is disallowed under paragraph (1) shall be treated as a deduction of the taxpayer attributable to farming businesses in the next taxable year.
The term “farming business” has the meaning given such term in section 263A(e)(4).
For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), there shall not be taken into account any deduction for any loss arising by reason of fire, storm, or other casualty, or by reason of disease or drought, involving any farming business.
The Secretary may prescribe such additional reporting requirements as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
This subsection shall be applied before the application of section 469.
For purposes of this subsection, the term “farming” has the meaning given to such term by section 464(e).
Any loss which is disallowed under paragraph (1) shall be treated as a net operating loss for the taxable year for purposes of determining any net operating loss carryover under section 172(b) for subsequent taxable years.
Deductions for losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets shall not be taken into account under subparagraph (A)(i).
The Secretary shall prescribe such additional reporting requirements as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
This subsection shall be applied after the application of section 469.
Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70601(a), (c)(1),
Pub. L. 117–169, title I, § 13903(b),
For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (j)(3)(A), is Pub. L. 110–246,
Subsec. (c) of section 464 of this title, which was transferred to this section and redesignated subsec. (j) by Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(58)(B)(i), was based on Pub. L. 94–455, title II, § 207(a)(1),
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
2025—Subsec. (l)(1)(A). Pub. L. 119–21, § 70601(a), struck out “and before
Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 119–21, § 70601(a), struck out “and before
Subsec. (l)(3)(C). Pub. L. 119–21, § 70601(b)(1), substituted “
Subsec. (l)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 119–21, § 70601(b)(2), substituted “2024” for “2017”.
2022—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 117–169 substituted “
2021—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 117–2 substituted “
2020—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 116–136, § 2304(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In the case of taxable year of a taxpayer other than a corporation beginning after
“(A) subsection (j) (relating to limitation on excess farm losses of certain taxpayers) shall not apply, and
“(B) any excess business loss of the taxpayer for the taxable year shall not be allowed.”
Subsec. (l)(2). Pub. L. 116–136, § 2304(b)(1), substituted “a net operating loss for the taxable year for purposes of determining any net operating loss carryover under section 172(b) for subsequent taxable years” for “a net operating loss carryover to the following taxable year under section 172”.
Subsec. (l)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–136, § 2304(b)(2)(B), inserted concluding provisions.
Subsec. (l)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 116–136, § 2304(b)(2)(A), inserted “and without regard to any deduction allowable under section 172 or 199A” after “under paragraph (1)”.
Subsec. (l)(3)(B), (C). Pub. L. 116–136, § 2304(b)(3), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).
2018—Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(a)(117)(B), substituted “subsection (k)” for “subsection (j)”.
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(a)(117)(A), redesignated subsec. (j) relating to farming syndicate defined as (k).
2017—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 115–97 added subsec. (l).
2014—Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(58)(B)(iii), substituted “subsection (j)” for “section 464(c)”.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(58)(B)(i), transferred subsec. (c) of section 464 of this title, relating to farming syndicate defined, to the end of this section and redesignated it as subsec. (j).
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(58)(B)(ii)(I), substituted “For purposes of subsection (i)(4)” for “For purposes of this section” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(3), (4). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(58)(B)(ii)(II), added pars. (3) and (4).
2008—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–246, § 15351(a), added subsec. (j) relating to limitation on excess farm losses of certain taxpayers.
2005—Subsec. (i)(3)(C). Pub. L. 109–135 substituted “section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)” for “section 6662(d)(2)(C)(iii)”.
1996—Subsec. (i)(3)(C). Pub. L. 104–188, § 1704(t)(78), substituted “section 6662(d)(2)(C)(iii)” for “section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1704(t)(24), amended directory language of Pub. L. 101–239. See 1989 Amendment note below.
1990—Subsec. (i)(3)(C). Pub. L. 101–508 amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: “any tax shelter (within the meaning of section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)).”
1989—Subsec. (i)(3)(C). Pub. L. 101–239, as amended by Pub. L. 104–188, § 1704(t)(24), substituted “section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)” for “section 6661(b)(2)(C)(ii)”.
1988—Subsec. (h)(5)(B), (C). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(5), amended Pub. L. 99–514, § 823(b)(1). See 1986 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1008(a)(3), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “In the case of a tax shelter, economic performance with respect to the act of drilling an oil or gas well shall be treated as having occurred within a taxable year if drilling of the well commences before the close of the 90th day after the close of the taxable year.”
1987—Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted “items” for “cases to which other provisions of this title specifically apply” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “This subsection shall not apply to any item to which any of the following provisions apply:
“(A) Section 463 (relating to vacation pay).
“(B) Any other provisions of this title which specifically provides for a deduction for a reserve for estimated expenses.”
1986—Subsec. (h)(5)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, § 805(c)(5), redesignated subpar. (B) as (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which referred to subsec. (c) or (f) of section 166.
Subsec. (h)(5)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 823(b)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Section 466 (relating to discount coupons).”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 805(c)(5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (A).
Subsec. (h)(5)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, § 823(b)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B).
Pub. L. 99–514, § 805(c)(5), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).
Subsec. (h)(5)(D). Pub. L. 99–514, § 805(c)(5), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–514, § 801(b)(1), substituted “Special rules for tax shelters” for “Tax shelters may not deduct items earlier than when economic performance occurs” in heading.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, § 801(b)(1), substituted “Recurring item exception not to apply” for “In general” in heading and amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “In the case of a tax shelter computing taxable income under the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting, such tax shelter shall not be allowed a deduction under this chapter with respect to any item any earlier than the time when such item would be treated as incurred under subsection (h) (determined without regard to paragraph (3) thereof).”
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, § 801(b)(1), amended par. (2) generally, substituting provisions relating to special rule for spudding of oil or gas wells for former provisions consisting of subpars. (A) to (D) which related to deduction of items when economic performance occurs on or before 90th day after close of the taxable year to the extent of cash basis.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1807(a)(1), substituted “on or before the 90th day” for “within 90 days” in heading and substituted “before the close of the 90th day after the close of the taxable year” for “within 90 days after the close of the taxable year” in subpar. (A).
Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 99–514, § 801(b)(2), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “In the case of the trade or business of farming (as defined in section 464(e))—
“(A) any tax shelter described in paragraph (3)(C) shall be treated as a farming syndicate for purposes of section 464; except that this subparagraph shall not apply for purposes of determining the income of an individual meeting the requirements of section 464(c)(2),
“(B) section 464 shall be applied before this subsection, and
“(C) in determining whether an entity is a tax shelter, the definition of farming syndicate in section 464(c) shall be substituted for subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3).”
Subsec. (i)(4)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1807(a)(2), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “section 464 shall be applied to any tax shelter described in paragraph (3)(C),”.
1984—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 98–369, § 91(e), inserted “determined after application of subsection (h)”.
Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 98–369, § 91(a), added subsecs. (h) and (i).
1976—Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1901(a)(69)(A), (B), 1906(b)(13)(A), redesignated par. (3) as (2), substituted “in which he” for “which begins after
Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 94–455, § 208(a), added subsec. (g).
1964—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 88–272 added subsec. (f).
1962—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–876 added subsec. (e).
1960—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–781 added subsec. (d).
Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70601(c),
Pub. L. 117–169, title I, § 13903(b)(2),
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9041(b),
Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title II, § 2304(c),
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11012(b),
Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective
Pub. L. 110–234, title XV, § 15351(b),
[Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical provisions. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.]
Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7721(d),
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to taxable years beginning after
Amendment by section 801(b) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after
Amendment by section 805(c)(5) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after
Amendment by section 823 of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after
Amendment by section 1807(a)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, § 91(g)–(i),
Amendment by section 1901(a)(69) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective for taxable years beginning after
Pub. L. 94–455, title II, § 208(b),
Pub. L. 88–272, title II, § 223(b),
Pub. L. 87–876, § 3(b),
Pub. L. 86–781, § 6(b),
For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§ 1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§ 1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after
Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1807(a)(8),
Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1807(c),
Pub. L. 88–272, title II, § 223(c),
Pub. L. 88–272, title II, § 223(d),