TaxGuided
United States IRC sections

Statute section

IRC section 446

General rule for methods of accounting

Country

United States

Section

446

Updated

2026-05-20

Operative text

Section 446(a) provides that taxable income is computed under the method of accounting on the basis of which the taxpayer regularly computes their income. Section 446(b) allows the IRS to require a different method if the taxpayer's method does not clearly reflect income.

Cross-references

26 U.S.C. 45126 U.S.C. 461

Related citations

Computed from the cross-reference graph. Links open the related entity on this site.

This entry cites

Primary sources

Important disclaimer

This library is for general tax education only. Always verify filing obligations, due dates, and tax consequences against the cited primary source or with a qualified tax professional.