Form 3115

(Rev. December 2015) 

Department of the Treasury 

Internal Revenue Service 

Application for Change in Accounting Method 

▶ Information about Form 3115 and its separate instructions is at www.irs.gov/form3115.

OMB No. 1545-0152 

Name of filer (name of parent corporation if a consolidated group) (see instructions) Identification number (see instructions) 

Principal business activity code number (see instructions) 

Number, street, and room or suite no. If a P.O. box, see the instructions. Tax year of change begins (MM/DD/YYYY) 

Tax year of change ends (MM/DD/YYYY) 

City or town, state, and ZIP code Name of contact person (see instructions) 

Name of applicant(s) (if different than filer) and identification number(s) (see instructions) Contact person’s telephone number 

If the applicant is a member of a consolidated group, check this box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶

If Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, is attached (see instructions for when Form 2848 is 

required), check this box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶

Check the box to indicate the type of applicant. 

Individual 

Corporation 

Controlled foreign corporation (Sec. 957) 

10/50 corporation (Sec. 904(d)(2)(E)) 

Qualified personal service 

corporation (Sec. 448(d)(2)) 

Exempt organization. Enter 

Code section ▶

Cooperative (Sec. 1381) 

Partnership 

S corporation 

Insurance co. (Sec. 816(a)) 

Insurance co. (Sec. 831) 

Other (specify) ▶

Check the appropriate box to indicate the type 

of accounting method change being requested. 

See instructions. 

Depreciation or Amortization 

Financial Products and/or Financial Activities of 

Financial Institutions 

 Other (specify) ▶

Caution: To be eligible for approval of the requested change in method of accounting, the taxpayer must provide all information that is 

relevant to the taxpayer or to the taxpayer’s requested change in method of accounting. This includes (1) all relevant information requested on 

this Form 3115 (including its instructions), and (2) any other relevant information, even if not specifically requested on Form 3115.

The taxpayer must attach all applicable statements requested throughout this form.

Part I Information for Automatic Change Request

1 Enter the applicable designated automatic accounting method change number (“DCN”) for the requested automatic 

change. Enter only one DCN, except as provided for in guidance published by the IRS. If the requested change has no 

DCN, check “Other,” and provide both a description of the change and a citation of the IRS guidance providing the 

automatic change. See instructions.

Yes No

a

b Other Description ▶

2 Do any of the eligibility rules restrict the applicant from filing the requested change using the automatic change 

procedures (see instructions)? If “Yes,” attach an explanation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Has the filer provided all the information and statements required (a) on this form and (b) by the List of Automatic 

Changes under which the applicant is requesting a change? See instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note: Complete Part II and Part IV of this form, and, Schedules A through E, if applicable.

Part II Information for All Requests Yes No

4 During the tax year of change, did or will the applicant (a) cease to engage in the trade or business to which the

requested change relates, or (b) terminate its existence? See instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Is the applicant requesting to change to the principal method in the tax year of change under Regulations section

1.381(c)(4)-1(d)(1) or 1.381(c)(5)-1(d)(1)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “No,” go to line 6a.

If “Yes,” the applicant cannot file a Form 3115 for this change. See instructions.

Sign 

Here 

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this application, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my 

knowledge and belief, the application contains all the relevant facts relating to the application, and it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of 

preparer (other than applicant) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge. 

▲

Signature of filer (and spouse, if joint return) Date Name and title (print or type)

Preparer 

(other than 

filer/applicant)

Print/Type preparer’s name Preparer’s signature Date

Firm’s name ▶

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions. Cat. No. 19280E Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) 

(1) DCN: (2) DCN: (3) DCN: (4) DCN: (5) DCN: (6) DCN:

(7) DCN: (8) DCN: (9) DCN: (10) DCN: (11) DCN: (12) DCN:
Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 2 

Part II Information for All Requests (continued) Yes No

6a Does the applicant (or any present or former consolidated group in which the applicant was a member during the

applicable tax year(s)) have any federal income tax return(s) under examination (see instructions)? . . . . .

If “No,” go to line 7a.

b Is the method of accounting the applicant is requesting to change an issue under consideration (with respect to 

either the applicant or any present or former consolidated group in which the applicant was a member during the

applicable tax year(s))? See instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c Enter the name and telephone number of the examining agent and the tax year(s) under examination.

Name ▶ Telephone number ▶ Tax year(s) ▶

d Has a copy of this Form 3115 been provided to the examining agent identified on line 6c? . . . . . . . .

7a Does audit protection apply to the applicant’s requested change in method of accounting? See instructions. . .

If “No,” attach an explanation. 

b If “Yes,” check the applicable box and attach the required statement.

Not under exam

Method not before director

Audit protection at end of exam

3-month window

Negative adjustment

Other

120 day: Date examination ended ▶

CAP: Date member joined group ▶

8a Does the applicant (or any present or former consolidated group in which the applicant was a member during the

applicable tax year(s)) have any federal income tax return(s) before Appeals and/or a federal court? . . . . .

If “No,” go to line 9.

b Is the method of accounting the applicant is requesting to change an issue under consideration by Appeals and/or 

a federal court (for either the applicant or any present or former consolidated group in which the applicant was a 

member for the tax year(s) the applicant was a member)? See instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” attach an explanation.

c If “Yes,” enter the name of the (check the box) Appeals officer and/or counsel for the government, 

telephone number, and the tax year(s) before Appeals and/or a federal court. 

Name ▶ Telephone number ▶ Tax year(s) ▶

d Has a copy of this Form 3115 been provided to the Appeals officer and/or counsel for the government identified 

on line 8c? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 If the applicant answered “Yes” to line 6a and/or 8a with respect to any present or former consolidated group, 

attach a statement that provides each parent corporation’s (a) name, (b) identification number, (c) address, and 

(d) tax year(s) during which the applicant was a member that is under examination, before an Appeals office, 

and/or before a federal court.

10 If for federal income tax purposes, the applicant is either an entity (including a limited liability company) treated as 

a partnership or an S corporation, is it requesting a change from a method of accounting that is an issue under 

consideration in an examination, before Appeals, or before a federal court, with respect to a federal income tax 

return of a partner, member, or shareholder of that entity? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 a Has the applicant, its predecessor, or a related party requested or made (under either an automatic or 

non-automatic change procedure) a change in method of accounting within any of the five tax years ending with

the tax year of change? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “No,” go to line 12.

b If “Yes,” for each trade or business, attach a description of each requested change in method of accounting 

(including the tax year of change) and state whether the applicant received consent.

c If any application was withdrawn, not perfected, or denied, or if a Consent Agreement granting a change was not

signed and returned to the IRS, or the change was not made or not made in the requested year of change, attach

an explanation.

12 Does the applicant, its predecessor, or a related party currently have pending any request (including any

concurrently filed request) for a private letter ruling, change in method of accounting, or technical advice? . . .

If “Yes,” for each request attach a statement providing (a) the name(s) of the taxpayer, (b) identification number(s), 

(c) the type of request (private letter ruling, change in method of accounting, or technical advice), and (d) the

specific issue(s) in the request(s).

13 Is the applicant requesting to change its overall method of accounting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” complete Schedule A on page 4 of the form.

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Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 3 

Part II Information for All Requests (continued) Yes No

14 If the applicant is either (i) not changing its overall method of accounting, or (ii) changing its overall method of

accounting and changing to a special method of accounting for one or more items, attach a detailed and 

complete description for each of the following (see instructions): 

a The item(s) being changed.

b The applicant’s present method for the item(s) being changed.

c The applicant’s proposed method for the item(s) being changed.

d The applicant’s present overall method of accounting (cash, accrual, or hybrid).

15 a Attach a detailed and complete description of the applicant’s trade(s) or business(es). 

b If the applicant has more than one trade or business, as defined in Regulations section 1.446-1(d), describe

(i) whether each trade or business is accounted for separately; (ii) the goods and services provided by each trade

or business and any other types of activities engaged in that generate gross income; (iii) the overall method of

accounting for each trade or business; and (iv) which trade or business is requesting to change its accounting 

method as part of this application or a separate application.

Note: If you are requesting an automatic method change, see the instructions to see if you are required to 

complete Lines 16a–c.

16a Attach a full explanation of the legal basis supporting the proposed method for the item being changed. Include a 

detailed and complete description of the facts that explains how the law specifically applies to the applicant’s 

situation and that demonstrates that the applicant is authorized to use the proposed method.

b Include all authority (statutes, regulations, published rulings, court cases, etc.) supporting the proposed method. 

c Include either a discussion of the contrary authorities or a statement that no contrary authority exists.

17 Will the proposed method of accounting be used for the applicant’s books and records and financial statements?

For insurance companies, see the instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “No,” attach an explanation. 

18 Does the applicant request a conference with the IRS National Office if the IRS National Office proposes an adverse response?

19a If the applicant is changing to either the overall cash method, an overall accrual method, or is changing its method of 

accounting for any property subject to section 263A, any long-term contract subject to section 460 (see 19b), or 

inventories subject to section 474, enter the applicant’s gross receipts for the 3 tax years preceding the tax year of change.

1st preceding 

year ended: mo. yr. 

2nd preceding 

year ended: mo. yr. 

3rd preceding 

year ended: mo. yr. 

$ $ $ 

b If the applicant is changing its method of accounting for any long-term contract subject to section 460, in addition

to completing 19a, enter the applicant’s gross receipts for the 4th tax year preceding the tax year of change:

4th preceding year ended: mo. yr. $ 

Part III Information for Non-Automatic Change Request Yes No

20 Is the applicant’s requested change described in any revenue procedure, revenue ruling, notice, regulation, or 

other published guidance as an automatic change request? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” attach an explanation describing why the applicant is submitting its request under the non-automatic 

change procedures. 

21 Attach a copy of all documents related to the proposed change (see instructions). 

22 Attach a statement of the applicant’s reasons for the proposed change. 

23 If the applicant is a member of a consolidated group for the year of change, do all other members of the 

consolidated group use the proposed method of accounting for the item being changed? . . . . . . . .

If “No,” attach an explanation. 

24 a Enter the amount of user fee attached to this application (see instructions). ▶ $ 

b If the applicant qualifies for a reduced user fee, attach the required information or certification (see instructions). 

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Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 4 

Part IV Section 481(a) Adjustment Yes No

25 Does published guidance require the applicant (or permit the applicant and the applicant is electing) to implement the 

requested change in method of accounting on a cut-off basis? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” attach an explanation and do not complete lines 26, 27, and 28 below.

26 Enter the section 481(a) adjustment. Indicate whether the adjustment is an increase (+) or a decrease (-) in 

income. ▶ Attach a summary of the computation and an explanation of the methodology 

used to determine the section 481(a) adjustment. If it is based on more than one component, show the 

computation for each component. If more than one applicant is applying for the method change on the 

application, attach a list of the (a) name, (b) identification number, and (c) the amount of the section 481(a) 

adjustment attributable to each applicant. 

$ 

27 Is the applicant making an election to take the entire amount of the adjustment into account in the tax year of change? 

If “Yes,” check the box for the applicable elective provision used to make the election (see instructions). 

$50,000 de minimis election Eligible acquisition transaction election

28 Is any part of the section 481(a) adjustment attributable to transactions between members of an affiliated group, a

consolidated group, a controlled group, or other related parties? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” attach an explanation. 

Schedule A—Change in Overall Method of Accounting (If Schedule A applies, Part I below must be completed.) 

Part I Change in Overall Method (see instructions) 

1 Check the appropriate boxes below to indicate the applicant’s present and proposed methods of accounting.

Present method: Cash Accrual Hybrid (attach description) 

Proposed method: Cash Accrual Hybrid (attach description) 

2 Enter the following amounts as of the close of the tax year preceding the year of change. If none, state “None.” Also, attach a 

statement providing a breakdown of the amounts entered on lines 2a through 2g. 

Amount 

a Income accrued but not received (such as accounts receivable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

b Income received or reported before it was earned (such as advanced payments). Attach a description of

the income and the legal basis for the proposed method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

c Expenses accrued but not paid (such as accounts payable). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

d Prepaid expenses previously deducted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

e Supplies on hand previously deducted and/or not previously reported . . . . . . . . . . . .

f Inventory on hand previously deducted and/or not previously reported. Complete Schedule D, Part II. .

g Other amounts (specify). Attach a description of the item and the legal basis for its inclusion in the 

calculation of the section 481(a) adjustment. ▶

h Net section 481(a) adjustment (Combine lines 2a–2g.) Indicate whether the adjustment is an increase (+) 

or decrease (-) in income. Also enter the net amount of this section 481(a) adjustment amount on Part IV, 

line 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 

3 Is the applicant also requesting the recurring item exception under section 461(h)(3)? . . . . . . . Yes No

4 Attach copies of the profit and loss statement (Schedule F (Form 1040) for farmers) and the balance sheet, if applicable, as of

the close of the tax year preceding the year of change. Also attach a statement specifying the accounting method used when 

preparing the balance sheet. If books of account are not kept, attach a copy of the business schedules submitted with the 

federal income tax return or other return (such as, tax-exempt organization returns) for that period. If the amounts in Part I, 

lines 2a through 2g, do not agree with the amounts shown on both the profit and loss statement and the balance sheet, attach

a statement explaining the differences. 

5 Is the applicant making a change to the overall cash method under Rev. Proc. 2002-28 (DCN “33”)? . . Yes No

If “Yes,” attach a statement that provides the applicant’s NAICS code. See instructions.

Part II Change to the Cash Method for Non-Automatic Change Request (see instructions) 

Applicants requesting a change to the cash method must attach the following information: 

1 A description of inventory items (items whose production, purchase, or sale is an income-producing factor) and materials and 

supplies used in carrying out the business. 

2 An explanation as to whether the applicant is required to use the accrual method under any section of the Code or regulations. 

Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) 
Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 5 

Schedule B—Change to the Deferral Method for Advance Payments (see instructions) 

1 If the applicant is requesting to change to the deferral method for advance payments described in section 5.02 of Rev. Proc. 

2004-34, 2004-1 C.B. 991, attach the following information: 

a A statement explaining how the advance payments meet the definition in section 4.01 of Rev. Proc. 2004-34.

b If the applicant is filing under the automatic change procedures, the information required by section 8.02(3)(a)–(c) of

Rev. Proc. 2004-34.

c If the applicant is filing under the non-automatic change procedures, the information required by section 8.03(2)(a)–(f) 

of Rev. Proc. 2004-34.

2 If the applicant is requesting to change to the deferral method for advance payments described in Regulations section 

1.451-5(b)(1)(ii), attach the following information:

a A statement explaining how the advance payments meet the definition in Regulations section 1.451-5(a)(1).

b A statement explaining what portions of the advance payments, if any, are attributable to services, whether such services are 

integral to the provisions of goods or items, and whether any portions of the advance payments that are attributable to

non-integral services are less than five percent of the total contract prices. See Regulations sections 1.451-5(a)(2)(i) and (3).

c A statement explaining that the advance payments will be included in income no later than when included in gross receipts for 

purposes of the applicant’s financial reports. See Regulations section 1.451-5(b)(1)(ii).

d A statement explaining whether the inventoriable goods exception of Regulations section 1.451-5(c) applies and if so, when 

substantial advance payments will be received under the contracts, and how the exception will limit the deferral of income.

Schedule C—Changes Within the LIFO Inventory Method (see instructions) 

Part I General LIFO Information 

Complete this section if the requested change involves changes within the LIFO inventory method. Also, attach a copy of all 

Forms 970, Application To Use LIFO Inventory Method, filed to adopt or expand the use of the LIFO method. 

1 Attach a description of the applicant’s present and proposed LIFO methods and submethods for each of the following 

items: 

a Valuing inventory (for example, unit method or dollar-value method). 

b Pooling (for example, by line or type or class of goods, natural business unit, multiple pools, raw material content, simplified 

dollar-value method, inventory price index computation (IPIC) pools, vehicle-pool method, etc.). 

c Pricing dollar-value pools (for example, double-extension, index, link-chain, link-chain index, IPIC method, etc.). 

d Determining the current-year cost of goods in the ending inventory (such as, most recent acquisitions, earliest acquisitions during 

the current year, average cost of current-year acquisitions, rolling-average cost, or other permitted method). 

2 If any present method or submethod used by the applicant is not the same as indicated on Form(s) 970 filed to adopt or 

expand the use of the method, attach an explanation. 

3 If the proposed change is not requested for all the LIFO inventory, attach a statement specifying the inventory to which the

change is and is not applicable. 

4 If the proposed change is not requested for all of the LIFO pools, attach a statement specifying the LIFO pool(s) to which the

change is applicable. 

5 Attach a statement addressing whether the applicant values any of its LIFO inventory on a method other than cost. For 

example, if the applicant values some of its LIFO inventory at retail and the remainder at cost, identify which inventory items

are valued under each method. 

6 If changing to the IPIC method, attach a completed Form 970. 

Part II Change in Pooling Inventories 

1 If the applicant is proposing to change its pooling method or the number of pools, attach a description of the contents of, and 

state the base year for, each dollar-value pool the applicant presently uses and proposes to use. 

2 If the applicant is proposing to use natural business unit (NBU) pools or requesting to change the number of NBU pools, 

attach the following information (to the extent not already provided) in sufficient detail to show that each proposed NBU was 

determined under Regulations sections 1.472-8(b)(1) and (2): 

a A description of the types of products produced by the applicant. If possible, attach a brochure. 

b A description of the types of processes and raw materials used to produce the products in each proposed pool. 

c If all of the products to be included in the proposed NBU pool(s) are not produced at one facility, state the reasons for the

separate facilities, the location of each facility, and a description of the products each facility produces. 

d A description of the natural business divisions adopted by the taxpayer. State whether separate cost centers are maintained 

and if separate profit and loss statements are prepared. 

e A statement addressing whether the applicant has inventories of items purchased and held for resale that are not further 

processed by the applicant, including whether such items, if any, will be included in any proposed NBU pool. 

f A statement addressing whether all items including raw materials, goods-in-process, and finished goods entering into the 

entire inventory investment for each proposed NBU pool are presently valued under the LIFO method. Describe any items that 

are not presently valued under the LIFO method that are to be included in each proposed pool. 

Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) 
Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 6 

Part II Change in Pooling Inventories (continued) 

g A statement addressing whether, within the proposed NBU pool(s), there are items both sold to unrelated parties and 

transferred to a different unit of the applicant to be used as a component part of another product prior to final processing. 

3 If the applicant is engaged in manufacturing and is proposing to use the multiple pooling method or raw material content 

pools, attach information to show that each proposed pool will consist of a group of items that are substantially similar. See 

Regulations section 1.472-8(b)(3). 

4 If the applicant is engaged in the wholesaling or retailing of goods and is requesting to change the number of pools used, 

attach information to show that each of the proposed pools is based on customary business classifications of the applicant’s 

trade or business. See Regulations section 1.472-8(c). 

Schedule D—Change in the Treatment of Long-Term Contracts Under Section 460, Inventories, or Other 

Section 263A Assets (see instructions) 

Part I Change in Reporting Income From Long-Term Contracts (Also complete Part III on pages 7 and 8.) 

1 To the extent not already provided, attach a description of the applicant’s present and proposed methods for reporting income 

and expenses from long-term contracts. Also, attach a representative actual contract (without any deletion) for the requested

change. If the applicant is a construction contractor, attach a detailed description of its construction activities. 

2a Are the applicant’s contracts long-term contracts as defined in section 460(f)(1) (see instructions)? . . Yes No

b If “Yes,” do all the contracts qualify for the exception under section 460(e) (see instructions)? . . . . Yes No

If line 2b is “No,” attach an explanation. 

c Is the applicant requesting to use the percentage-of-completion method using cost-to-cost under 

Regulations section 1.460-4(b)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

e If line 2c is “No,” is the applicant requesting to use the exempt-contract percentage-of-completion

method under Regulations section 1.460-4(c)(2)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

If line 2e is “Yes,” attach an explanation of what method the applicant will use to determine a contract’s 

completion factor. 

If line 2e is “No,” attach an explanation of what method the applicant is using and the authority for its use. 

3a Does the applicant have long-term manufacturing contracts as defined in section 460(f)(2)? . . . . . Yes No

b If “Yes,” attach a description of the applicant’s manufacturing activities, including any required installation

of manufactured goods.

4 a Does the applicant enter into cost-plus long-term contracts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

b Does the applicant enter into federal long-term contracts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

Part II Change in Valuing Inventories Including Cost Allocation Changes (Also complete Part III on pages 7 and 8.) 

1 Attach a description of the inventory goods being changed. 

2 Attach a description of the inventory goods (if any) NOT being changed. 

3 a Is the applicant subject to section 263A? If “No,” go to line 4a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

b Is the applicant’s present inventory valuation method in compliance with section 263A (see instructions)?

If “No,” attach a detailed explanation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

4 a Check the appropriate boxes in the chart. 

Identification methods: 

Inventory Method Being Changed Inventory Method Not 

Being Changed 

Present method Proposed method Present method 

Specific identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FIFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other (attach explanation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Valuation methods: 

Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cost or market, whichever is lower . . . . . . . . . . .

Retail cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retail, lower of cost or market . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other (attach explanation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b Enter the value at the end of the tax year preceding the year of change. $ $ 

5 If the applicant is changing from the LIFO inventory method to a non-LIFO method, attach the following information (see 

instructions). 

a Copies of Form(s) 970 filed to adopt or expand the use of the method. 

b Only for applicants requesting a non-automatic change. A statement describing whether the applicant is changing to the

method required by Regulations section 1.472-6(a) or (b), or whether the applicant is proposing a different method. 

c Only for applicants requesting an automatic change. The statement required by section 22.01(5) of Rev. Proc. 2015-14 (or 

its successor). 

Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) 

d In computing the completion factor of a contract, will the applicant use the cost-to-cost method described in 

Regulations section 1.460-5(b) or the simplified cost-to-cost method described in Regulations section 1.460-5(c)? . Yes No
Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 7 

Part III Method of Cost Allocation (Complete this part if the requested change involves either property subject 

to section 263A or long-term contracts as described in section 460.) See instructions. 

Section A—Allocation and Capitalization Methods 

Attach a description (including sample computations) of the present and proposed method(s) the applicant uses to capitalize direct 

and indirect costs properly allocable to real or tangible personal property produced and property acquired for resale, or to allocate 

direct and indirect costs required to be allocated to long-term contracts. Include a description of the method(s) used for allocating 

indirect costs to intermediate cost objectives such as departments or activities prior to the allocation of such costs to long-term 

contracts, real or tangible personal property produced, and property acquired for resale. The description must include the following: 

1 The method of allocating direct and indirect costs (for example, specific identification, burden rate, standard cost, or other 

reasonable allocation method). 

2 The method of allocating mixed service costs (for example, direct reallocation, step-allocation, simplified service cost using the 

labor-based allocation ratio, simplified service cost using the production cost allocation ratio, or other reasonable allocation 

method). 

3 Except for long-term contract accounting methods, the method of capitalizing additional section 263A costs (for example, 

simplified production with or without the historic absorption ratio election, simplified resale with or without the historic 

absorption ratio election including permissible variations, the U.S. ratio, or other reasonable allocation method). 

Section B—Direct and Indirect Costs Required to be Allocated

Check the appropriate boxes showing the costs that are or will be fully included, to the extent required, in the cost of real or tangible 

personal property produced or property acquired for resale under section 263A or allocated to long-term contracts under section 

460. Mark “N/A” in a box if those costs are not incurred by the applicant. If a box is not checked, it is assumed that those costs are 

not fully included to the extent required. Attach an explanation for boxes that are not checked.

Present method Proposed method 

1 Direct material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Direct labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Indirect labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 Officers’ compensation (not including selling activities) . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Pension and other related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Indirect materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 Purchasing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 Handling, processing, assembly, and repackaging costs . . . . . . . . . . .

10 Offsite storage and warehousing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 Depreciation, amortization, and cost recovery allowance for equipment and facilities 

placed in service and not temporarily idle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12 Depletion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 Taxes other than state, local, and foreign income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . .

15 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17 Maintenance and repairs that relate to a production, resale, or long-term contract activity 

18 Engineering and design costs (not including section 174 research and experimental 

expenses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19 Rework labor, scrap, and spoilage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20 Tools and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21 Quality control and inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 Bidding expenses incurred in the solicitation of contracts awarded to the applicant . .

23 Licensing and franchise costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24 Capitalizable service costs (including mixed service costs) . . . . . . . . . .

25 Administrative costs (not including any costs of selling or any return on capital) . . . .

26 Research and experimental expenses attributable to long-term contracts . . . . . .

27 Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28 Other costs (Attach a list of these costs.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) 
Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015) Page 8 

Part III Method of Cost Allocation (continued) See instructions. 

Section C—Other Costs Not Required To Be Allocated (Complete Section C only if the applicant is requesting to change its 

method for these costs.) 

Present method Proposed method 

1 Marketing, selling, advertising, and distribution expenses . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Research and experimental expenses not included in Section B, line 26 . . . . . .

3 Bidding expenses not included in Section B, line 22 . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 General and administrative costs not included in Section B . . . . . . . . . .

5 Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Cost of strikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Warranty and product liability costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 Section 179 costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 On-site storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 Depreciation, amortization, and cost recovery allowance not included in Section B, 

line 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 Other costs (Attach a list of these costs.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Schedule E—Change in Depreciation or Amortization. See instructions. 

Applicants requesting approval to change their method of accounting for depreciation or amortization complete this section. 

Applicants must provide this information for each item or class of property for which a change is requested. 

Note: See the Summary of the List of Automatic Accounting Method Changes in the instructions for information regarding 

automatic changes under sections 56, 167, 168, 197, 1400I, 1400L, or former section 168. Do not file Form 3115 with respect to 

certain late elections and election revocations. See instructions. 

1 Is depreciation for the property determined under Regulations section 1.167(a)-11 (CLADR)? . . . . Yes No

If “Yes,” the only changes permitted are under Regulations section 1.167(a)-11(c)(1)(iii). 

2 Is any of the depreciation or amortization required to be capitalized under any Code section such as, 

section 263A? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

If “Yes,” enter the applicable section ▶

3 Has a depreciation, amortization, expense, or disposition election been made for the property such as, 

the election under sections 168(f)(1), 168(i)(4), 179, 179C, or Regulations section 1.168(i)-8(d)? . . . . Yes No

If “Yes,” state the election made ▶

4 a To the extent not already provided, attach a statement describing the property subject to the change. Include in the description

the type of property, the year the property was placed in service, and the property’s use in the applicant’s trade or business or 

income-producing activity. 

b If the property is residential rental property, did the applicant live in the property before renting it? . . Yes No

c Is the property public utility property? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

5 To the extent not already provided in the applicant’s description of its present method, attach a statement explaining how the

property is treated under the applicant’s present method (for example, depreciable property, inventory property, supplies

under Regulations section 1.162-3, nondepreciable section 263(a) property, property deductible as a current expense, etc.). 

6 If the property is not currently treated as depreciable or amortizable property, attach a statement of the facts supporting the

proposed change to depreciate or amortize the property. 

7 If the property is currently treated and/or will be treated as depreciable or amortizable property, provide the following 

information for both the present (if applicable) and proposed methods: 

a The Code section under which the property is or will be depreciated or amortized (for example, section 168(g)). 

b The applicable asset class from Rev. Proc. 87-56, 1987-2 C.B. 674, for each asset depreciated under section 168 (MACRS) or 

under section 1400L; the applicable asset class from Rev. Proc. 83-35, 1983-1 C.B. 745, for each asset depreciated under 

former section 168 (ACRS); an explanation why no asset class is identified for each asset for which an asset class has not 

been identified by the applicant. 

c The facts to support the asset class for the proposed method. 

d The depreciation or amortization method of the property, including the applicable Code section (for example, 200% declining 

balance method under section 168(b)(1)). 

e The useful life, recovery period, or amortization period of the property. 

f The applicable convention of the property. 

g Whether the additional first-year special depreciation allowance (for example, as provided by section 168(k), 168(l), 168(m), 

168(n), 1400L(b), or 1400N(d)) was or will be claimed for the property. If not, also provide an explanation as to why no special

depreciation allowance was or will be claimed.

h Whether the property was or will be in a single asset account, a multiple asset account, or a general asset account.

Form 3115 (Rev. 12-2015)