Completed Contract Method Explained

Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. Following is a summary of the costs incurred, amounts billed and amounts collected. Below are several methods available for exempt construction contracts that could provide immediate tax savings and that should be considered for any contractor whose average annual gross receipts are below the threshold referenced above. The Howard Hughes Co., LLC and Howard Hughes Properties, Inc. (collectively “Hughes”) developed land in the Las Vegas area. Hughes sold the land through various types of agreements to builders who constructed and sold the houses. Under the sales contracts, Hughes was required to develop the necessary infrastructure for the communities including the water, sewer, gas and electrical lines, roadways, parks and other open space improvements.

PRS incurs no costs and receives no progress payments in Year 2 prior to the distribution. CCM accounting is helpful when there’s unpredictability surrounding when the company will be paid and when the project will be completed. Long-term projects oftentimes require the buyer to make payments as certain milestones are completed contract method formula reached. This is a common arrangement in the construction and other heavy equipment industries that might involve customized projects or products that can take years to complete or build. The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published.

Understanding the Completed Contract Method

Additionally, contractors who wish to take advantage of tax deferral benefits from point-in-time transfers, they may need to make sure that their contracts provide the appropriate conditions for that method. Completed contract method is an approach used for construction contract accounting in which the revenue is recognized only when the contract is 100% complete. In contrast to the percentage of completion method, which records estimated revenue in each period based on the percentage of completion of the contract, the completed contract method defers contract revenue.

The $100k of revenue and $25k of profit won’t be recognized until 2019, despite the costs incurred in 2018. Conversely, under the completed contract method, the company would not record any revenue or expenses on its income statement until the end of the project. Assuming that the project was finished on time and the customer paid in full, the company would record revenue of $2 million and the expenses for the project at the end of year two. Include on lines 4 and 5 any taxes (such as alternative minimum tax for individuals) required to be taken into account in the computation of your tax liability (as originally reported or as redetermined). A pass-through entity (partnership, S corporation, or trust) that is not closely held must apply the look-back method at the entity level to any contract for which at least 95% of the gross income is from U.S. sources.

Interest Computation Under the Look-Back Method for Completed Long-Term Contracts

The percentage of completion and completed contract methods are often used by construction companies, engineering firms, and other businesses that operate on long-term contracts for large projects. Since income and expenses are often deferred during work on these long-term projects, companies seek to defer tax liabilities as well. Both the percentage of completion and completed contract methods allow for such tax deferral.

In this article, we’ll explain the percentage of completion method, how it works, and give you some real-life examples. In reviewing prospective construction clients’ income tax returns over the years, I have noticed a glaring and consistent omission of the long-term contract adjustment for AMT from cash-basis taxpayers. The punishment can be the application of the 20% accuracy-related penalty under Sec. 6662(a) in the year of omission. Additionally, lookback interest is not subject to the estimated-tax penalty, but the 20% accuracy-related penalty does apply (Sec. 460(b)(1)).

What is the percentage of completion method?

Another term for the completed contract method is the contract completion method. The completed contract method is a popular method of accounting for exempt construction contracts. Revenue and costs on contracts are not recognized until the contract is completed—or over 95% complete—and can be used for its intended purpose. Using the completed contract method, the taxpayer does not recognize revenue until the contract is completed and accepted by the customer. Except for home construction contracts, CCM can only be used by small contractors for contracts with an estimated life that does not exceed 2 years. There should be no terms in the contract with the only purpose of deferring tax.

• Long-term contracts for services do not qualify as a long-term contract under §460.
• Why most contractors prefer this method is that it fits well with short-term contracts as well as projects involving residential construction.
• Complete lines 1 through 8 (as applicable), but do not enter totals in column (c).
• The date of completion is spelled out in the contract and is often months or even years away from the date work begins.
• If either of these exemptions is met, the taxpayer is not required to use POC for tax reporting.
• Still, even with these risks, the completed contract method is the most conservative accounting method for companies working on long-term contracts.
• With the completed contract method, the contract states that the legal obligation is fulfilled once the project is done.