To elect out, report the sale on Schedule D (540 or 540NR), California Capital Gain or Loss Adjustment; Schedule D (541, 565, 568), Capital Gain or Loss; Schedule D (100S), S Corporation Capital Gains and Losses and Built-In Gains; or Schedule D-1, Sales of Business Property, whichever applies.
An installment method allows for the partial deferral of any capital gain to future taxation years. Installment sales require the buyer to make regular payments, or installments, on an annual basis, plus interest if installment payments are to be made in subsequent taxation years.
Tax Deferral (for the seller): One of the most compelling reasons to consider an installment sale is the ability to defer capital gains tax.
An installment sale has the following primary disadvantages: The sold assets will not receive stepped-up basis in the event of your death.
Use Form 6252, Installment Sale Income to report an installment sale in the year the sale occurs and for each year of the installment obligation. You may need to attach Form 4797 and Schedule D (Form 1040) to your Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors.
Primary tabs. An installment contract is a single contract that is completed by a series of performances–such as payments, performances of a service, or delivery of goods–rather than being performed all at one time. Installment contracts can provide that installments are to be performed by either one or both parties.