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.
Both installment sales and structured installment sales make payments to the seller over a period of time to meet their specific needs. The difference (and arguably the most important distinction) is that installment sales depend on the buyer to make their payments.
Situations where the installment method isn't permitted Installment method rules don't apply to sales that result in a loss. You can't use the installment method to report gain from the sale of inventory or stocks and securities traded on an established securities market.
An installment sale has the following primary disadvantages: The sold assets will not receive stepped-up basis in the event of your death.
Tax Deferral (for the seller): One of the most compelling reasons to consider an installment sale is the ability to defer capital gains tax.
You're required to report gain on an installment sale under the installment method unless you "elect out" on or before the due date for filing your tax return (including extensions) for the year of the sale.
Electing Out of the Installment Method. If you elect not to use the installment method, you generally report the entire gain in the year of sale, even though you don't receive all the sale proceeds in that year.
The installment method is not available for the following Gains associated with inventory, depreciation, amortization recapture, and other ordinary income items. Dealers of real or personal property cannot use the installment method. Sales at a loss do not qualify for the installment method.