Generally, you will use Form 6252 to report installment sale income from casual sales of real or personal property during the tax year. You will also have to report the installment sale income on Schedule D (Form 1040), Form 4797, or both.
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.
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.
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.
Tax Deferral (for the seller): One of the most compelling reasons to consider an installment sale is the ability to defer capital gains tax.
Computer Service Contracts: Contracts for computer or technology services, such as software subscriptions, often involve installment payments being made over a set period of time; Agricultural Sales Contracts: In these contracts, the goods are subject to seasonal cycles, such as produce or agricultural goods.