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Form 970 Application To Use LIFO Inventory Method OMB No. 1545-0042
(Rev. November 2012)
▶ Attach to your tax return.
Attachment
Department of the Treasury ▶ Information about Form 970 and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form970. Sequence No. 122
Internal Revenue Service
Name of filer (name of parent corporation if a consolidated group) (see instructions) Filer’s identification number (see instructions)

Name of applicant(s) (if different from filer) and identification number(s)

Part I Statement of Election under Section 472 Yes No

1 The applicant elects to use the LIFO inventory method for the tax year ending (enter month, day, year) ▶
for the following goods (enter here):
See instructions and attach a statement if necessary.

2 In an attached statement, identify and describe the inventory method(s) used by the applicant in the prior tax year
for the goods covered by this election.

3 a Is the applicant already using the LIFO inventory method for any other goods? . . . . . . . . . . . .
b If “Yes” to line 3a, attach a statement identifying and describing the goods and the LIFO methods used.

4 a Has the applicant ever used the LIFO inventory method for the goods covered by this election? . . . . . .
b If “Yes” to line 4a, attach a statement listing the tax years for which the LIFO inventory method was used and
explaining why the LIFO inventory method was discontinued.

5 The applicant will not use the LIFO inventory method to account for the following goods (enter here): ▶

Attach a statement if necessary.
Part II LIFO Inventory Requirements Yes No
6 a Did the applicant value the closing inventories of goods covered by this election at cost for the tax year
immediately preceding the tax year specified on line 1? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b If “No” to line 6a, did the applicant value the beginning inventories of goods covered by this election at cost for
the tax year specified on line 1 as required by section 472(d)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If “No” to line 6b, attach an explanation.
c If “Yes” to line 6b, will the applicant account for the adjustment required by section 472(d) over a 3-year period?
If “No” to line 6c, attach an explanation.

7 a When determining the beginning inventories of goods covered by this election, did the applicant treat those goods
as being acquired for a unit cost that is equal to the total cost of those goods divided by the total number of units
on hand? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b If “No” to line 7a, attach an explanation.

8 a Did the applicant (or any member of the same group of financially related corporations as defined in section
472(g)) issue credit statements or reports to shareholders, partners, other proprietors, or beneficiaries covering the
tax year specified on line 1? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b If “Yes” to line 8a, attach a statement describing the recipient(s), the date(s) of issuance, and the inventory
method(s) used to determine income, profit, or loss in those statements.

9 a Will the applicant determine beginning and ending inventories at cost regardless of market value? . . . . .
b If “No” to line 9a, attach an explanation.

10 a As a condition of adopting the LIFO inventory method, Regulations section 1.472-4 requires a taxpayer to agree
to make any adjustments incident to the change to, the change from, or the use of, the LIFO inventory method
that, upon the examination of the taxpayer’s income tax return, the IRS determines are necessary to clearly reflect
income. Does the applicant agree to this condition? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b If “No” to line 10a, the applicant is not eligible to use the LIFO inventory method and does not need to file Form 970.
Part III Specific Goods (Unit) Method
11 Under Regulations section 1.472-1, the types of goods in the opening inventory must be compared with similar types of goods
in the closing inventories. Attach a list of the types or categories of goods that will be compared, describe the goods that will
be included in each type or category, and identify the unit of measure (pounds, barrels, feet, etc.) used for each type or
category.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions. Cat. No. 17057T Form 970 (Rev. 11-2012)

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Form 970 (Rev. 11-2012) Page 2
Part III Specific Goods (Unit) Method (Continued)
12 Check the box corresponding to the method that the applicant will use to determine the cost of the goods in the closing
inventories in excess of the cost of the goods in the opening inventories (see instructions):
Actual cost of goods most recently purchased or produced
Average cost of goods purchased or produced during the tax year
Actual cost of goods purchased or produced in the order of acquisition
Other (attach explanation)

Part IV Dollar-Value Method
13 Attach a statement describing the applicant’s method of defining “items.”

14 a Did the applicant acquire any of the goods covered by this election at below-market prices? . . . . . Yes No
b If “Yes” to line 14a, attach a statement explaining whether the applicant did, or will, account for the goods purchased at
below-market prices and similar goods produced or acquired at market prices as separate items. If the applicant did, or will,
account for both types of goods as the same item, explain and justify.

15 Attach a statement describing the method of pooling the applicant will use for the goods covered by this election. If the
applicant will use more than one dollar-value pool, list and describe the contents of each dollar-value pool (see instructions).

16 Identify or describe the method the applicant will use to compute the LIFO value of each dollar-value pool containing goods
covered by this election (for example, double-extension method, link-chain method, or index method).

If the applicant’s method is neither the double-extension method nor the Inventory Price Index Computation method, attach a
statement describing the method in detail and justifying the applicant’s use of the selected method (see instructions).
17 Check the box corresponding to the method the applicant will use to determine the current-year cost of goods in the closing
inventories and to value the LIFO increments of the dollar-value pool(s) (see instructions).
Actual cost of goods most recently purchased or produced
Average cost of goods purchased or produced during the tax year
Actual cost of goods purchased or produced in the order of acquisition
Other (attach explanation)

Part V Inventory Price Index Computation (IPIC) Method
18 Check the box corresponding to the method the applicant will use to compute the LIFO value of each dollar-value pool
containing goods covered by this election (see instructions).
Double-extension IPIC method
Link-chain IPIC method

19 Check the box corresponding to the table from which the applicant will select Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) price indexes
(see instructions).
Table 3 of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Detailed Report
Table 6 of the Producer Price Index (PPI) Detailed Report
Other table of the PPI Detailed Report
If the applicant will use “Other table of the PPI Detailed Report,” attach a statement explaining why the other table is more
appropriate than Table 6.

20 Will the applicant use the 10 percent method (see instructions)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No

21 If the applicant elects to use a representative month for selecting BLS price indexes from the applicable Detailed Report, enter
the representative month elected for each dollar-value pool.
See instructions and attach a statement if necessary.
Part VI Other Information
22 Attach a statement describing the applicant’s method of determining the cost of inventory items (for example, standard cost
method, actual invoice cost, joint product cost method, or retail inventory method).
23 Did the applicant receive IRS consent to change the method of valuing inventories for the tax year specified
on line 1 (see instructions)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No
Form 970 (Rev. 11-2012)

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Form 970 (Rev. 11-2012)                                                                                                          Page  3 

General Instructions                                               Specific Instructions 
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless         Name and Identification Number 
otherwise noted. 
                                                                   Enter the name of the filer on the first line of page 1 of Form  
Future Developments                                                970. In general, the filer of the Form 970 is the applicant.  
For the latest information about developments related to Form      However, if Form 970 is filed on behalf of the applicant, enter  
970 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they   the filer’s name and identification number on the first line of 
were published, go to www.irs.gov/form970.                         Form 970 and enter the applicant’s name and identification  
                                                                   number on the second line. An individual’s identifying number is 
Purpose of Form                                                    his or her social security number. For all others, it is the entity’s 
Form 970 is filed with your income tax return to elect to use the  employer identification number.  
last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method described in section 
472. If you prefer, you can file an election statement that gives  Part I—Statement of Election under Section 
the same information requested on Form 970.                        472 
                                                                   Line 1. Enter the tax year the LIFO inventory method will first  
How To Use Form 970                                                be used and list the inventory items for which you will use this 
You must complete Parts I, II, and VI. In addition, complete       method. Include only inventory items that are not already  
Parts III, IV, and V, as applicable.                               covered under a previous LIFO election. Attach a detailed  
                                                                   analysis of all of your inventories as of the beginning and end of 
When To File                                                       the first tax year the LIFO method will be used and the  
File Form 970 (or a similar statement) with your tax return for    beginning inventory of the preceding tax year. Also, include the 
the first tax year you intend to use the LIFO method.              ending inventory reported on your tax return for the preceding 
If you filed your return for the tax year in which you wish to     tax year. See Regulations sections 1.472-2 and 1.472-3 for 
use the LIFO inventory method described in section 472             more details on preparing this analysis. 
without making the election, you can make the election by filing 
an amended return within 12 months of the date you filed your      Part III—Specific Goods (Unit) Method 
original return. Attach Form 970 (or similar statement) to the     Line 12. See Regulations section 1.472-2 for more information. 
amended return and write “Filed pursuant to section 
301.9100-2” at the top of Form 970. File the amended return at     Part IV—Dollar-Value Method 
the same address the original return was filed.                    Line 15. Provide sufficient information to justify the pooling  
                                                                   method you are using. Retailers, wholesalers, jobbers, and  
Change From LIFO Method                                            distributors are required to pool their goods by major lines,  
Once you adopt the LIFO method, it is irrevocable unless the       types, or classes, as authorized under Regulations section  
IRS allows you to change to another method. To request             1.472-8(c). Manufacturers or processors can use the natural  
approval to change from the LIFO inventory method, you can         business unit pooling method, as authorized by Regulations  
use the automatic change request procedures or the advance         section 1.472-8(b)(1), or can establish multiple pools of similar 
consent request procedures. For details about these two            items in lieu of natural business unit pools, under Regulations 
procedures under which an applicant can request a change in        section 1.472-8(b)(3)(i). Multiple pools include raw materials 
accounting method, see Purpose of Form under General               content pools authorized by Regulations section              
Instructions in the Instructions for Form 3115, Application for    1.472-8(b)(3)(ii). 
Change in Accounting Method. For more information, also see        Eligible small businesses can establish pools under the  
the List of Automatic Accounting Method Changes in the             simplified dollar-value LIFO method (discussed below). 
Instructions for Form 3115.                                        Manufacturers or processors using the inventory price index 
LIFO Recapture Amount                                              computation (IPIC) method can establish pools based on the 2-
                                                                   digit commodity codes in Table 6 of the Producer Price Index 
A C corporation must include in gross income a LIFO recapture      (PPI) Detailed Report. A retailer using the IPIC method can 
amount (defined below) if it:                                      establish pools based on either the general expenditure 
1. Used the LIFO method for its last tax year before the first     categories in Table 3 of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Detailed 
tax year for which an election to be taxed as an S corporation     Report or on the 2-digit commodity codes in Table 6 of the PPI 
becomes effective, or                                              Detailed Report. A wholesaler, jobber, or distributor using the 
2. Transferred LIFO inventory assets to an S corporation in a      IPIC method can establish pools based on the 2-digit 
nonrecognition transaction in which those assets constitute        commodity codes in Table 6 of the PPI Detailed Report. The PPI 
transferred basis property.                                        and CPI Detailed Reports are published monthly by the U.S. 
The LIFO recapture amount is the amount by which the C             Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Under the IPIC method, you 
corporation’s inventory amount of the inventory assets using the   can also combine pools under special 5% rules. See 
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method exceeds the inventory amount of  Regulations sections 1.472-8(b)(4) and 1.472-8(c)(2) for more 
such assets under the LIFO method at the close of the C            information. 
corporation’s last tax year as a C corporation (or for the year of Describe any other method of pooling used. 
the transfer, if 2, above, applies).                               Simplified dollar-value LIFO method. If your average  
For additional information on LIFO recapture, see                  annual gross receipts for the 3 preceding tax years did not  
Regulations section 1.1363-2 and Rev. Proc. 94-61, 1994-2          exceed $5 million, you can elect to use the simplified dollar-
C.B. 775. Also see the Instructions for Form 1120 and the          value LIFO method. If the taxpayer is a member of a controlled 
Instructions for Form 1120S.                                       group, the gross receipts of the group are used to determine if 
                                                                   the taxpayer qualifies. This method requires that the taxpayer

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Form 970 (Rev. 11-2012) Page 4

maintain a separate inventory pool for items in each major Line 19. Manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, jobbers, and
category in the applicable Government price index, and that the distributors must select BLS price indexes from Table 6 of the
taxpayer make adjustments to each separate pool based on PPI Detailed Report, unless the taxpayer can demonstrate that
changes from the preceding tax year in the component of such selecting BLS price indexes from another table of the PPI
index for the major category. A qualified taxpayer does not need Detailed Report is more appropriate. Retailers can select BLS
IRS consent to elect these provisions. The election is in effect price indexes from either Table 3 of the CPI Detailed Report or
for the first year the election is made and for each succeeding from Table 6 (or another more appropriate table) of the PPI
year the taxpayer qualifies as an eligible small business. The Detailed Report.
election can be revoked only with IRS consent. Line 20. See Regulations section 1.472-8(e)(3)(iii)(C)(2) for a
The simplified dollar-value method requires that general description of the 10 percent method.
categories of inventory pools be established. The general Line 21. See Regulations section 1.472-8(e)(3)(iii)(B)(3) before
categories are based on categories of inventory items completing line 21.
contained in the PPI Detailed Report or the CPI Detailed
Report. See section 474 and Regulations section 1.472-8 for Part VI—Other Information
more details. Line 23. If you filed Form 3115, Application for Change in
Line 16. Generally, you can only use the double-extension Accounting Method, and received IRS consent to change your
method or the inventory price index computation method. See method of valuing inventories for the tax year specified on line
Regulations sections 1.472-8(e)(2) and 1.472-8(e)(3) for a 1, do not attach a copy of the approval letter (consent
description of these methods. However, if you use the link- agreement). Retain a copy of the letter for your records.
chain, index, or “other” method, attach a detailed statement
explaining how the method is justified under Regulations section Paperwork Reduction Act Notice.We ask for the information
1.472-8(e)(1). In addition, if you use a link-chain method, your on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United
statement should explain why the nature of the pool makes the States. You are required to give us the information. We need it
double-extension or index method impractical or unsuitable. to ensure that you are complying with these laws and to allow
New Vehicle Alternative LIFO Inventory Method. us to figure and collect the right amount of tax.
Automobile dealers engaged in the trade or business of retail You are not required to provide the information requested on
sales of new automobiles or new light-duty trucks can adopt or a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
use the New Vehicle Alternative LIFO Inventory Method under the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or
Rev. Proc. 97-36, 1997-2 C.B. 450, as modified by Rev. Proc. records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as
2008-23, 2008-12 I.R.B. 664, or its succesor. A new automobile long as their contents may become material in the
dealer who previously elected this method under Rev. Proc. administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax
92-79, 1992-2 C.B. 457 is not required to change its method of returns and return information are confidential, as required by
accounting to comply with Rev. Proc. 97-36. For information on section 6103.
accounting method changes to this method, see section 22.03 The time needed to complete and file this form and related
in the Appendix of Rev. Proc. 2011-14, 2011-4 I.R.B. 330, or its schedules will vary depending on individual circumstances. The
successor. estimated burden for individual taxpayers filing this form is
Used Vehicle Alternative LIFO Inventory Method. approved under OMB control number 1545-0074 and is
Automobile dealers engaged in the trade or business of retail included in the estimates shown in the instructions for their
sales of used automobiles or used light-duty trucks can adopt individual income tax return. The estimated burden for all other
or use the Used Vehicle Alternative LIFO Inventory Method as taxpayers who file this form is shown below.
described in Rev. Proc. 2001-23, 2001-10 I.R.B. 784, as Recordkeeping . . . . . . . . . . 8 hr., 36 min.
modified by Announcement 2004-16, 2004-1 I.R.B. 668, and Learning about the law or the form . . . . 1 hr., 47 min.
Rev. Proc. 2008-23, or its successor. For information on
accounting method changes to this method, see section 22.04 Preparing and sending the form to the IRS . . 2 hr., 0 min.
in the Appendix of Rev. Proc. 2011-14, or its successor, and If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time
change number 59 in the List of Automatic Accounting Method estimates or suggestions for making this form and related
Changes in the Instructions for Form 3115. schedules simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. See
Line 17. See Regulations section 1.472-8(e)(2) for more the instructions for the tax return with which this form is filed.
information.
Part V—Inventory Price Index Computation
(IPIC) Method
Line 18. See Regulations section 1.472-8(e)(3)(iii)(E) for a
description of the double-extension and link-chain IPIC
methods, including examples. The use of either of these IPIC
methods is a method of accounting. For information on
accounting method changes to or within an IPIC method, see
change numbers 61 and 62 in the List of Automatic Accounting
Method Changes in the Instructions for Form 3115.

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