What SCHEDULE F (Form 1040) (2017) Is For

Schedule F (Form 1040) is used by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to report profit or loss from operating a farm (IRS Instructions for Schedule F, 2017).

If you raised livestock, grew crops, operated a dairy, poultry operation, fish farm, orchard, ranch, or plantation during 2017, you must file Schedule F to calculate your net farming income or loss and report it on your Form 1040.

This schedule is not for reporting income from providing agricultural services for a fee (such as custom farming, veterinary work, or farm management services) or for landlords who receive flat rental fees—those belong on Schedule C or Schedule E respectively (IRS Instructions for Schedule F, 2017).

When You'd Use SCHEDULE F (Form 1040) for 2017 (Late or Amended Filing)

You would file a late 2017 Schedule F if you never filed your 2017 return and the IRS has sent you notices about unfiled returns, if you've discovered unreported farm income from that year, or if you're trying to establish a compliant filing history.

Many taxpayers file late returns after receiving CP59, CP515, or similar IRS notices demanding past-due returns. Even if the three-year refund statute has expired—meaning you filed after April 2021 and cannot claim a refund—you should still file to stop failure-to-file penalties from accumulating, which run at 5% of unpaid tax per month up to 25% (IRS Notice 746).

You would file an amended 2017 Schedule F using Form 1040X if you already filed your 2017 return but need to correct farm income or expenses—for example, if you received a corrected Form 1099-G for agricultural program payments or forgot to report CCC loan proceeds.

To claim a refund on an amended return, you must file Form 1040X within three years of your original filing date or two years of paying the tax, whichever is later (IRS Topic No. 308).

Key Rules Specific to 2017

The 2017 tax year was the last year governed entirely by pre-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) rules.

• Standard deduction: $6,350 for single filers and $12,700 for married filing jointly—significantly lower than post-2018 levels.
• Domestic production activities deduction (Section 199): Still available in 2017, allowing up to 9% of qualified income. Eliminated starting in 2018 (IRS Publication 225, 2017).
• Estimated tax relief for farmers: If two-thirds of your gross income came from farming, you could avoid an underpayment penalty by filing and paying by March 1, 2018.
• Itemizing deductions: More 2017 filers benefited from itemizing, so review carefully before filing late.

Step-by-Step (High Level)

Step 1: Request Your IRS Transcripts First

Before preparing your 2017 Schedule F, obtain your 2017 Wage and Income Transcript and Account Transcript from your IRS online account or by calling 800-908-9946.
These show Forms W-2, 1099s, and other income reported to the IRS and help confirm payments and withholding (IRS Topic No. 159).

Step 2: Gather All 2017 Farm Records

Collect:

• Receipts for farm expenses
• Sales records for livestock and crops
• Forms 1099-PATR, 1099-G, or CCC-1099-G
• Crop insurance or disaster payment documentation

If documents are missing, your Wage and Income Transcript will list most payer-filed information.

Step 3: Complete the Correct-Year Schedule F (2017)

Download the 2017 Schedule F and its instructions from IRS.gov/priorforms.
Use the 2017 form specifically—not a current-year version.
Report:

• Farm income in Part I (cash method) or Part III (accrual method)
• Deduct ordinary and necessary farm expenses in Part II
  Carry your net profit or loss to Form 1040, line 18 (IRS Instructions for Schedule F, 2017).

Step 4: Attach Required Schedules and Forms

Include:

• Schedule SE for self-employment tax
• Form 4562 for depreciation or Section 179 expensing
• Any other schedules referenced in the 2017 instructions

If amending, attach Form 1040X and your corrected Schedule F with an explanation of changes.

Step 5: Mail to the Correct IRS Address

Mail late 2017 returns to the address listed in the 2017 Form 1040 instructions for your state.
Amended returns go to the address in the 2017 Form 1040X instructions.
The IRS does not accept e-filed returns more than three years old—use certified mail with return receipt to prove timely filing.

Step 6: Keep Copies and Proof of Mailing

Retain photocopies of your return, schedules, and the certified mail receipt.
If the IRS later disputes receipt or filing date, your proof will be critical.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using the Wrong Year's Form

Always use the 2017 Schedule F for 2017.
Using a current-year form will cause processing delays or rejections (IRS.gov/priorforms).

Failing to Obtain Transcripts Before Filing

Late filers often guess at W-2 or 1099 amounts.
Requesting transcripts ensures your reported income matches IRS records and that all withholding and estimated payments are credited (IRS.gov transcript services).

Forgetting Self-Employment Tax

Farm income on Schedule F generally requires filing Schedule SE and paying self-employment tax.
Omitting it results in an IRS notice, additional tax due, and interest (IRS Instructions for Schedule SE, 2017).

Not Explaining Why You're Filing Late or Amended

Attach a brief signed statement explaining the reason for filing late or amending (e.g., “Recently discovered unreported income”).
This doesn’t eliminate penalties but supports potential penalty relief later (IRS penalty relief guidance).

Mixing Personal and Farm Expenses

Deduct only expenses directly related to farming.
Personal expenses such as home property taxes or groceries are nondeductible—even if incurred on the farm (IRS Instructions for Schedule F, 2017).

Ignoring CCC Loan and Crop Insurance Election Rules

If you received Commodity Credit Corporation loans or crop insurance proceeds, review the 2017 instructions carefully to apply proper elections and avoid double taxation or missed deferrals (IRS Instructions for Schedule F, 2017).

What Happens After You File

Processing Timeline

Late and amended returns take longer to process.
Expect:

• 8–12 weeks for amended returns
• Up to 16+ weeks for late originals (especially older years)

The IRS may contact you by mail if additional documentation is required.

Notices and Correspondence

After processing, you’ll receive a notice confirming acceptance or explaining changes.
If you owe a balance, expect a CP14 or similar notice with the amount owed, including penalties and interest.
If your refund statute has expired, the IRS will issue a denial notice (IRS Topic No. 308).

Payment Options

If you owe tax:

• Pay immediately if possible to stop interest.
• Request a short-term payment plan (up to 180 days) or a monthly installment agreement via Form 9465 or IRS.gov/paymentplan.
  Interest continues during the plan, but you avoid enforced collection actions.

Penalty Relief

If this is your first penalty and you filed and paid on time for the prior three years, you may qualify for First Time Abate (FTA).
Call 800-829-1040 or file Form 843.
If not eligible, request reasonable cause abatement for circumstances like illness or natural disaster (IRS penalty relief procedures).

Appeals Rights

If you disagree with additional tax or penalties, you have the right to appeal.
Your notice will include instructions and deadlines (typically 30–60 days).
You may request an Appeals conference or use the Collection Appeals Program for smaller cases.

FAQs

If I file my 2017 Schedule F late, will I still get a refund?

Only if you file within three years of the original due date (April 17, 2018) or within two years of paying the tax, whichever is later.
After April 2021, refunds are barred—but filing still stops penalties and satisfies legal filing requirements (IRS Topic No. 308).

What penalties will I owe for filing my 2017 Schedule F late?

If you owe tax:

• Failure-to-file: 5% per month (max 25%)
• Failure-to-pay: 0.5% per month (max 25%)
• Minimum penalty: $435 or 100% of the tax due, whichever is less (after 60 days)

Interest accrues daily from the original due date.
If you owe no tax, no late-filing penalty applies.

How do I get my 2017 tax transcripts if I never filed?

You won’t have a Tax Return Transcript, but you can request a Wage and Income Transcript showing Forms W-2, 1099, etc.
Access via IRS.gov/account, call 800-908-9946, or mail Form 4506-T (may take longer).

Can I e-file a late 2017 Schedule F?

No. The IRS only accepts e-filed returns for the current year and two prior years.
2017 returns must be printed and mailed to the address listed in the 2017 Form 1040 instructions.

Do I need to amend my state return if I file a late or amended 2017 Schedule F?

Usually yes.
Most states require amended returns when your federal AGI changes.
Check your state revenue department for procedures and deadlines.

What if I received IRS notices for 2017 but lost all my farm records?

Request your 2017 Wage and Income Transcript to see reported income.
Reconstruct expenses using bank and credit card statements or request duplicate 1099s from payers.
Reasonable estimates are acceptable if documentation is lost, but note your reconstruction method (IRS Publication 583).

How long will the IRS keep requesting unfiled 2017 returns?

Indefinitely—there’s no statute of limitations on the requirement to file.
However, once you file, the IRS generally has three years to audit or assess additional tax.
Filing starts that clock and limits long-term exposure (IRS.gov statutes of limitations).