In 2018 Potrus, an Accrual Basis Corporate Taxpayer, Received a $40,000

Essay

In 2018 Potrus, an accrual basis corporate taxpayer, received a $40,000 advance for a series of eight lectures by various employees for the Art Institute. After delivering five lectures, the series was cancelled for poor attendance. Potrus refused to return any of the advance payment, so the Art Institute sued. In 2019, Potrus was ordered by the court to repay $15,000. Potrus's net income was $426,000 in 2019 and $298,000 in 2018. How should Potrus treat the repayment to obtain the best tax result?