Most taxpayers are on the Cash basis of accounting. Because income is recorded when cash $($or cash equivalents$)$ is received and deductions are generally recorded when cash is paid, the timing of income and expense is easier to manipulate under the cash basis. However, the constructive receipt doctrine and limits on the deduction of excessive prepaid expenses reduce this manipulation. Interest cannot be prepaid and other expenses cannot be deducted to the extent the $$benefit$$ received for the payment extends beyond the $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$ of: $(1)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$ months after the first date on which the taxpayer realizes the right or benefit; or $(2)$ the end of the following tax year in which the payment is made.