us-irs-announcements-irb-2004-39-pdf•Internal Revenue Bulletin 2004-39 (PDF rendition): IRS Announcements
Internal Revenue Bulletin 2004-39 (PDF rendition): IRS Announcements
us-irs-announcements-irb-2004-39-pdfInternal Revenue Bulletin 2004-39 (PDF rendition): IRS AnnouncementsGuidance
Preserve advance releases and the authoritative Internal Revenue Bulletin rendition; directory timestamps are file-publication metadata, not legal effective dates. HTML bulletins begin June 2003; earlier available issues require full PDF parsing. Whole bulletin rendition: numbered items are identified below; other legal material and publisher context remain included. This is not a new standalone advance release.
Bulletin No. 200 4-39 September 27, 20 04 HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE These synopses are intended only as aids to the reader in identifying the subject matter covered. They may not be relied upon as authoritative interpretations. INCOME TAX Rev. Rul. 2004–97, page 516. Section 7805(b); Rev. Rul. 2004–75.This ruling grants insurance companies section 7805(b) relief from the retroac- tive application of Rev. Rul. 2004–75. Rev. Rul. 2004–75 will not be applied to payments made to nonresident alien in- dividuals orbona fideresidents of Puerto Rico under life insur- ance or annuity contracts issued by foreign or Puerto Rican branches of U.S. life insurance companies before January 1, 2005, provided such payments are made pursuant to binding life insurance or annuity contracts issued by such branches on or before July 12, 2004. Rev. Rul. 2004–75 amplified. T.D. 9150 , page 514. Final reg ulations under sections 141 and 142 of the Code final- ize a port ion of proposed regulations (REG–132483–03) that modify r emedial action regulations. The regulations make one substan tive change to the proposed regulations. This change provide s an additional method for determining which bonds must be r emediated for certain issuers with outstanding bonds. The reg ulations will generally apply to failures to properly use procee ds that occur on or after August 13, 2004. T.D. 9152, page 509. Final regulations under section 121 of the Code provide rules relating to the reduced maximum exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of property that the taxpayer has not owned and used as the taxpayer’s principal residence for two of the preceding five years or when the taxpayer has excluded gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence within the preceding two years. T.D. 9031 removed. T.D. 9153, page 517. REG–124872–04, page 533. Final, temporary, and proposed regulations under section 7701 of the Code provide that some business entities may be rec- ognized under state or foreign law as created or organized in more than one jurisdiction at the same time (“dually char- tered entities”). These regulations provide clarification regard- ing how to determine the federal tax classification (e.g.,corpo- ration,partnership,oranentitydisregardedasseparatefrom its owner) of a dually chartered entity and how to determine whether a dually chartered entity is domestic or foreign. A public hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 3, 2004. REG–149524–03, page 528. Proposed regulations under section 1363 of the Code relate to LIFO recapture by corporations converting from C corporations to S corporations. The purpose of the regulations is to provide guidance on the LIFO recapture requirement when the corpo- ration holds inventory accounted for under the last-in, first-out method (LIFO inventory) indirectly through a partnership. The regulations affect C corporations that own interests in partner- ships holding LIFO inventory and that elect to be taxed as S corporations or that transfer such partnership interests to S corporations in nonrecognition transactions. The regulations also affect S corporations receiving such partnership interests from C corporations in nonrecognition transactions. A public hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2004. (Continued on the next page) Finding Lists begin on page ii. Index for July through September begins on page iv. REG–128767–04, page 534. Proposed regulations under section 752 of the Code provide rules for taking into account the net value of a disregarded entity owned by a partner or related person for purposes of allocating partnership liabilities. Specifically, the regulations provide that in determining the extent to which a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability, payment obligations of a disregarded entity are taken into account only to the extent of the net value of the disregarded entity. REG–130863–04, page 538. Proposed regulations address the effect of transfers of the assets or the stock of parties to a reorganization pursuant to transactions intended to qualify as reorganizations within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code. Notice 2004–58, page 520. This notice sets forth a method that the IRS will accept for determining whether subsidiary stock loss is disallowed and subsidiary stock basis is reduced under regulations section 1.337(d)–2T, and requests comments as to what method should be adopted in prospective regulations. Announcement 2004–69, page 542. This document withdraws proposed regulations (REG–165579–02, 2004–13 I.R.B. 651) that address the effect of transfers of the assets or the stock of parties to a reorganization pursuant to transactions intended to qualify as reorganizations within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code. ESTATE TAX REG–145987–03, page 523. Proposed regulations under section 2642 of the Code pro- vide guidance regarding the qualified severance of a trust for generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax purposes under section 2642(a)(3), which was added to the Code by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). EXCISE TAX Announcement 2004–70, page 543. The Service will not assert the penalty under section 6715 of the Code for diesel fuel that has been delivered or sold in Florida by wholesale dealers to retail dealers for resale to highway users or directly to end users for highway use for the period September 2, 2004, through September 15, 2004. ADMINISTRATIVE Announcement 2004–73, page 543. This document changes the date of the public hearing on proposed regulations (REG–150562–03, 2004–32 I.R.B. 175) that relate to the application of section 1045 of the Code to partnerships and their partners. September 27, 20042004–39 I.R.B. The IRS Mission Provide America’s taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all. Introduction The Internal Revenue Bulletin is the authoritative instrument of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for announcing official rulings and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service and for publishing Treasury Decisions, Executive Orders, Tax Conven- tions, legislation, court decisions, and other items of general interest. It is published weekly and may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents on a subscription basis. Bulletin contents are compiled semiannually into Cumulative Bulletins, which are sold on a single-copy basis. It is the policy of the Service to publish in the Bulletin all sub- stantive rulings necessary to promote a uniform application of the tax laws, including all rulings that supersede, revoke, mod- ify, or amend any of those previously published in the Bulletin. All published rulings apply retroactively unless otherwise indi- cated. Procedures relating solely to matters of internal man- agement are not published; however, statements of internal practices and procedures that affect the rights and duties of taxpayers are published. Revenue rulings represent the conclusions of the Service on the application of the law to the pivotal facts stated in the revenue ruling. In those based on positions taken in rulings to taxpayers or technical advice to Service field offices, identifying details and information of a confidential nature are deleted to prevent unwarranted invasions of privacy and to comply with statutory requirements. Rulings and procedures reported in the Bulletin do not have the force and effect of Treasury Department Regulations, but they may be used as precedents. Unpublished rulings will not be relied on, used, or cited as precedents by Service personnel in the disposition of other cases. In applying published rulings and procedures, the effect of subsequent legislation, regulations, court decisions, rulings, and procedures must be considered, and Service personnel and others concerned are cautioned against reaching the same conclusions in other cases unless the facts and circumstances are substantially the same. The Bulletin is divided into four parts as follows: Part I.—19 86 Code. This part i ncludes rulings and decisions based on provisions of the Intern al Revenue Code of 1986. Part II.—Treaties and Tax Legislation. This part is divided into two subparts as follows: Subpart A, Tax Conventions and Other Related Items, and Subpart B, Leg- islation and Related Committee Reports. Part III.—Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous. To the extent practicable, pertinent cross references to these subjects are contained in the other Parts and Subparts. Also included in this part are Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rul- ings. Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rulings are issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Assistant Sec- retary (Enforcement). Part IV .—Items of General Interest. This par t includes notices of proposed rulemakings, disbar- ment an d suspension lists, and announcements. The last Bulletin for each month includes a cumulative index for the matters published during the preceding months. These monthly indexes are cumulated on a semiannual basis, and are published in the last Bulletin of each semiannual period. The c ontents of this publication are not copyrighted and may be reprinted freely. A citation of the Internal Revenue Bulletin as the source would be appropriate. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 2004–39 I.R.B.September 27, 2004 Part I. Rulings and Decisions Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Section 121.—Exclusion of Gain From Sale of Principal Residence 26 CFR 1.121–3: Reduced maximum exclusion for taxpayers failing to meet certain requirements. T.D. 9152 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 1 Reduced Maximum Exclusion of Gain From Sale or Exchange of Principal Residence AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final regulations. SUMMARY: This document contains fi- nal regulations relating to the exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of a taxpayer’s principal residence. The final regulations apply to a taxpayer who has not owned and used the property as the taxpayer’s principal residence for two of the preceding five years or who has ex- cluded gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence within the preceding two years. The final regulations reflect changes to the law by the Taxpayer Re- lief Act of 1997, as amended by the In- ternal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, and the Military Fam- ily Tax Relief Act of 2003. DATES:Effective Date:These final regu- lations are effective August 13, 2004. Applicability Date:For dates of appli- cability, see §§1.121–3(h) and 1.121–5(e). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Paige Shepherd, (202) 622–4960 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background This document contains amendments to 26 CFR Part 1. On December 24, 2002, the IRS and Treasury Department pub- lished in theFederal Registeranoticeof proposed rulemaking (REG–138882–02, 2003–1 C.B. 522 [67 FR 78398]) by cross reference to temporary regulations (T.D. 9031, 2003–1 C.B. 504 [67 FR 78367]) under section 121(c) of the Internal Rev- enue Code (Code). The regulations relate to the exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of the principal residence of a taxpayer who has not owned and used the property as the taxpayer’s principal residence for two of the preceding five years or who has excluded gain on the sale or exchange of a principal residence within the preceding two years. Written and electronic comments were received. No public hearing was requested or held. After considering all of the comments, the proposed regulations are adopted as amended by this Treasury decision, and the corresponding temporary regulations are removed. Explanation and Summary of Comments 1.Facts and Circumstances Test Under section 121(a), a taxpayer may exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for cer- tain joint returns) of gain realized on the sale or exchange of the taxpayer’s princi- pal residence if the taxpayer owned and used the property as the taxpayer’s prin- cipal residence for at least two years dur- ing the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange. Section 121(b)(3) allows the taxpayer to apply the maximum exclusion to only one sale or exchange dur- ing the two-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange. Section 121(c) provides that a taxpayer who fails to meet any of the conditions by reason of a change in place of employment, health, or, to the extent provided in regulations, unforeseen circumstances, may beentitled to an exclu- sion in a reduced maximum amount. The temporary regulations provide, as a general definition, that a sale or exchange is by reason of a change in place of em- ployment, health, or unforeseen circum- stances only if the taxpayer’s primary rea- son for the sale or exchange is a change in place of employment, health, or unfore- seen circumstances. The temporary regu- lations provide factors that may be relevant in determining the taxpayer’s primary rea- son for the sale or exchange. One commentator asserted that the fac- tors are beyond Congressional intent, un- necessary, and overbroad. The final regu- lations retain the listof factors because it is helpful in determining the taxpayer’s pri- mary reason for the sale or exchange. For each of the three grounds for claim- ing a reduced maximum exclusion, the temporary regulations provide a general definition and one or more safe harbors. Under the temporary regulations, if a safe harbor applies, the taxpayer’s “primary reason” for the sale or exchange is deemed to be change in place of employment, health, or unforeseen circumstances. For greater simplicity, the final regulations delete the primary reason test from the safe harbors and provide that, if a safe harbor applies, the sale or exchange is deemed to be “by reason of” a change in place of employment, health, or unfore- seen circumstances. If a safe harbor does not apply, the taxpayer may be eligible to claim a reduced maximum exclusion if the taxpayer establishes, based on the facts and circumstances, that the taxpayer’s pri- mary reason for the sale or exchange is a change in place of employment, health, or unforeseen circumstances. 2.Unforeseen Circumstances The temporary regulations provide that a sale or exchange is by reason of un- foreseen circumstances if the primary rea- son for the sale or exchange is the occur- rence of an event that the taxpayer does not anticipate before purchasing and occu- pying the residence. One commentator as- serted that this definition is beyond Con- gressional intent and would allow any cir- cumstance giving rise to the sale or ex- change of property toqualify for a reduced maximum exclusion. The final regulations revise the defini- tion of a sale or exchange by reason of unforeseen circumstances from “an event that the taxpayer did not anticipate” to “an event that the taxpayer could not reason- ably have anticipated” before purchasing 2004–39 I.R.B.509September 27, 2004 and occupying the residence. Addition- ally, the final regulations clarify that a sale or exchange by reason of unforeseen cir- cumstances (other than a sale or exchange within a safe harbor) does not qualify for the reduced maximum exclusion if the pri- mary reason for the sale or exchange is a preference for a different residence or an improvement in financial circumstances. The final regulations provide additional examples illustrating the application of the reduced maximum exclusion rules to sit- uations outside of the unforeseen circum- stances safe harbors. Under the temporary regulations, a tax- payer’s primary reason for the sale or ex- change is deemed to be unforeseen circum- stances if one of the following safe harbor events occurs during the taxpayer’s own- ership and use of the property: (1) invol- untary conversion of the residence, (2) a natural or man-made disaster or act of war or terrorism resulting in a casualty to the residence, and (3) in the case of a qualified individual, (a) death, (b) the cessation of employment as a result of which the indi- vidual is eligible for unemployment com- pensation, (c) a change in employment or self-employment status that results in the taxpayer’s inability to pay housing costs and reasonable basic living expenses for the taxpayer’s household, (d) divorce or le- gal separation under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance, (e) multiple births resulting from the same pregnancy, or (f) an event determined by the Commissioner to be an unforeseen circumstance. A tax- payer who does not qualify for a safe har- bor may demonstrate that, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale or exchange is unforeseen circum- stances. Commentators suggested that marriage, bankruptcy of the taxpayer’s employer not resulting in the loss of the taxpayer’s em- ployment, and the adoption of a family member should be additional unforeseen circumstances safe harbors that qualify for the reduced maximum exclusion. The final regulations do not adopt these comments. Marriage and adoption are vol- untary events that typically lack the de- gree of unforeseeability common in the other unforeseen circumstances safe har- bors, and bankruptcy of the taxpayer’s em- ployer unaccompanied by a change in em- ployment status of the taxpayer does not impact the taxpayer’s current ability to pay housing costs. However, these events may still qualify for the reduced maximum ex- clusion under the facts and circumstances test if, as a result of such an event, the taxpayer’s primary reason for the sale or exchange is a change in place of employ- ment, health, or unforeseen circumstances. For purposes of the reduced maximum exclusion by reason of unforeseen circum- stances, the temporary regulations provide that aqualified individualincludes the tax- payer, the taxpayer’s spouse, a co-owner of the residence, and a person whose prin- cipal place of abode is in the same house- hold as the taxpayer. A commentator suggested that the un- foreseen circumstances exception should be limited to events involving only the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse. The commentator stated that, under this nar- rower exception, a safe harbor for death would be unnecessary because little, if any, gain would result as a consequence of the step-up in basis provisions of the Code. The commentator also asserted that the safe harbor for involuntary conversions is redundant and unnecessary because sec- tion 1033 already provides for non-recog- nition of gain in such circumstances. The final regulations do not adopt these comments. The inclusion in the safe harbors of events affecting co-owners and co-inhabitants is appropriate because these events may affect the taxpayer’s ability to pay housing costs. The involuntary conversion safe harbor is also appropriate, as both the non-recognition provisions of section 1033 and the exclusion provisions of section 121 may apply to a conversion of property. See section 121(d)(5). The temporary regulations provide that unforeseen circumstances include events determined by the Commissioner to be un- foreseen circumstances to the extent pro- vided in published guidance of general ap- plicability or in a ruling directed to a spe- cific taxpayer. The final regulations clarify thattaxpayersmayrelyononlythosede- terminations made by the Commissioner in published guidance of general applicabil- ity. A ruling directed to a specific taxpayer does not establish a safe harbor of general applicability. 3.Health Exception The temporary regulations provide that a sale or exchange of a residence is by rea- son of health if the primary reason for the sale or exchange is to obtain, provide, or facilitate the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or treatment of disease, illness, or injury of a qualified individual, or to obtain or pro- vide medical or personal care for a qual- ified individual suffering from a disease, illness, or injury. A sale or exchange that is merely beneficial to the general health or well-being of the individual is not a sale or exchange by reason ofhealth. This defini- tion is based on the definition of medical care under section 213. A commentator suggested eliminating the termdiagnosisfrom the definition of sale or exchange by reason of health be- cause taxpayers rarely would sell a resi- dence merely to obtain a diagnosis of a disease, illness, or injury. The final reg- ulations do not adopt this suggestion be- cause, while such sales are likely to be un- common, they may occur. In addition, re- tainingdiagnosisin the general definition of sale or exchange by reason of health maintains uniformity with the definition of medical care under section 213 and re- duces complexity. 4.Statute of Limitations A commentator suggested that the reg- ulations should clarify that, under section 6501, the statute of limitations on assess- ments arising from the use of the exclusion begins to run from the filing date for the year of the sale or exchange. The final reg- ulations do not address this issue because the issue is well-settled by statute and rules regarding the statute of limitations on as- sessments are outside the scope of these regulations. 5.Military Exception Numerous commentators suggested that members of the uniformed services should be accorded a special exception to the use requirement because they are often requiredtobeawayfromhomeforex- tended periods of time and unable to use a property as their principal residence for at least two years during the five-year period prior to a sale or exchange. The final reg- ulations reflect enactment of the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 Public Law 108–121, section 101 (117 Stat. 1335) (MFTRA). The MFTRA amends section 121 to provide that a taxpayer serving (or whose spouse is serving) on qualified September 27, 20045102004–39 I.R.B. official extended duty as a member of the uniformed services or Foreign Service mayelecttosuspendtherunningofthe 5-year period for up to 10 years. The elec- tion may be made with respect to only one property at a time. The taxpayer makes an election by fil- ing a return for the taxable year of the sale or exchange of the taxpayer’s prin- cipal residence thatdoes not include the resulting gain in the taxpayer’s gross in- come. A taxpayer who would qualify to exclude gain under section 121 as a result of the amendments made by the MFTRA but is barred by operation of any law or rule of law may nonetheless claim a refund or credit of an overpayment of tax if the taxpayer files the claim before November 11, 2004. 6.Effective Dates Section 1.121–3 of the final regulations, relating to the reduced maximum exclu- sion, applies to sales and exchanges on or after August 13, 2004. For sales or exchanges before August 13, 2004, and on or after May 7, 1997, taxpayers may elect to apply the rules retroactively in ac- cordance with §1.121–4(j) and will be af- forded audit protection in accordance with §1.121–4(k). Section 1.121–5 of the final regulations, relating to the suspension of the 5-year period for certain members of the uniformed services and Foreign Ser- vice, applies to sales and exchanges on or after May 7, 1997. Special Analysis It has been determined that this Trea- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because these regulations do not impose a collec- tion of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chap- ter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to sec- tion 7805(f) of the Code, the notice of pro- posed rulemaking preceding these regula- tions was submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Ad- ministration for comment on its impact on small businesses. Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tions is Sara Paige Shepherd, Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in the development of the reg- ulations. ***** Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR Part 1 is amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read, in part, as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. Section 1.121–3 is amended by: 1. Adding paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f). 2. Removing paragraphs (h), (i), (j), and (k). 3. Redesignating paragraph (l) as para- graph (h) and revising it. The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §1.121–3 Reduced maximum exclusion for taxpayers failing to meet certain requirements. ***** (b)Primary reason for sale or ex- change. In order for a taxpayer to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under sec- tion 121(c), the sale or exchange must be by reason of a change in place of employ- ment, health, or unforeseen circumstances. If a safe harbor described in this section applies, a sale or exchange is deemed to be by reason of a change in place of employment, health, or unforeseen cir- cumstances. If a safe harbor described in this section does not apply, a sale or exchange is by reason of a change in place of employment, health, or unforeseen cir- cumstances only if the primary reason for the sale or exchange is a change in place of employment (within the meaning of paragraph (c) of this section), health (within the meaning of paragraph (d) of this section), or unforeseen circumstances (within the meaning of paragraph (e) of this section). Whether the requirements of this section are satisfied depends upon all the facts and circumstances. Factors that may be relevant in determining the taxpayer’s primary reason for the sale or exchange include (but are not limited to) the extent to which— (1) The sale or exchange and the cir- cumstances giving rise to the sale or ex- change are proximate in time; (2) The suitability of the property as the taxpayer’s principal residence materially changes; (3) The taxpayer’s financial ability to maintain the property is materially im- paired; (4) The taxpayer uses the property as the taxpayer’s residence during the period of the taxpayer’s ownership of the prop- erty; (5) The circumstances giving rise to the sale or exchange are not reasonably fore- seeable when the taxpayer begins using the property as the taxpayer’s principal resi- dence; and (6) The circumstances giving rise to the sale or exchange occur during the period of the taxpayer’s ownership and use of the property as the taxpayer’s principal resi- dence. (c)Sale or exchange by reason of a change in place of employment—(1)In general. A sale or exchange is by reason of a change in place of employment if, in the case of a qualified individual described in paragraph (f) of this section, the primary reason for the sale or exchange is a change in the location of the individual’s employ- ment. (2)Distance safe harbor.Asaleor exchange is deemed to be by reason of a change in place of employment (within the meaning of paragraph (c)(1) of this sec- tion) if— (i) The change in place of employment occurs during the period of the taxpayer’s ownership and use of the property as the taxpayer’s principal residence; and (ii) The qualified individual’s new place of employment is at least 50 miles farther from the residence sold or ex- changed than was the former place of employment, or, if there was no former place of employment, the distance be- tween the qualified individual’s new place of employment and the residence sold or exchanged is at least 50 miles. 2004–39 I.R.B.511September 27, 2004 (3)Employment. For purposes of this paragraph (c),employmentincludes the commencement of employment with a new employer, the continuation of em- ployment with the same employer, and the commencement or continuation of self-employment. (4)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (c): Example 1. A is unemployed and owns a town- house that she has owned and used as her principal residence since 2003. In 2004 A obtains a job that is 54 miles from her townhouse, and she sells the town- house. Because the distance between A’s new place of employment and the townhouse is at least 50 miles, thesaleiswithinthesafeharborofparagraph(c)(2) of this section and A is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 2. B is an officer in the United States Air Force stationed in Florida. B purchases a house in Florida in 2002. In May 2003, B moves out of his house to take a 3-year assignment in Germany. B sells his house in January 2004. Because B’s new place of employment in Germany is at least 50 miles far- ther from the residence sold than is B’s former place of employment in Florida, the sale is within the safe harbor of paragraph (c)(2) of this section and B is en- titled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 3. C is employed by Employer R at R’s Philadelphia office. C purchases a house in Febru- ary 2002 that is 35 miles from R’s Philadelphia of- fice. In May 2003, C begins a temporary assignment at R’s Wilmington office that is 72 miles from C’s house, and moves out of the house. In June 2005, C is assigned to work in R’s London office. C sells her house in August 2005 as a result of the assignment to London. The sale of the house is not within the safe harbor of paragraph (c)(2) of this section by reason of the change in place of employment from Philadelphia to Wilmington because the Wilmington office is not 50 miles farther from C’s house than is the Philadel- phia office. Furthermore, the sale is not within the safe harbor by reason of the change in place of em- ployment to London because C is not using the house as her principal residence when she moves to London. However, C is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2) because, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale is the change in C’s place of employment. Example 4. InJuly2003D,whoworksasan emergency medicine physician, buys a condominium that is 5 miles from her place of employment and uses it as her principal residence. In February 2004, D obtains a job that is located 51 miles from D’s con- dominium. D may be called in to work unscheduled hours and, when called, must be able to arrive at work quickly. Because of the demands of the new job, D sells her condominium and buys a townhouse that is 4 miles from her new place of employment. Because D’s new place of employment is only 46 miles far- ther from the condominium than is D’s former place of employment, the sale is not within the safe har- bor of paragraph (c)(2) of this section. However, D is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion un- der section 121(c)(2) because, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale is the change in D’s place of employment. (d)Sale or exchange by reason of health—(1)In general.Asaleorex- change is by reason of health if the pri- mary reason for the sale or exchange is to obtain, provide, or facilitate the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, ortreatment of disease, illness, or injury of a qualified individual described in paragraph (f) of this section, or to obtain or provide medical or personal care for a qualified individual suffering from a disease, illness, or injury. A sale or exchange that is merely beneficial to the general health or well-being of an individ- ual is not a sale or exchange by reason of health. (2)Physician’s recommendation safe harbor. A sale or exchange is deemed to be by reason of health if a physician (as defined in section 213(d)(4)) recommends a change of residence for reasons of health (as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this sec- tion). (3)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (d): Example 1. In 2003, A buys a house that she uses as her principal residence. A is injured in an accident and is unable to care for herself. A sells her house in 2004 and moves in with her daughter so that the daughter can provide the care that A requires as a result of her injury. Because, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale of A’s house is A’s health, A is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 2. H’s father has a chronic disease. In 2003, H and W purchase a house that they use as their principal residence. In 2004, H and W sell their house in order to move into the house of H’s father so that they can provide the care he requires as a result of his disease. Because, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale of their house is the health of H’s father, H and W are entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 3. H and W purchase a house in 2003 that they use as their principal residence. Their son suffers from a chronic illness that requires regular medical care. Later that year their son begins a new treatment that is available at a hospital 100 miles away from their residence. In 2004, H and W sell their house so that they can be closer to the hospital to facilitate their son’s treatment. Because, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale is to facilitate the treatment of their son’s chronic illness, H and W are entitled to claim a reduced max- imum exclusion undersection 121(c)(2). Example 4. B, who has chronic asthma, purchases a house in Minnesota in 2003 that he uses as his prin- cipal residence. B’s doctor tells B that moving to a warm, dry climate would mitigate B’s asthma symp- toms. In 2004, B sells his house and moves to Ari- zona to relieve his asthma symptoms. The sale is within the safe harbor of paragraph (d)(2) of this sec- tion and B is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 5. In 2003, H and W purchase a house in Michigan that they use as their principal residence. H’s doctor tells H that he should get more outdoor exercise, but H is not suffering from any disease that can be treated or mitigated by outdoor exercise. In 2004, H and W sell their house and move to Florida so that H can increase his general level of exercise by playing golf year-round. Because the sale of the house is merely beneficial to H’s general health, the sale of the house is not by reason of H’s health. H and W are not entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). (e)Sale or exchange by reason of un- foreseen circumstances—(1)In general.A sale or exchange is by reason of unfore- seen circumstances if the primary reason for the sale or exchange is the occurrence of an event that the taxpayer could not rea- sonably have anticipated before purchas- ing and occupying the residence. A sale or exchange by reason of unforeseen cir- cumstances (other than a sale or exchange deemed to be by reason of unforeseen cir- cumstances under paragraph (e)(2) or (3) of this section) does not qualify for the re- duced maximum exclusion if the primary reason for the sale or exchange is a pref- erence for a different residence or an im- provement in financial circumstances. (2)Specific event safe harbors.Asale or exchange is deemed to be by reason of unforeseen circumstances (within the meaning of paragraph (e)(1) of this sec- tion) if any of the events specified in para- graphs (e)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section occur during the period of the taxpayer’s ownership and use of the residence as the taxpayer’s principal residence: (i) The involuntary conversion of the residence. (ii) Natural or man-made disasters or acts of war or terrorism resulting in a ca- sualty to the residence (without regard to deductibility under section 165(h)). (iii) In the case of a qualified individual described in paragraph (f) of this section— (A) Death; (B) The cessation of employment as a result of which the qualified individual is eligible for unemployment compensation (as defined in section 85(b)); (C) A change in employment or self-employment status that results in the taxpayer’s inability to pay housing costs and reasonable basic living expenses for the taxpayer’s household (includ- ing amounts for food, clothing, medical expenses, taxes, transportation, court-or- dered payments, and expenses reasonably necessary to the production of income, but September 27, 20045122004–39 I.R.B. not for the maintenance of an affluent or luxurious standard of living); (D) Divorce or legal separation under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance; or (E) Multiple births resulting from the same pregnancy. (3)Designation of additional events as unforeseen circumstances.TheCom- missioner may designate other events or situations as unforeseen circumstances in published guidance of general appli- cability and may issue rulings addressed to specific taxpayers identifying other events or situations as unforeseen circum- stances with regard to those taxpayers (see §601.601(d)(2) of this chapter). (4)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (e): Example 1. In 2003, A buys a house in Califor- nia. After A begins to use the house as her principal residence, an earthquake causes damage to A’s house. A sells the house in 2004. The sale is within the safe harbor of paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section and A is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 2. H works as a teacher and W works as a pilot. In 2003, H and W buy a house that they use as their principal residence. Later that year W is furloughed from her job for six months. H and W are unable to pay their mortgage and reasonable basic living expenses for their household during the period W is furloughed. H and W sell their house in 2004. The sale is within the safe harbor of paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(C) of this section and H and W are entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 3. In 2003, H and W buy a two-bed- room condominium that they use as their principal residence. In 2004, W gives birth to twins and H and W sell their condominium and buy a four-bedroom house. The sale is within the safe harbor of paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(E) of this section, and H and W are entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 4. In 2003, B buys a condominium in a high-rise building and uses it as his principal residence. B’s monthly condominium fee is $X. Three months after B moves into the condominium, the condominium association replaces the building’s roof and heating system. Six months later, B’s monthly condominium fee doubles in order to pay for the repairs. B sells the condominium in 2004 because he is unable to afford the new condominium fee along with a monthly mortgage payment. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. However, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale, the doubling of the condominium fee, is an unforeseen circumstance because B could not reasonably have anticipated that the condominium fee would double at the time he purchased and occupied the property. Conse- quently, the sale of the condominium is by reason of unforeseen circumstances and B is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 5. In 2003, C buys a house that he uses as his principal residence. The property is located on a heavily traveled road. C sells the property in 2004 because C is disturbed by the traffic. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. Un- der the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale, the traffic, is not an unforeseen circum- stance because C could reasonably have anticipated the traffic at the time he purchased and occupied the house. Consequently, the sale of the house is not by reason of unforeseen circumstances and C is not en- titled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 6. In 2003, D and her fiancé E buy a house and live in it as their principal residence. In 2004, D and E cancel their wedding plans and E moves out of the house. Because D cannot afford to make the monthly mortgage payments alone, D and E sell the house in 2004. The safe harbors of para- graph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. However, under the facts and circumstances, the primary rea- son for the sale, the broken engagement, is an unfore- seen circumstance because D and E could not reason- ably have anticipated the broken engagement at the time they purchased and occupied the house. Conse- quently, the sale is by reason of unforeseen circum- stances and D and E are each entitled to claim a re- duced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 7. In 2003, F buys a small condominium that she uses as her principal residence. In 2005, F re- ceives a promotion and a large increase in her salary. F sells the condominium in 2004 and purchases a house because she can now afford the house. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not ap- ply. Under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale of the house, F’s salary increase, is an improvement in F’s financial circumstances. Un- der paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an improvement in financial circumstances, even if the result of un- foreseen circumstances, does not qualify for the re- duced maximum exclusion by reason of unforeseen circumstances under section 121(c)(2). Example 8. In April 2003, G buys a house that he uses as his principal residence. G sells his house in October 2004 because the house has greatly ap- preciated in value, mortgage rates have substantially decreased, and G can afford a bigger house. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. Under the facts and circumstances, the pri- mary reasons for the sale of the house, the changes in G’s house value and in the mortgage rates, are an improvement in G’s financial circumstances. Under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an improvement in financial circumstances, even if the result of unfore- seen circumstances, does not qualify for the reduced maximum exclusion by reason of unforeseen circum- stances under section 121(c)(2). Example 9. H works as a police officer for City X. In 2003, H buys a condominium that he uses as his principal residence. In 2004, H is assigned to City X’s K–9 unit and is required to care for the police service dog at his home. Because H’s condominium association does not permit H to have a dog in his condominium, in 2004 he sells the condominium and buys a house. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. However, under the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale, H’s assignment to the K–9 unit, is an unforeseen cir- cumstance because H could not reasonably have an- ticipated his assignment to the K–9 unit at the time he purchased and occupied the condominium. Con- sequently, the sale of the condominium is by reason of unforeseen circumstances and H is entitled to claim a reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). Example 10. In 2003, J buys a small house that she uses as her principal residence. After J wins the lottery, she sells the small house in 2004 and buys a bigger, more expensive house. The safe harbors of paragraph (e)(2) of this section do not apply. Un- der the facts and circumstances, the primary reason for the sale of the house, winning the lottery, is an improvement in J’s financial circumstances. Under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an improvement in financial circumstances, even if the result of unfore- seen circumstances, does not qualify for the reduced maximum exclusion under section 121(c)(2). (f)Qualified individual.Forpur- poses of this section, qualifiedindividual means— (1) The taxpayer; (2) The taxpayer’s spouse; (3) A co-owner of the residence; (4) A person whose principal place of abode is in the same household as the tax- payer; or (5) For purposes of paragraph (d) of this section, a person bearing a relationship specified in sections 152(a)(1) through 152(a)(8) (without regard to qualification as a dependent) to a qualified individual described in paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this section, or a descendant of the tax- payer’s grandparent. ***** (h)Effective dates. Paragraphs (a) and (g) of this section are applicable for sales and exchanges on or after December 24, 2002. Paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section are applicable for sales and ex- changes on or after August 13, 2004. §1.121–3T [Removed] Par. 3. Section 1.121–3T is removed. Par. 4. Section 1.121–5 is added to read as follows: §1.121–5 Suspension of 5-year period for certain members of the uniformed services and Foreign Service. (a)In general. Under section 121(d)(9), a taxpayer who is serving (or whose spouse is serving) on qualified official extended duty as a member of the uniformed ser- vices or Foreign Service of the United States may elect to suspend the running of the 5-year period of ownership and use 2004–39 I.R.B.513September 27, 2004 during such service but for not more than 10 years. The election does not suspend the running of the 5-year period for any period during which the running of the 5-year period with respect to any other property of the taxpayer is suspended by an election under section 121(d)(9). (b)Manner of making election.The taxpayer makes the election under section 121(d)(9) and this section by filing a return for the taxable year of the sale or exchange of the taxpayer’s principal residence that does not include the gain in the taxpayer’s gross income. (c)Application of election to closed years. A taxpayer who would otherwise qualify under §§1.121–1 through 1.121–4 to exclude gain from a sale or exchange of a principal residence on or after May 7, 1997, may elect to apply section 121(d)(9) and this section for any years for which a claim for refund is barred by operation of anylaworruleoflawbyfilinganamended return before November 11, 2004. (d)Example. The provisions of this sec- tion are illustrated by the following exam- ple: Example. B purchases a house in Virginia in 2003 that he uses as his principal residence for 3 years. For 8 years, from 2006 through 2014, B serves on qual- ified official extended duty as a member of the For- eign Service of the United States in Brazil. In 2015, B sells the house. B did not use the house as his prin- cipal residence for 2 of the 5years preceding the sale. Under section 121(d)(9) and this section, however, B may elect to suspend the running of the 5-year period of ownership and use during his 8-year period of ser- vice with the Foreign Service in Brazil. If B makes the election, the 8-year period is not counted in de- termining whether B used the house for 2 of the 5 years preceding the sale. Therefore, B may exclude the gain from the sale of the house under section 121. (e)Effective date. This section is appli- cable for sales and exchanges on or after May 7, 1997. Nancy Jardini, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved July 29, 2004. Gregory F. Jenner, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 13, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 16, 2004, 69 F.R. 50302) Section 141.—Private Activity Bond; Qualified Bond 26 CFR 1.141–16: Effective dates for qualified pri- vate activity bond provisions. T.D. 9150 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 1 Remedial Actions Applicable to Tax-Exempt Bonds Issued by State and Local Governments AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final regulations. SUMMARY: This document contains fi- nal regulations on the exempt facility bond rules applicable to tax-exempt bonds is- sued by state and local governments. The regulations affect issuers of tax-exempt bonds and amend provisions in the current regulations permitting remedial actions for tax-exempt bonds issued by state and local governments. DATES:Effective Date:These regulations are effective August 13, 2004. Applicability Date:For dates of appli- cability, see §1.141–16(c) and (d) of these regulations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicky Tsilas, (202) 622–3980 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background This document amends 26 CFR part 1 under sections 141 and 142 of the Internal Revenue Code by amending rules pertain- ing to remedial actions (the final regula- tions). On July 21, 2003, the IRS pub- lished in theFederal Registeranoticeof proposed rulemaking (REG–132483–03, 2003–34 I.R.B. 410 [68 FR 43059]) (the proposed regulations). The proposed reg- ulations would amend (1) the definition of nonqualified bonds in §1.141–12, (2) the rules in §§1.141–12 and 1.142–2, per- taining to the allocation of nonqualified bonds, and (3) the effective date provisions under §§1.141–15(e) and 1.141–16(c). A public hearing was scheduled for Novem- ber 4, 2003. The public hearing was cancelled because no requests to speak were received. Written comments on the proposed regulationswere received. After consideration of the written comments, the proposed regulations under §§1.141–16 and 1.142–2 are adopted as revised by this Treasury decision. The revisions are discussed below. Explanation of Provisions A. Proposed Regulations The proposed regulations propose two changes to the remedial action rules con- tained in §§1.141–12 and 1.142–2. First, the proposed regulations would change the definition of nonqualified bonds under §1.141–12 to provide that the nonquali- fied bonds are a portion of the outstanding bonds in an amount that, if the remaining bonds were issued on the date on which the deliberate action occurs, the remain- ing bonds would not satisfy the private business use test or private loan financ- ing test, as applicable. For this purpose, the proposed regulations provide that the amount of private business use is the great- est percentage of private business use in any one-year period commencing with the deliberate action. Second, the proposed regulations would amend the provisions of §1.141–12 (relating to redemption or defeasance) and §1.142–2 relating to allocations of nonqualified bonds. Under the proposed regulations, allocations of nonqualified bonds must be made on apro ratabasis, except that an issuer may treat any bonds of an issue as the nonqualified bonds so long as (i) the remaining weighted average maturity of the issue, determined as of the date on which the nonqualified bonds are redeemed or defeased (determination date), and excluding from the determi- nation the nonqualified bonds redeemed or defeased by the issuer, is not greater than (ii) the remaining weighted average maturity of the issue, determined as of the determination date, but without regard to the redemption or defeasance of any September 27, 20045142004–39 I.R.B. bonds (including the nonqualified bonds) occurring on the determination date. The proposed regulations also would amend §§1.141–15(e) and 1.141–16(c) to provide that for bonds issued before May 16, 1997, issuers may apply §§1.141–12 and 1.142–2 without regard to the 10 1 /2 year limitation on defeasances contained in those regulations. B. Final Regulations Public comments were received regard- ing the proposed regulations. These com- ments request that the amount of nonquali- fied bonds be determined in a manner con- sistent with the general measurement rules under § 1.141–3(g). Because of the inter- relationship between the remedial action provisions of §1.141–12 and the allocation and accounting rules of §1.141–6 (which are currently reserved), the proposed reg- ulations under §§1.141–12 and 1.141–15 are not being finalized at this time. It is anticipated that these proposed regulations will be finalized in connection with the provision of the allocation and accounting rules. Commentators agreed with the pro- posed change that allows any bonds of an issue to be treated as the nonqualified bonds, provided that the redemption or defeasance does not have the effect of extending the weighted average matu- rity (WAM) of the issue. However, the commentators stated that under the bond indentures for certain fixed rate bonds, the redemption or defeasance of bonds with the longest maturities in an issue could result in an extension of the WAM of the issue. Under some bond indentures, op- tional redemptions of a portion of a term bond must be used first to reduce the ear- liest mandatory sinking fund payments on the bond. In this case, the redemption or defeasance of the longest bonds could result in an extension of the WAM. Com- mentators indicated that requiring an is- suer to use thepro rataallocation method in these circumstances is inappropriate and recommended that the regulations be revised to permit the longer bonds to be treated as the nonqualified bonds, which is permitted under the existing regulations. The IRS and Treasury Department agree that additional flexibility should be pro- vided for outstanding bonds with bond indentures that prevent compliance with the WAM rule, but believe that extensions of the WAM should not be permitted on a prospective basis. As a result, the final regulations provide that for purposes of §1.142–2(e)(2), in addition to the alloca- tion methods permitted in §1.142–2(e)(2), an issuer may treat bonds with the longest maturities (determined on a bond-by-bond basis) as the nonqualified bonds, but only with respect to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or after May 14, 2004, with respect to bonds sold before August 13, 2004. Other comments were received that are beyond the scope of this project. The IRS and Treasury Department continue to con- sider these comments. Effective Dates The final regulations apply to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or after August 13, 2004, and may be ap- pliedbyissuerstofailurestoproperlyuse proceeds that occur on or after May 14, 2004, provided that the bonds are subject to §1.142–2. The final regulations that amend §1.141–16(c) apply to bonds issued before May 16, 1997, that are subject to §1.142–2, for purposes of failures to prop- erly use proceeds that occur on or after April 21, 2003. Special Analyses It has been determined that this Trea- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because the rule does not impose a collection of in- formation on small entities, the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) do not apply. Pursuant to sec- tion 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preced- ing this regulation was submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business. Drafting Information The principal authors of these reg- ulations are Rebecca L. Harrigal and Vicky Tsilas, Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax-Exempt and Government Entities), IRS. However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. Section 1.141–0 is amended by adding an entry to the table for §1.141–16(d) to read as follows: §1.141–0 Table of contents. ***** §1.141–16 Effective dates for qualified private activity bond provisions. ***** (d) Certain remedial actions. (1) General rule. (2) Special rule for allocations of nonqual- ified bonds. ***** Par. 3. Section 1.141–16 is amended by revising paragraph (c) and adding para- graph (d) to read as follows: §1.141–16 Effective dates for qualified private activity bond provisions. ***** (c)Permissive application. The regu- lations designated in paragraph (a) of this section may be applied by issuers in whole, but not in part, to bonds outstanding on the effective date. For this purpose, is- suers may apply §1.142–2 without regard to paragraph (c)(3) thereof to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or af- ter April 21, 2003. (d)Certain remedial actions—(1)Gen- eral rule. The provisions of §1.142–2(e) apply to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or after August 13, 2004, and may be applied by issuers to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or af- ter May 14, 2004, provided that the bonds are subject to §1.142–2. 2004–39 I.R.B.515September 27, 2004 (2)Special rule for allocations of nonqualified bonds. For purposes of §1.142–2(e)(2), in addition to the alloca- tion methods permitted in §1.142–2(e)(2), an issuer may treat bonds with the longest maturities (determined on a bond-by-bond basis) as the nonqualified bonds, but only with respect to failures to properly use proceeds that occur on or after May 14, 2004, with respect to bonds sold before August 13, 2004. Par. 4. Section 1.142–0 is amended by revising the entry to the table for §1.142–2 paragraph (e) to read as follows: §1.142–0 Table of contents ***** §1.142–2 Remedial actions. ***** (e) * * * (1) Amount of nonqualified bonds. (2) Allocation of nonqualified bonds. ***** Par. 5. Sec tion 1.142–2 is amended by revising p aragraph (e) to read as follows: §1.142–2 Remedial actions ***** (e)Nonqualified bonds—(1)Amount of nonqualified bonds. For purposes of this section, the nonqualified bonds are a por- tion of the outstanding bonds in an amount that, if the remaining bonds were issued on the date on which the failure to properly use the proceeds occurs, at least 95 per- cent of the net proceeds of the remaining bonds would be used to provide an exempt facility. If no proceeds have been spent to provide an exempt facility, all of the out- standing bonds are nonqualified bonds. (2)Allocation of nonqualified bonds. Allocations of nonqualified bonds must be made on apro ratabasis, except that an is- suer may treat any bonds of an issue as the nonqualified bonds so long as— (i) The remaining weighted average maturity of the issue, determined as of the date on which the nonqualified bonds are redeemed or defeased (determination date), and excluding from the determina- tion the nonqualified bonds redeemed or defeased by the issuer to meet the require- ments of paragraph (c) of this section, is not greater than (ii) The remaining weighted average maturity of the issue, determined as of the determination date, but without regard to the redemption or defeasance of any bonds (including the nonqualified bonds) occurring on the determination date. Nancy Jardini, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Approved July 18, 2004. Gregory Jenner, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 12, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 13, 2004, 69 F.R. 50065) Section 861.—Income From Sources Within the United States (Also § 7805(b), Rev. Rul. 2004–75.) Section 7805(b); Rev. Rul. 2004–75. This ruling grants insurance companies section 7805(b) relief from the retroac- tive application of Rev. Rul. 2004–75. Rev. Rul. 2004–75 will not be applied to payments made to nonresident alien indi- viduals orbona fideresidents of Puerto Rico under life insurance or annuity con- tracts issued by foreign or Puerto Rican branches of U.S. life insurance companies before January 1, 2005, provided such payments are made pursuant to binding life insurance or annuity contracts issued by such branches on or before July 12, 2004. Rev. Rul. 2004–75 amplified. Rev. Rul. 2004–97 Rev. Rul. 2004–75, 2004–31 I.R.B. 109, issued on July 12, 2004, addresses the U.S. tax treatment of certain payments made to nonresident alien individuals or bona fideresidents of Puerto Rico under life insurance or annuity contracts issued by foreign or Puerto Rican branches of U.S. life insurance companies. Revenue Ruling 2004–75 holds that income as de- termined under section 72 of the Inter- nal Revenue Code received by nonresi- dent alien individuals under life insurance or annuity contracts issued by a foreign branch of a U.S. life insurance company is U.S.-source fixed or determinable an- nual or periodical income that is subject to 30-percent tax and withholding under sec- tions 871(a) and 1441. The revenue ruling also holds that income as determined un- der section 72 received bybona fideresi- dents of Puerto Rico under life insurance or annuity contracts issued by a Puerto Ri- can branch of a U.S. life insurance com- pany is U.S.-source income that is subject to the tax imposed by section 1. Pursuant to the authority contained in section 7805(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, Rev. Rul. 2004–75 will not be ap- plied to payments that are made to nonres- ident alien individuals orbona fideresi- dents of Puerto Rico under life insurance or annuity contracts issued by foreign or Puerto Rican branches of U.S. life insur- ance companies, as described in Rev. Rul. 2004–75, before January 1, 2005, provided that such payments are made pursuant to binding life insurance or annuity contracts issued by such branches on or before July 12, 2004. The Internal Revenue Service will carefully reviewthe treatment of pay- ments to which Rev. Rul. 2004–75, as am- plified by this ruling, does not apply, in- cluding, in particular, payments on life in- surance or annuity contracts that are issued by a U.S. life insurance company without the substantial involvement of a foreign or Puerto Rican branch (which involvement is contemplated by Rev. Rul. 2004–75). EFFECT ON OTHER REVENUE RULING(S) Rev. Rul. 2004–75 is amplified. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this revenue rul- ing is Gregory A. Spring of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International). For further information regarding this rev- enue ruling, contact Mr. Spring at (202) 622–3870 (not a toll-free call). September 27, 20045162004–39 I.R.B. Section 7701.—Definitions 26 CFR 301.7701–2: Business entities; definitions. T.D. 9153 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 301 Clarification of Definitions AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final and temporary regula- tions. SUMMARY: This document contains tem- porary regulations providing clarification of the definitions of a corporation and a do- mestic entity in circumstances where the business entity is considered to be cre- ated or organized in more than one ju- risdiction. These regulations will affect business entities that are created or orga- nized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction. The final regulations con- sist of technical revisions to reflect the is- suance of the temporary regulations and to correct a cross-reference in §301.7701–3. The text of the temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regu- lations (REG–124872–04) set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking on this sub- ject in this issue of the Bulletin. DATES:Effective Date:These regulations are effective August 12, 2004. Applicability Dates:For the dates of applicability of these regulations, see §301.7701–2T(f) and §301.7701–5T(c). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Beem, (202) 622–3860 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Several jurisdictions have recently en- acted provisions (generally referred to as either continuance or domestication statutes) that make it possible for a busi- ness entity to be treated as created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction at the same time (a dually chartered entity). A dually chartered entity and the interest holders in the entity must determine for Federal tax purposes (1) the entity’s classification (e.g., corporation or partnership) and (2) whether the entity is foreign or domestic. The regulations contained in this document are intended to clarify the rules for these determinations. Section 7701(a)(3) of the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 (Code) provides that the termcorporationincludes associa- tions, joint stock companies, and insurance companies. The definition of a corpora- tion under the tax statutes has not changed since the Revenue Act of 1918, Public Law 65–254 (40 Stat. 1057, section 1). Final regulations (T.D. 8697, 1997–1 C.B. 215) providing rules for the classification of business entities were published in the Federal Registeron December 18, 1996 (61 FR 66584 (1996)). Those entity clas- sification rules identify certain entities that are always treated as corporations and are not eligible to elect their entity classifica- tion. Section 7701(a)(4) of the Code pro- vides that the termdomesticwhen applied to a corporation or partnership means “created or organized in the United States or under the law of the United States or of any State unless, in the case of a part- nership, the Secretary provides otherwise by regulations.” Section 7701(a)(5) of the Code provides that the termforeign when applied to a corporation or partner- ship means a “corporation or partnership that is not domestic.” This definition is significantly different than the definition of foreign entity that preceded it. The Revenue Act of 1918 used the term for- eign to mean a corporation or partnership “created or organized outside the United States.” Thus, under that definition, a du- ally chartered entity that was organized in the United States and in a foreign juris- diction would have met the definitions of both a domestic entity and a foreign en- tity, creating uncertainty as to the entity’s status. The Revenue Act of 1924, Public Law 68–176 (43 Stat. 253) eliminated that potential for uncertainty by providing the definition of a foreign entity that is currently reflected insection 7701(a)(5). This definition of a foreign entity as “a corporation or partnership that is not do- mestic” makes it impossible for an entity to meet the definitions of both a domestic entity and a foreign entity for Federal tax purposes at the same time. As a result, a dually chartered entity that is organized both in the United States and in a foreign jurisdiction is a domestic entity. Final regulations providing further guidance on the definitions of domestic and foreign business entities were pub- lished in theFederal Registeron Novem- ber 17, 1960 (25 FR 10928 (1960)). Explanation of Provisions Under the existing rules, the character- ization of a business entity for Federal tax purposes is established in two separate and independent steps. The first involves a de- termination of whether the entity is a cor- poration or a non-corporate entity (e.g.,a partnership). The second involves a deter- mination of whether the entity is foreign or domestic. The determination of whether a busi- ness entity is classified as a corporation is made by applying the definition in §301.7701–2(b). If the entity is not a corporation under that definition, then it is a partnership if it has more than one owner and it is a disregarded entity if it has only a single owner. The temporary regulations in this document clarify that this same definition applies to dually char- tered entities. Thus, to determine whether a dually chartered entity is a corporation, it must first be determined if the entity’s organization in any of the jurisdictions in which it is organized would cause it to be treated as a corporation under the rules of §301.7701–2(b). If the entity would be treated as a corporation as a result of its formation in any of the jurisdictions in which it is organized, it is treated as a corporation for Federal tax purposes even though its organization in the other juris- diction or jurisdictions would not have caused it to be treated as a corporation. Once the classification of a business en- tity has been determined, a determination will generally need to be made regarding whether it is a domestic or foreign entity. It is a domestic entity if it is created or or- ganized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or of any state. It is a foreign entity only if it is not domes- tic. The temporary regulations in this doc- ument revise §301.7701–5 to clarify that a dually chartered entity is domestic if it is organized as any form of entity in the 2004–39 I.R.B.517September 27, 2004 United States, regardless of how it is orga- nized in any foreign jurisdiction. An en- tity that is classified as a corporation be- cause of its form of organization in a for- eign country is considered a domestic cor- poration if it is also organized as some form of entity in the United States, regard- less of what form the entity takes in the United States (e.g., corporation, limited li- ability company, or partnership). These temporary regulations also re- move from §301.7701–5 the definitions of resident foreign corporation, nonresi- dent foreign corporation, resident partner- ship and nonresident partnership because these terms have become obsolete due to statutory changes since the final regula- tions were published in 1960. These regulations clarify current law and do not change the outcome that would result under a proper application of the ex- isting rules as they apply to dually char- tered entities. For example, the temporary regulations are consistent with the result in Rev. Rul. 88–25, 1988–1 C.B. 116. These regulations are also not intended to affect the result under existing rules regarding whether an organization is a separate entity for Federal tax purposes (e.g.,whether,ina particular case, two sets of organizational documents constitute different facets of a single entity or the foundations of two sep- arate entities). In addition, if a business entity undertakes a continuance, domesti- cation, or other transaction that, upon ap- plication of these rules, changes its entity classification or changes its foreign or do- mestic status, the tax effects of that trans- action are determined under the regular tax principles that applytosuchchanges. Fi- nally, the regulations contained in this doc- ument do not determine an entity’s place of residence for the purpose of applying the provisions of a tax treaty. Section 7701(a)(4) of the Code pro- vides regulatory authority to define a domestic partnership other than based on where the partnership is created or or- ganized. The Treasury and the IRS are continuing to explore whether, and under what circumstances, a different definition may be appropriate. If any change to the definition of a domestic partnership were to be proposed, it would apply only to partnerships created or organized after the issuance of regulations or other guidance substantially describing the change in def- inition. Special Analyses It has been determined that this Trea- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It also has been deter- mined that section 553(b) of the Admin- istrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations. For the applicability of the Regulatory Flex- ibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6), refer to the Special Analyses section of the pre- amble to the notice of proposed rulemak- ing published in this issue of the Bulletin. Pursuant to section 7806(f) of the Code, these temporary regulations will be sub- mitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on their impact. Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tionsisThomasBeemoftheOfficeof Associate Chief Counsel (International). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is amended as follows: PART 301 — PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read, in part, as fol- lows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. In §301.7701–1, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows: §301.7701–1 Classification of organizations for federal tax purposes. ***** (d)Domestic and foreign business enti- ties. [Reserved]. For further guidance, see §301.7701–1T. ***** Par 3. Section 301.7701–1T is added to read as follows: §301.7701–1T Classification of organizations for federal tax purposes (temporary). (a) through (c) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see §301.7701–1(a) through (c). (d)Domestic and foreign entities.See §301.7701–5T for the rules that determine whether a business entity is domestic or foreign. (e) through (f) [Reserved]. Par. 4. In §301.7701–2, paragraph (b)(9) is added to read as follows: §301.7701–2 Business entities; definitions. ***** (b) * * * (9) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see §301.7701–2T(b)(9). ***** Par. 5. Section 301.7701–2T is added to read as follows: §301.7701–2T Business entities; definitions (temporary). (a) through (b)(8) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §301.7701–2 (a) through (b)(8). (b)(9)Entities with multiple charters. (i) An entity created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction if the rules of this section would treat it as a corporation as a result of its formation in any one of the jurisdictions in which it is created or organized. (The determina- tion of a business entity’s classification is made independently of the determination whether the entity is domestic or foreign. See §301.7701–5T for the rules that deter- mine whether a business entity is domestic or foreign.) (ii)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rule of this paragraph (b)(9): Example 1.(i)Facts. X is an entity with a sin- gle owner organized under the laws of Country A as an entity that is specifically mentioned in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section. Under the rules of this sec- tion, such an entity generally is a corporation for Fed- eral tax purposes. Several years after its formation, X files a certificate of domestication in State B as a lim- ited liability company (LLC). Under the laws of State B, X is considered to be created or organized in State B as a LLC upon the filing of the certificate of domes- tication and is therefore subject to the laws of State B. Under the rules of this section and §301.7701–3, a LLC with a single owner organized only in State B is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for Federal tax purposes (absent an election to be treated September 27, 20045182004–39 I.R.B. as an association). Neither Country A nor State B law requires X to terminate its charter in Country A as a result of the domestication, and in fact X does not terminate its charter in Country A. Consequently, X is now organized in more than one jurisdiction. (ii)Result. X remains organized under the laws of Country A as an entity that is specifically men- tioned in §301.7701–2(b)(8)(i), and as such, it is an entity that generally is treated as a corporation under the rules of this section.Therefore, X is a corpora- tion for Federal tax purposes because the rules of this section would treat X as a corporation as a result of its formation in one of the jurisdictions in which it is created or organized. Example 2.(i)Facts. Y is an entity that is incor- porated under the laws of State A and that has two shareholders. Under the rules of this section, an en- tity incorporated under the laws of State A is a cor- poration for Federal tax purposes. Several years af- ter its formation, Y files a certificate of continuance in Country B as an unlimited company. Under the laws of Country B, upon filing a certificate of contin- uance, Y is treated as organized in Country B. Under the rules of this section and §301.7701–3, an unlim- ited company organized only in Country B that has more than one owner is treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes (absent an election to be treated as an association). Neither State A nor Country B law requires Y to terminate its charter in State A as a result of the continuance, and in fact Y does not ter- minate its charter in State A. Consequently, Y is now organized in more than one jurisdiction. (ii)Result. Y remains organized in State A as a corporation, an entity that is treated as a corporation under the rules of this section. Therefore, Y is a cor- poration for Federal tax purposes because the rules of this section would treat Y as a corporation as a result of its formation in one of the jurisdictions in which it is created or organized. Example 3.(i)Facts. Z is an entity that has more than one owner and that is recognized under the laws of Country A as an unlimited company orga- nized in Country A. Under the rules of this section and §301.7701–3, an unlimited company organized only in Country A with more than one owner is treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes (absent an elec- tion to be treated as an association). At the time Z was formed, it was also organized as a public limited com- pany under the laws of Country B. Under the rules of this section, a public limited company organized only in Country B generally is treated as a corporation for Federal tax purposes. (ii)Result. Z is organized in Country B as a public limited company, an entity that generally is treated as a corporation under the rules of this section. There- fore, Z is a corporation for Federal tax purposes be- cause the rules of this section would treat Z as a cor- poration as a result of its formation in one of the ju- risdictions in which it is created or organized. (c) through (e) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see §301.7701–2(c) through (e). (f)Special effective date.Therulesof this section apply as of August 12, 2004, to all business entities existing on or after that date. Par. 6. In §301.7701–3, the last sen- tence of paragraph (b)(3)(i) is revised to read as follows: §301.7701–3 Classification of certain business entities. ***** (b) * * * (3) * * * (i) * * *For special rules re- garding the classification of such entities prior to the effective date of this section, see paragraph (h)(2) of this section. ***** Par. 7. Section 301.7701–5 is revised to read as follows: §301.7701 –5 Domestic and foreign business e ntities. [Reserved]. For further guidance, see §301.7701–5T. Par. 8. Section 301.7701–5T is added to read as follows: §301.770 1–5T Domestic and foreign business entities (temporary) (a)Domestic and foreign entities.A business entity (including an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner) is domestic if it is created or organized as any type of entity (including, but not lim- ited to, a corporation,unincorporated asso- ciation, general partnership, limited part- nership, and limited liability company) in the United States, or under the law of the United States or of any State. Accordingly, a business entity that is created or orga- nized both in the United States and in a foreign jurisdiction is a domestic entity. A business entity (including an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner) is foreign if it is not domestic. (The deter- mination of whether an entity is domestic is made independently of the determina- tion of its classification for Federal tax pur- poses. See §§301.7701–2, 301.7701–2T, and 301.7701–3 for the rules governing the classification of entities.) (b)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this section: Example 1.(i)Facts. Y is an entity that is cre- ated or organized under the laws of Country A as a public limited company. It is also an entity that is or- ganized as a limited liability company (LLC) under the laws of State B. Y has been classified as a cor- poration for Federal tax purposes under the rules of §§301.7701–2, 301.7701–2T, and 301.7701–3. (ii)Result. Y is a domestic corporation because it is an entity that is classified as a corporation and it is organized as an entity under the laws of State B. Example 2.(i)Facts. P is an entity with more than one owner organized under the laws of Country A as an unlimited company. It is also an entity that is organized as a general partnership under the laws of State B. P has been classified as a partnership for Fed- eral tax purposes under the rules of §§301.7701–2, 301.7701–2T, and 301.7701–3. (ii)Result. P is a domestic partnership because it is an entity that is classified as a partnership and it is organized as an entity under the laws of State B. (c)Effective date. The rules of this sec- tion apply as of August 12, 2004, to all business entities existing on or after that date. Mark E. Matthews, Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved July 21, 2004. Gregory Jenner, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 11, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 12, 2004, 69 F.R. 49809) Section 7805(b).—Retroac- tivity of Regulations A revenue ruling provides relief from the retroac- tive application of Rev. Rul. 2004–75. See Rev. Rul. 2004-97, page 516. 2004–39 I.R.B.519September 27, 2004 Part III. Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous Subsidiary Stock Loss Under Section 1.337(d)–2T Notice 2004–58 I. Purpose This notice sets forth a method that the Internal Revenue Service will accept for determining whether subsidiary stock loss is disallowed and subsidiary stock basis is reduced under § 1.337(d)–2T of the In- come Tax Regulations. This notice also requests comments regarding the method that should be adopted in prospective reg- ulations to ensure that the policies underly- ing the repeal ofGeneral Utilitiesare not circumvented through the operation of the consolidated return provisions. II. Background Section 1.337(d)–2T(a)(1) generally provides that no loss is allowed with re- spect to the disposition of subsidiary stock by a member of a consolidated group. Sec- tion 1.337(d)–2T(b)(1) generally requires the basis of a share of subsidiary stock to be reduced to its value immediately before a deconsolidation of the share. An exception to these general rules is found in § 1.337(d)–2T(c)(2), which provides that loss is not disallowed and basis is not reduced to the extent the taxpayer establishes that the loss or basis “is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an asset.” Sec- tion 1.337(d)–2T(c)(2) defines the term “built-in gain” as gain that is “attributable, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, to any excess of value over basis that is reflected, before the disposition of the asset, in the basis of the share, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part”. In addition to other methods that may be appropriate, the IRS will accept the basis disconformity method described in Section III of this notice as a method for determining the extent to which loss or basis is attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an as- set for purposes of applying the exception of § 1.337(d)–2T(c)(2). A consolidated group is not required to adopt the same method for each disposition or deconsol- idation of a share of subsidiary stock. III. Basis Disconformity Method The basis disconformity method disal- lows loss on a disposition of subsidiary stock and reduces basis (but not below value) on a deconsolidation of subsidiary stock in an amount equal to the least of the “gain amount,” the “disconformity amount,” and the “positive investment adjustment amount.” For this purpose, the gain amount is the sum of all gains (net of directly related expenses) recognized on asset dispositions of the subsidiary that are allocable to the share while the subsidiary is a member of the group. The disconformity amount is the excess, if any, of the share’s basis over the share’s proportionate interest in the subsidiary’s “net asset basis.” A subsidiary’s net asset basis is the excess of (a) the sum of the subsidiary’s money, basis in assets (other than stock of consolidated subsidiaries), loss carryforwards that would be carried to a separate return year of the subsidiary under the principles of § 1.1502–21, and deductions that have been recognized but deferred, over (b) the subsidiary’s liabili- ties that have been taken into account for tax purposes. Both the gain amount and the disconformity amount include the sub- sidiary’s allocable share of corresponding amounts of a subsidiary the items of which directly or indirectly adjust the basis of the subsidiary’s stock. The positive invest- ment adjustment amount is the excess, if any, of the sum of the positive adjustments made to the share under § 1.1502–32 over thesumofthenegativeadjustmentsmade to the share under § 1.1502–32, exclud- ing adjustments for distributions under § 1.1502–32(b)(2)(iv). IV. Other Methods As indicated above, the IRS will accept methods other than the basis disconfor- mity method for determining the amount of stock loss or basis that is not attrib- utable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an asset, including a tracing approach. Thus, a taxpayer gener- ally may use tracing to establish that stock loss is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain, and stock loss is not dis- allowed to that extent. Under a tracing ap- proach, events subsequent to the acquisi- tion of a share of subsidiary stock that cre- ate or alter the disconformity between the basis of the share and the share’s interest in the aggregate basis of assets the dispo- sition of which would adjust the basis of the share (for example, the acquisition by a subsidiary of stock of another corpora- tion that joins the consolidated group, an intra-group spin-off under section 355, or a contribution of property to a subsidiary un- der section 351) may need to be taken into account to determine the extent to which stock loss or basis is attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the dispo- sition of an asset. V. Reliance on Notice, Related Relief Provisions The IRS and Treasury Department are publishing temporary regulations concur- rently with this notice that permit taxpay- ers to make, amend, or revoke elections under § 1.1502–20T(i) (regarding the method to determine allowable loss and basis reduction upon certain dispositions and deconsolidations of subsidiary stock). Under those regulations, a taxpayer that was permitted to make an election un- der § 1.1502–20T(i), but did not previ- ouslymakesuchanelection,maymake an election to applyeither § 1.1502–20 without regard to the duplicated loss fac- tor of the loss disallowance formula, or § 1.337(d)–2T. The regulations also per- mit a taxpayer that previously made an election to apply § 1.1502–20 without re- gard to the duplicated loss factor to revoke the election and apply § 1.1502–20 in its entirety, or to amend the election in order to apply § 1.337(d)–2T. Finally, the regu- lations permit a taxpayer that previously made an election to apply § 1.337(d)–2T to revoke the election and apply § 1.1502–20 in its entirety or to amend the election in order to apply § 1.1502–20 without regard to the duplicated loss factor. VI. Approaches Under Consideration The IRS and Treasury Department are studying various approaches to imple- ment the repeal ofGeneral Utilitiesin the consolidated return context pursuant to the mandate of section 337(d) and in- tend to promulgate regulations that will September 27, 20045202004–39 I.R.B. prescribe a single set of rules. Among the approaches that the IRS and Treasury Department are considering are a number of tracing regimes and a basis discon- formity approach described below. The IRS and Treasury Department recognize that differing interpretations of what is necessary to implement the policies un- derlying the repeal ofGeneral Utilitiesin the consolidated return context may sug- gest differing approaches for regulations under section 337(d). It is clear that, in en- acting section 337(d),Congress intended that the consolidated return regulations would not facilitate the circumvention of the recognition of corporate level gain on a corporation’s sale or distribution of appreciated property. While some might argue that this concern was limited to stock losses created by the recognition of asset gain that existed when the stock or asset was acquired by the group, others might argue that this concern extended to losses created by any gain or income recognized. Tracing Regimes The IRS and Treasury Department rec- ognize that there are a variety of ways to implement a tracing regime. Some of those regimes might disallow loss based on the recognition of gain that is actu- ally reflected in the share’s basis, as un- der § 1.337(d)–2T. Others might disallow loss solely by reference to the appreciation in an asset when the asset is introduced into the group, presuming such apprecia- tion is reflected in the share’s basis, as un- der a built-in items approach described be- low. In addition, a tracing regime could be implemented that operates not only to dis- allow loss, but also to increase stock gain by reducing the share’s basis to the extent of recognized built-in gain, even below value. A tracing regime also could employ irrebuttable presumptions for determining whether recognized gain is built-in, to ad- dress administrability concerns inherent in rebuttable presumptions. Under one type of a built-in items ap- proach, the basis of a share of subsidiary stock would be reduced immediately prior to a disposition or deconsolidation of that share (but not below its value) in an amount equal to the “extraordinary disposition amount.” The extraordinary disposition amount is the excess, if any, of the sum of the gain over the sum of the loss that is allocated to the share from as- set dispositions. For this purpose, the gain or loss that is allocated to a share from an asset disposition is taken into account only to the extent that it does not exceed the “unrealized built-in gain” (UBIG) or “unrealized built-in loss” (UBIL) that is attributable to the asset disposed of and that is properly allocable to the share. The UBIG or UBIL attributable to an asset is generally measured on the first date that the asset is introduced into the group (the measurement date). For example, if an asset is held by a corporation at the time that all of the stock of that corporation is acquired by a group member, the UBIG (or UBIL) attributable to that asset is the excess of the asset’s value over its basis (or, in the case of UBIL, the excess of the asset’s basis over its value) immediately after the stock acquisition. In addition, if an asset is acquired by a corporation the stock of which is already wholly owned by group members, the UBIG (or UBIL) attributable to that asset is the excess of the asset’s value over its basis (or, in the case of UBIL, the excess of the asset’s basis over its value) immediately after the asset acquisition. Under one variation of this type of a built-in items approach, all recognized gains would be presumed to be UBIG and all recognized losses would be pre- sumed not to be UBIL unless the taxpayer established the contrary with clear and convincing evidence. Under another vari- ation of the built-in items approach, the presumption that all recognized gains are UBIG and all recognized losses are not UBIL would be irrebutable. However, the aggregate amount of gains that could be treated as UBIG would be limited to the sum of the gain, if any, inherent in each of the assets on the measurement date. Basis Disconformity Approach The IRS and Treasury Department are considering a version of the basis dis- conformity method described in Section III of this notice. That version, however, would not distinguish between the recog- nition of gain and income and, therefore, would determine disallowed loss without regard to the gain amount factor described in Section III. Therefore, the stock loss disallowed or basis reduced would equal the lesser of the disconformity amount and the positive investment adjustment amount. This basis disconformity ap- proach is based on the view that corporate tax is avoided whenever stock basis is in- creased under the investment adjustment rules of § 1.1502–32 for items of gain or income when the group already has enough stock basis to prevent a second tax on a disposition of the stock. The rationale for the basis disconfor- mity approach can be illustrated by the fol- lowing example. Assume that P purchases the stock of S for $100, the value of the S stock is $100 at all relevant times, and S holds one asset with a basis of $0 on the date of its acquisition. If S recognizes $100 of income, regardless of the source of that income (for example, gain on the dis- position of the original asset, or on the dis- position of any after-acquired assets, or in- come produced in the consumption of the original or any after-acquired asset), P’s $100 basis in the S stock is sufficient to protect P from further tax on a disposition of the S stock. Increasing P’s basis in its S stock when the $100 of income is rec- ognized would allow that $100 of income to be offset by a stock loss, thereby elimi- nating the corporate tax on the $100 of in- come. VII. Request for Comments The IRS and Treasury Department re- quest comments regarding the appropri- ate scope of regulations implementing the mandate of section 337(d) and the spe- cific approach that such regulations should adopt. In addition, the IRS and Trea- sury Department request comments on the treatment of lower tier entities, including partnerships and foreign subsidiaries, un- der future regulations and the need, if any, for transitional rules. Comments should refer to Notice 2004–58, and should be submitted to: Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 7604 Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044 Attn: CC:PA:LPD:PR Room 5203 orelectronicallyviathe Serviceinternetsiteat: Notice.Comments@irscounsel.treas.gov (the Service comments e-mail address). 2004–39 I.R.B.521September 27, 2004 All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. DRAFTING INFORMATION: The principal authors of this notice are Theresa Abell and Martin Huck of the Of- fice of Associate Chief Counsel (Corpo- rate). For further information regarding this notice, contactMs. Abell at (202) 622–7700 or Mr. Huck at (202) 622–7750 (not toll-free numbers). September 27, 20045222004–39 I.R.B. Part IV. Items of General Interest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Qualified Severance of a Trust for Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax Purposes REG–145987–03 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: These proposed regulations provide guidance regarding the qualified severance of a trust for generation-skip- ping transfer (GST) tax purposes under section 2642(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which was added to the Code by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Recon- ciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). The reg- ulations will affect trusts that are subject to the GST tax. DATES: Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by November 22, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–145987–03), room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washing- ton, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–145987–03), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Wash- ington, DC, or sent electronically, via the IRS Internet site atwww.irs.gov/regs or via the Federal eRulemaking Por- tal atwww.regulations.gov(IRS — REG–145987–03). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mayer R. Samuels, (202) 622–3090 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act The collection of information contained in this notice of proposed rulemaking has been submitted to the Office of Manage- ment and Budget for review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). Comments on the collection of information should be sent to theOffice of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies to theInternal Rev- enue Service, Attn: IRS Reports Clear- ance Officer, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washington, DC 20224. Comments on the collection of information should be received by October 25, 2004. Comments are specifically requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of in- formation is necessary for the proper per- formance of the functions of the IRS, in- cluding whether the information will have practical utility; The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed collection of information (see below); How the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected may be en- hanced; How the burden of complying with the proposed collection of information may be minimized, including through the appli- cation of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide informa- tion. The collection of information in this proposed regulation is in §26.2642–6(b). This collection of information is required by the IRS to identify whether a trust is ex- empt from the GST. This information will be used to determine whether the amount of tax has been calculated correctly. The collection of information is required in or- der to have a qualified severance. The re- spondents are trustees of trusts that are be- ing severed. Estimated total annual reporting bur- den: 12,500 hours. Estimated average annual burden hours per respondent: 30 minutes. Estimated number of respondents: 25,000. Estimated annual frequency of re- sponses: on occasion. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by the Of- fice of Management and Budget. Books or records relating to a collection of informa- tion must be retained as long as their con- tents may become material in the adminis- tration of any internal revenue law. Gener- ally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Background Section 2642(a)(3) was added to the In- ternal Revenue Code by EGTRRA, Public Law 107–16 (115 Stat. 38 (2001)). Un- der section 2642(a)(3), if a trust is divided into two or more trusts in a “qualified sev- erance,” the resultingtrusts will be recog- nized as separate trusts for GST tax pur- poses. In many cases, a qualified sever- ance of a trust will facilitate the most effi- cient and effective use of the transferor’s GST tax exemption. The GST tax ex- emption is the lifetime exemption appli- cable in determining the inclusion ratio with respect to the trust, which in turn de- termines the amount of GST tax imposed on any generation-skipping transfer made from the trust. Section 2642(a)(3) expands the op- tions for trustees wishing to sever trusts by providing more time to make the sev- erance, providing that severances may occur for more trusts, and providing a uniform system for severance. Section 2642(a)(3) was intended to supercede and replace §26.2654–1(b) of the Genera- tion-Skipping Transfer Tax Regulations, which authorizes the recognition of sev- ered trusts for GST tax purposes in limited situations involving testamentary trusts orinter vivostrusts that are included in the transferor’s gross estate for estate tax purposes. That regulation does not apply to irrevocableinter vivostrusts that are not includible in the decedent’s gross estate. Further, under that regulation, a severance is recognized only if commenced within a prescribed time period, and only if specif- ically authorized under the terms of the governing instrument or local law. Section 2642(a)(3)(B)(i) provides a general rule that a qualified severance is 2004–39 I.R.B.523September 27, 2004 defined as the division of a single trust and the creation of two or more trusts if: (1) the single trust is divided on a fractional basis; and (2) the terms of the new trusts, in the aggregate, provide for the same succession of interests of beneficiaries as are provided in the original trust. Under section 2642(a)(3)(B)(ii), if a trust has an inclusion ratio that is greater than zero and less than one, the trust must be severed in a specified manner that produces one trust that is wholly exempt from GST tax, and one trust that is wholly subject to GST tax. Each of the two new trusts created may be further divided into two or more trusts under section 2642(a)(3)(B)(i). Un- der section 2642(a)(3)(C), a trustee may elect to sever a trust in a qualified sever- ance at any time, and the manner in which the qualified severance is to be reported is to be specified by regulation. Section 2642(a)(3) is applicable for severances of trusts occurring after December 31, 2000. Explanation of Provisions I.Division on a Fractional Basis Under section 2642(a)(3), in order to constitute a qualified severance, the single trust must be divided on a fractional basis. Under the proposed regulations, each new trust must receive assets with a value equal to a fraction or percentage of the total value of the trust assets. Thus, for example, the severance of a single trust on the basis that one trust is to be funded with 30% of the trust assets and that the other trust is to be funded with the remaining 70% of the trust assets would satisfy this requirement. Similarly, a severance stated in terms of a fraction of the trust assets such that one trust is to receive, for example, that frac- tion of the trust assets the numerator of which is $1,500,000 and the denominator of which is the fair market value of the trust assets on a specified date and the second trust is to receive the remaining fraction, would also satisfy this requirement. How- ever, the severance of a trust based on a pecuniary amount (for example, severance of a single trust on the basis that one trust is to be funded with $1,500,000, and the other trust is to be funded with the balance of the trust corpus) would not satisfy this requirement. The proposed regulations provide that each separate trust need not be funded with apro rataportion of each asset held by the original trust. Rather, the separate trusts may be funded on a nonpro ratabasis (that is, where each resulting trust does not re- ceive apro-rataportion of each asset) pro- vided that funding is based on the total fair market value of the assets on the date of funding. This avoidsthe necessity of di- viding each and every asset on a fractional basis to fund the severed trusts. II.New Trusts Must Provide for the Same Succession of Interests Under section 2642(a)(3)(B)(i)(II), the new trusts created as a result of the quali- fied severance must provide in the aggre- gate for the same succession of interests of beneficiaries as provided in the origi- nal trust. Under the regulations, the ben- eficiaries of each separate trust resulting from the severance need not be identical to those of the original trust. In the case of trusts that grant the trustee the discre- tionary power to make nonpro ratadistri- butions to beneficiaries, the separate trusts will be considered to have the same suc- cession of interests of beneficiaries if the terms of the separate trusts are the same as the terms of the original trust, the sev- erance does not shift a beneficial interest in the trust to any beneficiary in a lower generation (as determined under section 2651) than the person or persons who held the beneficial interest in the original trust, and the severance does not extend the time for vesting of any beneficial interest in the trust beyond the period provided for in the original trust. This rule for discretionary trusts is intended to facilitate the severance of trusts along family lines. In this regard, the Treasury Depart- ment and the IRS recognize that in many cases involving discretionary trusts, when the members of two or more families are beneficiaries, the parties may desire to divide the trust along family lines so that one trust is established exclusively for the benefit of one family and one trust is established exclusively for the benefit of another family. If the inclusion ratio of the trust is between zero and one, section 2642(a)(3)(B)(ii) would ordinarily, as a practical matter, preclude the division of the trust along family lines because the section requires that the severance result in one trust with an inclusion ratio of zero and one trust with an inclusion ratio of one. However, under the proposed regulations, a similar result may be accomplished through a series of severances; that is, first a division of the trust based on the inclusion ratio, and then a division of each resulting trust along family lines. Finally, §26.2601–1(b)(4) of the reg- ulations contains rules for determining when certain actions with respect to a non-chapter 13 trust (a trust that was ir- revocable on or before September 25, 1985) will not cause the trust to lose its exempt status. In particular, under §26.2601–1(b)(4)(i)(D)(1), a modification (including a severance) of a non-chapter 13 trust will not cause the trust to be sub- ject to the provisions of chapter 13 if the modification does not (1) shift a benefi- cial interest in the trust to any beneficiary who occupies a lower generation than the person or persons who held the beneficial interest prior to the modification or (2) extend the time for vesting of any benefi- cial interest in the trust beyond the period provided for in the original trust. Under the proposed regulations, the rules in §26.2601–1(b)(4) will continue to apply to severances (and other actions) with respect to trusts created on or be- fore September 25, 1985. However, the post–2000 severance of a trust created af- ter September 25, 1985, will be governed by section 2642(a)(3) and the applicable regulations. III.Reporting Requirements The proposed regulations provide that a qualified severance is to be reported by filing a Form 706–GS(T),“Gener- ation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations,”or such other form that maybepublishedbytheIRSinthefu- ture that is specifically designated to be utilized to report qualified severances. When Form 706–GS(T) is utilized, the filer should write “Qualified Severance” in red at the top of the return and attach a Notice of Qualified Severance to the return that clearly identifies the trust that is being severed and the new trusts created as a result of the severance. The notice must also provide the inclusion ratio of the trust that was severed and the inclusion ratios of the new trusts resulting from the severance. The return and attached notice must be filed even if the severance does not result in a taxable termination. A tran- September 27, 20045242004–39 I.R.B. sition rule applies in the case of severances occurring before the date of publication of the final regulations. IV.Income Tax Consequences of Severance under the Proposed Regulations The proposed regulations provide that a qualified severance will not constitute an exchange of property for other prop- erty differing materially either in kind or in extent, for purposes of section 1001, pro- vided that: (1) an applicable state statute or the governing instrument authorizes the trustee to sever the trust; and (2) if the sep- arate trusts createdby the severance are funded on a nonpro ratabasis, as dis- cussed in Section I above, an applicable state statute or the governing instrument authorizes the trusteeto fund the separate trusts on a nonpro ratabasis. If section 1001 does not apply in accordance with this standard, then under section 1015, the basis of the trust assets will be the same after the severance as the basis of those as- sets before the severance, and under sec- tion 1223, the holding periods of the assets distributed to the new trusts will include the holding period of the assets in the orig- inal trust. V.Proposed Effective Date Section 2642(a)(3) supercedes the reg- ulatory rules contained in §26.2654–1(b). Accordingly, under the proposed regula- tions, the applicability of §26.2654–1(b) is limited to severances occurring on or be- fore December 31, 2000. The regulations under section 2642(a)(3), as proposed, ap- ply to severances occurring on or after the date of publication of the Treasury deci- sion adopting these rules as final regula- tions. In the case of severances occur- ring after December 31, 2000, and before publication of final regulations, taxpayers may rely on any reasonable interpretation of section 2642(a)(3) as long as reasonable notice concerning the severance and iden- tification of the trusts involved has been given to the IRS. The regulations under section 1001, as proposed, apply to severances occurring on or after the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations. However, taxpayers may apply the proposed regulations under sec- tion 1001 to severances occurring after August 24, 2004, and before publication of final regulations. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a signifi- cant regulatory action as defined in Exec- utive Order 12866. Therefore, a regula- tory assessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regu- lations. It is hereby certified that the col- lection of information in these regulations will not have a significant economic im- pact on a substantial number of small en- tities. This certification is based upon the fact that the collection of information im- posed by this regulation is not significant as reflected in the estimated burden of in- formation collection for, which is 0.5 hours per respondent, and that few trustees are likely to be small entities. Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chap- ter 6) is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this notice of proposed rulemaking will be sub- mitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business. Comments and Requests for Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any written (a signed origi- nal and eight (8) copies) or electronic com- ments that are submitted timely to the IRS. The IRS and Treasury Department request comments on the substance of the pro- posed regulations, as well as on the clarity of the proposed rules and how they can be made easier to understand. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing will be sched- uled if requested in writing by any person that timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the public hearing will be published in theFederal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of these pro- posed regulations is Mayer R. Samuels, Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), IRS. If you have any questions concerning these proposed regulations, please contact Mayer R. Samuels at (202) 622–3090. Other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 26 are proposed to be amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read, in part, as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. In §1.1001–1, paragraph (h) is added to read as follows: §1.1001–1 Computation of gain or loss. ***** (h)Qualified severances of trusts—(1) In general. A severance of a trust that meets the requirements of §26.2642–6 is not an exchange of property for other prop- erty differing materially either in kind or in extent if— (i) An applicable state statute or the governing instrument authorizes the trustee to sever the trust; and (ii) If the separate trusts created by the severance are funded on a nonpro rata basis as provided in §26.2642–6(b)(3), an applicable state statute or the governing instrument authorizes the trustee to fund the separate trusts on a nonpro ratabasis. (2)Effective date. This paragraph (h) applies to severances occurring on or af- ter the date these regulations are published as final regulations in theFederal Regis- ter. Taxpayers may apply this paragraph (h) to severances occurring on or after Au- gust 24, 2004, and before the date these regulations are published as final regula- tions in theFederal Register. PART 26 — GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFER TAX REGULATIONS UNDER THE TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986 Par. 3. The authority citation for part 26isamendedbyaddinganentryinnu- merical order to read, in part, as follows: 2004–39 I.R.B.525September 27, 2004 Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 26.2642–6 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 2642. * * * Par. 4. In §26.2600–1, the table is amended as follows. 1. An entry for §26.2642–6 is added. 2. The entry for §26.2654–1(b) intro- ductory text is revised. 3. An entry for §26.2654–1(c) is added. The revision and additions read as fol- lows: §26.2600–1 Table of contents. ***** §26.2642–6 Qualified severance. (a) In general. (b) Requirements for a qualified sever- ance. (c) Time for making a qualified sever- ance. (d) Irrevocable trusts. (e) Examples. (f) Effective date. ***** §26.2654–1 Certain trusts treated as separate trusts. ***** (b) Division of a trust included in the gross estate occurring on or before Decem- ber 31, 2000. ***** (c) Qualified severance occurring after December 31, 2000. Par. 5. Section 26.2642–6 is added to read as follows: §26.2642–6 Qualified severance (a)In general. If a trust is severed into two or more trusts, the separate trusts re- sulting from the severance will be treated as separate trusts for generation-skipping transfer tax purposes only if the severance is a qualified severance. In general, the rules in this section are applicable only for purposes of the generation-skipping trans- fer tax and are not applicable in determin- ing, for example, whether the severance may result in a gift subject to gift tax, cause the trust to be included in the gross estate of a beneficiary, or result in a realization of gain for purposes of section 1001. See §1.1001–1(h) for rules relating to whether a qualified severance will constitute an ex- change of property for other property dif- fering materially either in kind or in extent. (b)Requirements for a qualified sever- ance. For purposes of this section, a quali- fied severance is a division of a single trust into two or more trusts that meets each of the following requirements: (1) The single trust is severed pursuant to the terms of the governing instrument, or pursuant to applicable local law. (2) The severance is effective under lo- cal law. (3) The single trust is severed on a frac- tional basis, such that each new trust is funded with a fraction or percentage of the entire trust. For this purpose, the frac- tion or percentage may be determined by means of a formula (for example, that frac- tion of the trust the numerator of which is equal to transferor’s unused GST tax ex- emption, and the denominator of which is the fair market value of the trust assets on the date of severance). The severance of atrustbasedonapecuniaryamountdoes not satisfy this requirement. For exam- ple, the severance of a trust would not be a qualified severance if the trust was di- vided into two trusts, with one trust to be funded with $1,500,000 and the other trust to be funded with the balance of the origi- nal trust assets. For purposes of this para- graph, the separate trusts resulting from the severance may be funded with the appro- priate fraction, percentage, orpro ratapor- tion of each asset held by the undivided trust, or on a non pro rata basis. However, if funded on a nonpro ratabasis, each re- sulting trust must be funded by applying the appropriate fraction or percentage to the total fair market value of the trust as- sets as of the date of funding. (4) The terms of the new trusts must provide, in the aggregate, for the same suc- cession of interests of beneficiaries as are provided in the original trust. This require- ment will be satisfied if the beneficiaries of the separate trusts andthe interests of the beneficiaries with respect to the separate trusts, when the separate trusts are viewed collectively, are identical to the beneficia- ries and their respective beneficial inter- ests with respect to the original trust be- fore severance. With respect to trusts from which discretionary distributions may be made to any one or more beneficiaries on anonpro ratabasis, this requirement will be satisfied if the terms of each of the sep- arate trusts are the same as the terms of the original trust (even though each permissi- ble distributee of the original trust might be a beneficiary of only one of the separate trusts), the severance does not shift a ben- eficial interest in the trust to any benefi- ciary in a lower generation (as determined under section 2651) than the person or per- sons who held the beneficial interest in the original trust, and the severance does not extend the time for vesting of any benefi- cial interest in the trust beyond the period provided for in the original trust. (5) In the case of a severance after GST tax exemption has been allocated to the trust as a result of an allocation, deemed al- location, or automatic allocation pursuant to the rules contained in section 2632, if the trust has an inclusion ratio as defined in §26.2642–1 that is greater than zero and less than one, then the trust may be severed initially only into two trusts. One sepa- rate trust must receivethat fractional share of the total value of all trust assets as of the date of funding equal to the applicable fraction, as defined in §26.2642–1(b) and (c), with respect to the single trust immedi- ately before the severance. The other sep- arate trust must receive the balance of the trust assets. The trust receiving the frac- tional share equal to the applicable fraction shall have an inclusion ratio of zero, and the other trust shall have an inclusion ratio of one. If the applicable fraction with re- spect to the original trust is .50, then with respect to the two equal trusts resulting from the severance, the Trustee may desig- nate which of the resulting trusts will have an inclusion ratio of zero and which will have an inclusion ratio of one. Each sepa- rate trust resulting from the severance may be further divided in accordance with the rules of this section. (6) The severance is reported by filing Form 706–GS(T), “Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations,” or such other form that may be published by the IRS that is specifically designated to be utilized to report qualified severances. When Form 706–GS(T) is utilized, the filer should write “Qualified Severance” in red at the top of the return and attach a Notice of Qualified Severance to the re- turn. The notice must contain: a statement identifying the trust that is severed, the name of the transferor of the trust, the date of creation, the tax identification number, September 27, 20045262004–39 I.R.B. and the inclusion ratio with respect to the trust before severance; and a statement identifying each of the new trusts created as a result of the severance, the name and tax identification number of each new trust, the fraction of trust assets received by each new trust, other details explain- ing the basis for funding each new trust (a fraction of the total fair market value of the assets on the date of funding or a fraction of each asset), and the inclusion ratio of each new trust. The return and attached notice must be filed by April 15th of the year immediately following the year during which the severance occurred or the last day of the period covered by an extension of time, if an extension of time is granted. (c)Time for making a qualified sever- ance. A trust may be severed in a quali- fied severance at any time prior to the ter- mination of the trust. Thus, provided that the separate trusts resulting from the sever- ance continue in existence after the sever- ance, a trust may be severed in a qualified severance either before or after: GST tax exemption has been allocated to the trust; a taxable event has occurred with respect to the trust; or an addition has been made to the trust. A qualified severance is effec- tive at the time the trust is divided into two or more separate trusts. Thus, a qualified severance has no effect on a taxable ter- mination as defined in section 2612(a) or a taxable distribution as defined in section 2612(b) that occurred prior to the effective date of the qualified severance. (d)Irrevocable trusts.See §26.2601–1(b)(4) for rules regarding severances and other actions with respect to trusts that were irrevocable on Septem- ber 25, 1985. (e)Examples. The rules of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1.Formula severance. T’s will estab- lishes a testamentary marital trust (Trust) that quali- fies as qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) under section 2056(b)(7). Trust provides that all trust income is to be paid to T’s spouse for life. On the spouse’s death, the trust corpus is to be held in fur- ther trust for the benefit of T’s then-living descen- dants. On T’s date of death in January of 2004, T’s unused GST tax exemption is $1,200,000, $200,000 of which T’s executor will allocate to bequests to T’s grandchildren. Prior to the due date for filing the Form 706, “United States Estate (and Genera- tion-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return,” for T’s estate, and thus, prior to the allocation of any GST tax ex- emption with respect to Trust, T’s executor, pursuant to applicable state law, divides Trust into two sepa- rate trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2. Trust 1 is to be funded with that fraction of the Trust assets, the numerator of which is $1,000,000, and the denominator of which is the value of the Trust assets as finally determined for federal estate tax purposes. Trust 2 is to be funded with the balance of the Trust assets. On the Form 706 filed for the estate, T’s executor makes a QTIP elec- tion under section 2056(b)(7) with respect to Trust 1 and Trust 2 and a “reverse” QTIP election under sec- tion 2652(a)(3) with respect to Trust 1. Further, T’s executor allocates T’s available GST tax exemption to Trust 1. If the requirements of section 2642(a)(3) are otherwise satisfied, the severance constitutes a qualified severance. Accordingly, Trust 1 and Trust 2 are treated as separate trusts, and the GST tax elec- tions and GST tax exemption allocation are recog- nized and effective for generation-skipping transfer tax purposes. Example 2.Severance of single trust with one in- come beneficiary. T’s will establishes a testamentary trust providing that income is to be paid to T’s sister, S, for her life. On S’s death, one-half of the corpus is to be paid to T’s child, C, or to C’s estate if C fails to survive S and one-half of the corpus is to be paid to T’s grandchild, GC, or to GC’s estate if GC fails to survive S. Prior to the due date for filing the Form 706, T’s executor, pursuant to applicable state law, di- vides the testamentary trust into two separate trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2, with each trust receiving 50 per- cent of the current value of the assets of the original trust. Trust 1 provides that trust income is to be paid to S for life with remainder to C or C’s estate, and Trust 2 provides that trust income is to be paid to S for life with remainder to GC or GC’s estate. Because Trust 1 and Trust 2 provide for the same succession of interests in the aggregate as provided in the original trust, the severance will constitute a qualified sever- ance if the requirements of section 2642(a)(3) are oth- erwise satisfied. On the Form 706, T’s executor may allocate T’s available GST tax exemption to Trust 2. Example 3.Severance of discretionary trust.T’s will establishes a testamentary trust (Trust) providing that income is to be paid from time to time in such amounts as the trustee deems advisable to T’s chil- dren, A and B, and to their respective descendants. In addition, the trustee may distribute corpus to any trust beneficiary in such amounts as the trustee deems ad- visable. On the death of the last to die of A and B, the trust is to terminate and the corpus is to be distributed in two equal shares, one share to the descendants of each child, per stirpes. Prior to the due date for fil- ing the Form 706, T’s executor, pursuant to applica- ble state law, divides Trust into two separate trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2. Trust 1 provides that income is to be paid in such amounts as the trustee deems ad- visable to A and A’s descendants. In addition, the trustee may distribute corpus to any trust beneficiary in such amounts as the trustee deems advisable. On the death of A, Trust 1 is to terminate and the corpus is to be distributed to the descendants of A, per stirpes, but if A dies with no living descendants, the princi- pal will be added to Trust 2. Trust 2 contains iden- tical provisions, except that B and B’s descendants are the trust beneficiaries and, if B dies with no liv- ing descendants, the principal will be added to Trust 1. Because Trust 1 and Trust 2 provide for the same beneficiaries and the same succession of interests in the aggregate as providedin Trust, and because the severance does not shift any beneficial interest in the trust to a beneficiary who occupies a lower generation than the person or persons who held the beneficial in- terest in Trust, the severance constitutes a qualified severance if the requirements of section 2642(a)(3) are otherwise satisfied. Example 4.Severance of single trust with two in- come beneficiaries. T’s will establishes a testamen- tary trust (Trust) providing that Trust income is to be paid to T’s children, A and B, for their joint lives. Upon the death of the first to die of A and B, the income will be paid to the survivor. At the death of the survivor of A and B, the corpus is to be dis- tributed equally to T’s grandchildren, W and X (with any then-deceased grandchild’s share being paid to that grandchild’s estate). W is A’s child and X is B’s child. Prior to the due date for filing Form 706, T’s executor divides the testamentary trust equally into two separate trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2. Trust 1 pro- vides that trust income is to be paid to A for life and, on A’s death, the remainder is to pass to W. Trust 2 provides that trust income is to be paid to B for life and the remainder on B’s death to X. Because Trust 1 and Trust 2 do not provide A and B with contin- gent survivor income interests as provided under the terms of the original trust, Trust 1 and Trust 2 do not provide for the same succession of interests in the ag- gregate as provided in Trust. Therefore, the division is not a qualified severance, and Trust 1 and Trust 2 are treated as one trust. If, however, in this exam- ple, Trust 1 instead provides that trust income is to be paid to A for life and then to B (if B survives A), with remainder to W, and if Trust 2 instead provides that trust income is to be paid to B for life and then to A (if A survives B), with remainder to X, then Trust 1 and Trust 2 would provide for the same succession of interests in the aggregate as provided in Trust, and the severance would constitute a qualified severance. Example 5.Severance of a trust with a 50% in- clusion ratio. On September 1, 2004, T transfers $100,000 to a trust for the benefit of T’s grandchild, GC.OnatimelyfiledForm709,“United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return,” re- porting the transfer, T allocates all of T’s remaining GST tax exemption ($50,000) to the trust. As a result of the allocation, the applicable fraction with respect to the trust is .50 [$50,000 (the amount of GST tax ex- emption allocated to the trust) divided by $100,000 (the value of the property transferred to the trust)]. The inclusion ratio with respect to the trust is .50 [1 — .50]. In 2006, pursuant to authority granted un- der applicable state law, the trustee severs the trust into two trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2, each of which re- ceives a 50 percent fractional share of the total value of all trust assets at that time. Because the applicable fraction with respect to the original trust is .50 and the trust was severed into two equal trusts, the trustee may designate which trust has an inclusion ratio of one, and which trust has an inclusion ratio of zero. Accordingly, in the Notice of Qualified Severance re- porting the severance, the trustee designates Trust 1 as having an inclusion ratio of zero, and Trust 2 as having an inclusion ratio of one. Example 6.Funding of severed trusts on a non pro rata basis. T’s will establishes a testamentary trust (Trust) for the benefit of T’s descendants, to be funded with T’s stock in Corporation A and Corpo- ration B. T dies on May 1, 2004, at which time the Corporation A stock included in T’s gross estate has a fair market value of $100,000 and the stock of Cor- 2004–39 I.R.B.527September 27, 2004 poration B included in T’s gross estate has a fair mar- ket value of $200,000. On a timely filed Form 706, T’s executor allocates all of T’s remaining GST tax exemption ($270,000) to Trust. As a result of the allo- cation, the applicable fraction with respect to Trust is .90 [$270,000 (the amount of GST tax exemption al- located to the trust) divided by $300,000 (the value of the property transferred to the trust)]. The inclusion ratio with respect to Trust is .10 [1 — .90]. On Au- gust 1, 2008, when the value of the Trust assets totals $500,000, consisting of Corporation A stock worth $450,000 and Corporation B stock worth $50,000, the trustee severs Trust into two identical trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2. The terms of the instrument severing Trust provides that Trust 1 is to be funded on a non pro ratabasis with assets having a fair market value on the date of funding equal to 90% of the value of the Trust assets on that date, and Trust 2 is to be funded with assets having a fair market value on the date of funding equal to 10% of the value of the Trust as- sets on that date. Also on August 1, 2008, the trustee funds Trust 1 with all of the Corporation A stock and funds Trust 2 with all of the Corporation B stock. Ac- cordingly, Trust 1 is funded with assets having a value equal to 90% of the value of Trust as of the date of funding, August 1, 2008, and Trust 2 is funded with assets having a value equal to 10% of the value of Trust as of the date of funding. Therefore, if the re- quirements of section 2642(a)(3) are otherwise satis- fied, the severance constitutes a qualified severance. Trust 1 will have an inclusion ratio of zero and Trust 2 will have an inclusion ratio of one. Example 7.Severance of a trust along family lines. T dies on October 1, 2004. T’s will estab- lishes a testamentary trust (Trust) to be funded with $1,000,000. Trust income is to be paid to T’s child, S, for S’s life. On S’s death, Trust is to terminate and the assets are to be divided equally among T’s three grandchildren, GC1, GC2, and GC3 (or their re- spective descendants, per stirpes). On a timely filed Form 706, T’s executor allocates all of T’s remain- ing GST tax exemption ($300,000) to Trust. As a result of the allocation, the applicable fraction with respect to the trust is .30 [$300,000 (the amount of GST tax exemption allocated to the trust) divided by $1,000,000 (the value of the property transferred to the trust)]. The inclusion ratio with respect to the trust is .70 [1 — .30]. On June 1, 2007, the trustee determines that it is in the best interest of the bene- ficiaries to sever Trust to provide a separate trust for each of T’s three grandchildren and their respective families. The trustee severs Trust into two identical trusts, Trust 1 and Trust 2, each trust providing that trustincomeistobepaidtoS,forlife,andonS’s death, the trust is to terminate and the assets are to be divided equally among GC1, GC2, and GC3 (or their respective descendants, per stirpes). The terms of the instrument severing Trust provide that Trust 1 is to receive 30% of the Trust assets and Trust 2 is to receive 70% of the Trust assets. Further, each trust is to be funded with apro rataportionofeachas- setheldinTrust.ThetrusteethenseversTrust1into three equal trusts, Trust GC1, Trust GC2, and Trust GC3. Each trust is named for a grandchild of T and provides that trust income is to be paid to S for life, and on S’s death, the trust is to terminate and the trust proceeds distributed to the respective grandchild for whom the trust is named. If that grandchild has pre- deceased the termination date, the trust proceeds are to be distributed to that grandchild’s then-living de- scendants, per stirpes, or, if none, to the other grand- children (or their respective then-living descendants, per stirpes). Each trust is to be funded with apro rata portion of each Trust 1 asset. The trustee also sev- ers Trust 2 in a similar manner, into Trust GC1(2), Trust GC2(2), and Trust GC3(2). If the requirements of section 2642(a)(3) are otherwise satisfied, the sev- erance of Trust into Trust 1 and Trust 2, the sever- ance of Trust 1 into Trust GC1, Trust GC2, Trust GC3, and the severance of Trust 2 into Trust GC1(2), Trust GC2(2) and Trust GC3(2), constitute qualified severances. Trust GC1, Trust GC2, Trust GC3 will each have an inclusion ratio of zero and Trust GC1(2), Trust GC2(2) , and Trust GC3(2) will each have an in- clusion ratio of one. (f)Effective date. (1) This section ap- plies to severances occurring on or after the date that this document is published in theFederal Registeras final regulations. (2)Transition rule. In the case of sever- ances occurring after December 31, 2000, and before the date that this document is published in theFederal Registeras a final regulation, taxpayers may rely on any reasonable interpretation of section 2642(a)(3) as long as reasonable notice concerning the severance and identifica- tion of the trusts involved has been given to the IRS. For this purpose, these proposed regulations are treated as a reasonable in- terpretation of the statute. For purposes of the notification requirement contained in §26.2642–6(b)(6), notification will be deemed timely if mailed by April 15th of the year immediately following the year during which the severance occurred or the last day of the period covered by an extension of time, if an extension of time is granted. For severances occurring be- tween December 31, 2000, and January 1, 2004, notification will be deemed timely if mailed by November 22, 2004. Par. 6. Section 26.2654–1 is amended as follows: 1. The paragraph heading for (b) and the introductory text of paragraph (b)(1) are revised. 2. Paragraph (c) is added. The revision and addition reads as fol- lows: §26.2654–1 Certain trusts treated as separate trusts. ***** (b)Division of a trust included in the gross estate occurring on or before De- cember 31, 2000—(1)In general.Ifatrust that is included in the transferor’s gross estate (or created under the transferor’s will) is severed on or before December 31, 2000, into two or more trusts, the sever- ance is recognized for purposes of chapter 13 if— ***** (c)Qualified severance occurring after December 31, 2000. For rules applicable to the severance of a trust for GST tax pur- poses occurring after December 31, 2000, see §26.2642–6. Deborah M. Nolan, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 23, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 24, 2004, 69 F.R. 51967) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Public Hearing LIFO Recapture Under Section 1363(d) REG–149524–03 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of public hearing. SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations regarding LIFO re- capture by corporations converting from C corporations to S corporations. The purpose of the proposed regulations is to provide guidance on the LIFO recapture requirement when the corporation holds inventory accounted for under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method (LIFO inventory) indirectly through a partnership. The pro- posed regulations affect C corporations that own interests in partnerships hold- ing LIFO inventory and that elect to be taxed as S corporations or that transfer such partnership interests to S corpora- tions in nonrecognition transactions. The proposed regulations also affect S corpora- tions receiving such partnership interests from C corporations in nonrecognition transactions. DATES: Written or electronic comments must be received by November 12, 2004. Requests to speak and outlines of topics to September 27, 20045282004–39 I.R.B. be discussed at the public hearing sched- uled for Wednesday, December 8, 2004, must be received by Wednesday, Novem- ber 17, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR(REG–149524–03), room 5203, Internal Revenue Ser- vice, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Sta- tion, Washington, DC 20044. Submis- sions may be hand-delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m.and4p.m.to:CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–149524–03), Courier’s Desk, In- ternal Revenue Service, 1111 Consti- tution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or submitted electronically via the IRS Internet site at:http://www.irs.gov/regs or via the Federal eRulemaking Por- tal atwww.regulations.gov(IRS and REG–149524–03). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the pro- posed regulations, Pietro Canestrelli, 202–622–3060, or Martin Schäffer, 202–622–3070; concerning submissions, Robin Jones, 202–622–7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act The collection of information contained in this notice of proposed rulemaking has been submitted to the Office of Manage- ment and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). Comments on the collec- tion of information should be sent to the Office of Management and Budget,Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and Reg- ulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies to theInternal Revenue Ser- vice, Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washington, DC 20224. Comments on the collection of information should be received by Octo- ber 12, 2004. Comments are specifically requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of in- formation is necessary for the proper per- formance of the functions of the Internal Revenue Service, including whether the information will have practical utility; The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed collection of information (see below); How the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected may be en- hanced; How the burden of complying with the proposed collection of information can be minimized, including through the appli- cation of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide informa- tion. The collection of information in this proposed regulation is in §1.1363–2(e)(3). This information is required to inform the IRS of partnerships electing to increase the basis of inventory to reflect any amount in- cluded in a partner’s income under section 1363(d). Thus, the collection of informa- tion is required to obtain a benefit. The likely respondents are businesses or other for-profit institutions. The burden for the collection of infor- mation in §1.1363–2(e)(3) is reflected on Form 1065, “U.S. Return of Partnership Income.” The estimated burden for the collection of information in §1.1363–2(e)(3) is as fol- lows: Estimated total annual reporting bur- den: 200 hours. The estimated annual burden per re- spondent varies from 1 to 3 hours, depend- ing on individual circumstances, with an estimated average of 2 hours. Estimated number of respondents: 100. Estimated annual frequency of re- sponses: On occasion. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collec- tion of information displays a valid OMB control number assigned by the Office of Management and Budget. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Background This document contains proposed amendments to 26 CFR Part 1 under sec- tion 1363(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Section 1363(d)(1) provides that a C corporation that owns LIFO inventory and that elects under section 1362(a) to be taxed as an S corporation must include in its gross income for its final tax year as a C corporation the LIFO recapture amount. Under section 1363(d)(3), the LIFO recap- ture amount is the excess of the inventory amount of the inventory using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method (the FIFO value) over the inventory amount of the inventory using the LIFO method (the LIFO value) at the close of the corporation’s final tax year as a C corporation (essentially, the amount of income the corporation has de- ferred by using the LIFO method rather than the FIFO method). Final regulations (T.D. 8567, 1994–2 C.B. 199) under section 1363(d) were pub- lished in theFederal Registeron October 7, 1994 (59 FR 51105) to describe the re- capture of LIFO benefits when a C cor- poration that owns LIFO inventory elects to become an S corporation or transfers LIFO inventory to an S corporation in a nonrecognition transaction. The final reg- ulations do not explicitly address the in- direct ownership of inventory through a partnership. These proposed regulations provide guidance for situations in which a C corporation that owns LIFO inventory through a partnership (or through tiered partnerships) converts to an S corporation or transfers its partnership interest to an S corporation in a nonrecognition transac- tion. Section 1374, modified as part of the repeal of theGeneral Utilitiesdoctrine, seeGeneral Utilities & Operating Co. v. Helvering, 296 U.S. 200 (1935), imposes a corporate level tax on certain income or gain recognized by anS corporation to the extent the income or gain is attributable to appreciation that occurred while the as- sets were held by a C corporation. Specif- ically, section 1374 imposes a corporate level tax on an S corporation’s net rec- ognized built-in gain attributable to assets that it held on the date it converted from a C corporation to an S corporation. The tax is imposed only during the 10-year pe- riod beginning on the first day the corpo- ration is an S corporation. In addition, sec- 2004–39 I.R.B.529September 27, 2004 tion 1374 imposes a corporate level tax on an S corporation’s net recognized built-in gain attributable to assets that the S corpo- ration acquires if the S corporation’s bases in such assets are determined (in whole or in part) by reference to the bases of such assets (or any other property) in the hands of a C corporation. This tax is imposed only during the 10-year period beginning on the date that the S corporation acquires the assets. In Announcement 86–128, 1986–51 I.R.B. 22, the IRS stated that, for purposes of section 1374(d)(2)(A), the inventory method used by a taxpayer for tax pur- poses (FIFO, LIFO, etc.) shall be used in determining whether goods disposed of following a conversion from C corpora- tion to S corporation status were held by the corporation at the time of conversion. After the issuance of this announcement, Congress became concerned that taxpay- ers owning LIFO inventory might avoid the built-in gain rules of section 1374. Congress believed that taxpayers owning LIFO inventory, who have enjoyed the de- ferral benefits of the LIFO method during their status as a C corporation, should not be treated more favorably than their FIFO counterparts. To eliminate this potential disparity in treatment, Congress enacted section 1363(d) in 1987, requiring a tax- payer owning LIFO inventory to recapture the benefits of using the LIFO method. H.R. Rep. No. 100–391 (Parts 1 and 2), 1098 (1987). InCoggin Automotive Corp. v. Com- missioner, 292 F.3d 1326 (11 th Cir. 2002), rev’g115 T.C. 349 (2000), a holding company owned majority interests in sev- eral subsidiaries that operated automobile dealerships owning LIFO inventory. As part of a restructuring, each subsidiary contributed its assets (including its LIFO inventory) to a different partnership. The subsidiaries were then merged into the holding company, which elected to be taxed as an S corporation. The court of appeals held that the holding company’s S corporation election did not trigger LIFO recapture under section 1363(d) because it was the partnerships in which the holding company held interests, and not the hold- ing company itself, that used the LIFO method. Section 337(d)(1)authorizes the Sec- retary to prescribe regulations to prevent the circumvention of the purposes of the repeal of theGeneral Utilitiesdoctrine through the use of any provision of law or regulations. The Treasury Department and the IRS believe that these proposed regulations are necessary to implement General Utilitiesrepeal. Congress en- acted section 1363(d) because the use of the LIFO method by a C corporation that converts to S corporation status creates the potential for the permanent avoidance of corporate level tax on the built-in gain reflected in the LIFO reserve. This avoid- ance possibility is present regardless of whether the converting corporation owns inventory directly or indirectly through a partnership or tiered partnerships. Ac- cordingly, the Treasury Department and the IRS believe it is appropriate to require the recapture of a converting corporation’s share of the LIFO reserves of partnerships in which it participates. Such an approach is consistent with the regulations under section 1374, which generally adopt a lookthrough approach to partnerships. Explanation of Provisions The proposed regulations provide that a C corporation that holds an interest in a partnership owning LIFO inventory must include the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount in its gross income where the cor- poration either elects to be an S corpora- tion or transfers its interest in the partner- ship to an S corporation in a nonrecog- nition transaction.The proposed regu- lations define the lookthrough LIFO re- capture amount as the amount of income that would be allocated to the corpora- tion, taking into account section 704(c) and §1.704–3, if the partnership sold all of its LIFO inventory for the FIFO value. A cor- porate partner’s lookthrough LIFO recap- ture amount must be determined, in gen- eral, as of the day before the effective date of the S corporation election or, if the re- capture event is a transfer of a partnership interest to an S corporation, the date of the transfer (the recapture date). The proposed regulations provide that, if a partnership is not otherwise required to determine in- ventory values on the recapture date, the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount may be determined based on inventory values of the partnership’s opening inventory for the year that includes the recapture date. The proposed regulations provide that a corporation owning LIFO inventory through a partnership must increase its basis in its partnership interest by the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount. The proposed regulations also allow the part- nership through which the LIFO inventory is owned to adjust the basis of partnership inventory (or lookthrough partnership in- terests held by that partnership) to account for LIFO recapture. This adjustment to basis is to be patterned in manner and ef- fect after the adjustment in section 743(b). Thus, the basis adjustment constitutes an adjustment to the basis of the LIFO inven- tory (or lookthrough partnership interests held by that partnership) with respect to the corporate partner only; no adjustment is made to the partnership’s common ba- sis. The IRS and the Treasury Department request comments on whether the part- nership should be required, in some or all circumstances, to increase the basis of partnership assets by the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount attributable to those assets. Under §1.1374–4(i)(1), an S corpo- ration’s distributive share of partnership items is not taken into account in de- termining the S corporation’s share of net recognized built-in gain or loss if the S cor- poration’s partnership interest represents less than 10 percent of the partnership cap- ital and profits and has a fair market value of less than $100,000. This exception re- duces the burden on the S corporation and the partnership of tracking built-in gain assets that are relatively small in amount. The burden of looking through a partnership interest under section 1374 is greater than the burden of looking through a partnershipinterest under sec- tion 1363(d). Under section 1374, partner- ship assets must be tracked for a 10-year period. No such tracking problem exists under section 1363 because recapture gen- erally occurs on the date of the S election. Accordingly, the proposed regulations do not contain an exception for partnership interests that are smaller than a specified threshold. Proposed Effective Date These regulations are proposed to ap- ply to S elections and transfers made on or after August 13, 2004. No inference is intended as to the tax consequences of S elections and transfers made before the ef- fective date of these regulations. September 27, 20045302004–39 I.R.B. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in EO 12866; therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It is herebycertified that these regulations will not have a significant eco- nomic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certification is based upon the fact that few corporations engage in the type of transactions that are subject to these regulations(the conversion from C corporation to S corporation status while holding an interest in a partnership that owns LIFO inventory or the transfer of an interest in such a partnership by a C corpo- ration to an S corporation in a nonrecogni- tion transaction). Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this notice of proposed rulemak- ing will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Ad- ministration for comment on its impact on small business. Comments and Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any written comments (a signed original and eight (8) copies) or electronic comments that are submitted timely to the IRS. The IRS and Treasury Department request comments on the clar- ity of the proposed rules and how they can be made easier to understand. All com- ments will be available for public inspec- tion and copying. A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, 2004, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium of the In- ternal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitu- tion Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Due to building security procedures, visitors must enter at the Constitution Avenue entrance. In addition, all visitors must present photo identification to enter the building. Be- cause of access restrictions, visitors will not be admitted beyond the immediate en- trance area more than 30 minutes before the hearing starts. For information about having your name placed on the building access list to attend the hearing, see the “FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT” section of this preamble. The rules of 26 CFR 601.601(a)(3) ap- ply to the hearing. Persons who wish to present oral comments at the hearing must submit electronic or written comments and an outline of the topics to be discussed and the time to be devoted to each topic (signed original and eight (8) copies) by Wednes- day, November 17, 2004. A period of 10 minutes will be allotted to each person for making comments. An agenda showing the scheduling of the speakers will be pre- pared after the deadline for receiving out- lines has passed. Copies of the agenda will be available free of charge at the hearing. Drafting Information The principal authors of these regulations are Martin Schäffer and Pietro Canestrelli, Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Spe- cial Industries). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by adding an entry in numerical order to read as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805. * * * Section 1.1363–2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 337(d). * * * Par. 2. Section 1.1363–2 is amended by: 1. Redesignating paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) as paragraphs (d), (e), and (g), re- spectively. 2. Adding paragraphs (b), (c), (f), and (g)(3). 3. Revising newly designated para- graphs (d) and (e). The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §1.1363–2 Recapture of LIFO benefits. ***** (b)LIFO inventory held indirectly through partnership. A C corporation must include the lookthrough LIFO re- capture amount (as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section) in its gross income— (1) In its last taxable year as a C cor- poration if, on the last day of the corpora- tion’s last taxable year before its S corpo- ration election becomes effective, the cor- poration held a lookthrough partnership in- terest (as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section); or (2) In the year of transfer by the C cor- poration to an S corporation of a look- through partnership interest if the corpo- ration transferred its lookthrough partner- ship interest to the S corporation in a non- recognition transaction (within the mean- ing of section 7701(a)(45)) in which the transferred interest constitutes transferred basis property (within the meaning of sec- tion 7701(a)(43)). (c)Definitions—(1)Lookthrough part- nership interest. A partnership interest is a lookthrough partnership interest if the partnership owns (directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships) assets accounted for under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method (LIFO inventory). (2)Lookthrough LIFO recapture amount. For purposes of this section, a corporation’s lookthrough LIFO recap- ture amount is the amount of income that would be allocated to the corporation, taking into account section 704(c) and §1.704–3, if the partnership sold all of its LIFO inventory for the inventory’s FIFO value. For this purpose, the FIFO value of inventory is the inventory amount of the inventory assets under the first-in, first-out method of accounting authorized by sec- tion 471. The lookthrough LIFO recapture amount generally shall be determined as of the end of the recapture date. However, if the partnership is not otherwise required to determine the inventory amount of the in- ventory using the LIFO method (the LIFO value) on the recapture date, the partner- ship may determine the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount as though the FIFO and LIFO values of the inventory on the re- capture date equaled the FIFO and LIFO values of the opening inventory for the partnership’s taxable year that includes the recapture date. For this purpose, the opening inventory includes inventory con- tributed by a partner to the partnership on or before the recapture date and excludes 2004–39 I.R.B.531September 27, 2004 inventory distributed by the partnership to a partner on or before the recapture date. (3)Recapture date. In the case of a transaction describedin paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the recapture date is the day before the effective date of the S corpora- tion election. In the case of a transaction described in paragraph (b)(2) of this sec- tion, the recapture date is the date of the transfer of the partnership interest to the S corporation (but only the portion of that date that precedes the transfer). (d)Payment of tax. Any increase in tax caused by including the LIFO recap- ture amount or the lookthrough LIFO re- capture amount in the gross income of the C corporation is payable in four equal in- stallments. The C corporation must pay the first installment of this payment by the due date of its return, determined without regard to extensions, for the last taxable year it operated as a C corporation if para- graph (a)(1) or (b)(1) of this section ap- plies, or for the taxable year of the transfer if paragraph (a)(2) or (b)(2) of this section applies. The three succeeding installments must be paid— (1) For a transaction described in para- graph (a)(1) or (b)(1) of this section, by the corporation that made the election under section 1362(a) to be an S corporation, on or before the due date for the corporation’s returns (determined without regard to ex- tensions) for the succeeding three taxable years; and (2) For a transaction described in para- graph (a)(2) or (b)(2) of this section, by the transferee S corporation on or before the duedateforthetransfereecorporation’s returns (determined without regard to ex- tensions) for the succeeding three taxable years. (e)Basis adjustments—(1)General rule. Appropriate adjustments to the basis of inventory are to be made to reflect any amount included in income under para- graph (a) of this section. (2)LIFO inventory owned through a partnership—(i)Basis of corporation’s partnership interest. Appropriate adjust- ments to the basis of the corporation’s lookthrough partnership interest are to be made to reflect any amount included in in- come under paragraph (b) of this section. (ii)Basis of partnership assets.Apart- nership directly holding LIFO inventory that is taken into account under paragraph (b) may elect to adjust the basis of that LIFO inventory. In addition, a partnership that holds, through another partnership, LIFO inventory that is taken into account under paragraph (b) may elect to adjust the basis of that partnership interest. Any adjustment under this paragraph (e)(2) to the basis of inventory held by the partner- ship is equal to the amount of LIFO re- capture attributable to the inventory. Like- wise, any adjustment under this paragraph (e)(2) to the basis of a lookthrough part- nership interest held by the partnership is equal to the amount of LIFO recapture at- tributable to the interest. A basis adjust- ment under this paragraph (e)(2) is treated in the same manner and has the same ef- fect as an adjustment to the basis of part- nership property under section 743(b). See §1.743–1(j). (3)Election. A partnership elects to ad- just the basis of its inventory and any look- through partnership interest that it owns by attaching a statement to its original or amended income tax return for the first taxable year ending on or after the date of the S corporation election or transfer de- scribed in paragraph (b) of this section. This statement shall state that the part- nership is electing under §1.1363–2(e)(3) and must include the names, addresses, and taxpayer identification numbers of any corporate partner liable for tax under para- graph (d) of this section and of the partner- ship, as well as the amount of the adjust- ment and the portion of the adjustment that is attributable toeach pool of inventory or lookthrough partnership interest that is held by the partnership. (f)Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this section. Example 1. (i) G is a C corporation with a taxable year ending on June 30. GH is a partnership with a calendar year taxable year. G has a 20 percent interest in GH. The remaining 80 percent interest is owned by an individual. On April 25, 2005, G contributed in- ventory that is LIFO inventory to GH, increasing G’s interest in the partnership to 50 percent. GH holds no other LIFO inventory. G elects to be an S corporation effective July 1, 2005. The recapture date is June 30, 2005, under paragraph (c)(3) of this section. GH de- termines that the FIFO and LIFO values of the open- ing inventory for GH’s 2005 taxable year, including the inventory contributed by G, are $200 and $120, respectively. (ii) Under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, GH is not required to determine the FIFO and LIFO val- ues of the inventory on the recapture date. Instead, GH may determine the lookthrough LIFO recapture amount as though the FIFO and LIFO values of the inventory on the recapturedate equaled the FIFO and LIFO values of the opening inventory for the part- nership’s taxable year (2005) that includes the recap- ture date. For this purpose, under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the opening inventory includes the in- ventory contributed by G. The amount by which the FIFO value ($200) exceeds the LIFO value ($120) in GH’s opening inventory is $80. Thus, if GH sold all of its LIFO inventory for $200, it would recog- nize $80 of income. G’s lookthrough LIFO recapture amount is $80, the amount of income that would be allocated to G, taking into account section 704(c) and §1.704–3, if GH sold all of its LIFO inventory for the FIFO value. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this sec- tion, G must include $80 in income in its taxable year ending on June 30, 2005. Under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, G must increase its basis in its interest in GH by $80. Under paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, and in accordance with section 743(b) princi- ples, GH may elect to increase the basis (with respect to G only) of its LIFO inventory by $80. Example 2. (i) J is a C corporation with a cal- endar year taxable year. JK is a partnership with a calendar year taxable year. J has a 30 percent interest in the partnership. JK owns LIFO inventory that is not section 704(c) property. J elects to be an S corpo- ration effective January 1, 2005. The recapture date is December 31, 2004, under paragraph (c)(3) of this section. JK determines that the FIFO and LIFO val- ues of the inventory on December 31, 2004, are $240 and $140, respectively. (ii) The amount by which the FIFO value ($240) exceeds the LIFO value ($140) on the recapture date is $100. Thus, if JK sold all of its LIFO inventory for $240, it would recognize $100 of income. J’s look- through LIFO recapture amount is $30, the amount of income that would be allocated to J if JK sold all of its LIFO inventory for the FIFO value (30 percent of $100). Under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, J must include $30 in income in its taxable year end- ing on December 31, 2004. Under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, J must increase its basis in its interest in JK by $30. Under paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, and in accordance with section 743(b) princi- ples, JK may elect to increase the basis (with respect to J only) of its inventory by $30. (g)Effective dates.*** (3) The provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), (e)(2), (e)(3), and (f) of this section apply to S elections and transfers made on or after August 13, 2004. Mark E. Matthews, Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 12, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 13, 2004, 69 F.R. 50109) September 27, 20045322004–39 I.R.B. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by Cross-Reference to Temporary Regulations and Notice of Public Hearing Clarification of Definitions REG–124872–04 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking by cross-reference to temporary regula- tions and notice of public hearing. SUMMARY: This issue of the Bulletin contains temporary regulations (T.D. 9153) that provide clarification of the definitions of a corporation and a do- mestic entity in circumstances where the business entity is considered to be created or organized in more than one jurisdiction. These regulations will affect business en- tities that are created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction. The text of those temporary regulations also serves as the text of these proposed regulations. This document also provides a notice of a public hearing on these pro- posed regulations. DATES: Written or electronic comments and must be received by November 10, 2004. Requests to speak and outlines of topics to be discussed at the public hearing scheduled for November 3, 2004, must be received by October 15, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR(REG–124872–04), Room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may also be hand-delivered Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays) be- tween the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–124872–04), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Ser- vice, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or sent electroni- cally, via either the IRS internet site at www.irs.gov/regsor the Federal eRule- making Portal atwww.regulations.gov (IRS and REG–124872–04). The public hearing will be held in the Auditorium, Internal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitu- tion Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the proposed reg- ulations, Thomas Beem, (202) 622–3860; concerning submissions of comments or the public hearing, Sonya Cruse, (202) 622–7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Explanation of Provisions Temporary regulations in this issue of the Bulletin amend 26 CFR part 301 re- latingtosection7701oftheInternalRev- enue Code of 1986 (Code). The tempo- rary regulations provide guidance as to the definitions of a corporation and of domes- tic and foreign entities in circumstances in which an entity is created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdic- tion (a dually chartered entity). The text of those regulations also serves as the text of these proposed regulations. The pream- ble to the temporary regulations explains both the temporary regulations and these proposed regulations. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory as- sessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Ad- ministrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chap- ter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because the regulations do not im- pose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7806(f) of the Code, this notice of proposed rulemaking will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for com- ment on its impact. Comments and Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any written (a signed origi- nal and eight (8) copies) or electronic com- ments that are submitted timely to the IRS. The IRS and Treasury Department request comments on the clarity of the proposed rules and how they can be made easier to understand. All comments will be avail- able for public inspection and copying. A public hearing has been scheduled for November 3, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Internal Revenue build- ing, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Wash- ington, DC. Due to building security pro- cedures, visitors must enter at the Consti- tution Avenue entrance. In addition, all visitors must present photo identification to enter the building. Because of access restrictions, visitors will not be admitted beyond the immediate entrance area ear- lier than 30 minutes prior to the start of the hearing. For information about hav- ing your name placed on the building ac- cess list to attend the hearing, see the “FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT” section of this preamble. The rules of 26 CFR 601.601(a)(3) ap- ply to this hearing. Persons who wish to present oral comments at the hearing must submit electronic or written comments and an outline of the topics to be discussed and the time devoted to eachtopic (signed orig- inal and eight (8) copies) by October 15, 2004. A period of ten minutes will be allotted to each person for making com- ments. An agenda showing the schedul- ing of speakers will be prepared after the deadline for receivingoutlines has passed. Copies of the agenda will be available free of charge at the hearing. Propose d Effective Date The regulations proposed in this docu- ment would apply on August 12, 2004, to all business entities existing on or after that date. Drafting Information The principal author of these proposed regulations is Thomas Beem of the Of- fice of Associate Chief Counsel (Interna- tional). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is pro- posed to be amended as follows: 2004–39 I.R.B.533September 27, 2004 PART 301 — PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read, in part, as fol- lows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. In §301.7701–1, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows: §301.7701–1 Classification of organizations for federal tax purposes. ***** (d) [The text of the proposed amend- ment revising §301.7701–1(d) is the same as the text of §301.7701–1T(d) published elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin.] ***** Par. 3. In §301.7701–2 paragraph (b)(9) is added to read as follows: §301.7701–2 Business entities; definitions. ***** (b) * * * (9) [The text of the proposed amend- ment adding §301.7701–2(b)(9) is the same as the text of §301.7701–2T(b)(9) published elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin.] ***** Par. 4. Section 301.7701–5 is revised to read as follows: §301.7701–5 Domestic and foreign business entities. [The text of the proposed amendment revising §301.7701–5 is the same as the text of §301.7701–5T published elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin.] Mark E. Matthews, Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 11, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 12, 2004, 69 F.R. 49840) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Treatment of Disregarded Entities Under Section 752 REG–128767–04 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The proposed regulations provide rules under section 752 for tak- ing into account certain obligations of a business entity that is disregarded as sepa- rate from its owner under sections 856(i), 1361(b)(3), or §§301.7701–1 through 301.7701–3 (disregarded entity) for pur- poses of characterizing and allocating partnership liabilities. The rules affect partnerships with partnership debt and partners in those partnerships. These proposed regulations clarify the existing regulations concerning when a partner may be treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability based upon an obligation of a disregarded entity. DATES: Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by November 11, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR(REG–128767–04), room 5203, Internal Revenue Ser- vice, POB 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may also be hand delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–128767–04), Courier’s Desk, In- ternal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or sent electronically, via the IRS Internet site at:www.irs.gov/regs, or via the Fed- eral eRulemaking Portal at:www.regula- tions.gov(IRS-REG–128767–04). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the regulations, Michael J. Goldman, (202) 622–3070; concerning submissions of the comments and the public hearing, Robin Jones, (202) 622–3521 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act The collection of information contained in this notice of proposed rulemaking has been submitted to the Office of Manage- ment and Budget for review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). Comments on the collection of information should be sent to the Office of Management and Bud- get, Attn: Desk Officer for the Depart- ment of the Treasury, Office of Informa- tion and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies to the Internal Rev- enue Service, Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washing- ton, DC 20224. Comments on the collec- tion of information should be received by October 12, 2004. Comments are specifi- cally requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of in- formation is necessary for the proper per- formance of the functions of the Internal Revenue Service, including whether the information will have practical utility; The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed collection of information (see below); How the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected may be en- hanced; How the burden of complying with the proposed collection of information may be minimized, including through the appli- cation of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of service to provide information. The collection of information in this proposed regulation is in §1.752–2(k). Thisinformationisrequiredtoensure proper allocations of partnership liabil- ities. This information will be used to determine the extent to which certain part- ners or related persons bear the economic risk of loss with respect to partnership liabilities. The collection of information is mandatory. The likely reporters are individuals and small businesses or orga- nizations. Estimated total annual reporting bur- den: 500 hours. The estimated annual burden per re- spondent varies from 6 minutes to 2 hours, September 27, 20045342004–39 I.R.B. depending on individual circumstances, with an estimated average of 1 hour. Estimated number of respondents: 500. Estimated frequency of responses: On occasion. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by the Of- fice of Management and Budget. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Background Under section 752, a partner’s basis in its partnership interest includes the part- ner’s share of partnership liabilities. The Income Tax Regulations under section 752 provide rules relating to the determination of a partner’s share of partnership liabil- ities. Those rules differ depending upon whether the liability is characterized as re- course or nonrecourse for purposes of sec- tion 752. Section 1.752–1(a) provides that a partnership liability is a recourse liabil- ity to the extent that any partner or re- lated person bears the economic risk of loss for that liability under §1.752–2. Sec- tion 1.752–1(a) also provides that a part- nership liability is a nonrecourse liability to the extent that no partner or related per- son bears the economic risk of loss for that liability under §1.752–2. In general, a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability under §1.752–2 to the extent that the partner or a related person (as defined in §1.752–4(b)) has an obligation to make a payment to any person, including a contribution to the partnership, that is recognized under §1.752–2(b)(3) on account of the part- nership liability if the partnership were to constructively liquidate as described in §1.752–2(b) (payment obligation). As provided in §1.752–2(b)(3) and (5), all statutory and contractual obligations relat- ing to the partnership liability and reim- bursement rights are taken into account in determining whether a partner or related person has a payment obligation under §1.752–2(b). Moreover, for purposes of determining the extent to which a partner or related person has a payment obligation and the economic risk of loss for a part- nership liability, §1.752–2(b)(6) provides that it is presumed that all partners and related persons who have obligations to make payments actually perform those obligations, irrespective of their actual net worth (presumption of deemed satisfac- tion), unless the facts and circumstances indicate a plan to circumvent or avoid the obligation. These proposed regulations clarify the existing regulationsconcerning when a partner may be treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability based upona payment obligation of a business entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner under sec- tions 856(i), 1361(b)(3), or §§301.7701–1 through 301.7701–3 of this chapter (dis- regarded entity). Because a disregarded entity and its owner are treated as a single entity, the presumption of deemed satis- faction of obligations undertaken by the owner arguably should include payment obligations undertaken by the disregarded entity. However, because of statutory limitations on liability, the owner of a disregarded entity may have no obligation to satisfy payment obligations undertaken by the disregarded entity. The current regulations consider such limitations on the payment obligations of a partner or related person to be relevant in deter- mining the extent to which the partner or related person is treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability. The IRS and Treasury Depart- ment believe that because only the assets of a disregarded entity may be available to satisfy payment obligations undertaken by the disregarded entity, a partner should be treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability as a result of those payment obligations only to the extent of the net value of the disregarded entity’s assets. Explanation of Provisions The proposed regulations provide that in determining the extent to which a part- ner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability, payment obligations of a disregarded entity are taken into ac- count for purposes of section 752 only to the extent of the net value of the dis- regarded entity as of the date on which the partnership determines the partner’s share of partnership liabilities pursuant to §§1.752–4(d) and 1.705–1(a). However, the proposed regulations do not apply to an obligationofadisregardedentitytotheex- tent that the owner of the disregarded en- tity otherwise is required to make a pay- ment (that satisfies the requirements of §1.752–2(b)(1)) with respect to such obli- gation of the disregarded entity. Under the proposed regulations, the net value of a disregarded entity equals the fair market value of all assets owned by the dis- regarded entity that may be subject to cred- itors’ claims under local law, including the disregarded entity’s enforceable rights to contributions from its owner but excluding the disregarded entity’s interest in the part- nership (if any) and the fair market value of property pledged to secure a partnership li- ability (which is already taken into account under §1.752–2(h)(1)), less obligations of the disregarded entity that do not consti- tute,andareseniororofequalpriority to, payment obligations of the disregarded entity. After the net value of a disre- garded entity is initially determined under the rules of the proposed regulations, the net value of the disregarded entity is not redetermined unless the obligations of the disregarded entity that do not constitute, and are senior or of equal priority to, pay- ment obligations of the disregarded entity change by more than ade minimisamount orthereismorethanade minimiscontribu- tion to or distribution from the disregarded entity. The IRS and Treasury Department request comments on whether other events (such as a sale of substantially all of a dis- regarded entity’s assets) should be speci- fied as revaluation events and whether a partner should be able to make an election to revalue a disregarded entity annually re- gardless of the occurrence of a revalua- tion event. An election to revalue annually would be revocable only with the Commis- sioner’s consent. The proposed regulations also provide that the net value of a disregarded entity is determined by taking into account a sub- sequent reduction in the net value of the entity if the subsequent reduction is antic- ipated and is part of a plan that has as one of its principal purposes creating the ap- pearance that a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability. In addition, under the proposed regulations, if one or more disregarded entities have 2004–39 I.R.B.535September 27, 2004 payment obligations with respect to one or more partnership liabilities, or liabilities of more than one partnership, the partnership must allocate the net value of each disre- garded entity among partnership liabilities in a reasonable and consistent manner, tak- ing into account priorities among partner- ship liabilities. To facilitate the partnership’s determi- nation of the net value of a disregarded en- tity, the proposed regulations provide that a partner that may be treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a partnership lia- bility based upon a payment obligation of a disregarded entity must provide informa- tion as to the entity’s tax classification and net value to the partnership on a timely ba- sis. The IRS and Treasury Department are considering and request comments regard- ing whether the rules of the proposed regu- lations should be extended to the payment obligations of other entities, such as enti- ties that are capitalized with nominal eq- uity. The proposed regulations also include conforming changes to §1.704–2(f)(2), (g)(3) and (i)(4). Section 1.704–2 includes rules that apply when the character of part- nership debt under section 752 changes as a result of a guarantee, lapse of a guar- antee, conversion, refinancing or other change in the debt instrument. Under the proposed regulations, those rules would apply upon any change in the character of partnership debt under section 752, whether as a result of the circumstances specified in the current regulations or as a result of changes under the rules of the proposed regulations. Finally, the proposed regulations clarify that the pledge rules of the regulations un- der §1.752–2(h) refer to the net fair mar- ket value of property pledged to secure a partnership liability. The IRS and Trea- sury Department are considering and re- quest comments regarding whether part- ners should be able to make an election, revocable only with the Commissioner’s consent, to revalue pledged assets annu- ally. Proposed Effective Date The regulations are proposed to apply to liabilities incurred or assumed by a part- nership on or after the date the regulations are published as final regulations in the Federal Register, other than liabilities in- curred or assumed by a partnership pur- suant to a written binding contract in effect prior to that date. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory as- sessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Ad- ministrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chap- ter 5) does not apply to these regulations. It is hereby certified that the collection of information in these regulations will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certification is based on the fact that the amount of time necessary to report the re- quired information will be minimal. Ac- cordingly, a Regulatory Flexibility Analy- sis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this notice of proposed rulemaking will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Adminis- tration for comment on its impact on small business. Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, considera- tion will be given to any written (a signed original and 8 copies) or electronic com- mentsthataresubmittedtimelytothe IRS. The IRS and Treasury Department request comments on the clarity of the proposed rules, how they can be made easier to understand and the administrabil- ity of the rules in the proposed regulations. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing may be scheduled if requested in writing by any person who timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is sched- uled, notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be published in the Federal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of these proposed regulations is Michael J. Goldman of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). Other personnel from the Treasury De- partment and the IRS participated in their development. ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read, in part, as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. Section 1.704–2 is amended as follows: 1. Paragraph (f)(2) is revised. 2. The first sentence of paragraph (g)(3) is revised. 3. The third sentence of paragraph (i)(4) is revised. 4. Paragraph (l)(1)(iv) is added. The revisions and addition read as fol- lows: §1.704–2 Allocations attributable to nonrecourse liabilities. ***** (f) * * * (2)Exception for certain conversions and refinancings. A partner is not subject to the minimum gain chargeback require- ment to the extent the partner’s share of the net decrease in partnership minimum gain is caused by a recharacterization of nonrecourse partnership debt as partially or wholly recourse debt or partner nonre- course debt, and the partner bears the eco- nomic risk of loss (within the meaning of §1.752–2) for the liability. ***** (g) * * * (3)Conversions of recourse or partner nonrecourse debt into nonrecourse debt. A partner’s share of minimum gain is increased to the extent provided in this paragraph (g)(3) if a recourse or partner nonrecourse liability becomes partially or wholly nonrecourse. * * * ***** (i) * * * (4) * * * A partner is not subject to this minimum gain chargeback, however, to the extent the net decrease in partner September 27, 20045362004–39 I.R.B. nonrecourse debt minimum gain arises be- cause a partner nonrecourse liability be- comes partially or wholly a nonrecourse li- ability. * * * ***** (l)***(1)*** (iv) Paragraph (f)(2), the first sentence of paragraph (g)(3), and the third sentence of paragraph (i)(4) of this section apply to liabilities incurred or assumed by a part- nership on or after the date the regulations are published as final regulations in the Federal Register, other than liabilities in- curred or assumed by a partnership pur- suant to a written binding contract in effect prior to that date. Otherwise, the rules ap- plicable to liabilities incurred or assumed (or subject to a binding contract in effect) prior to the date the regulations are pub- lished as final regulations in theFederal Registerare contained in §1.704–2 in ef- fect prior to the date the regulations are published as final regulations in theFed- eral Register,(see26CFRpart1revised as of April 1, 2004). ***** Par. 3. Section 1.752–2 is amended as follows: 1. Paragraph (a) is revised. 2. The last sentence of paragraph (b)(6) is revised. 3. Paragraph (h)(3) is revised. 4. Paragraphs (k) and (l) are added. The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §1.752–2 Partner’s share of recourse liabilities. (a)In general. A partner’s share of a recourse partnership liability equals the portion of that liability, if any, for which the partner or related person bears the eco- nomic risk of loss. The determination of the extent to which a partner bears the eco- nomic risk of loss for a partnership liabil- ity is made under the rules in paragraphs (b) through (k) of this section. (b) * * * (6)***Seeparagraphs(j)and(k)of this section. ***** (h) * * * (3)Valuation. The extent to which a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability as a result of a di- rect pledge described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section or an indirect pledge de- scribed in paragraph (h)(2) of this section is limited to the net fair market value of the property at the time of the pledge or con- tribution. For purposes of this paragraph, if property is subject to one or more other obligations that are senior or of equal pri- ority to the partnership liability, those obli- gations must be taken into account in deter- mining the net fair market value of pledged property. ***** (k)Effect of a disregarded entity—(1) In general. In determining the extent to which a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability, obligations of a business entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under sections 856(i) or 1361(b)(3) or §§301.7701–1 through 301.7701–3 of this chapter (disregarded entity), that may be taken into account under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, are taken into ac- count only to the extent of the net value of the disregarded entity (as determined under paragraph (k)(2) of this section) as of the date on which the partnership de- termines the partner’s share of partnership liabilities pursuant to §§1.752–4(d) and 1.705–1(a) that is allocated to the liability under paragraph (k)(4) of this section. The rules of this paragraph (k) do not apply to an obligation of a disregarded entity to the extent that the owner of the disregarded entity otherwise is required to make a payment (that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section) with re- spect to such obligation of the disregarded entity. (2)Net value of a disregarded entity. For purposes of paragraph (k)(1) of this section, the net value of a disregarded en- tity equals the fair market value of all as- sets owned by the entity that may be sub- ject to creditors’ claims under local law, including the entity’senforceable rights to contributions from its owner but excluding the entity’s interest in the partnership (if any) and the fair market value of property pledged to secure a partnership liability under paragraph (h)(1) of this section, less obligations of the disregarded entity that do not constitute, and are senior or of equal priority to, obligations of the disregarded entity that may be taken into account un- der paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Af- ter the net value of a disregarded entity is initially determined for purposes of para- graph (k)(1) of this section, the net value of the disregarded entity is not redetermined unless the obligations of the disregarded entity that are described in the preceding sentence change by more than ade min- imisamount or there is more than ade min- imiscontribution to or distribution from the disregarded entity of property other than property pledged to secure a partner- ship liability under paragraph (h)(1) of this section. (3)Reduction in net value of a disre- garded entity. For purposes of paragraph (k)(2) of this section, the net value of a disregarded entity is determined by taking into account a subsequent reduction in the net value of the disregarded entity if at the time the net value of the disregarded en- tity is determined it is anticipated that the net value of the disregarded entity will sub- sequently be reducedand the reduction is part of a plan that has as one of its princi- pal purposes creating the appearance that a partner bears the economic risk of loss for a partnership liability. (4)Allocation of net value. If one or more disregarded entities have obligations that may be taken into account under para- graph (b)(1) of this section with respect to one or more partnership liabilities, or liabilities of more than one partnership, the partnership must allocate the net value of each disregarded entity among partner- ship liabilities in a reasonable and consis- tent manner, taking into account priorities among partnership liabilities. (5)Informationtobeprovidedbythe owner of a disregarded entity. A partner that may be treated as bearing the eco- nomic risk of loss for a partnership liability based upon an obligation of a disregarded entity that may be taken in account under paragraph (b)(1) of this section must pro- vide information as to the entity’s tax clas- sification and net value to the partnership on a timely basis. (6) The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (k): Example 1.Disregarded entity with net value of zero. (i) In 2005,Aforms a wholly owned do- mestic limited liability company,LLC, with a con- tribution of $100,000.Ahas no liability forLLC’s debts, andLLChas no enforceable right to contribu- tion fromA.Afiles no election with respect toLLC under §301.7701–3 of this chapter. Also in 2005, LLCcontributes $100,000 toLP, a limited partner- ship with a calendar year taxable year, in exchange for a general partnership interest inLP,andBand 2004–39 I.R.B.537September 27, 2004 Ceach contributes $100,000 toLPin exchange for a limited partnership interest inLP. The partnership agreement provides that onlyLLCis required to make up any deficit in its capital account. On January 1, 2006,LPborrows $300,000 from a bank and uses $600,000 to purchase nondepreciable property. The $300,000 debt is secured by the property and is also a general obligation ofLP.LPmakes payments of only interest on its $300,000 debt during 2006. Un- der §§1.752–4(d) and 1.705–1(a),LPdetermines its partners’ shares of the $300,000 debt at the end of its taxable year, December 31, 2006. As of that date, LLCholds no assets other than its interest inLP. (ii) Under §301.7701–3(b)(1)(ii) of this chapter, LLCis a disregarded entity. BecauseLLCis a dis- regarded entity,Ais treated as the partner inLPfor federal tax purposes. OnlyLLChas an obligation to make a payment on account of the $300,000 debt if LPwere to constructively liquidate as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Therefore, under paragraph (k) of this section,Ais treated as bearing the economic risk of loss forLP’s$300,000 debt only to the extent ofLLC’snet value. Because that net value is $0 on December 31, 2006, whenLPdeter- mines its partners’ shares of its $300,000 debt,Ais not treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for any portion ofLP’s$300,000 debt. As a result,LP’s $300,000 debt is characterized as nonrecourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated as required by §1.752–3. Example 2.Disregarded entity with positive net value. (i) The facts are the same as inExample 1ex- cept that on January 1, 2007,Acontributes $250,000 toLLCandLLCshortly thereafter uses the $250,000 to purchase unimproved land.LPmakes payments of only interest on its $300,000 debt during 2007. Under §§1.752–4(d) and 1.705–1(a),LPagain determines its partners’ shares of the $300,000 debt at the end of its taxable year, December 31, 2007. As of that date, LLCholds its interest inLPand the land, the value of which has declined to $175,000. (ii)A’scontribution of $250,000 toLLCon Jan- uary 1, 2007, constitutes a more thande minimis contribution of property toLLC. Accordingly, un- der paragraph (k)(2) of this section,LLC’svalue is redetermined on December 31, 2007, whenLP determines its partners’ shares of its $300,000 debt. As of that date,LLC’snet value is $175,000. There- fore, under paragraph (k) of this section,Ais treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for $175,000 ofLP’s$300,000 debt. As a result, $175,000 of LP’s$300,000 debt is recharacterized as recourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated toAunder this section, and the remaining $125,000 ofLP’s $300,000 debt remains characterized as nonrecourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated as required by §1.752–3. Example 3.Allocation of net value among part- nership liabilities. (i) The facts are the same as in Example 2except that on January 1, 2008,Aforms another wholly owned domestic limited liability com- pany,LLC2, with a contribution of $120,000. Shortly thereafter,LLC2uses the $120,000 to purchase stock inXcorporation.Ahas no liability forLLC2’sdebts, andLLC2has no enforceable right to contribution fromA.Afiles no election with respect toLLC2un- der §301.7701–3 of this chapter. On July 1, 2008,LP borrows $100,000 from a bank and uses the $100,000 to purchase nondepreciable property. The $100,000 debt is secured by the property and is also a general obligation ofLP. The $100,000 debt is senior in pri- ority toLP’sexisting $300,000 debt. Also on July 1, 2008,LLC2agrees to guarantee bothLP’s$100,000 and $300,000 debts.LPmakes payments of only in- terest on both its $100,000 and $300,000 debts dur- ing 2008. Under §§1.752–4(d) and 1.705–1(a),LP determines its partners’ shares of its $100,000 and $300,000 debts at the end of its taxable year, Decem- ber 31, 2008. As of that date,LLCholds its interest inLPand the land, andLLC2holds theXcorporation stock which has appreciated in value to $140,000. (ii) Under §301.7701–3(b)(1)(ii) of this chapter, LLC2is a disregarded entity. BothLLCandLLC2 have obligations to make a payment on account of LP’sdebts ifLPwere to constructively liquidate as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Therefore, under paragraph (k) of this section,A is treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for LP’s$100,000 and $300,000 debts only to the extent of the net values ofLLCandLLC2, as allocated among those debts in a reasonable manner pursuant to paragraph (k)(4) of this section. (iii) No events have occurred that would allow a revaluation under paragraph (k)(2) of this sec- tion. Therefore,LLC’snet value remains $175,000. LLC2’snet value on December 31, 2008, whenLP determines its partners’ shares of its liabilities, is $140,000. Under paragraph (k)(4) of this section, LPmust allocate the net values ofLLCandLLC2 between its $100,000 and $300,000 debts in a reason- able and consistent manner. Because the $100,000 debt is senior in priority to the $300,000 debt,LPfirst allocates the net values ofLLCandLLC2,pro rata, to its $100,000 debt. Thus,LPallocates $56,000 of LLC’snet value and $44,000 ofLLC2’snet value to its $100,000 debt, andAis treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for all ofLP’s$100,000 debt. As a result, all ofLP’s$100,000 debt is characterized as recourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated toA under this section.LPthen allocates the remaining $119,000 ofLLC’snet value andLLC2’s$96,000 net value to its $300,000 debt, andAis treated as bearing the economic risk of loss for a total of $215,000 of the $300,000 debt. As a result, $215,000 ofLP’s $300,000 debt is characterized as recourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated toAunder this section, andtheremaining$85,000ofLP’s$300,000 debt is characterized as nonrecourse under §1.752–1(a) and is allocated as required by §1.752–3. This example illustrates one reasonable method for allocating net values of disregarded entities among multiple part- nership liabilities. (l)Effective dates. Paragraphs (a), (b)(6), (h)(3), and (k) of this section apply to liabilities incurred or assumed by a part- nership on or after the date the regulations are published as final regulations in the Federal Register, other than liabilities incurred or assumed by a partnership pur- suant to a written binding contract in effect prior to that date. Otherwise, the rules ap- plicable to liabilities incurred or assumed (or subject to a bindingcontract in effect) prior to the date the regulations are pub- lished as final regulations in theFederal Registerare contained in §§1.752–2 and 1.752–3 in effect prior to the date the reg- ulations are published as final regulations in theFederal Register,(see26CFRpart 1 revised as of April 1, 2004). Nancy Jardini, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 11, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 12, 2004, 69 F.R. 49832) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Corporate Reorganizations; Transfers of Assets or Stock Following a Reorganization REG–130863–04 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This document contains pro- posed regulations that provide guidance regarding the effect of certain transfers of assets or stock on the qualification of certain transactions as reorganizations un- der section 368(a). This document also contains proposed regulations that provide guidance on the continuity of business enterprise requirement and the definition of a party to a reorganization. These regulations affect corporations and their shareholders. DATES: Written or electronic comments must be received by November 15, 2004. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–130863–04), room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washing- ton, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–130863–04), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Wash- ington, DC, or sent electronically, via the IRS Internet site atwww.irs.gov/regs or via the Federal eRulemaking Por- tal atwww.regulations.gov(IRS — REG–130863–04). September 27, 20045382004–39 I.R.B. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the regulations, Jeffrey B. Fienberg, (202) 622–7770; concerning submissions and the hearing, LaNita Van Dyke, (202) 622–3215 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Explanation of Provisions On March 2, 2004, the IRS and Trea- sury Department published in theFed- eral Register(69 FR 9771) a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG–165579–02, 2004–13 I.R.B. 651) that would amend §1.368–2(k) to provide that a reorgani- zation otherwise qualifying under section 368(a) will not be disqualified as a result of the transfer or successive transfers to one or more corporations controlled in each transfer by the transferor corporation of part or all of (i) the assets of any party to the reorganization or (ii) the stock of any party to the reorganization other than the issuing corporation (hereinafter the March 2004 proposed regulations). The March 2004 proposed regulations also include amendments to the continuity of busi- ness enterprise (COBE) regulations under §1.368–1(d) and the definition of a party to a reorganization under §1.368–2(f). While the March 2004 proposed regula- tions address transfers of assets and stock to corporations controlledbythetransferor corporation, they do not address whether a transaction that otherwise qualifies as a reorganization continues to qualify when, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, as- sets or stock of the acquired corporation is distributed to a corporation or partner- ship following the reorganization. In ad- dition, they do not provide guidance on whether a transaction that otherwise qual- ifies as a reorganization continues to qual- ify when, pursuant to the plan of reorga- nization, acquired assets are transferred to a partnership in which the transferor owns an interest. These proposed regulations expand the March 2004 regulations to ad- dress these situations. The IRS and Treasury Department re- ceived comments regarding the March 2004 proposed regulations. Comments not addressed in this document are still being considered. A.Distributions These proposed regulations provide that a transaction otherwise qualifying as a reorganization under section 368(a) will not be disqualified as a result of a subsequent distribution of the acquired assets or stock if (i) no transferee re- ceives substantially all of the acquired assets, substantially all of the assets of the acquired or surviving corporation in a transaction otherwise qualifying as a reor- ganization under section 368(a)(1)(B) or section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(E), or stock constituting control of the acquired corporation, (ii) the trans- feree is either a member of the qualified group (as defined in §1.368–1(d)(4)(ii)) or a partnership the business of which is treated as conducted by a member of the qualified group under §1.368–1(d)(4)(iii), and (iii) the COBE requirement is satis- fied. For this purpose, the term substan- tially all as used in this regulation has the same meaning as in section 368(a)(1)(C). The IRS and Treasury Department be- lieve that the types of asset and stock distributions described in these proposed regulations are consistent with the policies underlying the reorganization provisions, which are intended to apply to transactions that effect readjustments of continuing in- terests in the reorganized business in mod- ified corporate form. See §1.368–1(b); see also H.R. Rep. No. 83–1337, at A134 (1954) (stating that a corporation may not acquire assets with the intention of trans- ferringthemtoastranger). In the course of developing these pro- posed regulations, the IRS and Treasury Department considered adopting a rule that would permit a distribution of the acquiring, acquired, or surviving corpo- ration’s assets as long as the distribution did not cause that corporation to be treated as liquidating for Federal income tax pur- poses. However, the IRS and Treasury Department are concerned that such a rule might produce inappropriate results. For example, if a pre-existing acquiring subsidiary in a transaction otherwise qual- ifying under section 368(a) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(D) distributes all of the acquired assets to the issuing corporation and retains all of the previously held as- sets, the distribution may not constitute either an actual orde factoliquidation, even though none of the acquired as- sets remain in the acquiring corporation. It could be argued that this transaction should be treated as a direct acquisition of the acquired assets by the issuing corpora- tion. See,e.g., Rev. Rul. 72–405, 1972–2 C.B. 217. The IRS and Treasury Department re- quest comments regarding whether a trans- action should continue to qualify as a reor- ganization under section 368(a) if the dis- tribution, including a distribution to which section 355 applies, is to a person that is not a member of the qualified group (as defined in §1.368–1(d)(4)(ii)) or a partner- ship the business of which is not treated as conducted by a member of the qualified group under §1.368–1(d)(4)(iii). B.Contributions to Partnerships Currently, the operative rules of §1.368–2(k) are silent on the effect of a post-transaction transfer of assets or stocktoapartnershiponatransaction otherwise qualifying as a reorganization. However,Example 3of that regulation involves a transfer of acquired stock to a partnership. In the example, P owns 80 percent of the stock of S–1, S–1 owns 80 percent of the stock of S–2, and S–2 owns 80 percent of the stock of S–3. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, S–1 acquires the stock of T solely in exchange for P voting stock, S–1 transfers the T stock to S–2, and S–2 transfers the T stock to S–3. Also as part of the plan, S–2 and S–3 form PRS, a partnership, and S–3 transfers the T stock to PRS in exchange for an 80 percent partnership interest. The example states that because this transfer to PRS is not described in §1.368–2(k), the characterization of the transaction must be determined under the relevant provi- sions of law, including the step transaction doctrine. The transaction therefore fails to qualify as a reorganization under sec- tion 368(a)(1)(B) because the acquiring corporation does not have control of T immediately after the acquisition. The IRS and Treasury Department are studying whether, in the transaction described inExample 3of the current §1.368–2(k), S–1 should be treated as having control of T immediately after the acquisition. Consequently,Example 3is not included in these proposed regulations. However, the IRS and Treasury Depart- ment recognize that certain transfers to 2004–39 I.R.B.539September 27, 2004 partnerships would cause a transaction to fail the COBE requirement. For example, under the facts ofExample 3of the current §1.368–2(k), because T is not a member of the qualified group after the stock transfer to PRS, the transaction would not satisfy the COBE requirement. Comments are requested on whether and how the COBE regulations should be amended to permit stock transfers to partnerships. C.Effective Date These regulations are proposed to ap- ply to transactions that occur after the date that these regulations are published as final regulations in theFederal Register. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory as- sessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Ad- ministrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chap- ter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and, because these regulations do not im- pose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this notice of proposed rulemaking will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Adminis- tration for comment on its impact on small businesses. Comments and Requests for Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, considera- tion will be given to any written (a signed original and eight (8) copies) or electronic comments that are submitted timely to the IRS. The IRS and Treasury Depart- ment request comments on the clarity of the proposed rules and how they can be made easier to understand. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing will be sched- uled if requested in writing by any person that timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the public hearing will be published in theFederal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of these proposed regulations is Jeffrey B. Fienberg of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corpo- rate). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read, in part, as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. Section 1.368–1 is amended as follows: 1. The text of paragraph (d)(4)(i) is redesignated as paragraph (d)(4)(i)(A) and a paragraph heading is added for (d)(4)(i)(A). 2. Paragraph (d)(4)(i)(B) is added. 3. The text of paragraph (d)(5) is redes- ignated as paragraph (d)(5)(i), and revised. 4. In newly designated paragraph (d)(5)(i),Examples 7through12are re- designated asExamples 8through13, respectively. 5. In newly designated paragraph (d)(5)(i), a newExample 7is added. 6. In newly designated paragraph (d)(5)(i), paragraph (i) in resdesignated Example 9, paragraph (i) in redesignated Example 10, and the first sentence in para- graph (i) in redesignatedExample 12are revised. 7. Paragraph (d)(5)(ii) is added. The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §1.368–1 Purpose and scope of exception of reorganization exchanges. ***** (d) * * * (4) * * * (i)Business and assets of members of a qualified group—(A)In general.*** (B)Special rule. The issuing cor- poration is treated as holding all of the businesses and assets of the sur- viving corporation after a reorganiza- tion that otherwise satisfies the require- ments of a reverse triangular merger (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(iii)), the acquired corporation after a reorgani- zation that otherwise satisfies the re- quirements of section 368(a)(1)(B), and the acquiring corporation after a reor- ganization that otherwise satisfies the requirements of a forward triangular merger (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(i)), a triangular B reorganization (as de- fined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(iv)), a trian- gular C reorganization (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(ii)), or a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(G) by reason of section (a)(2)(D), provided that members of the qualified group own, in the aggre- gate, stock of the surviving, acquired, or acquiring corporation meeting the require- ments of section 368(c). This paragraph (d)(4)(i)(B) applies to transactions occur- ring after the date these regulations are published as final in theFederal Register. ***** (5)Examples. (i) The following exam- ples illustrate this paragraph (d). All the corporations have only one class of stock outstanding: ***** Example 7.(i)Facts. The facts are the same as Example 6, except that, instead of P acquiring the as- sets of T, HC acquires all of the outstanding stock of T in exchange solely for voting stock of P. In addition, as part of the plan of reorganization, HC transfers 10 percent of the stock of T to each of subsidiaries S–1 through S–10. T will continue to operate an auto parts distributorship. Without regard to whether the trans- action satisfies the COBE requirement, the transac- tion qualifies as a triangular B reorganization. (ii)Continuity of business enterprise. Under para- graph (d)(4)(i)(B) of this section, P is treated as hold- ing the assets and conducting the business of T be- cause S–1 through S–10, members of the qualified group, together own stock of T meeting the require- ments of section 368(c). The COBE requirement of paragraph (d)(1) of this section is satisfied because P is treated as continuing T’s business. ***** Example 9.***(i)Facts. The facts are the same asExample 8, except that S–3 transfers the historic T business t o PRS in exchange for a 1 percent interest in PRS. (ii) * * * Example 10 . ***(i)Facts. The facts are the same asExample 8, except that S–3 transfers the his- toric T business to PRS in exchange for a 33 1 /3per- cent inter est in PRS, and no member of P’s qualified group performs active and substantial management functions for the ski boot business operated in PRS. ***** September 27, 20045402004–39 I.R.B. Example 12.***(i)Facts. The facts are the same asExample 11, except that S–1 transfers all the T assets to PRS, and P and X each transfers cash to PRS in exchange for partnership interests. * * * ***** (ii)Effective dates. Paragraph (d)(5) Example 6andExample 8throughExam- ple 13apply to transactions occurring af- ter January 28, 1998, except that they do not apply to any transaction occurring pur- suant to a written agreement that is bind- ingonJanuary28,1998,andatalltimes thereafter. Paragraph (d)(5)Example 7 applies to transactions occurring after the date these regulations are published as fi- nal regulations in theFederal Register. ***** Par. 3. Section 1.368–2 is amended by: 1. Adding three sentences at the end of paragraph (f). 2. Revising paragraphs (j)(3)(ii) and (iv). 3. Removing the first sentence of para- graph (j)(3)(iii) and adding two new sen- tences. 4. Revising paragraph (k). The additions and the revision read as follows: §1.368–2 Definition of terms. ***** (f) * * * If a transaction otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(B) or as a reverse triangular merger (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(iii)), the target corporation (in the case of a transaction that otherwise qualifies as a re- organization under section 368(a)(1)(B)) or the surviving corporation (in the case of a transaction that otherwise qualifies as a reverse triangular merger) remains a party to the reorganization even though its stock or assets are transferred in a transaction described in paragraph (k) of this section. If a transaction other- wise qualifies as aforward triangular merger (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(i)), a triangular B reorganization (as de- fined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(iv)), a trian- gular C reorganization (as defined in §1.358–6(b)(2)(ii)), or a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(G) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(D), the acquiring corpo- ration remains a party to the reorganization even though its stock is transferred in a transaction described in paragraph (k) of this section. The two preceding sentences apply to transactions occurring after the date these regulations are published as final regulations in theFederal Register. ***** (j) * * * (3) * * * (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, the controlling corporation must control the surviving corporation im- mediately after the transaction. (iii) After the transaction, the surviv- ing corporation must hold substantially all of its own properties and substantially all of the properties of the merged corpora- tion (other than stock of the controlling corporation distributed in the transaction). The issuing corporation may transfer such properties as provided in paragraph (k) of this section. * * * ***** (iv) Paragraph (j)(3)(ii) and the first two sentences of paragraph (j)(3)(iii) of this section apply to transactions occurring af- ter the date these regulations are published as final regulations in theFederal Regis- ter. The remainder of paragraph (j)(3)(iii) of this section applies to transactions oc- curring after January 28, 1998, except that it does not apply to any transaction occur- ring pursuant to a written agreement which is binding on January 28, 1998, and at all times thereafter. ***** (k)Certain transfers of assets or stock in reorganizations—(1)General rule.A transaction otherwise qualifying as a reor- ganization under section 368(a) shall not be disqualified as a result of a subsequent transfer (or successive transfers) of assets or stock if— (i) The transfer is of part or all of— (A) The assets of any party to the reor- ganization; or (B) The stock of any party to the reorga- nization other than the issuing corporation (as defined in §1.368–1(b)); and (ii) Either— (A)Insuchsubsequenttransferortrans- fers, a person is not the transferee of— (1) substantially all (within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C)) of the acquired assets; (2) substantially all (within the mean- ing of section 368(a)(1)(C)) of the assets of the acquired corporation immediately after a transaction otherwise qualifying as a re- organization under section 368(a)(1)(B); (3) substantially all (within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C)) of the assets of the surviving corporation immediately after a transaction otherwise qualifying as a reor- ganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(E); or (4) control of the stock of the acquired corporation; or (B) The transfer is to one or more cor- porations controlled in each transfer by the transferor corporation or to a partnership in which the transferor has an ownership in- terest immediately after the transfer; and (iii) The transferee is either a mem- ber of the qualified group (as defined in §1.368–1(d)(4)(ii)) or a partnership the business of which is treated as conducted by a member of the qualified group under §1.368–1(d)(4)(iii); and (iv) The requirements of §1.368–1(d) are satisfied. (2) Control is defined under section 368(c). (3)Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of this paragraph (k). Except as otherwise noted, P is the is- suing corporation, and T is the target cor- poration. T operates a bakery that supplies delectable pastries and cookies to local re- tail stores. The acquiring corporate group produces a variety of baked goods for na- tionwide distribution. P owns 80 percent of the stock of S–1 and 80 percent of the stock of S–4. S–1 owns 80 percent of the stock of S–2. S–2 owns 80 percent of the stock of S–3, which also makes and sup- plies pastries and cookies. S–4 owns 80 percent of the stock of S–5. The examples are as follows: Example 1.Contributions of acquired assets to controlled corporations after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(C).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, T transfers all of its assets to S–1 solely in exchange for P stock, which T distributes to its shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, S–1 transfers all of the T assets to S–2, and S–2 transfers all of the T assets to S–3. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(C), is not disqualified by the successive transfers of all of the T assets to S–2 and from S–2 to S–3 because, in each transfer, the trans- feree corporation is controlled by the transferor cor- poration, S–2 and S–3 are members of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 2.Distribution of acquired assets to the issuing corporation after a reorganization under sec- tion 368(a)(1)(C).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of re- organization, T transfers all of its assets to S–1 solely in exchange for P stock, which T distributes to its 2004–39 I.R.B.541September 27, 2004 shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the plan of re- organization, S–1 transfers less than substantially all of the T assets to P. T does not have any liabilities. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(C), is not disqualified by the transfer of T assets from S–1 to P because P is trans- ferred less than substantially all of the T assets, P is a member of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 3.Contributions of acquired assets to controlled corporations after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D).(i)Facts. P owns 100 percent of the stock of T. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, T transfers all of its assets to S–1 solely in exchange forS–1stock,whichTdistributestoP.Inaddition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, S–1 transfers all of the T assets to S–2, and S–2 transfers all of the T assets to S–3. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D), is not disqualified by the successive transfers of all the acquired assets from S–1 to S–2 and from S–2 to S–3 because, in each transfer, the transferee corporation is controlled by the transferor corporation, S–2 and S–3 are members of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 4.Contribution of acquiring stock to controlled corporation after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, S–1 acquires all of the T assets in the merger of T into S–1. In the merger, the T share- holders receive consideration 50 percent of which is P stock and 50 percent of which is cash. Also, pur- suant to the plan of reorganization, P transfers all of the S–1 stock to S–4. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(D), is not disqualified by the transfer of all of the S–1 stock to S–4 because the transferee corporation is controlled by the transferor corpora- tion, S–4 is a member of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 5.Contribution of acquired assets to a partnership after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of reorga- nization, S–1 acquires all of the T assets in the merger of T into S–1. In the merger, the T shareholders re- ceive consideration 50 percent of which is P stock and 50 percent of which is cash. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, S–1 transfers all of the T assets to PRS, a partnership in which S–1 owns a 33 1 /3 percent interest. S–1 does not perform active and sub- stantial management functions as a partner with re- spect to PRS’ business. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(D), is not disqualified by the transfer of T assets from S–1 to PRS because S–1 has an ownership interest in PRS immediately after the transfer, S–1 is a member of the qualified group and is treated as conducting the business of PRS under §1.368–1(d)(4)(iii), and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 6.Distribution of acquired assets to a partnership after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A).(i)Facts. P owns an 80 percent inter- est in PRS, a partnership. PRS owns 20 percent of the stock of S–1. Pursuant to a plan of reorganiza- tion, S–1 acquires all of the T assets in the merger of T into S–1. In the merger, the T shareholders receive consideration 50 percent of which is P stock and 50 percent of which is cash. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, S–1 distributes less than sub- stantially all of the T assets to PRS in redemption of 5 percent of the stock of S–1 owned by PRS. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section 368(a)(2)(D), is not disqualified by the transfer of T assets from S–1 to PRS because PRS receives less than substantially all of the T assets, P is a member of the qualified group and is treated as conducting the business of PRS under §1.368–1(d)(4)(iii), and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 7.Contributions of acquired stock to controlled corporations after a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(B).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, the T shareholders transfer all of their T stock to S–1 solely in exchange for P stock. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, S–1 transfers 50 percent of the T stock to S–2, and S–2 transfers that T stock to S–3. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(B), is not disqualified by the successive transfers of part of the acquired stock from S–1 to S–2, and from S–2 to S–3 because, in each transfer, the transferee corporation is controlled by the transferor corporation, S–2 and S–3 are members of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). Example 8.Contributions of acquiring corpora- tion stock to controlled corporations after a reorgani- zation under section 368(a)(1)(B).(i)Facts. Pursuant to a plan of reorganization, the T shareholders trans- fer all of their T stock to S–1 solely in exchange for P stock. In addition, as part of the plan of reorgani- zation, following the acquisition of T stock by S–1, P transfers 10 percent of theS–1 stock to S–4, and S–4 transfers that S–1 stock to S–5. (ii)Analysis. Under this paragraph (k), the trans- action, which otherwise qualifies as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(B), is not disqualified by the successive transfers of S–1 stock to S–4 and from S–4 to S–5 because, in each transfer, the transferee corpo- ration is controlled by the transferor corporation, S–4 and S–5 are members of the qualified group, and the transaction satisfies the requirements of §1.368–1(d). (4)Effective date. This paragraph (k) applies to transactions occurring after the date these regulations are published as fi- nal regulations in theFederal Register. Deborah M. Nolan, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 17, 2004, 8:45a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Reg- ister for August 18, 2004, 69 F.R. 51209) Withdrawal of Proposed Regulations Relating to Corporate Reorganizations; Transfers of Assets or Stock Following a Reorganization Announcement 2004–69 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Withdrawal of notice of pro- posed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This document with- draws a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG–165579–02, 2004–13 I.R.B. 651) regarding the effect of certain transfers of assets or stock on the qualification of cer- tain transactions as reorganizations under section 368(a). The proposed regulations were published on March 2, 2004. After consideration of additional issues related to the effect of transfers of assets or stock on the qualification of a transaction as a reorganization, the IRS and Treasury Department have decided to withdraw the proposed regulations and issue new proposed regulations that provide a more complete set of rules addressing such transfers. DATES: These proposed regulations are withdrawn August 17, 2004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey B. Fienberg (202) 622–7770 (not a toll-free call). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On March 2, 2004, the IRS and Trea- sury Department issued proposed regula- tions regarding the effect of certain trans- fers of assets or stock on the qualification of certain transactions as reorganizations under section 368(a) (69 FR 9771) (here- inafter the March 2004 proposed regula- tions). After consideration of additional issues related to the effect of transfers of assets or stock on the qualification of a transaction as a reorganization, including distributions of assets or stock after pur- ported reorganizations, the IRS and Trea- sury Department have decided to withdraw the March 2004 proposed regulations and September 27, 20045422004–39 I.R.B. issue new proposed regulations that pro- vide a more complete set of rules address- ing such transfers. Accordingly, the March 2004 proposed regulations are withdrawn. Drafting Information The principal author of this withdrawal notice is Jeffrey B. Fienberg of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate). ***** Withdrawal of Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Accordingly, under the authority of 26 U.S.C. 7805, the notice of proposed rule- making (REG–165579–02) published in theFederal Registeron March 2, 2004 (69 FR 9771), is hereby withdrawn. Deborah M. Nolan, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on August 16, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for August 17, 2004, 69 F.R. 51026) Penalty Relief Under Section 6715 Announcement 2004–70 The Internal Revenue Service will not assert the penalty under section 6715 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to dyed diesel fuel that, due to short- ages of clear diesel fuel in the State of Florida caused by Hurricanes Charley and Frances, has been delivered by wholesale dealers to retail dealers for resale to high- way users or has been sold by wholesale dealers directly to end users for highway use. This relief from the section 6715 penaltywillapplyonlytodyeddiesel fuel that wholesale dealers deliver or sell in the State of Florida and only to fuel delivered or sold by wholesale dealers during the period September 2, 2004, through September 15, 2004. In the case of wholesale dealers, penalty relief will be available only if the wholesale dealer reports and pays the tax on the dyed diesel fuel that is delivered or sold for highway use. The return and payment will be due on October 31, 2004, and the IRS will not assert penalties for failure to make semi- monthly deposits of the tax. Wholesale dealers should call 1–866–699–4096 (a toll-free number) for instructions on the proper method for reporting and paying this tax. In general, diesel fuel may be removed tax free from a terminal if it is dyed in the manner specified in the regulations under section 4082 of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 4081(b) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a tax on blended diesel fuel created by mixing dyed diesel fuel with clear diesel fuel that has been previously taxed. Under regulations, the seller of the dyed fuel in the mixture is liable for this tax if the dyed fuel is sold as fuel that has previously been taxed. A sale of dyed diesel fuel by a wholesaler to a retailer will be treated as meeting this condition if the wholesaler delivers the dyed fuel into the retailer’s storage tank for clear diesel fuel and the fuel qualifies for relief from the section 6715 penalty. Section 4041(a) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a tax on sales of dyed diesel fuel that has not been previously taxed to persons that will use the fuel in a taxable highway use. Section 6715 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a penalty if dyed diesel fuel is sold for highway use or is knowingly used on the highway. Recent and imminent hurricanes in Florida have resulted in critical short- ages of clear, low-sulfur diesel fuel in that State. The Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency are concerned that these shortages could impair the ability of emergency vehicles and utility repair vehicles to respond to existing damage from Hurricane Charley and expected damage from Hurricane Frances. Although limited quantities of dyed, high-sulfur diesel fuel are also avail- able in Florida, Clean Air Act restrictions and the section 6715 penalty restrict this fuel to nontaxable off-highway uses. The relief announced today by the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency’s exercise of its en- forcement discretion under the Clear Air Actrestrictionswillmakealldieselfuelin the State of Florida available for highway use. The principal author of this announce- ment is Barbara Franklin of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs & Special Industries).For further informa- tion regarding this announcement, contact Ms. Franklin at (202) 622–3130 (not a toll-free call). Section 1045 Application to Partnerships; Hearing Announcement 2004–73 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Change in date of public hear- ing; extension of time to submit outlines of oral comments. SUMMARY: This document changes the date of the public hearing on the notice of proposed rulemaking (REG–150562–03, 2004–32 I.R.B. 175) that relates to the application of section 1045 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to partnerships and their partners. It also extends the time to submit outlines of oral comments for the hearing. DATES: The public hearing originally scheduled for November 2, 2004, at 10 a.m. will be held November 9, 2004, at 10 a.m. Additional outlines of oral comments must be received by October 19, 2004. ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be held in the Auditorium, Internal Rev- enue Service Building, 1111 Consti- tution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–150562–03), Room 5203, Inter- nal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand delivered Mon- day through Friday between the hours of 8a.m.and4p.m.toCC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–150562–03), Courier’s Desk, In- ternal Revenue Service, 1111 Consti- tution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or sent electronically, via the IRS In- ternet site athttp://www.irs.gov/regs or via the Federal eRulemaking Por- tal atwww.regulations.gov(IRS and REG–150562–03). 2004–39 I.R.B.543September 27, 2004 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the regulations, Charlotte Chyr, (202) 622–3070, or Jian H. Grant, (202) 622–3050; concerning sub- missions, the hearing, and/or placement on the building access list to attend the hear- ing, Sonya M. Cruse of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Legal Process- ing Division, Associate Chief Counsel (Procedures and Administration), at (202) 622–4693 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Backgrounds A notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of public hearing, appearing in the Federal Registeron Thursday, July 15, 2004, (69 FR 42370), announced that a public hearing on the notice of proposed rulemaking relating to the application of section 1045 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to partnerships and their partners would be held on November 2, 2004, in the IRS Auditorium, Internal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Subsequently, the date of the public hearing has been changed to November 9, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the IRS Auditorium. Outlines of oral comments must be received by October 19, 2004. Cynthia E. Grigsby, Acting Chief, Publications and Regulations Branch, Legal Processing Division, Associate Chief Counsel (Procedures and Administration). (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on September 1, 2004, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for September 2, 2004, 69 F.R. 53664) September 27, 20045442004–39 I.R.B. Definition of Terms Revenue rulings and revenue procedures (hereinafter referred to as “rulings”) that have an effect on previous rulings use the following defined terms to describe the ef- fect: Amplifieddescribes a situation where no change is being made in a prior pub- lished position, but the prior position is be- ingextendedtoapplytoavariationofthe fact situation set forth therein. Thus, if an earlier ruling held that a principle ap- plied to A, and the new ruling holds that the same principle also applies to B, the earlier ruling is amplified. (Compare withmodi- fied,below). Clarifiedis used in those instances where the language in a prior ruling is be- ing made clear because the language has caused, or may cause, some confusion. It is not used where a position in a prior ruling is being changed. Distinguisheddescribes a situation where a ruling mentions a previously pub- lished ruling and points out an essential difference between them. Modifiedis used where the substance of a previously published position is being changed. Thus, if a prior ruling held that a principle applied to A but not to B, and the new ruling holds that it applies to both A and B, the prior ruling is modified because it corrects a published position. (Compare withamplifiedandclarified, above). Obsoleteddescribes a previously pub- lished ruling that is not considered deter- minative with respect to future transac- tions. This term is most commonly used in a ruling that lists previously published rul- ings that are obsoleted because of changes in laws or regulations. A ruling may also be obsoleted because the substance has been included in regulations subsequently adopted. Revokeddescribes situations where the position in the previously published ruling is not correct and the correct position is beingstatedinanewruling. Supersededdescribes a situation where the new ruling does nothing more than re- state the substance and situation of a previ- ously published ruling (or rulings). Thus, the term is used to republish under the 1986 Code and regulations the same po- sition published under the 1939 Code and regulations. The term is also used when it is desired to republish in a single rul- ing a series of situations, names, etc., that were previously published over a period of time in separate rulings. If the new rul- ing does more than restate the substance of a prior ruling, a combination of terms is used. For example,modifiedandsu- persededdescribes a situation where the substance of a previously published ruling is being changed in part and is continued without change in part and it is desired to restate the valid portion of the previously published ruling in a new ruling that is self contained. In this case, the previously pub- lished ruling is first modified and then, as modified, is superseded. Supplementedis used in situations in which a list, such as a list of the names of countries, is published in a ruling and that list is expanded by adding further names in subsequent rulings. After the original rul- ing has been supplemented several times, a new ruling may be published that includes the list in the original ruling and the ad- ditions, and supersedes all prior rulings in the series. Suspendedis used in rare situations to show that the previous published rul- ings will not be applied pending some future action such as the issuance of new or amended regulations, the outcome of cases in litigation, or the outcome of a Service study. Abbreviations The fol lowing abbreviations in current use and for merly used will appear in material publis hedintheBulletin. A—Individual. Acq.—A cquiescence. B—Individual. BE—Beneficiary. BK—Bank . B.T.A.—Board of Tax Appeals. C—Individual. C.B.—Cu mulative Bulletin. CFR—Code of Federal Regulations. CI—City. COOP—Coo perative. Ct.D.—Court Decision. CY—County. D—Decede nt. DC—Dummy Corporation. DE—Donee. Del. Order —Delegation Order. DISC—Domestic International Sales Corporation. DR—Donor. E—Estate. EE—Employee. E.O.—Executive Order. ER—Emp loyer. ERISA—Employee Retirement Income Security Act. EX—Executor. F—Fiduc iary. FC—Foreign Country. FICA—Federal Insurance Contributions Act. FISC—Fo reign International Sales Company. FPH—Foreign Personal Holding Company. F.R.—Federal Register. FUTA—Fed eral Unemployment Tax Act. FX—Foreign corporation. G.C.M.—Chief Counsel’s Memorandum. GE—Grante e. GP—General Partner. GR—Grantor. IC—Insura nce Company. I.R.B.—Internal Revenue Bulletin. LE—Lessee. LP—Limited Partner. LR—Lessor. M—Minor. Nonacq.—No nacquiescence. O—Organization. P—Parent Corporation. PHC—Persona l Holding Company. PO—Possession of the U.S. PR—Partner. PRS—Pa rtnership. PTE—Prohibited Transaction Exemption. Pub. L.—Public Law. REIT—Re al Estate Investment Trust. Rev. Proc.—Revenue Procedure. Rev. Rul.—Revenue Ruling. S—Subsi diary. S.P.R.—Statement of Procedural Rules. Stat.—Statutes at Large. T—Target Corporation. T.C.—Tax Court. T.D.—Treasury Decision. TFE—Trans feree. TFR—Transferor. T.I.R.—Technical Information Release. TP—Taxpay er. TR—Trust. TT—Trustee. U.S.C.—Uni ted States Code. X—Corporation. Y—Corporation. Z—Corporat ion. 2004–39 I.R.B.iSeptember 27, 2004 Numerical Finding List 1 Bulletins 2004–27 through 2004–39 Announcements: 2004-55, 2004-27 I.R.B.15 2004-56, 2004-28 I.R.B.41 2004-57, 2004-27 I.R.B.15 2004-58, 2004-29 I.R.B.66 2004-59, 2004-30 I.R.B.94 2004-60, 2004-29 I.R.B.43 2004-61, 2004-29 I.R.B.67 2004-62, 2004-30 I.R.B.103 2004-63, 2004-31 I.R.B.149 2004-64, 2004-35 I.R.B.402 2004-65, 2004-33 I.R.B.300 2004-66, 2004-35 I.R.B.402 2004-67, 2004-36 I.R.B.459 2004-68, 2004-38 I.R.B.508 2004-69, 2004-39 I.R.B.542 2004-70, 2004-39 I.R.B.543 2004-73, 2004-39 I.R.B.543 Notices: 2004-41, 2004-28 I.R.B.31 2004-43, 2004-27 I.R.B.10 2004-44, 2004-28 I.R.B.32 2004-45, 2004-28 I.R.B.33 2004-46, 2004-29 I.R.B.46 2004-47, 2004-29 I.R.B.48 2004-48, 2004-30 I.R.B.88 2004-49, 2004-30 I.R.B.88 2004-50, 2004-33 I.R.B.196 2004-51, 2004-30 I.R.B.89 2004-52, 2004-32 I.R.B.168 2004-53, 2004-33 I.R.B.209 2004-54, 2004-33 I.R.B.209 2004-55, 2004-34 I.R.B.319 2004-56, 2004-35 I.R.B.375 2004-57, 2004-35 I.R.B.376 2004-58, 2004-39 I.R.B.520 2004-59, 2004-36 I.R.B.447 Proposed Regulations: REG-208246-90, 2004-36 I.R.B.450 REG-153841-02, 2004-31 I.R.B.145 REG-163679-02, 2004-35 I.R.B.390 REG-163909-02, 2004-38 I.R.B.499 REG-108637-03, 2004-37 I.R.B.472 REG-120616-03, 2004-37 I.R.B.474 REG-124405-03, 2004-35 I.R.B.394 REG-131486-03, 2004-28 I.R.B.36 REG-131786-03, 2004-38 I.R.B.500 REG-145987-03, 2004-39 I.R.B.523 REG-149524-03, 2004-39 I.R.B.528 REG-150562-03, 2004-32 I.R.B.175 Proposed Regulations— Continued: REG-152549-03, 2004-36 I.R.B.451 REG-154077-03, 2004-37 I.R.B.476 REG-171386-03, 2004-37 I.R.B.477 REG-101447-04, 2004-34 I.R.B.344 REG-106889-04, 2004-38 I.R.B.501 REG-116265-04, 2004-38 I.R.B.505 REG-117307-04, 2004-28 I.R.B.39 REG-124872-04, 2004-39 I.R.B.533 REG-128767-04, 2004-39 I.R.B.534 REG-129706-04, 2004-37 I.R.B.478 REG-129771-04, 2004-36 I.R.B.453 REG-130863-04, 2004-39 I.R.B.538 REG-131264-04, 2004-38 I.R.B.506 REG-136481-04, 2004-37 I.R.B.480 Revenue Procedures: 2004-38, 2004-27 I.R.B.10 2004-39, 2004-29 I.R.B.49 2004-40, 2004-29 I.R.B.50 2004-41, 2004-30 I.R.B.90 2004-42, 2004-31 I.R.B.121 2004-43, 2004-31 I.R.B.124 2004-44, 2004-31 I.R.B.134 2004-45, 2004-31 I.R.B.140 2004-46, 2004-31 I.R.B.142 2004-47, 2004-32 I.R.B.169 2004-48, 2004-32 I.R.B.172 2004-49, 2004-33 I.R.B.210 2004-50, 2004-33 I.R.B.211 2004-51, 2004-33 I.R.B.294 2004-52, 2004-34 I.R.B.319 2004-53, 2004-34 I.R.B.320 2004-54, 2004-34 I.R.B.325 2004-55, 2004-34 I.R.B.343 2004-56, 2004-35 I.R.B.376 2004-57, 2004-38 I.R.B.498 Revenue Rulings: 2004-63, 2004-27 I.R.B.6 2004-64, 2004-27 I.R.B.7 2004-65, 2004-27 I.R.B.1 2004-66, 2004-27 I.R.B.4 2004-67, 2004-28 I.R.B.28 2004-68, 2004-31 I.R.B.118 2004-69, 2004-36 I.R.B.445 2004-70, 2004-37 I.R.B.460 2004-71, 2004-30 I.R.B.74 2004-72, 2004-30 I.R.B.77 2004-73, 2004-30 I.R.B.80 2004-74, 2004-30 I.R.B.84 2004-75, 2004-31 I.R.B.109 2004-76, 2004-31 I.R.B.111 2004-77, 2004-31 I.R.B.119 2004-78, 2004-31 I.R.B.108 2004-79, 2004-31 I.R.B.106 Revenue Rulings— Continued: 2004-80, 2004-32 I.R.B.164 2004-81, 2004-32 I.R.B.161 2004-82, 2004-35 I.R.B.350 2004-83, 2004-32 I.R.B.157 2004-84, 2004-32 I.R.B.163 2004-85, 2004-33 I.R.B.189 2004-86, 2004-33 I.R.B.191 2004-87, 2004-32 I.R.B.154 2004-88, 2004-32 I.R.B.165 2004-89, 2004-34 I.R.B.301 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 2004-91, 2004-35 I.R.B.357 2004-92, 2004-37 I.R.B.466 2004-93, 2004-37 I.R.B.462 2004-94, 2004-38 I.R.B.491 2004-95, 2004-38 I.R.B.492 2004-97, 2004-39 I.R.B.516 Tax Conventions: 2004-60, 2004-29 I.R.B.43 Treasury Decisions: 9131, 2004-27 I.R.B.2 9132, 2004-28 I.R.B.16 9133, 2004-28 I.R.B.25 9134, 2004-30 I.R.B.70 9135, 2004-30 I.R.B.69 9136, 2004-31 I.R.B.112 9137, 2004-34 I.R.B.308 9138, 2004-32 I.R.B.160 9139, 2004-38 I.R.B.495 9140, 2004-32 I.R.B.159 9141, 2004-35 I.R.B.359 9142, 2004-34 I.R.B.302 9143, 2004-36 I.R.B.442 9144, 2004-36 I.R.B.413 9145, 2004-37 I.R.B.464 9146, 2004-36 I.R.B.408 9147, 2004-37 I.R.B.461 9148, 2004-37 I.R.B.460 9149, 2004-38 I.R.B.494 9150, 2004-39 I.R.B.514 9151, 2004-38 I.R.B.489 9152, 2004-39 I.R.B.509 9153, 2004-39 I.R.B.517 1 A cumulative list of all revenue rulings, revenueprocedures, Treasury decisions, etc., publishedin Internal Revenue Bulletins 2004–1 through 2004–26 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2004–26, dated June 28, 2004. September 27, 2004ii2004–39 I.R.B. Findings List of Current Actions on Previously Published Items 1 Bulletins 2004–27 through 2004–39 Notices: 98-65 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-40, 2004-29 I.R.B.50 2001-50 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2004-46, 2004-31 I.R.B.142 2004-2 Modified by Notice 2004-50, 2004-33 I.R.B.196 2004-2, Corrected by Ann. 2004-67, 2004-36 I.R.B.459 Proposed Regulations: INTL-116-90 Withdrawn by REG-208246-90, 2004-36 I.R.B.450 REG-208254-90 Withdrawn by REG-136481-04, 2004-37 I.R.B.480 REG-104683-00 Partially withdrawn by Ann. 2004-64, 2004-35 I.R.B.402 REG-165579-02 Withdrawn by Ann. 2004-69, 2004-39 I.R.B.542 REG-150562-03 Corrected by Ann. 2004-68, 2004-38 I.R.B.508 Ann. 2004-73, 2004-39 I.R.B.543 Revenue Procedures: 79-61 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-44, 2004-31 I.R.B.134 89-37 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 94-64 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-38, 2004-27 I.R.B.10 96-18 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 96-53 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-40, 2004-29 I.R.B.50 Revenue Procedures— Continued: 96-60 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-53, 2004-34 I.R.B.320 98-41 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-56, 2004-35 I.R.B.376 2000-37 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2004-51, 2004-33 I.R.B.294 2002-9 Modified and amplified by Rev. Proc. 2004-41, 2004-30 I.R.B.90 2003-30 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-54, 2004-34 I.R.B.325 2003-52 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2004-50, 2004-33 I.R.B.211 2004-23 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2004-57, 2004-38 I.R.B.498 2004-4 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2004-44, 2004-31 I.R.B.134 Revenue Rulings: 54-379 Superseded by Rev. Rul. 2004-68, 2004-31 I.R.B.118 58-120 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 62-60 Amplified by Rev. Proc. 2004-53, 2004-34 I.R.B.320 70-58 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 73-354 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-76, 2004-31 I.R.B.111 78-371 Distinguished by Rev. Rul. 2004-86, 2004-33 I.R.B.191 79-64 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 Revenue Rulings— Continued: 80-7 Amplified and clarified by Rev. Rul. 2004-71, 2004-30 I.R.B.74 Rev. Rul. 2004-72, 2004-30 I.R.B.77 Rev. Rul. 2004-73, 2004-30 I.R.B.80 Rev. Rul. 2004-74, 2004-30 I.R.B.84 80-366 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2004-90, 2004-34 I.R.B.317 81-100 Clarified and modified by Rev. Rul. 2004-67, 2004-28 I.R.B.28 85-70 Amplified and clarified by Rev. Rul. 2004-71, 2004-30 I.R.B.74 Rev. Rul. 2004-72, 2004-30 I.R.B.77 Rev. Rul. 2004-73, 2004-30 I.R.B.80 Rev. Rul. 2004-74, 2004-30 I.R.B.84 92-105 Distinguished by Rev. Rul. 2004-86, 2004-33 I.R.B.191 2004-75 Amplified by Rev. Rul. 2004-97, 2004-39 I.R.B.516 Treasury Decisions: 9031 Removed by T.D. 9152, 2004-39 I.R.B.509 1 A cumulative list of current actions on previously published items in Internal Revenue Bulletins 2004–1 through 2004–26 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2004–26, dated June 28, 2004. 2004–39 I.R.B.iiiSeptember 27, 2004 INDEX Internal Revenue Bulletins 2004–27 through 2004–39 The abbreviation and number in parenthesis following the index entry refer to the specific item; numbers in roman and italic type following the parentheses refer to the Internal Revenue Bulletin in which the item may be found and the page number on which it appears. Key to Abbreviations: AnnAnnouncement CDCourt Decision DODelegation Order EOExecutive Order PLPublic Law PTEProhibited Transaction Exemption RPRevenue Procedure RRRevenue Ruling SPRStatement of Procedural Rules TCTax Convention TDTreasury Decision TDOTreasury Department Order EMPLOYEE PLANS Exemption from tax, section 457(b), group or pooled trusts (RR 67) 28,28 Full funding limitations, weighted average interest rate for: July 2004 (Notice 51) 30,89 August 2004 (Notice 56) 35,375 Health benefits, defined benefit plan, waiver (RR 65) 27,1 Minimum funding standards: Current liability, alternative deficit reduction, amendments (Notice 59) 36,447 Minimum funding standards, amortization, extensions (RP 44) 31,134 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Proposed Regulations: 26 CFR 1.408–2(e)(8)T, added; deemed IRAs in governmen- tal plans/qualified nonbank trustee rules (REG–101447–04) 34,344 QJSA, relative value, retroactive annuity starting date (Ann 58) 29,66 Qualified retirement plans: Age discrimination, pending withdrawal of proposed regula- tions (Ann 57) 27,15 Deemed IRAs in qualified retirement plans, and governmental plans/qualified nonbank trustee rules (TD 9142) 34,302; (REG–101447–04) 34,344 Model amendments for governmental section 457(b) plans (RP 56) 35,376 Regulations: 26 CFR 1.408–2, amended; 1.408–2T, added; 1.408(q)–1, added; 602.101, amended; deemed IRAs in qualified retire- ment plans (TD 9142) 34,302 EMPLOYMENT TAX Forms W-2, W-4, W-5, 941, and Schedule D (Form 941), infor- mation reporting, successor employer, acquisitions, statutory mergers, or consolidations (RP 53) 34,320 Information reporting, Forms W-2, W-4, W-5, 941, and Sched- ule D (Form 941), successor employer, acquisitions, statutory mergers, or consolidations (RP 53) 34,320 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Payment card transactions: Limited exception, backup withholding (TD 9136) 31,112 Optional procedure for payors to determine reportable pay- ments under sections 6041 and 6041A (RP 43) 31,124 Qualified Payment Card Agent (QPCA), requirements for payment card organization to obtain QPCA determination (RP 42) 31,121 Publications, 1141, General Rules and Specifications for Substi- tute Forms W-2 and W-3, revised (RP 54) 34,325 Regulations: 26 CFR 31.3406(g)–1, amended; 31.3406(j)–1, amended; 31.3406(j)–1T, removed; 301.6724–1, amended; 602.101, amended; information reporting and backup withholding for payment card transactions (TD 9136) 31,112 Substitute Forms W-2 and W-3, general rules and specifications (RP 54) 34,325 ESTATE TAX Generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax: Deemed allocations, election out (REG–153841–02) 31,145 Exemption, automatic extension of time (RP 46) 31,142 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Proposed Regulations: 26 CFR 1.1001–1, amended; 21.2600–1, amended; 26.2642–6, added; 26.2654–1, amended; qualified sever- ance of a trust for generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax purposes (REG–145987–03) 39,523 26 CFR 26.2600–1, amended; 26.2632–1, amended; election out of GST deemed allocations (REG–153841–02) 31,145 Qualified terminable interest property (QTIP), simplified method, request relief to make late election (RP 47) 32,169 Tax reimbursement clause, gift and estate tax consequences (RR 64) 27,7 Trusts, qualified severance for generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax purposes (REG–145987–03) 39,523 EXCISE TAX Advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting information about technologies, services, and methods for transmitting voice and data communications (Ann 61) 29,67 Communications services excise tax, scope (Notice 57) 35,376 Duties of collector of collected excise taxes (TD 9149) 38,494; (REG–163909–02) 38,499 Florida, dyed diesel fuel, relief from penalty under section 6715 (Ann 70) 39,543 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 September 27, 2004iv2004–39 I.R.B. EXCISE TAX—Cont. Primarily designed test to determine if vehicle is a truck or a highway tractor, application (RR 80) 32,164 Proposed Regulations: 26 CFR 40.6302(c), amended; 49.4291–1, amended; col- lected excise taxes, duties of collector (REG–163909–02) 38,499 26 CFR 48.4081–1, –3, amended; entry of taxable fuel (REG–120616–03) 37,474 Regulations: 26 CFR 40.6302(c)–3, amended; 40.6302(c)–3T, added; 49.4291–1, amended; 49.4291–1T, added; collected excise taxes, duties of collector (TD 9149) 38,494 26 CFR 48.4081–1, –3, –5, amended; 48.4081–1T, –3T, added; 602.101, amended; entry of taxable fuel (TD 9145) 37,464 26 CFR 157.5891–1, added; 157.5891–1T, removed; 157.6001–1, added; 157.6001–1T, removed; 157.6011–1, added; 157.6011–1T, removed; 157.6061–1, added; 157.6061–1T, removed; 157.6065–1, added; 157.6065–1T, removed; 157.6071–1, added; 157.6071–1T, removed; 157.6081–1, added; 157.6081–1T, removed; 157.6091–1, added; 157.6091–1T, removed; 157.6151–1, added; 157.6151–1T, removed; 157.6161–1, added; 157.6161–1T, removed; 157.6165–1, added; 157.6165–1T, removed; 602.101, amended; excise tax relating to structured settle- ment factoring transactions (TD 9134) 30,70 Structured settlement factoring transactions (TD 9134) 30,70 Taxable fuel, entry into the United States (TD 9145) 37,464; (REG–120616–03) 37,474 EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS List of organizations classifiedas private foundations (Ann 62) 30,102; (Ann 66) 35,402 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Revocations (Ann 55) 27,15; (Ann 65) 33,300 Suspension of tax-exempt statusof terrorist organization (Ann 56) 28,41 GIFT TAX Determination of qualified interests (REG–163679–02) 35,390 Generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax: Deemed allocations, election out (REG–153841–02) 31,145 Exemption, automatic extension of time (RP 46) 31,142 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Proposed Regulations: 26 CFR 25.2702–0, –2, –3, –7, amended; qualified interests (REG–163679–02) 35,390 26 CFR 26.2600–1, amended; 26.2632–1, amended; election out of GST deemed allocations (REG–153841–02) 31,145 Tax reimbursement clause, gift and estate tax consequences (RR 64) 27,7 INCOME TAX Adjustment to net unrealized built-in gain (REG–131486–03) 28, 36 Alternative methods of signing, income tax return preparers (No- tice 54) 33,209 Annual income recertification of tenant income under section 42(g)(8)(B), waiver (RP 38) 27,10 APA Program, administration (RP 40) 29,50 Bankruptcy and golden parachute payments (RR 87) 32,154 Book-tax difference, disclosure (RP 45) 31,140 Charitable contributions: Allocation and apportionment of deductions (TD 9143) 36, 442; (REG–208246–90) 36,450 Charitable contributions, conservation easements (Notice 41) 28,31 Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): NQLX designated as contract market permitted to list securi- ties futures contracts (SFCs) (RR 94) 38,491 OneChicago designated as contract market permitted to list SFCs (RR 95) 38,492 Consolidatedreturns,intercompanytransactions (REG–131264–04) 38,506 Corporations: Deemed election to be an association taxable as a corporation for a qualified electing S corporation (TD 9139) 38,495; (REG–131786–03) 38,500 Distributions, income from the discharge of indebtedness, is- suer’s re-purchase of indebtedness (RR 79) 31,106 Dually chartered entity, entity classification, classification of organizations (TD 9153) 39,517; (REG–124872–04) 39, 533 Guidance under section 951 for determining pro rata share, foreign corporation (REG–129771–04) 36,453 Reorganizations: Consolidated returns, section 304 stock redemptions, step- transaction doctrine (RR 83) 32,157 Exchange of a debt instrument (RR 78) 31,108 Stock basis computation (Notice 44) 28,32 Transfers of assets or stock following a reorganization (REG–130863–04) 39,538 Under section 368(a)(1)(E) or (F) (REG–106889–04) 38, 501 Using signing date stock values to measure continuity of interest (REG–129706–04) 37,478 S corporation, late election relief (RP 48) 32,172 Transfers of assets or stock following a reorganization, with- drawal of REG–165579–02 (Ann 69) 39,542 Credits: Deemed-paid credit computation, foreign tax credit, sepa- rate categories of income, dividends, partial withdrawal of REG–104683–00 (Ann 64) 35,402 Enhanced oil recovery credit, 2004 inflation adjustment (No- tice 49) 30,87 Foreign tax credit limitation, capital gains (or losses), quali- fied dividend income, election not to apply, rents and roy- alties, allocation of foreign taxes, foreign personal holding income, export financing interest (TD 9141) 35,359 2004–39 I.R.B.vSeptember 27, 2004 INCOME TAX—Cont. Low-income housing credit: Carryovers to qualified states, 2004 National Pool (RP 52) 34,319 Questions and Answers II (RR 82) 35,350 Satisfactory bond, “bond factor” amounts for the period: July through September 2004 (RR 89) 34,301 Delaware statutory trust, classification (RR 86) 33,191 Depreciation: MACRS, changes in use (TD 9132) 28,16 Of vans and light trucks (TD 9133) 28,25 Disciplinary actions involving attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and enrolled actuaries (Ann 63) 31,149 Disclosure of returns and return information, and confidentiality (RR 68) 31,118 Disregarded entities: Guidance (RR 77) 31,119 Treatment under section 752 (REG–128767–04) 39,534 Election to expense certain depreciable business property (TD 9146) 36,408; (REG–152549–03) 36,451 Electronic and magnetic filing, specifications for Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W-2G (RP 50) 33,211 Frivolous tax returns, U. S. Virgin Islands, meritless filing posi- tion based on sections 932(c) and 934(b) (Notice 45) 28,33 Gross income, advance payments, year of inclusion (TD 9135) 30,69 Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), information reporting for advance payments (Notice 47) 29,48 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Additional HSA Q&As (Notice 50) 33,196 Correction to Notice 2004–2 (Ann 67) 36,459 Transition relief for state mandates (Notice 43) 27,10 Insurance companies: Deduction of incentive payments made to health care providers (RP 41) 30,90 Domestic asset/liability and investment yield percentages for foreign insurance companies (RP 55) 34,343 Withholding annuity payments, branches, Puerto Rico, 7805(b) (RR 97) 39,516 Interest: Election to treat qualified dividend income as investment in- come (TD 9147) 37,461; (REG–171386–03) 37,477 Investment: Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates for: July 2004 (RR 66) 27,4 August 2004 (RR 84) 32,163 September 2004 (RR 69) 36,445 Rates: Farm real property, special use value (RR 63) 27,6 Underpayments and overpayments, quarter beginning: October 1, 2004 (RR 92) 37,466 Inventory: LIFO, price indexes used by department stores for: May 2004 (RR 81) 32,161 June 2004 (RR 91) 35,357 July 2004 (RR 93) 37,462 INCOME TAX—Cont. LIFO recapture under section 1363(d) (REG–149524–03) 39, 528 Life insurance, annuity payments (RR 75) 31,109 Like-kind exchanges, qualified exchange accommodation (“parking”) arrangements (RP 51) 33,294 Marginal production rates, 2004 (Notice 48) 30,87 Methods of accounting: Change in section 481(a) adjustment periods (TD 9131) 27,2 Extension of time to file written statement containing infor- mation necessary to obtain automatic consent for change (RP 57) 38,498 Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 Offsets of refunds for taxpayers domiciled in: Arizona or Wisconsin (RR 71) 30,74 California, Idaho, or Louisiana (RR 72) 30,77 Nevada, New Mexico, or Washington (RR 73) 30,80 Texas (RR 74) 30,83 Optional 10-year writeoff, rules governing time and manner for making and revoking an election under section 59(e) (REG–124405–03) 35,394 Partnerships: Application of section 761, request for comments (Notice 53) 33,209 Application of section 1045 (REG–150562–03) 32,175;cor- rection(Ann68)38,508; correction (Ann 73) 39,543 Disregarded entity, small partnership not excluded from TEFRA provisions, tax matters partner (RR 88) 32,165 Transactions involving long-term contracts (TD 9137) 34,308 Payment card transactions: Limited exception, backup withholding (TD 9136) 31,112 Optional procedure for payors to determine reportable pay- ments under sections 6041 and 6041A (RP 43) 31,124 Qualified Payment Card Agent (QPCA), requirements for payment card organization to obtain QPCA determination (RP 42) 31,121 Pre-Filing Agreement program, annual report for CY 2003, Large and Mid-Size Business Division (LMSB) (Ann 59) 30, 93 Private foundations, organizations now classified as (Ann 62) 30, 102; (Ann 66) 35,402 Proposed Regulations: 26 CFR 1.59–1, added; optional 10-year writeoff of certain tax preferences (REG–124405–03) 35,394 26 CFR 1.163(d)–1, revised; time and manner of making sec- tion 163(d)(4)(B) election to treat qualified dividend in- come as investment income (REG–171386–03) 37,477 26 CFR 1.179–2, –4, –5, amended; 1.179–6, revised; section 179 elections (REG–152549–03) 36,451 26 CFR 1.368–1, amended; corporate reorganizations; guidance on the measurement of continuity of interest (REG–129706–04) 37,478 26 CFR 1.368–1, –2, amended; corporate reorganizations; transfers of assets or stock following a reorganization (REG–130863–04) 39,538 26 CFR 1.368–1(b), –2, amended; reorganizations under sec- tion 368(a)(1)(E) or (F) (REG–106889–04) 38,501 September 27, 2004vi2004–39 I.R.B. INCOME TAX—Cont. 26 CFR 1.704–2, amended; 1.752–2, amended; treatment of disregarded entities under section 752 (REG–128767–04) 39,534 26 CFR 1.860F–4, amended; real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) (REG–154077–03) 37,476 26 CFR 1.861–4, amended; source of compensation for labor or personal services (REG–136481–04) 37,480 26 CFR 1.861–8(e)(12), added; 1.861–14, revised; allocation and apportionment of deductions for charitable contribu- tions (REG–208246–90) 36,450 26 CFR 1.864–4, revised; stock held by foreign insurance companies (REG–117307–04) 28,39 26 CFR 1.951–1, amended; guidance under section 951 for determining pro rata share (REG–129771–04) 36,453 26 CFR 1.1031(a), (j), amended; additional rules for ex- changes of personal property under section 1031(a) (REG–116265–04) 38,505 26 CFR 1.1045–1, added; section 1045 application to partner- ships (REG–150562–03) 32,175; correction (Ann 68) 38, 508; correction (Ann 73) 39,543 26 CFR 1.1271–0, amended; 1.1275–2, amended; accrual for certain REMIC regular interests (REG–108637–03) 37,472 26 CFR 1.1363–2, amended; LIFO recapture under section 1363(d) (REG–149524–03) 39,528 26 CFR 1.1374–3, amended; 1.1374–10, revised; adjustment to net unrealized built-in gain (REG–131486–03) 28,36 26 CFR 1.1502–13, amended; consolidated returns, intercom- pany transactions (REG–131264–04) 38,506 26 CFR 301.7701–1(d), –5, revised; 301.7701–2(b)(9), added; clarification of definitions (REG–124872–04) 39, 533 26 CFR 301.7701–3, amended; deemed election to be an as- sociation taxable as a corporation for a qualified electing S corporation (REG–131786–03) 38,500 Publications: 1141, General Rules and Specifications for Substitute Forms W-2 and W-3, revised (RP 54) 34,325 1220, Specifications for Filing Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W-2G Electronically or Magnetically (RP 50) 33,211 Qualified residential rental projects, obligations of states and po- litical subdivisions (RP 39) 29,49 Qualified transportation fringes, use of a debit card (Notice 46) 29,46 Real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs): Accrual for certain REMIC regular interests (REG–108637–03) 37,472 Applicationofpartnershipauditprovisions (REG–154077–03) 37,476 Regulations: 26 CFR 1.61–8, amended; rents and royalties (TD 9135) 30, 69 26 CFR 1.83–7, amended; 1.83–7T, removed; transfers of compensatory options (TD 9148) 37,460 26 CFR 1.121–3, amended; 1.121–3T, removed; 1.121–5, added; reduced maximum exclusion of gain from sale or exchange of principal residence (TD 9152) 39,509 INCOME TAX—Cont. 26 CFR 1.141–0, –16, amended; 1.142–0, –2, amended; re- medial actions applicable to tax-exempt bonds issued by state and local governments (TD 9150) 39,514 26 CFR 1.163(d)–1, revised; 1.163(d)–1T, added; time and manner of making section 163(d)(4)(B) election to treat qualified dividend income as investment income (TD 9147) 37,461 26 CFR 1.168(i)–0, –1, –1T, amended; 1.168(i)–4, added; changes in use under section 168(i)(5) (TD 9132) 28,16 26 CFR 1.179–0, –2, –4, –5, amended; 1.179–2T, –4T, –5T, –6T, added; 602.101, amended; section 179 elections (TD 9146) 36,408 26 CFR 1.263A–7, revised; 1.448–1, amended; administra- tive simplification of section 481(a) adjustment periods in various regulations (TD 9131) 27,2 26 CFR 1.280F–1T, –2T, –3T, –4T, –5T, –6, –7, amended; 1.280F–6T redesignated as 1.280F–6; depreciation of vans and light trucks (TD 9133) 28,25 26 CFR 1.421–1 through –6, removed; 1.421–7 renumbered as 1.421–1 and amended; 1.421–8 renumbered as 1.421–2 and amended; 1.422–1, –2, –4, –5, added; 1.422–4, re- moved; 1.422–5 renumbered as 1.422–3; 1.423–1, –2, amended; 1.425–1 renumbered as 1.424–1 and amended; 1.6039–1, –2, removed; 1.6039–1, added; Part 14a, re- moved; statutory options (TD 9144) 36,413 26 CFR 1.460–0, –4, –6, amended; 1.704–3, amended; 1.722–1, amended; 1.723–1, amended; 1.732–1, amended; 1.734–1, amended; 1.743–1, amended; 1.751–1, amended; 1.755–1, amended; 1.1362–3, amended; 1.1377–1, amended; partnership transactions involving long-term contracts (TD 9137) 34,308 26 CFR 1.461–2, amended; transfers to provide for satisfac- tion of contested liabilities (TD 9140) 32,159 26 CFR 1.463–1T, removed; transitional rule for vested ac- crued vacation pay (TD 9138) 32,160 26 CFR 1.861–8, –8T, –14T, amended; allocation and ap- portionment of deductions for charitable contributions (TD 9143) 36,442 26 CFR 1.904–0, –4, –6, amended; 1.904–5, revised; 1.904(b)–1, –2, revised; 1.904(b)–3, –4, removed; 1.904(j)–1, added; 1.954–2, amended; application of section 904 to income subject to separate limitations (TD 9141) 35,359 26 CFR 1.1031(a)–2, revised; 1.1031(a)–2T, added; addi- tional rules for exchanges of personal property under sec- tion 1031(a) (TD 9151) 38,489 26 CFR 31.3406(g)–1, amended; 31.3406(j)–1, amended; 31.3406(j)–1T, removed; 301.6724–1, amended; 602.101, amended; information reporting and backup withholding for payment card transactions (TD 9136) 31,112 26 CFR 301.7701–1, –3, –5, revised; 301.7701–1T, –2(b)(9), –2T, –5T, added; clarification of definitions (TD 9153) 39, 517 26 CFR 301.7701–3, amended; 301.7701–3T, added; deemed election to be an association taxable as a corporation for a qualified electing S corporation (TD 9139) 38,495 2004–39 I.R.B.viiSeptember 27, 2004 INCOME TAX—Cont. Revocations, exempt organizations (Ann 55) 27,15;(Ann65) 33,300 S corporations: Mergers, effect on qualified subchapter S subsidiary (QSub), termination (RR 85) 33,189 Relief request for late qualified subchapter S subsidiary (QSub) election (RP 49) 33,210 Sale or exchange of principal residence, reduced maximum ex- clusion (TD 9152) 39,509 Source of compensation for labor or personal services (REG–136481–04) 37,480 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system replaced with North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), properties of like class (TD 9151) 38,489; (REG–116265–04) 38,505 Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) formula (RR 70) 37,460 Stocks: Consolidated returns, subsidiary stock loss (Notice 58) 39, 520 Held by foreign insurance companies (REG–117307–04) 28, 39 Options granted under an employer stock purchase plan (No- tice 55) 34,319 Statutory options (TD 9144) 36,413 Transfers: Of compensatory stock options (TD 9148) 37,460 Of stock, asserted liability (TD 9140) 32,159 Substitute Forms W-2 and W-3, general rules and specifications (RP 54) 34,325 Tax conventions: Guidance on effective dates under Japan treaty (Ann 60) 29, 43 Treaty benefits for dual resident companies (RR 76) 31,111 Tax-exempt bonds, application of remedial action rules under sections 141 and 142 (TD 9150) 39,514 Tax treatment of credit default swaps (CDSs) (Notice 52) 32,168 Vacation pay, removal of transitional rule (TD 9138) 32,160 SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX Obsolete rulings (RR 90) 34,317 September 27, 2004viii2004–39 I.R.B. *U.S. Government Printing Office: 2004—304–778/60154
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