us-irs-announcements-irb-2007-45-pdf•Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007-45 (PDF rendition): IRS Announcements
Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007-45 (PDF rendition): IRS Announcements
us-irs-announcements-irb-2007-45-pdfInternal Revenue Bulletin 2007-45 (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 7-45 November 5, 2007 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. 2007–64, page 953. 2007 base period T-bill rate.The “base period T-bill rate” for the period ending September 30, 2007, is published as required by section 995(f) of the Code. Rev. Rul. 2 007–66, page 956. Federal ra tes; adjusted federal rates; adjusted federal long-term rate and the long-term exempt rate.For pur- poses of se ctions 382, 642, 1274, 1288, and other sections of the Code , tables set forth the rates for November 2007. Rev. Proc. 2007–65, page 967. This procedure under sections 704(b) and 45 of the Code pro- vides the necessary requirements for partnerships to meet a safe harbor in allocating wind energy production tax credits. Rev. Proc. 2007–66, page 970. Cost-of-living adjustments for 2008.This procedure sets forth the cost-of-living adjustments to certain items for 2008 as required under various provisions of the Code and Service guidance. Rev. Procs. 90–12 and 2002–41 modified. EMPLOYEE PLANS Rev. Rul. 2007–65, page 949. Employer’s deduction for contributions; limitation on employer’s deduction; welfare benefit funds.This ruling discusses whether an employer’s deductions for contributions to a welfare benefit fund under section 419 of the Code are “qualified direct costs” with respect to premiums paid by a welfare benefit fund on cash value life insurance policies. Notice 2007–83, page 960. Abusive trust arrangements; cash value life insurance; welfare benefits.This notice identifies certain trust arrange- ments that claim to be welfare benefit funds and that utilize cash value life insurance policies, and substantially similar ar- rangements, as listed transactions. Notice 2007–84, page 963. Post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits; nondiscrimination; welfare benefit funds.This notice alerts taxpayers that the tax treatment of trusts providing post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits to owners and other key employees may not provide the tax benefits claimed. Notice 2007–87, page 966. 2008 cost-of-living adjustments; retirement plans, etc. This notice sets forth certain cost-of-living adjustments effec- tive January 1, 2008, applicable to the dollar limits on benefits under qualified defined benefit pension plans and to other provi- sions affecting (1) certain plans of deferred compensation and (2) “control employees.” This notice also contains cost-of-living adjustments for several pension-related amounts in restating the data in News Release IR–2007–171 issued October 18, 2007. (Continued on the next page) Announcements of Disbarments and Suspensions begin on page 979. Fi nding Lists begin on page ii. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS Announcement 2007–105, page 984. The IRS has revoked its determination that Gregory and Vickie Iverson Charitable Supporting Organization, Salt Lake City, UT; The Scott Canepa Charitable Supporting Organization, Las Ve- gas, NV; Kyle Charitable Support Organization Trust, Austin, TX; Paul and Deborah Marvin Charitable Supporting Founda- tion, Salt Lake City, UT; Malecha Family Foundation, Apple Val- ley, MN; Shared Visions Foundation, Park City, UT; Harold B Lee Foundation, Woodland, UT; Missouri Basketball Club, Co- lumbia, MO; Mahisekar Charitable Supporting Organization, Or- land Park, IL; Georgetown Title Foundation, Sandy, UT; Buddy and Rita Gregory Charitable Supporting Organization, Lehi, UT; Keith & Anna Barton Charitable Supporting Organization, Lehi, UT; Asafo Global Trust Fund, Inc., Phoenix, AZ; White Wing Educational Dev Corp, New York, NY; AARO Credit Services, Costa Mesa, CA; Paul and Deborah Manning Charitable Sup- porting Org, Salt Lake City, UT; MOP Non-Profit, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI; Access Home Project, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; To Life Foundation, New York, NY; Miami Latin Film Festival, Miami, FL; Larry and Kelli Cotton Charitable Supporting Organization, Fort Worth, TX, qualify as organizations described in sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Code. ESTATE TAX Rev. Proc. 2007–66, page 970. Cost-of-living adjustments for 2008.This procedure sets forth the cost-of-living adjustments to certain items for 2008 as required under various provisions of the Code and Service guidance. Rev. Procs. 90–12 and 2002–41 modified. GIFT TAX Rev. Pro c. 2007–66, page 970. Cost-of -living adjustments for 2008.This procedure sets forth th e cost-of-living adjustments to certain items for 2008 as requi red under various provisions of the Code and Service guidan ce. Rev. Procs. 90–12 and 2002–41 modified. EXCISE TAX Rev. Proc. 2007–66, page 970. Cost-of-living adjustments for 2008.This procedure sets forth the cost-of-living adjustments to certain items for 2008 as required under various provisions of the Code and Service guidance. Rev. Procs. 90–12 and 2002–41 modified. ADMINISTRATIVE T.D. 9359, page 931. Final regulations under section 330 of title 31 of the U.S. Code provide amendments to the provisions of Circular 230 relat- ing to various non-shelter items. This document reflects the Treasury Department and the IRS consideration of the com- ments received in response to the proposed regulations and the amendments to section 330 made by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Public Law 108–357. The regulations also include conforming amendments to reflect the final regu- lations relating to best practices, covered opinions, and other written advice published as T.D. 9165, 2005–1 C.B. 357, and as T.D. 9201, 2005–1 C.B. 1153, but do not otherwise ad- dress those final regulations. REG–138637 –07, page 977. Proposed re gulations under section 330 of title 31 of the U.S. Code amends section 10.34 of Circular 230 relating to stan- dards with r espect to tax returns. On May 25, 2007, the Pres- ident signe d into law the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2 007, Public Law 110–28, which amended section 6694(a) of theCodebyalteringthestandardsofconductthat must be met to avoid imposition of the penalty for preparing areturnth at reflects an understatement of liability. The stan- dards with respect to tax returns in section 10.34(a) of the reg- ulations have been amended to reflect the changes to section 6694(a) m ade by the Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007. Notice 2007–85, page 965. This notice provides that a material advisor required to file a completed Form 8918 by October 31, 2007, will be treated as satisfying the disclosure requirement of regulations section 301.6111–3(d) if the material advisor files Form 8264 instead. If Form 8918 is published on or before October 31, 2007, material advisors may choose to use either Form 8918 or Form 8264 for disclosures required to be filed by October 31, 2007. For disclosures required to be filed after October 31, 2007, material advisors must use Form 8918 (or successor form) unless instructed otherwise by the IRS. Reportable transactions disclosed on the Form 8264 should be disclosed in the manner described in Notice 2004–80, 2004–2 C.B. 963, and Notice 2005–22, 2005–1 C.B. 756. Rev. Proc. 2007–66, page 970. Cost-of-living adjustments for 2008.This procedure sets forth the cost-of-living adjustments to certain items for 2008 as required under various provisions of the Code and Service guidance. Rev. Procs. 90–12 and 2002–41 modified. November 5, 20072007–45 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. 2007–45 I.R.B.November 5, 2007 Place missing child here. November 5, 20072007–45 I.R.B. Part I. Rulings and Decisions Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Section 1.—Tax Imposed The Service provides inflation adjustments to the tax rate tables for individuals, trusts, and estates for taxable years beginning in 2008. In addition, the amounts of certain reductions allowed against the unearned income of minor children in computing the “kiddie tax” are adjusted. Also adjusted are the amounts used to determine whether a parent may elect to report the “kiddie tax” on the parent’s return. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 23.—Adoption Expenses The Service provides inflation adjustments to the adoption credit allowed for the adoption of a child for taxable years beginning in 2008. The Service also provides inflation adjustments to the value used in calculating the modified adjusted gross income lim- itations used to determine the amount of adoption credit that is allowed in taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 24.—Child Tax Credit The Service provides inflation adjustments for the value used in determining the amount of the credit that may be refundable beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 25A.—Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits The Service provides inflation adjustments for the amount of qualified tuition and related expenses that are taken into account in determining the amount of the Hope Scholarship Credit for taxable years begin- ning in 2008, and for the amount of a taxpayer’s mod- ified adjusted gross income that is taken into account in determining the reduction in the amount of the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credits oth- erwise available. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 25B.—Elective Deferrals and IRA Contributions by Certain Indiv iduals The Se rvice provides inflation adjustments to the adjus ted gross income amounts used to determine the appli cable percentage for calculating the qualified re- tirem ent savings contributions credit that may be al- lowe d for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc . 2007-66, page 970. Section 32.—Earned Income The Service provides inflation adjustments to the limitations on the earned income credit for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 42.—Low-Income Housing Credit The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. The Service provides inflation adjustments to the amounts used to calculate the State housing credit ceiling used in determining the low-income housing credit for calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007- 66, page 970. Section 59.—Other Definitions and Special Rules The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the exemption amount used in computing the alternative minimum tax for a minor child subject to the “kiddie tax” for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 62.—Adjusted Gross Income Defined The Service provides inflation adjustments to the amounts an eligible employer may pay in 2008 to cer- tain welders and heavy equipment mechanics for rig- related expenses that are deemed substantiated under an accountable plan if paid in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2002–41, 2002–1 C.B. 1098. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 63.—Taxable Income Defined The Service provides inflation adjustments to the standard deduction amounts (including the limitation in the case of certain dependents, and the additional standard deduction for the aged or blind) for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 68.—Overall Limitation on Itemized Deductions The Service provides inflation adjustments to the overall limitation on itemized deductions for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 132.—Certain Fringe Benefits The Service provides inflation adjustments to the limitations on the exclusion of income for a qualified transportation fringe benefit for taxable years begin- ning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 135.—Income From United States Savings Bonds Used to Pay Higher Education Tuition and Fees The Service provides inflation adjustments to the limitation on the exclusion of income from United States savings bonds for taxpayers who pay qualified higher education expenses for taxable years begin- ning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 137.—Adoption Assistance Programs The Service provides inflation adjustments to the maximum amount that can be excluded from an em- ployee’s gross income in connection with a qualified adoption assistance programfor taxable years begin- ning in 2008. The Service also provides inflation ad- justments to the amount used to calculate the modi- fied adjusted gross income limitations used to deter- mine the amount that can be excluded from an em- ployee’s gross income for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 146.—Volume Cap The Service provides inflation adjustments to the amounts used to determine the State ceiling for the volume cap of private activity bonds for calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 148.—Arbitrage 26 CFR 1.148–5: Yield and valuation of investments. The Service provides inflation adjustments for de- termining in the calendar year 2008 whether a bro- ker’s commission or similar fee with respect to the 2007–45 I.R.B.930November 5, 2007 acquisition of a guaranteed investment contract or in- vestments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow is reasonable. The Service provides an infla- tion adjustment to the computation credit determined under section 1.148–3(d)(4) of the proposed Income Tax Regulations for bond years ending in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 151.—Allowance of Deductions for Personal Exemptions The Service provides inflation adjustments to the personal exemption and to the threshold amounts of adjusted gross income above which the exemption amount phases out for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 170.—Charitable, etc., Contributions and Gifts The Service provides inflation adjustments to the “insubstantial benefit” guidelines for calendar year 2008. Under the guidelines, a charitable contribu- tion is fully deductible even though the contributor re- ceives “insubstantial benefits” from the charity. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 179.—Election to Expense Certain Depreciable Business Assets The Service provides inflation adjustments to the aggregate cost of section 179 property that a taxpayer may elect to treat as an expense for taxable years be- ginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 213.—Medical, Dental, etc., Expenses The Service provides inflation adjustments to the limitation on the amount of eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term “medical care” for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 219.—Retirement Savings The Service provides inflation adjustments to the applicable dollar amounts used to calculate the amount by which active participants must reduce the amount allowed as a deduction for qualified retirement contributions for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 220.—Archer MSAs The Service provides inflation adjustments to the amounts used to determine whether a health plan is a “high deductible health plan” for purposes of de- termining whether an individual is eligible for a de- duction for cash paid to a medical savings account for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 221.—Interest on Education Loans The Service provides inflation adjustments to the income limitations used to determine the allowable deduction for interest on education loans for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 264.—Certain Amounts Paid in Connection With Insurance Contracts When a welfare benefit fund is directly or indi- rectly a beneficiary under a life insurance policy within the meaning of section 264(a) of the Code, what are the limitations on an employer’s deduc- tion for contributions to the fund? See Rev. Rul. 2007-65, page 949. Section 280G.—Golden Parachute Payments Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 330 (31 USC).—Best Practices for Tax Advisors 31 CFR 10.3: Who may practice. T.D. 9359 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of the Secretary 31 CFR Part 10 Regulations Governing Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Trea- sury. ACTION: Final regulations. SUMMARY: This document contains final regulations revising the regulations gov- erning practice before the Internal Rev- enue Service (Circular 230). These regu- lations affect individuals who practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The amendments modify the general stan- dards of practice before the IRS. DATES:Effective Date:These regulations are effective September 26, 2007. Applicability Date:For dates of appli- cability, see §§10.1(d), 10.2(b), 10.3(i), 10.4(e), 10.5(f), 10.6(p), 10.7(g), 10.22(c), 10.25(e), 10.27(d), 10.29(d), 10.30(e), 10.34(f), 10.50(e), 10.51(b), 10.52(b), 10.53(e), 10.60(d), 10.61(c), 10.62(d), 10.63(f), 10.65(c), 10.68(e), 10.70(c), 10.71(g), 10.72(g), 10.73(g), 10.76(e), 10.77(c), 10.78(d), 10.82(h), 10.90(b), and 10.91. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Cooper at (202) 622–4940. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 330 of title 31 of the United States Code authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to regulate the practice of rep- resentatives before the Treasury Depart- ment. The Secretary is authorized, after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, to censure, suspend or disbar from prac- tice before the Treasury Department those representatives who are incompetent, dis- reputable, or who violate regulations pre- scribed under section 330 of title 31. The Secretary also is authorized to impose a monetary penalty against these individuals or seek an injunction under section 7408 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Secretary has published regulations governing the practice of representatives before the IRS in Circular 230 (31 CFR part 10). These regulations authorize the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility to act upon applications for enrollment to practice before the IRS, to make inquiries with respect to matters un- der the Office of Professional Responsibil- ity’s jurisdiction, toinstitute proceedings to impose a monetary penalty or to cen- sure, suspend or disbar a practitioner from practice before the IRS, to institute pro- ceedings to disqualify appraisers, and to perform other duties necessary to carry out these functions. On December 19, 2002, the Trea- sury Department and the IRS issued an November 5, 20079312007–45 I.R.B. advance notice of proposed rulemaking (2002 ANPRM) (published in the I.R.B. as Announcement 2003–5, 2003–1 C.B. 397 (67 FR 77724)) requesting comments on amendments to the regulations relating to the Office of Professional Responsi- bility, unenrolled practice, eligibility for enrollment, sanctions and disciplinary proceedings, contingent fees and confi- dentiality agreements. On February 8, 2006, the Treasury Department and the IRS published in theFederal Register(71 FR 6421) proposed amendments to the regulations (REG–122380–02, 2006–1 C.B. 563) reflecting consideration of the comments received in response to the 2002 ANPRM and reflecting amendments to section 330 of title 31 made by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Pub- lic Law 108–357 (118 Stat. 1418) (the Jobs Act). A public hearing was held on these proposals on June 21, 2006. Writ- ten public comments responding to the proposed regulations were received. Af- ter consideration of the public comments, the proposed regulations are adopted as revised by this Treasury decision. Summary of Comments and Explanation of Revisions Over 30 written comments were re- ceived in response to the notice of pro- posed rulemaking. All comments were considered and areavailable for public inspection upon request. A number of these comments are summarized in this preamble. The scope of these regulations is limited to practice before the IRS. These regulations do not alter or supplant ethical standards that are otherwise applicable to practitioners. Definitions—Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service Section 10.2(a)(4) of the final regula- tions adopts the proposed change without modification. The final regulations pro- vide that practice before the IRS compre- hends all matters connected with a presen- tationtotheIRSoranyofitsofficersor employees relating to a taxpayer’s rights, privileges, or liabilities under laws or reg- ulations administered by the IRS. Consis- tent with the Jobs Act amendment to sec- tion 330 of title 31, the final regulations provide that practice includes rendering written advice with respect to any entity, transaction, plan or arrangement, or other plan or arrangement having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion. Several com- mentators stated that, notwithstanding the clarification provided by the Jobs Act, the rendition of tax advice is not, in and of itself, an act constituting practice before the IRS. The Treasury Department and IRS conclude that the rendering of written ad- vice is practice before the IRS subject to Circular 230 when it is provided by a prac- titioner. Who May Practice Sections 10.3(a) and (b) of these final regulations clarify that an attorney or CPA is not required to file a Form 2848,“Power of Attorney and Declaration of Represen- tative”,with the IRS before rendering written advice covered under §10.35 or §10.37. As stated earlier in this preamble, the rendering of this advice is practice before the IRS when provided by a practi- tioner. Any practice before the IRS other than the rendering of written advice cov- ered under §10.35 or §10.37 continues to require the attorney or CPA to file a Form 2848 with the IRS. The notice of proposed rulemaking invited comments on a proposal from the Advisory Committee for Tax Ex- empt/Governmental Entities recommend- ing that individuals who provide technical services to plan sponsors to maintain the tax qualified status of their retirement plans (retirement plan administrators) be authorized to practice provided they demonstrate the competency to do so. The commentators supported this pro- posal provided that practice is limited to representing taxpayers with respect to qualified retirement plan issues. In light of the favorable comments and the im- mediate need for this program, the final regulations under §10.3(e) establish an enrolled retirement plan agent designa- tion, subject to the limitations identified in these regulations. These regulations generally limit the practice of enrolled retirement plan agents to representation with respect to issues arising under the following employee plan programs: (1) Employee Plans Determina- tion Letter program; (2) Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System; and (3) Employee Plans Master and Prototype and Volume Submitter program. Enrolled re- tirement plan agents also are permitted to represent taxpayers generally with respect to IRS forms under the 5300 and 5500 series, which are filed by retirement plans and plan sponsors, but not with respect to actuarial forms or schedules. The Advisory Committee recom- mended the implementation of proce- dures for enrollment similar to the current enrolled agent program. The Treasury De- partment and IRS adopt that recommenda- tion. Enrolled retirement plan agents will be subject to an examination to determine competency, a renewal process and contin- uing professional education requirements. Enrollment Procedures Sections 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 of the reg- ulations set forth the applicable procedures relating to the enrollment and renewal of enrollment of an enrolled agent. The final regulations adopt the proposed changes in these sections with one modification. Sections 10.5(b) and 10.6(d)(6) are re- vised to reflect the publishing of T.D. 9288, 2006–44 I.R.B. 794 (71 FR 58740), which establishes user fees for enrollment and renewal of this enrollment in 26 CFR part 300, on October 5, 2006. The proce- dures in §§10.4, 10.5, and 10.6 also are expanded to include the enrollment and re- newal of enrollment for the new category of enrolled retirement plan agents. Limited Practice Before the IRS The final regulations do not adopt the provisions governing limited practice as proposed under §10.7. Accordingly, the authorization in §10.7(c)(viii), which al- lows an individual, who was not other- wise a practitioner, to represent a taxpayer during an examination if that individual prepared the return for the taxable period under examination, is retained. An un- enrolled return preparer who prepared the taxpayer’s return for the year under exam- ination, therefore, may continue to nego- tiate with the IRS on behalf of that tax- payer during an examination or bind that taxpayer to a position during an exami- nation. The unenrolled return preparer, however, may still not represent a tax- payer before any other office of the IRS, including Collection or Appeals; execute closing agreements, claims for refund, or 2007–45 I.R.B.932November 5, 2007 waivers; or otherwise represent taxpay- ers before the IRS unless authorized by §10.7(c)(1)(i) through (vii). These final regulations do not adopt one commentator’s suggestion that payroll re- porting agents be allowed to represent tax- payers on a limited basis with respect to Federal tax deposits made by the payroll agents on behalf of their clients. Payroll agents have not demonstrated their quali- fications to practice before the IRS as re- quired under section 330(a)(2) of title 31. Payroll agents may assist, however, in the exchange of information with the IRS re- garding a taxpayer’s return if the taxpayer specifically authorizesthe payroll agent to receive confidentialtax information from the IRS through the use of a tax informa- tion authorization. Practice by Former Government Employees, Their Partners and Their Associates The final regulations adopt the pro- posed amendments to §10.25, with mod- ification. The final regulations modify §10.25(b)(4) to prohibit, for a period of one year after Government employment is ended, former employees from appearing before, or communicating with the intent to influence, an employee of the Treasury Department with respect to a rule in which they were involved in developing. This modification is consistent with the scope of activities covered by 18 U.S.C. 207(a) and 207(c). Commentators generally sup- ported the changes to §10.25 governing the restrictions on the practice of former Government employees, their partners, and their associates with respect to matters that the former Government employees participated in during the course of their Government employment. Contingent Fees The final regulations adopt the amend- ments as proposed in §10.27, with several modifications. Most commentators op- posed further limitations on contingent fees under §10.27 and supported the with- drawal or significant modification of this section. Specifically, several commenta- tors stated that the proposed rules were overly broad, improperly interfered with the practitioner-client relationship, and prohibited some small and middle market taxpayers from appropriately requesting refunds. Another group of commentators requested that contingent fees be allowed in situations in which IRS review of the taxpayer’s position is probable and the fees do not provide an incentive for abuse (including interest and penalty reviews, private letter rulings, pre-filing agree- ments, advance pricing agreements, and requests for relief under section 9100). The Treasury Department and the IRS continue to believe that a rule restricting contingent fees for preparing tax returns supports voluntary compliance with the Federal tax laws by discouraging return positions that exploit the audit selection process. In particular, the Treasury De- partment and IRS are concerned with the use of contingent fee arrangements in connection with claims for refund or amended returns filed late in the exami- nation process. Balancing these concerns with the appropriate use of contingent fee arrangements in other situations, the final regulations permit a practitioner to charge a contingent fee for services rendered in connection with the IRS examination of, or challenge, to (i) an original tax return, or (ii) an amended return or claim for re- fund or credit where the amended return or claim for refund or credit was filed within 120 days of the taxpayer receiving a writ- ten notice of the examination or a written challenge to the original tax return. Based on comments received, the final regulations also permit the use of contin- gent fees for interest and penalty reviews because there is no exploitation of the audit lottery in these situations as they are gener- ally completed on a post-examination ba- sis. A practitioner, therefore, may charge a contingent fee for services rendered in connection with a claim for credit or re- fund filed in connection with the determi- nation of statutory interest or penalties as- sessed by the Internal Revenue Service. Finally, the final regulations adopt the amendment in proposed §10.27 which al- lows a practitioner to charge a contingent fee for services rendered in connection with any judicial proceeding arising under the Internal Revenue Code. To eliminate any adverse impact that the adoption of these final regulations could have on pending or imminent trans- actions, §10.27(d), as amended, will apply to fee arrangements entered into after March 26, 2008. Conflicting Interests The final regulations adopt the pro- posed amendments found in §10.29 with modification. Under the final regulations, a practitioner is required to obtain consent to the representation from each affected client in writing in order to represent the conflicting interests. The written consent may vary in form. The practitioner may prepare a letter to the client outlining the conflict, as well as the possible implica- tions of the conflict, and submit the letter to the client for the client to countersign. Unlike American Bar Association model rule 1.7, which permits affected clients to provide informed consent verbally if the consent is contemporaneously docu- mented by the practitioner in writing, a verbal consent followed by a confirmatory letter authored by the practitioner will not satisfy §10.29 unless the confirma- tory letter is countersigned by the client. A number of commentators opposed the proposed rules on the grounds that it is arguably broader than American Bar As- sociation model rule 1.7. The Treasury Department and IRS, however, conclude that the language in the final regulations is appropriate to protect taxpayer interests and protect settlements from future col- lateral attack. In order to provide greater flexibility to both the practitioner and client, the Treasury Department and IRS have revised the final regulations to allow the confirmation to be made within a rea- sonable period after the informed consent, but in no event later than 30 days. It is not the intent of the Treasury Department and IRS to sanction minor technical vio- lations of this final §10.29 when there is little or no injury to a client, the public, or tax administration. For example, if a client fails to return the confirmatory writing to the practitioner, notwithstand- ing the practitioner’s documented good faith effort to obtain the client’s signature, the practitioner would not be subject to a sanction or monetary penalty provided the practitioner promptly withdrew from representation uponthe failure to receive the client’s written confirmation within a reasonable period. November 5, 20079332007–45 I.R.B. Standards With Respect to Tax Returns and Documents, Affidavits and Other Papers Section 10.34 sets forth standards ap- plicable to advice with respect to tax re- turn positions and applicable to preparing or signing returns. These final regulations adopt §10.34 as proposed, with modifica- tions. On May 25, 2007, the President signed into law the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007, Public Law 110–28 (121 Stat. 190), which amended several provisions of the Code to extend the application of the income tax return preparer penalties to all tax return prepar- ers, alter the standards of conduct that must be met to avoid imposition of the penal- ties for preparing a return that reflects an understatement of liability, and increase applicable penalties. On June 11, 2007, the IRS released Notice 2007–54, 2007–27 I.R.B. 12 (see §601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)), pro- viding guidance and transitional relief for the return preparer provisions under section 6694 of the Code, as recently amended. The standards with respect to tax returns under §10.34(a) in these final regulations do not reflect amendments to the Code made by the Small Busi- ness and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007. Rather, the Treasury Department and the IRS are reserving §10.34(a) and (e) in these final regulations and are si- multaneously issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to amend this part to reflect these recent amendments to the Code. Several commentators requested that the Treasury Department and the IRS clar- ify the rule concerning advising a client to submit a document that contains or omits information in a manner that demonstrates an intentional disregard of a rule or reg- ulation and a taxpayer’s right to offer a good faith challenge to a rule or regula- tion. The language under §10.34(b)(2)(iii) now provides that a practitioner may not advise a client to submit a document to the IRS that contains or omits information in a manner that demonstrates an intentional disregard of a rule or regulation unless the practitioner also advises the client to submit a document showing a good faith challenge to the rule or regulation. Sanctions The final regulations adopt the amend- ments under §10.50 authorizing the impo- sition of a monetary penalty in addition to, or in lieu of, any other sanction in accor- dance with section 822(a) of the Jobs Act. The Treasury Department and the IRS released Notice 2007–39, 2007–20 I.R.B. 1243 (see §601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)), on April 23, 2007, which provides guidance for practitioners, employers, firms, and other entities that may be subject to monetary penalties. In addition, the notice requests comments from the public regarding rules and standards relating to the imposition of the monetary penalty. The regulations also contain conforming amendments to other provisions relating to sanctions, including modifications made by section 1219 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Public Law 109–280 (120 Stat. 780). The Sec- retary of Treasury, or delegate, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, may now disqualify an appraiser who violates Circular 230 with or without the assess- ment of a section 6701 penalty against the appraiser. Incompetence and Disreputable Conduct Section 10.51 of the regulations de- fines disreputable conduct for which a practitioner may be sanctioned. A number of commentators stated that inclusion of “failure to sign a tax return” as a type of disreputable conduct is inappropriate unless the rule clarifies how the practi- tioner should appropriately handle com- peting duties, including section 6694 of the Internal Revenue Code or §10.34 of Circular 230. The Treasury Department and the IRS agree thatthere might be in- stances in which the failure to sign a return should not lead to discipline. Therefore, §10.51(a)(14) of the final regulations is modified to provide that failure to sign a return is not disreputable conduct if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. This change is consistent with the standard applied under section 6695(b) of the Code. Conferences The final regulations adopt the pro- posed rule in §10.61(a) relating to the ability of the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility to confer with a practitioner, employer, firm or other en- tity, or an appraiser concerning allegations of misconduct irrespective of whether a proceeding has been instituted. Commen- tators suggested that the practitioner, em- ployer, firm or other entity, or an appraiser be provided with a right to a conference with the Office of Professional Respon- sibility. The commentators’ suggestion was not adopted in light of the Office of Professional Responsibility’s policy that it will not deny a first request for conference made by a practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or an appraiser regarding allegations of misconduct. The Office of Professional Responsibility may conduct a conference by telephonic means or in person. Service of Complaint The final regulations adopt the rules re- lated to service of the complaint as pro- posed. Proposed regulations in §10.63(d) provide that within 10 days of serving the complaint, copies of the evidence in sup- port of the complaint must be served on the respondent in any manner provided by regulations. Commentators requested that the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility furnish evidence not solely in support of the complaint, but also addi- tional evidence collected during the course of investigating the conduct of the respon- dent, including any exculpatory evidence. Although not formalized in the regulations or the Internal Revenue Manual currently, the current practice of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility is to provide to the respondent upon request a copy of what in- formally is understood as the “OPR admin- istrative file” prior to the filing of a com- plaint under §10.60. In general, the OPR administrative file contains material that the Office of Professional Responsibility considered in the course of determining whether to issue a final complaint. Some material related to the case, including but not limited to legal memoranda provided to the Office of Professional Responsibil- ity by the Office of Chief Counsel will not be included in the OPR administrative file. The Treasury Department and IRS intend for the practice of releasing the OPR ad- ministrative file upon request to continue. This practice addresses in part commenta- tors’ concern that documents included in the investigatory file, including releasable 2007–45 I.R.B.934November 5, 2007 exculpatory evidence, be provided to the respondent. The IRS expects to issue In- ternal Revenue Manual provisions in the near future pertaining to the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility’s procedures for investigations. It is expected that those provisions will formalize the definition of the OPR administrative file and the current practice of providing it to the respondent upon request. In order to help ensure that a respondent has access to the evidence in support of OPR’s position, as well as other evidence included in the investiga- tory file, the Treasury Department and IRS are considering ways in which the exist- ing practice relating to the OPR adminis- trative file can be formalized, and will con- sider addressing this issue in future pub- lished guidance. Supplemental Charges The final regulations adopt the rules on supplemental charges as proposed with mi- nor revisions. Section 10.65 of the reg- ulations provides that the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may file supplemental charges against a practi- tioner or appraiser by amending the com- plaint to reflect the additional charges if the practitioner or appraiser is given notice and an opportunity to prepare a defense to the supplemental charges. Discovery, Hearings, and Publicity of Proceedings The final regulations adopt the pro- posed changes to §§10.68, 10.71, and 10.72(a) through (c) without modification. Most commentatorssupported expand- ing the use of discovery in disciplinary proceedings. Most commentators also supported providing further procedural protections such as a guarantee of the right to cross-examine witnesses. Section 10.71(f) of the final regulations provides that no discovery other than that specifi- cally provided in that section is permitted. Section 10.72(d) regarding the public- ity of disciplinary proceedings is adopted with modification. These final regulations provide that reports and decisions of the ALJ and appellate authority will be avail- able for public inspection within 30 days after the agency’s decision becomes final, subject to procedures to protect the identi- ties of any third-party taxpayers. This pub- licity will provide greater transparency to the disciplinary process. Although most commentators do not oppose disclosure if a sanction is imposed, commentators raised concerns about dis- closure before the Secretary’s decision is final. The concerns are that prema- ture public disclosure will unfairly tarnish practitioners’ reputations and that IRS proceedings lack the independent review and system of checks and balances found in State bar disciplinary proceedings. Sev- eral commentators specifically requested that an independent party outside of the IRS make a probable cause determination prior to disclosure. Attorneys in the Office of Professional Responsibility reviewevery allegation re- ceived by the office. If an allegation war- rants investigation, the practitioner is pro- vided with an opportunity to confer with the Office of Professional Responsibility regarding the allegation against the prac- titioner. After the conference, the Office of Professional Responsibility may close their investigation without action, or, if a violation of Circular 230 has occurred, at- tempt to reach an agreement with the prac- titioner on an appropriate sanction. If an agreement is not reached, the Office of Professional Responsibility sends the case to the Office of the Associate Chief Coun- sel (General Legal Services) for further action. An attorney in the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (General Legal Services) thoroughly reviews the case file, and, if a violation of Circular 230 has oc- curred, the practitioner is offered one more opportunity to discuss the merits and set- tlement of the case before a formal com- plaint is filed. Only after the case has been reviewed by the Office of the Asso- ciate Chief Counsel (General Legal Ser- vices) and the practitioner has been offered this second opportunity to discuss and set- tle the case is a formal complaint filed. In light of the concerns raised by com- mentators that premature public disclosure could potentially tarnish practitioners’ rep- utations, the final regulations require that disclosure of the disciplinary decision be delayed until after the decision becomes fi- nal. This modification ensures that there is no potential premature tarnishing of a practitioner’s reputation. Decision of Administrative Law Judge The final regulations do not adopt the proposed rules under §§10.77 and 10.78, which provided for a more streamlined process for deciding appeals of the Admin- istrative Law Judges’ decisions. The in- tent of this streamlined process was to pro- vide a more timely process for deciding appeals. Numerous concerns were raised with the streamlined process, and, after consideration of the concerns, these final regulations keep the current rules under §§10.77 and 10.78 in effect. But to achieve a more timely review of any appeal, the regulations now provide that the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, should make the agency decision within 180 days after receipt of the appeal. The failure of the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, to meet this timeframe, as well as any other discretionary timeframe in subpart D, does not create a right of action for the practi- tioner. Expedited Suspension The final regulations adopt, with mod- ification, the proposed amendments to §10.82. Final §10.82 expands the author- ity of the Office of Professional Respon- sibility to institute expedited suspension proceedings against practitioners who ad- vance frivolous or obstructionist positions (after a sanction by a court of competent jurisdiction). The Treasury Department and the IRS continue to believe that the expedited suspension process is equitable and appropriate in the limited listed cir- cumstances. The Office of Professional Responsibility completes an investigation of the issues prior to instituting an ex- pedited proceeding and practitioners are entitled to a conference with the Office of Professional Responsibility upon request. Several commentators expressed con- cern that expanding the authorized use of the expedited procedures to compliance cases further erodes a practitioner’s rights to due process. After further considera- tion of this issue, final §10.82 does not ex- pand the authority of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility to institute expedited suspension proceedings against practition- ers who are not in compliance with their own Federal tax obligations (failure to file or pay a tax in 3 of the preceding 5 years, or in 4 of the preceding 7 periods). November 5, 20079352007–45 I.R.B. Special Analyses It has been determined that this final rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. There- fore, a regulatory assessment is not re- quired. It is hereby certified, under the pro- visions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601et seq.), that these regula- tions will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Persons authorized to practice have long been required to comply with certain standards of conduct when practic- ing before the Internal Revenue Service. These regulations do not alter the basic nature of the obligations and responsibil- ities of these practitioners. These regu- lations merely clarify those obligations in response to public comments, replace certain terminology to conform with the terminology used in 18 U.S.C. 207, and 5 CFR parts 2637 and 2641 (or supersed- ing regulations), make modifications to reflect amendments to section 330 of title 31 made by the Jobs Act, and make other modifications to reflect concerns about greater independence, transparency and due process. These regulations will not impose, or otherwise cause, a significant increase in reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance burdens on a substantial number of small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis, therefore, is not re- quired. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the In- ternal Revenue 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 the regula- tions’ impact on small businesses. Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tions is Matthew S. Cooper of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration). ***** Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 31 CFR part 10 is amended to read as follows: PART 10 — PRACTICE BEFORE THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Paragraph 1. The authority citation for 31 CFR part 10 continues to read as fol- lows: Authority: Sec. 3, 23 Stat. 258, secs. 2–12, 60 Stat. 237et. seq.;5 U.S.C. 301, 500, 551–559; 31 U.S.C. 321; 31 U.S.C. 330; Reorg. Plan No. 26 of 1950, 15 FR 4935, 64 Stat. 1280, 3 CFR, 1949–1953 Comp., p. 1017. Par. 2. In Part 10, remove the language “Director of Practice” where it appears and add, in its place, the language “Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility” in each of the following sections and para- graphs: Section 10.5(c), (d) and (e); Section 10.6(a)(5), (b), (g)(2)(iii), (g)(2)(iv), (g)(4), (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(4), (k)(1), (k)(2) and (n); Section 10.7(c)(2)(iii) and (d); Section 10.20(b) heading, (b) and (c); Section 10.60(b); Section 10.63(c) heading, (c); Section 10.64(a); Section 10.66; Section 10.69(a)(1) and (b); Section 10.73(a); Section 10.79(a), (b), (c) and (d); Section 10.80; Section 10.81; Section 10.82(a), (c) introductory text, (c)(3), (d), (e), (f)(1) and (g). Par. 3. Section 10.1 is revised to read as follows: §10.1 Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility. (a)Establishment of office.TheOf- fice of Professional Responsibility is es- tablished in the Internal Revenue Service. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility is appointed by the Secre- tary of the Treasury, or delegate. (b)Duties. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility acts on ap- plications for enrollment to practice before the Internal Revenue Service; makes in- quiries with respect to matters under the Director’s jurisdiction; institutes and pro- vides for the conduct of disciplinary pro- ceedings relating to practitioners (and em- ployers, firms or other entities, if applica- ble) and appraisers; and performs other du- ties as are necessary orappropriate to carry out the functions under this part or as are otherwise prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate. (c)Acting Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility. The Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, will designate an officer or employee of the Treasury De- partment to act as Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility in the absence of the Director or during a vacancy in that office. (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 4. Section 10.2 is revised to read as follows: §10.2 Definitions. (a) As used in this part, except where the text provides otherwise— (1)Attorneymeans any person who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, territory, or pos- session of the United States, including a Commonwealth, or the District of Colum- bia. (2)Certified public accountantmeans any person who is duly qualified to prac- tice as a certified public accountant in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. (3)Commissionerrefers to the Com- missioner of Internal Revenue. (4)Practice before the Internal Rev- enue Servicecomprehends all matters con- nected with a presentation to the Internal Revenue Service or any of its officers or employees relating to a taxpayer’s rights, privileges, or liabilities under laws or reg- ulations administered by the Internal Rev- enue Service. Such presentations include, but are not limited to, preparing and fil- ing documents, corresponding and com- municating with the Internal Revenue Ser- vice, rendering written advice with respect to any entity, transaction, plan or arrange- ment, or other plan or arrangement having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion, and representing a client at conferences, hearings and meetings. (5)Practitionermeans any individual described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of §10.3. (6) Atax returnincludes an amended tax return and a claim for refund. 2007–45 I.R.B.936November 5, 2007 (7)Servicemeans the Internal Revenue Service. (b)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par.5.Section10.3isamendedby: (1) Revising paragraphs (a) and (b). (2) Redesignating paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) as paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) re- spectively. (3) Adding new paragraphs (e) and (i). The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §10.3 Who may practice. (a)Attorneys. Any attorney who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Internal Revenue Service may practice before the Internal Revenue Service by filing with the Inter- nal Revenue Service a written declaration that the attorney is currently qualified as an attorney and is authorized to represent the party or parties. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, attorneys who are not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Internal Revenue Service are not required to file a written declaration with theIRS before rendering written advice covered under §10.35 or §10.37, but their rendering of this advice is practice before the Internal Revenue Ser- vice. (b)Certified public accountants.Any certified public accountant who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Internal Revenue Service may practice before the Internal Revenue Service by filing with the Internal Revenue Service a written declaration that the certified public accountant is currently qualified as a certified public accountant and is authorized to represent the party or parties. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, certified public accountants who are not currently under suspension or dis- barment from practice before the Internal Revenue Service are not required to file a written declaration with the IRS before rendering written advice covered under §10.35 or §10.37, but their rendering of this advice is practice before the Internal Revenue Service. ***** (e)Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents—(1) Any individual enrolled as a retirement plan agent pursuant to this part who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Internal Revenue Service may practice before the Internal Revenue Service. (2) Practice as an enrolled retirement plan agent is limited to representation with respect to issues involving the following programs: Employee Plans Determination Letter program; Employee Plans Compli- ance Resolution System; and Employee Plans Master and Prototype and Volume Submitter program. In addition, enrolled retirement plan agents are generally per- mitted to represent taxpayers with respect to IRS forms under the 5300 and 5500 se- ries which are filed by retirement plans and plan sponsors, but not with respect to actu- arial forms or schedules. (3) An individual who practices before the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this section is subject to the provisions of this part in the same man- ner as attorneys, certified public accoun- tants and enrolled agents. ***** (i)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 6. Section 10.4 is revised to read as follows: §10.4 Eligibility for enrollment as enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent. (a)Enrollment as an enrolled agent upon examination. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may grant enrollment as an enrolled agent to an applicant who demonstrates special com- petence in tax matters by written exam- ination administered by, or administered under the oversight of, the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility and who has not engaged in any conduct that would justify the censure, suspension, or disbarment of any practitioner under the provisions of this part. (b)Enrollment as a retirement plan agent upon examination. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may grant enrollment as an enrolled re- tirement plan agent to an applicant who demonstrates special competence in qual- ified retirement plan matters by written examination administered by, or adminis- tered under the oversight of, the Director of the Office of Professional Responsi- bility and who has not engaged in any conduct that would justify the censure, suspension, or disbarment of any practi- tioner under the provisions of this part. (c)Enrollment of former Internal Rev- enue Service employees. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may grant enrollment as an enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent to an ap- plicant who, by virtue of past service and technical experience in the Internal Rev- enue Service, has qualified for such enroll- ment and who has not engaged in any con- duct that would justify the censure, suspen- sion, or disbarment of any practitioner un- der the provisions of this part, under the following circumstances— (1) The former employee applies for enrollment to the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility on a form supplied by the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility and supplies the information requested on the form and such other information regarding the expe- rience and training of the applicant as may be relevant. (2) An appropriate office of the Inter- nal Revenue Service, at the request of the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility, will provide the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility with a detailed report of the nature and rating of the applicant’s work while em- ployed by the Internal Revenue Service and a recommendation whether such em- ployment qualifies the applicant techni- cally or otherwise for the desired autho- rization. (3) Enrollment as an enrolled agent based on an applicant’s former employ- ment with the Internal Revenue Service may be of unlimited scope or it may be limited to permit the presentation of mat- ters only of the particular class or only before the particular unit or division of the Internal Revenue Service for which the applicant’s former employment has qualified the applicant. Enrollment as an enrolled retirement plan agent based on an applicant’s former employment with the Internal Revenue Service will be limited to permit the presentation of matters only with respect to qualified retirement plan matters. (4) Application for enrollment as an en- rolled agent or enrolled retirement plan November 5, 20079372007–45 I.R.B. agent based on an applicant’s former em- ployment with the Internal Revenue Ser- vice must be made within 3 years from the date of separation from such employment. (5) An applicant for enrollment as an enrolledagentwhoisrequestingsuch enrollment based on former employment with the Internal Revenue Service must have had a minimum of 5 years continu- ous employment with the Internal Revenue Service during which the applicant must have been regularly engaged in applying and interpreting the provisions of the In- ternal Revenue Code and the regulations relating to income, estate, gift, employ- ment, or excise taxes. (6) An applicant for enrollment as an enrolled retirement plan agent who is re- questing such enrollment based on former employment with the Internal Revenue Servicemusthavehadaminimumof5 years continuous employment with the Internal Revenue Service during which the applicant must have been regularly engaged in applying and interpreting the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations relating to qualified retirement plan matters. (7) For the purposes of paragraphs (b)(5) and (b)(6) of this section, an aggre- gate of 10 or more years of employment in positions involving the application and interpretation of the provisions of the In- ternal Revenue Code, at least 3 of which occurred within the 5years preceding the date of application, is the equivalent of 5 years continuous employment. (d)Natural persons. Enrollment to practice may be granted only to natural persons. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 7. Section 10.5 is amended by re- vising the section heading and paragraphs (a) and (b) and adding paragraph (f) to read as follows: §10.5 Application for enrollment as an enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent. (a)Form; address. An applicant for en- rollment as an enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent must apply as re- quired by forms or procedures established and published by the Office of Professional Responsibility, including proper execution of required forms under oath or affirma- tion. The address on the application will be the address under which a successful appli- cant is enrolled and is the address to which all correspondence concerning enrollment will be sent. (b)Fee. A reasonable nonrefundable fee will be charged for each application for enrollment as an enrolled agent filed with the Director of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility in accordance with 26 CFR 300.5. A reasonable nonrefund- able fee will be charged for each applica- tion for enrollment as an enrolled retire- ment plan agent filed with the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility. ***** (f)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable to enrollment appli- cations received on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 8. Section 10.6 is amended by: 1. Revising the section heading. 2. Removing paragraph (a). 3. Redesignating paragraph (c) as para- graph (a). 4. Adding new paragraphs (c) and (p). 5. Revising paragraphs (d) introduc- tory text, (d)(4), (d)(5), (d)(6), (d)(7), (e), (f)(1), (f)(2)(iv)(A), (g)(5), (k)(4), (k)(7) and (l). The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §10.6 Enrollment as an enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent. ***** (c)Change of address. An enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent must send notification of any change of address to the address specified by the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility. This notification must include the enrolled agent’s or enrolled re- tirement plan agent’s name, prior address, new address, social security number or tax identification number and the date. (d)Renewal of enrollment.Tomain- tain active enrollment to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, each indi- vidual is required to have the enrollment renewed. Failure to receive notification from the Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility of the renewal re- quirement will not be justification for the individual’s failure to satisfy this require- ment. ***** (4) Thereafter, applications for renewal as an enrolled agent will be required be- tween November 1 and January 31 of ev- ery subsequent third year as specified in paragraph (d)(1), (2) or (3) of this section according to the last number of the individ- ual’s social security number or tax identi- fication number. Those individuals who receive initial enrollment as an enrolled agent after November 1 and before April 2 of the applicable renewal period will not be required to renew their enrollment before the first full renewal period following the receipt of their initialenrollment. Applica- tions for renewal as an enrolled retirement plan agent will be required of all enrolled retirement plan agents between April 1 and June 30 of every third year period subse- quent to their initial enrollment. (5) The Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility will notify the in- dividual of the renewal of enrollment and will issue the individual a card evidencing enrollment. (6) A reasonable nonrefundable fee will be charged for each application for renewal of enrollment as an enrolled agent filed with the Director of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility in accordance with 26 CFR 300.6. A reasonable nonrefund- able fee will be charged for each applica- tion for renewal of enrollment as an en- rolled retirement plan agent filed with the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility. (7) Forms required for renewal may be obtained by sending a written request to the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washing- ton, DC 20224 or from such other source as the Director of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility will publish in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (see 26 CFR 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)) and on the Internal Revenue Service webpage (www.irs.gov). (e)Condition for renewal: continuing professional education. In order to qual- ify for renewal of enrollment, an individ- ual enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service must certify, on the ap- plication for renewal form prescribed by the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility, that he or she has satisfied the following continuing professional edu- cation requirements. 2007–45 I.R.B.938November 5, 2007 (1)Definitions. For purposes of this section— (i)Enrollment yearmeans January 1 to December 31 of each year of an enrollment cycle. (ii)Enrollment cyclemeans the three successive enrollment years preceding the effective date of renewal. (iii) Theeffective date of renewalis the first day of the fourth month following the close of the period for renewal described in paragraph (d) of this section. (2)For renewed enrollment effective af- ter December 31, 2006—(i)Requirements for enrollment cycle.Aminimumof72 hours of continuing education credit must be completed during each enrollment cy- cle. (ii)Requirements for enrollment year. A minimum of 16 hours of continuing edu- cation credit, including 2 hours of ethics or professional conduct, must be completed during each enrollment year of an enroll- ment cycle. (iii)Enrollment during enrollment cy- cle—(A)In general. Subject to paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(B) of this section, an individual who receives initial enrollment during an enrollment cycle must complete 2 hours of qualifying continuing education credit for each month enrolled during the enroll- ment cycle. Enrollment for any part of a month is considered enrollment for the en- tire month. (B)Ethics. An individual who receives initial enrollment during an enrollment cy- cle must complete 2 hours of ethics or pro- fessional conduct for each enrollment year during the enrollment cycle. Enrollment for any part of an enrollment year is con- sidered enrollment for the entire year. (f)Qualifying continuing educa- tion—(1)General.(i)Enrolled agents. To qualify for continuing education credit for an enrolled agent, a course of learning must— (A) Be a qualifying program designed to enhance professional knowledge in Fed- eral taxation or Federal tax related mat- ters (programs comprised of current sub- ject matter in Federal taxation or Federal tax related matters, including accounting, tax preparation software and taxation or ethics); (B) Be a qualifying program consistent with the Internal Revenue Code and effec- tive tax administration; and (C) Be sponsored by a qualifying spon- sor. (ii)Enrolled retirement plan agents.To qualify for continuing education credit for an enrolled retirement plan agent, a course of learning must— (i) Be a qualifying program designed to enhance professional knowledge in quali- fied retirement plan matters; (ii) Be a qualifying program consistent with the Internal Revenue Code and effec- tive tax administration; and (iii) Be sponsored by a qualifying spon- sor. (2) * * * (iv)Credit for published articles, books, etc. (A) For enrolled agents, con- tinuing education credit will be awarded for publications on Federal taxation or Federal tax related matters, including ac- counting, tax preparation software, and taxation or ethics, provided the content of such publications is current and designed for the enhancement of the professional knowledge of an individual enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Ser- vice. The publication must be consistent with the Internal Revenue Code and ef- fective tax administration. For enrolled retirement plan agents, continuing educa- tion credit will be awarded for publications on qualified retirement plan matters, pro- vided the content of such publications is current and designed for the enhancement of the professional knowledge of an indi- vidual enrolled to practice as an enrolled retirement plan agent before the Internal Revenue Service. The publication must be consistent with the Internal Revenue Code and effective tax administration. ***** (g) * * * (5)Sponsor renewal.(i)In general.A sponsor maintains its status as a qualified sponsor during the sponsor enrollment cy- cle. (ii)Renewal period. Each sponsor must file an application to renew its status as a qualified sponsor between May 1 and July 31, 2008. Thereafter, applications for renewal will be required between May 1 and July 31 of every subsequent third year. (iii)Effective date of renewal.Theef- fective date of renewal is the first day of the third month following the close of the renewal period. (iv)Sponsor enrollment cycle.The sponsor enrollment cycle is the three successive calendar years preceding the effective date of renewal. ***** (k) * * * (4) Individuals placed in inactive en- rollment status and individuals ineligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service may not state or imply that they are enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, or use the terms enrolled agent or enrolled retirement plan agent, the designations “EA” or “ERPA” or other form of reference to eligibility to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. ***** (7) Inactive enrollment status is not available to an individual who is the sub- ject of a disciplinary matter in the Office of Professional Responsibility. (l) Inactive retirement status.Anindi- vidual who no longer practices before the Internal Revenue Service may request be- ing placed in an inactive retirement sta- tus at any time and such individual will be placed in an inactive retirement status. The individual will be ineligible to practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service. Such individual must file a timely application for renewal of enrollment at each applica- ble renewal or enrollment period as pro- vided in this section. An individual who is placed in an inactive retirement status may be reinstated to an active enrollment sta- tus by filing an application for renewal of enrollment and providing evidence of the completion of the required continuing pro- fessional education hours for the enroll- ment cycle. Inactive retirement status is not available to an individual who is the subject of a disciplinary matter in the Of- fice of Professional Responsibility. ***** (p)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable to enrollment effec- tive on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 9. Section 10.7 is amended by: 1. Revising paragraph (c)(2)(ii). 2. And adding paragraph (g). The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: November 5, 20079392007–45 I.R.B. §10.7 Representing oneself; participating in rulemaking; limited practice; special appearances; and return preparation. ***** (c) * * * (2) * * * (ii) The Director, after notice and op- portunity for a conference, may deny eligi- bility to engage in limited practice before the Internal Revenue Service under para- graph (c)(1) of this section to any individ- ual who has engaged in conduct that would justify a sanction under §10.50. ***** (g)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 10. Section 10.22 is amended by revising paragraph (b) and adding para- graph (c) to read as follows: §10.22 Diligence as to accuracy. ***** (b)Reliance on others. Except as pro- vided in §§10.34, 10.35, and 10.37, a prac- titioner will be presumed to have exercised due diligence for purposes of this section if the practitioner relies on the work product of another person and the practitioner used reasonable care in engaging, supervising, training, and evaluating the person, taking proper account of the nature of the rela- tionship between the practitioner and the person. (c)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 11. Section 10.25 is revised to read as follows: §10.25 Practice by former government employees, their partners and their associates. (a)Definitions. For purposes of this section— (1)Assistmeans to act in such a way as to advise, furnish information to, or other- wise aid another person, directly, or indi- rectly. (2)Government employeeis an officer or employee of the United States or any agency of the United States, including a special Government employee as defined in 18 U.S.C. 202(a), or of the District of Columbia, or of any State, or a member of Congress or of any State legislature. (3)Member of a firmisasolepracti- tioner or an employee or associate thereof, or a partner, stockholder, associate, affili- ate or employee of a partnership, joint ven- ture, corporation, professional association or other affiliation of two or more prac- titioners who represent nongovernmental parties. (4)Particular matter involving specific partiesis defined at 5 CFR 2637.201(c), or superseding post-employment regulations issued by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. (5)Ruleincludes Treasury regulations, whether issued or under preparation for issuance as notices of proposed rulemak- ing or as Treasury decisions, revenue rul- ings, and revenue procedures published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (see 26 CFR 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)). (b)General rules—(1) No former Gov- ernment employee may, subsequent to Government employment, represent any- one in any matter administered by the Internal Revenue Service if the represen- tation would violate 18 U.S.C. 207 or any other laws of the United States. (2)NoformerGovernmentemployee who personally and substantially partici- pated in a particular matter involving spe- cific parties may, subsequent to Govern- ment employment, represent or knowingly assist, in that particular matter, any person who is or was a specific party to that par- ticular matter. (3) A former Government employee who within a period of one year prior to the termination of Government em- ployment had official responsibility for a particular matter involving specific parties may not, within two years after Govern- ment employment is ended, represent in that particular matter any person who is or was a specific party to that particular matter. (4)NoformerGovernmentemployee may, within one year after Government employment is ended, communicate with or appear before, with the intent to influ- ence, any employee of the Treasury De- partment in connection with the publica- tion, withdrawal, amendment, modifica- tion, or interpretation of a rule the develop- ment of which the former Government em- ployee participated in, or for which, within a period of one year prior to the termina- tion of Government employment, the for- mer government employee had official re- sponsibility. This paragraph (b)(4) does not, however, preclude any former em- ployee from appearing on one’s own be- half or from representing a taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service in connec- tion with a particular matter involving spe- cific parties involving the application or interpretation of a rule with respect to that particular matter, provided that the repre- sentation is otherwise consistent with the other provisions of this section and the for- mer employee does not utilize or disclose any confidential information acquired by the former employee in the development of the rule. (c)Firm representation—(1) No mem- ber of a firm of which a former Govern- ment employee is a member may represent or knowingly assist a person who was or is a specific party in any particular mat- ter with respect to which the restrictions of paragraph (b)(2) of this section apply to the former Government employee, in that particular matter, unless the firm isolates the former Government employee in such a way to ensure that the former Govern- ment employee cannot assist in the repre- sentation. (2) When isolation of a former Gov- ernment employee is required under para- graph (c)(1) of this section, a statement af- firming the fact of such isolation must be executed under oath by the former Gov- ernment employee and by another mem- ber of the firm acting on behalf of the firm. The statement must clearly iden- tify the firm, the former Government em- ployee, and the particular matter(s) requir- ing isolation. The statement must be re- tained by the firm and, upon request, pro- vided to the Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility. (d)Pending representation. The pro- visions of this regulation will govern practice by former Government employ- ees, their partners and associates with respect to representation in particular mat- ters involving specific parties where actual representation commenced before the ef- fective date of this regulation. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par.12.Section10.27isrevisedtoread as follows: 2007–45 I.R.B.940November 5, 2007 §10.27 Fees. (a)In general. A practitioner may not charge an unconscionable fee in connec- tion with any matter before the Internal Revenue Service. (b)Contingent fees—(1) Except as pro- vided in paragraphs (b)(2), (3), and (4) of this section, a practitioner may not charge a contingent fee for services rendered in connection with any matter before the In- ternal Revenue Service. (2) A practitioner may charge a contin- gent fee for services rendered in connec- tion with the Service’s examination of, or challenge to— (i) An original tax return; or (ii) An amended return or claim for re- fund or credit where the amended return or claim for refund or credit was filed within 120 days of the taxpayer receiving a writ- ten notice of the examination of, or a writ- ten challenge to the original tax return. (3) A practitioner may charge a contin- gent fee for services rendered in connec- tion with a claim for credit or refund filed solely in connection with the determina- tion of statutory interest or penalties as- sessed by the Internal Revenue Service. (4) A practitioner may charge a contin- gent fee for services rendered in connec- tion with any judicial proceeding arising under the Internal Revenue Code. (c)Definitions. For purposes of this section— (1)Contingent feeis any fee that is based, in whole or in part, on whether or not a position taken on a tax return or other filing avoids challenge by the Inter- nal Revenue Service or is sustained either by the Internal Revenue Service or in lit- igation. A contingent fee includes a fee that is based on a percentage of the re- fund reported on a return, that is based on a percentage of the taxes saved, or that oth- erwise depends on the specific result at- tained. A contingent fee also includes any fee arrangement in which the practitioner will reimburse the client for all or a por- tion of the client’s fee in the event that a position taken on a tax return or other fil- ing is challenged by the Internal Revenue Service or is not sustained, whether pur- suant to an indemnity agreement, a guaran- tee, rescission rights, or any other arrange- ment with a similar effect. (2)Matter before the Internal Revenue Serviceincludes tax planning and advice, preparing or filing or assisting in prepar- ing or filing returns or claims for refund or credit, and all matters connected with a presentation to the Internal Revenue Ser- vice or any of its officers or employees relating to a taxpayer’s rights, privileges, or liabilities under laws or regulations ad- ministered by the Internal Revenue Ser- vice. Such presentations include, but are not limited to, preparing and filing docu- ments, corresponding and communicating with the Internal Revenue Service, render- ing written advice with respect to any en- tity, transaction, plan or arrangement, and representing a clientat conferences, hear- ings, and meetings. (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable for fee arrangements enteredintoafterMarch26,2008. Par. 13. Section 10.29 is revised to read as follows: §10.29 Conflicting interests. (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, a practitioner shall not represent a client before the Internal Rev- enue Service if the representation involves a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest exists if— (1) The representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or (2) There is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the practitioner’s responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person, or by a personal interest of the practitioner. (b) Notwithstanding the existence of a conflict of interest under paragraph (a) of this section, the practitioner may represent aclientif— (1) The practitioner reasonably believes that the practitioner will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client; (2) The representation is not prohibited by law; and (3) Each affected client waives the con- flict of interest and gives informed con- sent, confirmed in writing by each affected client, at the time the existence of the con- flict of interest is known by the practi- tioner. The confirmation may be made within a reasonable period after the in- formed consent, but in no event later than 30 days. (c) Copies of the written consents must be retained by the practitioner for at least 36 months from the date of the conclusion of the representation of the affected clients, and the written consents must be provided to any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service on request. (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 14. Section 10.30(a)(1) is revised and paragraph (e) is added to read as fol- lows: §10.30 Solicitation. (a)Advertising and solicitation restric- tions. (1) A practitioner may not, with re- spect to any Internal Revenue Service mat- ter, in any way use or participate in the use of any form or public communication or private solicitation containing a false, fraudulent, or coercive statement or claim; or a misleading or deceptive statement or claim. Enrolled agents or enrolled retire- ment plan agents, in describing their pro- fessional designation, may not utilize the term of art “certified” or imply an em- ployer/employee relationship with the In- ternal Revenue Service. Examples of ac- ceptable descriptions for enrolled agents are “enrolled to represent taxpayers be- fore the Internal Revenue Service,” “en- rolled to practice before the Internal Rev- enue Service,” and “admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.” Sim- ilarly, examples of acceptable descriptions for enrolled retirement plan agents are “en- rolled to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service as a retirement plan agent” and “enrolled to practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service as a re- tirement plan agent.” ***** (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par.15.Section10.34isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.34 Standards with respect to tax returns and documents, affidavits and other papers. (a) [Reserved]. (b)Documents, affidavits and other pa- pers—(1) A practitioner may not advise a November 5, 20079412007–45 I.R.B. client to take a position on a document, af- fidavit or other paper submitted to the In- ternal Revenue Service unless the position is not frivolous. (2) A practitioner may not advise a client to submit a document, affidavit or other paper to the Internal Revenue Ser- vice— (i) The purpose of which is to delay or impede the administration of the Federal tax laws; (ii) That is frivolous; or (iii) That contains or omits information in a manner that demonstrates an inten- tional disregard of a rule or regulation unless the practitioner also advises the client to submit a document that evidences a good faith challenge to the rule or regu- lation. (c)Advising clients on potential penal- ties—(1) A practitioner must inform a client of any penalties that are reasonably likely to apply to the client with respect to— (i) A position taken on a tax return if— (A) The practitioner advised the client with respect to the position; or (B) The practitioner prepared or signed the tax return; and (ii) Any document, affidavit or other paper submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. (2) The practitioner also must inform the client of any opportunity to avoid any such penalties by disclosure, if relevant, and of the requirements for adequate dis- closure. (3) This paragraph (c) applies even if the practitioner is not subject to a penalty under the Internal Revenue Code with re- spect to the position or with respect to the document, affidavit or other paper submit- ted. (d)Relying on information furnished by clients. A practitioner advising a client to take a position on a tax return, document, affidavit or other paper submitted to the Internal Revenue Service, or preparing or signing a tax return as a preparer, generally may rely in good faith without verification upon information furnished by the client. The practitioner may not, however, ignore the implications of information furnished to, or actually known by, the practitioner, and must make reasonable inquiries if the information as furnished appears to be in- correct, inconsistent with an important fact or another factual assumption, or incom- plete. (e) [Reserved]. (f)Effective/applicability date. Section 10.34 is applicable to tax returns, docu- ments, affidavits and other papers filed on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 16. In §10.35(b)(1) remove the language “§10.2(e)” and add the language “§10.2(a)(5)” in its place. Par. 17. Section 10.50 is revised to read as follows: §10.50 Sanctions. (a)Authority to censure, suspend, or disbar. The Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, after notice and an opportu- nity for a proceeding,may censure, sus- pend, or disbar any practitioner from prac- tice before the Internal Revenue Service if the practitioner is shown to be incompe- tent or disreputable (within the meaning of §10.51), fails to comply with any regula- tion in this part (under the prohibited con- duct standards of §10.52), or with intent to defraud, willfully and knowingly misleads or threatens a client or prospective client. Censure is a public reprimand. (b)Authority to disqualify. The Sec- retary of Treasury, or delegate, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, may disqualify any appraiser for a violation of these rules as applicable to appraisers. (1) If any appraiser is disqualified pur- suant to this subpart C, the appraiser is barred from presenting evidence or testi- mony in any administrative proceeding be- fore the Department of Treasury or the In- ternal Revenue Service, unless and until authorized to do so by the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility pur- suant to §10.81, regardless of whether the evidence or testimonywouldpertaintoan appraisal made prior to or after the effec- tive date of disqualification. (2) Any appraisal made by a disqual- ified appraiser after the effective date of disqualification will not have any proba- tive effect in any administrative proceed- ing before the Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service. An ap- praisal otherwise barred from admission into evidence pursuant to this section may be admitted into evidence solely for the purpose of determining the taxpayer’s re- liance in good faith on such appraisal. (c)Authority to impose monetary penalty—(1)In general. (i) The Sec- retary of the Treasury, or delegate, after notice and an opportunity for a proceed- ing, may impose a monetary penalty on any practitioner who engages in conduct subject to sanction under paragraph (a) of this section. (ii) If the practitioner described in para- graph (c)(1)(i) of this section was acting on behalf of an employer or any firm or other entity in connection with the conduct giv- ing rise to the penalty, the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, may impose a mon- etary penalty on the employer, firm, or en- tity if it knew, or reasonably should have known, of such conduct. (2)Amount of penalty. The amount of the penalty shall not exceed the gross in- come derived (or to be derived) from the conduct giving rise to the penalty. (3)Coordination with other sanctions. Subject to paragraph (c)(2) of this sec- tion— (i) Any monetary penalty imposed on a practitioner under this paragraph (c) may be in addition to or in lieu of any sus- pension, disbarment or censure and may be in addition to a penalty imposed on an employer, firm or other entity under para- graph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. (ii) Any monetary penalty imposed on an employer, firm or other entity may be in addition to or in lieu of penalties imposed under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. (d)Sanctions to be imposed. The sanc- tions imposed by this section shall take into account all relevant facts and circum- stances. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicableto conduct occurring on or after September 26, 2007, except paragraph (c) which applies to prohibited conduct that occurs after October 22, 2004. Par.18.Section10.51isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.51 Incompetence and disreputable conduct. (a)Incompetence and disreputable con- duct. Incompetence and disreputable con- duct for which a practitioner may be sanc- tioned under §10.50 includes, but is not limited to— (1) Conviction of any criminal offense under the Federal tax laws. 2007–45 I.R.B.942November 5, 2007 (2) Conviction of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust. (3) Conviction of any felony under Fed- eral or State law for which the conduct involved renders the practitioner unfit to practice before the Internal Revenue Ser- vice. (4) Giving false or misleading informa- tion, or participating in any way in the giv- ing of false or misleading information to the Department of the Treasury or any offi- cer or employee thereof, or to any tribunal authorized to pass upon Federal tax mat- ters, in connection with any matter pend- ingorlikelytobependingbeforethem, knowing the information to be false or mis- leading. Facts or other matters contained in testimony, Federal tax returns, financial statements, applications for enrollment, af- fidavits, declarations, and any other docu- ment or statement, written or oral, are in- cluded in the term “information.” (5) Solicitation of employment as pro- hibited under §10.30, the use of false or misleading representations with intent to deceive a client or prospective client in or- der to procure employment, or intimating that the practitioner is able improperly to obtain special consideration or action from the Internal Revenue Service or any officer or employee thereof. (6) Willfully failing to make a Federal tax return in violation of the Federal tax laws, or willfully evading, attempting to evade, or participating in any way in evad- ing or attempting to evade any assessment or payment of any Federal tax. (7) Willfully assisting, counseling, en- couraging a client or prospective client in violating, or suggesting to a client or prospective client to violate, any Federal tax law, or knowingly counseling or sug- gesting to a client or prospective client an illegal plan to evade Federal taxes or pay- ment thereof. (8) Misappropriation of, or failure prop- erly or promptly to remit, funds received from a client for the purpose of payment of taxes or other obligations due the United States. (9) Directly or indirectly attempting to influence, or offering or agreeing to at- tempt to influence, the official action of any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service by the use of threats, false accusations, duress or coercion, by the of- fer of any special inducement or promise of an advantage, or by the bestowing of any gift, favor or thing of value. (10) Disbarment or suspension from practice as an attorney, certified public accountant, public accountant or actuary by any duly constituted authority of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, any Federal court of record or any Federal agency, body or board. (11) Knowingly aiding and abetting an- other person to practice before the Internal Revenue Service during a period of sus- pension, disbarment or ineligibility of such other person. (12) Contemptuous conduct in connec- tion with practice before the Internal Rev- enue Service, including the use of abu- sive language, making false accusations or statements, knowing them to be false or circulating or publishing malicious or li- belous matter. (13) Giving a false opinion, knowingly, recklessly, or through gross incompetence, including an opinion which is intentionally or recklessly misleading, or engaging in a pattern of providing incompetent opinions on questions arising under the Federal tax laws. False opinions described in this paragraph (a)(13) include those which reflect or result from a knowing misstate- ment of fact or law, from an assertion of a position known to be unwarranted under existing law, from counseling or assisting in conduct known to be illegal or fraudu- lent, from concealing matters required by law to be revealed, or from consciously disregarding information indicating that material facts expressed in the opinion or offering material are false or misleading. For purposes of this paragraph (a)(13), reckless conduct is a highly unreasonable omission or misrepresentation involving an extreme departure from the standards of ordinary care that a practitioner should observe under the circumstances. A pat- tern of conduct is a factor that will be taken into account in determining whether a practitioner acted knowingly, recklessly, or through gross incompetence. Gross in- competence includes conduct that reflects gross indifference, preparation which is grossly inadequate under the circum- stances, and a consistent failure to perform obligations to the client. (14) Willfully failing to sign a tax re- turn prepared by the practitioner when the practitioner’s signature is required by the Federal tax laws unless the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. (15) Willfully disclosing or otherwise using a tax return or tax return information in a manner not authorized by the Internal Revenue Code, contrary to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or contrary to the order of an administrative law judge in a proceeding instituted under §10.60. (b)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicableto conduct occurring on or after September 26, 2007. Par.19.Section10.52isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.52 Violations subject to sanction. (a) A practitioner may be sanctioned under §10.50 if the practitioner— (1) Willfully violates any of the regula- tions (other than §10.33) contained in this part; or (2) Recklessly or through gross in- competence (within the meaning of §10.51(a)(13)) violates §§10.34, 10.35, 10.36 or 10.37. (b)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicableto conduct occurring on or after September 26, 2007. Par.20.Section10.53isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.53 Receipt of information concerning practitioner. (a)Officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service. If an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service has reason to believe that a practitioner has violated any provision of this part, the officer or employee will promptly make a written re- port to the Director of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility of the suspected vio- lation. The report will explain the facts and reasons upon which the officer’s or em- ployee’s belief rests. (b)Other persons. Any person other than an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service having information of a violation of any provision of this part may make an oral or written report of the al- leged violation to the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility or any of- ficer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service. If the report is made to an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Ser- vice, the officer or employee will make a November 5, 20079432007–45 I.R.B. written report of the suspected violation to the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility. (c)Destruction of report. No report made under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall be maintained by the Direc- tor of the Office of Professional Responsi- bility unless retention of the report is per- missible under the applicable records con- trol schedule as approved by the National Archives and Records Administration and designated in the Internal Revenue Man- ual. The Director of the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility must destroy the re- ports as soon as permissible under the ap- plicable records control schedule. (d)Effect on proceedings under subpart D. The destruction of any report will not bar any proceeding under subpart D of this part, but will preclude the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility’s use of a copy of the report in a proceeding under subpart D of this part. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 21. Section 10.60 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and adding para- graph (d) to read as follows: §10.60 Institution of proceeding. (a) Whenever the Director of the Of- fice of Professional Responsibility deter- mines that a practitioner (or employer, firm or other entity, if applicable) violated any provision of the laws governing practice before the Internal Revenue Service or the regulations in this part, the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may reprimand the practitioner or, in ac- cordance with §10.62, institute a proceed- ing for a sanction described in §10.50. A proceeding is instituted by the filing of a complaint, the contents of which are more fully described in §10.62. ***** (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 22. Section 10.61 is revised to read as follows: §10.61 Conferences. (a)In general. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may confer with a practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or an appraiser concerning allegations of misconduct irrespective of whether a proceeding has been instituted. If the conference results in a stipulation in connection with an ongoing proceeding in which the practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or appraiser is the respondent, the stipulation may be entered in the record by either party to the proceeding. (b)Voluntary sanction—(1)In general. In lieu of a proceeding being instituted or continued under §10.60(a), a practitioner or appraiser (or employer, firm or other entity, if applicable) may offer a consent to be sanctioned under §10.50. (2)Discretion; acceptance or declina- tion. The Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility may, in his or her discretion, accept or decline the offer de- scribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this sec- tion. In any declination, the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may state that he or she would accept the offer described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section if it contained different terms. The Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility may, in his or her discretion, accept or reject a revised offer submitted in response to the declination or may coun- teroffer and act upon any accepted coun- teroffer. (c)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 23. Section 10.62 is revised to read as follows: §10.62 Contents of complaint. (a)Charges. Acomplaintmustname the respondent, provide a clear and con- cise description of the facts and law that constitute the basis for the proceeding, and be signed by the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility or a per- son representing the Director of the Of- fice of Professional Responsibility under §10.69(a)(1). A complaint is sufficient if it fairly informs the respondent of the charges brought so that the respondent is able to prepare a defense. (b)Specification of sanction.Thecom- plaint must specify the sanction sought by theDirectoroftheOfficeofProfessional Responsiblity against the practitioner or appraiser. If the sanction sought is a sus- pension, the duration of the suspension sought must be specified. (c)Demand for answer. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibil- ity must, in the complaint or in a separate paper attached to the complaint, notify the respondent of the time for answering the complaint, which may not be less than 30 days from the date of service of the com- plaint, the name and address of the Ad- ministrative Law Judge with whom the an- swer must be filed, the name and address of the person representing the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility to whom a copy of the answer must be served, and that a decision by default may be rendered against the respondent in the event an answer is not filed as required. (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable to complaints brought on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 24. Section 10.63 is amended by: 1. Revising the section heading and paragraph (a)(4). 2. Redesignating paragraph (d) as para- graph (e). 3. Adding new paragraphs (d) and (f). The revision and additions read as fol- lows: §10.63 Service of complaint; service of other papers; service of evidence in support of complaint; filing of papers. (a) * * * (4) For purposes of this section,respon- dentmeans the practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or appraiser named in the complaint or any other person having the authority to accept mail on behalf of the practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or appraiser. ***** (d)Service of evidence in support of complaint. Within10daysofservingthe complaint, copies of the evidence in sup- port of the complaint must be served on the respondent in any manner described in paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) of this section. ***** (f)Effective/applicability date .This section is applicable to complaints brought on or after September 26, 2007. Par.25.Section10.65isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.65 Supplemental charges. (a)In general. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility may 2007–45 I.R.B.944November 5, 2007 file supplemental charges, by amending the complaint with the permission of the Administrative Law Judge, against the re- spondent, if, for example— (1) It appears that the respondent, in the answer, falsely and in bad faith, denies a material allegation of fact in the complaint or states that the respondent has insuffi- cient knowledge to form a belief, when the respondent possesses such information; or (2) It appears that the respondent has knowingly introduced false testimony dur- ing the proceedings against the respondent. (b)Hearing. The supplemental charges may be heard with other charges in the case, provided the respondent is given due notice of the charges and is afforded a rea- sonable opportunity to prepare a defense to the supplemental charges. (c)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 26. Section 10.68 is revised to read as follows: §10.68 Motions and requests. (a)Motions—(1)In general.Atany time after the filing of the complaint, any party may file a motion with the Admin- istrative Law Judge. Unless otherwise or- dered by the Administrative Law Judge, motions must be in writing and must be served on the opposing party as provided in §10.63(b). A motion must concisely specify its grounds and the relief sought, and, if appropriate, must contain a memo- randum of facts and law in support. (2)Summary adjudication. Either party may move for a summary adjudi- cation upon all or any part of the legal issues in controversy. If the non-moving party opposes summary adjudication in the moving party’s favor, the non-moving party must file a written response within 30 days unless ordered otherwise by the Administrative Law Judge. (3)Good Faith. A party filing a mo- tion for extension of time, a motion for postponement of a hearing, or any other non-dispositive or procedural motion must first contact the other party to determine whether there is any objection to the mo- tion, and must state in the motion whether the other party has an objection. (b)Response. Unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Law Judge, the non- moving party is not required to file a re- sponse to a motion. If the Administrative Law Judge does not order the nonmoving party to file a response, and the nonmov- ing party files no response, the nonmoving party is deemed to oppose the motion. If a nonmoving party does not respond within 30 days of the filing of a motion for deci- sion by default for failure to file a timely answer or for failure to prosecute, the non- moving party is deemed not to oppose the motion. (c)Oral motions; oral argument—(1) The Administrative Law Judge may, for good cause and with notice to the parties, permit oral motions and oral opposition to motions. (2) The Administrative Law Judge may, within his or her discretion, permit oral argument on any motion. (d)Orders. The Administrative Law Judge should issue written orders dispos- ing of any motion or request and any re- sponse thereto. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 27. Section 10.70 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(6) and adding paragraph (c) to read as follows: §10.70 Administrative Law Judge. (a)Appointment. Proceedings on com- plaints for the sanction (as described in §10.50) of a practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or appraiser will be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge appointed as provided by 5 U.S.C. 3105. (b) * * * (6) Take or authorize the taking of de- positions or answers to requests for admis- sion; ***** (c)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 28(a). Section 10.73 is removed. Par. 28(b). Sections 10.71 and 10.72 are redesignated as §§10.72 and 10.73, re- spectively. Par. 29. New §10.71 is added to read as follows: §10.71 Discovery. (a)In general. Discovery may be per- mitted, at the discretion of the Adminis- trative Law Judge, only upon written mo- tion demonstrating the relevance, materi- ality and reasonableness of the requested discovery and subject to the requirements of §10.72(d)(2) and (3). Within 10 days of receipt of the answer, the Administra- tive Law Judge will notify the parties of the right to request discovery and the time- frames for filing a request. A request for discovery, and objections, must be filed in accordance with §10.68. In response to a request for discovery, the Administrative Law Judge may order— (1) Depositions upon oral examination; or (2) Answers to requests for admission. (b)Depositions upon oral examina- tion—(1) A deposition must be taken before an officer duly authorized to ad- minister an oath for general purposes or before an officer or employee of the In- ternal Revenue Service who is authorized to administer an oath in Federal tax law matters. (2) In ordering a deposition, the Ad- ministrative Law Judge will require rea- sonable notice to the opposing party as to the time and place of the deposition. The opposing party, if attending, will be pro- vided the opportunity for full examination and cross-examination of any witness. (3) Expenses in the reporting of deposi- tions shall be borne by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken. Travel expenses of the deponent shall be borne by the party requesting the deposition, un- less otherwise authorized by Federal law or regulation. (c)Requests for admission.Anyparty may serve on any other party a written request for admission of the truth of any matters which are not privileged and are relevant to the subject matter of this pro- ceeding. Requests for admission shall not exceed a total of 30 (including any sub- parts within a specific request) without the approval from the Administrative Law Judge. (d)Limitations. Discovery shall not be authorized if— (1) The request fails to meet any re- quirement set forth in paragraph (a) of this section; (2) It will unduly delay the proceeding; (3) It will place an undue burden on the party required to produce the discovery sought; (4) It is frivolous or abusive; (5) It is cumulative or duplicative; November 5, 20079452007–45 I.R.B. (6) The material sought is privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure by law; (7) The material sought relates to men- tal impressions, conclusions, or legal the- ories of any party, attorney, or other repre- sentative, of a party prepared in anticipa- tion of a proceeding; or (8) The material sought is available generally to the public, equally to the par- ties, or to the party seeking the discovery through another source. (e)Failure to comply. Whereaparty fails to comply with an order of the Admin- istrative Law Judge under this section, the Administrative Law Judge may, among other things, infer that the information would be adverse to the party failing to provide it, exclude the information from evidence or issue a decision by default. (f)Other discovery. No discovery other than that specifically provided for in this section is permitted. (g)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicableto proceedings initi- ated on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 30. Newly designated §10.72 is amended by: 1. Redesignating paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) as paragraphs (d), (e) and (f), re- spectively. 2. Revising paragraph (a) and newly designated paragraph (d). 3. Adding new paragraphs (b), (c) and (g). The additions and revisions read as fol- lows: §10.72 Hearings. (a)In general—(1)Presiding officer. An Administrative Law Judge will preside at the hearing on a complaint filed under §10.60 for the sanction of a practitioner, employer, firm or other entity, or appraiser. (2)Time for hearing. Absent a deter- mination by the Administrative Law Judge that, in the interest of justice, a hearing must be held at a later time, the Adminis- trative Law Judge should, on notice suffi- cient to allow proper preparation, schedule the hearing to occur no later than 180 days after the time for filing the answer. (3)Procedural requirements. (i) Hear- ings will be stenographically recorded and transcribed and the testimony of witnesses will be taken under oath or affirmation. (ii) Hearings will be conducted pur- suant to 5 U.S.C. 556. (iii) A hearing in a proceeding re- quested under §10.82(g) will be conducted de novo. (iv) An evidentiary hearing must be held in all proceedings prior to the is- suance of a decision by the Administrative Law Judge unless— (A) The Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility withdraws the complaint; (B) A decision is issued by default pur- suant to §10.64(d); (C) A decision is issued under §10.82(e); (D) The respondent requests a decision on the written record without a hearing; or (E) The Administrative Law Judge is- sues a decision under §10.68(d) or rules on another motion that disposes of the case prior to the hearing. (b)Cross-examination. A party is enti- tled to present his or her case or defense by oral or documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct cross-ex- amination, in the presence of the Admin- istrative Law Judge, as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts. This paragraph (b) does not limit a party from presenting evidence contained within a deposition when the Administrative Law Judge determines that the deposition has been obtained in compliance with the rules of this subpart D. (c)Prehearing memorandum.Unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Law Judge, each party shall file, and serve on the opposing party or the op- posing party’s representative, prior to any hearing, a prehearing memorandum con- taining— (1) A list (together with a copy) of all proposed exhibits to be used in the party’s case in chief; (2) A list of proposed witnesses, includ- ing a synopsis of their expected testimony, or a statement that no witnesses will be called; (3) Identification of any proposed ex- pert witnesses, including a synopsis of their expected testimony and a copy of any report prepared by the expert or at his or her direction; and (4) A list of undisputed facts. (d)Publicity—(1)In general.Allre- ports and decisions of the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, including any re- ports and decisions of the Administrative Law Judge, under this Subpart D are, sub- ject to the protective measures in para- graph (d)(4) of this section, public and open to inspection within 30 days after the agency’s decisionbecomes final. (2)Request for additional publicity. The Administrative Law Judge may grant a request by a practitioner or appraiser that all the pleadings and evidence of the disci- plinary proceeding be made available for inspection where the parties stipulate in advance to adopt the protective measures in paragraph (d)(4) of this section. (3)Returns and return information—(i) Disclosure to practitioner or appraiser. Pursuant to section 6103(l)(4) of the In- ternal Revenue Code, the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, may disclose returns and return information to any practitioner or appraiser, or to the authorized repre- sentative of the practitioner or appraiser, whose rights are or may be affected by an administrative action or proceeding under this subpart D, but solely for use in the ac- tion or proceeding andonly to the extent that the Secretary of the Treasury, or dele- gate, determines that the returns or return information are or may be relevant and ma- terial to the action or proceeding. (ii)Disclosure to officers and employ- ees of the Department of the Treasury. Pursuant to section 6103(l)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, may disclose re- turns and return information to officers and employees of the Department of the Trea- sury for use in any action or proceeding un- der this subpart D, to the extent necessary to advance or protect the interests of the United States. (iii)Use of returns and return informa- tion. Recipients of returns and return in- formation under this paragraph (d)(3) may use the returns or return information solely in the action or proceeding, or in prepara- tion for the action or proceeding, with re- spect to which the disclosure was made. (iv)Procedures for disclosure of re- turns and return information.When providing returns or return information to the practitioner or appraiser, or authorized representative, the Secretary of the Trea- sury, or delegate, will— (A) Redact identifying information of any third party taxpayers and replace it with a code; 2007–45 I.R.B.946November 5, 2007 (B) Provide a key to the coded informa- tion; and (C) Notify the practitioner or appraiser, or authorized representative, of the re- strictions on the use and disclosure of the returns and return information, the appli- cable damages remedy under section 7431 of the Internal Revenue Code, and that unauthorized disclosure of information provided by the Internal Revenue Service under this paragraph (d)(3) is also a viola- tion of this part. (4)Protective measures—(i)Manda- tory protective order. If redaction of names, addresses, and other identifying information of third party taxpayers may still permit indirect identification of any third party taxpayer, the Administrative Law Judge will issue a protective order to ensure that the identifying information is available to the parties and the Admin- istrative Law Judge for purposes of the proceeding, but is not disclosed to, or open to inspection by, the public. (ii)Authorized orders.(A)Uponmo- tion by a party or any other affected per- son, and for good cause shown, the Admin- istrative Law Judge may make any order which justice requires to protect any per- son in the event disclosure of information is prohibited by law, privileged, confiden- tial, or sensitive in some other way, includ- ing, but not limited to, one or more of the following— (1) That disclosure of information be made only on specified terms and condi- tions, including a designation of the time or place; (2) That a trade secret or other informa- tion not be disclosed, or be disclosed only in a designated way. (iii)Denials. If a motion for a protec- tive order is denied in whole or in part, the Administrative Law Judge may, on such terms or conditions as the Administrative Law Judge deems just, order any party or person to comply with, or respond in ac- cordance with, the procedure involved. (iv)Public inspection of documents. The Secretary of the Treasury, or dele- gate, shall ensure that all names, addresses or other identifying details of third party taxpayers are redacted and replaced with the code assigned to the corresponding taxpayer in all documents prior to public inspection of such documents. ***** (g)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 31. Newly designated §10.73 is amended by: 1. Redesignating paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) as paragraphs (d), (e), and (f), re- spectively. 2. Revising paragraph (b) and newly designated paragraph (d). 3. Adding new paragraphs (c) and (g). The revisions and additions read as fol- lows: §10.73 Evidence. ***** (b)Depositions. The deposition of any witness taken pursuant to §10.71 may be admitted into evidence in any proceeding instituted under §10.60. (c)Requests for admission.Anymatter admitted in response to a request for ad- mission under §10.71 is conclusively es- tablished unless the Administrative Law Judge on motion permits withdrawal or modification of the admission. Any ad- mission made by a party is for the purposes of the pending action only and is not an ad- mission by a party for any other purpose, nor may it be used against a party in any other proceeding. (d)Proof of documents. Official docu- ments, records, and papers of the Internal Revenue Service and the Office of Profes- sional Responsibility are admissible in ev- idence without the production of an offi- cer or employee to authenticate them. Any documents, records, and papers may be ev- idenced by a copy attested to or identified by an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service or the Treasury Depart- ment, as the case may be. ***** (g)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 32. Section 10.76 is revised to read as follows: §10.76 Decision of Administrative Law Judge. (a)In general—(1)Hearings.Within 180 days after the conclusion of a hear- ing and the receipt of any proposed find- ings and conclusions timely submitted by the parties, the Administrative Law Judge should enter a decision in the case. The de- cision must include a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis for making such findings and conclu- sions, and an order of censure, suspension, disbarment, monetary penalty, disqualifi- cation, or dismissal of the complaint. (2)Summary adjudication. In the event that a motion for summary adjudication is filed, the Administrative Law Judge should rule on the motion for summary adjudication within 60 days after the party in opposition files a written response, or if no written response is filed, within 90 days after the motion for summary adjudi- cation is filed. A decision shall thereafter be rendered if the pleadings, depositions, admissions, and any other admissible evi- dence show that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that a decision may be rendered as a matter of law. The decision must include a statement of conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis for making such conclusions, and an order of censure, suspension, disbarment, monetary penalty, disqualification, or dismissal of the com- plaint. (3)Returns and return information. In the decision, the Administrative Law Judge should use the code assigned to third party taxpayers (described in §10.72(d)). (b)Standard of proof. If the sanction is censure or a suspension of less than six months’ duration, the Administrative Law Judge, in rendering findings and conclu- sions, will consider an allegation of fact to be proven if it is established by the party who is alleging the fact by a preponderance of the evidence in the record. If the sanc- tion is a monetary penalty, disbarment or a suspension of six months or longer du- ration, an allegation of fact that is neces- sary for a finding against the practitioner must be proven by clear and convincing evidence in the record. An allegation of fact that is necessary for a finding of dis- qualification against an appraiser must be proven by clear and convincing evidence in the record. (c)Copy of decision. The Administra- tive Law Judge will provide the decision to the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility, with a copy to the Direc- tor’s authorized representative, and a copy of the decision to the respondent or the re- spondent’s authorized representative. (d)When final. In the absence of an ap- peal to the Secretary of the Treasury or del- November 5, 20079472007–45 I.R.B. egate, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge will, without further proceed- ings, become the decision of the agency 30 days after the date of the Administra- tive Law Judge’s decision. (e)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicableto proceedings initi- ated on or after September 26, 2007. Par. 33. Section 10.77 is revised to read as follows: §10.77 Appeal of decision of Administrative Law Judge. (a)Appeal. Any party to the proceed- ing under this subpart D may file an ap- peal of the decision of the Administrative Law Judge with the Secretary of the Trea- sury, or delegate. The appeal must include a brief that states exceptions to the deci- sion of the Administrative Law Judge and supporting reasons for such exceptions. (b)Time and place for filing of appeal. The appeal and brief must be filed, in du- plicate, with the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility within 30 days of the date that the decision of the Admin- istrative Law Judge is served on the par- ties. The Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility will immediately furnish a copy of the appeal to the Secre- tary of the Treasury or delegate who de- cides appeals. A copy of the appeal for review must be sent to any non-appealing party. If the Director of the Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility files an appeal, he or she will provide a copy of the appeal and certify to the respondent that the appeal has been filed. (c)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 34. Section 10.78 is revised to read as follows: §10.78 Decision on review. (a)Decision on review. On appeal from or review of the decision of the Ad- ministrative Law Judge, the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, will make the agency decision. The Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, should make the agency decision within 180 days after re- ceipt of the appeal. (b)Standard of review. The decision of the Administrative Law Judge will not be reversed unless the appellant establishes that the decision is clearly erroneous in light of the evidence in the record and ap- plicable law. Issues that are exclusively matters of law will be reviewedde novo. In the event that the Secretary of the Trea- sury, or delegate, determines that there are unresolved issues raised by the record, the case may be remanded to the Administra- tive Law Judge to elicit additional testi- mony or evidence. (c)Copy of decision on review.The Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, will provide copies of the agency decision to theDirectoroftheOfficeofProfessional Responsibility and the respondent or the respondent’s authorized representative. (d)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par. 35. Section 10.82 is amended by: 1. Revising the section heading and paragraph (b). 2. Adding paragraph (h). The revisions and addition read as fol- lows: §10.82 Expedited suspension. ***** (b)To whom applicable. This section applies to any practitioner who, within five years of the date a complaint instituting a proceeding under this section is served: (1) Has had a license to practice as an at- torney, certified public accountant, or actu- ary suspended or revoked for cause (not in- cluding failure to pay a professional licens- ing fee) by any authority or court, agency, body, or board described in §10.51(a)(10). (2) Has, irrespective of whether an ap- peal has been taken, been convicted of any crime under title 26 of the United States Code, any crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust, or any felony for which the conduct involved renders the practitioner unfit to practice before the Internal Rev- enue Service. (3) Has violated conditions imposed on the practitioner pursuant to §10.79(d). (4) Has been sanctioned by a court of competent jurisdiction, whether in a civil or criminal proceeding (including suits for injunctive relief), relating to any taxpayer’s tax liability or relating to the practitioner’s own tax liability, for— (i) Instituting or maintaining proceed- ings primarily for delay; (ii) Advancing frivolous or groundless arguments; or (iii) Failing to pursue available admin- istrative remedies. ***** (h)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. Par.36.Section10.90isrevisedtoread as follows: §10.90 Records. (a)Roster. The Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility will maintain, and may make available for public inspec- tion in the time and manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, or delegate, rosters of— (1) Enrolled agents, including individu- als— (i) Granted active enrollment to prac- tice; (ii) Whose enrollment has been placed in inactive status for failure to meet the requirements for renewal of enrollment; (iii) Whose enrollment has been placed in inactive retirement status; and (iv) Whose offer of consent to resign from enrollment has been accepted by the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility under §10.61; (2) Individuals (and employers, firms or other entities, if applicable) censured, suspended, or disbarred from practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service or upon whom a monetary penalty was imposed; (3) Disqualified appraisers; and (4) Enrolled retirement plan agents, in- cluding individuals— (i) Granted active enrollment to prac- tice; (ii) Whose enrollment has been placed in inactive status for failure to meet the requirements for renewal of enrollment; (iii) Whose enrollment has been placed in inactive retirement status; and (iv) Whose offer of consent to resign from enrollment has been accepted by the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility under §10.61. (b)Other records. Other records of the Director of the Office of Professional Re- sponsibility may be disclosed upon spe- cific request, in accordance with the appli- cable law. (b)Effective/applicability date.This section is applicable on September 26, 2007. 2007–45 I.R.B.948November 5, 2007 Par. 37. Section 10.91 is revised to read as follows: §10.91 Saving provision. Any proceeding instituted under this part prior to July 26, 2002, for which a final decision has not been reached or for which judicial review is still available will not be affected by these revisions. Any proceeding under this part based on con- duct engaged in prior to September 26, 2007, which is instituted after that date, will apply subpart D and E or this part as revised, but the conduct engaged in prior to the effective date of these revisions will be judged by the regulations in effect at the time the conduct occurred. Linda E. Stiff, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved September 19, 2007. Robert Hoyt, General Counsel, Office of the Secretary. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on September 25, 2007, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for September 26, 2007, 72 F.R. 54540) Section 382.—Limitation on Net Operating Loss Carryforwards and Certain Built-In Losses Following Ownership Change The adjusted applicable federal long-term rate is set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 408A.—Roth IRAs The Service provides inflation adjustments to the applicable dollar amounts used to calculate the amount by which a taxpayer must reduce the maxi- mum amount allowed as contributions to Roth IRAs for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 412.—Minimum Funding Standards The adjusted applicable federal shor t-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set for th for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007- 66, page 956. Section 419.—Treatment of Funded Welfare Benefit Plans 26 CFR § 1.419–1T: Treatment of welfare benefit funds. (Also, §§ 264, 7805; § 301.7805–1.) Employer’s deduction for contribu- tions; limitation on employer’s deduc- tion; welfare benefit funds.This ruling discusses whether an employer’s deduc- tions for contributions to a welfare bene- fit fund under section 419 of the Code are “qualified direct costs” with respect to pre- miums paid by a welfare benefit fund on cash value life insurance policies. Rev. Rul. 2007–65 ISSUES (I) For purposes of determining the lim- itations on an employer’s deduction for contributions to a welfare benefit fund un- der §§ 419 and 419A of the Internal Rev- enue Code (the “Code”), are premiums on cash value life insurance policies paid by the fund included in the fund’s qualified direct cost if the benefit provided through the fund is life insurance coverage? (2) For purposes of determining the lim- itations on an employer’s deduction for contributions to a welfare benefit fund un- der §§ 419 and 419A, are premiums on cash value life insurance policies paid by the fund included in the fund’s qualified direct cost if the benefit provided through the fund is other than life insurance cover- age? FACTS Situation 1. Employer C maintains an employer-financed life insurance plan for the benefit of its employees. The life insur- ance provided to C’s employees under the plan satisfies the definition of group-term life insurance for purposes of § 79 and is provided through a taxable trust. The plan does not provide permanent bene- fits within the meaning of § 1.79–0 of the Income Tax Regulations. The plan, which is not maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, provides that C will provide a stated amount of life insurance coverage for each employee while the employee is actively employed by C. No other benefits are provided to the employees under the plan or from the trust. The trustee has obtained a cash value life insurance policy on the life of each employee, where the amount of the death benefit under each policy equals the amount of the death benefit payable under the plan to the employee’s benefi- ciary and the death benefit proceeds under each policy are payable to the beneficiary designated by the employee. The trust has retained all other policy rights. During the year, C contributes to the trust an amount equal to the aggregate premiums due on the life insurance policies payable by the trustee. The trust has no administrative expenses and no after-tax income (within the meaning of § 419(c)(4)) for the year. The taxable year for both C and the trust is the calendar year, and C uses the accrual method of accounting. Situation 2. The facts are the same as in Situation 1except that, instead of group- term life insurance, the plan provides dis- ability benefits to C’s employees if they become disabled while they are actively employed by C. The trust is the owner and the named beneficiary of the life insurance policies held by the trust, which are in- tended to accumulate value to pay the dis- ability benefits. The employees have no interest in the life insurance policies. Dur- ing the taxable year, the trust distributed $x of disability benefits with respect to claims incurred during the year (and there were no benefits paid during the year with respect toanyclaimsincurredinprioryears). LAW Section 419 prescribes limits on the amount of deductions for contributions paid or accrued by an employer to a wel- fare benefit fund. The term “welfare benefit fund” is defined in § 419(e)(1) to mean any fund that is part of a plan of an employer, and through which the employer provides welfare benefits to employees or their beneficiaries. Section 419(e)(2) defines “welfare benefit” as any benefit other than a benefit with respect to which § 83(h), § 404 (determined without regard to § 404(b)(2)), or § 404A applies. Under § 419(e)(3), a “fund” is any or- ganization described in § 501(c)(7), (9), (17) or (20); any trust, corporation, or other organization not exempt from tax imposed by chapter 1, subtitle A of the Code; or, to the extent provided in regula- tions, any account held for an employer by November 5, 20079492007–45 I.R.B. any person (other than amounts described in § 419(e)(4)). Under § 419(a) and (b), an employer’s contributions to a welfare benefit fund are deductible in the taxable year in which paid but only if they would otherwise be deductible under Chapter 1 of the Code, and the amount of the deduction is lim- ited to the welfare benefit fund’s quali- fied cost for the taxable year. Pursuant to § 419(d), if the amount of the contributions paid by the employer during any taxable year to a welfare benefit fund exceeds this deduction limit, the excess is treated as an amount paid by the employer to the fund during the succeeding taxable year. The term “qualified cost” is defined in § 419(c)(1) to generally mean, with re- spect to any taxable year, the sum of (i) the qualified direct cost for that taxable year, and (ii) any addition to a qualified asset account for the taxable year (but only to the extent the addition does not exceed the limit on the additions to the account un- der § 419A(b)). Under § 419(c)(2), the fund’s qualified cost must be reduced by the fund’s after-tax income for the taxable year (as defined in § 419(c)(4)). Under § 419(c)(5), no item may be taken into ac- count more than once in determining the qualified cost of anywelfare benefit fund. The term “qualified direct cost” is gen- erally defined in § 419(c)(3)(A) to mean, with respect to any taxable year, the aggre- gate amount (including administrative ex- penses) that would have been allowable as a deduction to the employer with respect to the benefits provided during the year if (i) such benefits were provided directly by the employer, and (ii) the employer used the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting. Under § 419(c)(3)(B), a benefit is treated for this purpose as pro- vided when that benefit would be includi- ble in the gross income of the employee if provided directly by the employer (or would be so includible but for a provision of chapter 1 of the Code excluding the ben- efit from gross income). The term “qualified asset account” is defined in § 419A(a) to mean any account consisting of assets set aside to provide for the payment of disability benefits, medi- cal benefits, supplemental unemployment compensation benefits or severance pay benefits, or life insurance benefits. Pur- suant to § 419A(b), no additions to any qualified asset account may be taken into account under § 419(c)(1)(B) to the ex- tent that the addition would result in the amount in the account exceeding the ac- count limit specified in § 419A(c). Section 419A(c)(1) provides that the account limit for any qualified asset ac- count for any taxable year is generally the amount reasonably and actuarially neces- sary to fund claims incurred but unpaid (as of the close of the taxable year) for bene- fits referred to in § 419A(a), and adminis- trative costs with respect to those claims. Section 419A(c)(2) allows an additional limited reserve for certain post-retirement medical and post-retirement life insurance benefits to be provided to covered employ- ees. Section 419A(c)(3) through (c)(6) and § 419A(d) and (e) specify additional rules with regard to the account limit un- der §419A(c). Under Q&A–6(a) of § 1.419–1T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, the qualified direct cost of a welfare benefit fund for any taxable year of the fund is the aggregate amount that would have been al- lowable as a deduction to the employer for benefits provided by the fund during the year (including insurance coverage for the year) if (i) those benefits were provided directly by the employer and (ii) the em- ployer used the cash receipts and disburse- ments method of accounting and had the same taxable year as the fund. In this re- gard, a benefit is treated as provided when the benefit would be includible in the gross income of the employee if provided di- rectly by the employer (or would be so in- cludible but for a provision excluding it from gross income). Under Q&A–6(c) of § 1.419–1T, the qualified direct cost of a welfare benefit fund does not include ex- penditures by the fund that would not have been deductible if they had been made di- rectly by the employer. As an example of such an expenditure, the regulations pro- vide that a fund’s purchase of land for an employee recreational facility will not be treated as a qualified direct cost, noting that the purchase would not have been de- ductible under § 263 if made directly by the employer. Q&A–6(c) of § 1.419–1T also refers to §§ 264 and 274. In its explanation of “qualified direct cost,” the legislative history of § 419 states that the rules in other Code sections that generally limit deductions if an employer provides the plan benefits directly are “passed through” to limit deductions with respect to fund contributions. An exam- ple of this limitation is given for fund expenditures for insurance that would not have been deductible under § 264 if made directly by the employer. “[T]hus, no deductions are available to the employer with respect to such expenditures.”H.R. Rep. No. 432, 98th Cong., 2d Sess. at 1277–78 (1984). Section 264(a)(1) provides that no de- duction is allowable for premiums on any life insurance policy, or endowment or an- nuity contract, if the taxpayer is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policy or contract. Pursuant to § 61(a)(1), except as oth- erwise provided, gross income means all income from whatever source derived, in- cluding compensation for services, includ- ing fees, commissions, fringe benefits, and similar items. Gross income includes the value of any economic benefit conferred on an employee by his or her employer, whatever the form or mode by which it is effected.Commissioner v. Smith,324 U.S. 177, 181 (1945), 1945 C.B. 49, 51. Accordingly, if an employer pays pre- miums on a life insurance policy that it owns and the death benefits are payable to an employee’s beneficiaries, the value of the economic benefits provided to the employee, including the cost of current life insurance protection, is includible in the employee’s gross income annually. This is true even if the employee only has rights with respect to all or a portion of the death proceeds and the employer retains all other rights and benefits under the pol- icy.See, e.g., Genshaft v. Commissioner, 64 T.C. 282, 290 (1975), acq., 1976–2 C.B. 2;Frost v. Commissioner,52T.C. 89, 96 (1969). Special rules apply under § 1.61–22 for a split-dollar life insurance arrangement, as that term is defined in § 1.61–22(b), that is entered into or mate- rially modified after September 17, 2003. Section 79 generallyprovides an exclu- sion from an employee’s gross income for the cost of group-term life insurance on the employee’s life provided under a pol- icy carried directly or indirectly by his or her employer (or employers), but only to the extent that the cost does not exceed the cost of $50,000 of coverage. 2007–45 I.R.B.950November 5, 2007 ANALYSIS InSituation 1, the trust is a welfare ben- efit fund within the meaning of § 419(e). The qualified direct cost of the trust for the year involved is the aggregate amount (including administrative expenses) that would have been allowable as a deduction to C for the benefit provided by the trust during the year (current life insurance coverage) if the life insurance coverage had been provided directly by C, and if C had used the cash receipts and dis- bursements method of accounting. Under § 419(c)(3)(B), the life insurance cover- age is treated as provided when it would be includible in the gross income of the employee if provided directly by the em- ployer (or would be so includible absent the exclusion from gross income provided under § 79). Absent the § 79 exclusion, the cost of the current life insurance protection provided to C’s employees for part or all of a year is includible in the employees’ incomes for that year. If C had provided the current life insur- ance coverage directly (that is, if C had not interposed a trust to obtain and hold the cash value life insurance policies, but instead had held the policies and paid the premiums itself), C would have retained ownership rights in each of the policies, in- cluding the right to withdraw funds from a policy’s cash value or to surrender the pol- icy for cash. As a result, C would have been, directly or indirectly, a beneficiary under the policies. Thus, § 264(a) would have precluded any deduction by C with respect to the premium payments if C had owned the policies directly.SeeRev. Rul. 70–148, 1970–1 C.B. 60. Under § 419(c)(3) and Q&A–6(c) of § 1.419–1T, the qualified direct cost of a welfare benefit fund does not include expenditures by the fund that would not have been deductible if they had been made directly by the employer. Accord- ingly, the trust’s qualified direct cost for the taxable year inSituation 1does not include any amounts for premiums on the cash value life insurance policies paid by the trust. Further, because all the benefits provided by the plan are fully insured, no amounts are reasonably and actuari- ally necessary to fund claims incurred but unpaid for purposes of the account limit under § 419A(c)(1). Thus, the qualified cost is zero and no portion of C’s contri- butions is deductible under § 419 for the taxable year. The conclusions forSituation 1are the same regardless of whether the plan ben- efits are provided through a taxable trust, an exempt VEBA described in § 501(c)(9), or any other type of welfare benefit fund as defined in § 419(e). Also, the con- clusions forSituation 1are the same re- gardless of whether the death proceeds are payable from the insurance company di- rectly to the beneficiaries designated by the employees, or are payable to the trust or plan for the benefit of the employees’ ben- eficiaries. Additionally, the conclusions forSituation 1are the same regardless of thenumberoramountofpremiums,and regardless of the type of life insurance pol- icy. Thus, the conclusions would apply, for example, to a variable policy, to a pol- icy with level premiums payable to age 65, or to any other life insurance policy, if the trust is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policy. Further, the same rule ap- plies if the employer, rather than the wel- fare benefit fund, is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policy. The conclusion forSituation 1that no deduction is allowable with respect to the premium amounts would be the same if the plan were an arrangement subject to the regulations for split-dollar life insurance arrangements. See § 1.61–22 for the rules for split-dollar life insurance arrange- ments, including § 1.61–22(c)(1)(iii)(C) (providing that the employer is treated as the owner of a life insurance policy if the owner is a welfare benefit fund within the meaning of § 419(e)(1)); and § 1.61–22(f)(2)(ii) (concerning the non- deductibility of premium amounts by the employer under a split-dollar arrange- ment). InSituation 2, the qualified direct cost of the trust for the taxable year is the aggre- gate amount (including administrative ex- penses) that would have been allowable as a deduction to C for the uninsured disabil- ity benefits provided by the trust during the year if the disability benefits had been pro- vided directly by C, and if C had used the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting. In this regard, the disability benefits are treated as provided when they would be includible in the gross income of the employees if provided directly by C (or would be includible in income absent a provision of the Code excluding them from income). Under the facts ofSituation 2,thetrust paid $x during the year with respect to dis- ability benefits incurred during the year (and no benefits were paid with respect to any claims incurred in prior years). These disability benefits are includible in an em- ployee’s income under § 105(a) when the benefits are received by the employee. If Employer C had used the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting, and if C had provided the uninsured disabil- ity benefits directly (that is, if C had not interposed a trust to provide the disabil- ity benefits, but instead had paid the dis- ability benefits to the employees itself), C would have been allowed a deduction for the year for the $x actually paid during the year. Thus, the fund’s qualified direct cost for the year with respect to the ben- efits under the plan is $x. Furthermore, if C had purchased the cash value life in- surance policies directly to accumulate as- sets to pay the uninsured disability bene- fits, § 264(a) would have precluded any de- duction by C with respect to the premium payments because C would have retained ownership rights in the policies. Thus, the premium amounts paid by the trust are not included in the fund’squalified direct cost under § 419(c)(3). However, some of C’s contribution amounts may be deductible as qualified cost in the taxable year as an ad- dition to a qualified asset account for dis- ability claims incurred but unpaid as of the close of the taxable year, but only if the amounts are otherwise deductible, and only to the extent they are reasonably and actuarially necessaryto fund incurred but unpaid claims and satisfy the requirements of § 419A(c)(4) and (c)(5). The conclusions forSituation 2are the same regardless of whether the plan ben- efits are provided through a taxable trust, an exempt VEBA described in § 501(c)(9), or any other type of welfare benefit fund as defined in § 419(e). Additionally, the conclusions forSituation 2are the same regardless of the type of assets, if any, purchased by the trustee to fund the dis- ability benefits (other than the purchase of disability insurance to the extent the premiums paid for the insurance would otherwise be deductible by the employer if the employer had purchased it directly and the employer used the cash receipts and disbursement method of accounting). November 5, 20079512007–45 I.R.B. The conclusion forSituation 2that the qualified direct cost does not include any amounts paid for life insurance premiums would be the same if the benefit or ben- efits provided under the plan were unin- sured medical or severance benefits, or any other type of uninsured benefit. HOLDINGS (1) For purposes of determining the lim- itations on an employer’s deduction for contributions to a welfare benefit fund un- der §§ 419 and 419A, if the benefit pro- vided through the fund is life insurance coverage, premiums paid on cash value life insurance policies by the fund are not in- cluded in the fund’s qualified direct cost whenever the fund is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policy within the meaning of § 264(a). (2) For purposes of determining the lim- itations on an employer’s deduction for contributions to a welfare benefit fund un- der §§ 419 and 419A, if the benefit pro- vided through the fund is other than life in- surance coverage, premiums paid on cash value life insurance policies by the fund are not included in the fund’s qualified di- rect cost whenever the fund is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policy within the meaning of § 264(a). How- ever, the fund’s qualified direct cost in- cludes amounts paid as welfare benefits by the fund during the taxable year for claims incurred during the year. PROSPECTIVE APPLICATION Pursuant to the authority contained in § 7805(b)(8) and § 301.7805–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regula- tions, with respect to Holding (1) the Commissioner has determined that for any taxable year of an employer ending before November 5, 2007, if a deduction is otherwise allowable, then to the extent set forth in the following paragraph, a deduction for contributions to a welfare benefit fund under an arrangement that is not subject to the regulations applicable to split-dollar life insurance arrangements will not be disallowed under § 419(b) and (c)(3) merely because the deduction would have been disallowed under § 264 had the employer provided the benefits directly. In the case of an employer with a tax- able year that is the calendar year, the amount of the deduction that will not be disallowed for a taxable year is the portion of the amounts that are otherwise disal- lowed under this revenue ruling that were reported (or would have been reported but for the exclusion under § 79) by the em- ployer as the cost of insurance on each em- ployee’s Forms W–2 (or Forms 1099) for that year. In the case of an employer with a taxable year other than the calendar year, the deduction that will not be disallowed for a taxable year is the reported (and ex- cluded) amounts described in the previous sentence that are properly allocable to the employer’s taxable year. In either case, these amounts are to be determined with- out regard to any amendment to any Form W–2 or Form 1099 made after October 17, 2007. REFERENCE TO LISTED TRANSACTIONS NOTICE Some of the arrangements described in this revenue ruling and substantially sim- ilar arrangements (as well as certain other arrangements utilizing cash value life in- surance policies for which an employer has deducted amounts as contributions to a welfare benefit fund) may be transactions that have been designated as listed transac- tions. See Notice 2007–83, this Bulletin. If a transaction is designated as a listed transaction, affected persons may be sub- ject to additional penalties and disclosure responsibilities. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this revenue ruling are Betty J. Clary of the Office of Division Counsel/Associate Chief Coun- sel (Tax Exempt & Government Enti- ties) and Larry Isaacs of the Employee Plans, Tax Exempt and Government En- tities Division. For further information regarding this revenue ruling, please con- tact Betty J. Clary at (202) 622–6080 (not a toll-free call) or Larry Isaacs at RetirementPlanQuestions@irs.gov. Section 467.—Certain Payments for the Use of Property or Services The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 468.—Special Rules for Mining and Solid Waste Reclamation and Closing Costs The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 482.—Allocation of Income and Deductions Among Taxpayers Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 483.—Interest on Certain Deferred Payments The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 512.—Unrelated Business Taxable Income The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the maximum amount of annual dues that can be paid to certain agricultural or horticultural organizations without any portion being treated as unrelated trade or business income by reason of any benefits or priv- ileges available to membersfor taxable years begin- ning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 513.—Unrelated Trade or Business The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the maximum cost of a “low cost article” for tax- able years beginning in 2008. Funds raised through a charity’s distribution of “low cost articles” will not be treated as unrelated business income to the charity. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 642.—Special Rules for Credits and Deductions Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 685.—Treatment of Funeral Trusts The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the maximum amount of contributions that may be made 2007–45 I.R.B.952November 5, 2007 to a qualified funeral trust for contracts entered in calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 807.—Rules for Certain Reserves The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 846.—Discounted Unpaid Losses Defined The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 877.—Expatriation to Avoid Tax The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount used for calendar year 2008 to determine whether an individual’s loss of United States citizen- ship had the avoidance of United States tax as one of its principal purposes. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 911.—Citizens or Residents of the United States Living Abroad The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of foreign earned income that may be ex- cluded from gross income for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 995.—Taxation of DISC Income to Shareholders 2007 base period T-bill rate.The “base period T-bill rate” for the period ending September 30, 2007, is published as required by section 995(f) of the Code. Rev. Rul. 2007–64 Section 995(f)(1) of the Internal Rev- enue Code provides that a shareholder of a DISC shall pay interest each taxable year in an amount equal to the product of the shareholder’s DISC-related deferred tax li- ability for the year and the “base period T-bill rate.” Under section 995(f)(4), the base period T-bill rate is the annual rate of interest determined by the Secretary to be equivalent to the average of the 1-year constant maturity Treasury yields, as pub- lished by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, for the 1-year pe- riod ending on September 30 of the calen- dar year ending with (or of the most recent calendar year ending before) the close of the taxable year of the shareholder. The base period T-bill rate for the period end- ing September 30, 2007 is 4.87 percent. Pursuant to section 6622 of the Code, interest must be compounded daily. The table below provides factors for com- pounding the base period T-bill rate daily for any number of days in the share- holder’s taxable year (including a 52–53 week accounting period) for the 2007 base period T-bill rate. To compute the amount of the interest charge for the shareholder’s taxable year, multiply the amount of the shareholder’s DISC-related deferred tax liability (as defined in section 995(f)(2)) for that year by the base period T-bill rate factor corresponding to the number of days in the shareholder’s taxable year for which the interest charge is being com- puted. Generally, one would use the factor for 365 days. One would use a different factor only if the shareholder’s taxable year for which the interest charge being determined is a short taxable year, if the shareholder uses the 52–53 week taxable year, or if the shareholder’s taxable year is a leap year. For the base period T-bill rates for the periods ending in prior years, see Rev. Rul. 2006–54, 2006–45 I.R.B. 834, Rev. Rul. 2005–70, 2005–2 C.B. 919, Rev. Rul. 2004–99, 2004–2 C.B. 720, Rev. Rul. 2003–111, 2003–2 C.B. 1009, Rev. Rul. 2002–68, 2002–2 C.B. 808, Rev. Rul. 2001–56, 2001–2 C.B. 500, and Rev. Rul. 2000–52, 2000–2 C.B. 516. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this revenue rul- ing is David F. Bergkuist of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International). For further information regarding this rev- enue ruling, contact David F. Bergkuist at (202) 622–3850 (not a toll-free call). 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 1.000133425 2.000266867 3.000400327 4.000533805 5.000667301 6.000800815 7.000934347 8.001067896 9.001201463 10.001335048 11.001468651 12.001602271 13.001735910 14.001869566 15.002003240 16.002136932 17.002270642 18.002404370 19.002538115 20.002671878 21.002805659 22.002939458 23.003073275 24.003207110 25.003340963 26.003474833 27.003608721 28.003742627 29.003876551 30.004010493 31.004144453 32.004278431 33.004412426 34.004546440 35.004680471 36.004814520 37.004948587 38.005082672 39.005216775 40.005350895 November 5, 20079532007–45 I.R.B. 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 41.005485034 42.005619191 43.005753365 44.005887557 45.006021767 46.006155996 47.00629024 2 48.006424506 49.006558787 50.006693087 51.006827405 52.006961 740 53.007096094 54.007230465 55.007364855 56.007499262 57.007 633687 58.007768130 59.007902592 60.008037071 61.008171568 62.0 08306083 63.008440616 64.008575166 65.008709735 66.008844322 67.008978927 68.009113549 69.009248190 70.009382849 71.009517525 72.009652220 73.009786932 74.009921663 75.010056411 76.010191177 77.010325962 78.010460764 79.010595585 80.010730423 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 81.010865279 82.011000154 83.011135046 84.011269956 85.011404885 86.011539831 87.01167479 5 88.011809778 89.011944778 90.012079797 91.012214833 92.012349 887 93.012484960 94.012620050 95.012755159 96.012890285 97.013 025430 98.013160592 99.013295773 100.013430972 101.013566188 10 2 .0 13701423 103.013836676 104.013971947 105.014107236 106.014242542 107.014377867 108.014513210 109.014648571 110.014783951 111.014919348 112.015054763 113.015190196 114.015325648 115.015461117 116.015596605 117.015732110 118.015867634 119.016003176 120.016138736 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 121.016274314 122.016409910 123.016545524 124.016681156 125.016816807 126.016952475 127.01708816 2 128.017223866 129.017359589 130.017495330 131.017631089 132.017766 866 133.017902661 134.018038474 135.018174306 136.018310155 137.018 446023 138.018581909 139.018717813 140.018853735 141.018989675 14 2 .0 19125633 143.019261610 144.019397605 145.019533617 146.019669648 147.019805697 148.019941765 149.020077850 150.020213953 151.020350075 152.020486215 153.020622373 154.020758549 155.020894744 156.021030956 157.021167187 158.021303436 159.021439703 160.021575988 2007–45 I.R.B.954November 5, 2007 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 161.021712291 162.021848613 163.021984953 164.022121311 165.022257687 166.022394081 167.02253049 4 168.022666925 169.022803374 170.022939841 171.023076326 172.023212 830 173.023349352 174.023485892 175.023622450 176.023759027 177.023 895621 178.024032234 179.024168865 180.024305515 181.024442182 18 2 .0 24578868 183.024715572 184.024852295 185.024989035 186.025125794 187.025262571 188.025399366 189.025536180 190.025673012 191.025809862 192.025946730 193.026083617 194.026220522 195.026357445 196.026494386 197.026631346 198.026768324 199.026905320 200.027042334 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 201.027179367 202.027316418 203.027453487 204.027590575 205.027727681 206.027864805 207.02800194 8 208.028139109 209.028276288 210.028413485 211.028550701 212.028687 935 213.028825187 214.028962458 215.029099747 216.029237054 217.029 374380 218.029511724 219.029649086 220.029786466 221.029923865 22 2 .0 30061283 223.030198718 224.030336172 225.030473644 226.030611135 227.030748644 228.030886171 229.031023717 230.031161281 231.031298863 232.031436464 233.031574083 234.031711720 235.031849376 236.031987050 237.032124743 238.032262454 239.032400183 240.032537931 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 241.032675697 242.032813481 243.032951284 244.033089105 245.033226944 246.033364802 247.03350267 9 248.033640573 249.033778487 250.033916418 251.034054368 252.034192 336 253.034330323 254.034468328 255.034606352 256.034744394 257.034 882454 258.035020533 259.035158630 260.035296746 261.035434880 26 2 .0 35573033 263.035711204 264.035849393 265.035987601 266.036125827 267.036264072 268.036402335 269.036540617 270.036678917 271.036817235 272.036955572 273.037093928 274.037232302 275.037370694 276.037509105 277.037647534 278.037785982 279.037924448 280.038062933 November 5, 20079552007–45 I.R.B. 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 281.038201436 282.038339958 283.038478498 284.038617057 285.038755634 286.038894229 287.03903284 4 288.039171476 289.039310127 290.039448797 291.039587485 292.039726 192 293.039864917 294.040003660 295.040142422 296.040281203 297.040 420002 298.040558820 299.040697656 300.040836511 301.040975384 30 2 .0 41114276 303.041253186 304.041392115 305.041531062 306.041670028 307.041809013 308.041948016 309.042087037 310.042226077 311.042365136 312.042504213 313.042643309 314.042782423 315.042921556 316.043060708 317.043199878 318.043339066 319.043478274 320.043617499 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 321.043756744 322.043896006 323.044035288 324.044174588 325.044313907 326.044453244 327.04459260 0 328.044731974 329.044871367 330.045010779 331.045150209 332.045289 658 333.045429125 334.045568611 335.045708116 336.045847639 337.045 987181 338.046126741 339.046266320 340.046405918 341.046545535 34 2 .0 46685170 343.046824823 344.046964495 345.047104186 346.047243896 347.047383624 348.047523371 349.047663136 350.047802920 351.047942723 352.048082544 353.048222384 354.048362243 355.048502121 356.048642017 357.048781931 358.048921865 359.049061817 360.049201787 2007 ANNUAL RATE, COMPOUNDED DAILY 4.87 PERCENT DAYSFACTOR 361.049341777 362.049481785 363.049621812 364.049761857 365.049901921 366.050042004 367.05018210 5 368.050322226 369.050462365 370.050602522 371.050742698 Section 1274.—Determi- nation of Issue Price in the Case of Certain Debt Instru- ments Issued for Property (Also Sections 42, 280G, 382, 412, 467, 468, 482, 483, 642, 807, 846, 1288, 7520, 7872.) Federal rates; adjusted federal rates; adjusted federal long-term rate and the long-term exempt rate.For purposes of sections 382, 642, 1274, 1288, and other sections of the Code, tables set forth the rates for November 2007. Rev. Rul. 2007–66 This revenue ruling provides various prescribed rates for federal income tax purposes for November 2007 (the current month). Table 1 contains the short-term, mid-term, and long-term applicable fed- eral rates (AFR) for the current month for purposes of section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. Table 2 contains the short-term, mid-term, and long-term adjusted applicable federal rates (adjusted AFR) for the current month for purposes of section 1288(b). Table 3 sets forth the adjusted federal long-term rate and the long-term tax-exempt rate described in section 382(f). Table 4 contains the ap- propriate percentages for determining the low-income housing credit described in section 42(b)(2) for buildings placed in service during the current month. Finally, Table 5 contains the federal rate for deter- mining the present value of an annuity, an 2007–45 I.R.B.956November 5, 2007 interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest for purposes of section 7520. REV. RUL. 2007 –66 TABLE 1 Applicable Federal Rates(AFR) for November 2007 Period for Compounding AnnualSemiannualQuarterlyMonthly Short-term AFR4.11%4.07%4.05%4.04% 110% AFR4.53%4.48%4.46%4.44% 120% AFR4.94%4.88%4.85%4.83% 130% AFR5.36%5.29%5.26%5.23% Mid-term AFR4.39%4.34%4.32%4.30% 110% AFR4.83%4.77%4.74%4.72% 120% AFR5.28%5.21%5.18%5.15% 130% AFR5.72%5.64%5.60%5.57% 150% AFR6.62%6.51%6.46%6.42% 175% AFR7.74%7.60%7.53%7.48% Long-te rm AFR4.89%4.83%4.80%4.78% 110% AF R 5.38%5.31%5.28%5.25% 120% AFR5.88%5.80%5.76%5.73% 130% AFR6.38%6.28%6.23%6.20% REV. RUL. 2007–66 TABLE 2 Adju sted AFR for November 2007 Period for Compounding AnnualSemiannualQuarterlyMonthly Short-term adjusted AFR 3.40%3.37%3.36%3.35% Mid-term adjusted AFR3.61%3.58%3.56%3.55% Long-term adjusted AFR 4.30%4.25%4.23%4.21% REV. RUL. 2007–66 TABLE 3 Rates Under Section 382 for November 2007 Adjusted federal long-term rate for the current month4.30% Long-term tax-exempt rate for ownership changes during the current month (the highest of the adjusted federal long-term rates for the current month and the prior two months.)4.49% November 5, 20079572007–45 I.R.B. REV. RUL. 2007– 66 TABLE 4 Appropriate Percentages Under Section 42(b)(2) for November 2007 Appropriate percentage for the 70% present value low-income housing credit8.08% Appropriate percentage for the 30% present value low-income housing credit3.46% REV. RUL. 2007–66 TABLE 5 Rate Under Se ction 7520 for November 2007 Applicable federal rate for determining the present value of an annuity, an interest for life or a term of years, or a remainder or reversionary interest5.2% Section 1288.—Treatment of Original Issue Discount on Tax-Exempt Obligations The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Section 2032A.—Valuation of Certain Farm, etc., Real Pro perty The Serv ice provides an inflation adjustment to the maximum amount by which the value of certain farm and othe r qualified real property included in a dece- dent’s gross estate may be decreased for purposes of valuin g the estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2008. S ee Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 2503.—Taxable Gifts The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of gifts that may be made to a person in a calendar year without including the amount in taxable gifts for calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 2523.—Gift to Spouse The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of gifts that may be made in a calendar year to a spouse who is not a citizen of the United States without including the amount in taxable gifts for cal- endar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Secti on 4161.—Imposition of Tax The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of excise tax imposed for calendar year 2008 on the first sale by a manufacturer, producer, or im- porter of any shaft of a type used in the manufacture of certain arrows. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 6033.—Returns by Exempt Organizations The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of dues certain exempt organizations with nondeductible lobbying expenditures can charge and still be excepted from reporting requirements for tax- able years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007- 66, page 970. Section 6039F.—Notice of Large Gifts Received From Foreign Persons The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount of gifts received, in a taxable year from for- eign persons, that triggers a reporting requirement for a United States person for taxable years beginning in 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 6323.—Validity and Priority Against Certain Persons The Service provides inflation adjustments for cal- endar year 2008 to (1) the maximum amount of a ca- sual sale of personal property below which a federal tax lien will not be valid against a purchaser of the property and (2) the maximum amount of a contract for the repair or improvement of certain residential property at or below which a federal tax lien will not be valid against a mechanic’s lienor. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 6334.—Property Exempt From Levy The Service provides inflation adjustments to the value of certain property exempt from levy (fuel, pro- visions, furniture, household personal effects, arms for personal use, livestock, poultry, and books and tools of a trade, business, or profession) for calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 6601.—Interest on Underpayment, Nonpayment, or Extensions of Time for Payment, of Tax The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the amount used to determine the amount of interest charged on a certain portion of the estate tax payable in installments for the estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2008. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 7430.—Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the hourly limit on attorney feesincurred in calendar year 2008 that may be awarded in a judgment or settlement of an administrative or judicial proceeding concern- ing the determination, collection, or refund of tax, in- terest, or penalty. See Rev. Proc. 2007-66, page 970. Section 7520.—Valuation Tables The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. Sectio n 7702B.—Treatment of Qual ified Long-Term Care Insurance The Service provides an inflation adjustment to the stated dollar amount for calendar year 2008 of theper diemlimitation regarding periodic payments received under a qualified long-term care insurance contract or periodic payments received under a life insurance contract that are treated aspaid by reason of the death 2007–45 I.R.B.958November 5, 2007 of a chronically ill individual. See Rev. Proc. 2007- 66, page 970. Section 7805.—Rules and Regulations 26 CFR 301.7805–1: Rules and regulations. Whether a holding in Rev. Rul. 2007–65 will be applied retroactively. See Rev. Rul. 2007-65, page 949. Section 7872.—Treatment of Loans With Below-Market Interest Rates The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of November 2007. See Rev. Rul. 2007-66, page 956. November 5, 20079592007–45 I.R.B. Part III. Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous Abusive Trust Arrangements Utilizing Cash Value Life Insurance Policies Purportedly to Provide Welfare Benefits Notice 2007–83 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department are aware of certain trust arrangements claiming to be welfare benefit funds and involving cash value life insurance policies that are be- ing promoted to and used by taxpayers to improperly claim federal income and employment tax benefits. This notice in- forms taxpayers and their representatives that the tax benefits claimed for these ar- rangements are not allowable for federal tax purposes. This notice also alerts tax- payers and their representatives that these transactions are tax avoidance transactions and identifies certain transactions using trust arrangements involving cash value life insurance policies, and substantially similar transactions, as listed transactions for purposes of § 1.6011–4(b)(2) of the Income Tax Regulations and §§ 6111 and 6112 of the Internal Revenue Code. This notice further alerts persons involved with these transactions of certain responsibili- ties that may arise from their involvement with these transactions. Concurrently with this notice, the IRS is publishing Rev. Rul. 2007–65 (con- cluding that for purposes of deductions allowable to an employer under § 419, a welfare benefit fund’s qualified direct cost does not include premium amounts for cash value life insurance policies paid by the fund, whenever the fund is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the pol- icy within the meaning of § 264(a)), and Notice 2007–84 (describing trust arrange- ments involving purported welfare bene- fit funds that, in form, provide post-retire- ment medical and life insurance benefits to employees on a nondiscriminatory ba- sis but, in operation, result in the owner or owners receiving all or a substantial por- tion of the post-retirement and other bene- fits, and all or a substantial portion of any assets distributed from the trust). BACKGROUND 1. Promoted Arrangements Trust arrangements utilizing cash value life insurance policies and purporting to provide welfare benefits to active employ- ees are being promoted to small businesses and other closely held businesses as a way to provide cash and other property to the owners of the business on a tax-favored ba- sis. The arrangements are sometimes re- ferred to by persons advocating their use as “single employer plans” and sometimes as “419(e) plans.” Thoseadvocates claim that the employers’ contributions to the trust are deductible under §§ 419 and 419A as qualified cost, but that there is not a corre- sponding inclusion in the owner’s income. A promoted trust arrangement may be structured either as a taxable trust or a tax-exempt trust,i.e., a voluntary employ- ees’ beneficiary association (VEBA) that has received a determination letter from the IRS that it is described in § 501(c)(9). The plan and the trust documents indicate that the plan provides benefits such as cur- rent death benefit protection, self-insured disability benefits, and/or self-insured severance benefits to covered employees (including those employees who are also owners of the business), and that the ben- efits are payable while the employee is actively employed by the employer. The employer’s contributions are often based on premiums charged for cash value life insurance policies. For example, contri- butions may be based on premiums that would be charged for whole life policies. As a result, the arrangements often require large employer contributions relative to the actual cost of the benefits currently provided under the plan. Under these arrangements, the trustee uses the employer’s contributions to the trust to purchase life insurance policies. The trustee typically purchases cash value life insurance policies on the lives of the employees who are owners of the busi- ness (and sometimes other key employ- ees), while purchasing term life insurance policies on the lives of the other employ- ees covered under the plan. It is anticipated that after a number of years the plan will be terminated and the cash value life insurance policies, cash, or otherpropertyheldbythetrustwillbe distributed to the employees who are plan participants at the time of the termination. While a small amount may be distributed to employees who are not owners of the business, the timing of the plan termina- tion and the methods used to allocate the remainingassetsarestructuredsothatthe business owners and other key employees will receive, directly or indirectly, all or a substantial portion of the assets held by the trust. Those advocating the use of these plans often claim that the employer is allowed a deduction under § 419(c)(3) for its contri- butions when the trustee uses those con- tributions to pay premiums on the cash value life insurance policies, while at the same time claiming that nothing is includi- ble in the owner’s gross income as a re- sult of the contributions (or, if amounts are includible, they are significantly less than the premiums paid on the cash value life insurance policies). They may also claim that nothing is includible in the in- come of the business owner or other key employee as a result of the transfer of a cash value life insurance policy from the trust to the employee, asserting that the employee has purchased the policy when, in fact, any amounts the owner or other key employee paid for the policy may be sig- nificantly less than the fair market value of the policy. Some of the plans are struc- tured so that the owner or other key em- ployee is the named owner of the life insur- ance policy from the plan’s inception, with the employee assigning all or a portion of the death proceeds to the trust. Advocates of these arrangements may claim that no income inclusion is required because there is no transfer of the policy itself from the trust to the employees. 2. Intent to Challenge Transactions The IRS intends to challenge the claimed tax benefits for the above-de- scribed transactions for various reasons. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular arrangement, contributions to a purported welfare benefit fund on behalf of an employee who is a share- holder may properly be characterized as dividend income to the owner, the value of which is includible in the owner’s gross 2007–45 I.R.B.960November 5, 2007 income, and for which amounts are not deductible by the corporation.See Neona- tology Associates v. Commissioner,299 F.3d 221 (3d Cir. 2002). Depending on the facts and circumstances of a partic- ular arrangement, the arrangement may properly be characterized as a plan de- ferring the receipt of compensation for purposes of § 404(a)(5), resulting in the application of the rules under § 404(a)(5) governing the timing of any otherwise available deductions.See Wellons v. Com- missioner, 31 F.3d 569 (7th Cir. 1994). In addition, an arrangement may prop- erly be characterized as a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for purposes of § 409A. Application of § 409A may re- sult in immediate inclusion of income and additional taxes to the employee, as well as income tax withholding liabilities to the employer. The facts and circumstances of a particular arrangement may result in it coming within the definition of a split-dollar life insurance arrangement, so that the tax consequences to the employer and the employees are subject to the rules governing those types of arrangements, including potentially § 409A. Under the economic benefit regime of the split-dollar life insurance arrangement rules set forth in § 1.61–22, the employee must include in income the full value of the economic benefits provided to the employee under the arrangement for the taxable year with- out a corresponding employer deduction. If, based on the facts and circum- stances, an arrangement described above is properly characterized as a welfare ben- efit fund for purposes of §§ 419 and 419A (rather than a dividend arrangement, a plan deferring the receipt of compensation, or a split-dollar life insurance arrangement), an employer is allowed a deduction for contributions to the trust or other welfare benefit fund only to the extent allowed under §§ 419 and 419A. Under §§ 419 and 419A, no deduction is allowed with respect to premiums paid for life insurance coverage provided to current employees if the welfare benefit fund or the employer is directly or indirectly a beneficiary un- der the life insurance policy within the meaning of § 264(a). In the promoted arrangements discussed above, the trust typically retains rights in the life insur- ance policies and is directly or indirectly a beneficiary under the policies, so that no deduction is allowed with respect to the life insurance premiums.SeeSituation 1 in Rev. Rul. 2007–65. Further, any de- duction with respect to uninsured benefits (for example, uninsured medical, disabil- ity, or severance benefits) is not based on the premiums paid on the life insurance policies, but is generally limited to claims incurred and paid during the year. 1 See Situation 2 in Rev. Rul. 2007–65. Thus, contrary to the claims made by persons advocating the use of the arrangements discussed above, premiums on cash value life insurance policies paid through the trust are not a justification for claiming a deduction under §§ 419 and 419A. Moreover, in appropriate cases, the IRS intends to challenge the value claimed by the taxpayer for property distributed from the trust, including cash value life insur- ance policies. The above conclusions apply whether the trust used to provide the plan bene- fits is a taxable trust or a VEBA. While the trust may have received a determina- tion letter stating the trust is exempt under § 501(c)(9), a letter of this type does not address the tax deductibility of contribu- tions to the trust with respect to the em- ployer nor the income inclusion with re- spect to the employees. The IRS has previously identified cer- tain other transactions that claim to be welfare benefit funds as listed transac- tions, concluding that the tax benefits claimed to be generated by these transac- tions are not allowable for federal income tax purposes. Notice 2003–24, 2003–1 C.B. 853, describes certain transactions purporting to meet the exception under § 419A(f)(5) for collectively bargained plans and identifies those and substantially similar transactions as listed transactions, and Notice 95–34, 1995–1 C.B. 309, de- scribes transactions that purport to meet the 10-or-more employer plan exception under § 419A(f)(6). The transactions de- scribed in Notice 95–34 and substantially similar transactions have also been iden- tified as listed transactions. See Notice 2004–67, 2004–2 C.B. 600. LISTED TRANSACTIONS 1. Transactions Identified As Listed Transactions Any transaction that has all of the fol- lowing elements, and any transaction that is substantially similar to such a trans- action, are identified as “listed transac- tions” for purposes of § 1.6011–4(b)(2) and §§ 6111 and 6112, effective October 17, 2007, the date this notice is released to the public. (1) The transaction involves a trust or other fund described in § 419(e)(3) that is purportedly a welfare benefit fund. (2) For determining the portion of its contributions to the trust or other fund that are currently deductible the em- ployer does not rely on the exception in § 419A(f)(5)(A) (regarding collectively bargained plans). (3) The trust or other fund pays premi- ums (or amounts that are purported to be premiums) on one or more life insurance policies and, with respect to at least one of the policies, value is accumulated either: (a) within the policy (for example, a cash value life insurance policy); or (b) outside the policy (for example, in a side fund or through an agreement outside the policy allowing the policy to be con- verted to or exchanged for a policy which will, at some point in time, have accumu- lated value based on the purported premi- ums paid on the original policy). (4) The employer has taken a deduction for any taxable year for its contributions to the fund with respect to benefits pro- vided under the plan (other than post-re- tirement medical benefits, post-retirement life insurance benefits, and child care fa- cilities) that is greater than the sum of the following amounts: (a) With respect to any uninsured bene- fits provided under the plan, (i) an amount equal to claims that were both incurred and paid during the taxable year; plus (ii) the limited reserves allowable under § 419A(c)(1) or (c)(3), as applicable; plus (iii) amounts paid during the taxable year to satisfy claims incurred in a prior taxable year (but only to the extent that no deduction was taken for such amounts in a prior year); plus 1 Limited deductions are allowable under §§ 419 and 419A for additions to certain reserves, including a reserve for claims incurred but unpaid as of the close of a taxable year. November 5, 20079612007–45 I.R.B. (iv) amounts paid during the taxable year or a prior taxable year for adminis- trative expenses with respect to uninsured benefits and that are properly allocable to the taxable year (but only to the extent that no deduction was taken for such amounts in a prior year). (b) With respect to any insured benefits provided under the plan, (i) insurance premiums paid during the taxable year that are properly allocable to the taxable year (other than premiums paid with respect to a policy described in (3)(a) or (b) above); plus (ii) insurance premiums paid in prior taxable years that are properly allocable to the taxable year (other than premiums paid with respect to a policy described in (3)(a) or (b) above); plus (iii) amounts paid during the taxable year or a prior taxable year for administra- tive expenses with respect to insured ben- efits and that are properly allocable to the taxable year (but only to the extent that no deduction was taken for such amounts in a prior year). (c) For taxable years ending prior to November 5, 2007, with respect to life insurance benefits provided through poli- cies described in (3)(a) and (b) above, the greater of the following amounts: 2 (i)inthecaseofanemployerwitha taxable year that is the calendar year, the aggregate amounts reported by the em- ployer as the cost of insurance with respect to such policies on the employees’ Forms W–2 (or Forms 1099) for that year, plus an amount equal to the amounts that would have been reportable on the employees’ Forms W–2 for that year, but for the exclu- sion under section 79 (relating to the cost of up to $50,000 of coverage); or, in the case of an employer with a taxable year other than the calendar year, the portions of the aggregate amounts reported by the em- ployer on the Forms W–2 (or Forms 1099) as described in (i), above, (or that would have been reported absent the exclusion under § 79) that are properly allocable to the employer’s taxable year; and (ii) with respect to each employee in- sured under a cash value life insurance policy, the aggregate cost of insurance charged under the policy or policies with respect to the amount of current life insur- ance coverage provided to the employee under the plan (but limited to the prod- uct of the current life insurance coverage under the plan multiplied by the current year’s mortality rate provided in the higher of the 1980 or 2001 CSO Table). (d) The additional reserve, if any, un- der § 419A(c)(6) (relating to medical ben- efits provided through a plan maintained by abona fideassociation), but only to the extent amounts are not already included above in this paragraph (4), and only to the extent that no deduction was taken for such amounts in a prior taxable year. 2. Participation in the Listed Transactions Whether a taxpayer has participated in the listed transaction described in this notice will be determined under § 1.6011–4(c)(3)(i)(A). However, an in- dividual who is not the employer will be treated as a participant for a taxable year if, and only if the individual owns, directly or indirectly, 20 percent or more of an entity, other than a C corporation, that is a participant in the listed transaction for the taxable year. For this purpose, indi- rect ownership is determined under rules similar to the rules of § 318 but without regard to the family attribution rules of § 318(a)(1). 3. Disclosure, List Maintenance, and Registration Requirements; Penalties; Other Considerations In general, if a taxpayer has partici- pated in a listed transaction, the rules of § 1.6011–4(e) determine when a disclo- sure statement must be filed by the tax- payer. However, if, under § 1.6011–4(e), a taxpayer is required to file a disclosure statement with respect to the listed transac- tion described in this notice after October 17, 2007, and prior to January 15, 2008, that disclosure statement will be consid- ered to be timely filed if the taxpayer alter- natively files the disclosure statement with theOfficeofTaxShelterAnalysis(OTSA) by January 15, 2008. Some transactions described in Notice 95–34 and substantially similar transac- tions may be identified as a listed trans- action in this notice also. It should be noted that, independent of their classifica- tion as “listed transactions” for purposes of § 1.6011–4(b)(2) and §§ 6111 and 6112, transactions that are the same as, or sub- stantially similar to, the transaction iden- tified in this notice may already be subject to the requirements of §§ 6011, 6111, 6112, or the regulations thereunder. Persons re- quired to disclose these transactions under §1.6011–4andwhofailtodosomaybe subject to the penalty under § 6707A. 3 Per- sons required to disclose or register these transactions under § 6111 who have failed to do so may be subject to the penalty un- der § 6707(a). Persons required to main- tain lists of investors under § 6112 who fail to do so (or who fail to provide such lists when requested by the IRS) may be subject to the penalty under § 6708(a). In addition, the IRS may impose other penalties on persons involved in this trans- action or substantially similar transactions (including the accuracy-related penalty under § 6662 or 6662A) and, as appli- cable, on persons who participate in the promotion or reporting of this transaction or substantially similar transactions (in- cluding the return preparer penalty under § 6694, the promoter penalty under § 6700, and the aiding and abetting penalty under § 6701). Further, under § 6501(c)(10), the pe- riod of limitations on assessment may be extended beyond the general three-year period of limitations for persons required to disclose transactions under § 1.6011–4 who fail to do so. See Rev. Proc. 2005–26, 2005–1 C.B. 965. The IRS and the Treasury Department recognize that some taxpayers may have filed tax returns taking the position that they were entitled to the purported tax ben- efits of the types of transactions described in this notice. These taxpayers should con- sult with a tax advisor to ensure that their transactions are disclosed properly and to take appropriate corrective action. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this notice are Larry Isaacs of the Employee Plans, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division and Betty Clary of the Office 2 For taxable years ending on or after November 5, 2007, the amount under this (4)(c) is zero. 3 Section 6707A applies to returns and statements due after October 22, 2004.See Notice 2005–11, 2005–1 C.B. 493. The amount of the penalty under § 6707Awith respect to a listed transaction is $100,000 in the case of a natural person and $200,000 in any other case. 2007–45 I.R.B.962November 5, 2007 of Division Counsel/Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). For further information re- garding this notice, contact Mr. Isaacs atRetirementPlanQuestions@irs.govor Ms. Clary at (202) 622–6080 (not a toll-free call). Trust Arrangements Purporting to Provide Nondiscriminatory Post-Retirement Medical and Life Insurance Benefits Notice 2007–84 Sections 419 and 419A of the Inter- nal Revenue Code set forth rules under which employers are permitted to make currently deductible contributions to wel- fare benefit funds in order to provide their retirees with medical and life insurance benefits. Businesses often maintain wel- fare benefit funds that comport with the intent of §§ 419 and 419A and do in fact provide meaningful medical and life insur- ance benefits to retirees on a nondiscrimi- natory basis, and make substantial contri- butions to those welfare benefit funds that are fully deductible. Such welfare benefit funds are outside the scope of this notice. This notice addresses certain trust ar- rangements that are being promoted to and used by small businesses to avoid fed- eral income and employment taxes. The arrangements described in this notice in- volve purported welfare benefit funds that, in form, provide post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits to employees on a nondiscriminatory basis, but that, in op- eration, will primarily benefit the owners or other key employees of the businesses. This notice alerts taxpayers and their rep- resentatives that the tax treatment of these arrangements may vary from the claimed tax treatment. The Internal Revenue Ser- vice (IRS) may issue further guidance to address these arrangements, and taxpayers should not assume that the guidance will be applied prospectively only. Concurrently with this notice, the IRS is publishing Notice 2007–83, this Bulletin, which identifies as listed transactions cer- tain transactions involving purported wel- fare benefit fund arrangements using cash value life insurance policies. The fact that an arrangement is described in this notice does not preclude it from also being a listed transaction under Notice 2007–83 where the arrangement provides benefits to active employees as well as to retired employees. The IRS has previously identified cer- tain other transactions that claim to be welfare benefit funds as listed transac- tions. Notice 2003–24, 2003–1 C.B. 853, describes certain transactions purporting to meet the exception under § 419A(f)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code for collec- tively bargained plans. Notice 95–34, 1995–1 C.B. 309, describes transactions that purport to meet the 10-or-more em- ployer plan exception under § 419A(f)(6). Notice 2004–67, 2004–2 C.B. 600, in- cludes transactions described in Notice 2003–24 and Notice 95–34, as well as substantially similar transactions, as listed transactions. BACKGROUND Promoted trust arrangements claiming to provide nondiscriminatory post-retire- ment medical benefits and post-retirement life insurance benefits have recently come to the attention of the IRS. These arrange- ments, among others, may be referred to by persons advocating the use of the plans as “single employer plans” or “419(e) plans.” These purported welfare benefit arrangements are usually sold to small businesses and other closely held busi- nesses as a way to provide post-retirement medical benefits, post-retirement life in- surance, and cash and other property to the owners or other key employees of the business on a tax-favored basis through the use of a trust. Those advocating the use of these plans usually assert that the contributions are tax-deductible, but with no corresponding inclusion by the owner or other key employee. Some of these ar- rangements involve plans that previously had claimed to be 10-or-more employer plans under § 419A(f)(6); some others were established to receive policies trans- ferred from terminating plans that claimed to be 10-or-more employer plans. A promoted arrangement may involve either a taxable trust or a tax-exempt trust, i.e., a voluntary employees’ beneficiary as- sociation (VEBA) that has received a de- termination letter from the IRS that it is de- scribed in § 501(c)(9). The trust frequently uses the employer’s contributions to pur- chase cash value life insurance policies on the lives of employees who are owners of the business and, sometimes, on the lives of other key employees. The amount of the employer’s deduc- tion for contributions to one of these plans is often based on a calculation of a reserve associated with each of the plan partici- pants. However, the calculation may be based on an unreasonable assumption that all of the covered employees will eventu- ally receive post-retirement benefits under the plan, or may be based on other actuarial assumptions that either are not reasonable or are not permitted to be reflected in the reserve calculations for purposes of §§ 419 and 419A. Under some arrangements, the plan documents may indicate that post-retire- ment benefits will be provided on a nondis- criminatory basis when, in fact, only a few employees (primarily the employees who are also owners of the business) will ever receive those benefits. To the extent a trust holds excess assets not needed to pay the original benefits, the owner will also re- ceive a substantial portion of those assets. Under some arrangements, this will be accomplished through the use of “loans” to the owners. For some arrangements, the plan will be amended to provide benefits other than the plan’s original post-retire- ment medical or life insurance benefits. For others, the plan will be terminated prior to the payment of the post-retirement benefits and the timing of the termina- tion and the methods used to allocate the remaining assets are structured so that the owners and other key employees will receive, directly or indirectly, all or a sub- stantial portion of the assets held by the trust. Persons advocating the use of these plans claim that the employer’s contribu- tions for the post-retirement medical and life benefits are deductible under §§ 419 and 419A as additions to a qualified asset account. They may also claim that own- ers or other key employees receive the economic benefits from the contributions with little or no income inclusion. LAW Sections 419 and 419A prescribe lim- its on the amount of deductions for con- tributions paid or accrued by an employer November 5, 20079632007–45 I.R.B. to a welfare benefit fund. A welfare ben- efit fund generally consists of a taxable or exempt trust, corporation, or other organi- zation that is part of a plan of an employer through which the employer provides wel- fare benefits to employees or their benefi- ciaries. Under § 419, the employer’s con- tributions to a welfare benefit fund are de- ductible only if they would otherwise be deductible under Chapter 1 of the Code, and the amount of the deduction is limited to the welfare benefit fund’s qualified cost for the taxable year. One component of qualified cost is a fund’s qualified direct cost for the year, which is the amount (including administra- tive expenses) that would have been allow- able as a deduction to the employer with respect to the benefits provided during the year if those benefits had been provided di- rectly by the employer, and the employer had used the cash receipts and disburse- ments method of accounting. A second component of qualified cost is any addi- tion to a qualified asset account for the tax- able year, but only to the extent the addi- tion does not exceed specified limits. Fur- ther, the qualified cost for the taxable year is reduced by the fund’s after-tax income for the year. Under § 419A(a), the term “qualified asset account” means any account con- sisting of assets set aside to provide for the payment of disability benefits, medi- cal benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits or severance pay benefits, or life insurance benefits. Sections 419A(b) and 419A(c)(1) generally limit the additions to a qualified asset account to an amount that is reasonably and actuarially necessary to fund claims incurred but unpaid (as of the close of the taxable year) for the benefits referred to above, plus administrative costs with respect to those claims. Section 419A(c)(2) allows additional limited reserves for post-retirement med- ical and post-retirement life insurance benefits. The reserves must be funded over the working lives of the covered employees and must be actuarially deter- mined on a level basis using assumptions that are reasonable in the aggregate as nec- essary for the post-retirement benefits to be provided to the covered employees. For purposes of § 419A(c)(2), contributions to a reserve are deductible under § 419A only if the contributions are intended to actually accumulate for the purpose of funding the post-retirement benefits.General Signal Corporation v. Commissioner, 142 F.2d 546 (2d Cir. 1998). Under § 419A(c)(2)(A), the reserve for post-retirement medical benefits is further limited by the requirement that it be de- termined on the basis of current medical costs. In addition, for post-retirement life insurance the maximum insurance cover- age that can be taken into account with re- spect to any covered employee is $50,000 of coverage. Moreover, in the case of post-retirement benefits for or on behalf of a key employee (as defined in § 416(i)(1)), § 419A(d) requires that a separate account be established for any medical or life in- surance benefits provided with respect to the key employee, and any medical or life insurance benefits provided with respect to the key employee after retirement may only be paid from the separate account. Under § 419A(e)(1), in order for reserves for post-retirement medical and life insur- ance benefits to be taken into account the plan must meet the nondiscrimination re- quirements of § 505(b) with respect to those benefits (even if those requirements do not otherwise apply to the plan). A plan meets the nondiscrimination re- quirements of § 505(b) only if (i) each class of benefits under the plan is pro- vided under a classification of employees whichissetforthintheplanandwhich is found by the Secretary not to be dis- criminatory in favor of employees who are highly compensated individuals, and (ii) in the case of each class of benefits, such ben- efits do not discriminate in favor of em- ployees who are highly compensated in- dividuals. Under § 505(b)(3), in the case of any benefit for which another section of the Code provides nondiscrimination rules (e.g., § 105(h) in the case of a self-insured medical reimbursement plan), those rules apply instead with respect to the benefit. Under §§ 105(h)(8) and 414(t), all employ- ees who are treated as employed by a sin- gle employer under the rules of § 414(b), (c), or (m) are treated as employed by a single employer for purposes of §§ 105(h), 79, and 505. Sections 104(a)(3) and 105(b), (c), and (d) exclude from gross income certain amounts received by an employee through accident and health insurance. Section 105(e) provides that for purposes of §§ 104 and 105, amounts received through an “ac- cident and health plan for employees” are treated as amounts received through acci- dent or health insurance. Thus, the plan must exist primarily for the benefit of em- ployees, as opposed to shareholders. See, e.g.,Larkin v. Commissioner,48T.C.629 (1967),aff’d,394 F.2d 494 (1 st Cir. 1968) (holding that the plan was merely a device to use corporate earnings to meet the antic- ipated medical needs of the shareholders). Section 4976(a) imposes on an em- ployer an excise tax in the amount of 100 percent of the amount of any disqualified benefit provided with respect to a welfare benefit fund maintained by the employer. Under § 4976(b)(1), a “disqualified bene- fit” means (i) any post-retirement medical benefit or life insurance benefit provided with respect to a key employee if a sepa- rate account is required to be established for the key employee under § 419A(d) and the payment is not from that employee’s account; (ii) any post-retirement medical benefit or life insurance benefit provided with respect to an individual in whose fa- vor discrimination is prohibited unless the plan meets the requirements of § 505(b) with respect to the benefit (whether or not the § 505(b) requirements apply to the plan); and (iii) any portion of a welfare benefit fund reverting to the benefit of the employer. INTENT TO CHALLENGE ARRANGEMENTS The IRS may challenge the claimed tax benefits for the above-described arrange- ments for various reasons. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular arrangement, contributions to a purported welfare benefit arrangement on behalf of an employee who is an owner may properly be characterized as dividends or as non-qualified deferred compensa- tion subject to § 404(a)(5) or 409A (or both), or the arrangement may be subject to the rules for split-dollar life insurance arrangements. SeeNotice 2007–83. If, based on the facts and circum- stances, an arrangement described above is properly characterized as a welfare ben- efit fund, an employer’s deductions for contributions to the welfare benefit trust or other fund are subject to the rules of §§ 419 and 419A. Under those rules, de- ductions for post-retirement medical and life benefits are subject to a number of limitations and requirements, including 2007–45 I.R.B.964November 5, 2007 the use of reasonable actuarial assump- tions, the requirement that the plan meet the nondiscrimination requirements of § 505(b) (determined after application of the rules of § 414(b), (c), and (m)), a prohibition against considering future increases in medical costs, and a limit on the reserves for post-retirement life insur- ance benefits to the reserves that would apply with respect to $50,000 of coverage. Moreover, in order to obtain a deduction for reserves for post-retirement medical or life benefits, the taxpayer cannot get a deduction unless the employer actually intends to use the contributions for that purpose. The tax benefit rule may require that some or all of the deductions taken by the employer in earlier years be included in its income in a later year in which an event occurs that is fundamentally inconsistent with the premise on which the deductions were initially based. (For a further discus- sion of the tax benefit rule, seeHillsboro National Bank v. Commissioner,460U.S. 370 (1983)). Further, the IRS intends to challenge the claimed value of property distributed from a trust, including life insurance policies, whenever the property has not been prop- erly valued by the taxpayer. Finally, based on the facts and circum- stances of a particular arrangement, some or all of the benefits or distributions pro- vided to or for the benefit of employees who are also owners or other key employ- ees may be disqualified benefits for pur- poses of § 4976 subjecting the employer to a 100% excise tax. Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS may impose penalties on persons involved in these arrangements or similar arrange- ments (including the accuracy-related penalty under § 6662) and, as applicable, on persons who participate in the promo- tion or reporting of these arrangements or similar arrangements (including the return preparer penalty under § 6694, the promoter penalty under § 6700, and the aiding and abetting penalty under § 6701). The above rules apply whether the trust used to provide benefits under the arrange- ment is a taxable trust or a VEBA. While the trust may have received a determina- tion letter stating the trust is exempt under § 501(c)(9), a letter of this type does not address the tax deductibility of contribu- tions to the trust with respect to the em- ployer, nor the income inclusion with re- spect to the employees. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this notice are Larry Isaacs of the Employee Plans, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division and Betty Clary of the Office of Division Counsel/Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). For further information re- garding this notice, contact Mr. Isaacs atRetirementPlanQuestions@irs.govor Ms. Clary at (202) 622–6080 (not a toll-free call). Form 8918 — Section 6111 Disclosures Notice 2007–85 This notice provides guidance to ma- terial advisors required to file a disclo- sure statement by October 31, 2007, under § 301.6111–3 of the Procedure and Admin- istration Regulations. BACKGROUND On August 3, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Depart- ment published final regulations under § 301.6111–3 in the Federal Register (72 FR 43157) providing the rules relating to the disclosure of reportable transactions by material advisors under section 6111 of the Internal Revenue Code. See T.D. 9351, 2007–38 I.R.B. 616. In general, these regulations apply to transactions with respect to which a material advisor makes a tax statement on or after August 3, 2007. However, these regulations apply to transactions of interest entered into on or after November 2, 2006, with respect to which a material advisor makes a tax statement on or after November 2, 2006. The regulations provide that each ma- terial advisor, with respect to any re- portable transaction, must file a return as described in § 301.6111–3(d). Section 301.6111–3(d) provides that each mate- rial advisor required to file a disclosure statement under § 301.6111–3 must file a completed Form 8918, “Material Advi- sor Disclosure Statement” (or successor form). The Form 8918 must be filed with the Office of Tax Shelter Analysis (OTSA) by the last day of the calendar month that follows the end of the calendar quarter in which the advisor became a material advisor with respect to the reportable transaction or in which the circumstances necessitating an amended disclosure oc- cur. Prior to the publication of the final reg- ulations, material advisors were required to disclose reportable transactions on Form 8264, “Application for Registration of a Tax Shelter.” Notice 2004–80, 2004–2 C.B. 963, and Notice 2005–22, 2005–1 C.B. 756, described the manner in which the Form 8264 was to be completed. INTERIM PROVISION The next due date for disclosures by material advisors is October 31, 2007. As of the date of release of this notice, Form 8918 has not yet been published. The IRS anticipates that the Form 8918 will be pub- lished soon. Due to the unavailability of Form 8918, a material advisor required to file a com- pleted Form 8918 by October 31, 2007, will be treated as satisfying the disclo- sure requirement of § 301.6111–3(d) if the material advisor files Form 8264 instead. If Form 8918 is published on or before October 31, 2007, material advisors may choose to use either Form 8918 or Form 8264 for disclosures required to be filed by October 31, 2007. For disclosures required to be filed after October 31, 2007, material advisors must use Form 8918 (or successor form) unless instructed otherwise by the IRS. Reportable transactions disclosed on the Form 8264 should be disclosed in the manner described in Notice 2004–80 and Notice 2005–22. EFFECTIVE DATE This notice is effective October 16, 2007, the date this notice was released to the public. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this notice is Charles D. Wien of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs & Special In- dustries). For furtherinformation regard- ing this notice, contact Charles D. Wien at 202–622–3070 (not a toll-free call). November 5, 20079652007–45 I.R.B. 2008 Limitations Adjusted As Provided in Section 415(d), etc. 1 Notice 2007–87 Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) provides for dollar lim- itations on benefits and contributions un- der qualified retirement plans. Section 415 also requires that the Commissioner an- nually adjust these limits for cost-of-liv- ing increases. Otherlimitations applica- ble to deferred compensation plans are also affected by these adjustments. Many of the limitations will change for 2008 be- cause the increase in the cost-of-living in- dex met the statutory thresholds that trig- ger their adjustment. However, for others, the limitation will remain unchanged. For example, the limitation under § 402(g)(1) on the exclusion for elective deferrals de- scribed in § 402(g)(3) remains unchanged at $15,500. This limitation affects elec- tive deferrals to section 401(k) plans and to the Federal Government’s Thrift Savings Plan, among other plans. Cost-of-Living limits for 2008 Effective January 1, 2008, the limita- tion on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under § 415(b)(1)(A) is in- creased from $180,000 to $185,000. For participants who separated from service before January 1, 2008, the limitation for defined benefit plans under § 415(b)(1)(B) is computed by multiplying the partic- ipant’s compensation limitation, as ad- justed through 2007, by 1.0236. The limitation for defined contribution plans under § 415(c)(1)(A) is increased from $45,000 to $46,000. The Code provides that various other dollar amounts are to be adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as the dollar limitation of § 415(b)(1)(A). These dollar amounts and the adjusted amounts are as follows: The limitation under § 402(g)(1) on the exclusion for elective deferrals described in § 402(g)(3) remains un- changed at $15,500. The annual compensation limit un- der §§ 401(a)(17), 404(l), 408(k)(3)(C), and 408(k)(6)(D)(ii) is increased from $225,000 to $230,000. The dollar limitation under § 416(i)(1)(A)(i) concerning the defi- nition of key employee in a top-heavy plan is increased from $145,000 to $150,000. The dollar amount under § 409(o)(1)(C)(ii) for determining the maximum account balance in an employee stock ownership plan sub- ject to a 5-year distribution period is increased from $915,000 to $935,000, while the dollar amount used to de- termine the lengthening of the 5-year distribution period is increased from $180,000 to $185,000. The limitation used in the definition of highly compensated employee un- der § 414(q)(1)(B) is increased from $100,000 to $105,000. The dollar limitation under § 414(v)(2)(B)(i) for catch-up con- tributions to an applicable employer plan other than a plan described in § 401(k)(11) or 408(p) for individuals aged 50 or over remains unchanged at $5,000. The dollar limitation under § 414(v)(2)(B)(ii) for catch-up contri- butions to an applicable employer plan described in § 401(k)(11) or 408(p) for individuals aged 50 or over remains unchanged at $2,500. The annual compensation limitation under § 401(a)(17) for eligible partic- ipants in certain governmental plans that, under the plan as in effect on July 1, 1993, allowed cost-of-living adjust- ments to the compensation limitation under the plan under § 401(a)(17) to be taken into account, is increased from $335,000 to $345,000. The compensation amount under § 408(k)(2)(C) regarding simplified employee pensions (SEPs) remains un- changed at $500. The limitation under § 408(p)(2)(E) regarding SIMPLE retirement accounts remains unchanged at $10,500. The limitation on deferrals under § 457(e)(15) concerning deferred com- pensation plans of state and local gov- ernments and tax-exempt organizations remains unchanged at $15,500. The compensation amounts under § 1.61–21(f)(5)(i) of the Income Tax Regulations concerning the defini- tion of “control employee” for fringe benefit valuation purposes remains un- changed at $90,000. The compensation amount under § 1.61–21(f)(5)(iii) is increased from $180,000 to $185,000. The Code also provides that several pension-related amounts are to be adjusted using the cost-of-living adjustment under § 1(f)(3). These dollar amounts and the adjustments are as follows: The adjusted gross income limita- tion under § 25B(b)(1)(A) for determin- ing the retirement savings contribution credit for taxpayers filing a joint return is increased from $31,000 to $32,000; the limitation under § 25B(b)(1)(B) is increased from $34,000 to $34,500; and the limitation under § 25B(b)(1)(C) and (D) is increased from $52,000 to $53,000. The adjusted gross income limita- tion under § 25B(b)(1)(A) for deter- mining the retirement savings contri- bution credit for taxpayers filing as head of household is increased from $23,250 to $24,000; the limitation un- der § 25B(b)(1)(B) is increased from $25,500 to $25,875; and the limitation under § 25B(b)(1)(C) and (D) is in- creased from $39,000 to $39,750. The adjusted gross income limita- tion under § 25B(b)(1)(A) for deter- mining the retirement savings contri- bution credit for all other taxpayers is increased from $15,500 to $16,000; the limitation under § 25B(b)(1)(B) is in- creased from $17,000 to $17,250; and the limitation under § 25B(b)(1)(C) and (D) is increased from $26,000 to $26,500. The applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(3)(B)(i) for determining the deductible amount of an IRA contri- bution for taxpayers who are active participants filing a joint return or as a qualifying widow(er) is increased from $83,000 to $85,000. The applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(3)(B)(ii) for all other taxpayers (other than mar- ried taxpayers filing separate returns) is increased from $52,000 to $53,000. The applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(7)(A) for a taxpayer who is not an active participant but whose 1 Based on News Release IR–2007–171 dated October 18, 2007. 2007–45 I.R.B.966November 5, 2007 spouse is an active participant is in- creased from $156,000 to $159,000. The adjusted gross income limita- tion under § 408A(c)(3)(C)(ii)(I) for de- termining the maximum Roth IRA con- tribution for taxpayers filing a joint re- turn or as a qualifying widow(er) is in- creased from $156,000 to $159,000. The adjusted gross income limita- tion under § 408A(c)(3)(C)(ii)(II) for all other taxpayers (other than married taxpayers filing separate returns) is in- creased from $99,000 to $101,000. Administrators of defined benefit or de- fined contribution plans that have received favorable determination letters should not request new determination letters solely because of yearly amendments to adjust maximum limitations in the plans. Drafting Information The principal author of this notice is John Heil of the Employee Plans, Tax Ex- empt and Government Entities Division. For further information regarding the data in this notice, please contact the Employee Plans’ taxpayer assistance telephone service at 1–877–829–5500 (a toll-free call) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday. For information regarding the methodology used in arriving at the data in this notice, please e-mail Mr. Heil at RetirementPlanQuestions@irs.gov. 26 CFR 601.105: Examination of returns and claims for refund, credit or abatement; determination of cor- rect tax liability. (Also: §§ 45, 704, 1.704–1.) Rev. Proc. 2007–65 SECTION 1. PURPOSE Notice 2006–88, 2006–42 I.R.B. 686, regarding Electricity Produced from Open-Loop Biomass, announced that the Internal Revenue Service (the “Service”) would not rule on any issues under Sub- chapter K for partnerships claiming the credit under § 45 of the Internal Revenue Code. This revenue procedure establishes the requirements (the Safe Harbor) under which the Service will respect the alloca- tion of § 45 wind energy production tax credits by partnerships in accordance with § 704(b). The Treasury Department and the Service intend for the Safe Harbor to simplify the application of § 45 to partners and partnerships that own and produce electricity from qualified wind energy fa- cilities. SECTION 2. BACKGROUND Section 45 provides for a renewable electricity production credit in an amount equal to the product of 1.5 cents, multi- plied by the kilowatt hours of electricity produced by the taxpayer from qualified energy resources and at a qualified facil- ity during the 10-year period beginning on the date the facility was originally placed in service, and sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable year. Section 45(c)(1) defines “qualified en- ergy resources” to include wind. Section 45(d)(1) defines a “qualified facility” in the case of a facility using wind to produce electricity as any facility owned by the tax- payer that is originally placed in service af- ter December 31, 1993, and before January 1, 2009. Under Rev. Rul. 94–31, 1994–1 C.B. 16, with respect to electricity produced from wind energy, theterm “facility” un- der § 45(d)(1) means each separate wind turbine, together with the tower on which the turbine is mounted and the supporting pad on which the tower is situated. Al- though § 45 does not define “placed in ser- vice,” the term has been defined for pur- poses of the deduction for depreciation and the investment tax credit. For these pur- poses, property is considered to be placed in service in the taxable year that the prop- erty is placed in a condition or state of readiness and available for a specifically assigned function. See §§ 1.46–3(d)(1)(ii) and 1.167(a)–11(e)(1)(i) of the Income Tax Regulations. Section 704(a) provides that a partner’s distributive share of income, gain, loss, de- duction, or credit is, except as otherwise provided in chapter 1 of subtitle A of Title 26, determined by the partnership agree- ment. Under § 704(b), a partner’s distribu- tive share of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit (or item thereof) is determined in accordance with the partner’s interest in the partnership (determined by taking into account all facts and circumstances), if (i) the partnership agreement does not pro- vide for the partner’s distributive share of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit (or item thereof), or (ii) the allocation to a part- ner under the agreement of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit (or item thereof) lacks substantial economic effect. Section 1.704–1(b)(4)(ii) provides that allocations of tax credits and tax credit recapture (except for § 38 property) are not reflected by adjustments to the part- ners’ capital accounts. Thus, these allo- cations cannot have economic effect un- der § 1.704–1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(1), and the tax credits and tax credit recapture must be al- located in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership as of the time the tax credit or creditrecapture arises. If a partnership expenditure (whether or not deductible) that gives rise to a tax credit in a partnership taxable year also gives rise to valid allocations of partnership loss or deduction (or other downward capital ac- count adjustments) for the year, then the partners’ interests in the partnership with respect to the credit (or the cost giving rise to it) are in the same proportion as the partners’ respective distributive shares of the loss or deduction (and adjustments). See § 1.704–1(b)(5), Example 11. Sec- tion 1.704–1(b)(4)(ii) further provides that identical principlesapply in determining the partners’ interests in the partnership re- garding tax credits, such as the credit under § 45, that arise from receipts of the partner- ship (whether or not taxable). SECTION 3. SCOPE The Safe Harbor in section 4 of this revenue procedure applies to any partner- ship (the “Project Company”) between a project developer (the “Developer”) and one or more investors, as defined in section 4.01 (the “Investors”), with the Project Company owning and operating the project containingthe qualified energy facilities (“Wind Farm” and for purposes of this definition the term does not include energy produced from such Wind Farm). In addition to the Project Company, the Developer, and the Investors, wind energy transactions typically involve lenders, land owners, a turbine supplier, a construction contractor, power purchasers, and a project operator. In order to qualify for the Safe Harbor, all of the requirements set forth in section 4 of this revenue procedure must be met. This Safe Harbor will apply only if the Developer, Investors and Project Com- pany satisfy each and every requirement in November 5, 20079672007–45 I.R.B. section 4 of this revenue procedure. Fur- thermore, this revenue procedure applies only to partners or partnerships with § 45 production tax credits from renewable resources from wind. Thus, this revenue procedure does not apply to any other tax credits. The Service generally will closely scru- tinize a Project Company as a partnership or Investors as partners if a Project Com- pany’s partnership agreement does not satisfy each requirement of this revenue procedure. The Safe Harbor in this rev- enue procedure is to provide guidance to taxpayers establishing or participat- inginwindenergypartnershipsinlieu of taxpayers requesting a letter ruling. Therefore, the Service will not rule on any issues under Subchapter K for partnerships claiming the credit under § 45. SECTION 4. SAFE HARBOR .01Investors Defined. Investors are partners in the Project Company whose in- vestment return is reasonably anticipated to be derived from both § 45 credits and participation in operating cash flow. .02Partners’ Minimum Partnership In- terest. The Developer must have a mini- mum one percent interest in each material item of partnership income, gain, loss, de- duction and credit at all times during the existence of the Project Company. Each Investor must have, at all times during the period it owns a partnership interest in the Project Company, a minimum inter- est in each material item of partnership in- come and gain equal to 5 percent of the In- vestor’s percentage interest in partnership income and gain for the taxable year for which the Investor’s percentage share of income and gain will be the largest, as ad- justed for sales, redemptions or dilution of its interest. .03Investor’s Minimum Unconditional Investment. Onorbeforethelaterofthe date the Wind Farm is placed in service or the date the Investor acquires its inter- est in the Project Company, the Investor must make a minimum unconditional in- vestment in the Project Company (the “In- vestor Minimum Investment”). The In- vestor must maintain the Investor Mini- mum Investment throughout the duration of its ownership of its partnership inter- est in the Project Company, except that the Investor Minimum Investment can be re- duced as a result of distributions of cash flow from the Project Company’s opera- tion of the Wind Farm or in connection with section 4.05. Contributions required to be made in the future will not be in- cluded in the Investor Minimum Invest- ment until the contributions are actually made to the partnership. The Investor Minimum Investment must be equal to at least 20 percent of the sum of the fixed capital contributions plus reasonably an- ticipated contingent capital contributions required to be made by the Investor under the partnership agreement. The Investor must not be protected against loss of any portion of the Investor Minimum Invest- ment through any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with the Developer, any other Investor, the turbine supplier or the power purchaser or any party related to the De- veloper, other Investors, turbine supplier or the power purchaser. .04Contingent Consideration. At least 75 percent of the sum of the fixed capital contributions plus reasonably anticipated contingent capital contributions to be con- tributed by an Investor with respect to an interest in the Project Company must be fixed and determinable obligations that are not contingent in amount or certainty of payment. .05Purchase Rights. Neither the De- veloper, the Investors nor any related par- ties may have a contractual right to pur- chase, at any time,the Wind Farm, any property included in the Wind Farm or an interest in the Project Company at a price less than its fair market value deter- mined at the time of exercise of the con- tractual right to purchase, and provided further that the Developer (or any party related to the Developer) may not have a contractual right to purchase the Wind Farm or an interest in the Project Company earlier than 5 years after the qualified facil- ity is first placed into service. Any determination of the fair market value of the Wind Farm or an interest in the Project Company may take into account: (i) contracts or other arrangements creat- ing rights or obligations (excluding power purchase agreements) only if such con- tracts or other arrangements creating rights or obligations are entered into in the ordi- nary course of the Wind Farm’s business and are negotiated at arm’s length with parties not related to the Project Company or Investors; and (ii) any power purchase contract only if such contract is entered into with parties not related to (within the meaning of § 45(e)(4)) to the Project Com- pany. .06Sale Rights. The Project Company may not have a contractual right to cause any party to purchase the Wind Farm or any property included in the Wind Farm, excluding electricity, from the Project Company. An Investor may not have a contractual right to cause any party to pur- chase its partnership interest in the Project Company. .07Guarantees and Loans.Noperson may guarantee or otherwise insure the In- vestor the right to any allocation of the credit under § 45. The Project Company must bear the risk that the available wind resource is not as great as anticipated or projected. The De- veloper, the turbine supplier, or any power purchaser may not provide a guarantee that the wind resource will be available at a cer- tain level. A guarantee regarding wind re- source availability may be provided by a third party not related to the Developer, the turbine supplier, any power purchaser, or any other project participant if the Project Company or an Investor directly pays the cost of or premium for such guarantee. For example, a weather derivative contract be- tween the Project Company and an un- related third party (such as an insurance company) is an acceptable guarantee. A long-term power purchase agreement entered into between the Project Company and a party not related to the Project Com- pany under § 45(e)(4) does not constitute a guarantee. However, a Take or Pay con- tract between related parties would con- stitute a guarantee and is not permissible. Any sale of electricity between related per- sons as defined in § 45(e)(4) will not qual- ify for the credit under § 45. The Developer (or a party related to the Developer) may not lend any Investor the funds to acquire any part of the Investor’s interest in the Project Company or guaran- tee any indebtedness incurred or created in connection with the acquisition of such In- vestor’s interest in the Project Company. .08Allocationof§45ProductionTax Credits. The § 45 credit must be allocated in accordance with § 1.704–1(b)(4)(ii). .09Separate Activity for Purposes of § 469. For purposes of the passive activ- ity loss rules, under § 1.469–4(d)(4) each qualified facility will be treated as a sep- 2007–45 I.R.B.968November 5, 2007 arate activity for purposes of § 469 and that activity may not be grouped with any other activity, except other qualified wind facilities. Thus, generally, only entities not subject to § 469, and not individuals, will be able to offset non-project income with credits received as a passive investor in a partnership. .10Definition of Related Party.Ex- cept as otherwise provided, for purposes of this revenue procedure parties are related if they bear a relationship to each other that is specified in § 267(b) or 707(b)(1). SECTION 5. EXAMPLES .01Example 1. The following is an example of a valid wind energy limited liability company that is classified as a partnershipfor federal tax purposes. Developer is a C corporation that owns and man- ages wind-based generation projects. Project Com- pany is a limited liability company (LLC) that has been formed by Developer to develop, own and man- age a renewable energy project that utilizes wind tur- bines to produce electricity from wind (the Project). Investor is a C corporation that invests in renewable energy projects primarily to benefit from § 45 cred- its. Developer has caused LLC to enter into, or has assigned to LLC, a number a contracts or agreements relating to the development of the Project. Developer will own all of LLC during construc- tion of the Project. Construction of the Project will be financed with $100x of construction financing. When construction of the Project is substantially complete, pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase and Eq- uity Capital Contribution Agreement, (1) Developer will contribute $15x to LLC, and (2) Investor will ac- quire newly issued membership interests from LLC in exchange for an upfront cash capital contribution in the amount of $10x which is 20% of Investor’s to- tal agreed capital contributions to LLC of $50x. De- veloper, as the developer of the Project, has not pro- vided a guarantee to LLC or Investor regarding the level of the available wind resource at the Project or the amount of § 45 credits. Pursuant to the limited liability company operat- ing agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), Devel- oper will have the right to manage LLC, subject to the right of Investor to consent to certain activities. Be- low is a chart and explanation that generally describes the distribution and allocation provisions applicable to Developer and Investor over various time periods. DeveloperInvestor Cash Gross Income/Loss and Section 45 CreditsCash Gross Income/Loss andSection45Credits Period 1100%1%0%99% Period 20%1%100%99% Period 3 95%95%5%5% During Period 1, 99% of LLC’s gross income or loss and the § 45 credits will be allocated to Investor, and 100% of LLC’s cash flows will be distributed to Developer. Period 1 will continue until the earlier of (i) such time that Developer has received aggregate cash distributions in an amount equal to the aggregate contributions made by Developer (i.e., $15x) and (ii) a fixed outside date. Period 1 is expected to last four to six years. When Period 1 ends, Period 2 will begin. During Period 2, 99% of LLC’s gross income or loss and the § 45 credits will be allocated to, and 100% of LLC’s cash flows will be distributed to Investor. Period 2 will continue until Investor has achieved an agreed after-tax internal rate of return (the “Flip Point”). Although the Flip Point might occur sooner, it is expected that the Flip Point will not occur until after the end of year 10 of the Project, at which time § 45 credits will no longer be available for the production and sale of electricity from the Project. Period 2 is expected to last four to six years. When Period 2 ends, Period 3 will begin. Moreover, upon the tenth anniversary of Investor’s investment, Developer will have the option to purchase Investor’s interest for its then-appraised fair market value. As- suming that option is not exercised, during Period 3, 5% of LLC’s gross income or loss and § 45 credits will be allocated to, and 5% of LLC’s cash flows will be distributed to, Investor; and 95% of LLC’s gross income or loss and § 45 credits will be allocated to, and 95% of LLC’s cash flows will be distributed to, Developer. Period 3 will continue for the remaining life of the Project. .02Example 2. The facts are the same as inEx- ample 1, except Investor is initially allocated 99.5% of LLC’s gross income or loss and § 45 credits. Un- der these facts, the wind energy limited liability com- pany’s classification as a valid partnership would be closely scrutinized by the Service. Likewise, if any other provision of this safe harbor is not followed for any wind energy partnerships, the Service will closely scrutinize the validity of such purported partnerships. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE This revenue procedure is effective for transactions entered into on or after the date of publication in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. If a Project Company, Developer and Investor satisfied all the requirements of the Safe Harbor provided in section 4 of this revenue procedure for transactions en- tered into before the date of publication of this revenue procedure in the Internal Rev- enue Bulletin, the Service will not chal- lenge the allocation of § 45 wind energy production tax credits by the partnership that are in accordance with § 704(b) for such taxable year(s). SECTION 7. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this rev- enue procedure are Vishal R. Amin and Richard T. Probst of the Office of Asso- ciate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs & Spe- cial Industries). For further information regarding this revenue procedure, contact Vishal R. Amin or Richard T. Probst at (202) 622–3060 (not a toll-free call). November 5, 20079692007–45 I.R.B. 26 CFR 601.602: Tax forms and instructions. (Also Part I, §§ 1, 23, 24, 25A, 25B, 32, 42, 59, 62, 63, 68, 132, 135, 137, 146, 148, 151, 170, 179, 213, 219, 220, 221, 408A, 512, 513, 685, 877, 911, 2032A, 2503, 2523, 4161, 6033, 6039F, 6323, 6334, 6601, 7430, 7702B; 1.148–3, 1.148–5.) Rev. Proc. 2007–66 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1. PURPOSE SECTION 2. CHANGES SECTION 3. 2008 ADJUSTED ITEMS C odeSection .01TaxRateTables.......................................................................... 1(a)–(e) .02UnearnedIncomeofMinorChildrenTaxedasifParent’sIncome(“KiddieTax”)................ 1(g) .03AdoptionCredit.......................................................................... 23 .04ChildTaxCredit......................................................................... 24 .05HopeandLifetimeLearningCredits........................................................ 25A .06ElectiveDeferralsandIRAContributionsbyCertainIndividuals............................... 25B .07EarnedIncomeCredit..................................................................... 32 .08Low-IncomeHousingCredit .............................................................. 42(h) .09AlternativeMinimumTaxExemptionforaChildSubjecttothe“KiddieTax”................... 59(j) .10 Transportation Mainline Pipeline ConstructionIndustry Optional Expense Substantiation Rules for PaymentstoEmployeesunderAccountablePlans ............................................... 62(c) .11StandardDeduction....................................................................... 63 .12OverallLimitationonItemizedDeductions.................................................. 68 .13QualifiedTransportationFringe............................................................ 132(f) .14 Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses................................................................................... 135 .15AdoptionAssistancePrograms............................................................. 137 .16PrivateActivityBondsVolumeCap........................................................ 146(d) .17GeneralArbitrageRebateRules............................................................ 148(f) .18 Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions on Guaranteed Investment Contracts or Investments PurchasedforaYieldRestrictedDefeasanceEscrow............................................. 148 .19PersonalExemption...................................................................... 151 .20ElectiontoExpenseCertainDepreciableAssets.............................................. 179 .21EligibleLong-TermCarePremiums........................................................ 213(d)(10) .22RetirementSavings....................................................................... 219 .23MedicalSavingsAccounts ................................................................ 220 .24InterestonEducationLoans............................................................... 221 .25RothIRAs............................................................................... 408A .26TreatmentofDuesPaidtoAgriculturalorHorticulturalOrganizations.......................... 512(d) .27 Insubstantial Benefit Limitations for Contributions Associated with Charitable Fund-Raising Campaigns ................................................................................. 513(h) 2007–45 I.R.B.970November 5, 2007 .28FuneralTrusts ........................................................................... 685 .29ExpatriationtoAvoidTax................................................................. 877 .30ForeignEarnedIncomeExclusion.......................................................... 911 .31 Valuation of Qualified Real Property in Decedent’s Gross Estate............................... 2032A .32AnnualExclusionforGifts................................................................ 2503&2523 .33TaxonArrowShafts...................................................................... 4161 .34 Reporting Exception for Certain Exempt Organizations with Nondeductible LobbyingExpenditures....................................................................... 6033(e)(3) .35 Notice of Large Gifts Received from Foreign Persons........................................ 6039F .36PersonsAgainstWhomaFederalTaxLienIsNotValid....................................... 6323 .37PropertyExemptfromLevy............................................................... 6334 .38InterestonaCertainPortionoftheEstateTaxPayableinInstallments.......................... 6601(j) .39AttorneyFeeAwards..................................................................... 7430 .40 Periodic Payments Received under Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts or under Certain LifeInsuranceContracts...................................................................... 7702B(d) SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION SECTION 1. PURPOSE This revenue procedure sets forth infla- tion adjusted items for 2008. SECTION 2. CHANGES .01 The excise taxes imposed under § 4261(b) and (c), as enacted by the Airport and Airway Trust Fund Tax Re- instatement Act of1997 and extended by § 149(a) of Pub. L. No. 110–92, 121 Stat. 989 (2007), apply to transportation taken through November 16, 2007, and to amounts paid on or before November 16, 2007, for transportation beginning after that date. Accordingly, the amounts in § 4261(b) and (c) are not included in this revenue procedure. .02 For 2008, the inflation adjusted items in §§ 25B, 219, and 408A also will be included in a separate news release and related notice with other inflation adjusted amounts relating to pension and retirement accounts. For future years, these amounts will not be included in this revenue proce- dure but will appear only in the separate news release and related notice. .03 For taxable years beginning af- ter 2007, the inflation adjusted items for health savings accounts under § 223 are published no later than June 1 of the pre- ceding calendar year. See § 223(g) and Rev. Proc. 2007–36, 2007–22 I.R.B. 1335. Accordingly, these items are not included in this revenue procedure. .04 Section 1.148–3(d)(1)(iv) of the proposed Income Tax Regulations pro- vides that on the last day of each bond year during which there are amounts al- located to gross proceeds of an issue that are subject to the rebate requirement, and on the final maturity date, there can be in- cluded as a payment a computation credit of $1,400 for any bond year ending in 2007. For bond years ending after 2007, the $1,400 computation credit will be ad- justed for inflation pursuant to proposed § 1.148–3(d)(4). See section 3.17 of this revenue procedure. SECTION3.2008ADJUSTEDITEMS .01Tax Rate Tables. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the tax rate tables under §1areasfollows: TABLE 1 — Section 1(a). — Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses. If Taxable Income Is:The Tax Is: Not over $16,050 10% of the taxable income Over $16,050 but not over $65,100$1,605 plus 15% of the excess over $16,050 Over $65,100 but not over $131,450$8,962.50 plus 25% of the excess over $65,100 Over $131,450 but not over $200,300$25,550 plus 28% of the excess over $131,450 Over $200,300 but not over $357,700$44,828 plus 33% of the excess over $200,300 Over $357,700$96,770 plus 35% of the excess over $357,700 November 5, 20079712007–45 I.R.B. TABLE 2 — Section 1(b). — Heads of Households. If Taxable Income Is:The Tax Is: Not over $11,450 10% of the taxable income Over $11,450 but not over $43,650$1,145 plus 15% of the excess over $11,450 Over $43,650 but not over $112,650$5,975 plus 25% of the excess over $43,650 Over $112,650 but not over $182,400$23,225 plus 28% of the excess over $112,650 Over $182,400 but not over $357,700$42,755 plus 33% of the excess over $182,400 Over $357,700$100,604 plus 35% of the excess over $357,700 TABLE 3 — Section 1(c). — Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households). If Taxable Income Is:The Tax Is: Not over $8,025 10% of the taxable income Over $8,025 but not over $32,550$802.50 plus 15% of the excess over $8,025 Over $32,550 but not over $78,850$4,481.25 plus 25% of the excess over $32,550 Over $78,850 but not over $164,550$16,056.25 plus 28% of the excess over $78,850 Over $164,550 but not over $357,700$40,052.25 plus 33% of the excess over $164,550 Over $357,700$103,791.75 plus 35% of the excess over $357,700 TABLE 4 — Section 1(d). — Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns. If Taxable Income Is:The Tax Is: Not over $8,025 10% of the taxable income Over $8,025 but not over $32,550$802.50 plus 15% of the excess over $8,025 Over $32,550 but not over $65,725$4,481.25 plus 25% of the excess over $32,550 Over $65,725 but not over $100,150$12,775 plus 28% of the excess over $65,725 Over $100,150 but not over $178,850$22,414 plus 33% of the excess over $100,150 Over $178,850$48,385 plus 35% of the excess over $178,850 TABLE 5 — Section 1(e). — Estates and Trusts. I f Taxable Income Is: T he Tax Is: Not over $2,200 15% of the taxable income Over $2,200 but not over $5,150$330 plus 25% of the excess over $2,200 Over $5,150 but not over $7,850$1,067.50 plus 28% of the excess over $5,150 Over $7,850 but not over $10,700$1,823.50 plus 33% of the excess over $7,850 Over $10,700$2,764 plus 35% of the excess over $10,700 .02Unearned Income of Minor Chil- dren Taxed as if Parent’s Income (the “Kiddie Tax”).For taxable years beginning in 2008, the amount in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I), which is used to re- duce the net unearned income reported on the child’s return that is subject to the “kiddie tax,” is $900. This amount is the same as the $900 standard deduction amount provided in section 3.11(2) of this revenue procedure. The same $900 amount is used for purposes of § 1(g)(7) (that is, to determine whether a parent may elect to include a child’s gross income in the parent’s gross income and to calculate the “kiddie tax”). For example, one of the requirements for the parental election is that a child’s gross income is more than the 2007–45 I.R.B.972November 5, 2007 amount referenced in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I) but less than 10 times that amount; thus, a child’s gross income for 2008 must be more than $900 but less than $9,000. .03Adoption Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2008, under § 23(a)(3) the credit allowed for an adoption of a child with special needs is $11,650. For taxable years beginning in 2008, under § 23(b)(1) the maximum credit allowed for other adoptions is the amount of qualified adop- tion expenses up to $11,650. The available adoption credit begins to phase out under § 23(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modi- fied adjusted gross income in excess of $174,730 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $214,730 or more. (See section 3.15 of this revenue procedure for the ad- justed items relating to adoption assistance programs.) .04Child Tax Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the value used in § 24(d)(1)(B)(i) to determine the amount of credit under § 24 that may be refundable is $12,050. .05Hope and Lifetime Learning Cred- its. (1) For taxable years beginning in 2008, the Hope Scholarship Credit under § 25A(b)(1) is an amount equal to 100 percent of qualified tuition and related expenses not in excess of $1,200 plus 50 percent of those expenses in excess of $1,200, but not in excess of $2,400. Accordingly, the maximum Hope Schol- arship Credit allowable under § 25A(b)(1) for taxable years beginning in 2008 is $1,800. (2) For taxable years beginning in 2008, a taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross in- come in excess of $48,000 ($96,000 for a joint return) is used to determine the reduction under § 25A(d)(2)(A)(ii) in the amount of the Hope Scholarship and Life- time Learning Credits otherwise allowable under § 25A(a). .06Elective Deferrals and IRA Contri- butions by Certain Individuals.Fortax- able years beginning in 2008, the appli- cable percentage under § 25B(b) is deter- mined based on the following amounts: Modified Adjusted Gross Income Joint ReturnHead of HouseholdAll Other Cases OverNot OverOverNot OverOverNot Over Applicable Percentage $0$32,000$0$24,000$0$16,000 50% $32,000$34,500$24,000$25,875$16,000$17,250 20% $34,500$53,000$25,875$39,750$17,250$26,500 10% $53,000$39,750$26,500 0% .07Earned Income Credit. (1)In general. For taxable years be- ginning in 2008, the following amounts are used to determine the earned income credit under § 32(b). The “earned in- come amount” is the amount of earned income at or above which the maximum amount of the earned income credit is al- lowed. The “threshold phaseout amount” is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) above which the maximum amount of the credit begins to phase out. The “completed phaseout amount” is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) at or above which no credit is allowed. Number of Qualifying Children ItemOneTwo or MoreNone Earned Income Amount $ 8,580$12,060$ 5,720 Maximum Amount of Credit $ 2,917$ 4,824$ 438 Threshold Phaseout Amount (Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household) $15,740$15,740$ 7,160 Completed Phaseout Amount (Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household) $33,995$38,646$12,880 Threshold Phaseout Amount (Married Filing Jointly) $18,740$18,740$10,160 Completed Phaseout Amount (Married Filing Jointly) $36,995$41,646$15,880 November 5, 20079732007–45 I.R.B. The instructions for the Form 1040 se- ries provide tables showing the amount of the earned income credit for each type of taxpayer. (2)Excessive investment income.For taxable years beginning in 2008, the earned income tax credit is not allowed under § 32(i) if the aggregate amount of certain investment income exceeds $2,950. .08Low-Income Housing Credit.For calendar year 2008, the amount used un- der § 42(h)(3)(C)(ii) to calculate the State housing credit ceiling for the low-income housing credit is the greater of (1) $2.00 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $2,325,000. .09Alternative Minimum Tax Exemp- tion for a Child Subject to the “Kiddie Tax.” For taxable years beginning in 2008, for a child to whom the § 1(g) “kiddie tax” applies, the exemption amount under §§ 55 and 59(j) for purposes of the alternative minimum tax under § 55 may not exceed the sum of (1) the child’s earned income for the taxable year, plus (2) $6,400. .10Transportation Mainline Pipeline Construction Industry Optional Expense Substantiation Rules for Payments to Em- ployees under Accountable Plans.For calendar year 2008, an eligible employer may pay certain welders and heavy equip- mentmechanicsanamountofupto$15 per hour for rig-related expenses that is deemed substantiated under an account- able plan if paid in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2002–41. If the employer pro- vides fuel or otherwise reimburses fuel expenses, up to $9 per hour is deemed substantiated if paid under Rev. Proc. 2002–41. .11Standard Deduction. (1)In general. For taxable years be- ginning in 2008, the standard deduction amounts under § 63(c)(2) are as follows: Filing StatusStandard Deduction Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses (§ 1(a)) $10,900 Heads of Households (§ 1(b)) $ 8,000 Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households) (§ 1(c)) $ 5,450 Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns (§ 1(d)) $ 5,450 (2)Dependent. For taxable years be- ginning in 2008, the standard deduction amount under § 63(c)(5) for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by an- other taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of (1) $900, or (2) the sum of $300 and the in- dividual’s earned income. (3)Aged or blind. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the additional standard deduction amount under § 63(f) for the aged or the blind is $1,050. These amounts are increased to $1,350 if the individual is also unmarried and not a surviving spouse. .12Overall Limitation on Itemized De- ductions. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the “applicable amount” of adjusted gross income under § 68(b), above which the amount of otherwise allowable item- ized deductions is reduced under § 68, is $159,950 (or $79,975 for a separate return filed by a married individual). .13Qualified Transportation Fringe. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(A), regarding the aggregate fringe benefit exclusion amount for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and any tran- sit pass, is $115. The monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(B), regarding the fringe benefit exclusion amount for qualified parking, is $220. .14Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the exclusion un- der § 135, regarding income from United States savings bonds for taxpayers who pay qualified higher education expenses, begins to phase out for modified adjusted gross income above $100,650 for joint returns and $67,100 for other returns. The exclusion is completely phased out for modified adjusted gross income of $130,650 or more for joint returns and $82,100 or more for other returns. .15Adoption Assistance Programs.For taxable years beginning in 2008, under § 137(a)(2) the amount that can be ex- cluded from an employee’s gross income for the adoption of a child with special needs is $11,650. For taxable years be- ginning in 2008, under § 137(b)(1) the maximum amount that can be excluded from an employee’s gross income for the amounts paid or expenses incurred by an employer for qualified adoption expenses furnished pursuant to an adoption assis- tance program for other adoptions by the employee is $11,650. The amount exclud- able from an employee’s gross income be- gins to phase out under § 137(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross in- come in excess of $174,730 and is com- pletely phased out for taxpayers with mod- ified adjusted gross income of $214,730 or more. (See section 3.03 of this revenue procedure for the adjusted items relating to the adoption credit.) .16Private Activity Bonds Volume Cap. For calendar year 2008, the amounts used under § 146(d)(1) to calculate the State ceiling for the volume cap for private activity bonds is the greater of (1) $85 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $262,095,000. .17General Arbitrage Rebate Rules. Forbondyearsendingin2008,theamount of the computation credit determined un- der § 1.148–3(d)(4) of the proposed In- come Tax Regulations is $1,430. .18Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions on Guaranteed Invest- ment Contracts or Investments Purchased for a Yield Restricted Defeasance Es- crow. For calendar year 2008, under § 1.148–5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(1), a broker’s com- mission or similar feefor the acquisition of a guaranteed investment contract or in- vestments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow is reasonable if (1) the amount of the fee that the issuer treats as a qualified administrative cost does not exceed the lesser of (A) $34,000, and (B) 0.2 percent of the computational base (as defined in § 1.148–5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(2)) or, 2007–45 I.R.B.974November 5, 2007 if more, $3,000; and (2) the issuer does not treat more than $95,000 in brokers’ commissions or similar fees as qualified administrative costs for all guaranteed investment contracts and investments for yield restricted defeasance escrows pur- chased with gross proceeds of the issue. .19Personal Exemption. (1)Exemption amount. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the personal ex- emption amount under § 151(d) is $3,500. The exemption amount for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of the maximum phaseout amount is $2,333 for taxable years beginning in 2008. (2)Phaseout. For taxable years be- ginning in 2008, the personal exemption amount begins to phase out at, and reaches the maximum phaseout amount after, the following adjusted gross income amounts: Filing Status AGI – Beginning of Phaseout AGI – Maximum Phaseout Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses (§ 1(a)) $239,950$362,450 Heads of Households (§ 1(b)) $199,950$322,450 Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households) (§ 1(c)) $159,950$282,450 Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns (§ 1(d)) $119,975$181,225 .20Election to Expense Certain Depre- ciable Assets. For taxable years begin- ning in 2008, under § 179(b)(1) the aggre- gate cost of any § 179 property a taxpayer may elect to treat as an expense can not exceed $128,000. Under§ 179(b)(2), the $128,000 limitation is reduced (but not be- low zero) by the amount by which the cost of § 179 property placed in service during the 2008 taxable year exceeds $510,000. .21Eligible Long-Term Care Premi- ums. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the limitations under § 213(d)(10), re- garding eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term “medical care,” are as follows: Attained Age Before the Close of the Taxable YearLimitation on Premiums 40 or less $310 More than 40 but not more than 50 $580 More than 50 but not more than 60 $1,150 More than 60 but not more than 70 $3,080 More than 70 $3,850 .22Retirement Savings. (1) For taxable years beginning in 2008, the applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(3)(B)(i) for taxpayers filing a joint return is $85,000. If the taxpayer’s spouse is not an active participant, the applicable dollar amount for the spouse under § 219(g)(3)(B)(i) is $159,000 for taxable years beginning in 2008. (2) For taxable years beginning in 2008, the applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(3)(B)(ii) for all other taxpayers (except for married taxpayers filing sepa- rately) is $53,000. (3) The applicable dollar amount under § 219(g)(3)(B)(iii) for married taxpayers filing separately is $0. .23Medical Savings Accounts. (1)Self-only coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the term “high deductible health plan” as defined in § 220(c)(2)(A) means,for self-only cov- erage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $1,950 and not more than $2,900, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for cov- ered benefits does not exceed $3,850. (2)Family coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the term “high de- ductible health plan” means, for family coverage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $3,850 and not more than $5,800, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for cov- ered benefits does not exceed $7,050. .24Interest on Education Loans.For taxable years beginning in 2008, the $2,500 maximum deduction for inter- est paid on qualified education loans under § 221 begins to phase out under § 221(b)(2)(B) for taxpayers with mod- ified adjusted gross income in excess of $55,000 ($115,000 for joint returns), and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $70,000 or more ($145,000 or more for joint returns). .25Roth IRAs. (1) For taxable years beginning in 2008, the applicable dollar amount under § 408A(c)(3)(C)(ii)(I) for taxpayers filing a joint return is $159,000. (2) For taxable years beginning in 2008, the applicable dollar amount under § 408A(c)(3)(C)(ii)(II) for all other tax- payers (except for married taxpayers filing separately) is $101,000. (3) The applicable dollar amount under § 408A(c)(3)(C)(ii)(III) for married tax- payers filing separately is $0. .26Treatment of Dues Paid to Agricul- tural or Horticultural Organizations.For taxable years beginning in 2008, the limi- tation under § 512(d)(1), regarding the ex- emption of annual dues required to be paid by a member to an agricultural or horticul- tural organization, is $139. November 5, 20079752007–45 I.R.B. .27Insubstantial Benefit Limitations for Contributions Associated with Chari- table Fund-Raising Campaigns. (1)Low cost article. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the unrelated business income of certain exempt organizations under § 513(h)(2) does not include a “low cost article” of $9.10 or less. (2)Other insubstantial benefits.For taxable years beginning in 2008, the $5, $25, and $50 guidelines in section 3 of Rev. Proc. 90–12, 1990–1 C.B. 471 (as amplified by Rev. Proc. 92–49, 1992–1 C.B. 987, and modified by Rev. Proc. 92–102, 1992–2 C.B. 579), for disregard- ing the value of insubstantial benefits received by a donor in return for a fully deductible charitable contribution under § 170, are $9.10, $45.50, and $91, respec- tively. .28Funeral Trusts. For a contract en- tered into during calendar year 2008 for a “qualified funeral trust,” as defined in § 685, the trust may not accept aggregate contributions by or for the benefit of an in- dividual in excess of $9,000. .29Expatriation to Avoid Tax. For cal- endar year 2008, an individual with “aver- age annual net income tax” of more than $139,000 for the five taxable years ending before the date of the loss of United States citizenship under § 877(a)(2)(A) is subject to tax under § 877(b). .30Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the foreign earned income exclusion amount under § 911(b)(2)(D)(i) is $87,600. .31Valuation of Qualified Real Prop- erty in Decedent’s Gross Estate.Foran estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2008, if the executor elects to use the spe- cial use valuation method under § 2032A for qualified real property, the aggregate decrease in the value of qualified real prop- erty resulting from electing to use § 2032A for purposes of the estate tax can not ex- ceed $960,000. .32Annual Exclusion for Gifts. (1) For calendar year 2008, the first $12,000 of gifts to any person (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under § 2503 made during that year. (2) For calendar year 2008, the first $128,000 of gifts to a spouse who is not a citizen of the United States (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under §§ 2503 and 2523(i)(2) made during that year. .33Tax on Arrow Shafts. For calen- dar year 2008, the tax imposed under § 4161(b)(2)(A) on the first sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of anyshaftofatypeusedinthemanufac- ture of certain arrows is $0.43 per shaft. .34Reporting Exception for Certain Exempt Organizations with Nondeductible Lobbying Expenditures. For taxable years beginning in 2008, the annual per per- son, family, or entity dues limitation to qualify for the reporting exception under § 6033(e)(3) (and section 5.05 of Rev. Proc. 98–19, 1998–1 C.B. 547), regarding certain exempt organizations with nonde- ductible lobbying expenditures, is $97 or less. .35Notice of Large Gifts Received from Foreign Persons. For taxable years begin- ning in 2008, recipients of gifts from cer- tainforeignpersonsmayberequiredtore- port these gifts under § 6039F if the ag- gregate value of gifts received in a taxable year exceeds $13,561. .36Persons Against Whom a Federal Tax Lien Is Not Valid. For calendar year 2008, a federal tax lien is not valid against (1) certain purchasers under § 6323(b)(4) who purchased personal property in a casual sale for less than $1,320, or (2) a mechanic’s lienor under § 6323(b)(7) that repaired or improved certain residen- tial property if the contract price with the owner is not more than $6,600. .37Property Exempt from Levy.For calendar year 2008, the value of property exempt from levy under § 6334(a)(2) (fuel, provisions, furniture, and other household personal effects, as well as arms for per- sonal use, livestock, and poultry) can not exceed $7,900. The value of property ex- empt from levy under § 6334(a)(3) (books and tools necessary for the trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer) can not ex- ceed $3,950. .38Interest on a Certain Portion of the Estate Tax Payable in Installments.Foran estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2008, the dollar amount used to determine the “2-percent portion” (for purposes of calculating interest under § 6601(j)) of the estate tax extended as provided in § 6166 is $1,280,000. .39Attorney Fee Awards. For fees incurred in calendar year 2008, the attorney fee award limitation under § 7430(c)(1)(B)(iii) is $170 per hour. .40Periodic Payments Received un- der Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts or under Certain Life Insur- ance Contracts. For calendar year 2008, the stated dollar amount of theper diem limitation under § 7702B(d)(4), regarding periodic payments received under a qual- ified long-term care insurance contract or periodic payments received under a life insurance contract that are treated as paid by reason of the death of a chronically ill individual, is $270. SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE .01General Rule. Except as provided in section 4.02, this revenue procedure ap- plies to taxable years beginning in 2008. .02Calendar Year Rule.Thisrev- enue procedure applies to transactions or events occurring in calendar year 2008 for purposes of sections 3.08 (low-in- come housing credit), 3.10 (transportation mainline pipeline construction industry optional expense substantiation rules for payments to employees under accountable plans), 3.16 (private activity bond volume cap), 3.17 (general arbitrage rebate rules), 3.18 (safe harbor rules for broker commis- sions on guaranteed investment contracts or investments purchased for a yield re- stricted defeasance escrow), 3.28 (funeral trusts), 3.29 (expatriation to avoid tax), 3.31 (valuation of qualified real property in decedent’s gross estate), 3.32 (annual exclusion for gifts), 3.33 (tax on arrow shafts), 3.36 (persons against whom a fed- eral tax lien is not valid), 3.37 (property exempt from levy), 3.38 (interest on a certain portion of the estate tax payable in installments), 3.39 (attorney fee awards), and 3.40 (periodic payments received un- der qualified long-term care insurance contracts or under certain life insurance contracts). SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this revenue procedure is Marnette M. Myers of the Of- fice of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting). For further infor- mation regarding this revenue procedure, contact Ms. Myers at (202) 622–4920 (not a toll-free call). 2007–45 I.R.B.976November 5, 2007 Part IV. Items of General Interest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regulations Governing Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service REG–138637–07 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Trea- sury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulema king. SUMMARY: This document contains pro- posed modifications of the regulations governing practice before the IRS (Cir- cular 230). These proposed regulations affect individuals who practice before the IRS. The proposed amendments modify §10.34 of Circular 230 relating to stan- dards with respect to tax returns. DATES: Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by October 26, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–138637–07), 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–138637–07), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Ser- vice, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or sent electroni- cally via the Federal eRulemaking Por- tal athttp://www.regulations.gov(IRS REG–138637–07). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the proposed regulations, Matthew S. Cooper at (202) 622–4940; concerning submissions of comments and request for a public hear- ing, Kelly Banks of the Publications and Regulation Branch at (202) 622–7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Explanation of Provisions This document contains proposed amendments to §10.34 of Circular 230. Section 330 of title 31 of the United States Code authorizes the Secretary of the Trea- sury to regulate the practice of represen- tatives before the Treasury Department. Pursuant to section 330 of title 31, the Secretary has published the regulations in Circular 230 (31 CFR part 10). On May 25, 2007, the President signed into law the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007, Public Law 110–28 (121 Stat. 190), which amended several provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to extend the application of the in- come tax return preparer penalties to all tax return preparers, alter the standards of conduct that must be met to avoid im- position of the penalties for preparing a return that reflects an understatement of liability, and increase applicable penal- ties. On June 11, 2007, the IRS released Notice 2007–54, 2007–27 I.R.B. 12 (see §601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)), providing guid- ance and transitional relief for the return preparer provisions under section 6694 of the Internal Revenue Code, as recently amended. Final regulations (T.D. 9359) are, si- multaneously to these proposed regula- tions, being promulgated on September 26, 2007, modifying the general standards of practice before the IRS under Circular 230. Those final regulations finalize the standards with respect to documents, affi- davits and other papers as proposed, with modifications. Those final regulations, however, do not finalize the standards with respect to tax returns under §10.34(a) and the definitions under §10.34(e) because of the amendments made by the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007. Rather, the Treasury Department and the IRS are reserving §10.34(a) and (e) in those final regulations and are simul- taneously issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to amend this part to reflect these recent amendments to the Code. The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the professional stan- dards under §10.34 of Circular 230 should conform with the civil penalty standards for return preparers. Previously, for exam- ple, on June 20, 1994 (T.D. 8545, 1994–2 C.B. 415 [59 FR 31523]), the regulations were modified to reflect more closely the rules under section 6694 and professional guidelines. The standards with respect to tax returns in §10.34(a) of these proposed regulations have been amended to reflect changes to section 6694(a) of the Internal Revenue Code made by the Small Busi- ness and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007. Under §10.34(a) of these proposed reg- ulations, a practitioner may not sign a tax return as a preparer unless the practitioner has a reasonable belief that the tax treat- ment of each position on the return would more likely than not be sustained on its merits, or there is a reasonable basis for each position and each position is ade- quately disclosed tothe Internal Revenue Service. A practitioner may not advise a client to take a position on a tax return, or prepare the portion of a tax return on which a position is taken, unless (1) the practi- tioner has a reasonable belief that the posi- tion satisfies the more likely than not stan- dard; or (2) the position has a reasonable basis and is adequately disclosed to the In- ternal Revenue Service. The definitions of “more likely than not” and “reasonable ba- sis” under §10.34(e) also are proposed to be amended to reflect these changes in ac- cordance with the well-established defini- tions of these terms under the section 6662 penalty regulations. On June 11, 2007, the IRS released Notice 2007–54, 2007–27 I.R.B. 12 (see §601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b)), providing guid- ance and transitional relief for the return preparer provisionsunder section 6694 of November 5, 20079772007–45 I.R.B. the Code, as recently amended. In order to apply §10.34 of these regulations con- sistently with the transitional relief under Notice 2007–54, §10.34(a) and (e) are proposed to apply to returns filed or ad- vice provided on or after the date that final regulations are published in theFederal Register, but no earlier than January 1, 2008. Proposed Effective Date These regulations are proposed to ap- ply to returns filed or advice provided on or after the date that final regulations are published in theFederal Register,butno earlier than January 1, 2008. 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 is hereby certified, under the pro- visions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601et seq.), that these regula- tions will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Persons authorized to practice have long been required to comply with certain standards of conduct when practic- ing before the Internal Revenue Service. The general requirements of these regula- tions are substantially the same as the re- cent Congressional amendments to section 6694 of the Code by the Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007. Practitioners already enroll in educational seminars or training programs to keep up to date with the latest changes to the In- ternal Revenue Code, the provisions of the Act, and Circular 230, and the proposed regulations will generally be covered as part of that training. These regulations will not impose, or otherwise cause, a signifi- cant increase in reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance burdens on a substan- tial number of small entities. A regula- tory flexibility analysis, therefore, is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code, this regulation has been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advo- cacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on the regulations’ impact on small businesses. 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 regula- tions is Matthew S. Cooper of the Offic e of the Associate Chief Counsel (Proce dure and Administration). ***** Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 31 CFR part 10 is pro- posed to be amended to read as follows: PART 10 — PRACTICE BEFORE THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Paragraph 1. The authority citation for 31 CFR part 10 continues to read as fol- lows: Authority: Sec. 3, 23 Stat. 258, secs. 2–12, 60 Stat. 237et. seq.; 5 U.S.C. 301, 500, 551–559; 31 U.S.C. 321; 31 U.S.C. 330; Reorg. Plan No. 26 of 1950, 15 FR 4935, 64 Stat. 1280, 3 CFR, 1949–1953 Comp., p. 1017. Par. 2. Section 10.34(a) and (e) are added and paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows: §10.34 Standards with respect to tax returns and documents, affidavits and other papers. (a)Tax returns. A practitioner may not sign a tax return as a preparer unless the practitioner has a reasonable belief that the tax treatment of each position on the re- turn would more likely than not be sus- tained on its merits (the more likely than not standard), or there is a reasonable basis for each position and each position is ade- quately disclosed tothe Internal Revenue Service. A practitioner may not advise a client to take a position on a tax return, or prepare the portion of a tax return on which a position is taken, unless— (1) The practitioner has a reasonable belief that the position satisfies the more likely than not standard; or (2) The position has a reasonable basis and is adequately disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service. ***** (e)Definitions. For purposes of this section— (1)More likely than not. A practitioner is considered to have a reasonable belief that the tax treatment of a position is more likely than not the proper tax treatment if the practitioner analyzes the pertinent facts and authorities, and based on that analysis reasonably concludes, in good faith, that there is a greater than fifty-percent likeli- hood that the tax treatment will be upheld if the IRS challenges it. The authorities de- scribed in 26 CFR 1.6662–4(d)(3)(iii), or any successor provision, of the substantial understatement penalty regulations may be taken into account for purposes of this analysis. (2)Reasonable basis. A position is considered to have a reasonable basis if it is reasonably based on one or more of the authorities described in 26 CFR 1.6662–4(d)(3)(iii), or any successor pro- vision, of the substantial understatement penalty regulations. Reasonable basis is a relatively high standard of tax report- ing, that is, significantly higher than not frivolous or not patently improper. The reasonable basis standard is not satisfied by a return position that is merely arguable or that is merely a colorable claim. The possibility that a tax return will not be audited, that an issue will not be raised on audit, or that an issue will be settled may not be taken into account. (3)Frivolous. A position is frivolous if it is patently improper. (f)Effective/applicability date. Section 10.34(a) and (e) is applicable for returns filedoradviceprovidedonorafterthe date that final regulations are published in 2007–45 I.R.B.978November 5, 2007 theFederal Register, but no earlier than January 1, 2008. Linda E. Stiff, Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved September 19, 2007. Robert Hoyt, General Counsel, Office of the Secretary. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on September 25, 2007, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for September 26, 2007, 72 F.R. 54621) Announcement of Disciplinary Actions Involving Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, and Enrolled Actuaries — Reinstatements, Suspensions, Censures, Disbarments, and Resignations Announcement 2007-104 Under Title 31, Code of Federal Regu- lations, Part 10, attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and enrolled actuaries may not accept assistance from, or assist, any person who is under disbar- ment or suspension from practice before the Internal Revenue Service if the assis- tance relates to a matter constituting prac- tice before the Internal Revenue Service and may not knowingly aid or abet another person to practice before the Internal Rev- enue Service during a period of suspen- sion, disbarment, or ineligibility of such other person. To enable attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and enrolled actuaries to identify persons to whom these restrictions apply, the Director, Of- fice of Professional Responsibility, will announce in the Internal Revenue Bulletin their names, their city and state, their pro- fessional designation, the effective date of disciplinary action, and the period of suspension. This announcement will ap- pear in the weekly Bulletin at the earliest practicable date after such action and will continue to appear in the weekly Bulletins for five successive weeks. Reinstatement To Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service Under Title 31, Code of Federal Reg- ulations, Part 10, The Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, may entertain a petition for reinstatement for any attor- ney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary censured, sus- pended, or disbarred, from practice before the Internal Revenue Service. The following individuals’ eligibility to practice before the Internal Revenue Ser- vice has been restored: NameAddressDesignationDate of Reinstatement Dotson, Lewis S.Mattoon, ILAttorneyApril 8, 2007 Adams, Jr., Joseph T.Philadelphia, PAEnrolled AgentJuly 30, 2007 Cramer, George C.Chicago, ILCPAJuly 30, 2007 Garlikov, Mark B.Dayton, OHAttorneyJuly 30, 2007 Grant, Elaine C.Woodway, WAEnrolled AgentJuly 30, 2007 Rubesh, LelandGillette, WYCPAJuly 30, 2007 Schawe, Rudolph B.Brenham, TXEnrolled AgentJuly 30, 2007 Sobel, Herbert L.Elkins Park, PACPAJuly 30, 2007 Wel ch, Frank G. Sta mford, CT CPAJul y 30, 2007 Ferguson, Charles E.Naples, FLCPAJuly 31, 2007 Lim, Edgar E.St. Louis, MOAttorneyJuly 31, 2007 November 5, 20079792007–45 I.R.B. NameAddressDesignationDate of Reinstatement Sneathen, Lowell D.Orange, CACPAAugust 30, 2007 Smith, David B.Kettering, OHEnrolled AgentSeptember 9, 2007 Young, Ronald B.Fairfield, CTCPASeptember 9, 2007 Sheiman, Alan P.Sherman Oaks, CAEnrolled AgentSeptember 14, 2007 DiSiena, Frank E.Somers, NYCPASeptember 19, 2007 Leggio, Joseph J.Katonah, NYCPASeptember 24, 2007 Consent Suspensions From Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service Under Title 31, Code of Federal Regu- lations, Part 10, an attorney, certified pub- lic accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary, in order to avoid the institution or conclusion of a proceeding for his or her disbarment or suspension from prac- tice before the Internal Revenue Service, may offer his or her consent to suspension from such practice. The Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, in his dis- cretion, may suspend an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or en- rolled actuary in accordance with the con- sent offered. The following individuals have been placed under consent suspension from practice before the Internal Revenue Ser- vice: NameAddressDesignationDate of Suspension Hunter, RichardMoweaqua, ILEnrolled AgentIndefinite from July 16, 2007 Sheehy, William J.Northville, MIAttorneyIndefinite from July 16, 2007 Szwyd, Edward R.Housatonic, MACPAIndefinite from July 16, 2007 Lettieri, Louis E.Red Bank, NJCPAIndefinite from August 1, 2007 Stein, Jerold A.Alpharetta, GACPAIndefinite from August 1, 2007 Tutino, Philip R.East Hampton, NYCPAIndefinite from August 1, 2007 Dorr, Mark A.Gillette, WYCPAIndefinite from August 7, 2007 Nelson, Carole S.Riverside, CAEnrolled AgentIndefinite from August 8, 2007 2007–45 I.R.B.980November 5, 2007 NameAddressDesignationDate of Suspension Siegel, HerbertNew City, NYCPAIndefinite from August 10, 2007 Taylor, Linda W.Las Vegas, NVCPAIndefinite from August 15, 2007 Finkelstein, MeyerStaten Island, NYCPAIndefinite from August 15, 2007 Schenck, Thomas M.Tampa, FLCPAIndefinite from August 20, 2007 Shah, Sudhir P.Richardson, TXCPAIndefinite from August 20, 2007 Bender, Elmer P.Missoula, MTCPAIndefinite from August 31, 2007 Tselepis, JohnJarrettsville, MDCPAIndefinite from September 5, 2007 Perez, Ricardo L.Cedar Lake, INCPAIndefinite from September 10, 2007 Golden, Roberta A.Framington, MAAttorneyIndefinite from September 13, 2007 Ward, Thomas R.St. Louis Park, MNAttorneyIndefinite from September 13, 2007 Expedited Suspensions From Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service Under Title 31, Code of Federal Regu- lations, Part 10, the Director, Office of Pro- fessional Responsibility, is authorized to immediately suspend from practice before the Internal RevenueService any practi- tioner who, within five years from the date the expedited proceeding is instituted (1) has had a license to practice as an attor- ney, certified public accountant, or actuary suspended or revoked for cause or (2) has been convicted of certain crimes. The following individuals have been placed under suspension from practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service by virtue of the expedited proceeding provisions: NameAddressDesignationDate of Suspension Murphy, John F.Wellsboro, PAAttorneyIndefinite from June 28, 2007 November 5, 20079812007–45 I.R.B. NameAddressDesignationDate of Suspension Aakre, Steven K.Hawley, MNAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Brogan, Jane K.York, NEAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Clark, Clifford A.Raleigh, NCCPAIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Downing, Jr., Eugene W.Arlington, MAAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Kahn, Arthur M.Woodstock, NYAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Kossmeyer, Carl F.Town andCountry, MOCPAIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Lee, John C.Charlotte,NCAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 McAvoy, Donald L.Windermere, FLCPAIndefinite from July 11, 2007 McCabe, Edwin A.Gloucester, MAAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 O’Donnell, Judith R.Westborough, MAAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Taylor, John G.Lincoln, NEAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Turner, D. ScottMooresville, NCAttorneyIndefinite from July 11, 2007 Csaszar, James J.Columbus, OHCPAIndefinite from July 13, 2007 Fischer, Mark W.Boulder, COAttorneyIndefinite from July 16, 2007 Behunin, Michael N.Sandy, UTAttorneyIndefinite from August 8, 2007 2007–45 I.R.B.982November 5, 2007 NameAddressDesignationDate of Suspension Carpenter, Jr., Darwin R.Melbourne, FLCPAIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Gresham, James L.Broken Arrow, OKCPAIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Krezminski, Allen D.Milwaukee, WIAttorneyIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Neary, Hugh M.Ottumwa, IAAttorneyIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Weiss, Randy A.Potomac, MDAttorneyIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Whiddon, Edward L.Houston, TXCPAIndefinite from August 23, 2007 Hazen, Robert D.Lindon, UTCPAIndefinite from August 29, 2007 Schafer, III, Harry J.Edmond, OKCPAIndefinite from September 6, 2007 Pullin, Wendy F.San Antonio, TXCPAIndefinite from September 24, 2007 Suspensions From Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service After Notice and an Opportunity for a Proceeding Under Title 31, Code of Federal Reg- ulations, Part 10, after notice and an op- portunity for a proceeding before an ad- ministrative law judge, the following indi- viduals have been placed under suspension from practice before the Internal Revenue Service: NameAddressDesignationEffective Date Newton, Douglas M.Fernandina Beach, FLCPAIndefinite from June 4, 2007 Snell, Barry A.Santa Monica, CACPAIndefinite from June 6, 2007 Khoury, Naif S.Fort Smith, ARAttorneyIndefinite from June 14, 2007 November 5, 20079832007–45 I.R.B. NameAddressDesignationEffective Date Bukovac, JaneAlexandria, VAEnrolled AgentIndefinite from June 29, 2007 Kreke, David J.Bartelso, ILEnrolled AgentIndefinite from July 12, 2007 Dunkley, John D.San Antonio, TXEnrolled AgentIndefinite from July 27, 2007 Disbarments From Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service After Notice and an Opportunity for a Proceeding Under Title 31, Code of Federal Regu- lations, Part 10, after notice and an oppor- tunity for a proceeding before an adminis- trative law judge, the following individu- als have been disbarred from practice be- fore the Internal Revenue Service: NameAddressDesignationEffective Date Ruocchio, RobertHavertown, PACPAJune 11, 2007 Turner, John S.Paradise, CAEnrolled AgentJune 15, 2007 Johnson, Ted R.Frankfort, INAttorneyJuly 30, 2007 Ayers, Dani D.Kelseyville, CAEnrolled AgentAugust 6, 2007 Deletions From Cumulative List of Organizations Contributions to Which are Deductible Under Section 170 of the Code Announcement 2007–105 The Internal Revenue Service has re- voked its determination that the organi- zations listed below qualify as organiza- tions described in sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Generally, the Service will not disallow deductions for contributions made to a listed organization on or before the date of announcement in the Internal Revenue Bulletin that an organization no longer qualifies. However, the Service is not precluded from disallowing a deduction for any contributions made after an or- ganization ceases to qualify under section 170(c)(2) if the organization has not timely filed a suit for declaratory judgment under section 7428 and if the contributor (1) had knowledge of the revocation of the ruling or determination letter, (2) was aware that such revocation was imminent, or (3) was in part responsible for or was aware of the activities or omissions of the organization that brought about this revocation. If on the other hand a suit for declara- tory judgment has been timely filed, con- tributions from individuals and organiza- tions described in section 170(c)(2) that are otherwise allowable will continue to be deductible. Protection under section 7428(c) would begin on November 5, 2007, and would end on the date the court first determines that the organization is not described in section 170(c)(2) as more particularly set forth in section 7428(c)(1). For individual contributors, the maximum deduction protected is $1,000, with a hus- band and wife treated as one contributor. This benefit is not extended to any indi- vidual, in whole or in part, for the acts or omissions of the organization that were the basis for revocation. Gregory and Vickie Iverson Charitable Supporting Organization Salt Lake City, UT The Scott Canepa Charitable Supporting Organization Las Vegas, NV Kyle Charitable Support Organization Trust Austin, TX Paul and Deborah Marvin Charitable Supporting Foundation Salt Lake City, UT Malecha Family Foundation Apple Valley, MN Shared Visions Foundation Park City, UT Harold B Lee Foundation Woodland, UT Missouri Basketball Club Columbia, MO Mahisekar Charitable Supporting Organization Orland Park, IL Georgetown Title Foundation Sandy, UT 2007–45 I.R.B.984November 5, 2007 Buddy & Rita Gregory Charitable Supporting Organization Lehi, UT Keith & Anna Barton Charitable Supporting Organization Lehi, UT Asafo Global Trust Fund, Inc. Phoenix, AZ White Wing Educational Dev Corp New York, NY AARO Credit Services Costa Mesa, CA Paul and Deborah Manning Charitable Supporting Org Salt Lake City, UT MOP Non-Profit, Inc. Sterling Heights, MI Access Home Project, Inc. Los Angeles, CA To Life Foundation New York, NY Miami Latin Film Festival Miami, FL Larry and Kelli Cotton Charitable Supporting Organization Fort Worth, TX November 5, 20079852007–45 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. 2007–45 I.R.B.iNovember 5, 2007 Numerical Finding List 1 Bulletins 2007–27 through 2007–45 Announcements: 2007-61, 2007-28 I.R.B.84 2007-62, 2007-29 I.R.B.115 2007-63, 2007-30 I.R.B.236 2007-64, 2007-29 I.R.B.125 2007-65, 2007-30 I.R.B.236 2007-66, 2007-31 I.R.B.296 2007-67, 2007-32 I.R.B.345 2007-68, 2007-32 I.R.B.348 2007-69, 2007-33 I.R.B.371 2007-70, 2007-33 I.R.B.371 2007-71, 2007-33 I.R.B.372 2007-72, 2007-33 I.R.B.373 2007-73, 2007-34 I.R.B.435 2007-74, 2007-35 I.R.B.483 2007-75, 2007-36 I.R.B.540 2007-76, 2007-36 I.R.B.560 2007-77, 2007-38 I.R.B.662 2007-78, 2007-38 I.R.B.663 2007-79, 2007-40 I.R.B.749 2007-80, 2007-38 I.R.B.667 2007-81, 2007-38 I.R.B.667 2007-82, 2007-40 I.R.B.749 2007-83, 2007-40 I.R.B.752 2007-84, 2007-41 I.R.B.797 2007-85, 2007-39 I.R.B.719 2007-86, 2007-39 I.R.B.719 2007-87, 2007-40 I.R.B.753 2007-88, 2007-42 I.R.B.801 2007-89, 2007-41 I.R.B.798 2007-90, 2007-42 I.R.B.856 2007-91, 2007-42 I.R.B.857 2007-92, 2007-42 I.R.B.857 2007-93, 2007-42 I.R.B.858 2007-94, 2007-42 I.R.B.858 2007-95, 2007-43 I.R.B.894 2007-96, 2007-42 I.R.B.859 2007-97, 2007-43 I.R.B.895 2007-98, 2007-43 I.R.B.896 2007-99, 2007-43 I.R.B.896 2007-100, 2007-44 I.R.B.922 2007-101, 2007-43 I.R.B.898 2007-102, 2007-44 I.R.B.922 2007-103, 2007-44 I.R.B.923 2007-104, 2007-44 I.R.B.924 2007-105, 2007-45 I.R.B.984 Notices: 2007-54, 2007-27 I.R.B.12 2007-55, 2007-27 I.R.B.13 2007-56, 2007-27 I.R.B.15 2007-57, 2007-29 I.R.B.87 Notices— Continued: 2007-58, 2007-29 I.R.B.88 2007-59, 2007-30 I.R.B.135 2007-60, 2007-35 I.R.B.466 2007-61, 2007-30 I.R.B.140 2007-62, 2007-32 I.R.B.331 2007-63, 2007-33 I.R.B.353 2007-64, 2007-34 I.R.B.385 2007-65, 2007-34 I.R.B.386 2007-66, 2007-34 I.R.B.387 2007-67, 2007-35 I.R.B.467 2007-68, 2007-35 I.R.B.468 2007-69, 2007-35 I.R.B.468 2007-70, 2007-40 I.R.B.735 2007-71, 2007-35 I.R.B.472 2007-72, 2007-36 I.R.B.544 2007-73, 2007-36 I.R.B.545 2007-74, 2007-37 I.R.B.585 2007-75, 2007-39 I.R.B.679 2007-76, 2007-40 I.R.B.735 2007-77, 2007-40 I.R.B.735 2007-78, 2007-41 I.R.B.780 2007-79, 2007-42 I.R.B.809 2007-80, 2007-43 I.R.B.867 2007-81, 2007-44 I.R.B.899 2007-82, 2007-44 I.R.B.904 2007-83, 2007-45 I.R.B.960 2007-84, 2007-45 I.R.B.963 2007-85, 2007-45 I.R.B.965 2007-87, 2007-45 I.R.B.966 Proposed Regulations: REG-107592-00, 2007-44 I.R.B.908 REG-121475-03, 2007-35 I.R.B.474 REG-128274-03, 2007-33 I.R.B.356 REG-114084-04, 2007-33 I.R.B.359 REG-149036-04, 2007-33 I.R.B.365 REG-149036-04, 2007-34 I.R.B.411 REG-101001-05, 2007-36 I.R.B.548 REG-119097-05, 2007-28 I.R.B.74 REG-128843-05, 2007-37 I.R.B.587 REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 REG-143326-05, 2007-43 I.R.B.873 REG-143397-05, 2007-41 I.R.B.790 REG-147171-05, 2007-32 I.R.B.334 REG-148951-05, 2007-36 I.R.B.550 REG-163195-05, 2007-33 I.R.B.366 REG-118886-06, 2007-37 I.R.B.591 REG-128224-06, 2007-36 I.R.B.551 REG-138707-06, 2007-32 I.R.B.342 REG-139268-06, 2007-34 I.R.B.415 REG-142039-06, 2007-34 I.R.B.415 REG-144540-06, 2007-31 I.R.B.296 REG-148393-06, 2007-39 I.R.B.714 REG-103842-07, 2007-28 I.R.B.79 REG-106143-07, 2007-43 I.R.B.881 Proposed Regulations— Continued: REG-113891-07, 2007-42 I.R.B.821 REG-116215-07, 2007-38 I.R.B.659 REG-118719-07, 2007-37 I.R.B.593 REG-129916-07, 2007-43 I.R.B.891 REG-138637-07, 2007-45 I.R.B.977 Revenue Procedures: 2007-42, 2007-27 I.R.B.15 2007-43, 2007-27 I.R.B.26 2007-44, 2007-28 I.R.B.54 2007-45, 2007-29 I.R.B.89 2007-46, 2007-29 I.R.B.102 2007-47, 2007-29 I.R.B.108 2007-48, 2007-29 I.R.B.110 2007-49, 2007-30 I.R.B.141 2007-50, 2007-31 I.R.B.244 2007-51, 2007-30 I.R.B.143 2007-52, 2007-30 I.R.B.222 2007-53, 2007-30 I.R.B.233 2007-54, 2007-31 I.R.B.293 2007-55, 2007-33 I.R.B.354 2007-56, 2007-34 I.R.B.388 2007-57, 2007-36 I.R.B.547 2007-58, 2007-37 I.R.B.585 2007-59, 2007-40 I.R.B.745 2007-60, 2007-39 I.R.B.679 2007-61, 2007-40 I.R.B.747 2007-62, 2007-41 I.R.B.786 2007-63, 2007-42 I.R.B.809 2007-64, 2007-42 I.R.B.818 2007-65, 2007-45 I.R.B.967 2007-66, 2007-45 I.R.B.970 Revenue Rulings: 2007-42, 2007-28 I.R.B.44 2007-43, 2007-28 I.R.B.45 2007-44, 2007-28 I.R.B.47 2007-45, 2007-28 I.R.B.49 2007-46, 2007-30 I.R.B.126 2007-47, 2007-30 I.R.B.127 2007-48, 2007-30 I.R.B.129 2007-49, 2007-31 I.R.B.237 2007-50, 2007-32 I.R.B.311 2007-51, 2007-37 I.R.B.573 2007-52, 2007-37 I.R.B.575 2007-53, 2007-37 I.R.B.577 2007-54, 2007-38 I.R.B.604 2007-55, 2007-38 I.R.B.604 2007-56, 2007-39 I.R.B.668 2007-57, 2007-36 I.R.B.531 2007-58, 2007-37 I.R.B.562 2007-59, 2007-37 I.R.B.582 2007-60, 2007-38 I.R.B.606 2007-61, 2007-42 I.R.B.799 2007-62, 2007-41 I.R.B.767 1 A cumulative list of all revenue rulings, revenueprocedures, Treasury decisions, etc., publishedin Internal Revenue Bulletins 2007–1 through 2007–26 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007–26, dated June 25, 2007. November 5, 2007ii2007–45 I.R.B. Revenue Rulings— Continued: 2007-63, 2007-41 I.R.B.778 2007-64, 2007-45 I.R.B.953 2007-65, 2007-45 I.R.B.949 2007-66, 2007-45 I.R.B.956 Tax Conventions: 2007-75, 2007-36 I.R.B.540 2007-88, 2007-42 I.R.B.801 Treasury Decisions: 9326, 2007-31 I.R.B.242 9327, 2007-28 I.R.B.50 9328, 2007-27 I.R.B.1 9329, 2007-32 I.R.B.312 9330, 2007-31 I.R.B.239 9331, 2007-32 I.R.B.298 9332, 2007-32 I.R.B.300 9333, 2007-33 I.R.B.350 9334, 2007-34 I.R.B.382 9335, 2007-34 I.R.B.380 9336, 2007-35 I.R.B.461 9337, 2007-35 I.R.B.455 9338, 2007-35 I.R.B.463 9339, 2007-35 I.R.B.437 9340, 2007-36 I.R.B.487 9341, 2007-35 I.R.B.449 9342, 2007-35 I.R.B.451 9343, 2007-36 I.R.B.533 9344, 2007-36 I.R.B.535 9345, 2007-36 I.R.B.523 9346, 2007-37 I.R.B.570 9347, 2007-38 I.R.B.624 9348, 2007-37 I.R.B.563 9349, 2007-39 I.R.B.668 9350, 2007-38 I.R.B.607 9351, 2007-38 I.R.B.616 9352, 2007-38 I.R.B.621 9353, 2007-40 I.R.B.721 9354, 2007-41 I.R.B.759 9355, 2007-37 I.R.B.577 9356, 2007-39 I.R.B.675 9357, 2007-41 I.R.B.773 9358, 2007-41 I.R.B.769 9359, 2007-45 I.R.B.931 9360, 2007-43 I.R.B.860 2007–45 I.R.B.iiiNovember 5, 2007 Finding List of Current Actions on Previously Published Items 1 Bulletins 2007–27 through 2007–45 Announcements: 84-26 Obsoleted by T.D. 9336, 2007-35 I.R.B.461 84-37 Obsoleted by T.D. 9336, 2007-35 I.R.B.461 Notices: 89-110 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 99-6 Obsoleted as of January 1, 2009 by T.D. 9356, 2007-39 I.R.B.675 2002-45 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 2003-81 Modified and supplemented by Notice 2007-71, 2007-35 I.R.B.472 2006-1 Modified by Notice 2007-70, 2007-40 I.R.B.735 2006-43 Modified by T.D. 9332, 2007-32 I.R.B.300 2006-56 Clarified by Notice 2007-74, 2007-37 I.R.B.585 2006-89 Modified by Notice 2007-67, 2007-35 I.R.B.467 2007-3 Modified by Notice 2007-69, 2007-35 I.R.B.468 2007-26 Modified by Notice 2007-56, 2007-27 I.R.B.15 Proposed Regulations: EE-16-79 Withdrawn by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 EE-130-86 Withdrawn by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 Proposed Regulations— Continued: REG-243025-96 Withdrawn by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 REG-105964-98 Withdrawn by REG-107592-00, 2007-44 I.R.B.908 REG-117162-99 Withdrawn by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 REG-157711-02 Corrected by Ann. 2007-74, 2007-35 I.R.B.483 REG-119097-05 Hearing location change by Ann. 2007-81, 2007-38 I.R.B.667 REG-142695-05 Hearing location change by Ann. 2007-91, 2007-42 I.R.B.857 REG-148951-05 Corrected by Ann. 2007-94, 2007-42 I.R.B.858 REG-109367-06 Hearing scheduled by Ann. 2007-66, 2007-31 I.R.B.296 REG-128224-06 Hearing location change by Ann. 2007-92, 2007-42 I.R.B.857 Corrected by Ann. 2007-95, 2007-43 I.R.B.894 REG-138707-06 Corrected by Ann. 2007-79, 2007-40 I.R.B.749 Cancellation of hearing by Ann. 2007-101, 2007-43 I.R.B.898 REG-143601-06 Corrected by Ann. 2007-71, 2007-33 I.R.B.372 REG-143797-06 Cancellation of hearing by Ann. 2007-85, 2007-39 I.R.B.719 REG-148393-06 Corrected by Ann. 2007-98, 2007-43 I.R.B.896 REG-103842-07 Corrected by Ann. 2007-77, 2007-38 I.R.B.662 REG-116215-07 Corrected by Ann. 2007-97, 2007-43 I.R.B.895 Revenue Procedures: 90-12 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2007-66, 2007-45 I.R.B.970 90-27 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-52, 2007-30 I.R.B.222 95-28 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-54, 2007-31 I.R.B.293 97-14 Modified and superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-47, 2007-29 I.R.B.108 98-48 Modified by T.D. 9353, 2007-40 I.R.B.721 2002-41 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2007-66, 2007-45 I.R.B.970 2002-9 Modified and amplified by Rev. Proc. 2007-48, 2007-29 I.R.B.110 Rev. Proc. 2007-53, 2007-30 I.R.B.233 2003-43 Supplemented by Rev. Proc. 2007-62, 2007-41 I.R.B.786 2004-42 Superseded by Notice 2007-59, 2007-30 I.R.B.135 2004-48 Supplemented by Rev. Proc. 2007-62, 2007-41 I.R.B.786 2005-16 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2007-44, 2007-28 I.R.B.54 2005-27 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-56, 2007-34 I.R.B.388 2005-66 Clarified, modified, and superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-44, 2007-28 I.R.B.54 2006-25 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-42, 2007-27 I.R.B.15 2006-27 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2007-49, 2007-30 I.R.B.141 2006-33 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-51, 2007-30 I.R.B.143 1 A cumulative list of current actions on previously published items in Internal Revenue Bulletins 2007–1 through 2007–26 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2007–26, dated June 25, 2007. November 5, 2007iv2007–45 I.R.B. Revenue Procedures— Continued: 2006-41 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-63, 2007-42 I.R.B.809 2006-45 Modified and clarified by Rev. Proc. 2007-64, 2007-42 I.R.B.818 2006-53 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2007-60, 2007-39 I.R.B.679 2006-55 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-43, 2007-27 I.R.B.26 2007-4 Modified by Notice 2007-69, 2007-35 I.R.B.468 2007-15 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2007-50, 2007-31 I.R.B.244 Revenue Rulings: 54-378 Clarified by Rev. Rul. 2007-51, 2007-37 I.R.B.573 67-93 Obsoleted by T.D. 9347, 2007-38 I.R.B.624 69-141 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 74-299 Amplified by Rev. Rul. 2007-48, 2007-30 I.R.B.129 75-425 Obsoleted by Rev. Rul. 2007-60, 2007-38 I.R.B.606 76-278 Obsoleted by T.D. 9354, 2007-41 I.R.B.759 76-288 Obsoleted by T.D. 9354, 2007-41 I.R.B.759 76-450 Obsoleted by T.D. 9347, 2007-38 I.R.B.624 78-257 Obsoleted by T.D. 9347, 2007-38 I.R.B.624 78-369 Revoked by Rev. Rul. 2007-53, 2007-37 I.R.B.577 Revenue Rulings— Continued: 89-96 Amplified by Rev. Rul. 2007-47, 2007-30 I.R.B.127 92-17 Modified by Rev. Rul. 2007-42, 2007-28 I.R.B.44 94-62 Supplemented by Rev. Rul. 2007-58, 2007-37 I.R.B.562 2001-48 Modified by T.D. 9332, 2007-32 I.R.B.300 2002-41 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 2003-102 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 2005-24 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 2006-36 Modified by REG-142695-05, 2007-39 I.R.B.681 2006-57 Modified by Notice 2007-76, 2007-40 I.R.B.735 2007-54 Suspended by Rev. Rul. 2007-61, 2007-42 I.R.B.799 2007-59 Amplified by Notice 2007-74, 2007-37 I.R.B.585 Treasury Decisions: 8073 Removed by T.D. 9349, 2007-39 I.R.B.668 9321 Corrected by Ann. 2007-68, 2007-32 I.R.B.348 Ann. 2007-78, 2007-38 I.R.B.663 9330 Corrected by Ann. 2007-80, 2007-38 I.R.B.667 9332 Corrected by Ann. 2007-83, 2007-40 I.R.B.752 Ann. 2007-84, 2007-41 I.R.B.797 9334 Corrected by Ann. 2007-93, 2007-42 I.R.B.858 Treasury Decisions— Continued: 9340 Corrected by Ann. 2007-102, 2007-44 I.R.B.922 9353 Corrected by Ann. 2007-103, 2007-44 I.R.B.923 2007–45 I.R.B.vNovember 5, 2007 November 5, 20072007–45 I.R.B. INTERNAL REVENUE BULLETIN The Introduction at the beginning of this issue describes the purpose and content of this publication. The weekly Internal Revenue Bulletin is sold on a yearly subscription basis by the Superintendent of Documents. Current subscribers are notified by the Superin- tendent of Documents when their subscriptions must be renewed. CUMULATIVE BULLETINS The contents of this weekly Bulletin are consolidated semiannually into a permanent, indexed, Cumulative Bulletin. These are sold on a single copy basis andare notincluded as part of the subscription to the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Subscribers to the weekly Bulletin are notified when copies of the Cumulative Bulletin are available. Certain issues of Cumulative Bulletins are out of print and are not available. Persons desiring available Cumulative Bulletins, which are listed on the reverse, may purchase them from the Superintendent of Documents. ACCESS THE INTERNAL REVENUE BULLETIN ON THE INTERNET You may view the Internal Revenue Bulletin on the Internet at www.irs.gov. Under information for: select Businesses. Under related topics, select More Topics. Then select Internal Revenue Bulletins. INTERNAL REVENUE BULLETINS ON CD-ROM Internal Revenue Bulletins are available annually as part ofPublication 1796 (Tax Products CD-ROM). 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