us-irs-revenue-procedures-irb-2000-3-pdf•Internal Revenue Bulletin 2000-3 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue Procedures
Internal Revenue Bulletin 2000-3 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue Procedures
us-irs-revenue-procedures-irb-2000-3-pdfInternal Revenue Bulletin 2000-3 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue ProceduresGuidance
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.
INCOME TAX Rev. Rul. 2000–3, page 297. LIFO; price indexes; department stores. The Novem- ber 1999 Bureau of Labor Statistics price indexes are ac- cepted for use by department stores employing the retail inventory and last-in, first-out inventory methods for valu- ing inventories for tax years ended on, or with reference to, November 30, 1999. T.D. 8856, page 298. This document contains changes delaying the effective date for final regulations (T.D. 8734, 1997–2 C.B. 109) under sections 1441, 1442, and 1443 of the Code relat- ing to the withholding of income tax on certain U.S. source income payments to foreign persons. Notice 2000–4, page 313. Like-kind exchange and involuntary conversion of MACRS property.Guidance is provided about the deprecia- tion of property subject to section 168 of the Code (MACRS property) that is acquired in a like-kind exchange under sec- tion 1031 or as a result of an involuntary conversion under section 1033. The Service and the Department of the Trea- sury intend to issue regulations under section 168 that will address these transactions. Taxpayers should follow this no- tice until these regulations are issued. Public comments to aid in development of the regulations are requested by March 31, 2000. Rev. Proc. 99–49 modified and amplified. ESTATE TAX Rev. Rul. 2000–2, page 305. Qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) elec- tions. This ruling holds that an executor may elect under- section 2056(b)(7) of the Code to treat an individual retire- ment account and a testamentary trust as QTIP under certain conditions. Rev. Rul. 89–89 obsoleted. ADMINISTRATIVE T.D. 8854, page 306. REG–116704–99, page 325. Temporary and proposed regulations under section 6103 of the Code authorize the Service to disclose return infor- mation to the Department of Agriculture to structure, pre- pare, and conduct the Census of Agriculture. REG–101492–98, page 326. Proposed regulations under sections 7508 and 7508A of the Code relate to relief for service in a combat zone and for presidentially declared disasters. Rev. Proc. 2000–11, page 309. Changes in accounting periods; automatic consent. This procedure provides procedures by which certain cor- porations may obtain automatic approval to change their Internal Revenue bbuulllleettiinn Bulletin No. 2000–3 January 18, 2000 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. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Finding Lists begin on page ii. (Continued on the page following the Introduction) The Internal Revenue Bulletin is the authoritative instrument of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for announcing offi- cial rulings and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service and for publishing Treasury Decisions, Executive Orders, Tax Conventions, 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 consolidated 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, modify, or amend any of those previously published in the Bulletin. All published rulings apply retroactively unless other- wise indicated. Procedures relating solely to matters of in- ternal management 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 pub- lished rulings and procedures, the effect of subsequent leg- islation, regulations, court decisions, rulings, and proce- dures must be considered, and Service personnel and oth- ers concerned are cautioned against reaching the same con- clusions in other cases unless the facts and circumstances are substantially the same. The Bulletin is divided into four parts as follows: Part I.—1986 Code. This part includes rulings and decisions based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Part II.—Treaties and Tax Legislation. This part is divided into two subparts as follows: Subpart A, Tax Conventions, and Subpart B, Legislation 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 Sub- parts. Also included in this part are Bank Secrecy Act Admin- istrative Rulings. Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rulings are issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement). Part IV.—Items of General Interest. This part includes notices of proposed rulemakings, disbar- ment and suspension lists, and announcements. The first 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 first Bulletin of the succeeding semi- annual period, respectively. The IRS Mission Provide America’s taxpayers top quality service by help- ing them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all. Introduction The contents 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. ADMINISTRATIVE—continued annual accounting periods under section 442 of the Code. Rev. Procs. 92–13, 92–13A, and 94–12 modified, amplified, and superseded. Announcement 2000–4, page 317. Arbitration.Pursuant to section 7123(b)(2) of the Code, Appeals is conducting a 2-year test of a binding arbitration procedure. This announcement contains procedures that taxpayers may use to request binding arbitration for fac- tual issues that are already in the Appeals administrative process and which are not docketed in any court. A public hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2000. Notice 2000–5, page 314. Estimated taxes; penalties.Penalty relief is available for certain corporate taxpayers whose December 15, 1999, estimated tax installment was affected by section 571 of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999. Notice 2000–6, page 315. Information reporting; barter exchanges.Pending the issuance of new regulations, a barter exchange is not re- quired under section 6045 of the Code to report ex- changes involving property or services with a fair market value of less than $1.00. Public comment is also invited on information reporting issues under section 6045 relat- ing to barter exchanges in connection with the regulations. 2000–3 I.R.B.January 18, 2000 2000–3 I.R.B.297January 18, 2000 Section 167.—Depreciation 26 CFR 1.167(e)-1: Change in method. Is a change in the method of computing depre- ciation for property subject to section 168 of the Code (MACRS property) that is acquired in a sec- tion 1031 like-kind exchange or section 1033 in- voluntary conversion a change in method of ac- counting? See Notice 2000–4, page 313. Section 442.—Change of Annual Accounting Period 26 CFR 1.442–1: Change of annual accounting period. What procedures apply for certain corporations to obtain automatic approval to change their an- nual accounting periods under section 442 of the Code? See Rev. Proc. 2000–11, page 309. Section 446.—General Rule for Methods of Accounting 26 CFR 1.446–1: General rule for methods of accounting. Is a change in the method of computing depre- ciation for property subject to section 168 of the Code (MACRS property) that is acquired in a sec- tion 1031 like-kind exchange or section 1033 in- voluntary conversion a change in method of ac- counting? See Notice 2000–4, page 313. Section 472.—Last-in, First-out Inventories 26 CFR 1.472-1: Last-in, first-out inventories. LIFO; price indexes; department stores.The November 1999 Bureau of Labor Statistics price indexes are ac- cepted for use by department stores em- ploying the retail inventory and last-in, first-out inventory methods for valuing inventories for tax years ended on, or with reference to, November 30, 1999. Rev. Rul. 2000–3 The following Department Store In- ventory Price Indexes for November 1999 were issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The indexes are ac- cepted by the Internal Revenue Service, under section 1.472–1(k) of the Income Tax Regulations and Rev. Proc. 86–46, 1986–2 C.B. 739, for appropriate appli- cation to inventories of department stores employing the retail inventory and last-in, first-out inventory methods for tax years ended on, or with reference to, November 30, 1999. The Department Store Inventory Price Indexes are prepared on a national basis and include (a) 23 major groups of de- partments, (b) three special combina- tions of the major groups - soft goods, durable goods, and miscellaneous goods, and (c) a store total, which cov- ers all departments, including some not listed separately, except for the follow- ing: candy, food, liquor, tobacco, and contract departments. Part I. Rulings and Decisions Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, DEPARTMENT STORE INVENTORY PRICE INDEXES BY DEPARTMENT GROUPS (January 1941 = 100, unless otherwise noted) Percent Change GroupsNov.Nov.from Nov. 1998 19981999to Nov. 1999 1 1.Piece Goods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -544.5514.3-5.5 2.Domestics and Draperies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -635.9622.0-2.2 3.Women’s and Children’s Shoes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -685.8651.4-5.0 4.Men’s Shoes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -916.9875.1-4.6 5.Infants’ Wear - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -638.3647.61.5 6.Women’s Underwear - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -570.4571.90.3 7.Women’s Hosiery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -308.4328.9 6.6 8.Women’s and Girls’ Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -546.5539.6-1.3 9.Women’s Outerwear and Girls’ Wear - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417.0410.3-1.6 10.Men’s Clothing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -619.5617.4-0.3 11.Men’s Furnishings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -608.4627.63.2 12.Boys’ Clothing and Furnishings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -519.0510.2 -1.7 13.Jewelry - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -977.1950.5-2.7 14.Notions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -766.3764.6-0.2 15.Toilet Articles and Drugs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -945.3983.64.1 16.Furniture and Bedding - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -686.8689.70.4 17.Floor Coverings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -602.2602.10.0 18.Housewares - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -811.3789.3-2.7 19.Major Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -238.9235.5-1.4 20.Radio and Television - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70.163.5-9.4 21.Recreation and Education 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -102.296.1-6.0 22.Home Improvements 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -129.6129.2-0.3 23.Auto Accessories 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -107.9107.6-0.3 January 18, 20002982000–3 I.R.B. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this revenue ruling is Alan J. Tomsic of the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). For further information re- garding this revenue ruling, contact Mr. Tomsic on (202) 622-4970 (not a toll-free call). Section 706.—Taxable Year of Partner and Partnership 26 CFR 1.706–1T: Taxable years of certain partnerships. What procedures apply for certain corporations to obtain automatic approval to change their annual accounting periods under section 442 of the Code? See Rev. Proc. 2000–11, page 309. Section 898.—Taxable Year of Certain Foreign Corporations What procedures apply for certain corporations to obtain automatic approval to change their annual accounting periods under section 442 of the Code? See Rev. Proc. 2000–11, page 309. Section 1031.—Exchange of Property Held for Productive Use or Investment 26 CFR 1.1031(a)–1: Property held for productive use in trade or business or for investment. If property subject to section 168 of the Code (MACRS property) is acquired in an exchange of MACRS property for like-kind MACRS property to which section 1031 applies, how is the depreciation allowable determined for the acquired MACRS property? See Notice 2000–4, page 313. Section 1033.—Involuntary Conversions 26 CFR 1.1033(a)–1: Involuntary conversion; nonrecognition of gain. If property subject to section 168 of the Code (MACRS property) is acquired in replacement of in- voluntarily converted MACRS property to which section 1033 applies, how is the depreciation allow- able determined for the acquired MACRS property? See Notice 2000–4, page 313. Section 1441.—Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Corporations 26 CFR 1.1441–1: Requirement for withholding of tax on nonresident aliens, foreign partnerships, and foreign corporations. T.D. 8856 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1, 31, 35a, 301, 502, 503, 509, 513, 514, 516, 517, 520, 521, and 602. General Revision of Regulations Relating to Withholding of Tax on Certain U.S. Source Income Paid to Foreign Persons and Related Collection, Refunds, and Credits; Revision of Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Regulations; and Removal of Regulations Under Parts 1 and 35a and of Certain Regulations Under Income Tax Treaties AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final rule; delay of effective date. SUMMARY: This document contains changes delaying the effective date to final regulations (TD 8734, 1997–2 C.B. 109), which were published in the Federal Reg- isterof October 14, 1997, relating to the withholding of income tax on certain U.S. source income payments to foreign per- sons. The Department of the Treasury and the IRS believe it is in the best interest of tax administration to delay the effective date of the final withholding regulations to ensure that both taxpayers and the govern- ment can complete changes necessary to implement the new withholding regime. As extended by this document, the final withholding regulations will apply to pay- ments made after December 31, 2000. DATES: Effective Dates: The amendments in this final rule are effective January 1, 2001. As of December 31, 1999, the effec- tive date of the final regulations published at 62 FR 53387 (TD 8734), October 14, 1997, and delayed by TD 8804 (63 FR 72183, December 31, 1998), is delayed from January 1, 2000, until January 1, 2001; however, the effective date of the ad- dition of §§31.9999–0 and 35a.9999–0 and the removal of §35a.9999–0T remains Oc- tober 14, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT: Laurie Hatten-Boyd, (202) 622- 3840 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The final regulations that are the sub- ject of this amendment provide guidance under sections 1441, 1442, and 1443 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) on certain U.S. source income paid to for- eign persons, the related tax deposit and reporting requirements under section 1461 of the Code, and the related changes under sections 163(f), 165(j), 871, 881, 1462, 1463, 3401, 3406, 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6045, 6049, 6050A, 6050N, 6109, 6114, 6402, 6413, and 6724 of the Code. Need for Changes On April 29, 1999, in Notice 99–25 Groups 1 - 15: Soft Goods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -610.0606.9-0.5 Groups 16 - 20: Durable Goods - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -460.4446.9-2.9 Groups 21 - 23: Misc. Goods 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -106.9102.7-3.9 Store Total 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -554.9547.2-1.4 1 Absence of a minus sign before percentage change in this column signifies price increase. 2 Indexes on a January 1986=100 base. 3 The store total index covers all departments, including some not listed separately, except for the following: candy, food, liquor, tobacco, and contract departments. 2000–3 I.R.B.299January 18, 2000 (1999–20 I.R.B. 1), the IRS and Trea- sury announced their decision to extend the effective date of the final regula- tions. When originally published in the Federal Registeron October 14, 1997 (62 FR 53387), the final regulations were applicable to payments made after December 31, 1998 and, generally, granted withholding agents until after December 31, 1999, to obtain the new withholding certificates (Forms W- 8BEN, W-8ECI, W-8EXP, and W- 8IMY) and statements required under those regulations. On April 13, 1998, in Notice 98–16 (1998–15 I.R.B. 12), the IRS and Treasury announced the deci- sion to extend the effective date of the final regulations to January 1, 2000 and to provide correlative extensions to the transition rules for obtaining new with- holding certificates and statements. Those extensions were published on De- cember 31, 1998 at 63 FR 72183 as TD 8804. This amendment serves to make the final regulations applicable to pay- ments made after December 31, 2000 and to require mandatory use of the new withholding certificates and statements for payments made after that date. Special Analyses It has been determined that this Trea- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations. Finally, it has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibil- ity Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply to these regulations because the regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities. Pursuant to 7805(f) of the Code, the notice of pro- posed rulemaking preceding these regu- lations (61 FR 17614) was submitted to the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small busi- ness. * * * * * Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, under the authority of 26 U.S.C. 7805, 26 CFR parts 1, 31, and 301 are amended by making the following correcting amendments: PART 1—INCOME TAXES Par. 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 2. In §1.871–14, paragraph (h) is revised to read as follows: §1.871–14 Rules relating to repeal of tax on interest of nonresident alien individu- als and foreign corporations received from certain portfolio debt investments. * * * * * (h) Effective date—(1) In general. This section shall apply to payments of interest made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rule. For purposes of this section, the validity of a Form W-8 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is ex- tended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form W-8 that is valid on or after January 1, 1999 remains valid until its validity expires under the regualtions in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999) but in no event will such a form remain valid after Decem- ber 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (h)(2), however, does not apply to ex- tend the validity period of a Form W-8 that expired solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sen- tences of this paragraph (h)(2), a with- holding agent or payor may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (h)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, may choose to obtain withholding certificates conforming to the requirements described in this sec- tion (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new with- holding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 3. In §1.1441–1, as revised at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (f) is re- vised to read as follows: §1.1441–1 Requirement for the deduction and withholding of tax on payments to foreign persons. * * * * * (f) Effective date—(1) In general. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules—(i) Special rules for existing documentation. For purposes of paragraphs (d)(3) and (e)(2)(i) of this section, the validity of a withholding cer- tificate (namely, Form W–8, 8233, 1001, 4224, or 1078 , or a statement described in §1.1441–5 in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see §1.1441–5 as contained in 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999)) that was valid on January 1, 1998 under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event will such withhold- ing certificate remain valid after Decem- ber 31, 2001. The rule in this paragraph (f)(2)(i), however, does not apply to ex- tend the validity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the per- son whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (f)(2)(i), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (f)(2)(i) with respect to one or more with- holding certificates valid under the regu- lations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certificates). For pur- poses of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the docu- mentation requirement under the regula- January 18, 20003002000–3 I.R.B. tions in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withhold- ing certificate remains valid for the period specified in paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section, regardless of when the certificate is obtained. (ii) Lack of documentation for past years.A taxpayer may elect to apply the provisions of paragraphs (b)(7)(i)(B), (ii), and (iii) of this section, dealing with lia- bility for failure to obtain documentation timely, to all of its open tax years, includ- ing tax years that are currently under ex- amination by the IRS. The election is made by simply taking action under those provisions in the same manner as the tax- payer would take action for payments made after December 31, 2000. Par. 4. In §1.1441–4, as amended at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (g) is revised to read as follows: §1.1441–4 Exemptions from withholding for certain effectively connected income and other amounts. * * * * * (g) Effective date—(1) General rule. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules. The validity of a Form 4224 or 8233 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time dur- ing 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form 4224 or 8233 that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event will such form remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend the validity period of a Form 4224 or 8223 that expires solely by reason of changes in the circum- stances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (g)(2) , a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, re- vised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates con- forming to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certifi- cates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, re- vised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 5. In §1.1441–5, as revised at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (g) is re- vised to read as follows: §1.1441–5 Withholding on payments to partnerships, trusts, and estates. * * * * * (g) Effective date—(1) General rule. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules. The validity of a withholding certificate that was valid onJanuary 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until De- cember 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regu- lations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event will such a withholding certificate remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend the validity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by reason of changes in the cir- cumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (g)(2) , a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to the require- ments described in this section (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding cer- tificate is deemed to satisfy the docu- mentation requirement under the regula- tions in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withhold- ing certificate remains valid for the pe- riod specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), re- gardless of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 6. In §1.1441–6, as revised at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (g) is re- vised to read as follows: §1.1441–6 Claim of reduced withholding under an income tax treaty. * * * * * (g) Effective date—(1) General rule. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of a Form 1001 or 8233 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form 1001 or 8233 is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regula- tions in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event will such a form remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend the va- lidity period of a Form 1001 or 8233 that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate or in interpretation of the law under the regulations under §1.894–1T(d). Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (g)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to re- quire withholding certificates conforming to the requirements described in this sec- tion (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withhold- ing certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the reg- ulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 2000–3 I.R.B.301January 18, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withhold- ing certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regard- less of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 7. In §1.1441–8 as redesignated and amended at 62 FR 53464 and amended at 63 FR 72138 (TD 8804), paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows: §1.1441–8 Exemption from withholding for payments to foreign governments, in- ternational organizations, foreign central banks of issue, and the Bank for Interna- tional Settlements. * * * * * (f) Effective date—(1) In general. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules.For purposes of this section, the validity of a Form 8709 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form 8709 that is valid on or after Janu- ary 1, 1999, remains valid until its valid- ity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event shall such a form remain valid after De- cember 31, 2000. The rule in this para- graph (f)(2), however, does not apply to extend the validity period of a Form 8709 that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstand- ing the first three sentences of this para- graph (f)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transi- tion rule in this paragraph (f)(2) with re- spect to one or more withholding certifi- cates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conform- ing to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new with- holding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the reg- ulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withholding certifi- cate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 8. In §1.1441–9, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows: §1.1441–9 Exemption from withholding on exempt income of a foreign tax-exempt organization, including foreign private foundations. * * * * * (d) Effective date—(1) In general. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of a Form W-8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regu- lations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form W-8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that is valid on or after January 1, 1999 remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event shall such form or statement remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (d)(2), however, does not apply to extend the validity period of a Form W- 8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that ex- pires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (d)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (d)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates con- forming to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certifi- cates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to sat- isfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999). Further, a new with- holding certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is ob- tained. Par. 9. In §1.1443–1, as revised at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183), paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows: §1.1443–1 Foreign tax-exempt organiza- tions. * * * * * (c) Effective date—(1) In general. This section applies to payments made after December 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules.For purposes of this section, the validity of an affidavit or opinion of counsel described in § 1.1443–1(b)(4)(i) in effect prior to Janu- ary 1, 2001 (see § 1.1443–1(b)(4)(i) as contained in 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) is extended until December 31, 2000. However, a withholding agent may chose to not take advantage of the transi- tion rule in this paragraph (c)(2) with re- spect to one or more withholding certifi- cates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conform- ing to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new with- holding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the reg- ulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 ( see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withholding certifi- cate remains valid for the period specified in § 1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is obtained. Par. 10. In §1.6042–3, as amended at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (b)(5) is revised to read as follows: §1.6042–3 Dividends subject to report- ing. * * * * * (b) * * * (5) Effective date—(i) General rule. The provisions of this paragraph (b) apply to payments made after December 31, 2000. (ii) Transition rules.The validity of a withholding certificate (namely, Form W- 8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect January 18, 20003022000–3 I.R.B. prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event shall such withholding certifi- cate remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (b)(5)(ii), however, does not apply to ex- tend the validity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the per- son whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (b)(5)(ii), a payor may choose not to take advantage of the transi- tion rule in this paragraph (b)(5)(ii) with respect to one or more withholding cer- tificates valid under the regulations in ef- fect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to require withholding cer- tificates conforming to the requirements described in this section (new withhold- ing certificates). For purposes of this sec- tion, a new withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation re- quirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withholding certificate re- mains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is obtained. ***** Par. 11. In §1.6045–1, as amended at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (g)(5) is revised to read as follows: §1.6045–1 Returns of information of bro- kers and barter exchanges. * * * * * (g) * * * (5) Effective date—(i) General rule. The provisions of this paragraph (g) apply to payments made after December 31, 2000. (ii) Transition rules.The validity of a withholding certificate (namely, Form W- 8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event shall such a withholding cer- tificate remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(5)(ii), however, does not apply to extend the va- lidity period of a form that expires in 1998 solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this paragraph (g)(5)(ii), a payor may choose not to take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(5)(ii) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, to re- quire withholding certificates conforming to the requirements described in this sec- tion (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withhold- ing certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under the reg- ulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999). Further, a new withhold- ing certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regard- less of when the certificate is obtained. ***** Par. 12. In §1.6049–5, as amended at 62 FR 53424 (TD 8734) and amended at 63 FR 72183 (TD 8804), paragraph (g) is revised to read as follows: §1.6049–5 Interest and original issue discount subject to reporting after De- cember 31, 1982. * * * * * (g) Effective date—(1) General rule. The provisions of paragraphs (b)(6) through (15), (c), (d), and (e) of this sec- tion apply to payments made after De- cember 31, 2000. (2) Transition rules.The validity of a withholding certificate (namely, Form W- 8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) but in no event shall such a withholding cer- tificate remain valid after December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend the va- lidity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstand- ing the first three sentences of this para- graph (g)(2), a payor may choose not to take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1999) and, therefore, may require withholding certificates con- forming to the requirements described in this section (new withholding certifi- cates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to sat- isfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2001 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, re- vised April 1, 1999). Further, a new with- holding certificate remains valid for the period specified in §1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is ob- tained. Parts 1, 31, and 301 [Amended] Par. 13. In the list below, for each sec- tion indicated in the left column (which was added, revised, or amended at 62 FR 53387 (TD 8734) and further amended at 63 FR 72138 (TD 8804), remove the lan- guage in the middle column and add the language in the right column: SectionRemoveAdd 1.871–14(c)(3)(ii),October 12, 2000October 12, 2001 Example, first and sixth sentences 1.871–14(c)(3)(ii),December 31, 2000December 31, 2001 Example, sixth sentence 1.871–14(c)(3)(ii),June 15, 2004June 15, 2005 Example, sixth sentence 1.871–14(c)(3)(ii),June 15, 2004June 15, 2005 Example, seventh sentence 1.1441–1(b)(4)(xix)January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 1.1441–1(b)(4)(xix)April 1, 1998April 1, 1999 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),June 15, 2000June 15, 2001 Example 1, first, fourth, and eighth sentences 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),September 30, 2002September 30, 2003 Example 1, third and ninth sentences 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),March 15, 2001March 15, 2002 Example 1, ninth sentence 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),June 15, 2000June 15, 2001 Example 2, first, fourth, and seventh sentences 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),September 30, 2002September 30, 2003 Example 2, third and seventh sentences 1.1441–1(b)(7)(v),March 15, 2001March 15, 2002 Example 2, seventh and ninth sentences 1.1441–1(c)(6)(ii)(B)January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 1.1441–1(c)(6)(ii)(B)April 1, 1998April 1, 1999 1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii)(A)September 30, 2000September 30, 2001 1.1441–1(e)(4)(ii)(A)December 31, 2003December 31, 2004 1.1441–2(b)(3)(iv)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1441–2(f)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1441–3(h)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1441–7(g)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1461–1(i)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1461–2(a)(4),December 2000December 2001 Example 1(i), second sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4), February 10, 2001February 10, 2002 Example 1(i), third sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4),20002001 Example 1(ii), first, second, and last sentences 2000–3 I.R.B.303January 18, 2000 January 18, 20003042000–3 I.R.B. SectionRemoveAdd 1.1461–2(a)(4),March 15, 2001March 15, 2002 Example 1(ii), first sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4),20012002 Example 1(ii), third sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4),20012002 Example 2, second and last sentences 1.1461–2(a)(4),June 2001June 2002 Example 2, second sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4), July 15, 2001July 15, 2002 Example 2, third sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4),20002001 Example 2,third sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4),March 15, 2002March 15, 2003 Example 2, last sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4), Example 3,February 15, 2001February 15, 2002 last sentence 1.1461–2(a)(4), Example 3,March 15, 2001March 15, 2002 last sentence 1.1461–2(d)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1462–1(c)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.1463–1(b)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.6041–4(d)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.6041A–1(d)(3)(v)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.6045–1(d)(6)(ii)(B)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.6049–4(d)(3)(ii)(B)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 1.6049–5(c)(4)(v)January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 1.6050N–1(e), last sentenceDecember 31, 1999December 31, 2000 31.3401(a)(6)–1(e), J anuary 1, 2000January 1, 2001 paragraph heading 31.3401(a)(6)–1(e),January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 first sentence 31.3401(a)(6)–1(f),December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 paragraph heading 31.3401(a)(6)–1(f),December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 first sentence 31.3406(g)–1(e),December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 first sentence 31.3406(h)–2(d),December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 penultimate sentence 31.9999–0January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 301.6114–1(b)(4)(ii)(C),December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 introductory text SectionRemoveAdd 301.6114–1(b)(4)(ii)(D)December 31, 1999December 31, 2000 301.6724–1(g)(2) Q–11January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 301.6724–1(g)(2) Q–11April 1, 1998April 1, 1999 301.6724–1(g)(2) A–11January 1, 2000January 1, 2001 301.6724–1(g)(2) A–11April 1, 1998April 1, 1999 301.6724–1(g)(3), firstDecember 31, 1999December 31, 2000 sentence 301.6724–1(g)(3), lastJanuary 1, 2000January 1, 2001 sentence 301.6724–1(g)(3), lastApril 1, 1998April 1, 1999 sentence 2000–3 I.R.B.305January 18, 2000 Robert E. Wenzel, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Approved December 21, 1999. Jonathan Talisman, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Tax Policy. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on De- cember 29, 1999, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for December 30, 1999, 64 F.R. 73408) Section 1502.—Regulations 26 CFR 1.1502–76: Taxable year of members of group. What procedures apply for certain corporations to obtain automatic approval to change their annual accounting periods under section 442 of the Code? See Rev. Proc. 2000–11, page 309. Section 2056.— Bequests, Etc., to Surviving Spouse 26 CFR 20.2056(a)–1: Qualified terminable interest property elections. Qualified terminable interest prop- erty (QTIP) elections.This ruling holds that an executor may elect under section 2056(b)(7) of the Code to treat an individ- ual retirement account and a testamentary trust as QTIP under certain conditions. Rev. Rul. 89–89 obsoleted. Rev. Rul. 2000–2 ISSUE May an executor elect under § 2056(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code to treat an individual retirement ac- count (IRA) and a trust as qualified ter- minable interest property (QTIP) if the trustee of the trust is the named benefi- ciary of decedent’s IRA and the surviving spouse can compel the trustee to with- draw from the IRA an amount equal to all the income earned on the IRA assets at least annually and to distribute that amount to the spouse? FACTS Adied in 1999 at the age of 55, survived by spouse, B, who was 50 years old. Prior to death, Aestablished an IRA described in § 408(a). The IRA is invested only in pro- ductive assets. Anamed the trustee of a tes- tamentary trust established under A’s will as the beneficiary of all amounts payable from the IRA after A’s death. A copy of the testamentary trust and a list of the trust ben- eficiaries were provided to the custodian of A’s IRA within nine months after A’s death. As of the date of A’s death, the testamen- tary trust was irrevocable and was a valid trust under the laws of the state of A’s domicile. The IRA was includible in A’s gross estate under § 2039. Under the terms of the testatmentary trust, all trust income is payable annually to B, and no one has the power to appoint trust principal to any person other than B. A’s children, who are all younger than B, are the sole remainder beneficiaries of the trust. No other person has a beneficial interest in the trust. Under the terms of the trust, Bhas the power, exercisable annually, to compel the trustee to withdraw from the IRA an amount equal to the income earned on the assets held by the IRA during the year and to distribute that amount through the trust to B. The IRA document contains no prohi- bition on withdrawal from the IRA of amounts in excess of the annual minimum required distributions under § 408(a)(6). In accordance with the terms of the IRA instrument, the trustee of the testa- mentary trust elects, in order to satisfy § 408(a)(6), to receive annual minimum re- quired distributions using the exception to the five year rule in § 401(a)(9)(B)(iii) for distributions over a distribution period equal to a designated beneficiary’s life ex- pectancy. Because B’s life expectancy is the shortest of all the potential beneficia- ries of the testamentary trust’s interest in the IRA (including remainder beneficia- ries), the distribution period for purposes of § 401(a)(9)(B)(iii) is B’s life ex- pectancy. Because Bis not the sole bene- ficiary of the testamentary trust’s interest in the IRA, the trustee elected to have the annual minimum required distributions from the IRA to the testamentary trust begin no later than December 31 of the year immediately following the year of A’s death. The amount of the annual min- imum required distribution for each year is calculated by dividing the account bal- ance of the IRA as of the December 31 immediately preceding the year by the re- maining distribution period. On B’s death, any undistributed balance of the IRA will be distributed to the testamen- tary trust over the remaining distribution period. LAW AND ANALYSIS Section 2056(a) provides that the value of the taxable estate is, except as limited by § 2056(b), determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate an amount equal to the value of any interest in property that passes from the decedent to the surviving spouse. January 18, 20003062000–3 I.R.B. Under § 2056(b)(1), if an interest pass- ing to the surviving spouse will terminate, no deduction is allowed with respect to the interest if, after termination of the spouse’s interest, an interest in the property passes or has passed from the decedent to any per- son other than the surviving spouse (or the estate of the spouse). Section 2056(b)(7) provides that QTIP, for purposes of § 2056(a), is treated as passing to the surviving spouse and no part of the property shall be treated as passing to any person other than the surviving spouse. Section 2056(b)(7)(B)(i) defines QTIP as property that passes from the decedent, in which the surviving spouse has a qualifying income interest for life, and to which an election applies. Under § 2056(b)(7)(B)(ii), the surviving spouse has a qualifying income interest for life if (I) the surviving spouse is entitled to all the in- come from the property, payable annually or at more frequent intervals, or has a usufruct interest for life in the property, and (II) no person has a power to appoint any part of the property to any person other than the surviving spouse. Section 20.2056(b)–7(d)(2) of the Es- tate Tax Regulations provides that the principles of § 20.2056(b)–5(f), relating to whether the spouse is entitled for life to all of the income from the entire in- terest, apply in determining whether the surviving spouse is entitled for life to all of the income from the property for QTIP purposes. Section 20.2056(b)–5(f)(1) provides that, if an interest is transferred in trust, the surviving spouse is entitled for life to all of the income from the entire in- terest, if the effect of the trust is to give the surviving spouse substantially that degree of beneficial enjoyment of the trust property during the surviving spouse’s life which the principles of the law of trusts accord to a person who is unqualifiedly designated as the life ben- eficiary of a trust. Section 20.2056(b)–5(f)(8) provides that the terms “entitled for life” and “payable annually or at more frequent intervals” require that under the terms of the trust the income referred to must be currently (at least annually) distributable to the spouse or that the spouse must have such command over the income so that it is virtually the spouse’s. Thus, the surviving spouse will be entitled for life to all of the income from the inter- est, payable annually, if, under the terms of the trust instrument, the spouse has the right exercisable annually (or more frequently) to require distribution to the spouse of the trust income, and other- wise the trust income is to be accumu- lated and added to corpus. In the present situation, the IRA is payable to a trust the terms of which enti- tle Bto receive all trust income, payable annually. In addition, no one has a power to appoint any part of the property in the trust or the IRA to any person other than B. Therefore, whether A’s executor can elect to treat the trust and the IRA as QTIP depends on whether Bis entitled to all the income for life from the IRA, payable annually. Under the terms of the testamentary trust, Bis given the power, exercisable an- nually, to compel the trustee to withdraw from the IRA an amount equal to all the in- come earned on the assets held in the IRA and pay that amount to B. If Bexercises this power, the trustee must withdraw from the IRA the greater of the amount of in- come earned on the IRA assets during the year or the annual minimum required dis- tribution. Nothing in the IRA instrument prohibits the trustee from withdrawing such amount from the IRA. If Bdoes not exercise this power, the trustee must with- draw from the IRA only the annual mini- mum required distribution. B’s power to compel the trustee’s ac- tion meets the standard set forth in § 20.2056(b)–5(f)(8) for the surviving spouse to be entitled to all the income for life payable annually. Thus, Bhas a qualifying income interest for life within the meaning of § 2056(b)(7) in both the IRA and the testamentary trust. Furthermore, B has a qualifying income interest for life in the IRA and the testamentary trust for purposes of §§ 2519 and 2044. Because the trust is a conduit for payments equal to in- come from the IRA to B, A’s executor needs to make the QTIP election under § 2056(b)(7) for both the IRA and the testamentary trust. The result would be the same if the terms of the testamentary trust require the trustee to withdraw from the IRA an- nually an amount equal to all the income earned on the IRA assets and pay that amount to the surviving spouse. HOLDING An executor may elect under § 2056(b)(7) to treat an IRA and a trust as QTIP when the trustee of the trust is the named beneficiary of the decedent’s IRA, the surviving spouse can compel the trustee to withdraw from the IRA an amount equal to all the income earned on the IRA assets at least annually and to distribute that amount to the spouse, and no person has a power to appoint any part of the trust property to any per- son other than the spouse. EFFECT ON OTHER REVENUE RULING(S) Rev. Rul. 89–89, 1989–2 C.B. 231, is obsoleted. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this revenue ruling is Donna L. Mucha of the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). For further information regarding this revenue ruling contact Donna L. Mucha on (202) 622-3120 (not a toll-free call). Section 6103.—Confidentiality and Disclosure of Returns and Return Information 26 CFR 301.6103(j)(5)–1T: Disclosures of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture for certain statistical purposes and related activities (temporary). T.D. 8854 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 301 Disclosures of Return Information to Officers and Employees of the Department of Agriculture for Certain Statistical Purposes and Related Activities AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Temporary regulation. 2000–3 I.R.B.307January 18, 2000 SUMMARY: This document provides a temporary regulation relating to the dis- closure of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agri- culture for certain statistical purposes and related activities. The temporary regula- tion would permit the IRS to disclose re- turn information to the Department of Agriculture to structure, prepare, and con- duct the Census of Agriculture. The text of this temporary regulation also serves as the text of the proposed regulation REG–116704–99 published on page 325. DATES: This regulation is effective Jan- uary 4, 2000. Applicability Date: For dates of applic- ability of this regulation, see, §301.6103(j)(5)– 1T(d). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT: Jennifer S. McGinty, (202) 622- 4570 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 6103(j) of the Internal Rev- enue Code (Code) provides for the dis- closure of tax information for statistical purposes. Prior to the Census of Agri- culture Act of 1997 (Public Law 105- 113), the Bureau of Census had respon- sibility for preparing the Census of Agriculture. Section 6103(j)(1) autho- rized the Bureau of Census to receive tax information as prescribed in the reg- ulations in structuring censuses. Trea- sury regulations implemented such au- thority with respect to the Census of Agriculture. The Census of Agriculture Act transferred responsibility for that Census from the Bureau of Census to the Department of Agriculture. In 1998, the Tax and Trade Relief Extension Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-277) added section 6103(j)(5) to provide disclosure authority for the Department of Agricul- ture to receive tax information to struc- ture, prepare, and conduct the Census of Agriculture. By letter dated May 21, 1999, the Secretary of Agriculture re- quested that the regulations be amended so that the Department of Agriculture can begin to receive return information for purposes of the Census of Agricul- ture. This document contains a tempo- rary regulation which authorizes the IRS to disclose return information to the De- partment of Agriculture for purposes of the Census of Agriculture. Explanation of Provisions This temporary regulation will allow the IRS to disclose return information to the Department of Agriculture for pur- poses of the Census of Agriculture. The disclosure of the specific items of return information identified in this regu- lation is necessary in order for the Depart- ment of Agriculture to accurately identify, locate, and classify, as well as properly process, information from agricultural businesses to be surveyed for the statuto- rily mandated Census of Agriculture. Special Analyses It has been determined that this Trea- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assess- ment is not required. It has also been de- termined that section 553(b) of the Ad- ministrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regula- tions. For the applicability of the Regula- tory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) refer to the Special Analyses section of the preamble to the cross reference notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Proposed Rules section in this issue of the (Federal Register). Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this temporary regu- lation will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Busi- ness Administration for comment on its impact on small businesses. Drafting Information The principal author of this regulation is Jennifer S. McGinty, Office of the As- sistant Chief Counsel (Disclosure Litiga- tion), IRS. However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in its development. * * * * * Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is amended as follows: Part 301—Procedure and Administration Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 is amended by adding an entry in numerical order to read as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 301.6103(j)(5)–1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(j)(5);* * * Par. 2. Section 301.6103(j)(5)–1T is added to read as follows: §301.6103(j)(5)–1T Disclosures of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture for certain statistical purposes and related activities (temporary). (a) General rule.Pursuant to the provi- sions of section 6103(j)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and subject to the requirements of paragraph (c) of this sec- tion, officers or employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will disclose re- turn information to officers and employ- ees of the Department of Agriculture to the extent, and for such purposes as may be, provided by paragraph (b) of this sec- tion. (b) Disclosure of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture (1) Officers or employees of the IRS will disclose the following return infor- mation for individuals, partnerships, and corporations with agricultural activity, as determined generally by industry code classification or the filing of returns for such activity, to officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture for pur- poses of, but only to the extent necessary in, structuring, preparing, and conducting, as authorized by chapter 55 of title 7, United States Code, the Census of Agri- culture. (2) From Form 1040/Schedule F— (i) Taxpayer Identity Information (as defined in section 6103(b)(6) of the Code); (ii) Spouse’s SSN; (iii) Annual Accounting Period; (iv) Principal Business Activity (PBA) Code; (v) Sales of livestock and produce raised; (vi) Taxable cooperative distribu- tions; (vii) Income from custom hire and machine work; (viii) Gross income; (ix) Master File Tax (MFT) Code; (x) Document Locator Number (DLN); (xi) Cycle Posted; (xii) Final return indicator; and (xiii) Part year return indicator. (3) From Form 943— (i) Taxpayer Identity Information; (ii) Annual Accounting Period; (iii) Total wages subject to Medicare taxes; (iv) Master File Tax (MFT) Code; (v) Document Locator Number (DLN); (vi) Cycle Posted; (vii) Final return indicator; and (viii) Part year return indicator. (4) From Form 1120 series— (i) Taxpayer Identity Information; (ii) Annual Accounting Period; (iii) Gross receipts less returns and allowances; (iv) PBA code; (v) Parent corporation Employer Identification Number, and re- lated Name and PBA Code for entities with agricultural activity; (vi) Master File Tax (MFT) Code; (vii) Document Locator Number (DLN); (viii) Cycle posted; (ix) Final return indicator; (x) Part year return indicator; and (xi) Consolidated return indicator. (5) From Form 851— (i) Subsidiary Taxpayer Identity In- formation; (ii) Annual Accounting Period; (iii) Subsidiary PBA Code; (iv) Parent Taxpayer Identity Infor- mation; (v) Parent PBA Code; (vi) Master File Tax (MFT) Code; (vii) Document Locator Number (DLN); and (viii) Cycle Posted. (6) From Form 1065 series— (i) Taxpayer Identity Information; (ii) Annual Accounting Period; (iii) PBA Code; (iv) Gross receipts less returns and allowances; (v) Net farm profit (loss); (vi) Master File Tax (MFT) Code; (vii) Document Locator Number (DLN); (viii) Cycle Posted; (ix) Final return indicator; and (x) Part year return indicator. (c) Procedures and Restrictions (1) Disclosure of return information by officers or employees of the IRS as pro- vided by paragraph (b) of this section will be made only upon written request desig- nating, by name and title, the officers and employees of the Department of Agricul- ture to whom such disclosure is autho- rized, to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue by the Secretary of the Depart- ment of Agriculture and describing— (i) The particular return information to be disclosed; (ii)The taxable period or date to which such return information re- lates; and (iii) The particular purpose for which the return information is to be used. (2) No such officer or employee to whom return information is disclosed pur- suant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section shall disclose such return in- formation to any person, other than the taxpayer to whom such return information relates or other officers or employees of the Department of Agriculture whose du- ties or responsibilities require such disclo- sure for a purpose described in paragraph (b) of this section, except in a form that cannot be associated with, or otherwise identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer. If the IRS determines that the Department of Agriculture, or any officer or employee thereof, has failed to, or does not, satisfy the requirements of section 6103(p)(4) of the Code or regulations or published procedures thereunder, the IRS may take such actions as are deemed nec- essary to ensure that such requirements are or will be satisfied, including suspension of disclosures of return information other- wise authorized by section 6103(j)(5) and paragraph (b) of this section, until the IRS determines that such requirements have been or will be satisfied. (d) Effective date:This section is ap- plicable from January 4, 2000 through January 3, 2003. Robert E. Wenzel, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Approved December 13, 1999. Jonathan Talisman, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy). (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on Janu- ary 3, 2000, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for January 4, 2000, 65 F.R. 215) January 18, 20003082000–3 I.R.B. 2000–3 I.R.B.309January 18, 2000 26 CFR 601.204: Changes in accounting periods and in methods of accounting. (Also Part I, sections 442, 706, 898, 1502; 1.442–1, 1.706–1T, 1.1502–76.) Rev. Proc. 2000–11 CONTENTS SECTION 1. PURPOSE SECTION 2. BACKGROUND SECTION 3. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SECTION 4. SCOPE .01 Applicability. .02 Inapplicability. .03 Nonautomatic changes. .04 Examples. SECTION 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CHANGE .01 In general. .02 Short period. .03 Short period tax return. .04 Subsequent year tax returns. .05 Book conformity. .06 Net operating losses. .07 General business credits. .08 Concurrent change for related en- tities. SECTION 6. MANNER OF EFFECTING THE CHANGE .01 Consent. .02 Filing requirements. (1)Where to file. (2)When to file. (3)Label. (4)Signature requirements. (5)No user fee. (6)Consolidated application. SECTION 7. REVIEW OF APPLICATION .01Service Center review. .02Review of examining officials. SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TRANSITION RULE .01Effective date. .02Transition rule. SECTION 9. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS SECTION 1. PURPOSE This revenue procedure provides pro- cedures by which certain corporations may obtain automatic approval to change their annual accounting periods under § 442 of the Internal Revenue Code. This revenue procedure modifies, amplifies, and supersedes Rev. Proc. 92–13, 1992–1 C.B. 665. A corporation complying with all the applicable provisions of this rev- enue procedure has obtained the consent of the Commissioner of the Internal Rev- enue Service to change its annual ac- counting period under § 442 and the In- come Tax Regulations thereunder. SECTION 2. BACKGROUND .01 Section 1.442–1(a)(1) of the In- come Tax Regulations provides that if a taxpayer wishes to change its annual ac- counting period (as defined in § 441(c)) and adopt a new taxable year (as defined in § 441(b)), it must obtain prior approval from the Commissioner. .02 Section 1.442–1(b)(1) provides that in order to secure prior approval of a change of a taxpayer’s annual accounting period, the taxpayer must file an applica- tion on Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year, with the Commissioner on or before the 15 th day of the second calendar month following the close of the short taxable year re- quired to effect the change. Section 1.442–1(b)(1) also provides that approval will not be granted unless the taxpayer and the Commissioner agree to the terms, conditions, and adjustments under which the change will be effected. .03 Section 1.442–1(c) provides a spe- cial rule whereby certain corporations may change their annual accounting peri- ods without the prior approval of the Commissioner. Rev. Proc. 92–13 also provided procedures whereby certain cor- porations that did not satisfy the condi- tions of § 1.442–1(c) could obtain expedi- tious approval of a change of their annual accounting period. .04 Section 1.443–1(b)(1)(i) provides that if a return is made for a short period resulting from a change of an annual ac- counting period, the taxable income for the short period must be placed on an an- nual basis by multiplying the income by 12 and dividing the result by the number of months in the short period. Unless §§ 443(b)(2) and 1.443–1(b)(2) apply, the tax for the short period is the same part of the tax computed on an annual basis as the number of months in the short period is of 12 months. .05 Sections 1.852–3(e) and 1.857–2(a)(4) provide that the taxable in- come of a regulated investment company (RIC) and a real estate investment trust (REIT) are computed without regard to § 443(b). Thus, taxable income for a period of less than 12 months is not placed on an annual basis even though such short tax- able year results from a change of annual accounting period. SECTION 3. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES Significant changes to Rev. Proc. 92–13 made by this revenue procedure include: .01 Section 4.01(2) provides that this revenue procedure applies to a corpora- tion that wants to change from a 52–53–week taxable year to a taxable year that ends with reference to the same month, and vice versa; .02 Section 4.01(3) adds a provision whereby a controlled foreign corporation (CFC) may revoke its one-month deferral election under § 898(c)(1)(B) and auto- matically change its taxable year to the majority United States shareholder year (as defined in § 898(c)(1)(C)); .03 Section 4.02(1) provides certain ex- ceptions to the 6-year waiting period be- tween automatic period changes, such as for changes to or from a 52-53-week tax- able year referencing the same month; .04Section 4.02(2) adds three ex- ceptions to the scope restrictions applica- ble to an automatic period change for a corporation that is a member of a partner- ship or a beneficiary of a trust or estate; .05 Section 4.02(3) adds two excep- tions to the scope restrictions applicable to an automatic period change for a cor- poration that is a shareholder of a foreign sales corporation (FSC) or an interest charge domestic international sales corpo- ration (IC-DISC); .06 Section 4.02(6) eliminates the pro- hibition of an automatic period change for Part III. Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous January 18, 20003102000–3 I.R.B. a corporation making an S corporation election effective for the taxable year im- mediately following a change in account- ing period, provided the corporation is changing to a permitted S corporation tax- able year; .07 Section 4.02(14) modifies the scope restriction for a cooperative association with a loss in the short period required to effect the change to allow an otherwise automatic change if the patrons of the co- operative association remain substantially the same before and after the accounting period change; and .08 Section 5.06 deletes the require- ment that a net operating loss (NOL) in the short period required to effect the change must be deducted ratably over 6 years. Further, section 5.06 increases (from $10,000 to $50,000) the exception to the general rule proscribing a carryback of a short period NOL. SECTION 4. SCOPE .01 Applicability. (1) In general. This revenue procedure applies to a corpora- tion requesting consent to change its an- nual accounting period. The common parent of a consolidated group may change the group’s annual accounting pe- riod under this revenue procedure if every member of the consolidated group meets all the requirements and complies with all the conditions of this revenue procedure. (2) 52-53-week year.Notwithstanding section 4.02 of this revenue procedure, this revenue procedure applies to a corpo- ration (including a member of a consoli- dated group) that wants to change from a 52-53-week taxable year to a taxable year that ends with reference to the same month, and vice versa. (3) Section 898 election. Notwith- standing section 4.02 of this revenue pro- cedure, this revenue procedure applies to a CFC (as defined in § 957) that wants to revoke its one-month deferral election under § 898(c)(1)(B) and change its tax- able year to the majority U.S. shareholder year (as defined in § 898(c)(1)(C)). .02 Inapplicability. This revenue pro- cedure does not apply to a corporation that: (1) has changed its annual account- ing period at any time within the 6 calen- dar years ending with the calendar year that includes the beginning of the short period required to effect the change. For this purpose, the following changes will not be considered a change in annual ac- counting period: (a) a change in accounting period by a subsidiary to its common parent’s taxable year in order to comply with the common taxable year requirement of § 1.1502–76(a)(1). See§ 1.442–1(d); (b) any prior change in accounting period by a majority-owned, newly ac- quired subsidiary that wants to change to the taxable year of its domestic or foreign parent with which it does not file consoli- dated tax returns in order to file consoli- dated financial statements, provided the change is made within 12 months of the acquisition. For purposes of this subsec- tion, “majority-owned” means ownership that satisfies the test of § 1504(a)(2), sub- stituting “more than 50 percent” for “at least 80 percent;” (c) a change from a 52-53-week taxable year to a taxable year that ends with reference to the same month, and vice versa; (2) is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust or an estate (collec- tively referred to as “pass-through enti- ties”) as of the end of the short period. However, an interest in a pass-through en- tity will be disregarded for this purpose if any of the following conditions are met: (a) the partnership in which the corporation is a majority interest partner (i.e.,a partner having an interest in the partnership’s profits and capital of more than 50 percent) would be required to change its taxable year pursuant to § 706(b) to the new taxable year of the cor- poration. Seesection 5.08 of this revenue procedure for a special term and condition related to this exception; (b) the new taxable year of the corporation would result in no change in or less deferral (as described in § 1.706–1T(a)(2)) from the pass-through entity than the present taxable year of the corporation. If the pass-through entity is a partnership, the corporation should compare the existing deferral period (be- tween the partnership’s and the corpora- tion’s current taxable years) with the new deferral period (between the taxable year of the partnership that would be required under § 706 and the corporation’s new taxable year). Seesection 4.04 of this revenue procedure for an example of this rule; or (c) for pass-through entities not qualifying for the exceptions in either sec- tion 4.02(a) or 4.02(b) of this revenue procedure, the pass-through entity in which the corporation has an interest has been in existence for at least 3 taxable years and the interest is de minimis. For this purpose, an interest in a pass-through entity is de minimis only if: (i) for each of the prior 3 tax- able years of the corporation, the amount of income (including ordinary income or loss, capital gains or losses, rents, royal- ties, interest, or dividends) from such pass-through entity is less than or equal to (A) 5 percent of the corporation’s gross receipts (or, in the case of a mem- ber of a consolidated group, the consoli- dated group’s gross receipts) for those taxable years, and (B) $500,000; and (ii) the amount of income from all such pass-through entities in the aggregate is less than or equal to the amounts described in (A) and (B) above. Seesection 4.04 of this revenue proce- dure for an example of this rule; (3) is a shareholder of a FSC or IC- DISC, as of the end of the short period. However, an interest in a FSC or IC-DISC is disregarded if either of the following conditions is met: (a) the FSC or IC-DISC in which the corporation is the principal shareholder (i.e.,the shareholder with the highest per- centage of voting power as defined in § 441(h)) would be required to change its taxable year pursuant to §§ 1.921–1T(b)(4) and (b)(6) to the new tax- able year of the corporation. Seesection 5.08 of this revenue procedure for a spe- cial term and condition related to this ex- ception; or (b) the new taxable year of the cor- poration would result in no change in or less deferral of income (as determined under the principles of § 1.706–1T(a)(2)) from the FSC or IC-DISC than the present taxable year of the corporation; (4) is a FSC or an IC-DISC. See§ 1.921-1T(b)(4) for rules regarding auto- matic changes of the annual accounting period of a FSC or IC-DISC to the taxable year of its principal shareholder; (5) is an S corporation (as defined in § 1361). SeeRev. Proc. 87–32 for proce- dures to follow for certain automatic changes in the annual accounting period of an S corporation; 2000–3 I.R.B.311January 18, 2000 (6) attempts to make an S corpora- tion election for the taxable year immedi- ately following the short period, unless the change is to a permitted S corporation year. For this purpose, a “permitted S corporation year” includes a calendar year, a taxable year permitted under § 444, or an ownership taxable year or nat- ural business year (as defined in Rev. Proc. 87–32, 1987–2 C.B. 396); (7) is a personal service corporation (as defined in § 441(i)). SeeRev. Proc. 87–32 for procedures to follow for certain automatic changes in the annual account- ing period of a personal service corpora- tion; (8) is a CFC (as defined in § 957) or a foreign personal holding company (FPHC) (as defined in § 552); (9) is a shareholder of a CFC or FPHC. However, an interest in a CFC or FPHC is disregarded if the shareholder is the majority U.S. shareholder (i.e.,the shareholder that meets the ownership re- quirement of § 898(b)(2)(A)) and the CFC or FPHC would be required to change its taxable year to the new taxable year of the shareholder. Seesection 5.08 of this revenue procedure for a special term and condition related to this excep- tion; (10) is a tax-exempt organization, other than an organization exempt from federal income tax under § 521, 526, 527, or 528. SeeRev. Proc. 85–58, 1985–2 C.B. 740, for procedures to follow in changing an annual accounting period for a tax-exempt organization not meeting the scope of this revenue procedure; (11) is a direct or indirect share- holder of a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) that is a qualified elect- ing fund (within the meaning of § 1295) with respect to the shareholder; (12) is a PFIC that U.S. persons (who own directly or indirectly, in the ag- gregate, 10 percent or more of the com- pany) elected under § 1295 to treat as a qualified electing fund; (13) is a corporation which has in ef- fect an election under § 936; or (14) is a cooperative association (within the meaning of § 1381(a)) with a loss in the short period required to effect the change of annual accounting period, unless all the patrons of the cooperative association are substantially the same in the year before the change of annual ac- counting period, in the short period re- quired to effect the change, and in the year following the change. For purposes of this subsection, “substantially the same” means that ownership of more than 90 percent of the cooperative associa- tion’s stock is owned by the same mem- bers. .03 Nonautomatic changes. Corpora- tions that are unable to use the automatic provisions of this revenue procedure must secure prior approval from the Commis- sioner for a change in an accounting pe- riod pursuant to § 442 and the regulations thereunder. .04 Examples. (1) Example 1.(i) Corporations V, W, X, Y, and Z hold equal 20 percent inter- ests in the capital and profits of partner- ship ABC. V and W are calendar year taxpayers. X and Y have a taxable year ending June 30, and Z has a taxable year ending September 30. ABC does not have a business purpose for a particular taxable year, and thus, pursuant to § 1.706–1T, ABC is required to use a tax- able year ending June 30 because that tax- able year results in the least aggregate de- ferral of income to its partners. Z currently has a 3-month deferral period (the number of months from the end of ABC’s taxable year to the end of Z’s tax- able year). Z wants to change its taxable year to a calendar year. (ii) If Z changes its taxable year to a calendar year, ABC would be required to change its taxable year under § 706 to its majority interest taxable year, which is the calendar year. As a result of Z’s new taxable year and ABC’s new taxable year, Z’s deferral period would be eliminated. Because Z’s new taxable year would re- duce Z’s deferral, Z may disregard its in- terest in ABC under section 4.02(2)(b) of this revenue procedure. (2) Example 2. (i) Corporation X, a calendar year taxpayer, wants to change its tax year to a year ending June 30. X has interests in five partnerships, ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, and MNO. All of the partnerships have been in existence for over three taxable years. X’s interests in each of ABC and DEF is greater than 50 percent. X’s interest in GHI, JKL, and MNO is 15 percent, 10 percent, and 5 per- cent, respectively. GHI uses the majority interest taxable year ending May 31 and JKL and MNO each use their respective majority interest taxable year ending De- cember 31. X’s distributive share of in- come/(loss) from JKL for the prior three taxable years is $300,000, $(100,000), and $200,000, respectively, and from MNO is $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000, respectively. X’s gross receipts for each of those same taxable years was $15,000,000. (ii) X’s interests in its pass-through entities will be disregarded only if each pass-through entity satisfies one of the ex- ceptions enumerated under section 4.02(2) of this revenue procedure. In the instant case, X’s interests in ABC and DEF each meet the exception in section 4.02(2)(a) because X is the majority inter- est partner in each partnership. X’s inter- est in GHI meets the exception in section 4.02(2)(b) because X’s new taxable year would result in less deferral than its old taxable year (the deferral between May 31 and June 30 of 1 month as compared to the deferral between May 31 and Decem- ber 31 of 7 months).Because X is not the majority interest partner in JKL and MNO and because its new taxable year would not result in less deferral from these partnerships, X’s interests in JKL and MNO may be disregarded only if they satisfy the de minimis exception in sec- tion 4.02(2)(c). Although the income from JKL and MNO for each of the prior three taxable years is less than 5 percent of X’s gross receipts and $500,000, the in- come for year 1 from JKL and MNO, in the aggregate ($300,000 and $300,000), exceeds the $500,000 amount specified in section 4.02(2)(c)(ii). Consequently, JKL and MNO fail to satisfy the de minimis exception in section 4.02(2)(c). Because X’s interests in all of its pass-through en- tities will not be disregarded, X is not within the scope of this revenue proce- dure. SECTION 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CHANGE .01 In general. A change in annual ac- counting period filed under this revenue procedure must be made pursuant to the terms and conditions provided in this rev- enue procedure. .02 Short period. The short period re- quired to effect the change of annual ac- counting period must begin with the day following the close of the old taxable year and end with the day preceding the first January 18, 20003122000–3 I.R.B. day of the new taxable year. .03 Short period tax return. The corpo- ration or consolidated group must file a federal income tax return for the short pe- riod by the due date of that return, includ- ing extensions pursuant to § 1.443–1(a). The corporation’s taxable income (or the consolidated group’s consolidated taxable income) for the short period must be an- nualized, except in the case of a RIC or a REIT, and the tax must be computed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 443(b) and 1.443–1(b). However, for changes to or from a 52-53-week taxable year, see special rules in § 1.441–2T(c)(5). .04 Subsequent year tax returns. Returns for subsequent taxable years must be made on the basis of a full 12 months (or on a 52- 53-week basis) ending on the last day of the new taxable year, unless the corporation or consolidated group secures the approval of the Commissioner to change its new tax- able year. .05 Book conformity. The books of the corporation or consolidated group must be closed as of the last day of the new taxable year. The corporation or consolidated group must compute its income and keep its books and records (including financial statements and reports to creditors) on the basis of the new taxable year. .06 Net operating losses. If the corpo- ration (or consolidated group) has a NOL (or consolidated NOL) in the short period required to effect the change, the NOL may not be carried back but must be car- ried over in accordance with the provi- sions of § 172 beginning with the first taxable year after the short period. How- ever, the short period NOL (or consoli- dated NOL) is carried back or carried over in accordance with § 172 if it is ei- ther: (a) $50,000 or less, or (b) results from a short period of 9 months or longer and is less than the NOL (or the consoli- dated NOL) for a full 12-month period beginning with the first day of the short period. .07 General business credits. If there is an unused general business credit or any other unused credit for the short period, the corporation or consolidated group must carry that unused credit forward. An unused credit from the short period may not be carried back. .08 Concurrent change for related enti- ties. If a corporation’s interest in a pass- through entity, FSC, IC-DISC, CFC, or FPHC is disregarded pursuant to sections 4.02(2)(a), 4.02(3)(a), or 4.02(8) of this revenue procedure because the entity is required to change its taxable year to the corporation’s new taxable year, the entity must change its taxable year concurrently with the corporation’s change in taxable year, notwithstanding the testing date pro- visions in §§ 706(b)(4)(A)(ii) and 898(c)(1)(C)(ii). SECTION 6. MANNER OF EFFECTING THE CHANGE .01 Consent. Approval is hereby granted to any corporation or consolidated group within the scope of this revenue proce- dure to change its annual accounting pe- riod, provided the corporation or consoli- dated group complies with all the applicable provisions of this revenue pro- cedure. Approval is granted beginning with the short period required to effect the change. A corporation or consolidated group granted approval under this rev- enue procedure to change its annual ac- counting period is deemed to have estab- lished a business purpose for the change to the satisfaction of the Secretary. .02 Filing requirements. (1) Where to file. Any corporation (including the com- mon parent of a consolidated group) that decides to change its annual accounting period pursuant to the provisions of this revenue procedure must complete and file a current Form 1128 with the Director, In- ternal Revenue Service Center, Attention: ENTITY CONTROL, where the corpora- tion or consolidated group files its federal income tax return. No copies of Form 1128 are required to be sent to the Na- tional Office. (2) When to file. A Form 1128 filed pursuant to this revenue procedure will be considered timely filed for purposes of § 1.442–1(b)(1) only if it is filed on or be- fore the time (including extensions) for filing the return for the short period re- quired to effect such change. (3) Label. In order to assist in the processing of the change in annual ac- counting period, reference to this revenue procedure must be made a part of the Form 1128 by either typing or legibly printing the following statement at the top of page 1 of the Form 1128: “FILED UNDER REV. PROC. 2000–11.” For a CFC that is revoking a § 898(c)(1)(B) election under section 4.01(3) of this rev- enue procedure, the label at the top of page 1 of the Form 1128 should read “REVOCATION OF § 898(c)(1)(B) ELECTION FILED UNDER REV. PROC. 2000–11.” (4) Signature requirements. The Form 1128 must be signed on behalf of the corporation requesting the change of annual accounting period by an individual with authority to bind the corporation in such matters. If the corporation is a mem- ber of a consolidated group, the Form 1128 must be signed by a duly authorized officer of the common parent. If an agent is authorized to represent the corporation or consolidated group before the Service, to receive the original or a copy of corre- spondence concerning the application, or to perform any other act(s) regarding the application on behalf of the corporation or consolidated group, a power of attorney reflecting such authorization(s) should be attached to the application. A corporation or consolidated group’s representative without a power of attorney to represent the corporation or consolidated group will not be given any information about the application. (5) No user fee. A user fee is not re- quired for an application filed under this revenue procedure and, except as pro- vided in section 7.01 of this revenue pro- cedure, the receipt of an application filed under this revenue procedure may not be acknowledged. (6) Consolidated application. A com- mon parent may file a single application to change the annual accounting period of its consolidated group. The common parent corporation must clearly indicate that the Form 1128 is filed on behalf of the com- mon parent and all its subsidiaries, and the common parent must answer all relevant questions on the Form 1128 for each mem- ber of the consolidated group. SECTION 7. REVIEW OF APPLICATION .01 Service Center review. A Service Center may deny a change of annual ac- counting period under this revenue proce- dure only if: (a) the Form 1128 is not filed timely, or (b) the corporation or consoli- dated group fails to meet the scope or terms and conditions of this revenue pro- cedure. If the change is denied, the Ser- vice Center will return the Form 1128 2000–3 I.R.B.313January 18, 2000 with an explanation for the denial. .02 Review of examining officials. The appropriate examining official may ascer- tain if the change in annual accounting period was made in compliance with all the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure. Corporations or consolidated groups changing their annual accounting period pursuant to this revenue procedure without complying with or satisfying all the terms and conditions of this revenue procedure ordinarily will be deemed to have initiated the change in annual ac- counting period without the consent of the Commissioner. SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TRANSITION RULE .01 Effective date. This revenue pro- cedure generally is effective for all changes in annual accounting periods for which the short period ends on or after January 18, 2000. However, if the time period set forth in section 6.02(2) of this revenue procedure for filing a Form 1128 with respect to a short period has not yet expired, a corporation or consolidated group meeting the scope of this revenue procedure may elect early application of the procedure by providing the notifica- tion set forth in section 6.02(3) on the top of page 1 of Form 1128 and by satisfying the other procedural requirements of sec- tion 6. .02Transition rule. If a corporation or consolidated group within the scope of this revenue procedure filed an applica- tion with the National Office to make a change in annual accounting period and the application is pending with the Na- tional Office on January 18, 2000, the corporation or consolidated group may make the change under this revenue pro- cedure. However, the National Office will process the application in accordance with the authority under which it was filed, unless prior to the later of March 3, 2000, or the issuance of the letter ruling granting or denying consent to the change, the corporation or consolidated group notifies the National Office that it wants to make the change under this rev- enue procedure. If the corporation or consolidated group timely notifies the Na- tional Office that it wants to make the change under this revenue procedure, the National Office will require the corpora- tion or consolidated group to make appro- priate modifications to the application to comply with the applicable provisions of this revenue procedure. In addition, any user fee that was submitted with the appli- cation will be refunded to the corporation or consolidated group. SECTION 9. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS Rev. Proc. 92–13, Rev. Proc. 92–13A, 1992–1 C.B. 668, and Rev. Proc. 94–12, 1994–1 C.B. 565, are modified, ampli- fied, and superseded. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this revenue procedure are Roy A. Hirschhorn and Martin Scully, Jr. of the Office of Assis- tant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Ac- counting). For further information re- garding this revenue procedure, contact Roy A. Hirschhorn or Martin Scully, Jr. on (202) 622-4960 (not a toll-free call). Exchange of MACRS Property for MACRS Property Notice 2000–4 This notice provides guidance about the depreciation of property subject to § 168 of the Internal Revenue Code (MACRS property) that is acquired in a like-kind exchange under § 1031 or as a result of an involuntary conversion under § 1033. The Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Treasury intend to issue regulations under § 168 that will ad- dress these transactions. Taxpayers should follow this notice until these regu- lations are issued. Public comments to aid in the development of the regulations are requested by March 31, 2000. BACKGROUND Section 167 allows as a depreciation deduction a reasonable allowance for the exhaustion, wear and tear of property used a trade or business or held for the production of income. The depreciation allowable for depreciable tangible prop- erty placed in service after 1986 generally is determined under § 168 (MACRS). Section 1031(a)(1) provides that no gain or loss is recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if the property is exchanged solely for property of like kind that is to be held either for productive use in a trade or business or for investment. Section 1033(a)(1) provides that if property (as a result of its destruction in whole or in part, theft, seizure, or requisi- tion or condemnation or threat or immi- nence thereof) is compulsorily or involun- tarily converted into property similar or related in service or use to the property so converted, no gain is recognized. The basis of property acquired in a transaction to which § 1031 or § 1033 ap- plies generally is the same as the property surrendered in the transaction less any cash received plus any gain recognized. However, there is no guidance as to how to depreciate the basis of the acquired property under § 168. APPLICATION For purposes of determining the depre- ciation allowable for MACRS property acquired in an exchange of MACRS prop- erty for like-kind property to which § 1031 applies, or acquired in replacement of involuntarily converted MACRS prop- erty to which § 1033 applies, the acquired MACRS property should be treated in the same manner as the exchanged or invol- untarily converted MACRS property with respect to so much of the taxpayer’s basis in the acquired MACRS property as does not exceed the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the exchanged or involuntarily con- verted MACRS property. Thus, the ac- quired MACRS property is depreciated over the remaining recovery period of, and using the same depreciation method and convention as that of, the exchanged or involuntarily converted MACRS prop- erty. Any excess of the basis in the ac- quired MACRS property over the ad- justed basis in the exchanged or involuntarily converted MACRS property is treated as newly purchased MACRS property. For acquired MACRS property placed in service on or after January 3, 2000, in a like-kind exchange of MACRS property under § 1031 or as a result of an involun- tary conversion of MACRS property under § 1033, a taxpayer must follow the principles set out in this notice. For acquired MACRS property placed in service before January 3, 2000, in a January 18, 20003142000–3 I.R.B. like-kind exchange of, or as a result of an involuntary conversion of, MACRS prop- erty, the Service is aware that taxpayers are depreciating this acquired property ei- ther (i) in the manner set out in this notice consistent with §1.168–5(f) of the pro- posed Income Tax Regulations, published in the Federal Register on February 16, 1984 (49 Fed. Reg. 5940), under former § 168 (ACRS); or (ii) as newly purchased MACRS property. The Service will allow a taxpayer to continue to use its present method of depreciating the acquired prop- erty and will treat these methods as allow- able methods of depreciation. However, a taxpayer presently treating the acquired property as newly purchased MACRS property may change to treating the prop- erty under the principles in this notice, provided the property has been treated by the taxpayer as acquired in a § 1031 like- kind exchange or § 1033 involuntary con- version and the change is made for the first or second taxable year ending after January 3, 2000. CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING A change from treating MACRS prop- erty acquired in a § 1031 like-kind ex- change or § 1033 involuntary conversion as newly purchased MACRS property to treating the property under the principles of this notice is a change in method of ac- counting to which the provisions of § 446 and § 481 and the regulations thereunder apply. A taxpayer changing its method of accounting for the acquired MACRS property must follow the automatic change in accounting method provisions of Rev. Proc. 99–49, 1999–52 I.R.B. 725, provided the taxpayer makes the change in method of accounting for the first or second taxable year ending after January 3, 2000, and takes into account any neces- sary § 481(a) adjustment in accordance with the provisions of Rev. Proc. 99–49. The scope limitations in section 4.02 of Rev. Proc. 99–49 do not apply to the tax- payer. However, if the taxpayer is under examination, before an appeals office, or before a federal court, the taxpayer must provide a copy of the Form 3115, Appli- cation for Change in Accounting Method, to the examining agent(s), appeals officer, or counsel for the government, as appro- priate, at the same time that the taxpayer files the copy of the Form 3115 with the national office. The Form 3115 must con- tain the name(s) and telephone number(s) of the examining agent(s), appeals officer, or counsel for the government, as appro- priate. REQUEST FOR COMMENTS The Service and the Treasury Depart- ment intend to issue regulations under § 168 to address the depreciation of MACRS property acquired in a § 1031 like-kind exchange or § 1033 involuntary conversion. Before issuing proposed reg- ulations, the Service and the Treasury De- partment invite comments from the public to aid in the development of these regula- tions. Comments should be submitted in writing by March 31, 2000, to: Internal Revenue Service EXCHANGE OF MACRS PROP- ERTY FOR MACRS PROPERTY CC:DOM:P&SI:6, Room 5112 P.O. Box 7604 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044 Alternatively, comments may be submitted electronically via: http://www.irs.gov/prod/tax_regs/com- ments.html (the Service Internet site). EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS Rev. Proc. 99–49 is modified and am- plified to include this automatic account- ing method change in the Appendix. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this notice is Alan H. Cooper of the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). For further information re- garding this notice contact Mr. Cooper at (202) 622-3110 (not a toll-free call). Penalty Relief for Certain Taxpayers Affected by Section 571 of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999 Notice 2000–5 PURPOSE This notice informs taxpayers of penalty relief available for certain corpo- rate taxpayers whose December 15, 1999, estimated tax installment is affected by § 571 of the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999, P.L. 106–170 (“the Act”). The no- tice provides specific procedures for these taxpayers to follow in order to qualify for the penalty relief. BACKGROUND Section 571 of the Act amends § 6655 of the Internal Revenue Code by adding new subsection (e)(5). This subsection provides that any dividend that is received from a closely-held real estate investment trust by any person that owns (after appli- cation of § 856(d)(5)) 10 percent or more (by vote or value) of the stock or benefi- cial interests in the trust will be taken into account in computing annualized income tax installments under § 6655(e)(2) in a manner similar to the manner under which partnership income inclusions are taken into account. The statute also refer- ences attribution under § 856(l)(3)(B). This reference is erroneous and presum- ably will be the subject of a technical cor- rection. For the purposes of § 6655(e)(5), the term “closely-held real estate invest- ment trust” means a real estate investment trust with respect to which five or fewer persons own (after application of § 856(d)(5)) 50 percent or more (by vote or value) of the stock or beneficial interests in the trust. The amendment made by § 571 of the Act applies to estimated tax payments due on or after December 15, 1999. RETROACTIVE EFFECT OF SECTION 571 OF THE ACT The President signed the Act into law on December 17, 1999. As a result, § 571 of the Act retroactively applies to esti- mated tax installment payments due on December 15, 1999, by those corporate taxpayers that employ the annualization method to calculate quarterly estimated tax installment payments. Those taxpay- ers may have used the law in effect on December 15, 1999, to calculate their es- timated tax installment due on that date. The retroactive application of § 571 of the Act may result in those taxpayers under- paying their installment due on December 15, 1999. If so, those taxpayers may be subject to an addition to tax under § 6655 of the Code. PENALTY RELIEF 2000–3 I.R.B.315January 18, 2000 In a situation in which the amendment made by § 571 of the Act creates or in- creases an underpayment for the quarterly estimated tax installment due on Decem- ber 15, 1999, the Service will not assess or will abate any addition to tax resulting from the change in law to the extent that the taxpayer, on or before January 13, 2000, makes a deposit sufficient to satisfy such underpayment using either Form 8109, Federal Tax Deposit Coupon, or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) if the taxpayer is required to de- posit electronically or chooses to do so voluntarily. The taxpayer must designate that the deposit is for the taxpayer’s esti- mated tax installment due December 15, 1999. Further, the taxpayer’s 1999 Form 2220, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Corporations, should clearly state across the top “Penalty Relief Under Notice 2000–5.” If a taxpayer that makes a deposit as described above and receives a notice im- posing an addition to tax based on an un- derpayment of the estimated tax for the installment due on December 15, 1999, and the underpayment relates to the change to the law by § 571 of the Act, the taxpayer should contact the IRS office is- suing the notice and request abatement of the addition to tax based on the provisions in this notice. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this notice is Robert A. Desilets, Jr. of the Office of As- sistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). For further information re- garding this notice contact Robert A. De- silets, Jr. at (202) 622-4910 (not a toll-free call). Returns of Information of Brokers and Barter Exchanges Notice 2000–6 PURPOSE This notice provides that, pending the issuance of new regulations by the Inter- nal Revenue Service (Service) and the Treasury Department, a barter exchange is not required under § 6045 of the Inter- nal Revenue Code to report exchanges in- volving property or services with a fair market value of less than $1.00. This no- tice also invites comments on information reporting issues under § 6045 relating to barter exchanges in connection with the new regulations. BACKGROUND Section 6045 and the regulations there- under generally require a barter exchange to make a return of information with re- spect to exchanges of personal property or services through the barter exchange dur- ing the calendar year among its members or clients or between such persons and the barter exchange. Section 1.6045-1(a)(4) of the Income Tax Regulations defines a barter exchange generally to include any person with members or clients that con- tract either with each other or with such person to trade or barter property or ser- vices either directly or through such per- son. However, a barter exchange through which there are fewer than 100 exchanges during the calendar year generally is ex- empt from reporting for, or making a re- turn of information with respect to, ex- changes during such calendar year. Section 1.6045–1(e)(2)(ii). Section 1.6045–1(f)(2) generally re- quires a barter exchange to make returns of information on a transactional basis. Under this provision, the barter exchange must show on Form 1099–B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Trans- actions, the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each member or client providing property or services in the exchange, the property or services provided, the amount received by the member or client for such property or ser- vices, the date on which the exchange oc- curred, and such other information re- quired by Form 1099, in the form, manner, and number of copies required by Form 1099. However, as to each corpo- rate member or client (as defined in the regulations) providing property or ser- vices in an exchange for which a return of information is required, the regulations allow the barter exchange to report based on an aggregate basis, rather than on a transactional basis, for the reporting pe- riod. The Treasury Department and the Ser- vice have become aware of a growing number of barter exchanges that, through the use of electronic or Internet services, engage in millions of transactions daily involving property or services with very low fair market values. In these situa- tions, the barter exchange reporting re- quirements under § 6045 may impose burdens on the barter exchange that out- weigh the benefits of the information col- lected on Forms 1099–B. Accordingly, the Treasury Department and the Service are studying barter exchange issues with a view to proposing new regulations re- garding the information reporting respon- sibilities of the exchanges. DE MINIMIS EXCEPTION A barter exchange is not required to provide an information return with re- spect to an exchange of property or ser- vices if the fair market value of the prop- erty or services received in that exchange is less than $1.00. This exception applies with respect to information returns that would otherwise be due on or after January 5, 2000, and before new regulations are issued ad- dressing the information reporting re- sponsibilities of barter exchanges. With respect to information returns that were due before January 5, 2000, the Service will not impose penalties under §§ 6721 and 6722 on a barter exchange for its fail- ure to file the returns or furnish payee statements with respect to exchanges that meet the criteria of the de minimisexcep- tion above. REQUEST FOR COMMENTS The Treasury Department and the Ser- vice invite comments on this notice and on other information reporting issues re- lating to barter exchanges in connection with the future regulations. In particular, comments are requested concerning other means of reducing the reporting burden on barter exchanges, such as: (1) Whether the regulations should pro- vide an exception to the reporting re- quirements for cases in which the fair market value of property or services re- ceived by the member or client falls below ade minimistransactional threshold (such as that described in this notice) but only if the total fair market value of property or services received by the member or client during a calen- dar year does not exceed an aggregate threshold. (2) Whether the regulations should January 18, 20003162000–3 I.R.B. allow annual aggregate reporting with respect to amounts received by noncor- porate members or clients. (3) Whether the regulations should specifically require annual aggregate reporting, rather than transactional re- porting, with respect to transactions in- volving certain types of property or ser- vices. (4) Whether the regulations should apply special rules to certain bartering transactions involving the provision of electronic or Internet services. Further, the Treasury Department and the Service welcome information and com- ments on additional tax issues associated with electronic commerce transactions. Written comments should be submitted by April 4, 2000. Written comments should be sent to: Internal Revenue Service Attn: CC:DOM:CORP:R Room 5228 (IT&A:Br2) P.O. Box 7604 Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044. or hand delivered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to: Courier’s Desk Internal Revenue Service Attn: CC:DOM:CORP:R (Notice 2000–6) Room 5228 (IT&A:Br2) 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. Alternatively, taxpayers may submit com- ments electronically via e-mail to the fol- lowing address: Sharon.Y.Horn@M1.IRSCOUNSEL.TR EAS.GOV All comments will be available for public inspection and copying in their entirety. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal author of this notice is Edwin B. Cleverdon of the Office of As- sistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Ac- counting). For further information re- garding this notice, contact Mr. Cleverdon at (202) 622-4920 (not a toll-free call). 2000–3 I.R.B.317January 18, 2000 Test of Arbitration Procedure for Appeals Announcement 2000–4 SUMMARY: The Internal Revenue Ser- vice Office of Appeals (Appeals) is con- ducting a two-year test of a binding arbi- tration procedure. This procedure allows taxpayers to request binding arbitration for factual issues that are already in the Appeals administrative process. Under the procedure, the taxpayer and Appeals must first attempt to negotiate a settle- ment. If those negotiations are unsuc- cessful, the taxpayer and Appeals may jointly request binding arbitration. Bind- ing arbitration will only be used to resolve factual disputes. This procedure is effec- tive for requests for arbitration made dur- ing the two-year test period beginning on January 18, 2000, the date this Announce- ment is published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. BACKGROUND: Section 3465 of the In- ternal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105-206, 112 Stat. 685, creates new section 7123(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code which provides that the Secretary shall establish a pilot pro- gram under which a taxpayer and Appeals may jointly request binding arbitration on certain unresolved issues. This procedure is effective for requests for arbitration made during the two-year test period, as de- scribed above. PUBLIC HEARING: This document con- tains a notice of a public hearing on the ar- bitration procedure set forth in this an- nouncement. A public hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 5, 2000 in the IRS Auditorium, Seventh Floor, 7400 Corridor, Internal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitu- tion Ave., NW, Washington, DC. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Written comments on the announcement should be delivered or mailed by May 5, 2000 to: Internal Revenue Service National Director of Appeals Attn.: C:AP:ADR&CS, Suite 4200E 1099 14th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 or electronically via: http://www.irs.gov/prod/tax_regs/com- ments.html (the Service Internet site). Requests to speak at the public hearing and outlines of oral comments should be delivered or mailed by March 20, 2000 to these same addresses. Each speaker (or group of speakers representing a single en- tity) will be limited to 10 minutes for an oral presentation exclusive of the time con- sumed by questions from the government panel and answers to these questions. Because of controlled access restric- tions, persons attending the hearing will not be permitted beyond the lobby of the Internal Revenue Service building until 9:45 a.m. An agenda showing the scheduling of the speakers will be made after outlines are received from the persons testifying. Copies of the agenda will be available free of charge at the hearing. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT: Thomas Carter Louthan, Director, Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Customer Service, National Office Appeals, (202) 694-1842 (not a toll-free number), or Gary Slayen, analyst, Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Customer Service, National Office Ap- peals, (202) 694-1837 (not a toll-free number). TEST OF ARBITRATION PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS Summary: Appeals is conducting a two-year test of an arbitration procedure. This procedure is effective for arbitration requests made during the two-year test period beginning on January 18, 2000, the date this An- nouncement is published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Under the test, arbitration: •is optional; •must be agreed to in a formal agree- ment executed by the taxpayer and the Assistant Regional Director of Appeals-Large Case or successor (ARDA-LC); •will bind the parties to the findings made by the arbitrator with respect to the issues to be resolved. Overview: Section 3465 of the Internal Revenue Ser- vice Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105-206, 112 Stat. 685 cre- ates new section 7123(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that the Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which a taxpayer and Appeals may jointly request binding arbitration on any issue unresolved at the conclusion of: (A) Appeals procedures, or (B) unsuccessful at- tempts to enter into a closing agreement under section 7121 or a compromise under section 7122. The Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-320, 110 Stat. 3870, also encourages federal agencies to use all alternative dis- pute resolution techniques in the federal ad- ministrative process (including binding ar- bitration where warranted) to resolve disputes. See5 U.S.C. § 575, Authorization of arbitration. Arbitration is an optional process for re- solving factual issues that are currently in the Appeals process. A factual issue is eli- gible for this process if it is susceptible to being resolved solely upon a finding of fact, and where any interpretation of law, regulation, ruling or other legal authority is agreed to by the parties. The taxpayer and Appeals must agree to be bound by, and not appeal, the findings of the arbitrator. The arbitrator and either party must communi- cate through an administrator unless both parties are present. This includes commu- nications regarding requests for and trans- fers of documentation and information. The administrator will be from Appeals, Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Customer Service (ADR&CS), or the organization providing the arbitrator. The arbitrator and the administrator will discuss with the parties the rules and procedures concerning the arbitration process and will inform the parties that there can be no ex parte communication between either party and the arbitrator. Scope of Arbitration: The arbitration procedure will attempt to resolve issues while a case is in Appeals. This procedure may be used only after Appeals settlement discussions are unsuc- cessful, and when all other issues are re- solved but for the specific factual issue(s) for which arbitration is being requested. Part IV. Items of General Interest January 18, 20003182000–3 I.R.B. Arbitration is available: •Only for factual issues (such as valu- ation and reasonable compensation); and •Whether the case involves a sole fac- tual issue or multiple issues, where the factual issue to be arbitrated can be severed. In addition, arbitration will notbe avail- able for: •Cases where arbitration is not appro- priate under either 5 U.S.C. §572, General authority, or 5 U.S.C. §575, Authorization of arbitration; •Issues involving the substantiation of expenses under I.R.C. §162, Trade or Business Expenses, or §274, Disal- lowance of Certain Entertainment, Etc., Expenses; •An issue designated for litigation or docketed in any court [for the Chief Counsel arbitration program involv- ing issues in docketed cases, see Chief Counsel Directives Manual (CCDM) (35)3(17)1]; •An Industry Specialization Program (ISP) issue or an Appeals Coordi- nated Issue (ACI) [ISP issues are listed in Exhibit 8.7.1–1 and ACI is- sues are listed in section 8.7.1–3 of the Internal Revenue Manual]; or •An issue for which the taxpayer has filed a request for competent author- ity assistance, or an issue for which the taxpayer intends to seek compe- tent authority assistance. Arbitration is also not available for an issue for which the taxpayer has requested the simultaneous Appeals/Competent Authority procedure described in sec- tion 8 of Revenue Procedure 96–13, 1996–1 C.B. 616 or subsequent rev- enue procedure. If a taxpayer enters into a settlement with Appeals (in- cluding an Appeals settlement through the arbitration process), and then requests competent authority as- sistance, the U.S. competent author- ity will endeavor only to obtain a cor- relative adjustment with the treaty country and will not take any actions that would otherwise amend the set- tlement. See section 7.05 of Revenue Procedure 96–13. Arbitration Process: 1. Arbitration is optional.A taxpayer or Appeals may request arbitration after both parties agree to arbitrate. A tax- payer should send their written request to the Team Chief/Appeals Officer who has responsibility for the case. A written rec- ommendation for action on the request will be prepared by this Team Chief/Ap- peals Officer. The request and recom- mendation will be forwarded to the imme- diate supervisor for approval/disapproval. That decision will be reviewed by the su- pervisor’s manager and forwarded to the ARDA–LC for final determination. The National Director of Appeals, Office of ADR&CS will be consulted before mak- ing a final determination. Generally, the ARDA-LC will make a final determination within 30 calendar days of the date the Team Chief/Appeals Officer received the taxpayer’s request. Upon making the final determination, the ARDA-LC will promptly inform ADR&CS and the Appeals Team Chief or Appeals Associate Chief and Appeals Of- ficer. The Team Chief or Appeals Officer will then promptly inform the taxpayer of the final determination. Request approved - ADR&CS will schedule an administrative conference to discuss the arbitration process with the taxpayer. Request denied- Although no formal appeal procedure exists for the denial of an arbitration request, a taxpayer may request a conference with the ARDA-LC to discuss the denial. 2. Agreement to arbitrate.The tax- payer and Appeals will enter into a writ- ten arbitration agreement. SeeExhibit 1, below, for a model arbitration agreement. This agreement will be negotiated at an administrative conference provided by ADR&CS. The agreement should be as concise as possible. The agreement should focus the arbitrator on the pre- scribed tasks of finding facts, preventing ex parte contact between the arbitrator and the parties, and limiting or describing the kind of information the arbitrator is permitted to consider. The agreement may indicate the tax treatment of the arbi- trator’s findings or clarify any issues which may arise in calculating any defi- ciency or overpayment resulting from the arbitrator’s fact finding. The following sections describe some terms and considerations that the taxpayer and Appeals should take into account in preparing this agreement. 3.Participants.The parties to the ar- bitration process will be the taxpayer and their authorized representative and Ap- peals. During the test of this program, Appeals reserves the right to have an ob- server attend any arbitration. The purpose for this is to familiarize Appeals person- nel with the arbitration process. If a tax- payer does not accept observers in this test, the taxpayer will be excluded from the test. Appeals also reserves the right to have District Counsel assist in the arbitra- tion. Taxpayers or their representative may also have an observer attend any ar- bitration session. The arbitration agreement will set forth the initial list of participants and ob- servers for each party and may limit the number, identity, or participation of such participants. The parties are encouraged to include persons with information and expertise that will be useful to the arbitra- tor. The parties must notify the adminis- trator, in a signed writing not later than two weeks before the arbitration session, of any change to the initial list of partici- pants and observers contained in the Agreement to Arbitrate. The parties and arbitrator, by signed agreement, may modify the list of participants and ob- servers at any time up to and including the date of the arbitration session. The ad- ministrator will promptly and simultane- ously forward each party’s final and com- plete list to the other party and the arbitrator. SeeExhibit 2, below, for a Model Participants List. 4. Selection of arbitrators, in general. The taxpayer and Appeals will select an arbitrator at an administrative conference provided by ADR&CS. The test of the ar- bitration procedure described herein seeks to use both non-IRS and Appeals person- nel as arbitrators. See sections 5, 6, and 7, below. The parties may, by mutual agreement, use any local or national orga- nization that provides a roster of neutrals in selecting an arbitrator. In the event such local or national organization pro- vides an arbitrator, this organization may also provide the administrator for the ar- bitration, or the administrator may be pro- vided by ADR&CS. In obtaining the services of an arbitra- tor, the IRS will follow all applicable pro- visions of the Federal Acquisition Regula- tion. An arbitrator shall have no official, financial, or personal conflict of interest 2000–3 I.R.B.319January 18, 2000 with respect to the parties, unless such in- terest is fully disclosed in writing to the taxpayer and the ARDA-LC and they agree that the arbitrator may serve. See5 U.S.C. § 573. 5. Appeals personnel as arbitrators, conflict statement, and expenses.The taxpayer and the ARDA-LC (in consulta- tion with the Appeals Team Chief or Ap- peals Associate Chief and Appeals Offi- cer) may select an Appeals representative to be the arbitrator at an administrative conference provided by ADR&CS. The Appeals arbitrator shall be from another Appeals region, or from National Office Appeals. The ARDA-LC from the region in which the case is located will coordi- nate with the ARDA-LC from the region in which the proposed arbitrator is lo- cated. For cases assigned to an Appeals Officer, the Appeals arbitrator may be from another Appeals office. National Office Appeals will pay all expenses asso- ciated with an Appeals arbitrator. Due to the inherent conflict that results because the Appeals arbitrator is an em- ployee of the IRS, Appeals will provide to the taxpayer a statement confirming the employee’s proposed service as an arbi- trator, that the person is a current em- ployee of the IRS, and that a conflict re- sults from that arbitrator’s continued status as an IRS employee. The written agreement to arbitrate shall include this statement. 6. Non-Internal Revenue Service arbi- trator, expenses.The taxpayer and the ARDA-LC may agree on an arbitrator from outside the IRS. If a non-IRS arbi- trator is selected, the taxpayer and Na- tional Office Appeals will equally share compensation, expenses, and related fees and costs of the arbitrator, as well as any reasonable costs for the services of an outside administrator subject to applica- ble rules and regulations for Government procurement. The arbitrator will be a contractor subject to the disclosure re- strictions of I.R.C § 6103(n). 7. Criteria for selection of arbitrators. Criteria for selecting an arbitrator will in- clude some or all of the following: com- pletion of arbitration training, previous arbitration experience, a substantive knowledge of tax law and knowledge of industry practices. Criteria may also in- clude the projected travel costs, hourly fees and other expenses, which will be considered subject to rules and regula- tions for Government procurement. The arbitrator’s qualifications and potential conflicts of interest should be thoroughly reviewed prior to selection. The arbitrator should agree to look solely to each party for one-half of his or her compensation, expenses and related reasonable fees and costs, subject to the applicable rules and regulations for Government procurement. 8. Issues covered.The agreement to arbitrate will specify the factual issue(s) that the parties have agreed to arbitrate. Each party will prepare a summary of their position for consideration by the ar- bitrator. The parties should submit their summaries to the administrator no later than two weeks before the scheduled arbi- tration session. The parties will set forth their agree- ment as to any legal guidance the arbitra- tor must consider, and may also set forth the tax or other treatment of the arbitra- tor’s findings or clarify any other issues resulting from the arbitrator’s fact find- ing. If appropriate, the parties may re- quire the arbitrator to find a specific value within a range agreed to by the parties. The arbitrator will look solely to the legal guidance provided by the parties. If the arbitrator desires further legal guidance, both parties must agree in writing to the guidance. 9. Site, date, agenda.The agreement to arbitrate should specify that the arbitra- tor may request hearings as necessary. The agreement must prohibit ex parte contacts between the arbitrator and either party. In addition, the agreement must specify that no party, witness, agent or other person shall have contact with the arbitrator without the express approval of the taxpayer and Appeals. The agreement must provide that the time and place of any hearing will be determined at an ad- ministrative conference between the par- ties and an administrator who will be from either ADR&CS or the organization providing the arbitrator. 10. Confidentiality.The arbitration process is confidential. Therefore, all in- formation concerning any dispute resolu- tion communication is confidential and may not be disclosed by any party or arbi- trator except as provided under 5 U.S.C § 574. A dispute resolution communication includes all oral or written communica- tions prepared for the purposes of a dis- pute resolution proceeding [see5 U.S.C. § 571(5)]. In executing the arbitration agreement, the taxpayer consents to the disclosure by the IRS of the taxpayer’s returns and re- turn information incident to the arbitra- tion to any participant or observer for the taxpayer identified in the initial list of participants and observers and to any par- ticipants and observers for the taxpayer identified in writing by the taxpayer sub- sequent to execution of the agreement to arbitrate. (See section 3 above.) If the ar- bitration agreement is executed by a per- son pursuant to a power of attorney exe- cuted by the taxpayer, that power of attorney must clearly express the tax- payer’s grant of authority to consent to disclose the taxpayer’s returns and return information by the IRS to third parties, and a copy of that power of attorney must be attached to the agreement. IRS and Treasury employees, including the administrator, who participate or ob- serve in any way in the arbitration process and any person under contract to the IRS as described in I.R.C. § 6103(n), includ- ing the administrator, that the IRS invites to participate or observe, will be subject to the confidentiality and disclosure pro- visions of the Internal Revenue Code, in- cluding I.R.C. §§ 6103, 7213, and 7431. 11. Section 7214(a)(8) disclosure. Under I.R.C. § 7214(a)(8), IRS employ- ees who have knowledge or information of the violation of any revenue law of the United States must report in writing such knowledge or information to the Secre- tary. The agreement to arbitrate will state this duty and the parties will acknowledge it. 12. Disqualification.The arbitrator will be disqualified from representing the taxpayer in any pending or future action that involves the transactions or issues that are the particular subject matter of the arbitration. This disqualification extends to representing any other parties involved in the transactions or issues that are the particular subject matter of the arbitra- tion. Moreover, the arbitrator’s firm will be disqualified from representing the tax- payer or any other parties involved in the transactions or issues that are the particu- lar subject matter of the arbitration in an action that involves the transactions or issues that are the particular subject mat- ter of the arbitration. January 18, 20003202000–3 I.R.B. The arbitrator’s firm will not be dis- qualified from representing the taxpayer or any other parties in any future action that involves the same transactions or is- sues that are the particular subject matter of the arbitration, provided that: (i) the arbitrator disclosed the potential of such representation prior to the parties’ accep- tance of the arbitrator; (ii) such action re- lates to a taxable year that is different from the taxable year under arbitration; (iii) the firm’s internal controls preclude the arbitrator from any form of participa- tion in the matter; and (iv) the firm does not allocate to the arbitrator any part of the fee therefrom. In the event the arbi- trator has been selected prior to learning the identity of any party involved in the arbitration, requirement (i) will be deemed satisfied if the arbitrator promptly notifies the parties of the potential repre- sentation. Although the arbitrator may not receive a direct allocation of the fee from the tax- payer (or other party) in the matter for which the internal controls are in effect, the arbitrator will not be prohibited from receiving a salary, partnership share, or corporate distribution established by prior independent agreement. The arbitrator and the firm are not disqualified from rep- resenting the taxpayer or any other parties involved in the arbitration in any matters unrelated to the transactions or issues that are the particular subject matter of the ar- bitration. These procedures only apply to repre- sentations on matters before the IRS. The provisions of this section 12 are in addi- tion to any other applicable disqualifica- tion provisions including, for example, the rules of the American Bar Association Model Code of Professional Conduct and the applicable canons of ethics. 13. Withdrawal.With the consent of the parties, the arbitrator may suspend the arbitration process to allow the parties to reach a final Appeals settlement at any time prior to the scheduled arbitration ses- sion. 14. Arbitrator’s report.At the conclu- sion of the arbitration process, the arbitra- tor will prepare a brief written report and submit a copy to the administrator. See Exhibit 3 below, for a model arbitrator’s report. The report will not provide any findings or reasoning that represents an interpretation of the law. The arbitrator is limited to the task of finding facts. Nei- ther party may appeal the finding(s) of the arbitrator nor contest the finding(s) in any judicial proceeding, including but not limited to the Tax Court, United States Court of Federal Claims or a federal dis- trict or appellate court. 15. Appeals procedures apply.If the arbitrator renders a decision on all or some issues through the arbitration process, Appeals will use established pro- cedures to close the case, including prepa- ration of a specific matters closing agree- ment (Form 906). See Statement of Procedural Rules, 26 C.F.R. § 601.106. Delegation Order 236 (Rev. 3) may apply to settlements resulting from the arbitra- tion process. Each party enters this agree- ment in reliance on the other party’s agreement to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator. 16. Precedential Use.The findings by the arbitrator will neither be binding on nor otherwise control the parties for tax- able years not covered by the arbitration. Except as provided in the agreement to ar- bitrate, the arbitration findings may not be used as precedent by any party. 17. Effective Date.These procedures are effective for requests for arbitration made during the two-year test period be- ginning on January 18, 2000, the date this Announcement is published in the Inter- nal Revenue Bulletin. For further information contact: Thomas Carter Louthan, Director, Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Customer Service, National Office Ap- peals, (202) 694-1842 (not a toll-free number), or Gary Slayen, Office of Alter- native Dispute Resolution and Customer Service, National Office Appeals, (202) 694-1837 (not a toll-free number). 2000–3 I.R.B.321January 18, 2000 Exhibit 1: Model Agreement to Arbitrate 1.The Arbitration Process. Arbitration is optional and will be used to assist [NAME OF TAXPAYER] and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Appeals (the PARTIES) in resolving certain factual issues that are currently in the Appeals administrative process. A factual issue is eligible for this process if it is susceptible to being resolved solely upon a find- ing of fact, and where any interpretation of law, regulation, ruling or other legal authority is agreed to by the PARTIES. The PARTIES to this agreement (see section 2 below) will submit the issue(s) for arbitration (see section 4 below) and agree to be bound by the Arbitrator’s findings on these issues. There can be no ex parte communication between either PARTY, any third party, witness, agent, or other person regarding the issue(s) for arbitration, with the arbitrator. All communication between the arbitrator and either PARTY, including requesting and transferring documentation and information, will be made through an administrator who will be either the Appeals Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Customer Service (ADR&CS) or the organization providing the arbitrator. The administrator will inform and discuss with the PARTIES the rules and procedures pertaining to the arbitration process. 2.Participants.The participants in the arbitration session will be: Taxpayer: For Taxpayer: For IRS: Assistant Regional Director of Appeals - Large Case (ARDA-LC) Appeals Associate Chief Appeals Team Chief Appeals Officer Other Appeals reserves the right to have an observer attend any arbitration. The purpose for this is to familiarize Appeals per- sonnel with the arbitration process. Taxpayers or their representatives may also have an observer attend the arbitration. All participants and observers who will attend the arbitration on behalf of or at the request of a PARTY, including wit- nesses and attorneys, must be set forth in the list of participants and observers of section 2 of the Agreement to Arbitrate. If a PARTY subsequently modifies their list, then, no later than two weeks before the arbitration session, such PARTY will submit to the administrator a complete and final list of participants and observers who will attend the arbitration session. The list must identify, for each participant or observer, their position with the PARTY or other affiliation (e.g., a member of the XYZ law firm, counsel to the taxpayer), and their address, telephone and fax numbers. SeeExhibit 2. The administrator will submit each PARTY’s list to the other PARTY and to the arbitrator. The PARTIES and the arbi- trator by mutual agreement may modify the list of participants and observers in writing at any time up to and including the date of the arbitration session. 3.Selection of Arbitrator, Costs. [NAME OF TAXPAYER]and [NAME], Assistant Regional Director of Appeals- Large Case (ARDA-LC) or successor, by mutual agreement, will select an arbitrator, and can use any local or nation- al organization that provides a roster of neutrals in selecting an arbitrator. The arbitrator may be a non-IRS individual or an Appeals arbitrator. An arbitrator shall have no official, financial, or personal conflict of interest with respect to the PARTIES, unless such interest is fully disclosed in writing to the PARTIES, and the PARTIES agree that the arbitrator may serve. See 5 U.S.C. § 573. The costs of a non-IRS arbitrator will be shared equally by the taxpayer and National Office Appeals, subject to applicable rules and regulations for Government procurement. If an Appeals arbitrator is selected, National Office Appeals will pay all expenses associated with the arbitrator. A conflict results when an Appeals employee acts as an arbitrator. In such a case, Appeals will provide to the taxpayer a statement confirming the employee’s proposed service as an arbitrator, that the person is a current employee of the IRS and that a conflict results from that arbitrator’s continued status as an IRS employee. This statement shall be acknowledged by the taxpayer. January 18, 20003222000–3 I.R.B. 4.Issues to be Arbitrated. The PARTIES agree that the following issue(s) submitted for determination by the arbitrator are factual in nature and do not require the arbitrator to interpret any law, regulation, ruling or other legal authority: #1) #2) #3) 5.Guidance for Arbitrator.The arbitrator is not permitted to contact either PARTY, nor any participant, nor any other indi- vidual or other entity, in connection with this arbitration unless in the presence of both PARTIES. Although the arbitrator is not permitted to make any findings of law or provide reasoning that represents an interpreta- tion of the law, it may be necessary for the arbitrator to refer to the law in determining a factual issue. The arbitrator shall look solely to the legal guidance provided by the PARTIES. Any legal guidance for the arbitrator is agreed to by the PARTIES as follows: When legal guidance provided by the PARTIES is in conflict, the arbitrator, where practicable, will ignore the guidance and decide the factual issue. If it is not practicable to set aside the PARTIES’ guidance, then during the arbitration ses- sion or a hearing, the PARTIES will attempt to agree on the guidance needed to resolve the issue. If no agreement can be reached and the guidance is necessary to decide the matter, then the matter cannot be arbitrated. If any legal guid- ance for the arbitrator was overlooked, the PARTIES may agree upon further legal guidance and the manner in which it is to be communicated to the arbitrator. The PARTIES may also require the arbitrator to make certain findings, such as a specific value within a range agreed to by the PARTIES. The PARTIES should provide any further guidance for the arbitrator, and may also set forth the tax or other treatment of the arbitrator’s findings or clarify any other issues resulting from the arbitrator’s fact-finding. 6. Submission of Materials. Each PARTY agrees to provide a summary of their position including any evidence relevant and necessary for the arbitrator to understand and determine the issue(s). The PARTIES will submit their summary and any evidence to the administrator by two weeks before the arbitration session. The arbitrator may order a PARTY to produce a summary of their documents and other evidence which the PARTY intends to present in support of its posi- tion and may order a PARTY to produce other documents, exhibits or evidence deemed necessary or appropriate. Any and all information and materials that a PARTY provides must be provided to the administrator who will simultaneous- ly forward such to the Arbitrator and the other PARTY. a.The PARTIES agree that the arbitrator shall have the right to interview the following persons: , and no other persons, except upon joint agreement of both PARTIES. The PARTIES shall specify the form and content of the questions to be asked by the arbitrator. The PARTIES shall specify the dates of the inter- view(s). Any such interviews shall be held in the presence of both PARTIES, or their counsel, unless either PARTY waives in writing their right to be present. b.The PARTIES agree that the arbitrator shall have the right to inspect the following documents or other informa- tion: , and no other evidentiary material, except upon agreement of both PARTIES. Such inspection shall occur only after reasonable opportunity is given to both PARTIES to be present. If relevant, describe any agreed access by the arbitrator to such documentation, including the location at which such access is to be made available. 2000–3 I.R.B.323January 18, 2000 c.The PARTIES agree that the methodology to be used by the arbitrator in deciding any issue described in sec- tion 4 must follow these principles: , d.The PARTIES agree to clarify issues that may arise in calculating any deficiency or overpayment resulting from the arbitrator’s findings and agree to the tax treatment of the arbitrator’s findings as follows: , e.The PARTIES agree that the time and location of any hearing, or postponement for good cause, shall be deter- mined by agreement between the PARTIES. If the PARTIES cannot agree, then the determination shall be made by the administrator. 7.Contact with Arbitrator. The PARTIES agree that there shall be no ex parte communication between the arbitrator and either PARTY or witness or agent for a PARTY. In addition, the arbitrator may not have contact with any other indi- viduals concerning the arbitration matter without the express approval of the PARTIES. Any contact with the arbitrator by either PARTY must be in the presence of the other PARTY and such contact must be arranged by the administrator. 8.Proposed Schedule. Subject to the approval of the arbitrator, the arbitration session will be conducted according to the following schedule: Submission of Materials to arbitrator:A DATE WHICH IS NOT LATER THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF ARBITRATION SESSION Arbitration:MONTH DATE , YEAR 9.Place of Arbitration.The PARTIES should attempt to select a site at or near the arbitrator’s office, [NAME OF TAXPAYER’s]office, or an Appeals office. 10. ConfidentialityIRS and Treasury employees who participate in any way in the arbitration process and any person under contract to the IRS pursuant to I.R.C. § 6103(n), including the arbitrator, that the IRS invites to participate will be sub- ject to the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including I.R.C. §§ 6103, 7213, and 7431. Seealso 5 U.S.C. § 574. [NAME OF TAXPAYER]consents to the disclosure by the IRS of the taxpayer’s returns and return information inci- dent to the arbitration to any participant or observer for the taxpayer identified in the initial list of participants and observers in section 2 above and to any participant or observer for[NAME OF TAXPAYER]identified in writing by the taxpayer subsequent to execution of the agreement to arbitrate. If the arbitration agreement is executed by a per- son pursuant to a power of attorney executed by [NAME OF TAXPAYER], that power of attorney must clearly express the grant of authority by [NAME OF TAXPAYER]to consent to disclose the returns and return information of [NAME OF TAXPAYER] by the IRS to third parties, and a copy of that power of attorney must be attached to this agreement. 11.I.R.C. Section 7214 (a)(8) Disclosure. The PARTIES acknowledge that IRS and all other Treasury employees involved in this arbitration, such as an Appeals arbitrator, are bound by I.R.C. § 7214 (a)(8) and must report information con- cerning violations of any revenue law to the Secretary. 12.Record.A PARTY desiring a stenographic record shall make arrangements and shall bear costs. The PARTIES agree that any stenographic record or other recording of the arbitration proceeding shall remain confidential as described in section 10 of this agreement. 13.Withdrawal and Postponement. By mutual agreement of the PARTIES, the arbitrator, through the administrator, may allow the PARTIES to withdraw from the arbitration process in order to reach a final Appeals settlement any time before the scheduled arbitration session. Established Appeals procedures apply to any resolution reached by the PARTIES. The arbitrator may grant postponements for good cause after a hearing before both PARTIES. January 18, 20003242000–3 I.R.B. Exhibit 2 Model Arbitration List of Participants and Observers Case Name: ___________________________________ Submitted By: _________________________________ Date: ________________________________________ Please list below allparticipants and observers attending the arbitration including witnesses, agents or other individuals, and attorneys, and indicate any observers with an asterisk next to their names. This form must be sent to the administrator no later than two weeks before the arbitration session. The administrator will promptly forward each party’s list to the other party and to the arbitrator. NAME &POSITION OR TELEPHONEAFFILIATIONADDRESSFAX No. 14.Report by Arbitrator. The arbitrator’s report will identify each issue described in section 4, and will explain the find- ings for each issue and any methodology referred to in section 6.c. that was utilized in reaching such findings. 15.Arbitrator’s Decision is Final. The PARTIES agree to be bound by the arbitrator’s findings and to incorporate these findings into an Appeals closing agreement that the PARTIES will execute. Delegation Order 236 (Rev. 3) may be applied to settlements resulting from the arbitration process. Neither PARTY may appeal the findings of the arbitrator nor contest the finding(s) in any judicial proceeding, including but not limited to the United States Tax Court, United States Court of Federal Claims, or a federal district or federal appellate court. Each PARTY enters this agreement in reliance on the other PARTY’S agreement to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator. 16.Precedential Use.The findings by the arbitrator will not be binding on, or otherwise control, the PARTIES for taxable years not covered by the arbitration. Except as provided in the agreement to arbitrate, the arbitration findings may not be used as precedent by any PARTY. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE,NAME OF TAXPAYER APPEALS By: _____________________By: _____________________ Assistant Regional DirectorNAME of Appeals-Large Case Title Date :___________________Date: ____________________ 2000–3 I.R.B.325January 18, 2000 Exhibit 3: Model Arbitrator’s Report The PARTIES below agreed to arbitrate their dispute on MONTH, DATE, YEAR. The arbitrator made the following findings: ISSUE: FINDING: ISSUE: FINDING: ISSUE: FINDING: Settlement documents will be prepared under established Appeals procedures. DATED this day of , 200X /s/ Arbitrator /s/ PARTY /s/ PARTY Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by Cross Reference to Temporary Regulation Disclosures of Return Information to Officers and Employees of the Department of Agriculture for Certain Statistical Purposes and Related Activities REG–116704–99 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemak- ing by cross-reference to temporary regu- lations. SUMMARY: This document provides a proposed regulation relating to the dis- closure of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture for certain statistical pur- poses and related activities. The pro- posed regulation would permit the IRS to disclose return information to the De- partment of Agriculture to structure, prepare, and conduct the Census of Agriculture. The text of the temporary regulation T.D. 8854, published on page 306, also serves as the text of this pro- posed regulation. DATES: Written and electronic com- ments and requests for a public hearing must be received by April 3, 2000. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:DOM:CORP:R (REG–116704–99), room 5226 Internal Revenue Service, POB 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand deliv- ered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to : CC:DOM:CORP:R (REG–116704–99), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW; Washing- ton, DC. Alternatively, taxpayers may sub- mit comments electronically via the Internet by selecting the “Tax Regs” option on the IRS Home Page, or by submitting comments directly to the IRS Internet site: http://www.irs.gov/tax_regs/regslist.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT: Concerning the proposed regula- tions, Jennifer S. McGinty, (202) 622- 4570; concerning submissions of com- ments, Guy Traynor (202) 622-7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Temporary regulations in T.D. 8854 amend the Procedure and Administration Regulations (26 CFR part 301) relating to section 6103(j)(5). The temporary regula- tions contain rules relating to the disclo- sure of return information to officers and employees of the Department of Agricul- ture for certain statistical purposes and re- lated activities. The text of these temporary regulations also serves as the text of these proposed regulations. The preamble to the temporary regulations explains the temporary regula- tions and these proposed regulations. Explanation of Provisions This proposed regulation will allow the IRS to disclose return information to the Department of Agriculture to structure, prepare, and conduct the Census of Agri- culture. January 18, 20003262000–3 I.R.B. The disclosure of the specific items of return information identified in this regu- lation is necessary in order for the Depart- ment of Agriculture to accurately identify, locate, and classify, as well as properly process, information from agricultural businesses to be surveyed for the statuto- rily mandated Census of Agriculture. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a signifi- cant regulatory action as defined in Exec- utive Order 12866. Therefore, a regula- tory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because these regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibil- ity Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this proposed regulation will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advo- cacy for the Small Business Administra- tion for comment on its impact on small businesses. Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing Before this proposed regulation is adopted as a final regulation, considera- tion will be given to any electronic and written comments (a signed original and eight (8) copies) that are submitted timely to the Service. Additionally, the Service and Treasury Department specifically re- quest comments on the clarity of the pro- posed regulation and how it can be made easier to understand. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing may be sched- uled if requested in writing by a person that timely submits comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the hearing will be published in the Federal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of this regulation is Jennifer S. McGinty, Office of the As- sistant Chief Counsel (Disclosure Litiga- tion), IRS. However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in its development. * * * * * Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is pro- posed to be amended as follows: PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 is amended by adding an entry in numerical order to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 301.6103(j)(5)–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(j)(5). * * * Par. 2. Section 301.6103(j)(5)–1 is added to read as follows: § 301.6103(j)(5)–1. Disclosures of re- turn information to officers and em- ployees of the Department of Agricul- ture for certain statistical purposes and related activities. [The text of this proposed regulation is the same as the text of §301.6103(j)(5)–1T published elsewhere in T.D. 8854] * * * Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner of Internal Revenue. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on Janu- ary 3, 2000, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for January 4, 2000, 65 F.R. 263) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Relief for Service in Combat Zone and for Presidentially Declared Disaster REG–101492–98 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations relating to the post- ponement of certain tax-related deadlines due either to service in a combat zone or a Presidentially declared disaster. The pro- posed regulations reflect changes to the law made by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The proposed regulations affect taxpayers serving in a combat zone and taxpayers affected by a Presidentially de- clared disaster. DATES: Written or electronically generated comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by March 30, 2000. ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:DOM:CORP:R (REG–101492– 98), room 5228, Internal Revenue Service, POB 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Wash- ington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand delivered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to: CC:DOM:CORP:R (REG–101492–98), Courier’s Desk, In- ternal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Alterna- tively, taxpayers may submit comments electronically via the Internet by selecting the “Tax Regs” option on the IRS Home Page, or by submitting comments directly to the IRS Internet site at http://www.irs.gov/tax_regs/regslist.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TACT: Concerning the regulations, Bev- erly A. Baughman, (202) 622-4940; con- cerning the hearing and submissions of written comments, Guy Traynor (202) 622-7180 (not toll-free numbers). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background This document contains proposed amendments to the Regulations on Proce- dure and Administration (26 CFR part 301) under section 7508 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), relating to post- ponement of certain acts by reason of ser- vice in a combat zone, and section 7508A, relating to postponement of certain tax-re- lated deadlines by reason of a Presiden- tially declared disaster. Section 7508A was added to the Code by section 911 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105–34 (111 Stat. 788 (1997)), effec- tive for any period for performing an act that had not expired before August 5, 1997. In general, section 7508 provides that the time individuals serve in a Acombat zone@ plus 180 days will be disregarded in deter- mining whether acts listed in section 7508(a)(1), such as filing returns, paying taxes, filing certain petitions with the Tax Court, filing a claim for credit or refund, bringing suit, and assessing tax, are per- formed within the time prescribed. Under section 7508(a)(1)(K), the Secretary has the authority to provide by regulation other acts to which section 7508 will apply. 2000–3 I.R.B.327January 18, 2000 Section 7508A provides that, in the case of a taxpayer determined by the Sec- retary to be affected by a Presidentially declared disaster, the Secretary may post- pone certain tax-related deadlines for up to 90 days. The deadlines that may be postponed are determined by cross-refer- ence to section 7508(a)(1). Pursuant to section 7508A(b), the provision does not apply for purposes of determining interest on any overpayment or underpayment (if the underpayment arose prior to the disas- ter). See also H.R. Rep. No. 148, 105 th Cong., 1 st Sess. 397 (1997). Explanation of Provisions Under section 7508, the proposed regu- lations provide that, in addition to the acts described in section 7508(a)(1), the IRS may postpone other acts specified in rev- enue rulings, revenue procedures, notices, or other guidance published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Under section 7508A, the proposed reg- ulations provide that, for any tax, penalty, additional amount, or addition to the tax of an affected taxpayer in a Presidentially de- clared disaster area, the IRS may disregard up to 90 days in determining whether cer- tain tax-related deadlines described in sec- tion 7508(a)(1) were satisfied and the amount of any credit or refund. The pro- posed regulations apply to taxpayer dead- lines, such as the time for filing returns and paying taxes relating to most income taxes (including domestic service employ- ment taxes), estate taxes, and gift taxes; filing certain court documents, including petitions filed in United States Tax Court for redetermination of a deficiency; and filing claims for refund. In addition, under the authority in section 7508(a)(1)(K), the proposed regulations provide that for pur- poses of section 7508A, the IRS may dis- regard up to 90 days in determining whether the deadlines for filing returns and paying taxes relating to certain excise taxes and employment taxes have been met. Although the proposed regulations do not apply to deadlines for depositing federal taxes pursuant to section 6302 and the underlying regulations, it is anticipated that the failure to deposit penalty under section 6656 will be waived in appropriate circumstances, and thus section 7508A re- lief will not be necessary. The proposed regulations also provide for the postponement of certain govern- ment deadlines, such as the time for mak- ing assessments, taking collection action, and bringing suit. However, the IRS and Treasury Department anticipate that the au- thority to postpone government deadlines will only be used in limited circumstances when it is determined that such a postpone- ment is necessary and appropriate. The proposed regulations provide that an affected taxpayer is 1) any individual whose principal residence is located in a covered disaster area; 2) any business whose principal place of business is lo- cated in a covered disaster area; 3) any in- dividual who is a relief worker affiliated with a recognized government or philan- thropic organization and who is assisting in a covered disaster area; 4) any individ- ual whose principal residence or any busi- ness whose principal place of business is located outside the disaster area, but whose tax records necessary to meet cer- tain tax-related deadlines are maintained in a location, such as a practitioner=s of- fice, in a covered disaster area; 5) any es- tate or trust whose tax records necessary to meet certain tax-related deadlines are maintained in a location, such as a practi- tioner=s office, in a covered disaster area; 6) any individual who files a joint return with an affected taxpayer; or 7) any other person who is determined by the IRS to be affected by a Presidentially declared disaster. A covered disaster area means the location of a Presidentially declared disaster to which the IRS determines sec- tion 7508A applies. It is anticipated that the IRS=s authority to grant extensions of time to file tax re- turns under section 6081 and to pay tax with respect to such returns under section 6161 will provide taxpayers with the nec- essary relief in the case of many Presiden- tially declared disasters. However, if the IRS determines that section 7508A applies, it will publish guidance to inform taxpay- ers of the counties included in the covered disaster area, the taxpayer and government deadlines to which section 7508A applies, and the period to be disregarded (up to 90 days). Guidance will be published as soon as practicable after the declaration of a Presidentially declared disaster. Section 6404(h) provides that in the case of a Presidentially declared disaster, if there is an extension of time to file income tax returns under section 6081 and an ex- tension of time to pay income tax with re- spect to such returns under section 6161, interest will be abated during the extension period. The proposed regulations clarify that if, in addition to an extension under sections 6081 and 6161, there is a post- ponement of tax-related deadlines under section 7508A, interest will be abated under section 6404(h) for the period of time disregarded under section 7508A in addition to the period of time covered by the extensions of time to file and pay. The abatement of interest only applies in the case of underpayments of income tax that arise during the extension period. Special Analyses It has been determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is not a signifi- cant regulatory action as defined in Exec- utive Order 12866. Therefore, a regula- tory assessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because these regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibil- ity Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this notice of proposed rulemaking will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Admin- istration for comment on its impact on small business. Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, considera- tion will be given to any electronic or written comments (a signed original and 8 copies) that are submitted timely to the IRS. The IRS and Treasury Department specifically request comments on the clar- ity of the proposed regulations and how they can be made easier to understand. All comments will be available for public inspection and copying. A public hearing may be scheduled if requested by any per- son who timely submits comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the hearing will be published in the Federal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tions is Beverly A. Baughman, Office of January 18, 20003282000–3 I.R.B. Assistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. * * * * * Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is pro- posed to be amended as follows: PART 301—PROCEDURE AND AD- MINISTRATION Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 301 is amended by adding entries in numerical order to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 301.7508–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7508(a)(1)(K). Section 301.7508A–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7508(a)(1)(K) and 7508A(a). * * * Par. 2. Section 301.7508–1 is added to read as follows: §301.7508–1 Time for performing cer- tain acts postponed by reason of service in a combat zone. (a) General rule. The period of time that may be disregarded for performing certain acts pursuant to section 7508 ap- plies to acts described in section 7508(a)(1) and to other acts specified in a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, no- tice, or other guidance published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (see ‘601.601(d)(2) of this chapter). (b) Effective date. This section applies to any period for performing an act that has not expired before December 30, 1999. Par. 3. Section 301.7508A–1 is added to read as follows: ‘301.7508A–1 Postponement of certain tax-related deadlines by reason of Presi- dentially declared disaster. (a) Scope.This section prescribes rules by which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may postpone deadlines for per- forming certain acts with respect to taxes other than taxes not administered by the IRS such as taxes imposed for firearms (chapter 32, section 4181); harbor mainte- nance (chapter 36, section 4461); and al- cohol and tobacco (subtitle E). (b) Postponed deadlines.For any tax, penalty, additional amount, or addition to the tax of an affected taxpayer (defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section), the IRS may disregard a period of up to 90 days in determining, under the internal revenue laws— (1) Whether any or all of the acts de- scribed in paragraph (c) of this section were performed within the time pre- scribed; and (2) The amount of any credit or refund. (c) Acts for which a period may be dis- regarded—(1) Acts performed by taxpay- ers. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to the following acts performed by tax- payers— (i) Filing any return of income, estate, gift, excise (other than taxes imposed for firearms (chapter 32, section 4181); har- bor maintenance (chapter 36, section 4461); and alcohol and tobacco (subtitle E)) or employment tax (including income tax withheld at source and income tax im- posed by subtitle C or any law superseded thereby); (ii) Payment of any income, estate, gift, excise (other than taxes imposed for firearms (chapter 32, section 4181); har- bor maintenance (chapter 36, section 4461); and alcohol and tobacco (subtitle E)) or employment tax (including income tax withheld at source and income tax im- posed by subtitle C or any law superseded thereby) or any installment thereof (in- cluding payment under section 6159 relat- ing to installment agreements) or of any other liability to the United States in re- spect thereof, but not including deposits of taxes pursuant to section 6302 and the regulations thereunder; (iii) Filing a petition with the Tax Court for redetermination of a deficiency, or for review of a decision rendered by the Tax Court; (iv) Allowance of a credit or refund of any tax; (v) Filing a claim for credit or refund of any tax; (vi) Bringing suit upon a claim for credit or refund of any tax; and (vii) Any other act specified in a rev- enue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other guidance published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (see ‘601.601(d)(2) of this chapter). (2) Acts performed by the government. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to the following acts performed by the govern- ment— (i) Assessment of any tax; (ii) Giving or making any notice or de- mand for the payment of any tax, or with respect to any liability to the United States in respect of any tax; (iii) Collection by the Secretary, by levy or otherwise, of the amount of any li- ability in respect of any tax; (iv) Bringing suit by the United States, or any officer on its behalf, in respect of any liability in respect of any tax; and (v) Any other act specified in a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other guidance published in the Internal Rev- enue Bulletin (see ‘601.601(d)(2) of this chapter). (d) Definitions—(1) Affected taxpayer means— (i) Any individual whose principal resi- dence (for purposes of section 1033(h)(4)) is located in a covered disas- ter area; (ii) Any business whose principal place of business is located in a covered disaster area; (iii) Any individual who is a relief worker affiliated with a recognized gov- ernment or philanthropic organization and who is assisting in a covered disaster area; (iv) Any individual whose principal residence (for purposes of section 1033(h)(4)) or any business whose princi- pal place of business is not located in a covered disaster area, but whose records necessary to meet a deadline for an act specified in paragraph (c) of this section are maintained in a location, such as a practitioner=s office, in a covered disaster area; (v) Any estate or trust whose tax records necessary to meet a deadline for an act specified in paragraph (c) of this section are maintained in a location, such as a practitioner=s office, in a covered disaster area; (vi) The spouse of an affected taxpayer, solely with regard to a joint return of the husband and wife; or (vii) Any other person determined by the IRS to be affected by a Presidentially declared disaster (within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3)). (2) Covered disaster area means an area of a Presidentially declared disaster (within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3)) to which the IRS has deter- mined paragraph (b) of this section ap- plies. (e) Notice of postponement of certain acts. If any tax- related deadline is post- poned pursuant to section 7508A and this 2000–3 I.R.B.329January 18, 2000 section, the IRS will publish a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, an- nouncement, news release, or other guid- ance (see ‘601.601(d)(2) of this chapter) describing the acts postponed, the number of days disregarded with respect to each act, the time period to which the post- ponement applies, and the location of the covered disaster area. Guidance under this paragraph (e) will be published as soon as practicable after the declaration of a Presidentially declared disaster. (f) Abatement of interest under section 6404(h). In the case of a Presidentially declared disaster, if there is an extension of time to file income tax returns under section 6081 and an extension of time to pay income tax with respect to such return under section 6161, and, in addition, a postponement of tax-related deadlines under section 7508A, interest on an un- derpayment of income tax that arises dur- ing such period will be abated under sec- tion 6404(h) for the period of time disregarded under section 7508A in addi- tion to the period of time covered by the extension of time to file and the extension of time to pay. (g) Examples. The rules of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Corporation M, a calendar year taxpayer, has its principal place of business in County A in State X. Pursuant to a timely filed re- quest for extension of time to file, Corporation M’s 1999 Form 1120, “U.S. Corporation Income Tax Re- turn,” is due on September 15, 2000. Also due on September 15, 2000, is Corporation M’s third quar- ter estimated tax payment for 2000. Corporation M’s 2000 third quarter Form 720, “Quarterly Fed- eral Excise Tax Return,” and third quarter Form 941, “Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return,” are due on October 31, 2000. In addition, Corporation M has an employment tax deposit due on September 15, 2000. (ii) On September 1, 2000, a hurricane strikes County A. On September 6, 2000, the President de- clares that County A is a disaster area within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3). The IRS determines that County A in State X is a covered disaster area and publishes guidance informing taxpayers that for acts described in paragraph (c) of this section that are required to be performed within the period be- ginning on September 1, 2000, and ending on No- vember 6, 2000, 90 days will be disregarded in de- termining whether the acts are performed timely. (iii) Because Corporation M=s principal place of business is in County A, Corporation M is an af- fected taxpayer. Accordingly, Corporation M=s 1999 Form 1120 will be filed timely if filed on or before December 14, 2000. Corporation M=s 2000 third quarter estimated tax payment will be made timely if paid on or before December 14, 2000. In addition, because excise and employment tax returns are described in paragraph (c) of this section, Corpo- ration M’s 2000 third quarter Form 720 and third quarter Form 941 will be filed timely if filed on or before January 29, 2001. However, because de- posits of taxes are excluded from the scope of para- graph (c) of this section, Corporation M’s employ- ment tax deposit is due on September 15, 2000. Example 2. The facts are the same as in Example 1, except that during 2000, Corporation M=s 1996 Form 1120 is being examined by the IRS. Pursuant to a timely filed request for extension of time to file, Corporation M timely filed its 1996 Form 1120 on September 15, 1997. Without application of this section, the statute of limitations on assessment for 1996 income tax will expire on September 15, 2000. However, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, assessment of tax is one of the government acts for which up to 90 days may be disregarded. The IRS determines that an extension of the statute of limita- tions is necessary and appropriate under these cir- cumstances. Because the September 15, 2000, expi- ration date of the statute of limitations on assessment falls within the period of the disaster as described in the IRS=s published guidance, the 90 day period disregarded under paragraph (b) of this section begins on September 16, 2000, and ends on December 14, 2000. Accordingly, the statute of lim- itations on assessment for Corporation M=s 1996 in- come tax will expire on December 14, 2000. Example 3. The facts are the same as in Example 2, except that the examination of the 1996 taxable year was completed earlier in 2000, and on July 28, 2000, the IRS mailed a statutory notice of deficiency to Corporation M. Without application of this sec- tion, Corporation M has 90 days (or until October 26, 2000) to file a petition with the Tax Court. How- ever, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, filing a petition with the Tax Court is one of the taxpayer acts for which up to 90 days may be disregarded. Because Corporation M is an affected taxpayer, Cor- poration M’s petition to the Tax Court will be filed timely if filed on or before January 24, 2001. Example 4. (i) H and W, individual calendar year taxpayers, intend to file a joint Form 1040, “U.S. In- dividual Income Tax Return,” for the 2001 taxable year and are required to file a Schedule H, “House- hold Employment Taxes.” The joint return is due on April 15, 2002. H and W fully and timely paid all taxes for the 2001 taxable year, including domestic service employment taxes, through withholding and estimated tax payments. H and W=s principal resi- dence is in County B in State Y. (ii) On April 2, 2002, a severe ice storm strikes County B. On April 5, 2002, the President declares that County B is a disaster area within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3). The IRS determines that County B in State Y is a covered disaster area and publishes guidance informing taxpayers that for acts described in paragraph (c) of this section that are re- quired to be performed within the period beginning on April 2, 2002, and ending on April 19, 2002, 90 days will be disregarded in determining whether the acts are performed timely. (iii) Because H and W=s principal residence is in County B, H and W are affected taxpayers. Because April 15, 2002, the due date of H and W=s 2001 Form 1040 and Schedule H, falls within the period of the disaster as described in the IRS=s published guidance, the 90 day period disregarded under para- graph (b) of this section begins on April 16, 2002, and ends on July 14, 2002, a Sunday. Pursuant to section 7503, if the last day for performing an act falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the per- formance of the act shall be considered timely if it is performed on the next succeeding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Accordingly, H and W=s 2001 Form 1040 will be filed timely if filed on or before July 15, 2002. In addition, the Schedule H will be filed timely if filed on or before July 15, 2002. Example 5. The facts are the same as in Example 4, except H and W want to file an amended return to request a refund of 1998 taxes. H and W timely filed their 1998 income tax return on April 15, 1999. Without application of this section, H and W’s amended 1998 tax return must be filed on or before April 15, 2002. However, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, filing a claim for refund of a tax is one of the taxpayer acts for which up to 90 days may be disregarded. Ninety days are disregarded under paragraph (b) of this section beginning on April 16, 2002, and ending on July 14, 2002. Accordingly, H and W’s claim for refund for 1998 taxes will be filed timely if filed, as in Example 4, on or before July 15, 2002. Example 6. (i) L is an unmarried, calendar year taxpayer whose principal residence is located in County R in State T. L does not timely file a 2001 Form 1040, “U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” which is due on April 15, 2002, and does not timely pay tax owed on that return. Absent reasonable cause, L is subject to the failure to file and failure to pay penalties under section 6651 beginning on April 16, 2002. (ii) On May 10, 2002, a tornado strikes County R. On May 14, 2002, the President declares that County R is a disaster area within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3). The IRS determines that County R in State T is a covered disaster area and publishes guidance informing taxpayers that for acts described in paragraph (c) of this section that are required to January 18, 20003302000–3 I.R.B. be performed within the period beginning on May 10, 2002, and ending on June 27, 2002, 90 days will be disregarded in determining whether the acts are timely. (iii) On May 31, 2002, L files a 2001 Form 1040, “U.S. Individual Income Tax Return,” and pays the tax owed for 2001. (iv) Because L’s principal residence is in County R, L is an affected taxpayer. For purposes of penal- ties under section 6651, 90 days are disregarded under paragraph (b) of this section beginning on May 10, 2002. Because L files the return on May 31, 2002, the penalties under section 6651 will run from April 16, 2002, until May 10, 2002. However, because the underpayment arose prior to the exten- sion period, L will be liable for underpayment inter- est for the entire period of April 16, 2002, through May 31, 2002. Example 7. The facts are the same as in Example 6, except L does not file the 2001 Form 1040 until November 25, 2002. Ninety days are disregarded under paragraph (b) of this section beginning on May 10, 2002, and ending on August 8, 2002. Therefore, the section 6651 penalties will run from April 16, 2002, until May 10, 2002, and from Au- gust 9, 2002, until November 25, 2002. However, because the underpayment arose prior to the exten- sion period, L will be liable for underpayment inter- est for the entire period of April 16, 2002, through November 25, 2002. Example 8. (i) H and W, individual calendar year taxpayers, intend to file a joint Form 1040, AU.S. Individual Income Tax Return,@ for the 2001 tax- able year. The joint return is due on April 15, 2002. After credits for withholding under section 31 and estimated tax payments, H and W owe tax for the 2001 taxable year. H and W’s principal residence is in County C in State Z. (ii) On March 1, 2002, severe flooding strikes County C. On March 5, 2002, the President declares that County C is a disaster area within the meaning of section 1033(h)(3). The IRS determines that County C in State Z is a covered disaster area and publishes guidance informing taxpayers that for acts described in paragraph (c) of this section that are re- quired to be performed within the period beginning on March 1, 2002, and ending on April 25, 2002, 90 days will be disregarded in determining whether the acts are performed timely. The guidance also grants affected taxpayers an additional 6 month extension of time to file returns under section 6081 and an ad- ditional 6 month extension of time to pay under sec- tion 6161. (iii) Because H and W’s principal residence is in County C, H and W are affected taxpayers. Pursuant to the published guidance, H and W have until Janu- ary 13, 2003, to file their return and pay the tax. This date is computed as follows: Under sections 6081 and 6161, H and W will have an additional 6 months, until October 15, 2002, to file and pay the tax. Further, under paragraph (f) of this section, 90 days are disregarded in determining the period of the extension. Therefore, H and W=s return and pay- ment of tax will be timely if filed and paid on or be- fore January 13, 2003. In addition, under section 6404(h), underpayment interest under section 6601 is abated for the entire period, from April 16, 2002, until January 13, 2003. (h) Effective date. This section applies to disasters declared after December 30, 1999. Robert E. Wenzel, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on De- cember 29, 1999, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for December 30, 1999, 64 F.R. 73444) 2000–3 I.R.B.iJanuary 18, 2000 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 effect: Amplified describes a situation where no change is being made in a prior pub- lished position, but the prior position is being extended to apply to a variation of the fact situation set forth therein. Thus, if an earlier ruling held that a principle applied to A, and the new ruling holds that the same principle also applies to B, the earlier ruling is amplified. (Compare with modified, below). Clarified is used in those instances where the language in a prior ruling is being made clear because the language has caused, or may cause, some confu- sion. It is not used where a position in a prior ruling is being changed. Distinguisheddescribes a situation where a ruling mentions a previously published ruling and points out an essen- tial difference between them. Modified is 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 ap- plies to both A and B, the prior ruling is modified because it corrects a published position. (Compare with amplified and clarified, above). Obsoleted describes 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 rulings that are obsoleted because of changes in law or regulations. A ruling may also be obsoleted because the sub- stance has been included in regulations subsequently adopted. Revoked describes situations where the position in the previously published rul- ing is not correct and the correct position is being stated in the new ruling. Superseded describes a situation where the new ruling does nothing more than restate the substance and situation of a previously published ruling (or rulings). Thus, the term is used to republish under the 1986 Code and regulations the same position published under the 1939 Code and regulations. The term is also used when it is desired to republish in a single ruling a series of situations, names, etc., that were previously published over a pe- riod of time in separate rulings. If the new ruling does more than restate the substance of a prior ruling, a combination of terms is used. For example, modified and superseded describes a situation where the substance of a previously pub- lished 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 published ruling is first modified and then, as modified, is super- seded. Supplemented is 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 ruling has been supplemented several times, a new ruling may be pub- lished that includes the list in the original ruling and the additions, and supersedes all prior rulings in the series. Suspended is used in rare situations to show that the previous published rulings 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 following abbreviations in current use and for- merly used will appear in material published in the Bulletin. A—Individual. Acq.—Acquiescence. B—Individual. BE—Beneficiary. BK—Bank. B.T.A.—Board of Tax Appeals. C.—Individual. C.B.—Cumulative Bulletin. CFR—Code of Federal Regulations. CI—City. COOP—Cooperative. Ct.D.—Court Decision. CY—County. D—Decedent. 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—Employer. ERISA—Employee Retirement Income Security Act. EX—Executor. F—Fiduciary. FC—Foreign Country. FICA—Federal Insurance Contribution Act. FISC—Foreign International Sales Company. FPH—Foreign Personal Holding Company. F.R.—Federal Register. FUTA—Federal Unemployment Tax Act. FX—Foreign Corporation. G.C.M.—Chief Counsel’s Memorandum. GE—Grantee. GP—General Partner. GR—Grantor. IC—Insurance Company. I.R.B.—Internal Revenue Bulletin. LE—Lessee. LP—Limited Partner. LR—Lessor. M—Minor. Nonacq.—Nonacquiescence. O—Organization. P—Parent Corporation. PHC—Personal Holding Company. PO—Possession of the U.S. PR—Partner. PRS—Partnership. PTE—Prohibited Transaction Exemption. Pub. L.—Public Law. REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust. Rev. Proc.—Revenue Procedure. Rev. Rul.—Revenue Ruling. S—Subsidiary. S.P.R.—Statements of Procedral Rules. Stat.—Statutes at Large. T—Target Corporation. T.C.—Tax Court. T.D.—Treasury Decision. TFE—Transferee. TFR—Transferor. T.I.R.—Technical Information Release. TP—Taxpayer. TR—Trust. TT—Trustee. U.S.C.—United States Code. X—Corporation. Y—Corporation. Z—Corporation. Definition of Terms January 18, 2000ii2000–3 I.R.B. Numerical Finding List 1 Bulletins 2000–1 and 2 Announcements: 2000–1, 2000–2 I.R.B. 294 2000–2, 2000–2 I.R.B. 295 2000–3, 2000–2 I.R.B. 296 Notices: 2000–1, 2000–2 I.R.B. 288 Proposed Regulations: REG–106012–98, 2000–2 I.R.B. 290 Revenue Procedures: 2000–1, 2000–1 I.R.B. 4 2000–2, 2000–1 I.R.B. 73 2000–3, 2000–1 I.R.B. 103 2000–4, 2000–1 I.R.B. 115 2000–5, 2000–1 I.R.B. 158 2000–6, 2000–1 I.R.B. 187 2000–7, 2000–1 I.R.B. 227 2000–8, 2000–1 I.R.B. 230 2000–9, 2000–2 I.R.B. 280 2000–10, 2000–2 I.R.B. 287 Revenue Rulings: 2000–1, 2000–2 I.R.B. 250 Treasury Decisions: 8849, 2000–2 I.R.B. 245 8850, 2000–2 I.R.B. 265 8851, 2000–2 I.R.B. 275 8852, 2000–2 I.R.B.253 1 A cumulative list of all revenue rulings, revenue procedures, Treasury decisions, etc., published in Internal Revenue Bulletins 1999–27 through 1999–52 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2000–1, dated January 3, 2000. 2000–3 I.R.B.iiiJanuary 18, 2000 Finding List of Current Action on Previously Published Items 1 Bulletins 2000–1 and 2 Notices: 97–19 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2000–1, 2000–1 I.R.B. 4 Revenue Procedures: 96–13 Modified by Rev. Proc. 2000–1, 2000–1 I.R.B. 4 98–64 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–9, 2000–2 I.R.B. 280 99–1 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–1, 2000–1 I.R.B. 4 99–2 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–2, 2000–1 I.R.B. 73 99–3 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–3, 2000–1 I.R.B. 103 99–4 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–4, 2000–1 I.R.B. 115 99–5 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–5, 2000–1 I.R.B. 158 99–6 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–6, 2000–1 I.R.B. 187 99–7 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–7, 2000–1 I.R.B. 227 99–8 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–8, 2000–1 I.R.B. 230 99–51 Superseded by Rev. Proc. 2000–3, 2000–1 I.R.B. 103 Treasury Decisions: 8846 Corrected by Ann. 2000–3, 2000–2 I.R.B. 296 1 A cumulative list of previously published items in Internal Revenue Bulletins 1999–27 through 1999–52 is in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2000–1, dated January 3, 2000. 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 Superintendent 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 and are not included as part of the subscription to the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Subscribers to the week- ly 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. HOW TO ORDER Check the publications and/or subscription(s) desired on the reverse, complete the order blank, enclose the proper remittance, detach entire page, and mail to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Please allow two to six weeks, plus mailing time, for delivery. WE WELCOME COMMENTS ABOUT THE INTERNAL REVENUE BULLETIN If you have comments concerning the format or production of the Internal Revenue Bulletin or suggestions for improving it, we would be pleased to hear from you. You can e-mail us your suggestions or comments through the IRS Internet Home Page (www.irs.gov) or write to the IRS Bulletin Unit, OP:FS:FP:P:1, Room 5617, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224.
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