26 U.S.C. § 864 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 864: Definitions and special rules
Definitions and special rules
Status: in_force

(a) Produced

For purposes of this part, the term "produced" includes created, fabricated, manufactured, extracted, processed, cured, or aged.

(b) Trade or business within the United States

For purposes of this part, part II, and chapter 3, the term "trade or business within the United States" includes the performance of personal services within the United States at any time within the taxable year, but does not include—

(1) Performance of personal services for foreign employer

The performance of personal services—

(A) for a nonresident alien individual, foreign partnership, or foreign corporation, not engaged in trade or business within the United States, or

(B) for an office or place of business maintained in a foreign country or in a possession of the United States by an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States or by a domestic partnership or a domestic corporation,

by a nonresident alien individual temporarily present in the United States for a period or periods not exceeding a total of 90 days during the taxable year and whose compensation for such services does not exceed in the aggregate $3,000.

(2) Trading in securities or commodities

(A) Stocks and securities

(i) In general

Trading in stocks or securities through a resident broker, commission agent, custodian, or other independent agent.

(ii) Trading for taxpayer's own account

Trading in stocks or securities for the taxpayer's own account, whether by the taxpayer or his employees or through a resident broker, commission agent, custodian, or other agent, and whether or not any such employee or agent has discretionary authority to make decisions in effecting the transactions. This clause shall not apply in the case of a dealer in stocks or securities.

(B) Commodities

(i) In general

Trading in commodities through a resident broker, commission agent, custodian, or other independent agent.

(ii) Trading for taxpayer's own account

Trading in commodities for the taxpayer's own account, whether by the taxpayer or his employees or through a resident broker, commission agent, custodian, or other agent, and whether or not any such employee or agent has discretionary authority to make decisions in effecting the transactions. This clause shall not apply in the case of a dealer in commodities.

(iii) Limitation

Clauses (i) and (ii) shall apply only if the commodities are of a kind customarily dealt in on an organized commodity exchange and if the transaction is of a kind customarily consummated at such place.

(C) Limitation

Subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B)(i) shall apply only if, at no time during the taxable year, the taxpayer has an office or other fixed place of business in the United States through which or by the direction of which the transactions in stocks or securities, or in commodities, as the case may be, are effected.

(c) Effectively connected income, etc.

(1) General rule

For purposes of this title—

(A) In the case of a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation engaged in trade or business within the United States during the taxable year, the rules set forth in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), and (8) shall apply in determining the income, gain, or loss which shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

(B) Except as provided in paragraph (6) 1 (7), or (8) or in section 871(d) or sections 882(d) and (e), in the case of a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation not engaged in trade or business within the United States during the taxable year, no income, gain, or loss shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

(2) Periodical, etc., income from sources within United States—factors

In determining whether income from sources within the United States of the types described in section 871(a)(1), section 871(h), section 881(a), or section 881(c), or whether gain or loss from sources within the United States from the sale or exchange of capital assets, is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, the factors taken into account shall include whether—

(A) the income, gain, or loss is derived from assets used in or held for use in the conduct of such trade or business, or

(B) the activities of such trade or business were a material factor in the realization of the income, gain, or loss.

In determining whether an asset is used in or held for use in the conduct of such trade or business or whether the activities of such trade or business were a material factor in realizing an item of income, gain, or loss, due regard shall be given to whether or not such asset or such income, gain, or loss was accounted for through such trade or business.

(3) Other income from sources within United States

All income, gain, or loss from sources within the United States (other than income, gain, or loss to which paragraph (2) applies) shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

(4) Income from sources without United States

(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), no income, gain, or loss from sources without the United States shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

(B) Income, gain, or loss from sources without the United States shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation if such person has an office or other fixed place of business within the United States to which such income, gain, or loss is attributable and such income, gain, or loss—

(i) consists of rents or royalties for the use of or for the privilege of using intangible property described in section 862(a)(4) derived in the active conduct of such trade or business;

(ii) consists of dividends, interest, or amounts received for the provision of guarantees of indebtedness, and either is derived in the active conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business within the United States or is received by a corporation the principal business of which is trading in stocks or securities for its own account; or

(iii) is derived from the sale or exchange (outside the United States) through such office or other fixed place of business of personal property described in section 1221(a)(1), except that this clause shall not apply if the property is sold or exchanged for use, consumption, or disposition outside the United States and an office or other fixed place of business of the taxpayer in a foreign country participated materially in such sale.

Any income or gain which is equivalent to any item of income or gain described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) shall be treated in the same manner as such item for purposes of this subparagraph.

(C) In the case of a foreign corporation taxable under part I or part II of subchapter L, any income from sources without the United States which is attributable to its United States business shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

(D) No income from sources without the United States shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States if it either—

(i) consists of dividends, interest, or royalties paid by a foreign corporation in which the taxpayer owns (within the meaning of section 958(a)), or is considered as owning (by applying the ownership rules of section 958(b)), more than 50 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or

(ii) is subpart F income within the meaning of section 952(a).

(5) Rules for application of paragraph (4)(B)

For purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4)—

(A) in determining whether a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation has an office or other fixed place of business, an office or other fixed place of business of an agent shall be disregarded unless such agent (i) has the authority to negotiate and conclude contracts in the name of the nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation and regularly exercises that authority or has a stock of merchandise from which he regularly fills orders on behalf of such individual or foreign corporation, and (ii) is not a general commission agent, broker, or other agent of independent status acting in the ordinary course of his business,

(B) income, gain, or loss shall not be considered as attributable to an office or other fixed place of business within the United States unless such office or fixed place of business is a material factor in the production of such income, gain, or loss and such office or fixed place of business regularly carries on activities of the type from which such income, gain, or loss is derived, and

(C) the income, gain, or loss which shall be attributable to an office or other fixed place of business within the United States shall be the income, gain, or loss property allocable thereto, but, in the case of a sale or exchange described in clause (iii) of such subparagraph, the income which shall be treated as attributable to an office or other fixed place of business within the United States shall not exceed the income which would be derived from sources within the United States if the sale or exchange were made in the United States.

(6) Treatment of certain deferred payments, etc.

For purposes of this title, in the case of any income or gain of a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation which—

(A) is taken into account for any taxable year, but

(B) is attributable to a sale or exchange of property or the performance of services (or any other transaction) in any other taxable year,

the determination of whether such income or gain is taxable under section 871(b) or 882 (as the case may be) shall be made as if such income or gain were taken into account in such other taxable year and without regard to the requirement that the taxpayer be engaged in a trade or business within the United States during the taxable year referred to in subparagraph (A).

(7) Treatment of certain property transactions

For purposes of this title, if—

(A) any property ceases to be used or held for use in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and

(B) such property is disposed of within 10 years after such cessation,

the determination of whether any income or gain attributable to such disposition is taxable under section 871(b) or 882 (as the case may be) shall be made as if such sale or exchange occurred immediately before such cessation and without regard to the requirement that the taxpayer be engaged in a trade or business within the United States during the taxable year for which such income or gain is taken into account.

(8) Gain or loss of foreign persons from sale or exchange of certain partnership interests

(A) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, if a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a partnership which is engaged in any trade or business within the United States, gain or loss on the sale or exchange of all (or any portion of) such interest shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business to the extent such gain or loss does not exceed the amount determined under subparagraph (B).

(B) Amount treated as effectively connected

The amount determined under this subparagraph with respect to any partnership interest sold or exchanged—

(i) in the case of any gain on the sale or exchange of the partnership interest, is—

(I) the portion of the partner's distributive share of the amount of gain which would have been effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States if the partnership had sold all of its assets at their fair market value as of the date of the sale or exchange of such interest, or

(II) zero if no gain on such deemed sale would have been so effectively connected, and

(ii) in the case of any loss on the sale or exchange of the partnership interest, is—

(I) the portion of the partner's distributive share of the amount of loss on the deemed sale described in clause (i)(I) which would have been so effectively connected, or

(II) zero if no loss on such deemed sale would be have been so effectively connected.

 For purposes of this subparagraph, a partner's distributive share of gain or loss on the deemed sale shall be determined in the same manner as such partner's distributive share of the non-separately stated taxable income or loss of such partnership.

(C) Coordination with United States real property interests

If a partnership described in subparagraph (A) holds any United States real property interest (as defined in section 897(c)) at the time of the sale or exchange of the partnership interest, then the gain or loss treated as effectively connected income under subparagraph (A) shall be reduced by the amount so treated with respect to such United States real property interest under section 897.

(D) Sale or exchange

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "sale or exchange" means any sale, exchange, or other disposition.

(E) Secretarial authority

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines appropriate for the application of this paragraph, including with respect to exchanges described in section 332, 351, 354, 355, 356, or 361.

(d) Treatment of related person factoring income

(1) In general

For purposes of the provisions set forth in paragraph (2), if any person acquires (directly or indirectly) a trade or service receivable from a related person, any income of such person from the trade or service receivable so acquired shall be treated as if it were interest on a loan to the obligor under the receivable.

(2) Provisions to which paragraph (1) applies

The provisions set forth in this paragraph are as follows:

(A) Section 904 (relating to limitation on foreign tax credit).

(B) Subpart F of part III of this subchapter (relating to controlled foreign corporations).

(3) Trade or service receivable

For purposes of this subsection, the term "trade or service receivable" means any account receivable or evidence of indebtedness arising out of—

(A) the disposition by a related person of property described in section 1221(a)(1), or

(B) the performance of services by a related person.

(4) Related person

For purposes of this subsection, the term "related person" means—

(A) any person who is a related person (within the meaning of section 267(b)), and

(B) any United States shareholder (as defined in section 951(b)) and any person who is a related person (within the meaning of section 267(b)) to such a shareholder.

(5) Certain provisions not to apply

The following provisions shall not apply to any amount treated as interest under paragraph (1) or (6):

(A) Section 904(d)(2)(B)(iii)(I) (relating to exceptions for export financing interest).

(B) Subparagraph (A) of section 954(b)(3) (relating to exception where foreign base company income is less than 5 percent or $1,000,000).

(C) Subparagraph (B) of section 954(c)(2) (relating to certain export financing).

(D) Clause (i) of section 954(c)(3)(A) (relating to certain income received from related persons).

(6) Special rule for certain income from loans of a controlled foreign corporation

Any income of a controlled foreign corporation (within the meaning of section 957(a)) from a loan to a person for the purpose of financing—

(A) the purchase of property described in section 1221(a)(1) of a related person, or

(B) the payment for the performance of services by a related person,

shall be treated as interest described in paragraph (1).

(7) Exception for certain related persons doing business in same foreign country

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any trade or service receivable acquired by any person from a related person if—

(A) the person acquiring such receivable and such related person are created or organized under the laws of the same foreign country and such related person has a substantial part of its assets used in its trade or business located in such same foreign country, and

(B) such related person would not have derived any foreign base company income (as defined in section 954(a), determined without regard to section 954(b)(3)(A)), or any income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, from such receivable if it had been collected by such related person.

(8) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to prevent the avoidance of the provisions of this subsection or section 956(c)(3).

(e) Rules for allocating interest, etc.

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1) Treatment of affiliated groups

The taxable income of each member of an affiliated group shall be determined by allocating and apportioning interest expense of each member as if all members of such group were a single corporation.

(2) Gross income and fair market value methods may not be used for interest

All allocations and apportionments of interest expense shall be determined using the adjusted bases of assets rather than on the basis of the fair market value of the assets or gross income.

(3) Tax-exempt assets not taken into account

For purposes of allocating and apportioning any deductible expense, any tax-exempt asset (and any income from such an asset) shall not be taken into account. A similar rule shall apply in the case of the portion of any dividend (other than a qualifying dividend as defined in section 243(b)) equal to the deduction allowable under section 243 or 245(a) with respect to such dividend and in the case of a like portion of any stock the dividends on which would be so deductible and would not be qualifying dividends (as so defined).

(4) Basis of stock in nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporations adjusted for earnings and profits changes

(A) In general

For purposes of allocating and apportioning expenses on the basis of assets, the adjusted basis of any stock in a nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporation shall be—

(i) increased by the amount of the earnings and profits of such corporation attributable to such stock and accumulated during the period the taxpayer held such stock, or

(ii) reduced (but not below zero) by any deficit in earnings and profits of such corporation attributable to such stock for such period.

(B) Nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporation

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporation" means any corporation if—

(i) such corporation is not included in the taxpayer's affiliated group, and

(ii) members of such affiliated group own 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of such corporation entitled to vote.

(C) Earnings and profits of lower tier corporations taken into account

(i) In general

If, by reason of holding stock in a nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporation, the taxpayer is treated under clause (iii) as owning stock in another corporation with respect to which the stock ownership requirements of clause (ii) are met, the adjustment under subparagraph (A) shall include an adjustment for the amount of the earnings and profits (or deficit therein) of such other corporation which are attributable to the stock the taxpayer is so treated as owning and to the period during which the taxpayer is treated as owning such stock.

(ii) Stock ownership requirements

The stock ownership requirements of this clause are met with respect to any corporation if members of the taxpayer's affiliated group own (directly or through the application of clause (iii)) 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of such corporation entitled to vote.

(iii) Stock owned through entities

For purposes of this subparagraph, stock owned (directly or indirectly) by a corporation, partnership, or trust shall be treated as being owned proportionately by its shareholders, partners, or beneficiaries. Stock considered to be owned by a person by reason of the application of the preceding sentence, shall, for purposes of applying such sentence, be treated as actually owned by such person.

(D) Coordination with subpart F, etc.

For purposes of this paragraph, proper adjustment shall be made to the earnings and profits of any corporation to take into account any earnings and profits included in gross income under section 951 or under any other provision of this title and reflected in the adjusted basis of the stock.

(5) Affiliated group

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term "affiliated group" has the meaning given such term by section 1504. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a foreign corporation shall be treated as a member of the affiliated group if—

(i) more than 50 percent of the gross income of such foreign corporation for the taxable year is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and

(ii) at least 80 percent of either the vote or value of all outstanding stock of such foreign corporation is owned directly or indirectly by members of the affiliated group (determined with regard to this sentence).

(B) Treatment of certain financial institutions

For purposes of subparagraph (A), any corporation described in subparagraph (C) shall be treated as an includible corporation for purposes of section 1504 only for purposes of applying such section separately to corporations so described. This subparagraph shall not apply for purposes of paragraph (6).

(C) Description

A corporation is described in this subparagraph if—

(i) such corporation is a financial institution described in section 581 or 591,

(ii) the business of such financial institution is predominantly with persons other than related persons (within the meaning of subsection (d)(4)) or their customers, and

(iii) such financial institution is required by State or Federal law to be operated separately from any other entity which is not such an institution.

(D) Treatment of bank holding companies

To the extent provided in regulations—

(i) a bank holding company (within the meaning of section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956), and

(ii) any subsidiary of a financial institution described in section 581 or 591 or of any bank holding company if such subsidiary is predominantly engaged (directly or indirectly) in the active conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business,

shall be treated as a corporation described in subparagraph (C).

(6) Allocation and apportionment of other expenses

Expenses other than interest which are not directly allocable or apportioned to any specific income producing activity shall be allocated and apportioned as if all members of the affiliated group were a single corporation.

(7) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations providing—

(A) for the resourcing of income of any member of an affiliated group or modifications to the consolidated return regulations to the extent such resourcing or modification is necessary to carry out the purposes of this section,

(B) for direct allocation of interest expense incurred to carry out an integrated financial transaction to any interest (or interest-type income) derived from such transaction and in other circumstances where such allocation would be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection,

(C) for the apportionment of expenses allocated to foreign source income among the members of the affiliated group and various categories of income described in section 904(d)(1),

(D) for direct allocation of interest expense in the case of indebtedness resulting in a disallowance under section 246A,

(E) for appropriate adjustments in the application of paragraph (3) in the case of an insurance company,

(F) preventing assets or interest expense from being taken into account more than once, and

(G) that this subsection shall not apply for purposes of any provision of this subchapter to the extent the Secretary determines that the application of this subsection for such purposes would not be appropriate.

[(f) Repealed. Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9671(a), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 184]

(g) Allocation of research and experimental expenditures

(1) In general

For purposes of sections 861(b), 862(b), and 863(b), qualified research and experimental expenditures shall be allocated and apportioned as follows:

(A) Any qualified research and experimental expenditures expended solely to meet legal requirements imposed by a political entity with respect to the improvement or marketing of specific products or processes for purposes not reasonably expected to generate gross income (beyond de minimis amounts) outside the jurisdiction of the political entity shall be allocated only to gross income from sources within such jurisdiction.

(B) In the case of any qualified research and experimental expenditures (not allocated under subparagraph (A)) to the extent—

(i) that such expenditures are attributable to activities conducted in the United States, 50 percent of such expenditures shall be allocated and apportioned to income from sources within the United States and deducted from such income in determining the amount of taxable income from sources within the United States, and

(ii) that such expenditures are attributable to activities conducted outside the United States, 50 percent of such expenditures shall be allocated and apportioned to income from sources outside the United States and deducted from such income in determining the amount of taxable income from sources outside the United States.

(C) The remaining portion of qualified research and experimental expenditures (not allocated under subparagraphs (A) and (B)) shall be apportioned, at the annual election of the taxpayer, on the basis of gross sales or gross income, except that, if the taxpayer elects to apportion on the basis of gross income, the amount apportioned to income from sources outside the United States shall at least be 30 percent of the amount which would be so apportioned on the basis of gross sales.

(2) Qualified research and experimental expenditures

For purposes of this section, the term "qualified research and experimental expenditures" means amounts which are research and experimental expenditures within the meaning of section 174. For purposes of this paragraph, rules similar to the rules of subsection (c) 2 of section 174 shall apply. Any qualified research and experimental expenditures treated as deferred expenses under subsection (b) 2 of section 174 shall be taken into account under this subsection for the taxable year for which such expenditures are allowed as a deduction under such subsection.

(3) Special rules for expenditures attributable to activities conducted in space, etc.

(A) In general

Any qualified research and experimental expenditures described in subparagraph (B)—

(i) if incurred by a United States person, shall be allocated and apportioned under this section in the same manner as if they were attributable to activities conducted in the United States, and

(ii) if incurred by a person other than a United States person, shall be allocated and apportioned under this section in the same manner as if they were attributable to activities conducted outside the United States.

(B) Description of expenditures

For purposes of subparagraph (A), qualified research and experimental expenditures are described in this subparagraph if such expenditures are attributable to activities conducted—

(i) in space,

(ii) on or under water not within the jurisdiction (as recognized by the United States) of a foreign country, possession of the United States, or the United States, or

(iii) in Antarctica.

(4) Affiliated group

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the allocation and apportionment required by paragraph (1) shall be determined as if all members of the affiliated group (as defined in subsection (e)(5)) were a single corporation.

(B) For purposes of the allocation and apportionment required by paragraph (1)—

(i) sales and gross income from products produced in whole or in part in a possession by an electing corporation (within the meaning of section 936(h)(5)(E)),2 and

(ii) dividends from an electing corporation,

shall not be taken into account, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to sales of (and gross income and dividends attributable to sales of) products with respect to which an election under section 936(h)(5)(F) 2 is not in effect.

(C) The qualified research and experimental expenditures taken into account for purposes of paragraph (1) shall be adjusted to reflect the amount of such expenditures included in computing the cost-sharing amount (determined under section 936(h)(5)(C)(i)(I)).2

(D) The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this paragraph, including regulations providing for the source of gross income and the allocation and apportionment of deductions to take into account the adjustments required by subparagraph (B) or (C).

(E) Paragraph (6) of subsection (e) shall not apply to qualified research and experimental expenditures.

(5) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations relating to the determination of whether any expenses are attributable to activities conducted in the United States or outside the United States and regulations providing such adjustments to the provisions of this subsection as may be appropriate in the case of cost-sharing arrangements and contract research.

(6) Applicability

This subsection shall apply to the taxpayer's first taxable year (beginning on or before August 1, 1994) following the taxpayer's last taxable year to which Revenue Procedure 92–56 applies or would apply if the taxpayer elected the benefits of such Revenue Procedure.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 278; Pub. L. 89–809, title I, §102(d), Nov. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1901(a)(113), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1783; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §§123(a), 127(c), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 644, 651; Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, §§1201(d)(4), 1211(b)(2), 1215(a), (b)(1), 1221(a)(2), 1223(b)(1), 1242(a), (b), 1275(c)(7), title XVIII, §§1810(c)(2), (3), 1899A(21), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2525, 2536, 2544, 2545, 2550, 2558, 2580, 2599, 2824, 2959; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10242(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–423; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1012(a)(1)(B), (d)(7), (10), (g)(5), (h)(1), (2)(A), (3)–(6), (p)(30), (r), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3494, 3498, 3499, 3501–3503, 3521, 3525; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7111, Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2326; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11401(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–472; Pub. L. 102–227, title I, §101(a), Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13234, Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 504; Pub. L. 105–34, title XI, §1162(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §532(c)(2)(N)–(P), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1931; Pub. L. 106–519, §4(3), Nov. 15, 2000, 114 Stat. 2432; Pub. L. 108–357, title I, §101(b)(6), title IV, §§401(a), (b), 403(b)(6), 413(c)(12), title VIII, §894(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1423, 1488, 1491, 1494, 1507, 1647; Pub. L. 110–289, div. C, title III, §3093(a), (b), July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2912; Pub. L. 111–92, §15(a), (b), Nov. 6, 2009, 123 Stat. 2996; Pub. L. 111–147, title V, §551(a), Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 117; Pub. L. 111–226, title II, §216(a), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2400; Pub. L. 111–240, title II, §2122(c), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2568; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§13501(a), 14502(a), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2138, 2235; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(152), (d)(1)(D)(x), (xvii)(IV), (V), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1191, 1207, 1208; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9671(a), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 184.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, referred to in subsec. (e)(5)(D)(i), is classified to section 1841(a) of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

Section 174, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13206(a), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2111. Provisions similar to those contained in former subsec. (c) of section 174 are now contained in subsec. (c)(1) of section 174. For provisions similar to those contained in former subsec. (b) of section 174 relating to amortization of certain research and experimental expenditures, see subsecs. (a) and (b) of section 174.

Section 936, referred to in subsec. (g)(4)(B), (C), was repealed by Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(d)(1)(C), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1206.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–2 struck out subsec. (f) which related to election to allocate interest and other expenses on worldwide basis.

2018—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(d)(1)(D)(x), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) related to certain provisions that did not apply to any amount treated as interest under par. (1) or (6).

Subsec. (d)(8). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(152), substituted "section 956(c)(3)" for "section 956(b)(3)".

Subsec. (e)(5)(A). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(d)(1)(D)(xvii)(IV), struck out "(determined without regard to paragraph (4) of section 1504(b))" after "section 1504" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(d)(1)(D)(xvii)(V), substituted "paragraph (2)" for "paragraphs (2) and (4)".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(d)(1)(D)(xvii)(V), which directed amendment of par. (2) by substituting "paragraph (2)" for "paragraphs (2) and (4)", was executed by making the substitution for "paragraph (4)", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2017—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, §13501(a)(2)(A), substituted "(7), and (8)" for "and (7)".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–97, §13501(a)(2)(B), substituted "(7), or (8)" for "or (7)".

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 115–97, §13501(a)(1), added par. (8).

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 115–97, §14502(a), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "All allocations and apportionments of interest expense shall be made on the basis of assets rather than gross income."

2010—Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 111–240 substituted "dividends, interest, or amounts received for the provision of guarantees of indebtedness" for "dividends or interest".

Subsec. (e)(5)(A). Pub. L. 111–226 inserted at end "Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a foreign corporation shall be treated as a member of the affiliated group if—" and added cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (f)(5)(D), (6). Pub. L. 111–147 substituted "December 31, 2020" for "December 31, 2017".

2009—Subsec. (f)(5)(D), (6). Pub. L. 111–92, §15(a), substituted "December 31, 2017" for "December 31, 2010".

Subsec. (f)(7). Pub. L. 111–92, §15(b), struck out par. (7). Text read as follows: "In the case of the first taxable year to which this subsection applies, the increase (if any) in the amount of the interest expense allocable to sources within the United States by reason of the application of this subsection shall be 30 percent of the amount of such increase determined without regard to this paragraph."

2008—Subsec. (f)(5)(D), (6). Pub. L. 110–289, §3093(a), substituted "December 31, 2010" for "December 31, 2008".

Subsec. (f)(7). Pub. L. 110–289, §3093(b), added par. (7).

2004—Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 108–357, §894(a), added concluding provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 108–357, §413(c)(12), redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) as (A) and (B), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "Part III of subchapter G of this chapter (relating to foreign personal holding companies)."

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 108–357, §403(b)(6), substituted "(C)(iii)(II)" for "(C)(iii)(III)".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 108–357, §101(b)(6), struck out "(A) In general" before "For purposes" and struck out heading and text of subpar. (B). Text read as follows: "For purposes of allocating and apportioning any interest expense, there shall not be taken into account any qualifying foreign trade property (as defined in section 943(a)) which is held by the taxpayer for lease or rental in the ordinary course of trade or business for use by the lessee outside the United States (as defined in section 943(b)(2))."

Subsec. (e)(7)(B). Pub. L. 108–357, §401(b)(1), inserted "and in other circumstances where such allocation would be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection" before comma at end.

Subsec. (e)(7)(F), (G). Pub. L. 108–357, §401(b)(2), added subpar. (F) and redesignated former subpar. (F) as (G).

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 108–357, §401(a), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

2000—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–519 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, and added subpar. (B).

1999—Subsecs. (c)(4)(B)(iii), (d)(3)(A), (6)(A). Pub. L. 106–170 substituted "section 1221(a)(1)" for "section 1221(1)".

1997—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 105–34 struck out ", or in the case of a corporation (other than a corporation which is, or but for section 542(c)(7), 542(c)(10), or 543(b)(1)(C) would be, a personal holding company) the principal business of which is trading in stocks or securities for its own account, if its principal office is in the United States" after "dealer in stocks or securities".

1993—Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13234(a), substituted "50 percent" for "64 percent" in cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (f)(4)(D). Pub. L. 103–66, §13234(b)(2), substituted "subparagraph (B) or (C)" for "subparagraph (C)".

Subsec. (f)(5), (6). Pub. L. 103–66, §13234(b)(1), added pars. (5) and (6) and struck out heading and text of former par. (5). Text read as follows:

"(A) In general.—This subsection shall apply to the taxpayer's first 3 taxable years beginning after August 1, 1989, and on or before August 1, 1992.

"(B) Reduction.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of the taxpayer's first taxable year beginning after August 1, 1991, this subsection shall only apply to qualified research and experimental expenditures incurred during the first 6 months of such taxable year."

1991—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 102–227 amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: "This subsection shall apply to the taxpayer's first 2 taxable years beginning after August 1, 1989, and on or before August 1, 1991."

1990—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "Years" for "Year" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(A) In general.—Except as provided in this paragraph, this subsection shall apply to the taxpayer's first taxable year beginning after August 1, 1989, and before August 2, 1990.

"(B) Reduction.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), this subsection shall only apply to that portion of the qualified research and experimental expenditures for the taxable year referred to in subparagraph (A) which bears the same ratio to the total amount of such expenditures as—

"(i) the lesser of 9 months or the number of months in the taxable year, bears to

"(ii) the number of months in the taxable year."

1989—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–239 added subsec. (f).

1988—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(p)(30), substituted "section 542(c)(7), 542(c)(10)," for "section 542(c)(7)".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(g)(5), struck out at end "In applying this paragraph and paragraph (4), interest referred to in section 861(a)(1)(A) shall be considered income from sources within the United States."

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(d)(10), struck out "(including any gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of such property)" after "section 862(a)(4)" in cl. (i) and ", or gain or loss from the sale or exchange of stock or notes, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness" after "dividends or interest" in cl. (ii).

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(d)(7), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(r)(2), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: "For purposes of this title, any income or gain of a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation for any taxable year which is attributable to a sale or exchange of property or the performance of services (or any other transaction) in any other taxable year shall be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States if it would have been so treated if such income or gain were taken into account in such other taxable year."

Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(r)(1), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: "For purposes of this title, if any property ceases to be used or held for use in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, the determination of whether any income or gain attributable to a sale or exchange of such property occurring within 10 years after such cessation is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States shall be made as if such sale or exchange occurred immediately before such cessation."

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(a)(1)(B), substituted "(C)(iii)(III)" for "(C)(iii)".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(6)(B), struck out "(except as provided in regulations)" after "subchapter".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(2)(A), struck out "from sources outside the United States" after "affiliated group".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(3), inserted sentence at end and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: "A similar rule shall apply in the case of any dividend (other than a qualifying dividend as defined in section 243(b)) for which a deduction is allowable under section 243 or 245(a) and any stock the dividends on which would be so deductible and would not be qualifying dividends (as so defined)."

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(1), substituted "nonaffiliated 10-percent owned corporations" for "certain corporations" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of allocating and apportioning expenses on the basis of assets, the adjusted basis of any asset which is stock in a corporation which is not included in the affiliated group and in which members of the affiliated group own 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote in such corporation shall be—

"(A) increased by the amount of the earnings and profits of such corporation attributable to such stock and accumulated during the period the taxpayer held such stock, or

"(B) reduced (but not below zero) by any deficit in earnings and profits of such corporation attributable to such stock for such period."

Subsec. (e)(5)(B). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(4)(B), inserted at end "This subparagraph shall not apply for purposes of paragraph (6)."

Subsec. (e)(5)(D). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(4)(A), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(5), substituted "directly allocable or apportioned" for "directly allocable and apportioned".

Subsec. (e)(7)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 100–647, §1012(h)(6)(A), added subpars. (D) to (F).

1987—Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 100–203 inserted "or part II" after "part I".

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, §1215(b)(1), inserted "and special rules" in section catchline.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §1242(b)(1), inserted reference to pars. (6) and (7).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1242(b)(2), inserted "paragraph (6) or (7) or in".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1899A(21), inserted a comma between "section 871(h)" and "section 881(a)".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1211(b)(2), struck out cl. (iii), which read as follows: "is derived from the sale or exchange (without the United States) through such office or other fixed place of business of personal property described in section 1221(1), except that this clause shall not apply if the property is sold or exchanged for use, consumption, or disposition outside the United States and an office or other fixed place of business of the taxpayer outside the United States participated materially in such sale or exchange."

Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 99–514, §1242(a), added pars. (6) and (7).

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1201(d)(4), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: "Subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of section 904(d)(2) (relating to interest income to which separate limitation applies) and subparagraph (J) of section 904(d)(3) (relating to interest from members of same affiliated group)."

Pub. L. 99–514, §1810(c)(3), inserted "and subparagraph (J) of section 904(d)(3) (relating to interest from members of same affiliated group)".

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1223(b)(1), substituted "less than 5 percent or $1,000,000" for "less than 10 percent".

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1221(a)(2), amended cl. (iii) generally, substituting "section 954(c)(2) (relating to certain export financing)" for "section 954(c)(3) (relating to certain income derived in active conduct of trade or business)".

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 99–514, §1221(a)(2), amended cl. (iv) generally, substituting "Clause (i) of section 954(c)(3)(A) (relating to" for "Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 954(c)(4) (relating to exception for".

Subsec. (d)(5)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1275(c)(7), amended subpar. (B) generally, striking out cl. (i) heading, substituting "An amount" for "Any amount", and striking out cl. (ii), Virgin Islands corporations, which read as follows: "Subsection (b) of section 934 shall not apply to any amount treated as interest under paragraph (1) unless such amount is from sources within the Virgin Islands (determined after the application of paragraph (1))."

Subsec. (d)(7), (8). Pub. L. 99–514, §1810(c)(2), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–514, §1215(a), added subsec. (e).

1984—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–369, §127(c), substituted "section 871(a)(1), section 871(h) section 881(a), or section 881(c)" for "section 871(a)(1) or section 881(a)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–369, §123(a), added subsec. (d).

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(a)(113)(A), substituted in heading "Produced" for "Sale, etc." and struck out in text provisions relating to the definition of sale and sold.

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(a)(113)(B), substituted "sale or exchange" for "sale".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(a)(113)(B), (C), substituted "sold or exchanged" for "sold" and "sale or exchange" for "sale" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c)(5)(C). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(a)(113)(B), substituted "sale or exchange" for "sale" wherever appearing.

1966—Pub. L. 89–809 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9671(b), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 184, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13501(c)(1), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2141, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to sales, exchanges, and dispositions on or after November 27, 2017."

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §14502(b), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2235, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–240 applicable to guarantees issued after Sept. 27, 2010, see section 2122(d) of Pub. L. 111–240, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Pub. L. 111–226, title II, §216(b), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2400, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2010]."

Pub. L. 111–147, title V, §551(b), Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 117, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2010]."

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–92, §15(c), Nov. 6, 2009, 123 Stat. 2996, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–289, div. C, title III, §3093(c), July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2912, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by section 101(b)(6) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to transactions after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 101(c) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, §401(c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1491, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008."

Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, §403(c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1494, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 904 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002."

Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, §403(d), as added by Pub. L. 109–135, title IV, §403(l), Dec. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2625, provided that: "If the taxpayer elects (at such time and in such form and manner as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe) to have the rules of this subsection apply—

"(1) the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 904 of this title] shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002, and before January 1, 2005, and

"(2) in the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004, clause (iv) of section 904(d)(4)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended by this section) shall be applied by substituting 'January 1, 2005' for 'January 1, 2003' both places it appears."

[Amendment by Pub. L. 109–135 adding section 403(d) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out above, effective as if included in the provision of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Pub. L. 108–357, to which such amendment relates, see section 403(nn) of Pub. L. 109–135, set out as an Effective Date of 2005 Amendment note under section 26 of this title.]

Amendment by section 413(c)(12) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end, see section 413(d)(1) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2004 Amendments note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §894(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1647, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–519 applicable to transactions after Sept. 30, 2000, with special rules relating to existing foreign sales corporations, see section 5 of Pub. L. 106–519, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–170 applicable to any instrument held, acquired, or entered into, any transaction entered into, and supplies held or acquired on or after Dec. 17, 1999, see section 532(d) of Pub. L. 106–170, set out as a note under section 170 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title XI, §1162(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 987, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997."

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–227, title I, §101(b), Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1686, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after August 1, 1989."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11401(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–472, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after August 1, 1989."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 10242(d) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 816 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1201(d)(4) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, except as otherwise provided, see section 1201(e) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 904 of this title.

Amendment by section 1211(b)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, except as otherwise provided, see section 1211(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date note under section 865 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, §1215(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2545, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1012(h)(7), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3504; Pub. L. 104–191, title V, §521(a), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2103, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(2) Transitional rules.—

"(A) General phase-in.—

"(i) In general.—In the case of the 1st 3 taxable years of the taxpayer beginning after December 31, 1986, the amendments made by this section shall not apply to interest expenses paid or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year with respect to an aggregate amount of indebtedness which does not exceed the general phase-in amount.

"(ii) General phase-in amount.—Except as provided in clause (iii), the general phase-in amount for purposes of clause (i) is the applicable percentage (determined under the following table) of the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding on November 16, 1985:

 

  

 
The applicable

"In the case of the:
percentage is:

1st taxable year
75 

2nd taxable year
50 

3rd taxable year
25.

"(iii) Lower limit where taxpayer reduces indebtedness.—For purposes of applying this subparagraph to interest expenses attributable to any month, the general phase-in amount shall in no event exceed the lowest amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding as of the close of any preceding month beginning after November 16, 1985. To the extent provided in regulations, the average amount of indebtedness outstanding during any month shall be used (in lieu of the amount outstanding as of the close of such month) for purposes of the preceding sentence.

"(B) Consolidation rule not to apply to certain interest.—

"(i) In general.—In the case of the 1st 5 taxable years of the taxpayer beginning after December 31, 1986—

"(I) subparagraph (A) shall not apply for purposes of paragraph (1) of section 864(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section), but

"(II) such paragraph (1) shall not apply to interest expenses paid or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year with respect to an aggregate amount of indebtedness which does not exceed the special phase-in amount.

"(ii) Special phase-in amount.—The special phase-in amount for purposes of clause (i) is the sum of—

"(I) the general phase-in amount as determined for purposes of subparagraph (A),

"(II) the 5-year phase-in amount, and

"(III) the 4-year phase-in amount.

  For purposes of applying this subparagraph to interest expense attributable to any month, the special phase-in amount shall in no event exceed the limitation determined under subparagraph (A)(iii).

"(iii) 5-year phase-in amount.—The 5-year phase-in amount is the lesser of—

"(I) the applicable percentage (determined under the following table for purposes of this subclause) of the 5-year debt amount, or

"(II) the applicable percentage (determined under the following table for purposes of this subclause) of the 5-year debt amount reduced by paydowns:

 

"In the case of the:The applicable percentage for purposes of subclause (I) is:The applicable percentage for purposes of subclause (II) is:

1st taxable year
81/3
 10 

2nd taxable year
162/3
 25 

3rd taxable year
25
 50 

4th taxable year
331/3
100 

5th taxable year
162/3
100.

"(iv) 4-year phase-in amount.—The 4-year phase-in amount is the lesser of—

"(I) the applicable percentage (determined under the following table for purposes of this subclause) of the 4-year debt amount, or

"(II) the applicable percentage (determined under the following table for purposes of this subclause) of the 4-year debt amount reduced by paydowns to the extent such paydowns exceed the 5-year debt amount:

 

"In the case of the:The applicable percentage for purposes of subclause (I) is:The applicable percentage for purposes of subclause (II) is:

1st taxable year
5
6¼

2nd taxable year
10
162/3

3rd taxable year
15
37½

4th taxable year
20
100

5th taxable year
0
 0. 

"(v) 5-year debt amount.—The term '5-year debt amount' means the excess (if any) of—

"(I) the amount of the outstanding indebtedness of the taxpayer on May 29, 1985, over

"(II) the amount of the outstanding indebtedness of the taxpayer as of the close of December 31, 1983.

  The 5-year debt amount shall not exceed the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding on November 16, 1985.

"(vi) 4-year debt amount.—The term '4-year debt amount' means the excess (if any) of—

"(I) the amount referred to in clause (v)(II), over

"(II) the amount of the outstanding indebtedness of the taxpayer as of the close of December 31, 1982.

  The 4-year debt amount shall not exceed the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding on November 16, 1985, reduced by the 5-year debt amount.

"(vii) Paydowns.—For purposes of applying this subparagraph to interest expenses attributable to any month, the term 'paydowns' means the excess (if any) of—

"(I) the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding on November 16, 1985, over

"(II) the lowest amount of indebtedness of the taxpayer outstanding as of the close of any preceding month beginning after November 16, 1985 (or, to the extent provided in regulations under subparagraph (A)(iii), the average amount of indebtedness outstanding during any such month).

"(C) Coordination of subparagraphs (a) and (b).—In applying subparagraph (B), there shall first be taken into account indebtedness to which subparagraph (A) applies.

"(D) Special rules.—

"(i) In the case of the 1st 9 taxable years of the taxpayer beginning after December 31, 1986, the amendments made by this section shall not apply to interest expenses paid or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year with respect to an aggregate amount of indebtedness which does not exceed the applicable percentage (determined under the following table) of the indebtedness described in clause (iii) or (iv):

 

  "In the case of the:The applicable percentage is:

1st taxable year 
90  

2nd taxable year 
80  

3rd taxable year 
70  

4th taxable year 
60  

5th taxable year 
50  

6th taxable year 
40  

7th taxable year 
30  

8th taxable year 
20  

9th taxable year 
10.

"(ii) The provisions of this subparagraph shall apply in lieu of the provisions of subparagraphs (A) and (B).

"(iii) Indebtedness outstanding on may 29, 1985.—Indebtedness is described in this clause if it is indebtedness (which was outstanding on May 29, 1985) of a corporation incorporated on June 13, 1917, which has its principal place of business in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

"(iv) Indebtedness outstanding on may 29, 1985.—Indebtedness is described in this clause if it is indebtedness (which was outstanding on May 29, 1985) of a member of an affiliated group (as defined in section 1504(a) [of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986]), the common parent of which was incorporated on August 26, 1926, and has its principal place of business in Harrison, New York.

"(E) Treatment of affiliated group.—For purposes of this paragraph, all members of the same affiliated group of corporations (as defined in section 864(e)(5)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section) shall be treated as 1 taxpayer whether or not such members filed a consolidated return.

"(F) Election to have paragraph not apply.—A taxpayer may elect (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may prescribe) to have this paragraph not apply. In the case of members of the same affiliated group (as so defined), such an election may be made only if each member consents to such election.

"(3) Special rule.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a qualified corporation, in lieu of applying paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall not apply to interest expenses allocable to any indebtedness to the extent such indebtedness does not exceed $500,000,000 if—

"(i) the indebtedness was incurred to develop or improve existing property that is owned by the taxpayer on November 16, 1985, and was acquired with the intent to develop or improve the property,

"(ii) the loan agreement with respect to the indebtedness provides that the funds are to be utilized for purposes of developing or improving the above property, and

"(iii) the debt to equity ratio of the companies that join in the filing of the consolidated return is less than 15 percent.

"(B) Qualified corporation.—For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 'qualified corporation' means a corporation—

"(i) which was incorporated in Delaware on June 29, 1964,

"(ii) the principal subsidiary of which is a resident of Arkansas, and

"(iii) which is a member of an affiliated group the average daily United States production of oil of which is less than 50,000 barrels and the average daily United States refining of which is less than 150,000 barrels.

"(4) Special rules for subsidiary.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to interest on up to the applicable dollar amount of indebtedness of a subsidiary incorporated on February 11, 1975, the indebtedness of which on May 6, 1986, included—

"(A) $100,000,000 face amount of 11¾ percent notes due in 1990,

"(B) $100,000,000 of 8¾ percent notes due in 1989,

"(C) 6¾ percent Japanese yen notes due in 1991, and

"(D) 53/8 percent Swiss franc bonds due in 1994.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'applicable dollar amount' means $600,000,000 in the case of taxable years beginning in 1987 through 1991, $500,000,000 in the case of the taxable year beginning in 1992, $400,000,000 in the case of the taxable year beginning in 1993, $300,000,000 in the case of the taxable year beginning in 1994, $200,000,000 in the case of the taxable year beginning in 1995, $100,000,000 in the case of the taxable year beginning in 1996, and zero in the case of taxable years beginning after 1996.

"[(5) Repealed. Pub. L. 104–191, title V, §521(a), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2103.]

"(6) Special rules for allocating general and administrative expenses.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of an affiliated group of domestic corporations the common parent of which has its principal office in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and has a certificate of organization which was filed with the Secretary of the State of New Jersey on November 10, 1887, the amendments made by this section shall not apply to the phase-in percentage of general and administrative expenses paid or incurred in its 1st 3 taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(B) Phase-in percentage.—For purposes of subparagraph (A):

 

  

"In the case of taxable
The phase-in

 years beginning in:
percentage is:

1987
75

1988
50

1989
25."

[Pub. L. 104–191, title V, §521(b), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2103, provided that:

["(1) In general.—The amendment made by this section [amending section 1215(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out above] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995.

["(2) Special rule.—In the case of the first taxable year beginning after December 31, 1995, the pre-effective date portion of the interest expense of the corporation referred to in such paragraph (5) of such section 1215(c) [of Pub. L. 99–514] for such taxable year shall be allocated and apportioned without regard to such amendment. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the pre-effective date portion is the amount which bears the same ratio to the interest expense for such taxable year as the number of days during such taxable year before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 21, 1996] bears to 366."]

Amendment by section 1221(a)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, except as otherwise provided, see section 1221(g) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 954 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, §1223(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2558, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 881 and 954 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986."

Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, §1242(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2580, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986."

Amendment by section 1275(c)(7) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, with certain exceptions and qualifications, see section 1277 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 931 of this title.

Amendment by section 1810(c)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §123(c), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 646, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 956 of this title] shall apply to accounts receivable and evidences of indebtedness transferred after March 1, 1984, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(2) Transitional rule.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to accounts receivable and evidences of indebtedness acquired after March 1, 1984, and before March 1, 1994, by a Belgian corporation in existence on March 1, 1984, in any taxable year ending after such date, but only to the extent that the amount includible in gross income by reason of section 956 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] with respect to such corporation for all such taxable years is not reduced by reason of this paragraph by more than the lesser of—

"(A) $15,000,000 or

"(B) the amount of the Belgian corporation's adjusted basis on March 1, 1984, in stock of a foreign corporation formed to issue bonds outside the United States to the public."

Amendment by section 127(c) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to interest received after July 18, 1984, with respect to obligations issued after such date, in taxable years ending after such date, see section 127(g)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 871 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–455 effective for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1901(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–809 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1966, except that in applying section 864(c)(4)(B)(iii) of this title with respect to a binding contract entered into on or before Feb. 24, 1966, activities in the United States on or before such date in negotiating or carrying out such contract shall not be taken into account, see section 102(e)(1) of Pub. L. 89–809, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 401(d)(1)(D)(x), (xvii)(IV), (V) of Pub. L. 115–141 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Mar. 23, 2018, see section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Applicability of Certain Amendments by Pub. L. 99–514 in Relation to Treaty Obligations of United States

For applicability of amendment by section 1201(d)(4) of Pub. L. 99–514 notwithstanding any treaty obligation of the United States in effect on Oct. 22, 1986, and for nonapplication of amendments by sections 1211(b)(2) and 1242(a) of Pub. L. 99–514 to the extent application of such amendments would be contrary to any treaty obligation of the United States in effect on Oct. 22, 1986, with provision that for such purposes any amendment by title I of Pub. L. 100–647 be treated as if it had been included in the provision of Pub. L. 99–514 to which such amendment relates, see section 1012(aa)(2) to (4) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

2 See References in Text note below.
26 U.S.C. § 6015 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 61 / Section 6015: Relief from joint and several liability on joint return
Relief from joint and several liability on joint return
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Notwithstanding section 6013(d)(3)—

(1) an individual who has made a joint return may elect to seek relief under the procedures prescribed under subsection (b); and

(2) if such individual is eligible to elect the application of subsection (c), such individual may, in addition to any election under paragraph (1), elect to limit such individual's liability for any deficiency with respect to such joint return in the manner prescribed under subsection (c).

Any determination under this section shall be made without regard to community property laws.

(b) Procedures for relief from liability applicable to all joint filers

(1) In general

Under procedures prescribed by the Secretary, if—

(A) a joint return has been made for a taxable year;

(B) on such return there is an understatement of tax attributable to erroneous items of one individual filing the joint return;

(C) the other individual filing the joint return establishes that in signing the return he or she did not know, and had no reason to know, that there was such understatement;

(D) taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the other individual liable for the deficiency in tax for such taxable year attributable to such understatement; and

(E) the other individual elects (in such form as the Secretary may prescribe) the benefits of this subsection not later than the date which is 2 years after the date the Secretary has begun collection activities with respect to the individual making the election,

then the other individual shall be relieved of liability for tax (including interest, penalties, and other amounts) for such taxable year to the extent such liability is attributable to such understatement.

(2) Apportionment of relief

If an individual who, but for paragraph (1)(C), would be relieved of liability under paragraph (1), establishes that in signing the return such individual did not know, and had no reason to know, the extent of such understatement, then such individual shall be relieved of liability for tax (including interest, penalties, and other amounts) for such taxable year to the extent that such liability is attributable to the portion of such understatement of which such individual did not know and had no reason to know.

(3) Understatement

For purposes of this subsection, the term "understatement" has the meaning given to such term by section 6662(d)(2)(A).

(c) Procedures to limit liability for taxpayers no longer married or taxpayers legally separated or not living together

(1) In general

Except as provided in this subsection, if an individual who has made a joint return for any taxable year elects the application of this subsection, the individual's liability for any deficiency which is assessed with respect to the return shall not exceed the portion of such deficiency properly allocable to the individual under subsection (d).

(2) Burden of proof

Except as provided in subparagraph (A)(ii) or (C) of paragraph (3), each individual who elects the application of this subsection shall have the burden of proof with respect to establishing the portion of any deficiency allocable to such individual.

(3) Election

(A) Individuals eligible to make election

(i) In general

An individual shall only be eligible to elect the application of this subsection if—

(I) at the time such election is filed, such individual is no longer married to, or is legally separated from, the individual with whom such individual filed the joint return to which the election relates; or

(II) such individual was not a member of the same household as the individual with whom such joint return was filed at any time during the 12-month period ending on the date such election is filed.

(ii) Certain taxpayers ineligible to elect

If the Secretary demonstrates that assets were transferred between individuals filing a joint return as part of a fraudulent scheme by such individuals, an election under this subsection by either individual shall be invalid (and section 6013(d)(3) shall apply to the joint return).

(B) Time for election

An election under this subsection for any taxable year may be made at any time after a deficiency for such year is asserted but not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary has begun collection activities with respect to the individual making the election.

(C) Election not valid with respect to certain deficiencies

If the Secretary demonstrates that an individual making an election under this subsection had actual knowledge, at the time such individual signed the return, of any item giving rise to a deficiency (or portion thereof) which is not allocable to such individual under subsection (d), such election shall not apply to such deficiency (or portion). This subparagraph shall not apply where the individual with actual knowledge establishes that such individual signed the return under duress.

(4) Liability increased by reason of transfers of property to avoid tax

(A) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the portion of the deficiency for which the individual electing the application of this subsection is liable (without regard to this paragraph) shall be increased by the value of any disqualified asset transferred to the individual.

(B) Disqualified asset

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "disqualified asset" means any property or right to property transferred to an individual making the election under this subsection with respect to a joint return by the other individual filing such joint return if the principal purpose of the transfer was the avoidance of tax or payment of tax.

(ii) Presumption

(I) In general

For purposes of clause (i), except as provided in subclause (II), any transfer which is made after the date which is 1 year before the date on which the first letter of proposed deficiency which allows the taxpayer an opportunity for administrative review in the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals is sent shall be presumed to have as its principal purpose the avoidance of tax or payment of tax.

(II) Exceptions

Subclause (I) shall not apply to any transfer pursuant to a decree of divorce or separate maintenance or a written instrument incident to such a decree or to any transfer which an individual establishes did not have as its principal purpose the avoidance of tax or payment of tax.

(d) Allocation of deficiency

For purposes of subsection (c)—

(1) In general

The portion of any deficiency on a joint return allocated to an individual shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to such deficiency as the net amount of items taken into account in computing the deficiency and allocable to the individual under paragraph (3) bears to the net amount of all items taken into account in computing the deficiency.

(2) Separate treatment of certain items

If a deficiency (or portion thereof) is attributable to—

(A) the disallowance of a credit; or

(B) any tax (other than tax imposed by section 1 or 55) required to be included with the joint return;

and such item is allocated to one individual under paragraph (3), such deficiency (or portion) shall be allocated to such individual. Any such item shall not be taken into account under paragraph (1).

(3) Allocation of items giving rise to the deficiency

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5), any item giving rise to a deficiency on a joint return shall be allocated to individuals filing the return in the same manner as it would have been allocated if the individuals had filed separate returns for the taxable year.

(B) Exception where other spouse benefits

Under rules prescribed by the Secretary, an item otherwise allocable to an individual under subparagraph (A) shall be allocated to the other individual filing the joint return to the extent the item gave rise to a tax benefit on the joint return to the other individual.

(C) Exception for fraud

The Secretary may provide for an allocation of any item in a manner not prescribed by subparagraph (A) if the Secretary establishes that such allocation is appropriate due to fraud of one or both individuals.

(4) Limitations on separate returns disregarded

If an item of deduction or credit is disallowed in its entirety solely because a separate return is filed, such disallowance shall be disregarded and the item shall be computed as if a joint return had been filed and then allocated between the spouses appropriately. A similar rule shall apply for purposes of section 86.

(5) Child's liability

If the liability of a child of a taxpayer is included on a joint return, such liability shall be disregarded in computing the separate liability of either spouse and such liability shall be allocated appropriately between the spouses.

(e) Petition for review by Tax Court

(1) In general

In the case of an individual against whom a deficiency has been asserted and who elects to have subsection (b) or (c) apply, or in the case of an individual who requests equitable relief under subsection (f)—

(A) In general

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the individual may petition the Tax Court (and the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction) to determine the appropriate relief available to the individual under this section if such petition is filed—

(i) at any time after the earlier of—

(I) the date the Secretary mails, by certified or registered mail to the taxpayer's last known address, notice of the Secretary's final determination of relief available to the individual, or

(II) the date which is 6 months after the date such election is filed or request is made with the Secretary, and

(ii) not later than the close of the 90th day after the date described in clause (i)(I).

(B) Restrictions applicable to collection of assessment

(i) In general

Except as otherwise provided in section 6851 or 6861, no levy or proceeding in court shall be made, begun, or prosecuted against the individual making an election under subsection (b) or (c) or requesting equitable relief under subsection (f) for collection of any assessment to which such election or request relates until the close of the 90th day referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii), or, if a petition has been filed with the Tax Court under subparagraph (A), until the decision of the Tax Court has become final. Rules similar to the rules of section 7485 shall apply with respect to the collection of such assessment.

(ii) Authority to enjoin collection actions

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7421(a), the beginning of such levy or proceeding during the time the prohibition under clause (i) is in force may be enjoined by a proceeding in the proper court, including the Tax Court. The Tax Court shall have no jurisdiction under this subparagraph to enjoin any action or proceeding unless a timely petition has been filed under subparagraph (A) and then only in respect of the amount of the assessment to which the election under subsection (b) or (c) relates or to which the request under subsection (f) relates.

(2) Suspension of running of period of limitations

The running of the period of limitations in section 6502 on the collection of the assessment to which the petition under paragraph (1)(A) relates shall be suspended—

(A) for the period during which the Secretary is prohibited by paragraph (1)(B) from collecting by levy or a proceeding in court and for 60 days thereafter, and

(B) if a waiver under paragraph (5) is made, from the date the claim for relief was filed until 60 days after the waiver is filed with the Secretary.

(3) Limitation on Tax Court jurisdiction

If a suit for refund is begun by either individual filing the joint return pursuant to section 6532—

(A) the Tax Court shall lose jurisdiction of the individual's action under this section to whatever extent jurisdiction is acquired by the district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims over the taxable years that are the subject of the suit for refund, and

(B) the court acquiring jurisdiction shall have jurisdiction over the petition filed under this subsection.

(4) Notice to other spouse

The Tax Court shall establish rules which provide the individual filing a joint return but not making the election under subsection (b) or (c) or the request for equitable relief under subsection (f) with adequate notice and an opportunity to become a party to a proceeding under either such subsection.

(5) Waiver

An individual who elects the application of subsection (b) or (c) or who requests equitable relief under subsection (f) (and who agrees with the Secretary's determination of relief) may waive in writing at any time the restrictions in paragraph (1)(B) with respect to collection of the outstanding assessment (whether or not a notice of the Secretary's final determination of relief has been mailed).

(6) Suspension of running of period for filing petition in title 11 cases

In the case of a person who is prohibited by reason of a case under title 11, United States Code, from filing a petition under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a final determination of relief under this section, the running of the period prescribed by such paragraph for filing such a petition with respect to such final determination shall be suspended for the period during which the person is so prohibited from filing such a petition, and for 60 days thereafter.

(7) Standard and scope of review

Any review of a determination made under this section shall be reviewed de novo by the Tax Court and shall be based upon—

(A) the administrative record established at the time of the determination, and

(B) any additional newly discovered or previously unavailable evidence.

(f) Equitable relief

(1) In general

Under procedures prescribed by the Secretary, if—

(A) taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the individual liable for any unpaid tax or any deficiency (or any portion of either), and

(B) relief is not available to such individual under subsection (b) or (c),

the Secretary may relieve such individual of such liability.

(2) Limitation

A request for equitable relief under this subsection may be made with respect to any portion of any liability that—

(A) has not been paid, provided that such request is made before the expiration of the applicable period of limitation under section 6502, or

(B) has been paid, provided that such request is made during the period in which the individual could submit a timely claim for refund or credit of such payment.

(g) Credits and refunds

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), notwithstanding any other law or rule of law (other than section 6511, 6512(b), 7121, or 7122), credit or refund shall be allowed or made to the extent attributable to the application of this section.

(2) Res judicata

In the case of any election under subsection (b) or (c) or of any request for equitable relief under subsection (f), if a decision of a court in any prior proceeding for the same taxable year has become final, such decision shall be conclusive except with respect to the qualification of the individual for relief which was not an issue in such proceeding. The exception contained in the preceding sentence shall not apply if the court determines that the individual participated meaningfully in such prior proceeding.

(3) Credit and refund not allowed under subsection (c)

No credit or refund shall be allowed as a result of an election under subsection (c).

(h) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including—

(1) regulations providing methods for allocation of items other than the methods under subsection (d)(3); and

(2) regulations providing the opportunity for an individual to have notice of, and an opportunity to participate in, any administrative proceeding with respect to an election made under subsection (b) or (c) or a request for equitable relief made under subsection (f) by the other individual filing the joint return.

(Added Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §3201(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 734; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title IV, §4002(c)(2), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–906; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–640; Pub. L. 109–432, div. C, title IV, §408(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3061, 3062; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title IV, §424(a)(1), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3124; Pub. L. 116–25, title I, §§1001(b)(1)(A), 1203(a), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 985, 988.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 6015, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 737; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §74, 72 Stat. 1660; Sept. 14, 1960, Pub. L. 86–779, §5(a), 74 Stat. 1000; Sept. 25, 1962, Pub. L. 87–682, §1(a)(1), 76 Stat. 575; Mar. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–368, title I, §102(a), 80 Stat. 62; Nov. 13, 1966, Pub. L. 89–809, title I, §103(j), 80 Stat. 1554; Dec. 30, 1969, Pub. L. 91–172, title III, §301(b)(12), title VIII, §803(d)(7), title IX, §944(a), 83 Stat. 586, 684, 729; Dec. 10, 1971, Pub. L. 92–178, title II, §209(a), 85 Stat. 517; Oct. 4, 1976, Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(a)(2), (b)(13)(A), 90 Stat. 1824, 1834; Nov. 6, 1978, Pub. L. 95–600, title IV, §421(e)(7), 92 Stat. 2876; Aug. 13, 1981, Pub. L. 97–34, title VII, §725(a), (c)(2), 95 Stat. 345, 346; Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §201(d)(7), formerly §201(c)(7), title III, §§307(a)(6), 308(a), 328(b)(1), 96 Stat. 420, 589, 591, 618, redesignated and amended Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §107(c)(2), title II, §201(j)(1), title III, §306(a)(1)(A)(i), 96 Stat. 2391, 2395, 2400; Aug. 5, 1983, Pub. L. 98–67, title I, §102(a), 97 Stat. 369, related to declaration of estimated income tax by individuals, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §§412(a)(1), 414(a)(1), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 792, 793, applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 116–25, §1001(b)(1)(A), substituted "Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals" for "Internal Revenue Service Office of Appeals".

Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 116–25, §1203(a)(1), added par. (7).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–25, §1203(a)(2), amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Under procedures prescribed by the Secretary, if—

"(1) taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the individual liable for any unpaid tax or any deficiency (or any portion of either); and

"(2) relief is not available to such individual under subsection (b) or (c),

the Secretary may relieve such individual of such liability."

2015—Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 114–113 added par. (6).

2006—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(a), inserted ", or in the case of an individual who requests equitable relief under subsection (f)" after "apply" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(1)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(1), inserted "or request is made" after "filed".

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(2), inserted "or requesting equitable relief under subsection (f)" after "subsection (b) or (c)" and "or request" after "such election".

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(3), inserted "or to which the request under subsection (f) relates" before period at end.

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(4), inserted "or the request for equitable relief under subsection (f)" after "subsection (b) or (c)".

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(5), inserted "or who requests equitable relief under subsection (f)" after "subsection (b) or (c)".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(6), inserted "or of any request for equitable relief under subsection (f)" after "subsection (b) or (c)".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 109–432, §408(b)(7), inserted "or a request for equitable relief made under subsection (f)" after "subsection (b) or (c)".

2000—Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(1)], substituted "may be made at any time after a deficiency for such year is asserted but" for "shall be made".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(3)(A)], inserted "against whom a deficiency has been asserted and" after "individual" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(3)(B)], amended heading and text of subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The individual may petition the Tax Court (and the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction) to determine the appropriate relief available to the individual under this section if such petition is filed during the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary mails by certified or registered mail a notice to such individual of the Secretary's determination of relief available to the individual. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, an individual may file such petition at any time after the date which is 6 months after the date such election is filed with the Secretary and before the close of such 90-day period."

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(3)(C)], substituted "until the close of the 90th day referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "until the expiration of the 90-day period described in subparagraph (A)" and inserted "under subparagraph (A)" after "filed with the Tax Court".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(3)(D)(ii)], amended heading and text of par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The running of the period of limitations in section 6502 on the collection of the assessment to which the petition under paragraph (1)(A) relates shall be suspended for the period during which the Secretary is prohibited by paragraph (1)(B) from collecting by levy or a proceeding in court and for 60 days thereafter."

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(2)(B)], amended par. (3) generally, substituting "Limitation on Tax Court jurisdiction" for "Applicable rules" in heading and restating provisions relating to limitations on the Tax Court's jurisdiction and eliminating provisions relating to res judicata and allowance of credits or refunds in text.

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(3)(D)(i)], added par. (5).

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(a)(2)(A)], added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

1998—Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 105–277 substituted "of subsection (b) or (f)" for "of this section".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–25, title I, §1203(b), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 988, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to petitions or requests filed or pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 1, 2019]."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title IV, §424(a)(2), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3124, provided that: "The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to petitions filed under section 6015(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015]."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–432, div. C, title IV, §408(c), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3062, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to liability for taxes arising or remaining unpaid on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2006]."

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §313(f)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–643, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and sections 6330, 6331, 7421, and 7463 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2000]. The amendments made by subsections (c), (d), and (e) [amending sections 6103, 6110, and 6330 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 [Pub. L. 105–206] to which they relate."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–277 effective as if included in the provision of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105–206, to which such amendment relates, see section 4002(k) of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §3201(g), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 740, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting this section, amending sections 66, 6013, 6230, and 7421 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 6013 of this title] shall apply to any liability for tax arising after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998] and any liability for tax arising on or before such date but remaining unpaid as of such date.

"(2) 2-year period.—The 2-year period under subsection (b)(1)(E) or (c)(3)(B) of section 6015 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not expire before the date which is 2 years after the date of the first collection activity after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]."

Separate Form for Applying for Spousal Relief

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §3201(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 740, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998], the Secretary of the Treasury shall develop a separate form with instructions for use by taxpayers in applying for relief under section 6015(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section."
26 U.S.C. § 6676 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 68 / Section 6676: Erroneous claim for refund or credit
Erroneous claim for refund or credit
Status: in_force

(a) Civil penalty

If a claim for refund or credit with respect to income tax is made for an excessive amount, unless it is shown that the claim for such excessive amount is due to reasonable cause, the person making such claim shall be liable for a penalty in an amount equal to 20 percent of the excessive amount.

(b) Excessive amount

For purposes of this section, the term "excessive amount" means in the case of any person the amount by which the amount of the claim for refund or credit for any taxable year exceeds the amount of such claim allowable under this title for such taxable year.

(c) Noneconomic substance transactions treated as lacking reasonable cause

For purposes of this section, any excessive amount which is attributable to any transaction described in section 6662(b)(6) shall not be treated as due to reasonable cause.

(d) Coordination with other penalties

This section shall not apply to any portion of the excessive amount of a claim for refund or credit which is subject to a penalty imposed under part II of subchapter A of chapter 68.

(Added Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8247(a), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 204; amended Pub. L. 111–152, title I, §1409(d), Mar. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 1070; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, §209(b), (c), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3084, 3085; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(305), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 1409(d) of Pub. L. 111–152, which directed the amendment of section 6676 without specifying the act to be amended, was executed to this section, which is section 6676 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 2010 Amendment note below.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 6676, added Pub. L. 87–397, §1(b), Oct. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 828; amended Pub. L. 91–172, title I, §101(j)(52), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 531; Pub. L. 93–406, title II, §1016(a)(20), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 931; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §316(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 98–67, title I, §105(a), Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 380; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §422(c), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 798; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, §§1501(b), 1523(b)(3), 1524(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2736, 2748, 2749; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1015(g), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3570, related to failure to supply identifying numbers, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7711(b)(1), (c), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2393, applicable to returns and statements the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1989.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "reasonable cause" for "reasonable basis" in heading.

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–113, §209(c)(1), substituted "is due to reasonable cause" for "has a reasonable basis".

Pub. L. 114–113, §209(b), struck out "(other than a claim for a refund or credit relating to the earned income credit under section 32)" after "income tax".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–113, §209(c)(2), substituted "due to reasonable cause" for "having a reasonable basis".

2010—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 111–152 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d). See Codification note above.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, §209(d)(2), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3085, as amended by Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §101(k), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1162, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section] shall apply to claims filed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015]."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–152 applicable to refunds and credits attributable to transactions entered into after Mar. 30, 2010, see section 1409(e)(4) of Pub. L. 111–152, set out as a note under section 6662 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8247(c), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 204, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall apply to any claim filed or submitted after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]."
26 U.S.C. § 6039D (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 61 / Section 6039D: Returns and records with respect to certain fringe benefit plans
Returns and records with respect to certain fringe benefit plans
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Every employer maintaining a specified fringe benefit plan during any year for any portion of which the applicable exclusion applies, shall file a return (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe) with respect to such plan showing for such year—

(1) the number of employees of the employer,

(2) the number of employees of the employer eligible to participate under the plan,

(3) the number of employees participating under the plan,

(4) the total cost of the plan during the year,

(5) the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the employer and the type of business in which the employer is engaged, and

(6) the number of highly compensated employees among the employees described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

(b) Recordkeeping requirement

Each employer maintaining a specified fringe benefit plan during any year shall keep such records as may be necessary for purposes of determining whether the requirements of the applicable exclusion are met.

(c) Additional information when required by the Secretary

Any employer—

(1) who maintains a specified fringe benefit plan during any year for which a return is required under subsection (a), and

(2) who is required by the Secretary to file an additional return for such year,

shall file such additional return. Such additional return shall be filed at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe and shall contain such information as the Secretary shall prescribe. The Secretary may require returns under this subsection only from a representative group of employers.

(d) Definitions and special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1) Specified fringe benefit plan

The term "specified fringe benefit plan" means any plan under section 79, 105, 106, 125, 127, 129, or 137.

(2) Applicable exclusion

The term "applicable exclusion" means, with respect to any specified fringe benefit plan, the section specified under paragraph (1) under which benefits under such plan are excludable from gross income.

(3) Special rule for multiemployer plans

In the case of a multiemployer plan, the plan shall be required to provide any information required by this section which the Secretary determines, on the basis of the agreement between the plan and employer, is held by the plan (and not the employer).

(Added Pub. L. 98–611, §1(d)(1), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3176; amended Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §1151(h), title XVIII, §1879(d)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2507, 2906; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1011B(a)(24), title III, §3021(a)(15)(A), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3486, 3631; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11704(a)(24), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–519; Pub. L. 105–34, title XVI, §1601(h)(2)(D)(iii), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1092; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(19)(B)(vii), (108), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4040, 4053.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 6039D, added Pub. L. 98–612, §1(b)(1), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3180, also related to returns and records with respect to certain fringe benefits, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1879(d)(2), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2906, effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such repeal relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(108), struck out "beginning after December 31, 1984," after "during any year" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(19)(B)(vii), struck out "120," after "106,".

1997—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted "129, or 137" for "or 129".

1990—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "the employer)." for "the employer)".

1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(24), amended directory language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(h)(3), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–647, §3021(a)(15)(A)(ii), inserted "and special rules" after "Definitions" in heading.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §3021(a)(15)(A)(i), added par. (3).

1986—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(h)(2), added par. (6).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(h)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(24), inserted at end "The Secretary may require returns under this subsection only from a representative group of employers."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(h)(1), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) defined a specified fringe benefit plan as (A) any qualified group legal services plan (as defined in section 120), (B) any cafeteria plan (as defined in section 125), and (C) any educational assistance plan (as defined in section 127), and par. (2) defined "applicable exclusion" as meaning (A) section 120 in the case of a qualified legal group services plan, (B) section 125 in the case of a cafeteria plan, and (C) section 127 in the case of an educational assistance plan.

Pub. L. 99–514, §1879(d)(1), in amending subsec. (d) generally, added subpars. (1)(A) and (2)(A). Former subpars. (1)(A) and (B) and (2)(A) and (B) were redesignated as subpars. (1)(B) and (C) and (2)(B) and (C), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–188, to which it relates, see section 1601(j) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by section 1011B(a)(24) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–647, title III, §3021(a)(15)(B), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3631, provided that: "The amendments made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after 1984."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1151(h) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, with certain qualifications and exceptions, see section 1151(k) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 79 of this title.

Amendment by section 1879(d)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1985, see section 1(g)(2) of Pub. L. 98–611, set out as an Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note under section 127 of this title.

Nonenforcement of Amendment Made by Section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514 for Fiscal Year 1990

No monies appropriated by Pub. L. 101–136 to be used to implement or enforce section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514 or the amendments made by such section, see section 528 of Pub. L. 101–136, set out as a note under section 89 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 7603 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 78 / Section 7603: Service of summons
Service of summons
Status: in_force

(a) In general

A summons issued under section 6420(e)(2), 6421(g)(2), 6427(j)(2), or 7602 shall be served by the Secretary, by an attested copy delivered in hand to the person to whom it is directed, or left at his last and usual place of abode; and the certificate of service signed by the person serving the summons shall be evidence of the facts it states on the hearing of an application for the enforcement of the summons. When the summons requires the production of books, papers, records, or other data, it shall be sufficient if such books, papers, records, or other data are described with reasonable certainty.

(b) Service by mail to third-party recordkeepers

(1) In general

A summons referred to in subsection (a) for the production of books, papers, records, or other data by a third-party recordkeeper may also be served by certified or registered mail to the last known address of such recordkeeper.

(2) Third-party recordkeeper

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "third-party recordkeeper" means—

(A) any mutual savings bank, cooperative bank, domestic building and loan association, or other savings institution chartered and supervised as a savings and loan or similar association under Federal or State law, any bank (as defined in section 581), or any credit union (within the meaning of section 501(c)(14)(A)),

(B) any consumer reporting agency (as defined under section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(f))),

(C) any person extending credit through the use of credit cards or similar devices,

(D) any broker (as defined in section 3(a)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(4))),

(E) any attorney,

(F) any accountant,

(G) any barter exchange (as defined in section 6045(c)(3)),

(H) any regulated investment company (as defined in section 851) and any agent of such regulated investment company when acting as an agent thereof,

(I) any enrolled agent, and

(J) any owner or developer of a computer software source code (as defined in section 7612(d)(2)).

Subparagraph (J) shall apply only with respect to a summons requiring the production of the source code referred to in subparagraph (J) or the program and data described in section 7612(b)(1)(A)(ii) to which such source code relates.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 902; Apr. 2, 1956, ch. 160, §4(i), 70 Stat. 91; June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §208(d)(4), 70 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 89–44, title II, §202(c)(4), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §207(d)(9), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 249; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 94–530, §1(c)(6), Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2488; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §505(c)(5), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2760; Pub. L. 96–223, title II, §232(d)(4)(E), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 278; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §515(b)(12), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2182; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §911(d)(2)(G), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1007; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVII, §1703(e)(2)(G), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2778; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1017(c)(9), (12), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3576, 3577; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§3413(c), 3416(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 754, 756; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §319(26)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–648.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (b)(2)(A) to (G). Pub. L. 106–554 substituted a comma for semicolon at end.

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–206, §3416(a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–206, §3416(a), added subsec. (b).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–206, §3413(c), added subpar. (J) and concluding provisions.

1988—Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(12), made technical correction to language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(e)(2)(G), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(9), substituted "6421(g)(2)" for "6421(f)(2)".

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(12), substituted "6427(j)(2)" for "6427(i)(2)".

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 substituted "6427(i)(2)" for "6427(h)(2)".

1983—Pub. L. 97–424 struck out "6424(d)(2)," after "6421(f)(2),".

1980—Pub. L. 96–223 substituted "6427(h)(2)" for "6427(g)(2)".

1978—Pub. L. 95–599 substituted "6427(g)(2)" for "6427(f)(2)".

1976—Pub. L. 94–530 substituted "6427(f)(2)" for "6427(e)(2)".

Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

1970—Pub. L. 91–258 inserted reference to section 6427(e)(2).

1965—Pub. L. 89–44 inserted reference to section 6424(d)(2).

1956—Act June 29, 1956, inserted reference to section 6421(f)(2).

Act Apr. 2, 1956, inserted reference to section 6420(e)(2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 3413(c) of Pub. L. 105–206 applicable to summonses issued, and software acquired, after July 22, 1998, see section 3413(e)(1) of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7612 of this title.

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §3416(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 757, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to summonses served after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to gasoline removed (as defined in section 4082 of this title as amended by section 1703 of Pub. L. 99–514) after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 1703(h) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 4081 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Aug. 1, 1984, see section 911(e) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–424 applicable with respect to articles sold after Jan. 6, 1983, see section 515(c) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–223 effective Jan. 1, 1979, see section 232(h)(2) of Pub. L. 96–223, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–599 effective Jan. 1, 1979, see section 505(d) of Pub. L. 95–599, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–530 effective Oct. 1, 1976, see section 1(d) of Pub. L. 94–530, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–258 effective July 1, 1970, see section 211(a) of Pub. L. 91–258, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–44 effective Jan. 1, 1966, see section 701(a)(1), (2), of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 4161 of this title.

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Amendment by act June 29, 1956, effective June 29, 1956, see section 211 of act June 29, 1956, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 304 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Subchapter C / Section 304: Redemption through use of related corporations
Redemption through use of related corporations
Status: in_force

(a) Treatment of certain stock purchases

(1) Acquisition by related corporation (other than subsidiary)

For purposes of sections 302 and 303, if—

(A) one or more persons are in control of each of two corporations, and

(B) in return for property, one of the corporations acquires stock in the other corporation from the person (or persons) so in control,

then (unless paragraph (2) applies) such property shall be treated as a distribution in redemption of the stock of the corporation acquiring such stock. To the extent that such distribution is treated as a distribution to which section 301 applies, the transferor and the acquiring corporation shall be treated in the same manner as if the transferor had transferred the stock so acquired to the acquiring corporation in exchange for stock of the acquiring corporation in a transaction to which section 351(a) applies, and then the acquiring corporation had redeemed the stock it was treated as issuing in such transaction.

(2) Acquisition by subsidiary

For purposes of sections 302 and 303, if—

(A) in return for property, one corporation acquires from a shareholder of another corporation stock in such other corporation, and

(B) the issuing corporation controls the acquiring corporation,

then such property shall be treated as a distribution in redemption of the stock of the issuing corporation.

(b) Special rules for application of subsection (a)

(1) Rules for determinations under section 302(b)

In the case of any acquisition of stock to which subsection (a) of this section applies, determinations as to whether the acquisition is, by reason of section 302(b), to be treated as a distribution in part or full payment in exchange for the stock shall be made by reference to the stock of the issuing corporation. In applying section 318(a) (relating to constructive ownership of stock) with respect to section 302(b) for purposes of this paragraph, sections 318(a)(2)(C) and 318(a)(3)(C) shall be applied without regard to the 50 percent limitation contained therein.

(2) Amount constituting dividend

In the case of any acquisition of stock to which subsection (a) applies, the determination of the amount which is a dividend (and the source thereof) shall be made as if the property were distributed—

(A) by the acquiring corporation to the extent of its earnings and profits, and

(B) then by the issuing corporation to the extent of its earnings and profits.

(3) Coordination with section 351

(A) Property treated as received in redemption

Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, subsection (a) (and not section 351 and not so much of sections 357 and 358 as relates to section 351) shall apply to any property received in a distribution described in subsection (a).

(B) Certain assumptions of liability, etc.

(i) In general

In the case of an acquisition described in section 351, subsection (a) shall not apply to any liability—

(I) assumed by the acquiring corporation, or

(II) to which the stock is subject,

 if such liability was incurred by the transferor to acquire the stock. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "stock" means stock referred to in paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(A) of subsection (a).

(ii) Extension of obligations, etc.

For purposes of clause (i), an extension, renewal, or refinancing of a liability which meets the requirements of clause (i) shall be treated as meeting such requirements.

(iii) Clause (i) does not apply to stock acquired from related person except where complete termination

Clause (i) shall apply only to stock acquired by the transferor from a person—

(I) none of whose stock is attributable to the transferor under section 318(a) (other than paragraph (4) thereof), or

(II) who satisfies rules similar to the rules of section 302(c)(2) with respect to both the acquiring and the issuing corporations (determined as if such person were a distributee of each such corporation).

(C) Distributions incident to formation of bank holding companies

If—

(i) pursuant to a plan, control of a bank is acquired and within 2 years after the date on which such control is acquired, stock constituting control of such bank is transferred to a BHC in connection with its formation,

(ii) incident to the formation of the BHC there is a distribution of property described in subsection (a), and

(iii) the shareholders of the BHC who receive distributions of such property do not have control of such BHC,

then, subsection (a) shall not apply to any securities received by a qualified minority shareholder incident to the formation of such BHC. For purposes of this subparagraph, any assumption of (or acquisition of stock subject to) a liability under subparagraph (B) shall not be treated as a distribution of property.

(D) Definitions

For purposes of subparagraph (C) and this subparagraph—

(i) Qualified minority shareholder

The term "qualified minority shareholder" means any shareholder who owns less than 10 percent (in value) of the stock of the BHC. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the rules of paragraph (3) of subsection (c) shall apply.

(ii) BHC

The term "BHC" means a bank holding company (within the meaning of section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956).

(4) Treatment of certain intragroup transactions

(A) In general

In the case of any transfer described in subsection (a) of stock from 1 member of an affiliated group to another member of such group, proper adjustments shall be made to—

(i) the adjusted basis of any intragroup stock, and

(ii) the earnings and profits of any member of such group,

to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(B) Definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Affiliated group

The term "affiliated group" has the meaning given such term by section 1504(a).

(ii) Intragroup stock

The term "intragroup stock" means any stock which—

(I) is in a corporation which is a member of an affiliated group, and

(II) is held by another member of such group.

(5) Acquisitions by foreign corporations

(A) In general

In the case of any acquisition to which subsection (a) applies in which the acquiring corporation is a foreign corporation, the only earnings and profits taken into account under paragraph (2)(A) shall be those earnings and profits—

(i) which are attributable (under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) to stock of the acquiring corporation owned (within the meaning of section 958(a)) by a corporation or individual which is—

(I) a United States shareholder (within the meaning of section 951(b)) of the acquiring corporation, and

(II) the transferor or a person who bears a relationship to the transferor described in section 267(b) or 707(b), and

(ii) which were accumulated during the period or periods such stock was owned by such person while the acquiring corporation was a controlled foreign corporation.

(B) Special rule in case of foreign acquiring corporation

In the case of any acquisition to which subsection (a) applies in which the acquiring corporation is a foreign corporation, no earnings and profits shall be taken into account under paragraph (2)(A) (and subparagraph (A) shall not apply) if more than 50 percent of the dividends arising from such acquisition (determined without regard to this subparagraph) would neither—

(i) be subject to tax under this chapter for the taxable year in which the dividends arise, nor

(ii) be includible in the earnings and profits of a controlled foreign corporation (as defined in section 957 and without regard to section 953(c)).

(C) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are appropriate to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.

(6) Avoidance of multiple inclusions, etc.

In the case of any acquisition to which subsection (a) applies in which the acquiring corporation or the issuing corporation is a foreign corporation, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are appropriate in order to eliminate a multiple inclusion of any item in income by reason of this subpart and to provide appropriate basis adjustments (including modifications to the application of sections 959 and 961).

(c) Control

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, control means the ownership of stock possessing at least 50 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or at least 50 percent of the total value of shares of all classes of stock. If a person (or persons) is in control (within the meaning of the preceding sentence) of a corporation which in turn owns at least 50 percent of the total combined voting power of all stock entitled to vote of another corporation, or owns at least 50 percent of the total value of the shares of all classes of stock of another corporation, then such person (or persons) shall be treated as in control of such other corporation.

(2) Stock acquired in the transaction

For purposes of subsection (a)(1)—

(A) General rule

Where 1 or more persons in control of the issuing corporation transfer stock of such corporation in exchange for stock of the acquiring corporation, the stock of the acquiring corporation received shall be taken into account in determining whether such person or persons are in control of the acquiring corporation.

(B) Definition of control group

Where 2 or more persons in control of the issuing corporation transfer stock of such corporation to the acquiring corporation and, after the transfer, the transferors are in control of the acquiring corporation, the person or persons in control of each corporation shall include each of the persons who so transfer stock.

(3) Constructive ownership

(A) In general

Section 318(a) (relating to constructive ownership of stock) shall apply for purposes of determining control under this section.

(B) Modification of 50-percent limitations in section 318

For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

(i) paragraph (2)(C) of section 318(a) shall be applied by substituting "5 percent" for "50 percent", and

(ii) paragraph (3)(C) of section 318(a) shall be applied—

(I) by substituting "5 percent" for "50 percent", and

(II) in any case where such paragraph would not apply but for subclause (I), by considering a corporation as owning the stock (other than stock in such corporation) owned by or for any shareholder of such corporation in that proportion which the value of the stock which such shareholder owned in such corporation bears to the value of all stock in such corporation.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 89; Pub. L. 88–554, §4(b)(1), Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 763; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §226(a)(1)(A), (2), (3), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 490, 491; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §712(l)(1)–(5)(A), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 953, 954; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1875(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2894; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10223(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–411; Pub. L. 100–647, title II, §2004(k)(2), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3605; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1013(a), (c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 918; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6010(d), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 111–226, title II, §215(a), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2399; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(48), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4045.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(D)(ii), is classified to section 1841(a) of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(48)(B), struck out "and special rule" after "Definitions" in heading.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 113–295, §221(a)(48)(A), struck out cl. (iii). Text read as follows: "In the case of a BHC which is formed before 1985, clause (i) of subparagraph (C) shall not apply."

2010—Subsec. (b)(5)(B), (C). Pub. L. 111–226 added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).

1998—Subsec. (b)(5)(B), (C). Pub. L. 105–206, §6010(d)(1), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out heading and text of former subpar. (B). Text read as follows: "For purposes of subparagraph (A), the rules of section 1248(d) shall apply except to the extent otherwise provided by the Secretary."

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–206, §6010(d)(2), added par. (6).

1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, §1013(a), amended last sentence generally. Prior to amendment, last sentence read as follows: "To the extent that such distribution is treated as a distribution to which section 301 applies, the stock so acquired shall be treated as having been transferred by the person from whom acquired, and as having been received by the corporation acquiring it, as a contribution to the capital of such corporation."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 105–34, §1013(c), added par. (5).

1988—Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 100–647 substituted "stock from 1 member" for "stock of 1 member".

1987—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 100–203 added par. (4).

1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "To the extent that such distribution is treated as a distribution to which section 301 applies" for "In any such case" in last sentence.

1984—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(1), consolidated former subpars. "(A) Where subsection (a)(1) applies" and "(B) Where subsection (a)(2) applies" in one paragraph, inserted provision respecting source of dividend, and incorporated in cls. (A) and (B) former subpar. (A) and (B) provisions which had required determination of amount which is a dividend to be made by reference to earnings and profits of the acquiring corporation and as if the property were distributed by the acquiring corporation to the issuing corporation and immediately thereafter distributed by the issuing corporation.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(2), substituted "section 351 and not so much of sections 357 and 358 as relates to section 351" for "part III".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(3)(A)(i), substituted "In the case of an acquisition described in section 351, subsection (a)" for "Subsection (a)".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(3)(B), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(4), inserted following cl. (iii) "For purposes of this subparagraph, any assumption of (or acquisition of stock subject to) a liability under subparagraph (B) shall not be treated as a distribution of property."

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 98–369, §712(l)(5)(A), designated existing first sentence as subpar. "(A) In general" and substituted subpar. (B) for former second sentence which read "For purposes of the preceding sentence, sections 318(a)(2)(C) and 318(a)(3)(C) shall be applied without regard to the 50 percent limitation contained therein."

1982—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–248, §226(a)(3), substituted "as if the property were distributed by the issuing corporation to the acquiring corporation and immediately thereafter distributed by the acquiring corporation" for "soley by reference to the earnings and profits of the acquiring corporation" after "dividend shall be made".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 97–248, §226(a)(1)(A), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c)(2), (3). Pub. L. 97–248, §226(a)(2), added par. (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3) and substituted "this section" for "paragraph (1)" after "determining control under".

1964—Subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(2). Pub. L. 88–554 inserted reference to section 318(a)(3)(C) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–226, title II, §215(b), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2400, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to acquisitions after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2010]."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–206 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title I, §1013(d), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 918, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1059 of this title] shall apply to distributions and acquisitions after June 8, 1997.

"(2) Transition rule.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any distribution or acquisition after June 8, 1997, if such distribution or acquisition is—

"(A) made pursuant to a written agreement which was binding on such date and at all times thereafter,

"(B) described in a ruling request submitted to the Internal Revenue Service on or before such date, or

"(C) described in a public announcement or filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before such date."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Revenue Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, title X, to which such amendment relates, see section 2004(u) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10223(d), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–412, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, title II, §2004(k)(3), (4), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3605, 3606, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 337 and 355 of this title] shall apply to distributions or transfers after December 15, 1987.

"(2) Exceptions.—

"(A) Distributions.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any distribution after December 15, 1987, and before January 1, 1993, if—

"(i) 80 percent or more of the stock of the distributing corporation was acquired by the distributee before December 15, 1987, or

"(ii) 80 percent or more of the stock of the distributing corporation was acquired by the distributee before January 1, 1989, pursuant to a binding written contract or tender offer in effect on December 15, 1987.

For purposes of the preceding sentence, stock described in section 1504(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not be taken into account.

"(B) Section 304 transfers.—The amendment made by subsection (c) [amending this section] shall not apply to any transfer after December 15, 1987, and on or before March 31, 1988, if such transfer is—

"(i) between corporations which are members of the same affiliated group on December 15, 1987, or

"(ii) between corporations which become members of the same affiliated group pursuant to a binding written contract or tender offer in effect on December 15, 1987.

"(C) Distributions covered by prior transition rule.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any distribution to which the amendments made by subtitle D of title VI of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 [sections 631 to 634 of Pub. L. 99–514, see Tables for classification] do not apply.

"(D) Treatment of certain members of affiliated group.—

"(i) In general.—For purposes of subparagraph (A), all corporations which were in existence on the designated date and were members of the same affiliated group which included the distributees on such date shall be treated as 1 distributee.

"(ii) Limitation to stock held on designated date.—Clause (i) shall not exempt any distribution from the amendments made by this section if such distribution is with respect to stock not held by the distributee (determined without regard to clause (i)) on the designated date directly or indirectly through a corporation which goes out of existence in the transaction.

"(iii) Designated date.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term 'designated date' means the later of—

"(I) December 15, 1987, or

"(II) the date on which the acquisition meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) occurred."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §712(l)(7), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 954, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(A) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (3) [amending this section] shall apply to stock acquired after June 18, 1984, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(B) Election by taxpayer to have amendments apply earlier.—Any taxpayer may elect, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may prescribe, to have the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (3) apply as if included in section 226 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 [section 226 of Pub. L. 97–248, which amended this section and section 306 of this title and enacted Effective Date of 1982 Amendment note set out below].

"(C) Special rule for certain transfers to form bank holding company.—Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (3) shall not apply to transfers pursuant to an application to form a BHC (as defined in section 304(b)(3)(D)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954]) filed with the Federal Reserve Board before June 18, 1984, if—

"(i) such BHC was formed not later than the 90th day after the date of the last required approval of any regulatory authority to form such BHC, and

"(ii) such BHC did not elect (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall prescribe) not to have the provisions of this subparagraph apply.

"(D) Amendments to apply to certain liabilities incurred before october 20, 1983.—The amendment made by paragraph (3)(A) shall apply to the acquisition of any stock to the extent the liability assumed, or to which such stock is subject, was incurred by the transferor after October 20, 1983."

Amendment by section 712(l)(2), (4), (5)(A) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §226(c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 492, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 306 and 351 of this title] shall apply to transfers occurring after August 31, 1982, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(2) Approval by federal reserve board.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to transfers pursuant to an application to form a BHC filed with the Federal Reserve Board before August 16, 1982, if the BHC was formed not later than the later of—

"(A) the 90th day after the date of the last required approval of any regulatory authority to form such BHC, or

"(B) January 1, 1983.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'BHC' means a bank holding company (within the meaning of section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [section 1841(a) of Title 12, Banks and Banking])."

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 88–554 effective Aug. 31, 1964, except that for purposes of this section and section 302 of this title, such amendments shall not apply to distributions in payment for stock acquisitions or redemptions, if such acquisition or redemption occurred before Aug. 31, 1964, see section 4(c) of Pub. L. 88–554, set out as a note under section 318 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 543 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 543: Personal holding company income
Personal holding company income
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

For purposes of this subtitle, the term "personal holding company income" means the portion of the adjusted ordinary gross income which consists of:

(1) Dividends, etc.

Dividends, interest, royalties (other than mineral, oil, or gas royalties or copyright royalties), and annuities. This paragraph shall not apply to—

(A) interest constituting rent (as defined in subsection (b)(3)),

(B) interest on amounts set aside in a reserve fund under chapter 533 or 535 of title 46, United States Code,

(C) dividends received by a United States shareholder (as defined in section 951(b)) from a controlled foreign corporation (as defined in section 957(a)),

(D) active business computer software royalties (within the meaning of subsection (d)), and

(E) interest received by a broker or dealer (within the meaning of section 3(a)(4) or (5) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) in connection with—

(i) any securities or money market instruments held as property described in section 1221(a)(1),

(ii) margin accounts, or

(iii) any financing for a customer secured by securities or money market instruments.

(2) Rents

The adjusted income from rents; except that such adjusted income shall not be included if—

(A) such adjusted income constitutes 50 percent or more of the adjusted ordinary gross income, and

(B) the sum of—

(i) the dividends paid during the taxable year (determined under section 562),

(ii) the dividends considered as paid on the last day of the taxable year under section 563(c) (as limited by the second sentence of section 563(b)), and

(iii) the consent dividends for the taxable year (determined under section 565),

equals or exceeds the amount, if any, by which the personal holding company income for the taxable year (computed without regard to this paragraph and paragraph (6), and computed by including as personal holding company income copyright royalties and the adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties) exceeds 10 percent of the ordinary gross income.

(3) Mineral, oil, and gas royalties

The adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties; except that such adjusted income shall not be included if—

(A) such adjusted income constitutes 50 percent or more of the adjusted ordinary gross income,

(B) the personal holding company income for the taxable year (computed without regard to this paragraph, and computed by including as personal holding company income copyright royalties and the adjusted income from rents) is not more than 10 percent of the ordinary gross income, and

(C) the sum of the deductions which are allowable under section 162 (relating to trade or business expenses) other than—

(i) deductions for compensation for personal services rendered by the shareholders, and

(ii) deductions which are specifically allowable under sections other than section 162,

equals or exceeds 15 percent of the adjusted ordinary gross income.

(4) Copyright royalties

Copyright royalties; except that copyright royalties shall not be included if—

(A) such royalties (exclusive of royalties received for the use of, or right to use, copyrights or interests in copyrights on works created in whole, or in part, by any shareholder) constitute 50 percent or more of the ordinary gross income,

(B) the personal holding company income for the taxable year computed—

(i) without regard to copyright royalties, other than royalties received for the use of, or right to use, copyrights or interests in copyrights in works created in whole, or in part, by any shareholder owning more than 10 percent of the total outstanding capital stock of the corporation,

(ii) without regard to dividends from any corporation in which the taxpayer owns at least 50 percent of all classes of stock entitled to vote and at least 50 percent of the total value of all classes of stock and which corporation meets the requirements of this subparagraph and subparagraphs (A) and (C), and

(iii) by including as personal holding company income the adjusted income from rents and the adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties,

is not more than 10 percent of the ordinary gross income, and

(C) the sum of the deductions which are properly allocable to such royalties and which are allowable under section 162, other than—

(i) deductions for compensation for personal services rendered by the shareholders,

(ii) deductions for royalties paid or accrued, and

(iii) deductions which are specifically allowable under sections other than section 162,

equals or exceeds 25 percent of the amount by which the ordinary gross income exceeds the sum of the royalties paid or accrued and the amounts allowable as deductions under section 167 (relating to depreciation) with respect to copyright royalties.

For purposes of this subsection, the term "copyright royalties" means compensation, however designated, for the use of, or the right to use, copyrights in works protected by copyright issued under title 17 of the United States Code and to which copyright protection is also extended by the laws of any country other than the United States of America by virtue of any international treaty, convention, or agreement, or interests in any such copyrighted works, and includes payments from any person for performing rights in any such copyrighted work and payments (other than produced film rents as defined in paragraph (5)(B)) received for the use of, or right to use, films. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "shareholder" shall include any person who owns stock within the meaning of section 544. This paragraph shall not apply to active business computer software royalties.

(5) Produced film rents

(A) Produced film rents; except that such rents shall not be included if such rents constitute 50 percent or more of the ordinary gross income.

(B) For purposes of this section, the term "produced film rents" means payments received with respect to an interest in a film for the use of, or right to use, such film, but only to the extent that such interest was acquired before substantial completion of production of such film. In the case of a producer who actively participates in the production of the film, such term includes an interest in the proceeds or profits from the film, but only to the extent such interest is attributable to such active participation.

(6) Use of corporate property by shareholder

(A) Amounts received as compensation (however designated and from whomever received) for the use of, or the right to use, tangible property of the corporation in any case where, at any time during the taxable year, 25 percent or more in value of the outstanding stock of the corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for an individual entitled to the use of the property (whether such right is obtained directly from the corporation or by means of a sublease or other arrangement).

(B) Subparagraph (A) shall apply only to a corporation which has personal holding company income in excess of 10 percent of its ordinary gross income.

(C) For purposes of the limitation in subparagraph (B), personal holding company income shall be computed—

(i) without regard to subparagraph (A) or paragraph (2),

(ii) by excluding amounts received as compensation for the use of (or right to use) intangible property (other than mineral, oil, or gas royalties or copyright royalties) if a substantial part of the tangible property used in connection with such intangible property is owned by the corporation and all such tangible and intangible property is used in the active conduct of a trade or business by an individual or individuals described in subparagraph (A), and

(iii) by including copyright royalties and adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties.

(7) Personal service contracts

(A) Amounts received under a contract under which the corporation is to furnish personal services; if some person other than the corporation has the right to designate (by name or by description) the individual who is to perform the services, or if the individual who is to perform the services is designated (by name or by description) in the contract; and

(B) amounts received from the sale or other disposition of such a contract.

This paragraph shall apply with respect to amounts received for services under a particular contract only if at some time during the taxable year 25 percent or more in value of the outstanding stock of the corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for the individual who has performed, is to perform, or may be designated (by name or by description) as the one to perform, such services.

(8) Estates and trusts

Amounts includible in computing the taxable income of the corporation under part I of subchapter J (sec. 641 and following, relating to estates, trusts, and beneficiaries).

(b) Definitions

For purposes of this part—

(1) Ordinary gross income

The term "ordinary gross income" means the gross income determined by excluding—

(A) all gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets, and

(B) all gains (other than those referred to in subparagraph (A)) from the sale or other disposition of property described in section 1231(b).

(2) Adjusted ordinary gross income

The term "adjusted ordinary gross income" means the ordinary gross income adjusted as follows:

(A) Rents

From the gross income from rents (as defined in the second sentence of paragraph (3) of this subsection) subtract the amount allowable as deductions for—

(i) exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, and amortization of property other than tangible personal property which is not customarily retained by any one lessee for more than three years,

(ii) property taxes,

(iii) interest, and

(iv) rent,

to the extent allocable, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to such gross income from rents. The amount subtracted under this subparagraph shall not exceed such gross income from rents.

(B) Mineral royalties, etc.

From the gross income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties described in paragraph (4), and from the gross income from working interests in an oil or gas well, subtract the amount allowable as deductions for—

(i) exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, amortization, and depletion,

(ii) property and severance taxes,

(iii) interest, and

(iv) rent,

to the extent allocable, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to such gross income from royalties or such gross income from working interests in oil or gas wells. The amount subtracted under this subparagraph with respect to royalties shall not exceed the gross income from such royalties, and the amount subtracted under this subparagraph with respect to working interests shall not exceed the gross income from such working interests.

(C) Interest

There shall be excluded—

(i) interest received on a direct obligation of the United States held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of trade or business by a regular dealer who is making a primary market in such obligations, and

(ii) interest on a condemnation award, a judgment, and a tax refund.

(D) Certain excluded rents

From the gross income consisting of compensation described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (3) subtract the amount allowable as deductions for the items described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of subparagraph (A) to the extent allocable, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to such gross income. The amount subtracted under this subparagraph shall not exceed such gross income.

(3) Adjusted income from rents

The term "adjusted income from rents" means the gross income from rents, reduced by the amount subtracted under paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "rents" means compensation, however designated, for the use of, or right to use, property, and the interest on debts owed to the corporation, to the extent such debts represent the price for which real property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of its trade or business was sold or exchanged by the corporation; but such term does not include—

(A) amounts constituting personal holding company income under subsection (a)(6),

(B) copyright royalties (as defined in subsection (a)(4)),

(C) produced film rents (as defined in subsection (a)(5)(B)),

(D) compensation, however designated, for the use of, or the right to use, any tangible personal property manufactured or produced by the taxpayer, if during the taxable year the taxpayer is engaged in substantial manufacturing or production of tangible personal property of the same type, or

(E) active business computer software royalties (as defined in subsection (d)).

(4) Adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties

The term "adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties" means the gross income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties (including production payments and overriding royalties), reduced by the amount subtracted under paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection in respect of such royalties.

(c) Gross income of insurance companies other than life insurance companies

In the case of an insurance company other than a life insurance company, the term "gross income" as used in this part means the gross income, as defined in section 832(b)(1), increased by the amount of losses incurred, as defined in section 832(b)(5), and the amount of expenses incurred, as defined in section 832(b)(6), and decreased by the amount deductible under section 832(c)(7) (relating to tax-free interest).

(d) Active business computer software royalties

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, the term "active business computer software royalties" means any royalties—

(A) received by any corporation during the taxable year in connection with the licensing of computer software, and

(B) with respect to which the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) are met.

(2) Royalties must be received by corporation actively engaged in computer software business

The requirements of this paragraph are met if the royalties described in paragraph (1)—

(A) are received by a corporation engaged in the active conduct of the trade or business of developing, manufacturing, or producing computer software, and

(B) are attributable to computer software which—

(i) is developed, manufactured, or produced by such corporation (or its predecessor) in connection with the trade or business described in subparagraph (A), or

(ii) is directly related to such trade or business.

(3) Royalties must constitute at least 50 percent of income

The requirements of this paragraph are met if the royalties described in paragraph (1) constitute at least 50 percent of the ordinary gross income of the corporation for the taxable year.

(4) Deductions under sections 162 and 174 relating to royalties must equal or exceed 25 percent of ordinary gross income

(A) In general

The requirements of this paragraph are met if—

(i) the sum of the deductions allowable to the corporation under sections 162, 174, and 195 for the taxable year which are properly allocable to the trade or business described in paragraph (2) equals or exceeds 25 percent of the ordinary gross income of such corporation for such taxable year, or

(ii) the average of such deductions for the 5-taxable year period ending with such taxable year equals or exceeds 25 percent of the average ordinary gross income of such corporation for such period.

If a corporation has not been in existence during the 5-taxable year period described in clause (ii), then the period of existence of such corporation shall be substituted for such 5-taxable year period.

(B) Deductions allowable under section 162

For purposes of subparagraph (A), a deduction shall not be treated as allowable under section 162 if it is specifically allowable under another section.

(C) Limitation on allowable deductions

For purposes of subparagraph (A), no deduction shall be taken into account with respect to compensation for personal services rendered by the 5 individual shareholders holding the largest percentage (by value) of the outstanding stock of the corporation. For purposes of the preceding sentence—

(i) individuals holding less than 5 percent (by value) of the stock of such corporation shall not be taken into account, and

(ii) stock deemed to be owned by a shareholder solely by attribution from a partner under section 544(a)(2) shall be disregarded.

(5) Dividends must equal or exceed excess of personal holding company income over 10 percent of ordinary gross income

(A) In general

The requirements of this paragraph are met if the sum of—

(i) the dividends paid during the taxable year (determined under section 562),

(ii) the dividends considered as paid on the last day of the taxable year under section 563(c) (as limited by the second sentence of section 563(b)), and

(iii) the consent dividends for the taxable year (determined under section 565),

equals or exceeds the amount, if any, by which the personal holding company income for the taxable year exceeds 10 percent of the ordinary gross income of such corporation for such taxable year.

(B) Computation of personal holding company income

For purposes of this paragraph, personal holding company income shall be computed—

(i) without regard to amounts described in subsection (a)(1)(C),

(ii) without regard to interest income during any taxable year—

(I) which is in the 5-taxable year period beginning with the later of the 1st taxable year of the corporation or the 1st taxable year in which the corporation conducted the trade or business described in paragraph (2)(A), and

(II) during which the corporation meets the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), and

(iii) by including adjusted income from rents and adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties (within the meaning of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a)).

(6) Special rules for affiliated group members

(A) In general

In any case in which—

(i) the taxpayer receives royalties in connection with the licensing of computer software, and

(ii) another corporation which is a member of the same affiliated group as the taxpayer meets the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) with respect to such computer software,

the taxpayer shall be treated as having met such requirements.

(B) Affiliated group

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "affiliated group" has the meaning given such term by section 1504(a).

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 186; Pub. L. 86–435, §1(a), (b), Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 77; Pub. L. 87–403, §3(c), Feb. 2, 1962, 76 Stat. 6; Pub. L. 88–272, title II, §225(d), (k)(2), Feb. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 81, 93; Pub. L. 88–484, §3(a), Aug. 22, 1964, 78 Stat. 598; Pub. L. 89–809, title I, §104(h)(2), title II, §206(a), (b), Nov. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 1559, 1578, 1579; Pub. L. 94–455, title II, §211(a), title XIX, §§1901(b)(32)(D), 1906(b)(13)(A), title XXI, §2106(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1544, 1800, 1834, 1902; Pub. L. 94–553, §105(d), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2599; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §222(e)(6), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 480; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §712(i)(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, §645(a)(1), (2), (4), title XVIII, §1899A(18), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2289, 2291, 2959; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1010(f)(5), title VI, §6279(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3454, 3754; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(6), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1887; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6023(9), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 825; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §532(c)(2)(E), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1930; Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, §413(c)(8), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1507; Pub. L. 109–304, §17(e)(3), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1708; Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, §207(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4072; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(134), (135), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1190.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3(a)(4) and (5) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(E), is classified to section 78c(a)(4) and (5) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(134), substituted "section 563(c)" for "section 563(d)".

Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(135), substituted "section 563(c)" for "section 563(d)".

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 113–295 added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) and (D) as (D) and (E), respectively.

2006—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted "chapter 533 or 535 of title 46, United States Code" for "section 511 or 607 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. App. 1161 or 1177)".

2004—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–357 inserted "and" at end of subpar. (A), substituted a period for ", and" at end of subpar. (B), and struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "in the case of a foreign corporation all of the outstanding stock of which during the last half of the taxable year is owned by nonresident alien individuals (whether directly or indirectly through foreign estates, foreign trusts, foreign partnerships, or other foreign corporations), all items of income which would, but for this subparagraph, constitute personal holding company income under any paragraph of subsection (a) other than paragraph (7) thereof:".

1999—Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(i). Pub. L. 106–170 substituted "1221(a)(1)" for "1221(1)".

1998—Subsec. (d)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 105–206 substituted "section 563(d)" for "section 563(c)".

1996—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 104–188 substituted "563(d)" for "563(c)".

1988—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 100–647, §6279(a), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–647, §1010(f)(5), substituted "other than life insurance companies" for "other than life or mutual" in heading and "other than a life insurance company" for "other than life or mutual" in text.

1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1899A(18), substituted "46 U.S.C. App." for "46 U.S.C.".

Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, §645(a)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–514, §645(a)(4)(A), inserted "This paragraph shall not apply to active business computer software royalties."

Subsec. (b)(3)(E). Pub. L. 99–514, §645(a)(4)(B), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §645(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

1984—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out subpar. (C) providing for nonapplication of par. (1) to dividends to which section 302(b)(4) would apply if the corporation were an individual.

1982—(a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 97–248 added subpar. (C).

1976—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(b)(32)(D), inserted in subpar. (B) "(46 U.S.C. 1161 or 1177)" after "Merchant Marine Act, 1936", and struck out subpar. (C) relating to a dividend distribution of divested stock.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 94–553 struck out "(other than by reason of section 2 or 6 thereof)" after "title 17 of the United States Code".

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 94–455, §211(a), inserted "In the case of a producer who actually participates in the production of the film, such term includes an interest in the proceeds or profits from the film, but only to the extent such interest is attributable to such active participation".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 94–455, §2106(a), redesignated existing provisions as subpars. (A), (B), and (C) and, as redesignated, inserted in subpar. (A) "tangible" after "right to use" and in subpar. (C) inserted exclusions from income embodied in cl. (ii).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A), (B), (D). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

1966—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 89–809, §206(b)(1), struck out provision that royalties received for the use of, or for the privilege of using, a patent, invention, model, or design, secret formula, process, or other similar property right be treated as rent if such property right is also used by the corporation receiving such royalties in the manufacture or production of tangible personal property held for lease to customers and if the amount constituting rent from such leases to customers meets the requirement of subparagraph (A).

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 89–809, §104(h)(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 89–809, §206(b)(2), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 89–809, §206(a), struck out "amounts constituting personal holding company income under subsection (a)(6), nor copyright royalties (as defined in subsection (a)(4)), nor produced film rents (as defined in subsection (a)(5)(B))." after "but does not include", and added subpars. (A) to (D).

1964—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88–272, §225(d), amended subsec. (a) generally, and among other changes, substituted "adjusted ordinary gross income" for "gross income", provided, relative to rental income, that in addition to the 50-percent test of par. (2)(A), now applied on the basis of adjusted income from rents and adjusted ordinary gross income, a second test for exclusion shall be whether the sum on the dividends paid during the taxable year, the dividends paid on the last day of the year, and the consent dividends for the taxable year, equals or exceeds the amount by which the personal holding company income for the year exceeds 10 percent of the ordinary gross income, relative to mineral, oil, and gas royalties, that in addition to the 50-percent test of par. (3)(A), now applied on the basis of adjusted ordinary gross income, and the 15-percent test of par. (3)(C), from which test have been excluded deductions "specifically allowable under sections other than section 162" and is also now applied on the basis of adjusted gross income, the royalties shall be excluded if the personal holding company income for the taxable year is not more than 10 percent of the ordinary gross income, relative to copyright royalties, retained the 50-percent test as in par. (4)(A), making it applicable to ordinary gross income, included in the computation of the income for the taxable year the adjusted income from rents and the adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties, excluded from the sum of deductions allocable to royalties, deductions specifically allowable under sections other than 162, and changed the requirement that deductions constitute 50 percent or more of gross income to provide that they must equal 25 percent of ordinary gross income reduced by royalties paid and by depreciation deductions with respect to copyrights, relative to produced film rents, that they be treated on their own basis and not as rentals, and defined "produced film rents", relative to use of corporation property by shareholders, that personal holding company income includes copyright royalties and the adjusted income from mineral, oil, and gas royalties, eliminated gains from the sale or other disposition of any interest in an estate or trust, from the sale or exchange of stock or securities, and from futures transactions in any commodity, and also definition of "rents". See subsec. (b)(3).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 88–484 inserted sentence requiring royalties received for the use of, or for the privilege of using, a patent, invention, model, or design (whether or not patented), secret formula or process, or any other similar property right to be treated as rent, if such property right is also used by the corporation receiving such royalties in the manufacture or production of tangible personal property held for lease to customers, and if the amount (computed without regard to this sentence) constituting rent from such leases to customers meets the requirements of subparagraph (A).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88–272, §225(d), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b), which provided that gross income and personal holding company income determined with respect to transactions relating to gains from stock and security transactions, and with respect to transactions relating to gains from commodity transactions, should include only the excess of gains over losses from such transactions, was struck out.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 88–272, §225(k)(2), struck out subsec. (d) which related to special adjustment on disposition of antitrust stock received as a dividend.

1962—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 87–403 prescribed conditions making inapplicable the provisions of the paragraph to dividend distribution of divested stock.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–403 added subsec. (d).

1960—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 86–435, §1(b)(1), excluded copyright royalties.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 86–435, §1(b)(2), inserted sentence providing that copyright royalties constitute personal holding company income.

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 86–435, §1(a), added par. (9).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, §207(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4072, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [probably means this section, section 207 of title II of div. B of Pub. L. 113–295, which amended this section] shall apply to taxable years ending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014]."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end, see section 413(d)(1) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2004 Amendments note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–170 applicable to any instrument held, acquired, or entered into, any transaction entered into, and supplies held or acquired on or after Dec. 17, 1999, see section 532(d) of Pub. L. 106–170, set out as a note under section 170 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by section 1010(f)(5) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6279(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3754, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to interest received after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988], in taxable years ending after such date."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, §645(e), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2292, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 553 of this title] shall apply to royalties received before, on, and after December 31, 1986."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to distributions after Aug. 31, 1982, with exceptions for certain partial liquidations, see section 222(f) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 302 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–553 effective Jan. 1, 1978, see section 102 of Pub. L. 94–553, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 17, Copyrights.

Pub. L. 94–455, title II, §211(b), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1545, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending on or after December 31, 1975."

Amendment by section 1901(b)(32)(D) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1901(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Pub. L. 94–455, title XXI, §2106(b), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1903, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976."

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by section 104(h)(2) of Pub. L. 89–809 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1966, see section 104(n) of Pub. L. 89–809, set out as a note under section 11 of this title.

Pub. L. 89–809, title II, §206(c), Nov. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 1579, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 13, 1966]. Such amendments shall also apply, at the election of the taxpayer (made at such time and in such manner as the Secretary or his delegate may prescribe), to taxable years beginning on or before such date and ending after December 31, 1965."

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–484, §3(b), Aug. 22, 1964, 78 Stat. 598, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1963."

Amendment by Pub. L. 88–272 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1963, see section 225(l) of Pub. L. 88–272, set out as a note under section 316 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–403 applicable only with respect to distributions made after Feb. 2, 1962, see section 3(g) of Pub. L. 87–403, set out as a note under section 312 of this title.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–435, §2, Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 78, provided that: "The amendments made by the first section of this Act [amending this section and sections 544 and 553 of this title] shall apply only with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1959."

Treatment of Certain Bank Holding Companies

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6280, Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3754, provided that:

"(a) General Rule.—For purposes of subtitle A of the 1986 Code, the term 'personal holding company income' shall not include any dividend received by a qualified bank holding company from a 25-percent owned bank during any taxable year ending in 1989 or 1990.

"(b) $3,000,000 Limitation.—The aggregate amount excluded from the personal holding company income of any qualified bank holding company under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed $3,000,000.

"(c) Qualified Bank Holding Company.—For purposes of this section, the term 'qualified bank holding company' means any bank holding company (as defined in section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841(a)]) if 80 percent or more (by value) of the assets of such company at all times during the taxable year consist of stock in 1 or more 25-percent owned banks.

"(d) 25-Percent Owned Bank.—For purposes of this section, the term '25-percent owned bank' means any bank (as defined in section 581 of the 1986 Code) if at least 25 percent of the stock of such bank (by vote and value) is owned by the bank holding company."

Special Rules for Broker-Dealers, Royalties Received by Qualified Taxpayer, and Treatment of Active Business Computer Royalties for S Corporation Purposes

Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, §645(b)–(d), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2292, provided that:

"(b) Special Rules for Broker-Dealers.—In the case of a broker-dealer which is part of an affiliated group which files a consolidated Federal income tax return, the common parent of which was incorporated in Nevada on January 27, 1972, the personal holding company income (within the meaning of section 543 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of such broker-dealer, shall not include any interest received after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986] with respect to—

"(1) any securities or money market instruments held as inventory,

"(2) margin accounts, or

"(3) any financing for a customer secured by securities or money market instruments.

"(c) Special Rule for Royalties Received by Qualified Taxpayer.—

"(1) In general.—Any qualified royalty received or accrued in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1981, by a qualified taxpayer shall be treated in the same manner as a royalty with respect to software is treated under the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 553 of this title].

"(2) Qualified taxpayer.—For purposes of this subsection, a qualified taxpayer is any taxpayer incorporated on September 7, 1978, which is engaged in the trade or business of manufacturing dolls and accessories.

"(3) Qualified royalty.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'qualified royalty' means any royalty arising from an agreement entered into in 1982 which permits the licensee to manufacture and sell dolls and accessories.

"(d) Special Rule for Treatment of Active Business Computer Royalties for S Corporation Purposes.—In the case of a taxpayer which was incorporated on May 3, 1977, in California and which elected to be taxed as an S corporation for its taxable year ending on December 31, 1985, any active business computer royalties (within the meaning of section 543(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as added by this Act) which are received by the taxpayer in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984, shall not be treated as passive investment income (within the meaning of section 1362(d)(3)(D) [now section 1362(d)(3)(C)]) for purposes of subchapter S of chapter 1 of such Code."

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§1800–1899A] of Pub. L. 99–514 require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1989, see section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 9802 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 100 / Section 9802: Prohibiting discrimination against individual participants and beneficiaries based on health status
Prohibiting discrimination against individual participants and beneficiaries based on health status
Status: in_force

(a) In eligibility to enroll

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), a group health plan may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan based on any of the following factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual:

(A) Health status.

(B) Medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses).

(C) Claims experience.

(D) Receipt of health care.

(E) Medical history.

(F) Genetic information.

(G) Evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence).

(H) Disability.

(2) No application to benefits or exclusions

To the extent consistent with section 9801, paragraph (1) shall not be construed—

(A) to require a group health plan to provide particular benefits (or benefits with respect to a specific procedure, treatment, or service) other than those provided under the terms of such plan; or

(B) to prevent such a plan from establishing limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits or coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan or coverage.

(3) Construction

For purposes of paragraph (1), rules for eligibility to enroll under a plan include rules defining any applicable waiting periods for such enrollment.

(b) In premium contributions

(1) In general

A group health plan may not require any individual (as a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment under the plan) to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than such premium or contribution for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of any factor described in subsection (a)(1) in relation to the individual or to an individual enrolled under the plan as a dependent of the individual.

(2) Construction

Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed—

(A) to restrict the amount that an employer may be charged for coverage under a group health plan except as provided in paragraph (3); or

(B) to prevent a group health plan from establishing premium discounts or rebates or modifying otherwise applicable copayments or deductibles in return for adherence to programs of health promotion and disease prevention.

(3) No group-based discrimination on basis of genetic information

(A) In general

For purposes of this section, a group health plan may not adjust premium or contribution amounts for the group covered under such plan on the basis of genetic information.

(B) Rule of construction

Nothing in subparagraph (A) or in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (d) shall be construed to limit the ability of a group health plan to increase the premium for an employer based on the manifestation of a disease or disorder of an individual who is enrolled in the plan. In such case, the manifestation of a disease or disorder in one individual cannot also be used as genetic information about other group members and to further increase the premium for the employer.

(c) Genetic testing

(1) Limitation on requesting or requiring genetic testing

A group health plan may not request or require an individual or a family member of such individual to undergo a genetic test.

(2) Rule of construction

Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to limit the authority of a health care professional who is providing health care services to an individual to request that such individual undergo a genetic test.

(3) Rule of construction regarding payment

(A) In general

Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to preclude a group health plan from obtaining and using the results of a genetic test in making a determination regarding payment (as such term is defined for the purposes of applying the regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under part C of title XI of the Social Security Act and section 264 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as may be revised from time to time) consistent with subsection (a).

(B) Limitation

For purposes of subparagraph (A), a group health plan may request only the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.

(4) Research exception

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a group health plan may request, but not require, that a participant or beneficiary undergo a genetic test if each of the following conditions is met:

(A) The request is made pursuant to research that complies with part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, or equivalent Federal regulations, and any applicable State or local law or regulations for the protection of human subjects in research.

(B) The plan clearly indicates to each participant or beneficiary, or in the case of a minor child, to the legal guardian of such beneficiary, to whom the request is made that—

(i) compliance with the request is voluntary; and

(ii) non-compliance will have no effect on enrollment status or premium or contribution amounts.

(C) No genetic information collected or acquired under this paragraph shall be used for underwriting purposes.

(D) The plan notifies the Secretary in writing that the plan is conducting activities pursuant to the exception provided for under this paragraph, including a description of the activities conducted.

(E) The plan complies with such other conditions as the Secretary may by regulation require for activities conducted under this paragraph.

(d) Prohibition on collection of genetic information

(1) In general

A group health plan shall not request, require, or purchase genetic information for underwriting purposes (as defined in section 9832).

(2) Prohibition on collection of genetic information prior to enrollment

A group health plan shall not request, require, or purchase genetic information with respect to any individual prior to such individual's enrollment under the plan or in connection with such enrollment.

(3) Incidental collection

If a group health plan obtains genetic information incidental to the requesting, requiring, or purchasing of other information concerning any individual, such request, requirement, or purchase shall not be considered a violation of paragraph (2) if such request, requirement, or purchase is not in violation of paragraph (1).

(e) Application to all plans

The provisions of subsections (a)(1)(F), (b)(3), (c), and (d) and subsection (b)(1) and section 9801 with respect to genetic information, shall apply to group health plans without regard to section 9831(a)(2).

(f) Special rules for church plans

A church plan (as defined in section 414(e)) shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this section solely because such plan requires evidence of good health for coverage of—

(1) both any employee of an employer with 10 or less employees (determined without regard to section 414(e)(3)(C)) and any self-employed individual, or

(2) any individual who enrolls after the first 90 days of initial eligibility under the plan.

This subsection shall apply to a plan for any year only if the plan included the provisions described in the preceding sentence on July 15, 1997, and at all times thereafter before the beginning of such year.

(g) Genetic information of a fetus or embryo

Any reference in this chapter to genetic information concerning an individual or family member of an individual shall—

(1) with respect to such an individual or family member of an individual who is a pregnant woman, include genetic information of any fetus carried by such pregnant woman; and

(2) with respect to an individual or family member utilizing an assisted reproductive technology, include genetic information of any embryo legally held by the individual or family member.

(Added Pub. L. 104–191, title IV, §401(a), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2078; amended Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1532(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1085; Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §103(a)–(c), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 896, 897; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §220(aa), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4037.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(3)(A), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part C of title XI of the Act is classified generally to part C (§1320d et seq.) of subchapter XI of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 264 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (c)(3)(A), is section 264 of Pub. L. 104–191, which is set out as a note under section 1320d–2 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2014—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 113–295 redesignated subsec. (f) relating to genetic information of a fetus or embryo as (g).

2008—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–233, §103(a)(1), inserted "except as provided in paragraph (3)" before semicolon.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–233, §103(a)(2), added par. (3).

Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 110–233, §103(b), added subsecs. (c) to (e). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (f) relating to special rules for church plans.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–233, §103(c), added subsec. (f) relating to genetic information of a fetus or embryo.

Pub. L. 110–233, §103(b), redesignated subsec. (c) as (f) relating to special rules for church plans.

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–34 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §103(f)(2), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 899, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 9834 of this title and amending this section and section 9832 of this title] shall apply with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 21, 2008]."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1532(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1085, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 401(a) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–191]."

Regulations

Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §103(f)(1), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 899, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue final regulations or other guidance not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 21, 2008] to carry out the amendments made by this section [enacting section 9834 of this title and amending this section and section 9832 of this title]."

Effective Date

Section applicable to plan years beginning after June 30, 1997, see section 401(c) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as a note under section 9801 of this title.