26 U.S.C. § 6050H (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 61 / Section 6050H: Returns relating to mortgage interest received in trade or business from individuals
Returns relating to mortgage interest received in trade or business from individuals
Status: in_force

(a) Mortgage interest of $600 or more

Any person—

(1) who is engaged in a trade or business, and

(2) who, in the course of such trade or business, receives from any individual interest aggregating $600 or more for any calendar year on any mortgage,

shall make the return described in subsection (b) with respect to each individual from whom such interest was received at such time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(b) Form and manner of returns

A return is described in this subsection if such return—

(1) is in such form as the Secretary may prescribe,

(2) contains—

(A) the name and address of the individual from whom the interest described in subsection (a)(2) was received,

(B) the amount of such interest (other than points) received for the calendar year,

(C) the amount of points on the mortgage received during the calendar year and whether such points were paid directly by the borrower,

(D) the amount of outstanding principal on the mortgage as of the beginning of such calendar year,

(E) the date of the origination of the mortgage,

(F) the address (or other description in the case of property without an address) of the property which secures the mortgage, and

(G) such other information as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Application to governmental units

For purposes of subsection (a)—

(1) Treated as persons

The term "person" includes any governmental unit (and any agency or instrumentality thereof).

(2) Special rules

In the case of a governmental unit or any agency or instrumentality thereof—

(A) subsection (a) shall be applied without regard to the trade or business requirement contained therein, and

(B) any return required under subsection (a) shall be made by the officer or employee appropriately designated for the purpose of making such return.

(d) Statements to be furnished to individuals with respect to whom information is required

Every person required to make a return under subsection (a) shall furnish to each individual whose name is required to be set forth in such return a written statement showing—

(1) the name, address, and phone number of the information contact of the person required to make such return, and

(2) the aggregate amount of interest described in subsection (a)(2) (other than points) received by the person required to make such return from the individual to whom the statement is required to be furnished (and the information required under subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F) of subsection (b)(2)).

The written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return under subsection (a) was required to be made.

(e) Mortgage defined

For purposes of this section, except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the term "mortgage" means any obligation secured by real property.

(f) Returns which would be required to be made by 2 or more persons

Except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in the case of interest received by any person on behalf of another person, only the person first receiving such interest shall be required to make the return under subsection (a).

(g) Special rules for cooperative housing corporations

For purposes of subsection (a), an amount received by a cooperative housing corporation from a tenant-stockholder shall be deemed to be interest received on a mortgage in the course of a trade or business engaged in by such corporation, to the extent of the tenant-stockholder's proportionate share of interest described in section 216(a)(2). Terms used in the preceding sentence shall have the same meanings as when used in section 216.

(h) Returns relating to mortgage insurance premiums

(1) In general

The Secretary may prescribe, by regulations, that any person who, in the course of a trade or business, receives from any individual premiums for mortgage insurance aggregating $600 or more for any calendar year, shall make a return with respect to each such individual. Such return shall be in such form, shall be made at such time, and shall contain such information as the Secretary may prescribe.

(2) Statement to be furnished to individuals with respect to whom information is required

Every person required to make a return under paragraph (1) shall furnish to each individual with respect to whom a return is made a written statement showing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. Such written statement shall be furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return under paragraph (1) was required to be made.

(3) Special rules

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) rules similar to the rules of subsection (c) shall apply, and

(B) the term "mortgage insurance" means—

(i) mortgage insurance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, or the Rural Housing Service, and

(ii) private mortgage insurance (as defined by section 2 of the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 (12 U.S.C. 4901), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection).

(Added Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §145(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 684; amended Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, §1501(c)(11), title XVIII, §1811(a)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2739, 2832; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7646(a), (b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2382; Pub. L. 104–168, title XII, §1201(a)(8), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1469; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(23), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, §419(c), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2968; Pub. L. 114–41, title II, §2003(a), (b), July 31, 2015, 129 Stat. 454; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(2)(C), (263), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1184, 1196.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (h)(3)(B)(ii), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109–432, which was approved Dec. 20, 2006.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (h)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans Administration" and "Rural Housing Service" for "Rural Housing Administration".

2015—Subsec. (b)(2)(D) to (G). Pub. L. 114–41, §2003(a), added subpars. (D) to (F) and redesignated former subpar. (D) as (G).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–41, §2003(b), substituted "subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F) of subsection (b)(2)" for "subsection (b)(2)(C)".

2006—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 109–432 added subsec. (h).

1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–188 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 101–239, §7646(b)(1). See 1989 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 104–168 substituted "name, address, and phone number of the information contact" for "name and address".

1989—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7646(b)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 104–188, inserted "(other than points)" after "such interest".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 102–239, §7646(a), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 102–239, §7646(b)(2), inserted "(other than points)" after "subsection (a)(2)" and "(and the information required under subsection (b)(2)(C))" after "to be furnished".

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §1501(c)(11), in amending subsec. (d) generally, substituted "information is required" for "information is furnished" in heading and, in text, substituted references to persons required to make a return for former references to persons making a return and references to persons whose name is required to be set forth for former references to persons whose name is set forth.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–514, §1811(a)(1), added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–41, title II, §2003(c), July 31, 2015, 129 Stat. 454, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns required to be made, and statements required to be furnished, after December 31, 2016."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–432 applicable to amounts paid or accrued after Dec. 31, 2006, see section 419(d) of Pub. L. 109–432, set out as a note under section 163 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–168 applicable to statements required to be furnished after Dec. 31, 1996 (determined without regard to any extension), see section 1201(b) of Pub. L. 104–168, set out as a note under section 6041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7646(c), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2382, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns and statements the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after December 31, 1991."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1501(c)(11) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 1501(e) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6721 of this title.

Amendment by section 1811(a)(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

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §145(d), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 685, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, title XVIII, §1811(a)(2), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, 2832, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting this section and amending sections 6652 and 6678 of this title] shall apply to amounts received after December 31, 1984.

"(2) Special rule for obligations in existence on december 31, 1984.—In the case of any obligation in existence on December 31, 1984, no penalty shall be imposed under section 6676 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] by reason of the amendments made by this section on any failure to supply a taxpayer identification number with respect to amounts received before January 1, 1986."

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. § 453 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 453: Installment method
Installment method
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

Except as otherwise provided in this section, income from an installment sale shall be taken into account for purposes of this title under the installment method.

(b) Installment sale defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

The term "installment sale" means a disposition of property where at least 1 payment is to be received after the close of the taxable year in which the disposition occurs.

(2) Exceptions

The term "installment sale" does not include—

(A) Dealer dispositions

Any dealer disposition (as defined in subsection (l)).

(B) Inventories of personal property

A disposition of personal property of a kind which is required to be included in the inventory of the taxpayer if on hand at the close of the taxable year.

(c) Installment method defined

For purposes of this section, the term "installment method" means a method under which the income recognized for any taxable year from a disposition is that proportion of the payments received in that year which the gross profit (realized or to be realized when payment is completed) bears to the total contract price.

(d) Election out

(1) In general

Subsection (a) shall not apply to any disposition if the taxpayer elects to have subsection (a) not apply to such disposition.

(2) Time and manner for making election

Except as otherwise provided by regulations, an election under paragraph (1) with respect to a disposition may be made only on or before the due date prescribed by law (including extensions) for filing the taxpayer's return of the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year in which the disposition occurs. Such an election shall be made in the manner prescribed by regulations.

(3) Election revocable only with consent

An election under paragraph (1) with respect to any disposition may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary.

(e) Second dispositions by related persons

(1) In general

If—

(A) any person disposes of property to a related person (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "first disposition"), and

(B) before the person making the first disposition receives all payments with respect to such disposition, the related person disposes of the property (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "second disposition"),

then, for purposes of this section, the amount realized with respect to such second disposition shall be treated as received at the time of the second disposition by the person making the first disposition.

(2) 2-year cutoff for property other than marketable securities

(A) In general

Except in the case of marketable securities, paragraph (1) shall apply only if the date of the second disposition is not more than 2 years after the date of the first disposition.

(B) Substantial diminishing of risk of ownership

The running of the 2-year period set forth in subparagraph (A) shall be suspended with respect to any property for any period during which the related person's risk of loss with respect to the property is substantially diminished by—

(i) the holding of a put with respect to such property (or similar property),

(ii) the holding by another person of a right to acquire the property, or

(iii) a short sale or any other transaction.

(3) Limitation on amount treated as received

The amount treated for any taxable year as received by the person making the first disposition by reason of paragraph (1) shall not exceed the excess of—

(A) the lesser of—

(i) the total amount realized with respect to any second disposition of the property occurring before the close of the taxable year, or

(ii) the total contract price for the first disposition, over

(B) the sum of—

(i) the aggregate amount of payments received with respect to the first disposition before the close of such year, plus

(ii) the aggregate amount treated as received with respect to the first disposition for prior taxable years by reason of this subsection.

(4) Fair market value where disposition is not sale or exchange

For purposes of this subsection, if the second disposition is not a sale or exchange, an amount equal to the fair market value of the property disposed of shall be substituted for the amount realized.

(5) Later payments treated as receipt of tax paid amounts

If paragraph (1) applies for any taxable year, payments received in subsequent taxable years by the person making the first disposition shall not be treated as the receipt of payments with respect to the first disposition to the extent that the aggregate of such payments does not exceed the amount treated as received by reason of paragraph (1).

(6) Exception for certain dispositions

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Reacquisitions of stock by issuing corporation not treated as first dispositions

Any sale or exchange of stock to the issuing corporation shall not be treated as a first disposition.

(B) Involuntary conversions not treated as second dispositions

A compulsory or involuntary conversion (within the meaning of section 1033) and any transfer thereafter shall not be treated as a second disposition if the first disposition occurred before the threat or imminence of the conversion.

(C) Dispositions after death

Any transfer after the earlier of—

(i) the death of the person making the first disposition, or

(ii) the death of the person acquiring the property in the first disposition,

and any transfer thereafter shall not be treated as a second disposition.

(7) Exception where tax avoidance not a principal purpose

This subsection shall not apply to a second disposition (and any transfer thereafter) if it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that neither the first disposition nor the second disposition had as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of Federal income tax.

(8) Extension of statute of limitations

The period for assessing a deficiency with respect to a first disposition (to the extent such deficiency is attributable to the application of this subsection) shall not expire before the day which is 2 years after the date on which the person making the first disposition furnishes (in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe) a notice that there was a second disposition of the property to which this subsection may have applied. Such deficiency may be assessed notwithstanding the provisions of any law or rule of law which would otherwise prevent such assessment.

(f) Definitions and special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1) Related person

Except for purposes of subsections (g) and (h), the term "related person" means—

(A) a person whose stock would be attributed under section 318(a) (other than paragraph (4) thereof) to the person first disposing of the property, or

(B) a person who bears a relationship described in section 267(b) to the person first disposing of the property.

(2) Marketable securities

The term "marketable securities" means any security for which, as of the date of the disposition, there was a market on an established securities market or otherwise.

(3) Payment

Except as provided in paragraph (4), the term "payment" does not include the receipt of evidences of indebtedness of the person acquiring the property (whether or not payment of such indebtedness is guaranteed by another person).

(4) Purchaser evidences of indebtedness payable on demand or readily tradable

Receipt of a bond or other evidence of indebtedness which—

(A) is payable on demand, or

(B) is readily tradable,

shall be treated as receipt of payment.

(5) Readily tradable defined

For purposes of paragraph (4), the term "readily tradable" means a bond or other evidence of indebtedness which is issued—

(A) with interest coupons attached or in registered form (other than one in registered form which the taxpayer establishes will not be readily tradable in an established securities market), or

(B) in any other form designed to render such bond or other evidence of indebtedness readily tradable in an established securities market.

(6) Like-kind exchanges

In the case of any exchange described in section 1031(b)—

(A) the total contract price shall be reduced to take into account the amount of any property permitted to be received in such exchange without recognition of gain,

(B) the gross profit from such exchange shall be reduced to take into account any amount not recognized by reason of section 1031(b), and

(C) the term "payment", when used in any provision of this section other than subsection (b)(1), shall not include any property permitted to be received in such exchange without recognition of gain.

Similar rules shall apply in the case of an exchange which is described in section 356(a) and is not treated as a dividend.

(7) Depreciable property

The term "depreciable property" means property of a character which (in the hands of the transferee) is subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in section 167.

(8) Payments to be received defined

The term "payments to be received" includes—

(A) the aggregate amount of all payments which are not contingent as to amount, and

(B) the fair market value of any payments which are contingent as to amount.

(g) Sale of depreciable property to controlled entity

(1) In general

In the case of an installment sale of depreciable property between related persons—

(A) subsection (a) shall not apply,

(B) for purposes of this title—

(i) except as provided in clause (ii), all payments to be received shall be treated as received in the year of the disposition, and

(ii) in the case of any payments which are contingent as to the amount but with respect to which the fair market value may not be reasonably ascertained, the basis shall be recovered ratably, and

(C) the purchaser may not increase the basis of any property acquired in such sale by any amount before the time such amount is includible in the gross income of the seller.

(2) Exception where tax avoidance not a principal purpose

Paragraph (1) shall not apply if it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the disposition did not have as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of Federal income tax.

(3) Related persons

For purposes of this subsection, the term "related persons" has the meaning given to such term by section 1239(b), except that such term shall include 2 or more partnerships having a relationship to each other described in section 707(b)(1)(B).

(h) Use of installment method by shareholders in certain liquidations

(1) Receipt of obligations not treated as receipt of payment

(A) In general

If, in a liquidation to which section 331 applies, the shareholder receives (in exchange for the shareholder's stock) an installment obligation acquired in respect of a sale or exchange by the corporation during the 12-month period beginning on the date a plan of complete liquidation is adopted and the liquidation is completed during such 12-month period, then, for purposes of this section, the receipt of payments under such obligation (but not the receipt of such obligation) by the shareholder shall be treated as the receipt of payment for the stock.

(B) Obligations attributable to sale of inventory must result from bulk sale

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an installment obligation acquired in respect of a sale or exchange of—

(i) stock in trade of the corporation,

(ii) other property of a kind which would properly be included in the inventory of the corporation if on hand at the close of the taxable year, and

(iii) property held by the corporation primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of its trade or business,

unless such sale or exchange is to 1 person in 1 transaction and involves substantially all of such property attributable to a trade or business of the corporation.

(C) Special rule where obligor and shareholder are related persons

If the obligor of any installment obligation and the shareholder are married to each other or are related persons (within the meaning of section 1239(b)), to the extent such installment obligation is attributable to the disposition by the corporation of depreciable property—

(i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply to such obligation, and

(ii) for purposes of this title, all payments to be received by the shareholder shall be deemed received in the year the shareholder receives the obligation.

(D) Coordination with subsection (e)(1)(A)

For purposes of subsection (e)(1)(A), disposition of property by the corporation shall be treated also as disposition of such property by the shareholder.

(E) Sales by liquidating subsidiaries

For purposes of subparagraph (A), in the case of a controlling corporate shareholder (within the meaning of section 368(c)) of a selling corporation, an obligation acquired in respect of a sale or exchange by the selling corporation shall be treated as so acquired by such controlling corporate shareholder. The preceding sentence shall be applied successively to each controlling corporate shareholder above such controlling corporate shareholder.

(2) Distributions received in more than 1 taxable year of shareholder

If—

(A) paragraph (1) applies with respect to any installment obligation received by a shareholder from a corporation, and

(B) by reason of the liquidation such shareholder receives property in more than 1 taxable year,

then, on completion of the liquidation, basis previously allocated to property so received shall be reallocated for all such taxable years so that the shareholder's basis in the stock of the corporation is properly allocated among all property received by such shareholder in such liquidation.

(i) Recognition of recapture income in year of disposition

(1) In general

In the case of any installment sale of property to which subsection (a) applies—

(A) notwithstanding subsection (a), any recapture income shall be recognized in the year of the disposition, and

(B) any gain in excess of the recapture income shall be taken into account under the installment method.

(2) Recapture income

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "recapture income" means, with respect to any installment sale, the aggregate amount which would be treated as ordinary income under section 1245 or 1250 (or so much of section 751 as relates to section 1245 or 1250) for the taxable year of the disposition if all payments to be received were received in the taxable year of disposition.

(j) Regulations

(1) In general

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this section.

(2) Selling price not readily ascertainable

The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall include regulations providing for ratable basis recovery in transactions where the gross profit or the total contract price (or both) cannot be readily ascertained.

(k) Current inclusion in case of revolving credit plans, etc.

In the case of—

(1) any disposition of personal property under a revolving credit plan, or

(2) any installment obligation arising out of a sale of—

(A) stock or securities which are traded on an established securities market, or

(B) to the extent provided in regulations, property (other than stock or securities) of a kind regularly traded on an established market,

subsection (a) shall not apply, and, for purposes of this title, all payments to be received shall be treated as received in the year of disposition. The Secretary may provide for the application of this subsection in whole or in part for transactions in which the rules of this subsection otherwise would be avoided through the use of related parties, pass-thru entities, or intermediaries.

(l) Dealer dispositions

For purposes of subsection (b)(2)(A)—

(1) In general

The term "dealer disposition" means any of the following dispositions:

(A) Personal property

Any disposition of personal property by a person who regularly sells or otherwise disposes of personal property of the same type on the installment plan.

(B) Real property

Any disposition of real property which is held by the taxpayer for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's trade or business.

(2) Exceptions

The term "dealer disposition" does not include—

(A) Farm property

The disposition on the installment plan of any property used or produced in the trade or business of farming (within the meaning of section 2032A(e)(4) or (5)).

(B) Timeshares and residential lots

(i) In general

Any dispositions described in clause (ii) on the installment plan if the taxpayer elects to have paragraph (3) apply to any installment obligations which arise from such dispositions. An election under this paragraph shall not apply with respect to an installment obligation which is guaranteed by any person other than an individual.

(ii) Dispositions to which subparagraph applies

A disposition is described in this clause if it is a disposition in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's trade or business to an individual of—

(I) a timeshare right to use or a timeshare ownership interest in residential real property for not more than 6 weeks per year, or a right to use specified campgrounds for recreational purposes, or

(II) any residential lot, but only if the taxpayer (or any related person) is not to make any improvements with respect to such lot.

 For purposes of subclause (I), a timeshare right to use (or timeshare ownership interest in) property held by the spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents of an individual shall be treated as held by such individual.

(C) Carrying charges or interest

Any carrying charges or interest with respect to a disposition described in subparagraph (A) or (B) which are added on the books of account of the seller to the established cash selling price of the property shall be included in the total contract price of the property and, if such charges or interest are not so included, any payments received shall be treated as applying first against such carrying charges or interest.

(3) Payment of interest on timeshares and residential lots

(A) In general

In the case of any installment obligation to which paragraph (2)(B) applies, the tax imposed by this chapter for any taxable year for which payment is received on such obligation shall be increased by the amount of interest determined in the manner provided under subparagraph (B).

(B) Computation of interest

(i) In general

The amount of interest referred to in subparagraph (A) for any taxable year shall be determined—

(I) on the amount of the tax for such taxable year which is attributable to the payments received during such taxable year on installment obligations to which this subsection applies,

(II) for the period beginning on the date of sale, and ending on the date such payment is received, and

(III) by using the applicable Federal rate under section 1274 (without regard to subsection (d)(2) thereof) in effect at the time of the sale compounded semiannually.

(ii) Interest not taken into account

For purposes of clause (i), the portion of any tax attributable to the receipt of any payment shall be determined without regard to any interest imposed under subparagraph (A).

(iii) Taxable year of sale

No interest shall be determined for any payment received in the taxable year of the disposition from which the installment obligation arises.

(C) Treatment as interest

Any amount payable under this paragraph shall be taken into account in computing the amount of any deduction allowable to the taxpayer for interest paid or accrued during such taxable year.

(Added Pub. L. 96–471, §2(a), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2247; amended Pub. L. 97–34, title II, §202(c), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 221; Pub. L. 97–448, title III, §303, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2398; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §112(a), title IV, §421(b)(6)(B), (C), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 635, 794; Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, §§631(e)(8), 642(a)(1)(D), (3), (b), title VIII, §812(a), title XVIII, §1809(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2274, 2284, 2371, 2821; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10202(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–388; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §§1006(e)(7), (i)(1), (2), 1008(g)(1), 1018(u)(25), (26), title II, §2004(d)(1), (5), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3401, 3410, 3442, 3591, 3599; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §536(a), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1936; Pub. L. 106–573, §2(a), Dec. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 3061; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §897(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1649.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 453, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 154; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §27(a), 72 Stat. 1624; Oct. 16, 1962, Pub. L. 87–834, §13(f)(5), 76 Stat. 1035; Feb. 26, 1964, Pub. L. 88–272, title II, §§222(a), 231(b)(5), 78 Stat. 75, 105; Aug. 22, 1964, Pub. L. 88–484, §1(b)(2), 78 Stat. 597; Aug. 31, 1964, Pub. L. 88–539, §3(a), (b), 78 Stat. 746; Sept. 12, 1966, Pub. L. 89–570, §1(b)(5), 80 Stat. 762; Nov. 13, 1966, Pub. L. 89–809, title II, §202(c), 80 Stat. 1576; Dec. 30, 1969, Pub. L. 91–172, title II, §211(b)(5), title III, §301(b)(7), title IV, §412(a), title IX, §916(a), 83 Stat. 570, 585, 608, 723; Oct. 4, 1976, Pub. L. 94–455, title II, §205(c)(1)(E), title XIX, §§1901(a)(66), 1906(b)(13)(A), 1951(b)(7)(A), 90 Stat. 1535, 1775, 1834, 1838; Nov. 6, 1978, Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §703(j)(3), 92 Stat. 2941; Apr. 1, 1980, Pub. L. 96–222, title I, §104(a)(4)(H)(iv), 94 Stat. 217; Apr. 2, 1980, Pub. L. 96–223, title IV, §403(b)(2)(B), 94 Stat. 305; Oct. 19, 1980, Pub. L. 96–471, §2(c)(4), 94 Stat. 2254, related to installment method in general, installment method for dealers in personal property, and gain or loss dispositions of installment obligations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–471, §2(a), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2247. See sections 453A and 453B of this title.

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 108–357 struck out "is issued by a corporation or a government or political subdivision thereof and" before "is readily tradable".

2000—Subsecs. (a), (d)(1), (i)(1), (k). Pub. L. 106–573 repealed Pub. L. 106–170, §536(a). See 1999 Amendment notes below.

1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–170, §536(a)(1), which substituted "Use of installment method" for "General rule" in subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted heading, and added heading and text of par. (2), text of which read as follows: "(2) Accrual method taxpayer.—The installment method shall not apply to income from an installment sale if such income would be reported under an accrual method of accounting without regard to this section. The preceding sentence shall not apply to a disposition described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (l)(2).", was repealed by Pub. L. 106–573, §2(a). See Effective Date and Construction of 2000 Amendment note below.

Subsecs. (d)(1), (i)(1), (k). Pub. L. 106–170, §536(a)(2), which substituted "(a)(1)" for "(a)" wherever appearing, was repealed by Pub. L. 106–573. See Effective Date and Construction of 2000 Amendment note below.

1988—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(u)(25), substituted "subsections (g)" for "subsection (g)".

Subsec. (f)(8). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(u)(26), substituted "payments to be" for "payment to be".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1006(i)(2)(B), struck out "(within the meaning of section 1239(b))" after "between related persons".

Pub. L. 100–647, §1006(i)(1), added subpars. (A) to (C) and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:

"(A) subsection (a) shall not apply, and

"(B) for purposes of this title—

"(i) except as provided in clause (ii), all payments to be received shall be treated as received in the year of the disposition, and

"(ii) in the case of any payments which are contingent as to amount but with respect to which the fair market value may not be reasonably ascertained—

"(I) the basis shall be recovered ratably, and

"(II) the purchaser may not increase the basis of any property acquired in such sale by any amount before such time as the seller includes such amount in income."

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §1006(i)(2)(A), added par. (3).

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–647, §1006(e)(7)(A), substituted "to 1 person in 1 transaction" for "to one person" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (h)(1)(E). Pub. L. 100–647, §1006(e)(7)(B), substituted "section 368(c)" for "section 368(c)(1)".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–647, §1008(g)(1), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to current inclusion in case of revolving credit plans, etc., as (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–647, §2004(d)(5), struck out "and section 453A" after "subsection (a)" in second sentence.

Pub. L. 100–647, §1008(g)(1), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to current inclusion in case of revolving credit plans, etc., as (k).

Subsec. (l)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–647, §2004(d)(1), inserted "of the same type" after "disposes of personal property".

1987—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–203, §10202(b)(1), substituted "Dealer dispositions" for "Dealer disposition of personal property" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A disposition of personal property on the installment plan by a person who regularly sells or otherwise disposes of personal property on the installment plan."

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–203, §10202(b)(2), added subsec. (l).

1986—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §642(a)(3), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Except for purposes of subsections (g) and (h), the term 'related person' means a person whose stock would be attributed under section 318(a) (other than paragraph (4) thereof) to the person first disposing of the property."

Subsec. (f)(8). Pub. L. 99–514, §642(b)(1), added par. (8).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–514, §642(a)(1)(D), substituted "controlled entity" for "80-percent owned entity" in heading.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §642(b)(2), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "In the case of an installment sale of depreciable property between related persons within the meaning of section 1239(b), subsection (a) shall not apply, and, for purposes of this title, all payments to be received shall be deemed received in the year of the disposition."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–514, §631(e)(8)(C), substituted "certain liquidations" for "section 337 liquidations" in heading.

Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §631(e)(8)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "If, in connection with a liquidation to which section 337 applies, in a transaction to which section 331 applies the shareholder receives (in exchange for the shareholder's stock) an installment obligation acquired in respect of a sale or exchange by the corporation during the 12-month period set forth in section 337(a), then, for purposes of this section, the receipt of payments under such obligation (but not the receipt of such obligation) by the shareholder shall be treated as the receipt of payment for the stock."

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §631(e)(8)(A), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an installment obligation described in section 337(b)(1)(B) unless such obligation is also described in section 337(b)(2)(B)."

Subsec. (h)(1)(E). Pub. L. 99–514, §631(e)(8)(B), substituted "subsidiaries" for "subsidiary" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (E) read as follows: "For purposes of subparagraph (A), in any case to which section 337(c)(3) applies, an obligation acquired in respect of a sale or exchange by the selling corporation shall be treated as so acquired by the corporation distributing the obligation to the shareholder."

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1809(c), substituted "section 1245 or 1250 (or so much of section 751 as relates to section 1245 or 1250)" for "section 1245 or 1250".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–514, §812(a), added subsec. (j) relating to current inclusion in case of revolving credit plans, etc.

1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–369, §421(b)(6)(C), struck out "spouse or" after "property to" in heading.

Subsec. (h)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–369, §421(b)(6)(B), inserted "married to each other or are".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–369, §112(a), amended subsec. (i) generally, substituting provisions relating to recognition of recapture income in year of disposition for provisions relating to application of subsec. (a) in the case of an installment sale of section 179 property.

1983—Subsec. (f)(6)(C). Pub. L. 97–448 inserted ", when used in any provision of this section other than subsection (b)(1)," after "the term 'payment' ".

1981—Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 97–34 added subsec. (i) and redesignated former subsec. (i) as (j).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §897(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1649, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to sales occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Effective Date and Construction of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–573, §2, Dec. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 3061, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Subsection (a) of section 536 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (relating to modification of installment method and repeal of installment method for accrual method taxpayers) [Pub. L. 106–170, amending this section] is repealed effective with respect to sales and other dispositions occurring on or after the date of the enactment of such Act [Dec. 17, 1999].

"(b) Applicability.—The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied and administered as if that subsection (and the amendments made by that subsection) had not been enacted."

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §536(c), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1936, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 453A of this title] shall apply to sales or other dispositions occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 17, 1999]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1006(e)(7), (i)(1), (2), 1008(g)(1), and 1018(u)(25), (26) 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.

Amendment by section 2004(d)(1), (5) of 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, §10202(e), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–392, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, title II, §2004(d)(3), (4), (6), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3599, 3600, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 56, 381, 453A, and 691 of this title and repealing section 453C of this title] shall apply to dispositions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1987.

"(2) Special rules for dealers.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of dealer dispositions (within the meaning of section 453(l)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as added by this section), the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and repealing section 453C of this title] shall apply to installment obligations arising from dispositions after December 31, 1987.

"(B) Special rules for obligations arising from dealer dispositions after february 28, 1986, and before january 1, 1988.—

"(i) In general.—In the case of an applicable installment obligation arising from a disposition described in subclause (I) or (II) of section 453C(e)(1)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect before the amendments made by this section) before January 1, 1988, the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1987.

"(ii) Change in method of accounting.—In the case of any taxpayer who is required by clause (i) to change its method of accounting for any taxable year with respect to obligations described in clause (i)—

"(I) such change shall be treated as initiated by the taxpayer,

"(II) such change shall be treated as made with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, and

"(III) the net amount of adjustments required by section 481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be taken into account over a period not longer than 4 taxable years.

"(C) Certain rules made applicable.—For purposes of this paragraph, rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 812(c) of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 [Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note below] (as added by the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–647]) shall apply.

"(3) Special rule for nondealers.—

"(A) Election.—A 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 subsections (a) and (c) [amending sections 381, 453A, and 691 of this title and repealing section 453C of this title] apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1986, with respect to dispositions and pledges occurring after August 16, 1986.

"(B) Pledging rules.—Except as provided in subparagraph (A)—

"(i) In general.—Section 453A(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to any installment obligation which is pledged to secure any secured indebtedness (within the meaning of section 453A(d)(4) of such Code) after December 17, 1987, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(ii) Coordination with section 453c.—For purposes of section 453C of such Code (as in effect before its repeal), the face amount of any obligation to which section 453A(d) of such Code applies shall be reduced by the amount treated as payments on such obligation under section 453A(d) of such Code and the amount of any indebtedness secured by it shall not be taken into account.

"(C) Certain dispositions deemed made on 1st day of taxable year.—If the taxpayer makes an election under subparagraph (A), in the case of the taxpayer's 1st taxable year ending after December 31, 1986—

"(i) dispositions after August 16, 1986, and before the 1st day of such taxable year shall be treated as made on such 1st day, and

"(ii) subsections (b)(2)(B) and (c)(4) of section 453A of such Code shall be applied separately with respect to such dispositions by substituting for '$5,000,000' the amount which bears the same ratio to $5,000,000 as the number of days after August 16, 1986, and before such 1st day bears to 365.

"(4) Minimum tax.—The amendment made by subsection (d) [amending section 56 of this title] shall apply to dispositions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(5) Coordination with tax reform act of 1986.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any installment obligation or to any taxpayer during any period to the extent the amendments made by section 811 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 [section 811 of Pub. L. 99–514, amending former section 453C of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under former section 453C of this title] do not apply to such obligation or during such period."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 631(e)(8) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to any distribution in complete liquidation, and any sale or exchange, made by a corporation after July 31, 1986, unless such corporation is completely liquidated before Jan. 1, 1987, any transaction described in section 338 of this title for which the acquisition date occurs after Dec. 31, 1986, and any distribution, not in complete liquidation, made after Dec. 31, 1986, with exceptions and special and transitional rules, see section 633 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date note under section 336 of this title.

Amendment by section 642(a)(1)(D), (3), (b) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to sales after Oct. 22, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date, but not applicable to sales made after Aug. 14, 1986, which are made pursuant to a binding contract in effect on Aug. 14, 1986, and at all times thereafter, see section 642(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 1239 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title VIII, §812(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2372, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1008(g)(3)–(6), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3443, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(2) Sales of stock, etc.—Section 453(k)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to sales after December 31, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(3) Change in method of accounting.—In the case of any taxpayer who made sales under a revolving credit plan and was on the installment method under section 453 or 453A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for such taxpayer's last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1987, the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 453A of this title] shall be treated as a change in method of accounting for its 1st taxable year beginning after December 31, 1986, and—

"(A) such change shall be treated as initiated by the taxpayer,

"(B) such change shall be treated as having been made with the consent of the Secretary,

"(C) the period for taking into account adjustments under section 481 of such Code by reason of such change shall be equal to 4 years, and

"(D) except as provided in paragraph (4), the amount taken into account in each of such 4 years shall be the applicable percentage (determined in accordance with the following table) of the net adjustment:

 

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

1st taxable year 
15  

2nd taxable year 
25  

3rd taxable year 
30  

4th taxable year 
30.

If the taxpayer's last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1987, was the taxpayer's 1st taxable year in which sales were made under a revolving credit plan, all adjustments under section 481 of such Code shall be taken into account in the taxpayer's 1st taxable year beginning after December 31, 1986.

"(4) Acceleration of adjustments where contraction in amount of installment obligations.—

"(A) In general.—If the percentage determined under subparagraph (B) for any taxable year in the adjustment period exceeds the percentage which would otherwise apply under paragraph (3)(D) for such taxable year (determined after the application of this paragraph for prior taxable years in the adjustment period)—

"(i) the percentage determined under subparagraph (B) shall be substituted for the applicable percentage which would otherwise apply under paragraph (3)(D), and

"(ii) any increase in the applicable percentage by reason of clause (i) shall be applied to reduce the applicable percentage determined under paragraph (3)(D) for subsequent taxable years in the adjustment period (beginning with the 1st of such subsequent taxable years).

"(B) Determination of percentage.—For purposes of subparagraph (A), the percentage determined under this subparagraph for any taxable year in the adjustment period is the excess (if any) of—

"(i) the percentage determined by dividing the aggregate contraction in revolving installment obligations by the aggregate face amount of such obligations outstanding as of the close of the taxpayer's last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1987, over

"(ii) the sum of the applicable percentages under paragraph (3)(D) (as modified by this paragraph) for prior taxable years in the adjustment period.

"(C) Aggregate contraction in revolving installment obligations.—For purposes of subparagraph (B), the aggregate contraction in revolving installment obligations is the amount by which—

"(i) the aggregate face amount of the revolving installment obligations outstanding as of the close of the taxpayer's last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1987, exceeds

"(ii) the aggregate face amount of the revolving installment obligations outstanding as of the close of the taxable year involved.

"(D) Revolving installment obligations.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'revolving installment obligations' means installment obligations arising under a revolving credit plan.

"(E) Treatment of certain obligations disposed of on or before october 26, 1987.—For purposes of subparagraphs (B)(i) and (C)(i), in determining the aggregate face amount of revolving installment obligations outstanding as of the close of the taxpayer's last taxable year beginning before January 1, 1987, there shall not be taken into account any obligation—

"(i) which was disposed of to an unrelated person on or before October 26, 1987, or

"(ii) was disposed of to an unrelated person on or after such date pursuant to a binding written contract in effect on October 26, 1987, and at all times thereafter before such disposition.

For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term 'unrelated person' means any person who is not a related person (as defined in section 453(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).

"(5) Limitation on losses from sales of obligations under revolving credit plans.—If 1 or more obligations arising under a revolving credit plan and taken into account under paragraph (3) are disposed of during the adjustment period, then, notwithstanding any other provision of law—

"(A) no losses from such dispositions shall be recognized, and

"(B) the aggregate amount of the adjustment for taxable years in the adjustment period (in reverse order of time) shall be reduced by the amount of such losses.

"(6) Adjustment period.—For purposes of paragraphs (4) and (5), the adjustment period is the 4-year period under paragraph (3)."

Amendment by section 1809(c) 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, §112(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 635, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to dispositions made after June 6, 1984.

"(2) Exception.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply with respect to any disposition conducted pursuant to a contract which was binding on March 22, 1984, and at all times thereafter.

"(3) Special rule for certain dispositions before october 1, 1984.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any disposition before October 1, 1984, of all or substantially all of the personal property of a cable television business pursuant to a written offer delivered by the seller on June 20, 1984, but only if the last payment under the installment contract is due no later than October 1, 1989."

Amendment by section 421(b)(6)(B), (C) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to transfers after July 18, 1984, in taxable years ending after such date, subject to election to have amendment apply to transfers after 1983 or to transfers pursuant to existing decrees, see section 421(d) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–448, title III, §311(a), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2411, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 301, 302, and 303 [amending this section and sections 453B and 1239 of this title] shall apply to dispositions made after October 19, 1980, in taxable years ending after such date."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–34 applicable to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 1980, in taxable years ending after that date, see section 209(a) of Pub. L. 97–34, set out as an Effective Date note under section 168 of this title.

Effective Date; Application of Former Section 453(b) to Certain Dispositions

Pub. L. 96–471, §6(a), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2256, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by sections 2 [enacting this section and sections 453A and 453B of this title and amending sections 311, 336, 337, 381, former section 453, and sections 453B, 481, 644, 691, and 1255 of this title] and 5 [amending section 1239 of this title] shall apply to dispositions made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1980] in taxable years ending after such date.

"(2) For section 453(e).—Section 453(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as amended by section 2) shall apply to first dispositions made after May 14, 1980.

"(3) For section 453(h).—Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 453(h) of such Code (as amended by section 2) shall apply in the case of distributions of installment obligations after March 31, 1980.

"(4) For section 453a.—Section 453A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended by section 2) shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1980].

"(5) For section 453b(f).—Section 453B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended by section 2) shall apply to installment obligations becoming unenforceable after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1980].

"(6) For section 2(c).—The amendments made by section 2(c) [amending sections 336, 337, 453B, and former section 453 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 403(b) of the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 [see section 403(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–223, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendments note under section 337 of this title].

"(7) Special rule for application of former section 453 to certain dispositions.—In the case of any disposition made on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1980] in any taxable year ending after such date, the provisions of section 453(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [see subsec. (b) of former section 453 of this title, set out below] as in effect before such date, shall be applied with respect to such disposition without regard to—

"(A) paragraph (2) of such section 453(b), and

"(B) any requirement that more than 1 payment be received."

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. § 108 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 108: Income from discharge of indebtedness
Income from discharge of indebtedness
Status: in_force

(a) Exclusion from gross income

(1) In general

Gross income does not include any amount which (but for this subsection) would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge (in whole or in part) of indebtedness of the taxpayer if—

(A) the discharge occurs in a title 11 case,

(B) the discharge occurs when the taxpayer is insolvent,

(C) the indebtedness discharged is qualified farm indebtedness,

(D) in the case of a taxpayer other than a C corporation, the indebtedness discharged is qualified real property business indebtedness, or

(E) the indebtedness discharged is qualified principal residence indebtedness which is discharged—

(i) before January 1, 2026, or

(ii) subject to an arrangement that is entered into and evidenced in writing before January 1, 2026.

(2) Coordination of exclusions

(A) Title 11 exclusion takes precedence

Subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to a discharge which occurs in a title 11 case.

(B) Insolvency exclusion takes precedence over qualified farm exclusion and qualified real property business exclusion

Subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to a discharge to the extent the taxpayer is insolvent.

(C) Principal residence exclusion takes precedence over insolvency exclusion unless elected otherwise

Paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to a discharge to which paragraph (1)(E) applies unless the taxpayer elects to apply paragraph (1)(B) in lieu of paragraph (1)(E).

(3) Insolvency exclusion limited to amount of insolvency

In the case of a discharge to which paragraph (1)(B) applies, the amount excluded under paragraph (1)(B) shall not exceed the amount by which the taxpayer is insolvent.

(b) Reduction of tax attributes

(1) In general

The amount excluded from gross income under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (a)(1) shall be applied to reduce the tax attributes of the taxpayer as provided in paragraph (2).

(2) Tax attributes affected; order of reduction

Except as provided in paragraph (5), the reduction referred to in paragraph (1) shall be made in the following tax attributes in the following order:

(A) NOL

Any net operating loss for the taxable year of the discharge, and any net operating loss carryover to such taxable year.

(B) General business credit

Any carryover to or from the taxable year of a discharge of an amount for purposes for determining the amount allowable as a credit under section 38 (relating to general business credit).

(C) Minimum tax credit

The amount of the minimum tax credit available under section 53(b) as of the beginning of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year of the discharge.

(D) Capital loss carryovers

Any net capital loss for the taxable year of the discharge, and any capital loss carryover to such taxable year under section 1212.

(E) Basis reduction

(i) In general

The basis of the property of the taxpayer.

(ii) Cross reference

For provisions for making the reduction described in clause (i), see section 1017.

(F) Passive activity loss and credit carryovers

Any passive activity loss or credit carryover of the taxpayer under section 469(b) from the taxable year of the discharge.

(G) Foreign tax credit carryovers

Any carryover to or from the taxable year of the discharge for purposes of determining the amount of the credit allowable under section 27.

(3) Amount of reduction

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the reductions described in paragraph (2) shall be one dollar for each dollar excluded by subsection (a).

(B) Credit carryover reduction

The reductions described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (G) shall be 331/3 cents for each dollar excluded by subsection (a). The reduction described in subparagraph (F) in any passive activity credit carryover shall be 331/3 cents for each dollar excluded by subsection (a).

(4) Ordering rules

(A) Reductions made after determination of tax for year

The reductions described in paragraph (2) shall be made after the determination of the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year of the discharge.

(B) Reductions under subparagraph (A) or (D) of paragraph (2)

The reductions described in subparagraph (A) or (D) of paragraph (2) (as the case may be) shall be made first in the loss for the taxable year of the discharge and then in the carryovers to such taxable year in the order of the taxable years from which each such carryover arose.

(C) Reductions under subparagraphs (B) and (G) of paragraph (2)

The reductions described in subparagraphs (B) and (G) of paragraph (2) shall be made in the order in which carryovers are taken into account under this chapter for the taxable year of the discharge.

(5) Election to apply reduction first against depreciable property

(A) In general

The taxpayer may elect to apply any portion of the reduction referred to in paragraph (1) to the reduction under section 1017 of the basis of the depreciable property of the taxpayer.

(B) Limitation

The amount to which an election under subparagraph (A) applies shall not exceed the aggregate adjusted bases of the depreciable property held by the taxpayer as of the beginning of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the discharge occurs.

(C) Other tax attributes not reduced

Paragraph (2) shall not apply to any amount to which an election under this paragraph applies.

(c) Treatment of discharge of qualified real property business indebtedness

(1) Basis reduction

(A) In general

The amount excluded from gross income under subparagraph (D) of subsection (a)(1) shall be applied to reduce the basis of the depreciable real property of the taxpayer.

(B) Cross reference

For provisions making the reduction described in subparagraph (A), see section 1017.

(2) Limitations

(A) Indebtedness in excess of value

The amount excluded under subparagraph (D) of subsection (a)(1) with respect to any qualified real property business indebtedness shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—

(i) the outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness (immediately before the discharge), over

(ii) the fair market value of the real property described in paragraph (3)(A) (as of such time), reduced by the outstanding principal amount of any other qualified real property business indebtedness secured by such property (as of such time).

(B) Overall limitation

The amount excluded under subparagraph (D) of subsection (a)(1) shall not exceed the aggregate adjusted bases of depreciable real property (determined after any reductions under subsections (b) and (g)) held by the taxpayer immediately before the discharge (other than depreciable real property acquired in contemplation of such discharge).

(3) Qualified real property business indebtedness

The term "qualified real property business indebtedness" means indebtedness which—

(A) was incurred or assumed by the taxpayer in connection with real property used in a trade or business and is secured by such real property,

(B) was incurred or assumed before January 1, 1993, or if incurred or assumed on or after such date, is qualified acquisition indebtedness, and

(C) with respect to which such taxpayer makes an election to have this paragraph apply.

Such term shall not include qualified farm indebtedness. Indebtedness under subparagraph (B) shall include indebtedness resulting from the refinancing of indebtedness under subparagraph (B) (or this sentence), but only to the extent it does not exceed the amount of the indebtedness being refinanced.

(4) Qualified acquisition indebtedness

For purposes of paragraph (3)(B), the term "qualified acquisition indebtedness" means, with respect to any real property described in paragraph (3)(A), indebtedness incurred or assumed to acquire, construct, reconstruct, or substantially improve such property.

(5) Regulations

The Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subsection, including regulations preventing the abuse of this subsection through cross-collateralization or other means.

(d) Meaning of terms; special rules relating to certain provisions

(1) Indebtedness of taxpayer

For purposes of this section, the term "indebtedness of the taxpayer" means any indebtedness—

(A) for which the taxpayer is liable, or

(B) subject to which the taxpayer holds property.

(2) Title 11 case

For purposes of this section, the term "title 11 case" means a case under title 11 of the United States Code (relating to bankruptcy), but only if the taxpayer is under the jurisdiction of the court in such case and the discharge of indebtedness is granted by the court or is pursuant to a plan approved by the court.

(3) Insolvent

For purposes of this section, the term "insolvent" means the excess of liabilities over the fair market value of assets. With respect to any discharge, whether or not the taxpayer is insolvent, and the amount by which the taxpayer is insolvent, shall be determined on the basis of the taxpayer's assets and liabilities immediately before the discharge.

[(4) Repealed. Pub. L. 99–514, title VIII, §822(b)(3)(A), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2373]

(5) Depreciable property

The term "depreciable property" has the same meaning as when used in section 1017.

(6) Certain provisions to be applied at partner level

In the case of a partnership, subsections (a), (b), (c), and (g) shall be applied at the partner level.

(7) Special rules for S corporation

(A) Certain provisions to be applied at corporate level

In the case of an S corporation, subsections (a), (b), (c), and (g) shall be applied at the corporate level, including by not taking into account under section 1366(a) any amount excluded under subsection (a) of this section.

(B) Reduction in carryover of disallowed losses and deductions

In the case of an S corporation, for purposes of subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(2), any loss or deduction which is disallowed for the taxable year of the discharge under section 1366(d)(1) shall be treated as a net operating loss for such taxable year. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any discharge to the extent that subsection (a)(1)(D) applies to such discharge.

(C) Coordination with basis adjustments under section 1367(b)(2)

For purposes of subsection (e)(6), a shareholder's adjusted basis in indebtedness of an S corporation shall be determined without regard to any adjustments made under section 1367(b)(2).

(8) Reductions of tax attributes in title 11 cases of individuals to be made by estate

In any case under chapter 7 or 11 of title 11 of the United States Code to which section 1398 applies, for purposes of paragraphs (1) and (5) of subsection (b) the estate (and not the individual) shall be treated as the taxpayer. The preceding sentence shall not apply for purposes of applying section 1017 to property transferred by the estate to the individual.

(9) Time for making election, etc.

(A) Time

An election under paragraph (5) of subsection (b) or under paragraph (3)(C) of subsection (c) shall be made on the taxpayer's return for the taxable year in which the discharge occurs or at such other time as may be permitted in regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(B) Revocation only with consent

An election referred to in subparagraph (A), once made, may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary.

(C) Manner

An election referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be made in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(10) Cross reference

For provision that no reduction is to be made in the basis of exempt property of an individual debtor, see section 1017(c)(1).

(e) General rules for discharge of indebtedness (including discharges not in title 11 cases or insolvency)

For purposes of this title—

(1) No other insolvency exception

Except as otherwise provided in this section, there shall be no insolvency exception from the general rule that gross income includes income from the discharge of indebtedness.

(2) Income not realized to extent of lost deductions

No income shall be realized from the discharge of indebtedness to the extent that payment of the liability would have given rise to a deduction.

(3) Adjustments for unamortized premium and discount

The amount taken into account with respect to any discharge shall be properly adjusted for unamortized premium and unamortized discount with respect to the indebtedness discharged.

(4) Acquisition of indebtedness by person related to debtor

(A) Treated as acquisition by debtor

For purposes of determining income of the debtor from discharge of indebtedness, to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the acquisition of outstanding indebtedness by a person bearing a relationship to the debtor specified in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1) from a person who does not bear such a relationship to the debtor shall be treated as the acquisition of such indebtedness by the debtor. Such regulations shall provide for such adjustments in the treatment of any subsequent transactions involving the indebtedness as may be appropriate by reason of the application of the preceding sentence.

(B) Members of family

For purposes of this paragraph, sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1) shall be applied as if section 267(c)(4) provided that the family of an individual consists of the individual's spouse, the individual's children, grandchildren, and parents, and any spouse of the individual's children or grandchildren.

(C) Entities under common control treated as related

For purposes of this paragraph, two entities which are treated as a single employer under subsection (b) or (c) of section 414 shall be treated as bearing a relationship to each other which is described in section 267(b).

(5) Purchase-money debt reduction for solvent debtor treated as price reduction

If—

(A) the debt of a purchaser of property to the seller of such property which arose out of the purchase of such property is reduced,

(B) such reduction does not occur—

(i) in a title 11 case, or

(ii) when the purchaser is insolvent, and

(C) but for this paragraph, such reduction would be treated as income to the purchaser from the discharge of indebtedness,

then such reduction shall be treated as a purchase price adjustment.

(6) Indebtedness contributed to capital

Except as provided in regulations, for purposes of determining income of the debtor from discharge of indebtedness, if a debtor corporation acquires its indebtedness from a shareholder as a contribution to capital—

(A) section 118 shall not apply, but

(B) such corporation shall be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with an amount of money equal to the shareholder's adjusted basis in the indebtedness.

(7) Recapture of gain on subsequent sale of stock

(A) In general

If a creditor acquires stock of a debtor corporation in satisfaction of such corporation's indebtedness, for purposes of section 1245—

(i) such stock (and any other property the basis of which is determined in whole or in part by reference to the adjusted basis of such stock) shall be treated as section 1245 property,

(ii) the aggregate amount allowed to the creditor—

(I) as deductions under subsection (a) or (b) of section 166 (by reason of the worthlessness or partial worthlessness of the indebtedness), or

(II) as an ordinary loss on the exchange,

 shall be treated as an amount allowed as a deduction for depreciation, and

(iii) an exchange of such stock qualifying under section 354(a), 355(a), or 356(a) shall be treated as an exchange to which section 1245(b)(3) applies.

The amount determined under clause (ii) shall be reduced by the amount (if any) included in the creditor's gross income on the exchange.

(B) Special rule for cash basis taxpayers

In the case of any creditor who computes his taxable income under the cash receipts and disbursements method, proper adjustment shall be made in the amount taken into account under clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) for any amount which was not included in the creditor's gross income but which would have been included in such gross income if such indebtedness had been satisfied in full.

(C) Stock of parent corporation

For purposes of this paragraph, stock of a corporation in control (within the meaning of section 368(c)) of the debtor corporation shall be treated as stock of the debtor corporation.

(D) Treatment of successor corporation

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "debtor corporation" includes a successor corporation.

(E) Partnership rule

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of the foregoing subparagraphs of this paragraph shall apply with respect to the indebtedness of a partnership.

(8) Indebtedness satisfied by corporate stock or partnership interest

For purposes of determining income of a debtor from discharge of indebtedness, if—

(A) a debtor corporation transfers stock, or

(B) a debtor partnership transfers a capital or profits interest in such partnership,

to a creditor in satisfaction of its recourse or nonrecourse indebtedness, such corporation or partnership shall be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with an amount of money equal to the fair market value of the stock or interest. In the case of any partnership, any discharge of indebtedness income recognized under this paragraph shall be included in the distributive shares of taxpayers which were the partners in the partnership immediately before such discharge.

(9) Discharge of indebtedness income not taken into account in determining whether entity meets REIT qualifications

Any amount included in gross income by reason of the discharge of indebtedness shall not be taken into account for purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 856(c).

(10) Indebtedness satisfied by issuance of debt instrument

(A) In general

For purposes of determining income of a debtor from discharge of indebtedness, if a debtor issues a debt instrument in satisfaction of indebtedness, such debtor shall be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with an amount of money equal to the issue price of such debt instrument.

(B) Issue price

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the issue price of any debt instrument shall be determined under sections 1273 and 1274. For purposes of the preceding sentence, section 1273(b)(4) shall be applied by reducing the stated redemption price of any instrument by the portion of such stated redemption price which is treated as interest for purposes of this chapter.

(f) Student loans

(1) In general

In the case of an individual, gross income does not include any amount which (but for this subsection) would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge (in whole or in part) of any student loan if such discharge was pursuant to a provision of such loan under which all or part of the indebtedness of the individual would be discharged if the individual worked for a certain period of time in certain professions for any of a broad class of employers.

(2) Student loan

For purposes of this subsection, the term "student loan" means any loan to an individual to assist the individual in attending an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) made by—

(A) the United States, or an instrumentality or agency thereof,

(B) a State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or any political subdivision thereof,

(C) a public benefit corporation—

(i) which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3),

(ii) which has assumed control over a State, county, or municipal hospital, and

(iii) whose employees have been deemed to be public employees under State law, or

(D) any educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) if such loan is made—

(i) pursuant to an agreement with any entity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) under which the funds from which the loan was made were provided to such educational organization, or

(ii) pursuant to a program of such educational organization which is designed to encourage its students to serve in occupations with unmet needs or in areas with unmet needs and under which the services provided by the students (or former students) are for or under the direction of a governmental unit or an organization described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax under section 501(a).

The term "student loan" includes any loan made by an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) or by an organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) to refinance a loan to an individual to assist the individual in attending any such educational organization but only if the refinancing loan is pursuant to a program of the refinancing organization which is designed as described in subparagraph (D)(ii).

(3) Exception for discharges on account of services performed for certain lenders

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the discharge of a loan made by an organization described in paragraph (2)(D) if the discharge is on account of services performed for either such organization.

(4) Payments under national health service corps loan repayment program and certain state loan repayment programs

In the case of an individual, gross income shall not include any amount received under section 338B(g) of the Public Health Service Act, under a State program described in section 338I of such Act, or under any other State loan repayment or loan forgiveness program that is intended to provide for the increased availability of health care services in underserved or health professional shortage areas (as determined by such State).

(5) Special rule for discharges in 2021 through 2025

Gross income does not include any amount which (but for this subsection) would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge (in whole or in part) after December 31, 2020, and before January 1, 2026, of—

(A) any loan provided expressly for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether provided through the educational institution or directly to the borrower, if such loan was made, insured, or guaranteed by—

(i) the United States, or an instrumentality or agency thereof,

(ii) a State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or any political subdivision thereof, or

(iii) an eligible educational institution (as defined in section 25A),

(B) any private education loan (as defined in section 140(a)(7) 1 of the Truth in Lending Act),

(C) any loan made by any educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) if such loan is made—

(i) pursuant to an agreement with any entity described in subparagraph (A) or any private education 2 lender (as defined in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act) under which the funds from which the loan was made were provided to such educational organization, or

(ii) pursuant to a program of such educational organization which is designed to encourage its students to serve in occupations with unmet needs or in areas with unmet needs and under which the services provided by the students (or former students) are for or under the direction of a governmental unit or an organization described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), or

(D) any loan made by an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) or by an organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) to refinance a loan to an individual to assist the individual in attending any such educational organization but only if the refinancing loan is pursuant to a program of the refinancing organization which is designed as described in subparagraph (C)(ii).

The preceding sentence shall not apply to the discharge of a loan made by an organization described in subparagraph (C) or made by a private education 2 lender (as defined in section 140(a)(7) of the Truth in Lending Act) if the discharge is on account of services performed for either such organization or for such private education lender.

(g) Special rules for discharge of qualified farm indebtedness

(1) Discharge must be by qualified person

(A) In general

Subparagraph (C) of subsection (a)(1) shall apply only if the discharge is by a qualified person.

(B) Qualified person

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "qualified person" has the meaning given to such term by section 49(a)(1)(D)(iv); except that such term shall include any Federal, State, or local government or agency or instrumentality thereof.

(2) Qualified farm indebtedness

For purposes of this section, indebtedness of a taxpayer shall be treated as qualified farm indebtedness if—

(A) such indebtedness was incurred directly in connection with the operation by the taxpayer of the trade or business of farming, and

(B) 50 percent or more of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the discharge of such indebtedness occurs is attributable to the trade or business of farming.

(3) Amount excluded cannot exceed sum of tax attributes and business and investment assets

(A) In general

The amount excluded under subparagraph (C) of subsection (a)(1) shall not exceed the sum of—

(i) the adjusted tax attributes of the taxpayer, and

(ii) the aggregate adjusted bases of qualified property held by the taxpayer as of the beginning of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the discharge occurs.

(B) Adjusted tax attributes

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "adjusted tax attributes" means the sum of the tax attributes described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), and (G) of subsection (b)(2) determined by taking into account $3 for each $1 of the attributes described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (G) of subsection (b)(2) and the attribute described in subparagraph (F) of subsection (b)(2) to the extent attributable to any passive activity credit carryover.

(C) Qualified property

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "qualified property" means any property which is used or is held for use in a trade or business or for the production of income.

(D) Coordination with insolvency exclusion

For purposes of this paragraph, the adjusted basis of any qualified property and the amount of the adjusted tax attributes shall be determined after any reduction under subsection (b) by reason of amounts excluded from gross income under subsection (a)(1)(B).

(h) Special rules relating to qualified principal residence indebtedness

(1) Basis reduction

The amount excluded from gross income by reason of subsection (a)(1)(E) shall be applied to reduce (but not below zero) the basis of the principal residence of the taxpayer.

(2) Qualified principal residence indebtedness

For purposes of this section, the term "qualified principal residence indebtedness" means acquisition indebtedness (within the meaning of section 163(h)(3)(B), applied by substituting "$750,000 ($375,000" for "$1,000,000 ($500,000" in clause (ii) thereof and determined without regard to the substitution described in section 163(h)(3)(F)(i)(II)) with respect to the principal residence of the taxpayer.

(3) Exception for certain discharges not related to taxpayer's financial condition

Subsection (a)(1)(E) shall not apply to the discharge of a loan if the discharge is on account of services performed for the lender or any other factor not directly related to a decline in the value of the residence or to the financial condition of the taxpayer.

(4) Ordering rule

If any loan is discharged, in whole or in part, and only a portion of such loan is qualified principal residence indebtedness, subsection (a)(1)(E) shall apply only to so much of the amount discharged as exceeds the amount of the loan (as determined immediately before such discharge) which is not qualified principal residence indebtedness.

(5) Principal residence

For purposes of this subsection, the term "principal residence" has the same meaning as when used in section 121.

(i) Deferral and ratable inclusion of income arising from business indebtedness discharged by the reacquisition of a debt instrument

(1) In general

At the election of the taxpayer, income from the discharge of indebtedness in connection with the reacquisition after December 31, 2008, and before January 1, 2011, of an applicable debt instrument shall be includible in gross income ratably over the 5-taxable-year period beginning with—

(A) in the case of a reacquisition occurring in 2009, the fifth taxable year following the taxable year in which the reacquisition occurs, and

(B) in the case of a reacquisition occurring in 2010, the fourth taxable year following the taxable year in which the reacquisition occurs.

(2) Deferral of deduction for original issue discount in debt for debt exchanges

(A) In general

If, as part of a reacquisition to which paragraph (1) applies, any debt instrument is issued for the applicable debt instrument being reacquired (or is treated as so issued under subsection (e)(4) and the regulations thereunder) and there is any original issue discount determined under subpart A of part V of subchapter P of this chapter with respect to the debt instrument so issued—

(i) except as provided in clause (ii), no deduction otherwise allowable under this chapter shall be allowed to the issuer of such debt instrument with respect to the portion of such original issue discount which—

(I) accrues before the 1st taxable year in the 5-taxable-year period in which income from the discharge of indebtedness attributable to the reacquisition of the debt instrument is includible under paragraph (1), and

(II) does not exceed the income from the discharge of indebtedness with respect to the debt instrument being reacquired, and

(ii) the aggregate amount of deductions disallowed under clause (i) shall be allowed as a deduction ratably over the 5-taxable-year period described in clause (i)(I).

If the amount of the original issue discount accruing before such 1st taxable year exceeds the income from the discharge of indebtedness with respect to the applicable debt instrument being reacquired, the deductions shall be disallowed in the order in which the original issue discount is accrued.

(B) Deemed debt for debt exchanges

For purposes of subparagraph (A), if any debt instrument is issued by an issuer and the proceeds of such debt instrument are used directly or indirectly by the issuer to reacquire an applicable debt instrument of the issuer, the debt instrument so issued shall be treated as issued for the debt instrument being reacquired. If only a portion of the proceeds from a debt instrument are so used, the rules of subparagraph (A) shall apply to the portion of any original issue discount on the newly issued debt instrument which is equal to the portion of the proceeds from such instrument used to reacquire the outstanding instrument.

(3) Applicable debt instrument

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Applicable debt instrument

The term "applicable debt instrument" means any debt instrument which was issued by—

(i) a C corporation, or

(ii) any other person in connection with the conduct of a trade or business by such person.

(B) Debt instrument

The term "debt instrument" means a bond, debenture, note, certificate, or any other instrument or contractual arrangement constituting indebtedness (within the meaning of section 1275(a)(1)).

(4) Reacquisition

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "reacquisition" means, with respect to any applicable debt instrument, any acquisition of the debt instrument by—

(i) the debtor which issued (or is otherwise the obligor under) the debt instrument, or

(ii) a related person to such debtor.

(B) Acquisition

The term "acquisition" shall, with respect to any applicable debt instrument, include an acquisition of the debt instrument for cash, the exchange of the debt instrument for another debt instrument (including an exchange resulting from a modification of the debt instrument), the exchange of the debt instrument for corporate stock or a partnership interest, and the contribution of the debt instrument to capital. Such term shall also include the complete forgiveness of the indebtedness by the holder of the debt instrument.

(5) Other definitions and rules

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Related person

The determination of whether a person is related to another person shall be made in the same manner as under subsection (e)(4).

(B) Election

(i) In general

An election under this subsection with respect to any applicable debt instrument shall be made by including with the return of tax imposed by chapter 1 for the taxable year in which the reacquisition of the debt instrument occurs a statement which—

(I) clearly identifies such instrument, and

(II) includes the amount of income to which paragraph (1) applies and such other information as the Secretary may prescribe.

(ii) Election irrevocable

Such election, once made, is irrevocable.

(iii) Pass-thru entities

In the case of a partnership, S corporation, or other pass-thru entity, the election under this subsection shall be made by the partnership, the S corporation, or other entity involved.

(C) Coordination with other exclusions

If a taxpayer elects to have this subsection apply to an applicable debt instrument, subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of subsection (a)(1) shall not apply to the income from the discharge of such indebtedness for the taxable year of the election or any subsequent taxable year.

(D) Acceleration of deferred items

(i) In general

In the case of the death of the taxpayer, the liquidation or sale of substantially all the assets of the taxpayer (including in a title 11 or similar case), the cessation of business by the taxpayer, or similar circumstances, any item of income or deduction which is deferred under this subsection (and has not previously been taken into account) shall be taken into account in the taxable year in which such event occurs (or in the case of a title 11 or similar case, the day before the petition is filed).

(ii) Special rule for pass-thru entities

The rule of clause (i) shall also apply in the case of the sale or exchange or redemption of an interest in a partnership, S corporation, or other pass-thru entity by a partner, shareholder, or other person holding an ownership interest in such entity.

(6) Special rule for partnerships

In the case of a partnership, any income deferred under this subsection shall be allocated to the partners in the partnership immediately before the discharge in the manner such amounts would have been included in the distributive shares of such partners under section 704 if such income were recognized at such time. Any decrease in a partner's share of partnership liabilities as a result of such discharge shall not be taken into account for purposes of section 752 at the time of the discharge to the extent it would cause the partner to recognize gain under section 731. Any decrease in partnership liabilities deferred under the preceding sentence shall be taken into account by such partner at the same time, and to the extent remaining in the same amount, as income deferred under this subsection is recognized.

(7) Secretarial authority

The Secretary may prescribe such regulations, rules, or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate for purposes of applying this subsection, including—

(A) extending the application of the rules of paragraph (5)(D) to other circumstances where appropriate,

(B) requiring reporting of the election (and such other information as the Secretary may require) on returns of tax for subsequent taxable years, and

(C) rules for the application of this subsection to partnerships, S corporations, and other pass-thru entities, including for the allocation of deferred deductions.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 32; June 29, 1956, ch. 463, §5, 70 Stat. 403; Pub. L. 88–496, §1(a), June 8, 1960, 74 Stat. 164; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1906(b)(13)(A), 1951(b)(2)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834, 1836; Pub. L. 96–589, §2(a), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3389; Pub. L. 97–354, §3(e), Oct. 19, 1982, 96 Stat. 1689; Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §102(h)(1), title III, §304(d), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2372, 2398; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §59(a), (b)(1), title IV, §474(r)(5), title VII, §721(b)(2), title X, §1076(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 576, 839, 966, 1053; Pub. L. 99–514, title I, §104(b)(2), title II, §231(d)(3)(D), title IV, §405(a), title VI, §621(e)(1), title VIII, §§805(c)(2)–(4), 822(a), (b)(1)–(3), title XI, §1171(b)(4), title XVIII, §1847(b)(7), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2105, 2179, 2224, 2266, 2362, 2373, 2513, 2856; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1004(a)(1)–(4), (6), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3385, 3387; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§11325(a)(1), (b), 11813(b)(6), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–466, 1388–551; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §§13150(a)–(c)(5), 13226(a)(1), (2)(B), (b)(1)–(3), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 446–448, 487, 488; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1703(n)(2), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1877; Pub. L. 105–34, title II, §225(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 820; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6004(f), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §402(a), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 40; Pub. L. 108–357, title III, §320(a), title VIII, §896(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1473, 1648; Pub. L. 110–142, §2(a)–(c), Dec. 20, 2007, 121 Stat. 1803, 1804; Pub. L. 110–343, div. A, title III, §303(a), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3807; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §1231(a), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 338; Pub. L. 111–148, title X, §10908(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 1021; Pub. L. 112–240, title II, §202(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2323; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §102(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4013; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, §151(a), (b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3065; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §11031(a), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2081; Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title I, §40201(a), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 145; Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, §101(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3227; Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, §114(a), (b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3050; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9675(a), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 185.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 338B(g) and 338I of the Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(4), are classified to sections 254l–1(g) and 254q–1, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(5), is classified to section 1650(a) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Section 140(a)(7) of the Act was redesignated section 140(a)(8) by Pub. L. 115–174, title VI, §601(a)(1)(A), May 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 1365.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 117–2 added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which related to discharges on account of death or disability.

2020—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 116–260, §114(a), substituted "January 1, 2026" for "January 1, 2021" in two places.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 116–260, §114(b), substituted "$750,000 ($375,000" for "$2,000,000 ($1,000,000".

2019—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(a), substituted "January 1, 2021" for "January 1, 2018" in two places.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 116–94, §101(b), inserted "and determined without regard to the substitution described in section 163(h)(3)(F)(i)(II)" after "clause (ii) thereof".

2018—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 115–123 substituted "January 1, 2018" for "January 1, 2017" in two places.

2017—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 115–97 added par. (5).

2015—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 114–113, §151(b), substituted "discharged—" for "discharged before January 1, 2017." and added cls. (i) and (ii).

Pub. L. 114–113, §151(a), substituted "January 1, 2017" for "January 1, 2015".

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 113–295 substituted "January 1, 2015" for "January 1, 2014".

2013—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 112–240 substituted "January 1, 2014" for "January 1, 2013".

2010—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 111–148 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In the case of an individual, gross income shall not include any amount received under section 338B(g) of the Public Health Service Act or under a State program described in section 338I of such Act."

2009—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–5 added subsec. (i).

2008—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 110–343 substituted "January 1, 2013" for "January 1, 2010".

2007—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 110–142, §2(a), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–142, §2(c)(1), substituted "(D), and (E)" for "and (D)".

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 110–142, §2(c)(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–142, §2(b), added subsec. (h).

2004—Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 108–357, §896(a), amended heading and text of par. (8) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of determining income of a debtor from discharge of indebtedness, if a debtor corporation transfers stock to a creditor in satisfaction of its indebtedness, such corporation shall be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with an amount of money equal to the fair market value of the stock."

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 108–357, §320(a), added par. (4).

2002—Subsec. (d)(7)(A). Pub. L. 107–147 inserted ", including by not taking into account under section 1366(a) any amount excluded under subsection (a) of this section" before period at end.

1998—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 105–206, §6004(f)(1), amended concluding provisions generally. Prior to amendment, concluding provisions read as follows: "The term 'student loan' includes any loan made by an educational organization so described or by an organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) to refinance a loan meeting the requirements of the preceding sentence."

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 105–206, §6004(f)(2), struck out "(or by an organization described in paragraph (2)(E) from funds provided by an organization described in paragraph (2)(D))" after "paragraph (2)(D)".

1997—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 105–34, §225(a)(1), added subpar. (D) and concluding provisions and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "any educational organization so described pursuant to an agreement with any entity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) under which the funds from which the loan was made were provided to such educational organization."

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105–34, §225(a)(1), struck out "or" at end.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 105–34, §225(a)(2), added par. (3).

1996—Subsec. (d)(9)(A). Pub. L. 104–188 substituted "paragraph (3)(C)" for "paragraph (3)(B)".

1993—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(a), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(1), substituted ", (C), and (D)" for "and (C)".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(2), amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to a discharge to the extent the taxpayer is insolvent."

Subsec. (b)(2)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(1), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) and (D) as (D) and (E), respectively. Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F).

Subsec. (b)(2)(F). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(2), added subpar. (F). Former subpar. (F) redesignated (G).

Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(1), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F).

Subsec. (b)(2)(G). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(2), redesignated subpar. (F) as (G).

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(3)(A), amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The reductions described in subparagraphs (B) and (E) of paragraph (2) shall be 331/3 cents for each dollar excluded by subsection (a)."

Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(3)(B), substituted "(D)" for "(C)" in heading and text.

Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(3)(C), substituted "(G)" for "(E)" in heading and text.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(b), added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(3)(B), substituted "certain provisions" for "subsections (a), (b) and (g)" in heading.

Subsec. (d)(6), (7)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(3)(A), (C), substituted "Certain provisions" for "Subsections (a), (b) and (g)" in heading and "subsections (a), (b), (c), and (g)" for "subsections (a), (b), and (g)" in text.

Subsec. (d)(7)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(4), inserted at end "The preceding sentence shall not apply to any discharge to the extent that subsection (a)(1)(D) applies to such discharge."

Subsec. (d)(9)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, §13150(c)(5), inserted "or under paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (c)" after "subsection (b)".

Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(a)(2)(B), substituted "Except as provided in regulations, for" for "For".

Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(a)(1)(B), amended heading and text of par. (8) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of determining income of the debtor from discharge of indebtedness, the stock for debt exception shall not apply—

"(A) to the issuance of nominal or token shares, or

"(B) with respect to an unsecured creditor, where the ratio of the value of the stock received by such unsecured creditor to the amount of his indebtedness cancelled or exchanged for stock in the workout is less than 50 percent of a similar ratio computed for all unsecured creditors participating in the workout.

Any stock which is disqualified stock (as defined in paragraph (10)(B)(ii)) shall not be treated as stock for purposes of this paragraph."

Subsec. (e)(10), (11). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(a)(1)(A), redesignated par. (11) as (10) and struck out former par. (10) which related to satisfaction of indebtedness by transfer of corporation's stock.

Subsec. (g)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13226(b)(3)(D), substituted "subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), and (G)" for "subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (E)" and "subparagraphs (B), (C), and (G)" for "subparagraphs (B) and (E)" and inserted before period at end "and the attribute described in subparagraph (F) of subsection (b)(2) to the extent attributable to any passive activity credit carryover".

1990—Subsec. (e)(8). Pub. L. 101–508, §11325(b)(2), inserted provision at end that any stock which is a disqualified stock, as so defined, not be treated as stock for purposes of this paragraph.

Subsec. (e)(10)(B). Pub. L. 101–508, §11325(b)(1), substituted heading for one which read: "Exception for title 11 cases and insolvent debtors" and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of a debtor in a title 11 case or to the extent the debtor is insolvent."

Subsec. (e)(11). Pub. L. 101–508, §11325(a)(1), added par. (11).

Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–508, §11813(b)(6), substituted "section 49(a)(1)(D)(iv)" for "section 46(c)(8)(D)(iv)".

1988—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(2), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to a discharge which occurs in a title 11 case."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(3), struck out "in title 11 case or insolvency" after "Reduction of tax attributes" in heading and substituted "subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)" for "subparagraph (A) or (B)" in text of par. (1).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(6)(B), which directed amendment of subsec. (d) heading by substituting "subsections (a), (b), and (g)" for "subsections (a), and (b)", was executed by making the substitution for "subsections (a) and (b)" as the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(6)(A), (C), substituted "Subsections (a), (b), and (g)" for "Subsections (a) and (b)" in heading and "subsections (a), (b), and (g)" for "subsections (a) and (b)" in text.

Subsec. (d)(7)(A). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(6)(A), (C), substituted "Subsections (a), (b), and (g)" for "Subsections (a) and (b)" in heading and "subsections (a), (b), and (g)" for "subsections (a) and (b)" in text.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–647, §1004(a)(4), substituted "indebtedness" for "indebtedness of solvent farmers" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) In general.—For purposes of this section and section 1017, the discharge by a qualified person of qualified farm indebtedness of a taxpayer who is not insolvent at the time of the discharge shall be treated in the same manner as if the discharge had occurred when the taxpayer was insolvent.

"(2) Qualified farm indebtedness.—For purposes of this subsection, indebtedness of a taxpayer shall be treated as qualified farm indebtedness if—

"(A) such indebtedness was incurred directly in connection with the operation by the taxpayer of the trade or business of farming, and

"(B) 50 percent or more of the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the discharge of such indebtedness occurs is attributable to the trade or business of farming.

"(3) Qualified person.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'qualified person' means a person described in section 46(c)(8)(D)(iv)."

1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(a), struck out subpar. (C) relating to exclusion from gross income if the indebtedness discharged is qualified business indebtedness.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(1), substituted "Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1)" for "Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1)" in subpar. (A), struck out subpar. (A) designation and heading, and struck out subpar. (B) providing that insolvency exclusion takes precedence over qualified business exclusion.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(d)(3)(D), substituted "General business credit" for "Research credit and general business credit" in heading and amended text, as amended by this Act (Pub. L. 99–514, §1171(b)(4) (see below)), generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any carryover to or from the taxable year of a discharge of an amount for purposes of determining the amount allowable as a credit under—

"(i) section 30 (relating to credit for increasing research activities), or

"(ii) section 38 (relating to general business credit).

For purposes of this subparagraph, there shall not be taken into account any portion of a carryover which is attributable to the employee stock ownership credit determined under section 41."

Pub. L. 99–514, §1171(b)(4), struck out last sentence which had been eliminated by the general amendment of subpar. (B) by Pub. L. 99–514, §231(d)(3)(D). See above.

Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 99–514, §1847(b)(7), substituted "section 27" for "section 33".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–514, §104(b)(2), substituted "331/3 cents" for "50 cents".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(2), struck out subsec. (c) relating to tax treatment of discharge of qualified business indebtedness.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(3)(B), struck out reference to subsec. (c) in heading.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(3)(A), struck out par. (4) relating to treatment of indebtedness as qualified business indebtedness.

Subsec. (d)(6), (7)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(3)(B), struck out reference to subsec. (c) in heading and text.

Subsec. (d)(7)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(3)(C), struck out "The preceding sentence shall not apply to any discharge to the extent that subsection (a)(1)(C) applies to such discharge."

Subsec. (d)(9)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §822(b)(3)(D), struck out "under paragraph (4) of this subsection or" after "An election".

Subsec. (e)(7)(A)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 99–514, §805(c)(2), substituted "subsection (a) or (b) of section 166" for "subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 166".

Subsec. (e)(7)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 99–514, §805(c)(3), redesignated subpars. (C) to (E) as (B) to (D), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (B) which related to taxpayers on reserve method.

Subsec. (e)(7)(E), (F). Pub. L. 99–514, §805(c)(3), (4), redesignated subpar. (F) as (E) and substituted "the foregoing subparagraphs" for "subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E)". Former subpar. (E) redesignated (D).

Subsec. (e)(10)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, §621(e), repealed the amendment by Pub. L. 98–369, §59(b)(1), which had added subpar. (C) creating an exception for transfers in certain workouts of the satisfaction of indebtedness by corporation's stock. See 1984 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–514, §405(a), added subsec. (g).

1984—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(5), substituted provisions relating to research credits and general business credits covering carryovers to or from the taxable year of a discharge of an amount for purposes of determining the amount allowable as a credit under section 30 (relating to credit for increasing research activities), or section 38 (relating to general business credit), and directing that there shall not be taken into account any portion of a carryover which is attributable to the employee stock ownership credit determined under section 41 for former provisions covering carryovers to or from the taxable year of the discharge of an amount for purposes of determining the amount of a credit allowable under section 38 (relating to investment in certain depreciable property), section 40 (relating to expenses of work incentive programs), section 44B (relating to credit for employment of certain new employees), section 44E (relating to alcohol used as a fuel), or section 44F (relating to credit for increasing research activities), and directing that, for purposes of clause (i), there could not be taken into account any portion of a carryover which was attributable to the employee plan credit (within the meaning of section 48(o)(3)).

Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 98–369, §721(b)(2), struck out "or S corporation shareholder level" in heading and second sentence which provided that "In the case of an S corporation, subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply at the shareholder level.". See par. (7)(A).

Subsec. (d)(7) to (10). Pub. L. 98–369, §721(b)(2), added par. (7) and redesignated former pars. (7) to (9) as (8) to (10), respectively.

Subsec. (e)(10). Pub. L. 98–369, §59(a), added par. (10).

Subsec. (e)(10)(C). Pub. L. 98–369, §59(b)(1), which added subpar. (C), effective as if included in the amendments made by section 806(e) and (f) of Pub. L. 94–455, was repealed by Pub. L. 99–514, §621(e), (f)(2), eff. Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–369, §1076(a), added subsec. (f).

1983—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 97–448, §102(h)(1), added cl. (v).

Subsec. (e)(7)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 97–448, §304(d), added cl. (iii).

1982—Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 97–354 inserted "or S corporation shareholder level" in heading and inserted "In the case of an S corporation, subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall be applied at the shareholder level."

1980—Pub. L. 96–589 completely revised and expanded provisions by specifying the types of indebtedness and by setting out priorities among the exclusions, to reflect the revision of Title 11, Bankruptcy, in 1978.

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, §1951(b)(2)(A), struck out "(a) Special rule of exclusion.—" after "Income from discharge of indebtedness" and struck out subsec. (b) which related to discharge, cancellation, or modification of indebtedness of certain railroad corporations.

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

1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–496 provided that if the discharge, cancellation, or modification of any indebtedness is effected pursuant to a court order in a receivership proceeding or in a proceeding under section 77 of the Bankruptcy Act, commenced before Jan. 1, 1960, then no amount is to be included in gross income with respect to it, and struck out provisions which made subsection inapplicable to discharges occurring in a taxable year beginning after Dec. 31, 1957.

1956—Subsec. (b). Act June 29, 1956, substituted "December 31, 1957" for "December 31, 1955".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, §9675(b), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 186, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of loans after December 31, 2020."

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, §114(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3050, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2020."

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, §101(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3228, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2017."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title I, §40201(b), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 145, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2016."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §11031(b), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2081, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2017."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, §151(c), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3066, provided that:

"(1) Extension.—The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2014.

"(2) Modification.—The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after December 31, 2015."

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §102(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4013, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to indebtedness discharged after December 31, 2013."

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–240, title II, §202(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2323, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to indebtedness discharged after December 31, 2012."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–148, title X, §10908(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 1021, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to amounts received by an individual in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008."

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §1231(b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 341, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges in taxable years ending after December 31, 2008."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–343, div. A, title III, §303(b), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3807, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness occurring on or after January 1, 2010."

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–142, §2(d), Dec. 20, 2007, 121 Stat. 1804, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness on or after January 1, 2007."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title III, §320(c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1473, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 3121, 3231, 3306, and 3401 of this title, and section 409 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall apply to amounts received by an individual in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2003."

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §896(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1649, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to cancellations of indebtedness occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §402(b), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 40, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after October 11, 2001, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(2) Exception.—The amendment made by this section shall not apply to any discharge of indebtedness before March 1, 2002, pursuant to a plan of reorganization filed with a bankruptcy court on or before October 11, 2001."

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 II, §225(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 820, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997]."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 effective as if included in the provision of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, Pub. L. 103–66, §§13001–13444, to which such amendment relates, see section 1703(o) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 39 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13150(d), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 448, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 703 and 1017 of this title] shall apply to discharges after December 31, 1992, in taxable years ending after such date."

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13226(a)(3), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 487, provided that:

"(A) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 382 of this title] shall apply to stock transferred after December 31, 1994, in satisfaction of any indebtedness.

"(B) Exception for title 11 cases.—The amendments made by this subsection shall not apply to stock transferred in satisfaction of any indebtedness if such transfer is in a title 11 or similar case (as defined in section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) which was filed on or before December 31, 1993."

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13226(b)(4), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 488, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11325(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–466, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1275 of this title] shall apply to debt instruments issued, and stock transferred, after October 9, 1990, in satisfaction of any indebtedness.

"(2) Exceptions.—The amendments made by this section shall not apply to any debt instrument issued, or stock transferred, in satisfaction of any indebtedness if such issuance or transfer (as the case may be)—

"(A) is in a title 11 or similar case (as defined in section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) which was filed on or before October 9, 1990,

"(B) is pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on October 9, 1990, and at all times thereafter before such issuance or transfer,

"(C) is pursuant to a transaction which was described in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before October 9, 1990, or

"(D) is pursuant to a transaction—

"(i) the material terms of which were described in a written public announcement on or before October 9, 1990,

"(ii) which was the subject of a prior filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and

"(iii) which is the subject of a subsequent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission before January 1, 1991."

Amendment by section 11813(b)(6) of Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 1990, but not applicable to any transition property (as defined in section 49(e) of this title), any property with respect to which qualified progress expenditures were previously taken into account under section 46(d) of this title, and any property described in section 46(b)(2)(C) of this title, as such sections were in effect on Nov. 4, 1990, see section 11813(c) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 45K of this title.

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 section 104(b)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 151(a) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Amendment by section 231(d)(3)(D) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1985, see section 231(g) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 41 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title IV, §405(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2224, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1017 of this title] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness occurring after April 9, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date."

Repeal by section 621(e)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 of amendment by section 59(b)(1) of Pub. L. 99–369, which was effective as if included in the amendments made by section 806(e) and (f) of Pub. L. 94–455, effective Jan. 1, 1986, with certain exceptions, see section 621(f)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 382 of this title.

Amendment by section 805(c)(2), (4) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, with certain changes required in method of accounting, see section 805(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 166 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–514, title VIII, §822(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2373, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1017 of this title] shall apply to discharges after December 31, 1986."

Amendment by section 1171(b)(4) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to compensation paid or accrued after Dec. 31, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date, except as otherwise provided, see section 1171(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Amendment by section 1847(b)(7) 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, §59(b)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 577, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect as if it had been included in the amendments made by subsections (e) and (f) of section 806 of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 [Pub. L. 94–455]." See Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 382 of this title.

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §59(b)[(c)], July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 577, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to transfers after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984] in taxable years ending after such date.

"(2) Transitional rule.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply to the transfer by a corporation of its stock in exchange for debt of the corporation after the date of the enactment of this Act if such transfer is—

"(A) pursuant to a written contract requiring such transfer which was binding on the corporation at all times on June 7, 1984, and at all times after such date but only if the transfer takes place before January 1, 1985, and only if the transferee held the debt at all times on June 7, 1984, or

"(B) pursuant to the exercise of an option to exchange debt for stock but only if such option was in effect at all times on June 7, 1984, and at all times after such date and only if at all times on June 7, 1984, the option and the debt were held by the same person.

"(3) Certain transfers to controlling shareholder.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply to any transfer before January 1, 1985, by a corporation of its stock in exchange for debt of such corporation if—

"(A) such transfer is to another corporation which at all times on June 7, 1984, owned 75 percent or more of the total value of the stock of the corporation making such transfer, and

"(B) immediately after such transfer, the transferee corporation owns 80 percent or more of the total value of the stock of the transferor corporation.

"(4) Certain transfers pursuant to debt restructure agreement.—The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply to the transfer by a corporation of its stock in exchange for debt of the corporation after the date of the enactment of this Act and before January 1, 1985, if—

"(A) such transfer is covered by a debt restructure agreement entered into by the corporation during November 1983, and

"(B) such agreement was specified in a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the corporation on March 7, 1984."

Amendment by section 474(r)(5) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1983, and to carrybacks from such years, see section 475(a) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 21 of this title.

Amendment by section 721(b) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to contributions to capital after Dec. 31, 1980, in taxable years ending after such date, see section 721(y)(2) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 1361 of this title.

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §1076(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1054, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to discharges of indebtedness made on or after January 1, 1983."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by title I of Pub. L. 97–448 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if it had been included in the provision of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, Pub. L. 97–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 109 of Pub. L. 97–448, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–354 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1982, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 97–354, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1361 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–589, §7, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3411, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(a) For Section 2 (Relating to Tax Treatment of Discharge of Indebtedness).—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by section 2 [amending this section and sections 111, 118, 382, 703 and 1017 of this title] shall apply to any transaction which occurs after December 31, 1980, other than a transaction which occurs in a proceeding in a bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding (or in a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Act) [Title 11, Bankruptcy] commencing on or before December 31, 1980.

"(2) Transitional rule.—In the case of any discharge of indebtedness to which subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 108(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (relating to exclusion from gross income), as amended by section 2, applies and which occurs before January 1, 1982, or which occurs in a proceeding in a bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceedings commencing before January 1, 1982, then—

"(A) section 108(b)(2) of the such Code (relating to reduction of tax attributes), as so amended, shall be applied without regard to subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (E) thereof, and

"(B) the basis of any property shall not be reduced under section 1017 of such Code (relating to reduction in basis in connection with discharges of indebtedness), as so amended, below the fair market value of such property on the date the debt is discharged.

"(b) For Section 3 (Relating to Rules Relating to Title 11 Cases for Individuals).—The amendments made by section 3 [enacting sections 1398 and 1399 of this title and amending sections 443, 6012 and 6103 of this title] shall apply to any bankruptcy case commencing more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 24, 1980].

"(c) For Section 4 (Relating to Corporate Reorganization Provisions).—

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by section 4 [enacting section 370 of this title and amending sections 354, 355, 357, 368 and 381 of this title] shall apply to any bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding commencing after December 31, 1980.

"(2) Exchanges of property for accrued interest.—The amendments made by subsection (e) of section 4 [amending sections 354 and 355 of this title] (relating to treatment of property attributable to accrued interest) shall also apply to any exchange—

"(A) which occurs after December 31, 1980, and

"(B) which does not occur in a bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding (or in a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Act) commenced on or before December 31, 1980.

"(d) For Section 5 (Relating to Miscellaneous Corporate Amendments).—

"(1) For subsection (a) (relating to exemption from personal holding company tax).—The amendments made by subsection (a) of section 5 [amending section 542 of this title] shall apply to any bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding commenced after December 31, 1980.

"(2) For subsection (b) (relating to repeal of special treatment for certain railroad redemptions).—The amendments made by subsection (b) of section 5 [amending section 302 of this title] shall apply to stock which is issued after December 31, 1980 (other than stock issued pursuant to a plan of reorganization approved on or before that date).

"(3) For subsection (c) (relating to application of 12-month liquidation rule).—The amendment made by subsection (c) of section 5 [amending section 337 of this title] shall apply to any bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding commenced after December 31, 1980.

"(4) For subsection (d) (relating to permitting bankruptcy estate to be subchapter s shareholder).—The amendment made by subsection (d) of section 5 [amending section 1371 of this title] shall apply to any bankruptcy case commenced on or after October 1, 1979.

"(5) For subsection (e) (relating to certain transfers to controlled corporations).—The amendments made by subsection (e) of section 5 [amending section 351 of this title] shall apply as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

"(6) For subsection (f) (relating to effect of debt discharge on earnings and profits).—The amendment made by subsection (f) of section 5 [amending section 312 of this title] shall apply as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

"(e) For Section 6 (Relating to Changes in Tax Procedures).—The amendments made by section 6 [enacting sections 6658 and 7464 of this title, amending sections 128, 354, 422, 1023, 3302, 6012, 6036, 6155, 6161, 6212, 6213, 6216, 6326 [now 6327], 6404, 6503, 6512, 6532, 6871, 6872, 6873, 7430, and 7508 of this title, repealing section 1018 of this title, and redesignating former section 7464 of this title as 7465] shall take effect on October 1, 1979, but shall not apply to any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Act [Title 11] commenced before October 1, 1979.

"(f) Election To Substitute September 30, 1979, for December 31, 1980.—

"(1) In general.—The debtor (or debtors) in a bankruptcy case or similar judicial proceeding may (with the approval of the court) elect to apply subsections (a), (c), and (d) by substituting 'September 30, 1979' for 'December 31, 1980' each place it appears in such subsections.

"(2) Effect of election.—Any election made under paragraph (1) with respect to any proceeding shall apply to all parties to the proceeding.

"(3) Revocation only with consent.—Any election under this subsection may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate.

"(4) Time and manner of election.—Any election under this subsection shall be made at such time, and in such manner, as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may by regulations prescribe.

"(g) Definitions.—For purposes of this section—

"(1) Bankruptcy case.—The term 'bankruptcy case' means any case under title 11 of the United States Code (as recodified by Public Law 95–598).

"(2) Similar judicial proceeding.—The term 'similar judicial proceeding' means a receivership, foreclosure, or similar proceeding in a Federal or State court (as modified by section 368(a)(3)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)."

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1951(b)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1951(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 72 of this title.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–496, §1(b), June 8, 1960, 74 Stat. 164, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1959, but only with respect to discharges occurring after such date."

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 11813 of Pub. L. 101–508 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Nov. 5, 1990, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 11821(b) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 45K of this title.

Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1951(b)(2)(B), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1837, provided that: "If any discharge, cancellation, or modification of indebtedness of a railroad corporation occurs in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1976, pursuant to an order of a court in a proceeding referred to in section 108(b)(A) or (B) which commenced before January 1, 1960, then, notwithstanding the amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] the provisions of subsection (b) of section 108 shall be considered as not repealed with respect to such discharge, cancellation, or modification of indebtedness."

Exclusion of Certain Cancellations of Indebtedness

Pub. L. 107–134, title I, §105, Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2432, provided that:

"(a) In General.—For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986—

"(1) gross income shall not include any amount which (but for this section) would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge (in whole or in part) of indebtedness of any taxpayer if the discharge is by reason of the death of an individual incurred as the result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, or as the result of illness incurred as a result of an attack involving anthrax occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2002; and

"(2) return requirements under section 6050P of such Code shall not apply to any discharge described in paragraph (1).

"(b) Effective Date.—This section shall apply to discharges made on or after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2002."

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 "140(a)(8)". See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Such section defines the term "private educational lender".
26 U.S.C. § 4971 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 43 / Section 4971: Taxes on failure to meet minimum funding standards
Taxes on failure to meet minimum funding standards
Status: in_force

(a) Initial tax

If at any time during any taxable year an employer maintains a plan to which section 412 applies, there is hereby imposed for the taxable year a tax equal to—

(1) in the case of a single-employer plan, 10 percent of the aggregate unpaid minimum required contributions for all plan years remaining unpaid as of the end of any plan year ending with or within the taxable year,

(2) in the case of a multiemployer plan, 5 percent of the accumulated funding deficiency determined under section 431 as of the end of any plan year ending with or within the taxable year, and

(3) in the case of a CSEC plan, 10 percent of the CSEC accumulated funding deficiency as of the end of the plan year ending with or within the taxable year.

(b) Additional tax

If—

(1) a tax is imposed under subsection (a)(1) on any unpaid minimum required contribution and such amount remains unpaid as of the close of the taxable period,

(2) a tax is imposed under subsection (a)(2) on any accumulated funding deficiency and the accumulated funding deficiency is not corrected within the taxable period, or

(3) a tax is imposed under subsection (a)(3) on any CSEC accumulated funding deficiency and the CSEC accumulated funding deficiency is not corrected within the taxable period,

there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 100 percent of the unpaid minimum required contribution, accumulated funding deficiency, or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, whichever is applicable, to the extent not so paid or corrected.

(c) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Accumulated funding deficiency

The term "accumulated funding deficiency" has the meaning given to such term by section 431.

(2) Correct

The term "correct" means, with respect to an accumulated funding deficiency or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, the contribution, to or under the plan, of the amount necessary to reduce such accumulated funding deficiency or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency as of the end of a plan year in which such deficiency arose to zero.

(3) Taxable period

The term "taxable period" means, with respect to an accumulated funding deficiency, CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, or unpaid minimum required contribution, whichever is applicable, the period beginning with the end of the plan year in which there is an accumulated funding deficiency, CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, or unpaid minimum required contribution, whichever is applicable, and ending on the earlier of—

(A) the date of mailing of a notice of deficiency with respect to the tax imposed by subsection (a), or

(B) the date on which the tax imposed by subsection (a) is assessed.

(4) Unpaid minimum required contribution

(A) In general

The term "unpaid minimum required contribution" means, with respect to any plan year, any minimum required contribution under section 430 for the plan year which is not paid on or before the due date (as determined under section 430(j)(1)) for the plan year.

(B) Ordering rule

Any payment to or under a plan for any plan year shall be allocated first to unpaid minimum required contributions for all preceding plan years on a first-in, first-out basis and then to the minimum required contribution under section 430 for the plan year.

(5) CSEC accumulated funding deficiency

The term "CSEC accumulated funding deficiency" means the accumulated funding deficiency determined under section 433.

(d) Notification of the Secretary of Labor

Before issuing a notice of deficiency with respect to the tax imposed by subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary shall notify the Secretary of Labor and provide him a reasonable opportunity (but not more than 60 days)—

(1) to require the employer responsible for contributing to or under the plan to eliminate the accumulated funding deficiency, CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, or unpaid minimum required contribution, whichever is applicable, or

(2) to comment on the imposition of such tax.

(e) Liability for tax

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the tax imposed by subsection (a), (b), or (f) shall be paid by the employer responsible for contributing to or under the plan the amount described in section 412(a)(2).

(2) Joint and several liability where employer member of controlled group

(A) In general

If an employer referred to in paragraph (1) is a member of a controlled group, each member of such group shall be jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed by subsection (a), (b), (f), or (g).

(B) Controlled group

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "controlled group" means any group treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414.

(f) Failure to pay liquidity shortfall

(1) In general

In the case of a plan to which section 430(j)(4) or 433(f) applies, there is hereby imposed a tax of 10 percent of the excess (if any) of—

(A) the amount of the liquidity shortfall for any quarter, over

(B) the amount of such shortfall which is paid by the required installment under section 430(j) or 433(f), whichever is applicable, for such quarter (but only if such installment is paid on or before the due date for such installment).

(2) Additional tax

If the plan has a liquidity shortfall as of the close of any quarter and as of the close of each of the following 4 quarters, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 100 percent of the amount on which tax was imposed by paragraph (1) for such first quarter.

(3) Definitions and special rule

(A) Liquidity shortfall; quarter

For purposes of this subsection, the terms "liquidity shortfall" and "quarter" have the respective meanings given such terms by section 430(j) or 433(f), whichever is applicable.

(B) Special rule

If the tax imposed by paragraph (2) is paid with respect to any liquidity shortfall for any quarter, no further tax shall be imposed by this subsection on such shortfall for such quarter.

(4) Waiver by Secretary

If the taxpayer establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—

(A) the liquidity shortfall described in paragraph (1) was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and

(B) reasonable steps have been taken to remedy such liquidity shortfall,

the Secretary may waive all or part of the tax imposed by this subsection.

(g) Multiemployer plans in endangered or critical status

(1) In general

Except as provided in this subsection—

(A) no tax shall be imposed under this section for a taxable year with respect to a multiemployer plan if, for the plan years ending with or within the taxable year, the plan is in critical status pursuant to section 432, and

(B) any tax imposed under this subsection for a taxable year with respect to a multiemployer plan if, for the plan years ending with or within the taxable year, the plan is in endangered status pursuant to section 432 shall be in addition to any other tax imposed by this section.

(2) Failure to comply with funding improvement or rehabilitation plan

(A) In general

If any funding improvement plan or rehabilitation plan in effect under section 432 with respect to a multiemployer plan requires an employer to make a contribution to the plan, there is hereby imposed a tax on each failure of the employer to make the required contribution within the time required under such plan.

(B) Amount of tax

The amount of the tax imposed by subparagraph (A) shall be equal to the amount of the required contribution the employer failed to make in a timely manner.

(C) Liability for tax

The tax imposed by subparagraph (A) shall be paid by the employer responsible for contributing to or under the rehabilitation plan which fails to make the contribution.

(3) Failure to meet requirements for plans in endangered or critical status

If—

(A) a plan which is in seriously endangered status fails to meet the applicable benchmarks by the end of the funding improvement period, or

(B) a plan which is in critical status either—

(i) fails to meet the requirements of section 432(e) by the end of the rehabilitation period, or

(ii) has received a certification under section 432(b)(3)(A)(ii) for 3 consecutive plan years that the plan is not making the scheduled progress in meeting its requirements under the rehabilitation plan,

the plan shall be treated as having an accumulated funding deficiency for purposes of this section for the last plan year in such funding improvement, rehabilitation, or 3-consecutive year period (and each succeeding plan year until such benchmarks or requirements are met) in an amount equal to the greater of the amount of the contributions necessary to meet such benchmarks or requirements or the amount of such accumulated funding deficiency without regard to this paragraph.

(4) Failure to adopt rehabilitation plan

(A) In general

In the case of a multiemployer plan which is in critical status, there is hereby imposed a tax on the failure of such plan to adopt a rehabilitation plan within the time prescribed under section 432.

(B) Amount of tax

The amount of the tax imposed under subparagraph (A) with respect to any plan sponsor for any taxable year shall be the greater of—

(i) the amount of tax imposed under subsection (a) for the taxable year (determined without regard to this subsection), or

(ii) the amount equal to $1,100 multiplied by the number of days during the taxable year which are included in the period beginning on the day following the close of the 240-day period described in section 432(e)(1)(A) and ending on the day on which the rehabilitation plan is adopted.

(C) Liability for tax

(i) In general

The tax imposed by subparagraph (A) shall be paid by each plan sponsor.

(ii) Plan sponsor

For purposes of clause (i), the term "plan sponsor" has the meaning given such term by section 432(j)(9).

(5) Waiver

In the case of a failure described in paragraph (2) or (3) which is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Secretary may waive part or all of the tax imposed by this subsection. For purposes of this paragraph, reasonable cause includes unanticipated and material market fluctuations, the loss of a significant contributing employer, or other factors to the extent that the payment of tax under this subsection with respect to the failure would be excessive or otherwise inequitable relative to the failure involved.

(6) Terms used in section 432

For purposes of this subsection, any term used in this subsection which is also used in section 432 shall have the meaning given such term by section 432.

(h) Failure of a CSEC plan sponsor to adopt funding restoration plan

(1) In general

In the case of a CSEC plan that is in funding restoration status (within the meaning of section 433(j)(5)(A)), there is hereby imposed a tax on the failure of such plan to adopt a funding restoration plan within the time prescribed under section 433(j)(3).

(2) Amount of tax

The amount of the tax imposed under paragraph (1) with respect to any plan sponsor for any taxable year shall be the amount equal to $100 multiplied by the number of days during the taxable year which are included in the period beginning on the day following the close of the 180-day period described in section 433(j)(3) and ending on the day on which the funding restoration plan is adopted.

(3) Waiver by Secretary

In the case of a failure described in paragraph (1) which the Secretary determines is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Secretary may waive a portion or all of the tax imposed by such paragraph.

(4) Liability for tax

The tax imposed by paragraph (1) shall be paid by the plan sponsor (within the meaning of section 433(j)(5)(E)).

(i) Cross references

For disallowance of deduction for taxes paid under this section, see section 275.

For liability for tax in case of an employer party to collective bargaining agreement, see section 413(b)(6).

For provisions concerning notification of Secretary of Labor of imposition of tax under this section, waiver of the tax imposed by subsection (b), and other coordination between Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Labor with respect to compliance with this section, see section 3002(b) of title III of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

(Added Pub. L. 93–406, title II, §1013(b), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 920; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 96–364, title II, §204, Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1287; Pub. L. 96–596, §2(a)(1)(J), (2)(H), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3469, 3471; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §§9304(c)(1), 9305(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–348, 1330–351; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §751(a)(9)(B), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5020; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1464(a), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1824; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §114(e)(1)–(4), title II, §212(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 854, 855, 915; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §§101(d)(2)(F), 102(b)(2)(I), (3)(A), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5099, 5103; Pub. L. 113–97, title II, §202(c)(8), (9), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1137, 1138; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(225)–(228), (b)(44), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1195, 1204.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3002(b) of title III of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (i), is classified to section 1202(b) of Title 29, Labor.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(225), which directed substitution of "minimum required contribution, accumulated funding deficiency, or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, whichever is applicable" for "minimum required contribution," and all that followed through "whichever is applicable", resulted in no change in text of concluding provisions after the probable intent execution of Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(B)(ii). See 2014 Amendment note below. Had the amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 not been executed, amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 would still require execution as the probable intent of Congress because the original text directed to be stricken would have read "minimum required contribution or accumulated funding deficiency, whichever is applicable", with no comma following "contribution".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(226), substituted "applicable, and ending" for "applicable and ending" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(b)(44), struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: "In the case of a multiemployer plan which is in reorganization under section 418, the same notice and opportunity shall be provided to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation."

Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(227), substituted "applicable, for" for "applicable for".

Subsec. (g)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(228), substituted "section 432(j)(9)" for "section 432(i)(9)".

2014—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(A), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(B)(ii), which directed substitution of "minimum required contribution, accumulated funding deficiency, or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency" for "minimum required contributions or accumulated funding deficiency", was executed by making the substitution for "minimum required contribution or accumulated funding deficiency" in concluding provisions, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(B)(i), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(C)(i), substituted "accumulated funding deficiency or CSEC accumulated funding deficiency" for "accumulated funding deficiency" in two places.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(C)(ii), substituted "accumulated funding deficiency, CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, or unpaid minimum required contribution" for "accumulated funding deficiency or unpaid minimum required contribution" in two places in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(C)(iii), added par. (5).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(D), substituted "accumulated funding deficiency, CSEC accumulated funding deficiency, or unpaid minimum required contribution" for "accumulated funding deficiency or unpaid minimum required contribution".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(E)(i), substituted "430(j)(4) or 433(f)" for "430(j)(4)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(E)(ii), substituted "430(j) or 433(f), whichever is applicable" for "430(j)".

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(8)(E)(iii), substituted "430(j) or 433(f), whichever is applicable" for "412(m)(5)".

Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 113–97, §202(c)(9), added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

2008—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(2)(F)(i), substituted "minimum required" for "required minimum".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(2)(F)(ii), inserted "or unpaid minimum required contribution, whichever is applicable" after "accumulated funding deficiency" in two places in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(2)(F)(ii), inserted "or unpaid minimum required contribution, whichever is applicable" after "accumulated funding deficiency".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(d)(2)(F)(iii), substituted "section 412(a)(2)" for "section 412(a)(1)(A)".

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(3)(A), amended directory language of Pub. L. 109–280, §212(b)(2). See 2006 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (g)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(2)(I)(i), substituted "day following the close of" for "first day of".

Subsec. (g)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(2)(I)(ii), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of clause (i), the term 'plan sponsor' in the case of a multiemployer plan means the association, committee, joint board of trustees, or other similar group of representatives of the parties who establish or maintain the plan."

2006—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 109–280, §114(e)(1), amended subsecs. (a) and (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (a) and (b) read as follows:

"(a) Initial tax.—For each taxable year of an employer who maintains a plan to which section 412 applies, there is hereby imposed a tax of 10 percent (5 percent in the case of a multiemployer plan) on the amount of the accumulated funding deficiency under the plan, determined as of the end of the plan year ending with or within such taxable year.

"(b) Additional tax.—In any case in which an initial tax is imposed by subsection (a) on an accumulated funding deficiency and such accumulated funding deficiency is not corrected within the taxable period, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 100 percent of such accumulated funding deficiency to the extent not corrected."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §114(e)(2)(A), substituted "section 431" for "the last two sentences of section 412(a)".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 109–280, §114(e)(2)(B), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §114(e)(3), substituted "section 412(a)(1)(A)" for "section 412(b)(3)(A)".

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–280, §212(b)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(3)(A), substituted "If an" for "In the case of a plan other than a multiemployer plan, if the" and "(f), or (g)" for "or (f)".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §114(e)(4), substituted "section 430(j)(4)" for "section 412(m)(5)" in introductory provisions and "section 430(j)" for "section 412(m)" in subpar. (B).

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 109–280, §212(b)(1), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

1996—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 104–188 added par. (4).

1994—Subsec. (e)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 103–465, §751(a)(9)(B)(i), substituted "(a), (b), or (f)" for "(a) or (b)".

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 103–465, §751(a)(9)(B)(ii), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203, §9305(a)(2)(A), struck out at end "The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the employer responsible for contributing to or under the plan the amount described in section 412(b)(3)(A)."

Pub. L. 100–203, §9304(c)(1), substituted "10 percent (5 percent in the case of a multiemployer plan)" for "5 percent".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–203, §9305(a)(2)(B), struck out at end "The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the employer described in subsection (a)."

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 100–203, §9305(a)(1), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–596, §2(a)(1)(J), substituted "taxable period" for "correction period".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 96–364, §204(1), substituted "last two sentences" for "last sentence".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 96–596, §2(a)(2)(H), substituted provision defining taxable period as the period beginning with the end of the plan year in which there is an accumulated funding deficiency and ending on the earlier of the date of mailing of a notice of deficiency with respect to the tax imposed by subsec. (a) of this section or the date on which the tax imposed by subsec. (a) of this section is assessed for provision defining correction period as the period beginning with the end of a plan year in which there is an accumulated funding deficiency and ending 90 days after the date of mailing of a notice of deficiency under section 6212 of this title with respect to the tax imposed by subsec. (b) of this section, extended by any period in which a deficiency cannot be assessed under section 6213(a) of this title and by any other period which the Secretary determines reasonable and necessary to permit a reduction of the accumulated funding deficiency to zero.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–364, §204(2), inserted provisions relating to a multiemployer plan in reorganization.

1976—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–97 applicable to years beginning after Dec. 31, 2013, see section 3 of Pub. L. 113–97, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–458 effective as if included in the provisions of Pub. L. 109–280 to which the amendment relates, except as otherwise provided, see section 112 of Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 72 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 114(e)(1)–(4) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to taxable years beginning after 2007, but only with respect to plan years beginning after 2007 which end with or within any such taxable year, see section 114(g) of Pub. L. 109–280, as added by Pub. L. 110–458, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Amendment by section 212(b) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after 2007, but only with respect to plan years beginning after 2007 which end with or within such taxable year, with special rules for certain notices and certain restored benefits, see section 212(e) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1464(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1825, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendment made by clause (ii) of section 751(a)(9)(B) of the Retirement Protection Act of 1994 [Pub. L. 103–465] (108 Stat. 5020)."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, see section 751(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9304(c)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–348, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after 1988."

Amendment by section 9305(a) of Pub. L. 100–203 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 1987, see section 9305(d) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 412 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendments

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 96–596 with respect to any first tier tax and to any second tier tax, see section 2(d) of Pub. L. 96–596, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4961 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–364 effective Sept. 26, 1980, see section 210(a) of Pub. L. 96–364, set out as an Effective Date note under section 194A of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable, except as otherwise provided in section 1017(c) through (i) of Pub. L. 93–406, for plan years beginning after Sept. 2, 1974, and, in the case of plans in existence on Jan. 1, 1974, for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 1017 of Pub. L. 93–406, set out as an Effective Date; Transitional Rules note under section 410 of this title.

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 401(b)(44) 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 Amendments by Subtitles A and B of Title I of Pub. L. 109–280

For special rules on applicability of amendments by subtitles A (§§101–108) and B (§§111–116) of title I of Pub. L. 109–280 to certain eligible cooperative plans, PBGC settlement plans, and eligible government contractor plans, see sections 104, 105, and 106 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as notes under section 401 of this title.

Special Rule for Certain Benefits Funded Under an Agreement Approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

For applicability of amendment by section 212(b) of Pub. L. 109–280 to a multiemployer plan that is a party to an agreement that was approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation prior to June 30, 2005, and that increases benefits and provides for certain withdrawal liability rules, see section 206 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of this title.

Exemption From Excise Taxes for Certain Multiemployer Pension Plans

Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §214, Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 918, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no tax shall be imposed under subsection (a) or (b) of section 4971 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to any accumulated funding deficiency of a plan described in subsection (b) of this section for any taxable year beginning before the earlier of—

"(1) the taxable year in which the plan sponsor adopts a rehabilitation plan under section 305(e) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1085(e)] and section 432(e) of such Code (as added by this Act); or

"(2) the taxable year that contains January 1, 2009.

"(b) Plan Described.—A plan described under this subsection is a multiemployer pension plan—

"(1) with less than 100 participants;

"(2) with respect to which the contributing employers participated in a Federal fishery capacity reduction program;

"(3) with respect to which employers under the plan participated in the Northeast Fisheries Assistance Program; and

"(4) with respect to which the annual normal cost is less than $100,000 and the plan is experiencing a funding deficiency on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1998

For provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle D [§§1401–1465] of title I of Pub. L. 104–188 require an amendment to any plan or annuity contract, such amendment shall not be required to be made before the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan. 1, 1998, see section 1465 of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.