26 U.S.C. § 6421 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 65 / Section 6421: Gasoline used for certain nonhighway purposes, used by local transit systems, or sold for certain exempt purposes
Gasoline used for certain nonhighway purposes, used by local transit systems, or sold for certain exempt purposes
Status: in_force

(a) Nonhighway uses

Except as provided in subsection (i), if gasoline is used in an off-highway business use, the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline under section 4081. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of subsection (f) of this section, in the case of gasoline used as a fuel in an aircraft, the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons of gasoline so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline under section 4081.

(b) Intercity, local, or school buses

(1) Allowance

Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (i), if gasoline is used in an automobile bus while engaged in—

(A) furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public, or

(B) the transportation of students and employees of schools (as defined in the last sentence of section 4221(d)(7)(C)),

the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to the product of the number of gallons of gasoline so used multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline by section 4081.

(2) Limitation in case of nonscheduled intercity or local buses

Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply in respect of gasoline used in any automobile bus while engaged in furnishing transportation which is not scheduled and not along regular routes unless the seating capacity of such bus is at least 20 adults (not including the driver).

(c) Exempt purposes

If gasoline is sold to any person for any purpose described in paragraph (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6) of section 4221(a), the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to such person an amount equal to the product of the number of gallons of gasoline so sold multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline by section 4081. The preceding sentence shall apply notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (f). Subsection (a) shall not apply to gasoline to which this subsection applies.

(d) Time for filing claims; period covered

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), not more than one claim may be filed under subsection (a), not more than one claim may be filed under subsection (b), and not more than one claim may be filed under subsection (c), by any person with respect to gasoline used during his taxable year; and no claim shall be allowed under this paragraph with respect to gasoline used during any taxable year unless filed by such person not later than the time prescribed by law for filing a claim for credit or refund of overpayment of income tax for such taxable year. For purposes of this subsection, a person's taxable year shall be his taxable year for purposes of subtitle A.

(2) Exception

For payments per quarter based on aggregate amounts payable under this section and section 6427, see section 6427(i)(2).

(3) Application to sales under subsection (c)

For purposes of this subsection, gasoline shall be treated as used for a purpose referred to in subsection (c) when it is sold for such a purpose.

(e) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Gasoline

The term "gasoline" has the meaning given to such term by section 4083(a).

(2) Off-highway business use

(A) In general

The term "off-highway business use" means any use by a person in a trade or business of such person or in an activity of such person described in section 212 (relating to production of income) otherwise than as a fuel in a highway vehicle—

(i) which (at the time of such use), is registered, or is required to be registered, for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country, or

(ii) which, in the case of a highway vehicle owned by the United States, is used on the highway.

(B) Uses in boats

(i) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, the term "off-highway business use" does not include any use in a motorboat.

(ii) Fisheries and whaling

The term "off-highway business use" shall include any use in a vessel employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business.

(C) Uses in mobile machinery

(i) In general

The term "off-highway business use" shall include any use in a vehicle which meets the requirements described in clause (ii).

(ii) Requirements for mobile machinery

The requirements described in this clause are—

(I) the design-based test, and

(II) the use-based test.

(iii) Design-based test

For purposes of clause (ii)(I), the design-based test is met if the vehicle consists of a chassis—

(I) to which there has been permanently mounted (by welding, bolting, riveting, or other means) machinery or equipment to perform a construction, manufacturing, processing, farming, mining, drilling, timbering, or similar operation if the operation of the machinery or equipment is unrelated to transportation on or off the public highways,

(II) which has been specially designed to serve only as a mobile carriage and mount (and a power source, where applicable) for the particular machinery or equipment involved, whether or not such machinery or equipment is in operation, and

(III) which, by reason of such special design, could not, without substantial structural modification, be used as a component of a vehicle designed to perform a function of transporting any load other than that particular machinery or equipment or similar machinery or equipment requiring such a specially designed chassis.

(iv) Use-based test

For purposes of clause (ii)(II), the use-based test is met if the use of the vehicle on public highways was less than 7,500 miles during the taxpayer's taxable year. This clause shall be applied without regard to use of the vehicle by any organization which is described in section 501(c) and exempt from tax under section 501(a).

(f) Exempt sales; other payments or refunds available

(1) Gasoline used on farms

This section shall not apply in respect of gasoline which was (within the meaning of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 6420(c)) used on a farm for farming purposes.

(2) Gasoline used in aviation

This section shall not apply in respect of gasoline which is used as a fuel in an aircraft—

(A) in aviation which is not commercial aviation (as defined in section 4083(b)), or

(B) in commercial aviation (as so defined) with respect to the tax imposed by section 4081 at the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate and, in the case of fuel purchased after September 30, 1995, at so much of the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A) as does not exceed 4.3 cents per gallon.

(3) Gasoline used in trains

In the case of gasoline used as a fuel in a train, this section shall not apply with respect to—

(A) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate under section 4081, and

(B) so much of the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A) as does not exceed the rate applicable under section 4041(a)(1)(C)(ii).

(g) Applicable laws

(1) In general

All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect to the tax imposed by section 4081 shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this section, apply in respect of the payments provided for in this section to the same extent as if such payments constituted refunds of overpayments of the tax so imposed.

(2) Examination of books and witnesses

For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any claim made under this section, or the correctness of any payment made in respect of any such claim, the Secretary shall have the authority granted by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7602(a) (relating to examination of books and witnesses) as if the claimant were the person liable for tax.

(h) Regulations

The Secretary may by regulations prescribe the conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, under which payments may be made under this section.

(i) Income tax credit in lieu of payment

(1) Persons not subject to income tax

Payment shall be made under subsections (a) and (b) only to—

(A) the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or any agency or instrumentality of one or more States or political subdivisions, or

(B) an organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) (other than an organization required to make a return of the tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year).

(2) Exception

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a payment of a claim filed under subsection (d)(2).

(3) Allowance of credit against income tax

For allowance of credit against the tax imposed by subtitle A, see section 34.

(j) Cross references

(1) For civil penalty for excessive claims under this section, see section 6675.

(2) For fraud penalties, etc., see chapter 75 (section 7201 and following, relating to crimes, other offenses, and forfeitures).

(3) For treatment of an Indian tribal government as a State (and a subdivision of an Indian tribal government as a political subdivision of a State), see section 7871.

(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §208(c), 70 Stat. 394; amended July 25, 1956, ch. 725, §2, 70 Stat. 644; Pub. L. 85–859, title I, §§163(d)(3), 164(a), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 86–342, title II, §201(d)(2), Sept. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 615; Pub. L. 87–61, title II, §201(e), June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 124; Pub. L. 87–508, §5(c)(2), June 28, 1962,76 Stat. 118; Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, §809(b), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 166; Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §§205(b)(1), (c)(8), 207(b), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 241, 242, 248; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, §303(a)(11), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1744; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, §303(a)(11), May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(a)(27)(A)(i), (B)–(D), (b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1827, 1828, 1834; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §502(a)(10), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 95–618, title II, §§222(a)(1), 233(a)(1), (3)(A), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3186, 3190; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, §108(c)(1), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §§511(c)(1), (3), 515(b)(7), 516(a)(6), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2170, 2171, 2182, 2183; Pub. L. 97–473, title II, §202(b)(12), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2610; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §474(r)(38), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 846; Pub. L. 99–499, title V, §521(c)(2), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1778; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVII, §1703(c)(1), (2)(A), (B), (D), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2776, 2777; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §502(b)(7), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 257; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10502(d)(9), (10), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–444; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1017(c)(6)–(8), (15), title II, §2001(d)(3)(E), (F), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3576, 3577, 3595; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7841(d)(20), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2429; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11211(d)(6), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–427; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII, §8002(b)(6), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §§13163(b), 13241(f)(6), (7), 13242(d)(20), (22)–(24), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 454, 512, 524; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1609(g)(4)(C), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, §902(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 873; Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, §§9006(b)(1), 9009(b)(3), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 506, 507; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §§6010(g)(3), 6023(24)(A), (C), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 814, 826; Pub. L. 108–357, title II, §241(a)(2)(C), title VIII, §851(d)(1), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1438, 1608; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11151(b)(3), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1968; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1207(b)(3)(B), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1070; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(290), (291), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1198.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 6421 was renumbered section 6422 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(290), substituted "(4), (5)" for "(4) (5)".

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(a)(291), substituted "State (and" for "State and".

2006—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–280, which directed the substitution of "(5), or (6)" for "or (5)" in section 6421(c), without specifying the act to be amended, was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (c) of this section, which is section 6421 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2005—Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, §11151(b)(3)(A), substituted "aviation which is not commercial aviation (as defined in section 4083(b))" for "noncommercial aviation (as defined in section 4041(c)(2))".

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, §11151(b)(3)(B), substituted "commercial aviation" for "aviation which is not noncommercial aviation".

2004—Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 108–357, §851(d)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (f)(3)(B). Pub. L. 108–357, §241(a)(2)(C), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar (B) read as follows: "so much of the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A) as does not exceed—

"(i) 6.8 cents per gallon after September 30, 1993, and before October 1, 1995,

"(ii) 5.55 cents per gallon after September 30, 1995, and before November 1, 1998, and

"(iii) 4.3 cents per gallon after October 31, 1998."

1998—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–206, §6023(24)(C), substituted "subsection (i)" for "subsection (j)".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–206, §6010(g)(3), substituted "(2) and (3)" for "(2)(A) and (3)" and inserted at end "Subsection (a) shall not apply to gasoline to which this subsection applies."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §9009(b)(3), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "If $1,000 or more is payable under this section to any person with respect to gasoline used during any of the first three quarters of his taxable year, a claim may be filed under this section by such person with respect to gasoline used during such quarter. No claim filed under this paragraph shall be allowed unless filed on or before the last day of the first quarter following the quarter for which the claim is filed."

Subsec. (f)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 105–178, §9006(b)(1)(A), substituted "November 1, 1998" for "October 1, 1999".

Subsec. (f)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 105–178, §9006(b)(1)(B), substituted "October 31, 1998" for "September 30, 1999".

Subsecs. (i) to (k). Pub. L. 105–206, §6023(24)(A), redesignated subsecs. (j) and (k) as (i) and (j), respectively.

1997—Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 105–34 struck out cls. (iii) and (iv) which read as follows:

"(iii) Exception for diesel fuel.—The term 'off-highway business use' shall include the use of diesel fuel in a boat in the active conduct of—

"(I) a trade or business of commercial fishing or transporting persons or property for compensation or hire, and

"(II) except as provided in clause (iv), any other trade or business.

"(iv) Noncommercial boats.—In the case of a boat used predominantly in any activity which is of a type generally considered to constitute entertainment, amusement, or recreation, clause (iii)(II) shall not apply to—

"(I) the taxes under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 for the period after December 31, 1993, and before January 1, 2000, and

"(II) so much of the tax under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 as does not exceed 4.3 cents per gallon for the period after December 31, 1999."

1996—Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–188 substituted "4041(c)(2)" for "4041(c)(4)".

1993—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–66, §13242(d)(22), inserted at end "The preceding sentence shall apply notwithstanding paragraphs (2)(A) and (3) of subsection (f)."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–66, §13242(d)(20), substituted "section 4083(a)" for "section 4082(b)".

Subsec. (e)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13163(b), amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'off-highway business use' does not include any use in a motorboat. The preceding sentence shall not apply to use in a vessel employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business."

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, §13242(d)(23), inserted before period at end "and, in the case of fuel purchased after September 30, 1995, at so much of the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A) as does not exceed 4.3 cents per gallon".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 103–66, §13242(d)(24), amended heading and text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "This section shall not apply with respect to the tax imposed by section 4081 at the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate and at the deficit reduction rate on gasoline used as a fuel in a train."

Pub. L. 103–66, §13241(f)(6), inserted "and deficit reduction tax" after "tax" in heading and "and at the deficit reduction rate" after "financing rate" in text.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–66, §13241(f)(7), struck out heading and text of subsec. (i). Text read as follows: "Except with respect to taxes imposed by section 4081 at the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate, this section shall apply only with respect to gasoline purchased before October 1, 1999."

1991—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–240 substituted "1999" for "1995".

1990—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "1995" for "1993".

1989—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "section 7602(a)" for "section 7602".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–647, §2001(d)(3)(F), substituted "paragraph (2) of subsection (f)" for "paragraph (3) of subsection (e)".

Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(7), substituted "subsection (j)" for "subsection (i)".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(7), substituted "subsection (j)" for "subsection (i)".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(15), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, §2001(d)(3)(E), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "This section shall not apply in respect of gasoline which is used as a fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation (as defined in section 4041(c)(4))."

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §2001(d)(3)(E), added par. (3).

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 100–647, §2001(d)(3)(E), struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "This section shall not apply with respect to the tax imposed by section 4081 at the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate on gasoline used in any off-highway business use other than use in a vessel employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(6), redesignated subsec. (i), relating to income tax credit in lieu of payment, as (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(6), (8), redesignated subsec. (i), relating to income tax credit in lieu of payment, as (j), and substituted "subsection (d)(2)" for "subsection (c)(2)" in par. (2). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(6), redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k).

1987—Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 100–203, §10502(d)(9), struck out subpar. (C) which specified section 4221(a)(3) and (d)(3), section 6416(b)(2)(B), and section 4041(g)(1) as provisions exempting from tax, gasoline and special motor fuels used for commercial fishing vessels.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–17 substituted "1993" for "1988" in the subsec. (h) which was redesignated (i) by section 1703(c) of Pub. L. 99–514.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–203, §10502(d)(10), redesignated pars. (2) to (4) as (1) to (3), respectively, and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "For rate of tax in case of special fuels used in noncommercial aviation or for nonhighway purposes, see section 4041."

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(2)(D), substituted ", used by local transit systems, or sold for certain exempt purposes" for "or by local transmit systems" in section catchline.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(B), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), (2)(A), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and, in par. (1), substituted "not more than claim may be filed under subsection (b), and not more than one claim may be filed under subsection (c)" for "and not more than one claim may be filed under subsection (b)". Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 99–499, §521(c)(2)(B), added par. (4).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), (2)(B), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f), redesignated pars. (2) and (3) as (1) and (2), respectively, and struck out former par. (1) "Exempt sales" which read as follows: "No amount shall be payable under this section with respect to any gasoline which the Secretary determines was exempt from the tax imposed by section 4081. The amount which (but for this sentence) would be payable under this section with respect to any gasoline shall be reduced by any other amount which the Secretary determines is payable under this section, or is refundable under any provision of this title, to any person with respect to such gasoline." Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Pub. L. 99–499, §521(c)(2)(A), substituted "Except with respect to taxes imposed by section 4081 at the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate, this section" for "This section".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(c)(1)(A), redesignated subsec. (h), relating to effective date, as (i).

1984—Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 98–369 substituted "section 34" for "section 39".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–424, §511(c)(1), substituted provision that, except as provided in subsection (i), if gasoline is used in an off-highway business use, the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline under section 4081, for provision that, except as provided in subsection (i), if gasoline were used in a qualified business use, the Secretary would pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to 1 cent for each gallon of gasoline so used on which tax had been paid at the rate of 3 cents a gallon and 2 cents for each gallon of gasoline so used on which tax had been paid at the rate of 4 cents a gallon.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 97–424, §511(c)(3), substituted "Off-Highway" for "Qualified" in heading, and "off-highway business use" for "qualified business use" wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 97–424, §515(b)(7), substituted "and special motor fuels" for ", special motor fuels, and lubricating oil" after "gasoline".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–424, §516(a)(6), substituted "1988" for "1984".

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 97–473 added par. (4).

1980—Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 96–222 inserted provisions requiring that the preceding sentence not apply to use in a vessel employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business.

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–618, §222(a)(1)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (i), if gasoline is used in a qualified business use" for "Except as provided in subsection (i), if gasoline is used otherwise than as a fuel in a highway vehicle (1) which (at the time of such use) is registered, or is required to be registered, for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country, or (2) which, in the case of a vehicle owned by the United States, is used on the highway".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–618, §233(a)(1), among other changes, provided for the refund or credit of the taxes paid on gasoline but only to the extent such gasoline is used in a bus engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 95–618, §233(a)(3)(A), redesignated par. (3) as (2), and struck out former par. (2) which defined "commuter fare revenue".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 95–618, §§222(a)(1)(B), 233(a)(3)(A), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (2).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 95–599 substituted "1984" for "1979".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(A)(i), (b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing, and substituted "in the case of gasoline used as a fuel" for "in the case of gasoline used after June 30, 1970, as a fuel".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(B), among other changes, struck out provisions relating to gasoline used before July 1, 1965, and struck out requirement that a person's first taxable year beginning after June 30, 1965, include the period after June 30, 1965, and before the beginning of that first taxable year.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(A)(i), struck out "after June 30, 1970," after "used".

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

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(C), struck out "after June 30, 1956, and" after "purchased".

Pub. L. 94–280 substituted "1979" for "1977".

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(D)(i), struck out "with respect to gasoline used after June 30, 1965," after "subsections (a) and (b)".

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(D)(ii), substituted "subsection (c)(2)" for "subsection (c)(3)(B)".

Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(a)(27)(D)(iii), struck out "for gasoline used after June 30, 1965" after "subtitle A".

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(b)(1)(A), inserted requirement that, except as provided in par. (3) of subsec. (e) of this section, where gasoline is used after June 30, 1970, as a fuel in an aircraft, the Secretary or his delegate pay (without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such gasoline an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons of gasoline so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline under section 4081.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 91–258, §207(b), substituted "a claim for credit or refund of overpayment of income tax" for "an income tax return" after "time prescribed by law for filing".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(b)(1)(B), added par. (3).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 91–605 substituted "1977" for "1972".

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(c)(8), substituted "For rate of tax in case of special fuels used in noncommercial aviation or for nonhighway purposes, see section 4041" for "For reduced rate of tax in case of diesel fuel and special motor fuels used for certain nonhighway purposes, see subsections (a) and (b) of section 4041".

Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(c)(8), redesignated par. (4) as (2). Former par. (2), which provided "For partial refund of tax in case of diesel fuel and special motor fuels used for certain nonhighway purposes, see section 6416(b)(2)(I) and (J)", was struck out.

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(c)(8), redesignated par. (5) as (3). Former par. (3), which provided "For partial refund of tax in case of diesel fuel and special motor fuels used by local transit systems, see section 6416(b)(2)(H)", was struck out.

Subsec. (j)(4), (5). Pub. L. 91–258, §205(c)(8), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (2) and (3), respectively.

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(1)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (i), if" for "If".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(1)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (i), if" for "If".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(2)(A), struck out "General rule" in heading and inserted in lieu thereof "Gasoline used before July 1, 1965", and substituted "paragraphs (2) and (3)" for "Paragraph (2)" after "Except as provided in".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(2)(B), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (3), if" for "If".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(2)(C), added par. (3).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(3), substituted "payable" for "paid" in first sentence.

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 89–44, §809(b)(1)(B), added subsec. (i) and redesignated former subsec. (i) as (j).

1962—Subsec. (b)(1)(B), (2). Pub. L. 87–508, §5(c)(2)(A), substituted "commuter fare revenue" for "tax-exempt passenger fare revenue" in two places and struck out "(not including the tax imposed by section 4261, relating to the tax on transportation of persons)" after "total passenger fare revenue" in two places.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 87–508, §5(c)(2)(B), substituted definition of "commuter fare revenue" for definition of "tax-exempt passenger fare revenue".

1961—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 87–61, substituted "October 1, 1972" for "July 1, 1972".

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–342 substituted "1 cent for each gallon of gasoline so used on which tax was paid at the rate of 3 cents a gallon and 2 cents for each gallon of gasoline so used on which tax was paid at the rate of 4 cents a gallon" for "1 cent for each gallon of gasoline so used".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 86–342 substituted "1 cent at the rate of 3 cents a gallon and 2 cents for each gallon of gasoline so used on which tax was paid at the rate of 4 cents a gallon" for "1 cent for each gallon of gasoline so used".

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–859, §164(a), permitted, in cases where $1,000 or more is payable to any person with respect to gasoline used during a calendar quarter, the filing of a claim on or before the last day of the first calendar quarter following the calendar quarter for which the claim is filed.

Subsec. (i)(2), (3). Pub. L. 85–859, §163(d)(3), substituted "section 6416(b)(2)(I) and (J)" for "section 6416(b)(2) (J) and (K)" in cl. (2), and "section 6416(b)(2)(H)" for "section 6416(b)(2)(L)" in cl. (3).

1956—Subsec. (d)(2). Act July 25, 1956, substituted "4263(a)" for "4262(b)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 effective Jan. 1, 2007, see section 1207(g)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 effective as if included in the provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Pub. L. 108–357, to which such amendment relates, see section 11151(f)(1) of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a note under section 4081 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by section 241(a)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 108–357 effective Jan. 1, 2005, see section 241(c) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 851(d)(1) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to taxable years beginning after Oct. 22, 2004, see section 851(d)(4) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 4082 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendments

Amendment by section 6023(24)(A), (C) of Pub. L. 105–206 effective July 22, 1998, see section 6023(32) of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Amendment by section 6010(g)(3) of 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.

Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, §9009(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 507, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6427 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1998."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 effective Jan. 1, 1998, see section 902(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 effective on 7th calendar day after Aug. 20, 1996, see section 1609(i) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by section 13163(b) of Pub. L. 103–66 effective Jan. 1, 1994, see section 13163(d) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 13241(f)(6), (7) of Pub. L. 103–66 effective Oct. 1, 1993, see section 13241(g) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 13242(d)(20), (22)–(24) of Pub. L. 103–66 effective Jan. 1, 1994, see section 13242(e) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by section 1017(c)(6)–(8), (15) 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 2001(d)(3)(E), (F) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Superfund Revenue Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–499, title V, to which it relates, see section 2001(e) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to sales after Mar. 31, 1988, see section 10502(e) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 40 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

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

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–499 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 521(e) of Pub. L. 99–499, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendments

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 97–473, see section 204 of Pub. L. 97–473, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7871 of this title.

Amendment by section 511(c)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 97–424 effective Apr. 1, 1983, see section 511(h) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 515(b)(7) of Pub. L. 97–424 applicable with respect to articles sold after Jan. 6, 1983, see section 515(c) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–222 effective as if included in the provisions of the Energy Tax Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–618, to which such amendment relates, see section 108(c)(7) of Pub. L. 96–222, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by section 222(a)(1) of Pub. L. 95–618 applicable with respect to uses after Dec. 31, 1978, see section 222(b) of Pub. L. 95–618, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 233(a)(1), (3)(A) of Pub. L. 95–618 effective on first day of first calendar month which begins more than 10 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 233(d) of Pub. L. 95–618, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(a)(27)(A)(ii), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1827, provided that: "The amendments made by clause (i) [amending this section] shall only apply with respect to gasoline used as a fuel after June 30, 1970."

Amendment by section 1906(a)(27)(B)–(D), (b)(13)(A) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1906(d)(1) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 6013 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by section 205(b)(1), (c)(8) of Pub. L. 91–258 effective July 1, 1970, and amendment by section 207(b) of Pub. L. 91–258 applicable with respect to taxable years ending after June 30, 1970, see section 211(a), (b) of Pub. L. 91–258, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–44 applicable with respect to gasoline used on or after July 1, 1965, see section 809(f) of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 6420 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–508, §5(d), June 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 119, provided in part that: "The amendments made by subsection (c)(2) [amending this section] shall apply only in respect of claims filed with respect to gasoline used on or after November 16, 1962."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–61 effective July 1, 1961, see section 208 of Pub. L. 87–61, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by section 163(d)(3) of Pub. L. 85–859 effective on first day of first calendar quarter which begins more than 60 days after Sept. 2, 1958, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as a note under section 6415 of this title.

Pub. L. 85–859, title I, §164(b), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1312, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to claims the last day for the filing of which occurs after the effective date specified in section 1(c) of this Act."

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Amendment by act July 25, 1956, applicable to amounts paid on or after first day of first month which begins more than sixty days after July 25, 1956, for transportation commencing on or after such first day, see section 6 of act July 25, 1956, set out as a note under section 4261 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 41 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 41: Credit for increasing research activities
Credit for increasing research activities
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

For purposes of section 38, the research credit determined under this section for the taxable year shall be an amount equal to the sum of—

(1) 20 percent of the excess (if any) of—

(A) the qualified research expenses for the taxable year, over

(B) the base amount,

(2) 20 percent of the basic research payments determined under subsection (e)(1)(A), and

(3) 20 percent of the amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer during the taxable year (including as contributions) to an energy research consortium for energy research.

(b) Qualified research expenses

For purposes of this section—

(1) Qualified research expenses

The term "qualified research expenses" means the sum of the following amounts which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer—

(A) in-house research expenses, and

(B) contract research expenses.

(2) In-house research expenses

(A) In general

The term "in-house research expenses" means—

(i) any wages paid or incurred to an employee for qualified services performed by such employee,

(ii) any amount paid or incurred for supplies used in the conduct of qualified research, and

(iii) under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any amount paid or incurred to another person for the right to use computers in the conduct of qualified research.

Clause (iii) shall not apply to any amount to the extent that the taxpayer (or any person with whom the taxpayer must aggregate expenditures under subsection (f)(1)) receives or accrues any amount from any other person for the right to use substantially identical personal property.

(B) Qualified services

The term "qualified services" means services consisting of—

(i) engaging in qualified research, or

(ii) engaging in the direct supervision or direct support of research activities which constitute qualified research.

If substantially all of the services performed by an individual for the taxpayer during the taxable year consists of services meeting the requirements of clause (i) or (ii), the term "qualified services" means all of the services performed by such individual for the taxpayer during the taxable year.

(C) Supplies

The term "supplies" means any tangible property other than—

(i) land or improvements to land, and

(ii) property of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation.

(D) Wages

(i) In general

The term "wages" has the meaning given such term by section 3401(a).

(ii) Self-employed individuals and owner-employees

In the case of an employee (within the meaning of section 401(c)(1)), the term "wages" includes the earned income (as defined in section 401(c)(2)) of such employee.

(iii) Exclusion for wages to which work opportunity credit applies

The term "wages" shall not include any amount taken into account in determining the work opportunity credit under section 51(a).

(3) Contract research expenses

(A) In general

The term "contract research expenses" means 65 percent of any amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer to any person (other than an employee of the taxpayer) for qualified research.

(B) Prepaid amounts

If any contract research expenses paid or incurred during any taxable year are attributable to qualified research to be conducted after the close of such taxable year, such amount shall be treated as paid or incurred during the period during which the qualified research is conducted.

(C) Amounts paid to certain research consortia

(i) In general

Subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting "75 percent" for "65 percent" with respect to amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer to a qualified research consortium for qualified research on behalf of the taxpayer and 1 or more unrelated taxpayers. For purposes of the preceding sentence, all persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as related taxpayers.

(ii) Qualified research consortium

The term "qualified research consortium" means any organization which—

(I) is described in section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) and is exempt from tax under section 501(a),

(II) is organized and operated primarily to conduct scientific research, and

(III) is not a private foundation.

(D) Amounts paid to eligible small businesses, universities, and Federal laboratories

(i) In general

In the case of amounts paid by the taxpayer to—

(I) an eligible small business,

(II) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 3304(f)), or

(III) an organization which is a Federal laboratory,

 for qualified research which is energy research, subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting "100 percent" for "65 percent".

(ii) Eligible small business

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "eligible small business" means a small business with respect to which the taxpayer does not own (within the meaning of section 318) 50 percent or more of—

(I) in the case of a corporation, the outstanding stock of the corporation (either by vote or value), and

(II) in the case of a small business which is not a corporation, the capital and profits interests of the small business.

(iii) Small business

For purposes of this subparagraph—

(I) In general

The term "small business" means, with respect to any calendar year, any person if the annual average number of employees employed by such person during either of the 2 preceding calendar years was 500 or fewer. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a preceding calendar year may be taken into account only if the person was in existence throughout the year.

(II) Startups, controlled groups, and predecessors

Rules similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section 220(c)(4) shall apply for purposes of this clause.

(iv) Federal laboratory

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "Federal laboratory" has the meaning given such term by section 4(6) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703(6)), as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005.

(4) Trade or business requirement disregarded for in-house research expenses of certain startup ventures

In the case of in-house research expenses, a taxpayer shall be treated as meeting the trade or business requirement of paragraph (1) if, at the time such in-house research expenses are paid or incurred, the principal purpose of the taxpayer in making such expenditures is to use the results of the research in the active conduct of a future trade or business—

(A) of the taxpayer, or

(B) of 1 or more other persons who with the taxpayer are treated as a single taxpayer under subsection (f)(1).

(c) Base amount

(1) In general

The term "base amount" means the product of—

(A) the fixed-base percentage, and

(B) the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 4 taxable years preceding the taxable year for which the credit is being determined (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "credit year").

(2) Minimum base amount

In no event shall the base amount be less than 50 percent of the qualified research expenses for the credit year.

(3) Fixed-base percentage

(A) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the fixed-base percentage is the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1989, is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such taxable years.

(B) Start-up companies

(i) Taxpayers to which subparagraph applies

The fixed-base percentage shall be determined under this subparagraph if—

(I) the first taxable year in which a taxpayer had both gross receipts and qualified research expenses begins after December 31, 1983, or

(II) there are fewer than 3 taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1989, in which the taxpayer had both gross receipts and qualified research expenses.

(ii) Fixed-base percentage

In a case to which this subparagraph applies, the fixed-base percentage is—

(I) 3 percent for each of the taxpayer's 1st 5 taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, for which the taxpayer has qualified research expenses,

(II) in the case of the taxpayer's 6th such taxable year, 1/6 of the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the 4th and 5th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such years,

(III) in the case of the taxpayer's 7th such taxable year, 1/3 of the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the 5th and 6th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such years,

(IV) in the case of the taxpayer's 8th such taxable year, ½ of the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the 5th, 6th, and 7th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such years,

(V) in the case of the taxpayer's 9th such taxable year, 2/3 of the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such years,

(VI) in the case of the taxpayer's 10th such taxable year, 5/6 of the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such years, and

(VII) for taxable years thereafter, the percentage which the aggregate qualified research expenses for any 5 taxable years selected by the taxpayer from among the 5th through the 10th such taxable years is of the aggregate gross receipts of the taxpayer for such selected years.

(iii) Treatment of de minimis amounts of gross receipts and qualified research expenses

The Secretary may prescribe regulations providing that de minimis amounts of gross receipts and qualified research expenses shall be disregarded under clauses (i) and (ii).

(C) Maximum fixed-base percentage

In no event shall the fixed-base percentage exceed 16 percent.

(D) Rounding

The percentages determined under subparagraphs (A) and (B)(ii) shall be rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1 percent.

(4) Election of alternative simplified credit

(A) In general

At the election of the taxpayer, the credit determined under subsection (a)(1) shall be equal to 14 percent of so much of the qualified research expenses for the taxable year as exceeds 50 percent of the average qualified research expenses for the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year for which the credit is being determined.

(B) Special rule in case of no qualified research expenses in any of 3 preceding taxable years

(i) Taxpayers to which subparagraph applies

The credit under this paragraph shall be determined under this subparagraph if the taxpayer has no qualified research expenses in any one of the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year for which the credit is being determined.

(ii) Credit rate

The credit determined under this subparagraph shall be equal to 6 percent of the qualified research expenses for the taxable year.

(C) Election

An election under this paragraph shall apply to the taxable year for which made and all succeeding taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary.

(5) Consistent treatment of expenses required

(A) In general

Notwithstanding whether the period for filing a claim for credit or refund has expired for any taxable year taken into account in determining the fixed-base percentage, the qualified research expenses taken into account in computing such percentage shall be determined on a basis consistent with the determination of qualified research expenses for the credit year.

(B) Prevention of distortions

The Secretary may prescribe regulations to prevent distortions in calculating a taxpayer's qualified research expenses or gross receipts caused by a change in accounting methods used by such taxpayer between the current year and a year taken into account in computing such taxpayer's fixed-base percentage.

(6) Gross receipts

For purposes of this subsection, gross receipts for any taxable year shall be reduced by returns and allowances made during the taxable year. In the case of a foreign corporation, there shall be taken into account only gross receipts which are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States.

(d) Qualified research defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

The term "qualified research" means research—

(A) with respect to which expenditures may be treated as specified research or experimental expenditures under section 174,

(B) which is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information—

(i) which is technological in nature, and

(ii) the application of which is intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component of the taxpayer, and

(C) substantially all of the activities of which constitute elements of a process of experimentation for a purpose described in paragraph (3).

Such term does not include any activity described in paragraph (4).

(2) Tests to be applied separately to each business component

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

Paragraph (1) shall be applied separately with respect to each business component of the taxpayer.

(B) Business component defined

The term "business component" means any product, process, computer software, technique, formula, or invention which is to be—

(i) held for sale, lease, or license, or

(ii) used by the taxpayer in a trade or business of the taxpayer.

(C) Special rule for production processes

Any plant process, machinery, or technique for commercial production of a business component shall be treated as a separate business component (and not as part of the business component being produced).

(3) Purposes for which research may qualify for credit

For purposes of paragraph (1)(C)—

(A) In general

Research shall be treated as conducted for a purpose described in this paragraph if it relates to—

(i) a new or improved function,

(ii) performance, or

(iii) reliability or quality.

(B) Certain purposes not qualified

Research shall in no event be treated as conducted for a purpose described in this paragraph if it relates to style, taste, cosmetic, or seasonal design factors.

(4) Activities for which credit not allowed

The term "qualified research" shall not include any of the following:

(A) Research after commercial production

Any research conducted after the beginning of commercial production of the business component.

(B) Adaptation of existing business components

Any research related to the adaptation of an existing business component to a particular customer's requirement or need.

(C) Duplication of existing business component

Any research related to the reproduction of an existing business component (in whole or in part) from a physical examination of the business component itself or from plans, blueprints, detailed specifications, or publicly available information with respect to such business component.

(D) Surveys, studies, etc.

Any—

(i) efficiency survey,

(ii) activity relating to management function or technique,

(iii) market research, testing, or development (including advertising or promotions),

(iv) routine data collection, or

(v) routine or ordinary testing or inspection for quality control.

(E) Computer software

Except to the extent provided in regulations, any research with respect to computer software which is developed by (or for the benefit of) the taxpayer primarily for internal use by the taxpayer, other than for use in—

(i) an activity which constitutes qualified research (determined with regard to this subparagraph), or

(ii) a production process with respect to which the requirements of paragraph (1) are met.

(F) Foreign research

Any research conducted outside the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States.

(G) Social sciences, etc.

Any research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities.

(H) Funded research

Any research to the extent funded by any grant, contract, or otherwise by another person (or governmental entity).

(e) Credit allowable with respect to certain payments to qualified organizations for basic research

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

In the case of any taxpayer who makes basic research payments for any taxable year—

(A) the amount of basic research payments taken into account under subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the excess of—

(i) such basic research payments, over

(ii) the qualified organization base period amount, and

(B) that portion of such basic research payments which does not exceed the qualified organization base period amount shall be treated as contract research expenses for purposes of subsection (a)(1).

(2) Basic research payments defined

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "basic research payment" means, with respect to any taxable year, any amount paid in cash during such taxable year by a corporation to any qualified organization for basic research but only if—

(i) such payment is pursuant to a written agreement between such corporation and such qualified organization, and

(ii) such basic research is to be performed by such qualified organization.

(B) Exception to requirement that research be performed by the organization

In the case of a qualified organization described in subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (6), clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall not apply.

(3) Qualified organization base period amount

For purposes of this subsection, the term "qualified organization base period amount" means an amount equal to the sum of—

(A) the minimum basic research amount, plus

(B) the maintenance-of-effort amount.

(4) Minimum basic research amount

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "minimum basic research amount" means an amount equal to the greater of—

(i) 1 percent of the average of the sum of amounts paid or incurred during the base period for—

(I) any in-house research expenses, and

(II) any contract research expenses, or

(ii) the amounts treated as contract research expenses during the base period by reason of this subsection (as in effect during the base period).

(B) Floor amount

Except in the case of a taxpayer which was in existence during a taxable year (other than a short taxable year) in the base period, the minimum basic research amount for any base period shall not be less than 50 percent of the basic research payments for the taxable year for which a determination is being made under this subsection.

(5) Maintenance-of-effort amount

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "maintenance-of-effort amount" means, with respect to any taxable year, an amount equal to the excess (if any) of—

(i) an amount equal to—

(I) the average of the nondesignated university contributions paid by the taxpayer during the base period, multiplied by

(II) the cost-of-living adjustment for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins, over

(ii) the amount of nondesignated university contributions paid by the taxpayer during such taxable year.

(B) Nondesignated university contributions

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "nondesignated university contribution" means any amount paid by a taxpayer to any qualified organization described in paragraph (6)(A)—

(i) for which a deduction was allowable under section 170, and

(ii) which was not taken into account—

(I) in computing the amount of the credit under this section (as in effect during the base period) during any taxable year in the base period, or

(II) as a basic research payment for purposes of this section.

(C) Cost-of-living adjustment defined

(i) In general

The cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is the cost-of-living adjustment for such calendar year determined under section 1(f)(3), by substituting "calendar year 1987" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

(ii) Special rule where base period ends in a calendar year other than 1983 or 1984

If the base period of any taxpayer does not end in 1983 or 1984, section 1(f)(3)(A)(ii) shall, for purposes of this paragraph, be applied by substituting the calendar year in which such base period ends for 2016. Such substitution shall be in lieu of the substitution under clause (i).

(6) Qualified organization

For purposes of this subsection, the term "qualified organization" means any of the following organizations:

(A) Educational institutions

Any educational organization which—

(i) is an institution of higher education (within the meaning of section 3304(f)), and

(ii) is described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii).

(B) Certain scientific research organizations

Any organization not described in subparagraph (A) which—

(i) is described in section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from tax under section 501(a),

(ii) is organized and operated primarily to conduct scientific research, and

(iii) is not a private foundation.

(C) Scientific tax-exempt organizations

Any organization which—

(i) is described in—

(I) section 501(c)(3) (other than a private foundation), or

(II) section 501(c)(6),

(ii) is exempt from tax under section 501(a),

(iii) is organized and operated primarily to promote scientific research by qualified organizations described in subparagraph (A) pursuant to written research agreements, and

(iv) currently expends—

(I) substantially all of its funds, or

(II) substantially all of the basic research payments received by it,

 for grants to, or contracts for basic research with, an organization described in subparagraph (A).

(D) Certain grant organizations

Any organization not described in subparagraph (B) or (C) which—

(i) is described in section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from tax under section 501(a) (other than a private foundation),

(ii) is established and maintained by an organization established before July 10, 1981, which meets the requirements of clause (i),

(iii) is organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of making grants to organizations described in subparagraph (A) pursuant to written research agreements for purposes of basic research, and

(iv) makes an election, revocable only with the consent of the Secretary, to be treated as a private foundation for purposes of this title (other than section 4940, relating to excise tax based on investment income).

(7) Definitions and special rules

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Basic research

The term "basic research" means any original investigation for the advancement of scientific knowledge not having a specific commercial objective, except that such term shall not include—

(i) basic research conducted outside of the United States, and

(ii) basic research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities.

(B) Base period

The term "base period" means the 3-taxable-year period ending with the taxable year immediately preceding the 1st taxable year of the taxpayer beginning after December 31, 1983.

(C) Exclusion from incremental credit calculation

For purposes of determining the amount of credit allowable under subsection (a)(1) for any taxable year, the amount of the basic research payments taken into account under subsection (a)(2)—

(i) shall not be treated as qualified research expenses under subsection (a)(1)(A), and

(ii) shall not be included in the computation of base amount under subsection (a)(1)(B).

(D) Trade or business qualification

For purposes of applying subsection (b)(1) to this subsection, any basic research payments shall be treated as an amount paid in carrying on a trade or business of the taxpayer in the taxable year in which it is paid (without regard to the provisions of subsection (b)(3)(B)).

(E) Certain corporations not eligible

The term "corporation" shall not include—

(i) an S corporation,

(ii) a personal holding company (as defined in section 542), or

(iii) a service organization (as defined in section 414(m)(3)).

(f) Special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1) Aggregation of expenditures

(A) Controlled group of corporations

In determining the amount of the credit under this section—

(i) all members of the same controlled group of corporations shall be treated as a single taxpayer, and

(ii) the credit (if any) allowable by this section to each such member shall be determined on a proportionate basis to its share of the aggregate of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, taken into account by such controlled group for purposes of this section.

(B) Common control

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in determining the amount of the credit under this section—

(i) all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) which are under common control shall be treated as a single taxpayer, and

(ii) the credit (if any) allowable by this section to each such person shall be determined on a proportionate basis to its share of the aggregate of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, taken into account by all such persons under common control for purposes of this section.

The regulations prescribed under this subparagraph shall be based on principles similar to the principles which apply in the case of subparagraph (A).

(2) Allocations

(A) Pass-thru in the case of estates and trusts

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of subsection (d) of section 52 shall apply.

(B) Allocation in the case of partnerships

In the case of partnerships, the credit shall be allocated among partners under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(3) Adjustments for certain acquisitions, etc.

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary—

(A) Acquisitions

(i) In general

If a person acquires the major portion of either a trade or business or a separate unit of a trade or business (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the "acquired business") of another person (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the "predecessor"), then the amount of qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the acquiring person during the measurement period shall be increased by the amount determined under clause (ii), and the gross receipts of the acquiring person for such period shall be increased by the amount determined under clause (iii).

(ii) Amount determined with respect to qualified research expenses

The amount determined under this clause is—

(I) for purposes of applying this section for the taxable year in which such acquisition is made, the acquisition year amount, and

(II) for purposes of applying this section for any taxable year after the taxable year in which such acquisition is made, the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the predecessor with respect to the acquired business during the measurement period.

(iii) Amount determined with respect to gross receipts

The amount determined under this clause is the amount which would be determined under clause (ii) if "the gross receipts of" were substituted for "the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by" each place it appears in clauses (ii) and (iv).

(iv) Acquisition year amount

For purposes of clause (ii), the acquisition year amount is the amount equal to the product of—

(I) the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the predecessor with respect to the acquired business during the measurement period, and

(II) the number of days in the period beginning on the date of the acquisition and ending on the last day of the taxable year in which the acquisition is made,

 divided by the number of days in the acquiring person's taxable year.

(v) Special rules for coordinating taxable years

In the case of an acquiring person and a predecessor whose taxable years do not begin on the same date—

(I) each reference to a taxable year in clauses (ii) and (iv) shall refer to the appropriate taxable year of the acquiring person,

(II) the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the predecessor, and the gross receipts of the predecessor, during each taxable year of the predecessor any portion of which is part of the measurement period shall be allocated equally among the days of such taxable year,

(III) the amount of such qualified research expenses taken into account under clauses (ii) and (iv) with respect to a taxable year of the acquiring person shall be equal to the total of the expenses attributable under subclause (II) to the days occurring during such taxable year, and

(IV) the amount of such gross receipts taken into account under clause (iii) with respect to a taxable year of the acquiring person shall be equal to the total of the gross receipts attributable under subclause (II) to the days occurring during such taxable year.

(vi) Measurement period

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "measurement period" means, with respect to the taxable year of the acquiring person for which the credit is determined, any period of the acquiring person preceding such taxable year which is taken into account for purposes of determining the credit for such year.

(B) Dispositions

If the predecessor furnished to the acquiring person such information as is necessary for the application of subparagraph (A), then, for purposes of applying this section for any taxable year ending after such disposition, the amount of qualified research expenses paid or incurred by, and the gross receipts of, the predecessor during the measurement period (as defined in subparagraph (A)(vi), determined by substituting "predecessor" for "acquiring person" each place it appears) shall be reduced by—

(i) in the case of the taxable year in which such disposition is made, an amount equal to the product of—

(I) the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by, or gross receipts of, the predecessor with respect to the acquired business during the measurement period (as so defined and so determined), and

(II) the number of days in the period beginning on the date of acquisition (as determined for purposes of subparagraph (A)(iv)(II)) and ending on the last day of the taxable year of the predecessor in which the disposition is made,

 divided by the number of days in the taxable year of the predecessor, and

(ii) in the case of any taxable year ending after the taxable year in which such disposition is made, the amount described in clause (i)(I).

(C) Certain reimbursements taken into account in determining fixed-base percentage

If during any of the 3 taxable years following the taxable year in which a disposition to which subparagraph (B) applies occurs, the disposing taxpayer (or a person with whom the taxpayer is required to aggregate expenditures under paragraph (1)) reimburses the acquiring person (or a person required to so aggregate expenditures with such person) for research on behalf of the taxpayer, then the amount of qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the taxable years taken into account in computing the fixed-base percentage shall be increased by the lesser of—

(i) the amount of the decrease under subparagraph (B) which is allocable to taxable years so taken into account, or

(ii) the product of the number of taxable years so taken into account, multiplied by the amount of the reimbursement described in this subparagraph.

(4) Short taxable years

In the case of any short taxable year, qualified research expenses and gross receipts shall be annualized in such circumstances and under such methods as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.

(5) Controlled group of corporations

The term "controlled group of corporations" has the same meaning given to such term by section 1563(a), except that—

(A) "more than 50 percent" shall be substituted for "at least 80 percent" each place it appears in section 1563(a)(1), and

(B) the determination shall be made without regard to subsections (a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of section 1563.

(6) Energy research consortium

(A) In general

The term "energy research consortium" means any organization—

(i) which is—

(I) described in section 501(c)(3) and is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is organized and operated primarily to conduct energy research, or

(II) organized and operated primarily to conduct energy research in the public interest (within the meaning of section 501(c)(3)),

(ii) which is not a private foundation,

(iii) to which at least 5 unrelated persons paid or incurred during the calendar year in which the taxable year of the organization begins amounts (including as contributions) to such organization for energy research, and

(iv) to which no single person paid or incurred (including as contributions) during such calendar year an amount equal to more than 50 percent of the total amounts received by such organization during such calendar year for energy research.

(B) Treatment of persons

All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as related persons for purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii) and as a single person for purposes of subparagraph (A)(iv).

(C) Foreign research

For purposes of subsection (a)(3), amounts paid or incurred for any energy research conducted outside the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States shall not be taken into account.

(D) Denial of double benefit

Any amount taken into account under subsection (a)(3) shall not be taken into account under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a).

(E) Energy research

The term "energy research" does not include any research which is not qualified research.

(g) Special rule for pass-thru of credit

In the case of an individual who—

(1) owns an interest in an unincorporated trade or business,

(2) is a partner in a partnership,

(3) is a beneficiary of an estate or trust, or

(4) is a shareholder in an S corporation,

the amount determined under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed an amount (separately computed with respect to such person's interest in such trade or business or entity) equal to the amount of tax attributable to that portion of a person's taxable income which is allocable or apportionable to the person's interest in such trade or business or entity. If the amount determined under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation of the preceding sentence, such amount may be carried to other taxable years under the rules of section 39; except that the limitation of the preceding sentence shall be taken into account in lieu of the limitation of section 38(c) in applying section 39.

(h) Treatment of credit for qualified small businesses

(1) In general

At the election of a qualified small business for any taxable year, section 3111(f) shall apply to the payroll tax credit portion of the credit otherwise determined under subsection (a) for the taxable year and such portion shall not be treated (other than for purposes of section 280C) as a credit determined under subsection (a).

(2) Payroll tax credit portion

For purposes of this subsection, the payroll tax credit portion of the credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to any qualified small business for any taxable year is the least of—

(A) the amount specified in the election made under this subsection,

(B) the credit determined under subsection (a) for the taxable year (determined before the application of this subsection), or

(C) in the case of a qualified small business other than a partnership or S corporation, the amount of the business credit carryforward under section 39 carried from the taxable year (determined before the application of this subsection to the taxable year).

(3) Qualified small business

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "qualified small business" means, with respect to any taxable year—

(i) a corporation or partnership, if—

(I) the gross receipts (as determined under the rules of section 448(c)(3), without regard to subparagraph (A) thereof) of such entity for the taxable year is less than $5,000,000, and

(II) such entity did not have gross receipts (as so determined) for any taxable year preceding the 5-taxable-year period ending with such taxable year, and

(ii) any person (other than a corporation or partnership) who meets the requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i), determined—

(I) by substituting "person" for "entity" each place it appears, and

(II) by only taking into account the aggregate gross receipts received by such person in carrying on all trades or businesses of such person.

(B) Limitation

Such term shall not include an organization which is exempt from taxation under section 501.

(4) Election

(A) In general

Any election under this subsection for any taxable year—

(i) shall specify the amount of the credit to which such election applies,

(ii) shall be made on or before the due date (including extensions) of—

(I) in the case of a qualified small business which is a partnership, the return required to be filed under section 6031,

(II) in the case of a qualified small business which is an S corporation, the return required to be filed under section 6037, and

(III) in the case of any other qualified small business, the return of tax for the taxable year, and

(iii) may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary.

(B) Limitations

(i) Amount

(I) In general

The amount specified in any election made under this subsection shall not exceed $250,000.

(II) Increase

In the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022, the amount in subclause (I) shall be increased by $250,000.

(ii) Number of taxable years

A person may not make an election under this subsection if such person (or any other person treated as a single taxpayer with such person under paragraph (5)(A)) has made an election under this subsection for 5 or more preceding taxable years.

(C) Special rule for partnerships and S corporations

In the case of a qualified small business which is a partnership or S corporation, the election made under this subsection shall be made at the entity level.

(5) Aggregation rules

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), all persons or entities treated as a single taxpayer under subsection (f)(1) shall be treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of this subsection.

(B) Special rules

For purposes of this subsection and section 3111(f)—

(i) each of the persons treated as a single taxpayer under subparagraph (A) may separately make the election under paragraph (1) for any taxable year, and

(ii) each of the $250,000 amounts under paragraph (4)(B)(i) shall be allocated among all persons treated as a single taxpayer under subparagraph (A) in the same manner as under subparagraph (A)(ii) or (B)(ii) of subsection (f)(1), whichever is applicable.

(6) Regulations

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

(A) regulations to prevent the avoidance of the purposes of the limitations and aggregation rules under this subsection through the use of successor companies or other means,

(B) regulations to minimize compliance and record-keeping burdens under this subsection, and

(C) regulations for recapturing the benefit of credits determined under section 3111(f) in cases where there is a subsequent adjustment to the payroll tax credit portion of the credit determined under subsection (a), including requiring amended income tax returns in the cases where there is such an adjustment.

(Added Pub. L. 97–34, title II, §221(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 241, §44F; amended Pub. L. 97–354, §5(a)(3), Oct. 19, 1982, 96 Stat. 1692; Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §102(h)(2), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2372; renumbered §30 and amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §§471(c), 474(i)(1), title VI, §612(e)(1), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 826, 831, 912; renumbered §41 and amended Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §231(a)(1), (b), (c), (d)(2), (3)(C)(ii), (e), title XVIII, §1847(b)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2173, 2175, 2178–2180, 2856; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1002(h)(1), title IV, §§4007(a), 4008(b)(1), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3370, 3652; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §§7110(a)(1), (b), (b)[(c)], 7814(e)(2)(C), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2322, 2323, 2325, 2414; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§11101(d)(1)(C), 11402(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–405, 1388–473; Pub. L. 102–227, title I, §102(a), Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §§13111(a)(1), 13112(a), (b), 13201(b)(3)(C), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 420, 421, 459; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §§1201(e)(1), (4), 1204(a)–(d), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1772–1774; Pub. L. 105–34, title VI, §601(a), (b)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 861; Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title I, §1001(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–888; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §502(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1919; Pub. L. 108–311, title III, §301(a)(1), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat. 1178; Pub. L. 109–58, title XIII, §1351(a), (b), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 1056, 1057; Pub. L. 109–135, title IV, §402(l), Dec. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2615; Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, §104(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2934, 2935; Pub. L. 110–172, §§6(c), 11(e)(2), Dec. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 2479, 2489; Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title III, §301(a)(1), (b)–(d), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3865, 3866; Pub. L. 111–312, title VII, §731(a), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3317; Pub. L. 112–240, title III, §301(a)(1), (b), (c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2326, 2328; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §111(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4014; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, §121(a)(1), (c)(1), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3049; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§11002(d)(1)(F), (2), 13206(d)(1), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060, 2061, 2112; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §101(c), title IV, §401(b)(6), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1160, 1202; Pub. L. 117–169, title I, §13902(a), (c), Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2013, 2014.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(D)(iv), is the date of enactment of title XIII of Pub. L. 109–58, which was approved Aug. 8, 2005.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 41, added Pub. L. 97–34, title III, §331(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 289, §44G; amended Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §103(g)(1), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2379; renumbered §41 and amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §14, title IV, §§471(c), 474(l), 491(e)(2), (3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 505, 826, 833, 852, 853, related to employee stock ownership credit, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §1171(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2513, 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 an Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note under section 38 of this title. For transition rules relating to such repeal, see section 1177 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a Transition Rules note under section 38 of this title.

Another prior section 41 was renumbered section 24 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (h)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–169, §13902(a), designated existing provisions as subcl. (I), inserted heading, and added subcl. (II).

Subsec. (h)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–169, §13902(c), substituted "each of the $250,000 amounts" for "the $250,000 amount".

2018—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–141, §101(c)(1), (2), redesignated par. (5) as (4) and struck out former par. (4) which related to election of alternative incremental credit.

Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(b)(6), struck out "(12 percent in the case of taxable years ending before January 1, 2009)" after "14 percent".

Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 115–141, §101(c)(3), struck out at end "An election under this paragraph may not be made for any taxable year to which an election under paragraph (4) applies."

Subsec. (c)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 115–141, §101(c)(2), redesignated pars. (5) to (7) as (4) to (6), respectively.

2017—Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, §13206(d)(1), substituted "specified research or experimental expenditures under section 174" for "expenses under section 174".

Subsec. (e)(5)(C)(i). Pub. L. 115–97, §11002(d)(1)(F), substituted "for 'calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "for 'calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)".

Subsec. (e)(5)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 115–97, §11002(d)(2), substituted "1(f)(3)(A)(ii)" for "1(f)(3)(B)" and "2016" for "1992".

2015—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–113, §121(c)(1), added subsec. (h).

Pub. L. 114–113, §121(a)(1), struck out subsec. (h) which provided the termination date for applicability of this section and the alternative incremental credit and provided the computation for taxable year in which credit terminates.

2014—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 113–295 substituted "paid or incurred after December 31, 2014." for "paid or incurred—

"(A) after June 30, 1995, and before July 1, 1996, or

"(B) after December 31, 2013."

2013—Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 112–240, §301(c)(1), substituted "shall be determined on a proportionate basis to its share of the aggregate of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, taken into account by such controlled group for purposes of this section" for "shall be its proportionate shares of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, giving rise to the credit".

Subsec. (f)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 112–240, §301(c)(2), substituted "shall be determined on a proportionate basis to its share of the aggregate of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, taken into account by all such persons under common control for purposes of this section" for "shall be its proportionate shares of the qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums, giving rise to the credit".

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 112–240, §301(b)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "If, after December 31, 1983, a taxpayer acquires the major portion of a trade or business of another person (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the 'predecessor') or the major portion of a separate unit of a trade or business of a predecessor, then, for purposes of applying this section for any taxable year ending after such acquisition, the amount of qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during periods before such acquisition shall be increased by so much of such expenses paid or incurred by the predecessor with respect to the acquired trade or business as is attributable to the portion of such trade or business or separate unit acquired by the taxpayer, and the gross receipts of the taxpayer for such periods shall be increased by so much of the gross receipts of such predecessor with respect to the acquired trade or business as is attributable to such portion."

Subsec. (f)(3)(B). Pub. L. 112–240, §301(b)(2), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "If, after December 31, 1983—

"(i) a taxpayer disposes of the major portion of any trade or business or the major portion of a separate unit of a trade or business in a transaction to which subparagraph (A) applies, and

"(ii) the taxpayer furnished the acquiring person such information as is necessary for the application of subparagraph (A),

then, for purposes of applying this section for any taxable year ending after such disposition, the amount of qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during periods before such disposition shall be decreased by so much of such expenses as is attributable to the portion of such trade or business or separate unit disposed of by the taxpayer, and the gross receipts of the taxpayer for such periods shall be decreased by so much of the gross receipts as is attributable to such portion."

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 112–240, §301(a)(1), substituted "December 31, 2013" for "December 31, 2011".

2010—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–312 substituted "December 31, 2011" for "December 31, 2009".

2008—Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 110–343, §301(c), substituted "14 percent (12 percent in the case of taxable years ending before January 1, 2009)" for "12 percent".

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–343, §301(a)(1), substituted "December 31, 2009" for "December 31, 2007".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 110–343, §301(d), redesignated par. (3) as (2) related to computation for taxable year in which credit terminates.

Pub. L. 110–343, §301(b), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 110–343, §301(d), amended par. (3) generally, redesignating it as par. (2) related to computation for taxable year in which credit terminated and amending heading and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In the case of any taxable year with respect to which this section applies to a number of days which is less than the total number of days in such taxable year, the base amount with respect to such taxable year shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to the base amount for such year (determined without regard to this paragraph) as the number of days in such taxable year to which this section applies bears to the total number of days in such taxable year."

Pub. L. 110–343, §301(b), redesignated par. (2) as (3).

2007—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110–172, §6(c)(1), inserted "for energy research" before period at end.

Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii), (B)(ii). Pub. L. 110–172, §11(e)(2), substituted "qualified research expenses, basic research payments, and amounts paid or incurred to energy research consortiums," for "qualified research expenses and basic research payments".

Subsec. (f)(6)(E). Pub. L. 110–172, §6(c)(2), added subpar. (E).

2006—Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–432, §104(b)(1)(A), substituted "3 percent" for "2.65 percent".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109–432, §104(b)(1)(B), substituted "4 percent" for "3.2 percent".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 109–432, §104(b)(1)(C), substituted "5 percent" for "3.75 percent".

Subsec. (c)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 109–432, §104(c)(1), added par. (5) and redesignated former pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–432, §104(a)(1), substituted "2007" for "2005".

2005—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–58, §1351(a)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 109–135, §402(l)(2), struck out "(other than an energy research consortium)" after "organization" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 109–58, §1351(a)(3), inserted "(other than an energy research consortium)" after "organization" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 109–58, §1351(b), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (f)(6). Pub. L. 109–58, §1351(a)(2), added par. (6).

Subsec. (f)(6)(C), (D). Pub. L. 109–135, §402(l)(1), added subpars. (C) and (D).

2004—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 108–311 substituted "December 31, 2005" for "June 30, 2004".

1999—Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(b)(1)(A), substituted "2.65 percent" for "1.65 percent".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(b)(1)(B), substituted "3.2 percent" for "2.2 percent".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(b)(1)(C), substituted "3.75 percent" for "2.75 percent".

Subsecs. (c)(6), (d)(4)(F). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(c)(1), inserted ", the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States" before period at end.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(a)(1)(B), struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: "Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the case of a taxpayer making an election under subsection (c)(4) for its first taxable year beginning after June 30, 1996, and before July 1, 1997, this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred during the 36-month period beginning with the first month of such year. The 36 months referred to in the preceding sentence shall be reduced by the number of full months after June 1996 (and before the first month of such first taxable year) during which the taxpayer paid or incurred any amount which is taken into account in determining the credit under this section."

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–170, §502(a)(1)(A), substituted "June 30, 2004" for "June 30, 1999".

1998—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 105–277 substituted "June 30, 1999" for "June 30, 1998" in subpar. (B) and substituted "36-month" for "24-month" and "36 months" for "24 months" in concluding provisions.

1997—Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 105–34, §601(b)(1), amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "An election under this paragraph may be made only for the first taxable year of the taxpayer beginning after June 30, 1996. Such an election shall apply to the taxable year for which made and all succeeding taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary."

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, §601(a), substituted "June 30, 1998" for "May 31, 1997" in subpar. (B) and "during the 24-month period beginning with the first month of such year. The 24 months referred to in the preceding sentence shall be reduced by the number of full months after June 1996 (and before the first month of such first taxable year) during which the taxpayer paid or incurred any amount which is taken into account in determining the credit under this section." for "during the first 11 months of such taxable year." in concluding provisions.

1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 104–188, §1201(e)(1), (4), substituted "work opportunity credit" for "targeted jobs credit" in heading and text.

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 104–188, §1204(d), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 104–188, §1204(b), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The fixed-base percentage shall be determined under this subparagraph if there are fewer than 3 taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1989, in which the taxpayer had both gross receipts and qualified research expenses."

Subsec. (c)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 104–188, §1204(c), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–188, §1204(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) In general.—This section shall not apply to any amount paid or incurred after June 30, 1995.

"(2) Computation of base amount.—In the case of any taxable year which begins before July 1, 1995, and ends after June 30, 1995, the base amount with respect to such taxable year shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to the base amount for such year (determined without regard to this paragraph) as the number of days in such taxable year before July 1, 1995, bears to the total number of days in such taxable year."

1993—Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 103–66, §13112(a), amended heading and text of cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In a case to which this subparagraph applies, the fixed-base percentage is 3 percent."

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 103–66, §13112(b)(1), substituted "clauses (i) and (ii)" for "clause (i)".

Subsec. (c)(3)(D). Pub. L. 103–66, §13112(b)(2), substituted "subparagraphs (A) and (B)(ii)" for "subparagraph (A)".

Subsec. (e)(5)(C). Pub. L. 103–66, §13201(b)(3)(C), substituted "1992" for "1989" in cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–66, §13111(a)(1), substituted "June 30, 1995" for "June 30, 1992" in pars. (1) and (2) and "July 1, 1995" for "July 1, 1992" in two places in par. (2).

1991—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–227 substituted "June 30, 1992" for "December 31, 1991" in pars. (1) and (2), and "July 1, 1992" for "January 1, 1992" in two places in par. (2).

1990—Subsec. (e)(5)(C)(i). Pub. L. 101–508, §11101(d)(1)(C)(i), inserted before period at end ", by substituting 'calendar year 1987' for 'calendar year 1989' in subparagraph (B) thereof".

Subsec. (e)(5)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 101–508, §11101(d)(1)(C)(ii), (iii), substituted "1989" for "1987" and inserted at end "Such substitution shall be in lieu of the substitution under clause (i)."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–508, §11402(a), substituted "December 31, 1991" for "December 31, 1990" wherever appearing and "January 1, 1992" for "January 1, 1991" wherever appearing.

1989—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(A), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the base period research expenses, and".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)[(c)], added par. (4).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(1), substituted "Base amount" for "Base period research expenses" in heading and amended text generally, substituting pars. (1) to (5) for former pars. (1) to (3) which defined "base period research expenses" and "base period" and prescribed minimum base period research expenses.

Subsec. (e)(7)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(B), substituted "base amount" for "base period research expenses".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(C), substituted "proportionate shares of the qualified research expenses and basic research payments" for "proportionate share of the increase in qualified research expenses" in subpars. (A)(ii) and (B)(ii).

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(D), substituted "December 31, 1983" for "June 30, 1980" and inserted before period at end ", and the gross receipts of the taxpayer for such periods shall be increased by so much of the gross receipts of such predecessor with respect to the acquired trade or business as is attributable to such portion".

Subsec. (f)(3)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(E), substituted "December 31, 1983" for "June 30, 1980" in introductory provisions and inserted before period at end ", and the gross receipts of the taxpayer for such periods shall be decreased by so much of the gross receipts as is attributable to such portion".

Subsec. (f)(3)(C). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(F), substituted "Certain reimbursements taken into account in determining fixed-base percentage" for "Increase in base period" in heading, "for the taxable years taken into account in computing the fixed-base percentage shall be increased by the lesser of" for "for the base period for such taxable year shall be increased by the lesser of" in introductory provisions, and new cls. (i) and (ii) for former cls. (i) and (ii) which read as follows:

"(i) the amount of the decrease under subparagraph (B) which is allocable to such base period, or

"(ii) the product of the number of years in the base period, multiplied by the amount of the reimbursement described in this subparagraph."

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(G), inserted "and gross receipts" after "qualified research expenses".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–239, §7814(e)(2)(C), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h) and struck out former subsec. (h) which related to election, time for election, and manner of election by taxpayer to have research credit not apply for a taxable year.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(a)(1)(A), substituted "December 31, 1990" for "December 31, 1989".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(a)(1), substituted "January 1, 1991" for "January 1, 1990" in two places and substituted "December 31, 1990" for "December 31, 1989".

Pub. L. 101–239, §7110(b)(2)(H), substituted "base amount" for "base period expenses" in heading and "the base amount with respect to such taxable year shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to the base amount for such year (determined without regard to this paragraph)" for "any amount for any base period with respect to such taxable year shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to such amount for such base period" in text.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–239, §7814(e)(2)(C), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h).

1988—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–647, §1002(h)(1), inserted at end "If the amount determined under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation of the preceding sentence, such amount may be carried to other taxable years under the rules of section 39; except that the limitation of the preceding sentence shall be taken into account in lieu of the limitation of section 38(c) in applying section 39."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–647, §4008(b)(1), added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–647, §4008(b)(1), redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

Pub. L. 100–647, §4007(a), substituted "1989" and "1990" for "1988" and "1989", respectively, wherever appearing in subsec. (h), prior to redesignation as subsec. (i) by Pub. L. 100–647, §4008(b)(1).

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, §231(d)(2), renumbered section 30 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(c)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 25 percent of the excess (if any) of—

"(1) the qualified research expenses for the taxable year, over

"(2) the base period research expenses."

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(e), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: "any amount paid or incurred to another person for the right to use personal property in the conduct of qualified research."

Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 99–514, §1847(b)(1), substituted "targeted jobs credit" for "new jobs or WIN credit" in heading.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(b), inserted "defined" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this section the term 'qualified research' has the same meaning as the term research or experimental has under section 174, except that such term shall not include—

"(1) qualified research conducted outside the United States,

"(2) qualified research in the social sciences or humanities, and

"(3) qualified research to the extent funded by any grant, contract, or otherwise by another person (or any governmental entity)."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(c)(2), amended subsec. (e) generally, substituting "Credit allowable with respect to certain payments to qualified organizations for basic research" for "Credit available with respect to certain basic research by colleges, universities, and certain research organizations" in heading, and restating and expanding provisions of former pars. (1) to (4) into new pars. (1) to (7).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(d)(3)(C)(ii), amended subsec. (g) generally, substituting provisions relating to special rule for pass-thru of credit for provisions relating to limitation on amount of credit for research based on amount of tax liability.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(a)(1), added subsec. (h).

1984—Pub. L. 98–369, §471(c), renumbered section 44F of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(i)(1)(A), substituted "in determining the targeted jobs credit under section 51(a)" for "in computing the credit under section 40 or 44B".

Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, §612(e)(1), substituted "section 26(b)" for "section 25(b)".

Pub. L. 98–369, §474(i)(1)(B), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting "shall not exceed the taxpayer's tax liability for the taxable year (as defined in section 25(b)), reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and sections 27, 28, and 29" for "shall not exceed the amount of the tax imposed by this chapter reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under a section of this part having a lower number or letter designation than this section, other than the credits allowable by sections 31, 39, and 43. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term 'tax imposed by this chapter' shall not include any tax treated as not imposed by this chapter under the last sentence of section 53(a)".

1983—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–448 inserted provision that cl. (iii) would not apply to any amount to the extent that the taxpayer (or any person with whom the taxpayer must aggregate expenditures under subsection (f)(1)) received or accrued any amount from any other person for the right to use substantially identical personal property.

1982—Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–354, §5(a)(3)(A), substituted "Pass-thru in the case of estates and trusts" for "Pass-through in the case of subchapter S corporations, etc." in subpar. heading, and substituted provisions relating to the applicability of rules similar to rules of subsec. (d) of section 52 for provisions relating to the applicability of rules similar to rules of subsecs. (d) and (e) of section 52.

Subsec. (g)(1)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 97–354, §5(a)(3)(B), substituted "an S corporation" for "an electing small business corporation (within the meaning of section 1371(b))".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–169, title I, §13902(d), Aug. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2014, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 3111 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by section 101(c) of Pub. L. 115–141 effective as if included in the provision of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, div. Q of Pub. L. 114–113, to which such amendment relates, see section 101(s) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 24 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(F), (2) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13206(e), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2113, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 174 and 280C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by section 121(a)(1) of Pub. L. 114–113 applicable to amounts paid or incurred after Dec. 31, 2014, see section 121(d)(1) of Pub. L. 114–113, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Amendment by section 121(c)(1) of Pub. L. 114–113 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2015, see section 121(d)(3) of Pub. L. 114–113, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §111(c), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4014, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2013."

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–240, title III, §301(d), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2328, provided that:

"(1) Extension.—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2011.

"(2) Modifications.—The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–312, title VII, §731(c), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3317, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2009."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title III, §301(e), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3866, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.

"(2) Extension.—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2007."

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by section 6(c) of Pub. L. 110–172 effective as if included in the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109–58, to which such amendment relates, see section 6(e) of Pub. L. 110–172, set out as a note under section 30C of this title.

Pub. L. 110–172, §11(e)(3), Dec. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 2489, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 6427 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 [Pub. L. 109–58] to which they relate."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, §104(a)(3), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2934, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2005."

Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, §104(b)(2), (3), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2934, provided that:

"(2) Effective date.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2006.

"(3) Transition rule.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a specified transitional taxable year for which an election under section 41(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 applies, the credit determined under section 41(a)(1) of such Code shall be equal to the sum of—

"(i) the applicable 2006 percentage multiplied by the amount determined under section 41(c)(4)(A) of such Code (as in effect for taxable years ending on December 31, 2006), plus

"(ii) the applicable 2007 percentage multiplied by the amount determined under section 41(c)(4)(A) of such Code (as in effect for taxable years ending on January 1, 2007).

"(B) Definitions.—For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

"(i) Specified transitional taxable year.—The term 'specified transitional taxable year' means any taxable year which ends after December 31, 2006, and which includes such date.

"(ii) Applicable 2006 percentage.—The term 'applicable 2006 percentage' means the number of days in the specified transitional taxable year before January 1, 2007, divided by the number of days in such taxable year.

"(iii) Applicable 2007 percentage.—The term 'applicable 2007 percentage' means the number of days in the specified transitional taxable year after December 31, 2006, divided by the number of days in such taxable year."

Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, §104(c)(2)–(4), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2935, provided that:

"(2) Transition rule for deemed revocation of election of alternative incremental credit.—In the case of an election under section 41(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which applies to the taxable year which includes January 1, 2007, such election shall be treated as revoked with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury if the taxpayer makes an election under section 41(c)(5) of such Code (as added by this subsection) for such year.

"(3) Effective date.—Except as provided in paragraph (4), the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2006.

"(4) Transition rule for noncalendar taxable years.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a specified transitional taxable year for which an election under section 41(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this subsection) applies, the credit determined under section 41(a)(1) of such Code shall be equal to the sum of—

"(i) the applicable 2006 percentage multiplied by the amount determined under section 41(a)(1) of such Code (as in effect for taxable years ending on December 31, 2006), plus

"(ii) the applicable 2007 percentage multiplied by the amount determined under section 41(c)(5) of such Code (as in effect for taxable years ending on January 1, 2007).

"(B) Definitions and special rules.—For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

"(i) Definitions.—Terms used in this paragraph which are also used in subsection (b)(3) [set out above] shall have the respective meanings given such terms in such subsection.

"(ii) Dual elections permitted.—Elections under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 41(c) of such Code may both apply for the specified transitional taxable year.

"(iii) Deferral of deemed election revocation.—Any election under section 41(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 treated as revoked under paragraph (2) shall be treated as revoked for the taxable year after the specified transitional taxable year."

Effective Date of 2005 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–135 effective as if included in the provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109–58, to which such amendment relates, see section 402(m)(1) of Pub. L. 109–135, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2005 Amendments note under section 23 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–58, title XIII, §1351(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 1058, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 8, 2005], in taxable years ending after such date."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–311, title III, §301(b), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat. 1178, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 2004."

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §502(a)(3), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1919, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1999."

Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §502(b)(2), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1919, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after June 30, 1999."

Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §502(c)(3), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1920, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 280C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1999."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title I, §1001(c), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–888, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1998."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title VI, §601(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 862, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 45C of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after May 31, 1997."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 1201(e)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to individuals who begin work for the employer after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 1201(g) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1204(f), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1775, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 28 [now 45C] of this title] shall apply to taxable years ending after June 30, 1996.

"(2) Subsections (c) and (d).—The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after June 30, 1996.

"(3) Estimated tax.—The amendments made by this section shall not be taken into account under section 6654 or 6655 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to failure to pay estimated tax) in determining the amount of any installment required to be paid for a taxable year beginning in 1997."

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by section 13111(a)(1) of Pub. L. 103–66 applicable to taxable years ending after June 30, 1992, see section 13111(c) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 45C of this title.

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13112(c), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 422, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993."

Amendment by section 13201(b)(3)(C) of Pub. L. 103–66 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1992, see section 13201(c) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–227 applicable to taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 1991, see section 102(c) of Pub. L. 102–227, set out as a note under section 45C of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 11101(d)(1)(C) of Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1990, see section 11101(e) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Amendment by section 11402(a) of Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1989, see section 11402(c) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 45C of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7110(e), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2326, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 28, 174, 196, and 280C of this title] (other than subsection (a) [amending this section and section 28 of this title]) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1989."

Amendment by section 7814(e)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, Pub. L. 100–647, to which such amendment relates, see section 7817 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by section 1002(h)(1) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 100–647, title IV, §4008(d), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3653, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 28, 196, 280C, and 6501 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1988."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §231(g), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2180, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in this subsection (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 28, 38, 39, 108, 170, 280C, 381, 936, 6411, and 6511 of this title, renumbering former section 30 of this title as this section, and enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1985.

"(2) Subsection (a).—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and provisions set out as a note under this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1985.

"(3) Basic research.—Section 41(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section), and the amendments made by subsection (c)(2) [amending this section], shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986."

Amendment by section 1847(b)(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 of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 474(i)(1) 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 612(e)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to interest paid or accrued after Dec. 31, 1984, on indebtedness incurred after Dec. 31, 1984, see section 612(g) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 25 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §102(h)(2), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2372, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective only with respect to amounts paid or incurred after March 31, 1982.

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

Pub. L. 97–34, title II, §221(d), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 241, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, title II, §231(a)(2), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, 2173, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and amending sections 55, 381, 383, 6096, 6411, and 6511 of this title] shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1981.

"(2) Transitional rule.—

"(A) In general.—If, with respect to the first taxable year to which the amendments made by this section apply and which ends in 1981 or 1982, the taxpayer may only take into account qualified research expenses paid or incurred during a portion of such taxable year, the amount of the qualified research expenses taken into account for the base period of such taxable year shall be the amount which bears the same ratio to the total qualified research expenses for such base period as the number of months in such portion of such taxable year bears to the total number of months in such taxable year.

"(B) Definitions.—For purposes of the preceding sentence, the terms 'qualified research expenses' and 'base period' have the meanings given to such terms by section 44F [now 41] of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as added by this section)."

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 401(b)(6) 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.

Special Rule for Elections Under Expired Provisions

Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, §123, Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2944, provided that:

"(a) Research Credit Elections.—In the case of any taxable year ending after December 31, 2005, and before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2006], any election under section 41(c)(4) or section 280C(c)(3)(C) [now 280C(c)(2)(C)] of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be treated as having been timely made for such taxable year if such election is made not later than the later of April 15, 2007, or such time as the Secretary of the Treasury, or his designee, may specify. Such election shall be made in the manner prescribed by such Secretary or designee.

"(b) Other Elections.—Except as otherwise provided by such Secretary or designee, a rule similar to the rule of subsection (a) shall apply with respect to elections under any other expired provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 the applicability of which is extended by reason of the amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 32, 45A, 45C, 45D, 51, 54, 62, 164, 168, 170, 198, 220, 222, 613A, 1397E, 1400, 1400A to 1400C, 1400F, 1400N, 6103, 7608, 7652, and 9812 of this title, section 1185a of Title 29, Labor, and section 300gg–5 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and repealing section 51A of this title]."

Special Rule for Credit Attributable to Suspension Periods

Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §502(d), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1920, provided that:

"(1) In general.—For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the credit determined under section 41 of such Code which is otherwise allowable under such Code—

"(A) shall not be taken into account prior to October 1, 2000, to the extent such credit is attributable to the first suspension period; and

"(B) shall not be taken into account prior to October 1, 2001, to the extent such credit is attributable to the second suspension period.

On or after the earliest date that an amount of credit may be taken into account, such amount may be taken into account through the filing of an amended return, an application for expedited refund, an adjustment of estimated taxes, or other means allowed by such Code.

"(2) Suspension periods.—For purposes of this subsection—

"(A) the first suspension period is the period beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on September 30, 2000; and

"(B) the second suspension period is the period beginning on October 1, 2000, and ending on September 30, 2001.

"(3) Expedited refunds.—

"(A) In general.—If there is an overpayment of tax with respect to a taxable year by reason of paragraph (1), the taxpayer may file an application for a tentative refund of such overpayment. Such application shall be in such manner and form, and contain such information, as the Secretary may prescribe.

"(B) Deadline for applications.—Subparagraph (A) shall apply only to an application filed before the date which is 1 year after the close of the suspension period to which the application relates.

"(C) Allowance of adjustments.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which an application is filed under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—

"(i) review the application;

"(ii) determine the amount of the overpayment; and

"(iii) apply, credit, or refund such overpayment,

in a manner similar to the manner provided in section 6411(b) of such Code.

"(D) Consolidated returns.—The provisions of section 6411(c) of such Code shall apply to an adjustment under this paragraph in such manner as the Secretary may provide.

"(4) Credit attributable to suspension period.—

"(A) In general.—For purposes of this subsection, in the case of a taxable year which includes a portion of the suspension period, the amount of credit determined under section 41 of such Code for such taxable year which is attributable to such period is the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of credit determined under such section 41 for such taxable year as the number of months in the suspension period which are during such taxable year bears to the number of months in such taxable year.

"(B) Waiver of estimated tax penalties.—No addition to tax shall be made under section 6654 or 6655 of such Code for any period before July 1, 1999, with respect to any underpayment of tax imposed by such Code to the extent such underpayment was created or increased by reason of subparagraph (A).

"(5) Secretary.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the Treasury (or such Secretary's delegate)."

Special Rules for Taxable Years Beginning Before Oct. 1, 1990, and Ending After Sept. 30, 1990

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7110(a)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2323, which set forth the method of determining the amount treated as qualified research expenses for taxable years beginning before Oct. 1, 1990, and ending after Sept. 30, 1990, was repealed by Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11402(b)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–473.

[Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1702(d)(1), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1870, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 11402(c) of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 45C of this title], the amendment made by section 11402(b)(1) of such Act [repealing section 7110(a)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239, formerly set out as a note above] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1989."]

Study and Report on Credit Provided by This Section

Pub. L. 100–647, title IV, §4007(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3652, directed Comptroller General of United States to conduct a study of credit provided by 26 U.S.C. 41 and submit a report of the study not later than Dec. 31, 1989, to Committee on Ways and Means of House of Representatives and Committee on Finance of Senate.

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.

New Section 41 Treated as Continuation of Old Section 44F

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §474(i)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 832, provided that: "For purposes of determining—

"(A) whether any excess credit under old section 44F [now 41] for a taxable year beginning before January 1, 1984, is allowable as a carryover under new section 30 [now 41], and

"(B) the period during which new section 30 [now 41] is in effect,

new section 30 [now 41] shall be treated as a continuation of old section 44F (and shall apply only to the extent old section 44F would have applied)."
26 U.S.C. § 667 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 667: Treatment of amounts deemed distributed by trust in preceding years
Treatment of amounts deemed distributed by trust in preceding years
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

The total of the amounts which are treated under section 666 as having been distributed by a trust in a preceding taxable year shall be included in the income of a beneficiary of the trust when paid, credited, or required to be distributed to the extent that such total would have been included in the income of such beneficiary under section 662(a)(2) (and, with respect to any tax-exempt interest to which section 103 applies, under section 662(b)) if such total had been paid to such beneficiary on the last day of such preceding taxable year. The tax imposed by this subtitle on a beneficiary for a taxable year in which any such amount is included in his income shall be determined only as provided in this section and shall consist of the sum of—

(1) a partial tax computed on the taxable income reduced by an amount equal to the total of such amounts, at the rate and in the manner as if this section had not been enacted,

(2) a partial tax determined as provided in subsection (b) of this section, and

(3) in the case of a foreign trust, the interest charge determined as provided in section 668.

(b) Tax on distribution

(1) In general

The partial tax imposed by subsection (a)(2) shall be determined.

(A) by determining the number of preceding taxable years of the trust on the last day of which an amount is deemed under section 666(a) to have been distributed,

(B) by taking from the 5 taxable years immediately preceding the year of the accumulation distribution the 1 taxable year for which the beneficiary's taxable income was the highest and the 1 taxable year for which his taxable income was the lowest,

(C) by adding to the beneficiary's taxable income for each of the 3 taxable years remaining after the application of subparagraph (B) an amount determined by dividing the amount deemed distributed under section 666 and required to be included in income under subsection (a) by the number of preceding taxable years determined under subparagraph (A), and

(D) by determining the average increase in tax for the 3 taxable years referred to in subparagraph (C) resulting from the application of such subparagraph.

The partial tax imposed by subsection (a)(2) shall be the excess (if any) of the average increase in tax determined under subparagraph (D), multiplied by the number of preceding taxable years determined under subparagraph (A), over the amount of taxes (other than the amount of taxes described in section 665(d)(2)) deemed distributed to the beneficiary under sections 666(b) and (c).

(2) Treatment of loss years

For purposes of paragraph (1), the taxable income of the beneficiary for any taxable year shall be deemed to be not less than zero.

(3) Certain preceding taxable years not taken into account

For purposes of paragraph (1), if the amount of the undistributed net income deemed distributed in any preceding taxable year of the trust is less than 25 percent of the amount of the accumulation distribution divided by the number of preceding taxable years to which the accumulation distribution is allocated under section 666(a), the number of preceding taxable years of the trust with respect to which an amount is deemed distributed to a beneficiary under section 666(a) shall be determined without regard to such year.

(4) Effect of other accumulation distributions

In computing the partial tax under paragraph (1) for any beneficiary, the income of such beneficiary for each of his prior taxable years shall include amounts previously deemed distributed to such beneficiary in such year under section 666 as a result of prior accumulation distributions (whether from the same or another trust).

(5) Multiple distributions in the same taxable year

In the case of accumulation distributions made from more than one trust which are includible in the income of a beneficiary in the same taxable year, the distributions shall be deemed to have been made consecutively in whichever order the beneficiary shall determine.

(6) Adjustment in partial tax for estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes attributable to partial tax

(A) In general

The partial tax shall be reduced by an amount which is equal to the pre-death portion of the partial tax multiplied by a fraction—

(i) the numerator of which is that portion of the tax imposed by chapter 11 or 13, as the case may be, which is attributable (on a proportionate basis) to amounts included in the accumulation distribution, and

(ii) the denominator of which is the amount of the accumulation distribution which is subject to the tax imposed by chapter 11 or 13, as the case may be.

(B) Partial tax determined without regard to this paragraph

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "partial tax" means the partial tax imposed by subsection (a)(2) determined under this subsection without regard to this paragraph.

(C) Pre-death portion

For purposes of this paragraph, the pre-death portion of the partial tax shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to the partial tax as the portion of the accumulation distribution which is attributable to the period before the date of the death of the decedent or the date of the generation-skipping transfer bears to the total accumulation distribution.

(c) Special rule for multiple trusts

(1) In general

If, in the same prior taxable year of the beneficiary in which any part of the accumulation distribution from a trust (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as "third trust") is deemed under section 666(a) to have been distributed to such beneficiary, some part of prior distributions by each of 2 or more other trusts is deemed under section 666(a) to have been distributed to such beneficiary, then subsections (b) and (c) of section 666 shall not apply with respect to such part of the accumulation distribution from such third trust.

(2) Accumulation distributions from trust not taken into account unless they equal or exceed $1,000

For purposes of paragraph (1), an accumulation distribution from a trust to a beneficiary shall be taken into account only if such distribution, when added to any prior accumulation distributions from such trust which are deemed under section 666(a) to have been distributed to such beneficiary for the same prior taxable year of the beneficiary, equals or exceeds $1,000.

(d) Special rules for foreign trust

(1) Foreign tax deemed paid by beneficiary

(A) In general

In determining the increase in tax under subsection (b)(1)(D) for any computation year, the taxes described in section 665(d)(2) which are deemed distributed under section 666(b) or (c) and added under subsection (b)(1)(C) to the taxable income of the beneficiary for any computation year shall, except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), be treated as a credit against the increase in tax for such computation year under subsection (b)(1)(D).

(B) Deduction in lieu of credit

If the beneficiary did not choose the benefits of subpart A of part III of subchapter N with respect to the computation year, the beneficiary may in lieu of treating the amounts described in subparagraph (A) (without regard to subparagraph (C)) as a credit may treat such amounts as a deduction in computing the beneficiary's taxable income under subsection (b)(1)(C) for the computation year.

(C) Limitation on credit; retention of character

(i) Limitation on credit

For purposes of determining under subparagraph (A) the amount treated as a credit for any computation year, the limitations under subpart A of part III of subchapter N shall be applied separately with respect to amounts added under subsection (b)(1)(C) to the taxable income of the beneficiary for such computation year. For purposes of computing the increase in tax under subsection (b)(1)(D) for any computation year for which the beneficiary did not choose the benefits of subpart A of part III of subchapter N, the beneficiary shall be treated as having chosen such benefits for such computation year.

(ii) Retention of character

The items of income, deduction, and credit of the Trust shall retain their character (subject to the application of section 904(f)(5)) to the extent necessary to apply this paragraph.

(D) Computation year

For purposes of this paragraph, the term "computation year" means any of the three taxable years remaining after application of subsection (b)(1)(B).

(e) Retention of character of amounts distributed from accumulation trust to nonresident aliens and foreign corporations

In the case of a distribution from a trust to a nonresident alien individual or to a foreign corporation, the first sentence of subsection (a) shall be applied as if the reference to the determination of character under section 662(b) applied to all amounts instead of just to tax-exempt interest.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 225; Pub. L. 91–172, title III, §331(a), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 94–455, title VII, §701(a)(1), title X, §1014(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1575, 1617; Pub. L. 95–30, title I, §102(b)(8), May 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 138; Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §§701(q)(1)(B), (C), (r)(1), 702(o)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2909, 2910, 2936; Pub. L. 99–514, title I, §104(b)(10), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2105.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1986—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–514 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "For purposes of paragraph (1), the taxable income of the beneficiary for any taxable year shall be deemed to be not less than—

"(A) in the case of a beneficiary who is an individual, the zero bracket amount for such year, or

"(B) in the case of a beneficiary who is a corporation, zero."

1978—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(q)(1)(C), inserted in last sentence "(other than the amount of taxes described in section 665(d)(2))" after "taxes".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 95–600, §702(o)(1), added par. (6).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(q)(1)(B), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(r)(1), added subsec. (e).

1977—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 95–30 substituted "not less than (A) in the case of a beneficiary who is an individual, the zero bracket amount for such year, or (B) in the case of a beneficiary who is a corporation, zero" for "not less than zero".

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, §§701(a)(1), 1014(a), substituted provisions relating to the treatment of amounts deemed distributed by trust in preceding years for provisions that no refund or credit be allowed to a trust for any preceding taxable year by reason of a distribution deemed to have been made by such trust in such year under section 666 or 669 and that there be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle on the beneficiary an amount equal to the amount of the taxes deemed distributed to such beneficiary by the trust under sections 666(b) and (c) and 669(d) and (e) during preceding taxable years of the trust on the last day of which the beneficiary was in being, reduced by the amount of the taxes deemed distributed to such beneficiary for such preceding taxable years to the extent that such taxes are taken into account under sections 668(b)(1) and 669(b) in determining the amount of the tax imposed by section 668. See section 666(e) of this title.

1969—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–172 incorporated existing provisions of first sentence in provisions designated as subsec. (a), included distributions made under section 669 of this title, and struck out provisions for credit of taxes imposed on the trust against tax of beneficiary. See subsec. (b) of this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–172 incorporated provision of first sentence for credit of taxes imposed on the trust against tax of beneficiary, and provided for interest free credit and method of computation of its amount. The second sentence had provided that the amount of taxes which may not be refunded or credited to the trust shall be an amount equal to the excess of (1) the taxes imposed on the trust for any preceding taxable year (computed without regard to the accumulation distribution for the taxable year) over (2) the amount of taxes for such preceding taxable year imposed on the undistributed portion of distributable net income of the trust for such preceding taxable year after the application of this subpart on account of the accumulation distribution determined for such taxable year.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by section 701(q)(1)(B), (C) of Pub. L. 95–600 applicable to distributions made in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 701(q)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 95–600, set out as a note under section 665 of this title.

Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §702(o)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2937, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply—

"(A) in the case of the tax imposed by chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954, section 2001 et seq. of this title], to the estates of decedents dying after December 31, 1979, and

"(B) in the case of the tax imposed by chapter 13 [section 2601 et seq. of this title], to any generation-skipping transfer (within the meaning of section 2611(a) of such Code) made after June 11, 1976."

Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §701(r)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2911, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to distributions made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–30 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 106(a) of Pub. L. 95–30, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–455, title VII, §701(h), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1580, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (f) of this section [amending this section and sections 665, 666, 1302, and 6401 of this title and repealing sections 668 and 669 of this title] shall apply to distributions made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975. The amendments made by subsection (e) of this section [enacting section 644 of this title and amending section 641 of this title] shall apply to transfers in trust made after May 21, 1976."

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–172 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1968, see section 331(d) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 665 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 179 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 179: Election to expense certain depreciable business assets
Election to expense certain depreciable business assets
Status: in_force

(a) Treatment as expenses

A taxpayer may elect to treat the cost of any section 179 property as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Any cost so treated shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year in which the section 179 property is placed in service.

(b) Limitations

(1) Dollar limitation

The aggregate cost which may be taken into account under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed $1,000,000.

(2) Reduction in limitation

The limitation under paragraph (1) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which the cost of section 179 property placed in service during such taxable year exceeds $2,500,000.

(3) Limitation based on income from trade or business

(A) In general

The amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for any taxable year (determined after the application of paragraphs (1) and (2)) shall not exceed the aggregate amount of taxable income of the taxpayer for such taxable year which is derived from the active conduct by the taxpayer of any trade or business during such taxable year.

(B) Carryover of disallowed deduction

The amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be increased by the lesser of—

(i) the aggregate amount disallowed under subparagraph (A) for all prior taxable years (to the extent not previously allowed as a deduction by reason of this subparagraph), or

(ii) the excess (if any) of—

(I) the limitation of paragraphs (1) and (2) (or if lesser, the aggregate amount of taxable income referred to in subparagraph (A)), over

(II) the amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) for such taxable year without regard to this subparagraph.

(C) Computation of taxable income

For purposes of this paragraph, taxable income derived from the conduct of a trade or business shall be computed without regard to the deduction allowable under this section.

(4) Married individuals filing separately

In the case of a husband and wife filing separate returns for the taxable year—

(A) such individuals shall be treated as 1 taxpayer for purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), and

(B) unless such individuals elect otherwise, 50 percent of the cost which may be taken into account under subsection (a) for such taxable year (before application of paragraph (3)) shall be allocated to each such individual.

(5) Limitation on cost taken into account for certain passenger vehicles

(A) In general

The cost of any sport utility vehicle for any taxable year which may be taken into account under this section shall not exceed $25,000.

(B) Sport utility vehicle

For purposes of subparagraph (A)—

(i) In general

The term "sport utility vehicle" means any 4-wheeled vehicle—

(I) which is primarily designed or which can be used to carry passengers over public streets, roads, or highways (except any vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails),

(II) which is not subject to section 280F, and

(III) which is rated at not more than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

(ii) Certain vehicles excluded

Such term does not include any vehicle which—

(I) is designed to have a seating capacity of more than 9 persons behind the driver's seat,

(II) is equipped with a cargo area of at least 6 feet in interior length which is an open area or is designed for use as an open area but is enclosed by a cap and is not readily accessible directly from the passenger compartment, or

(III) has an integral enclosure, fully enclosing the driver compartment and load carrying device, does not have seating rearward of the driver's seat, and has no body section protruding more than 30 inches ahead of the leading edge of the windshield.

(6) Inflation adjustment

(A) In general

In the case of any taxable year beginning after 2018, the dollar amounts in paragraphs (1), (2), and (5)(A) shall each be increased by an amount equal to—

(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by

(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting "calendar year 2017" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

(B) Rounding

The amount of any increase under subparagraph (A) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10,000 ($100 in the case of any increase in the amount under paragraph (5)(A)).

(c) Election

(1) In general

An election under this section for any taxable year shall—

(A) specify the items of section 179 property to which the election applies and the portion of the cost of each of such items which is to be taken into account under subsection (a), and

(B) be made on the taxpayer's return of the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year.

Such election shall be made in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(2) Election

Any election made under this section, and any specification contained in any such election, may be revoked by the taxpayer with respect to any property, and such revocation, once made, shall be irrevocable.

(d) Definitions and special rules

(1) Section 179 property

For purposes of this section, the term "section 179 property" means property—

(A) which is—

(i) tangible property (to which section 168 applies), or

(ii) computer software (as defined in section 197(e)(3)(B)) which is described in section 197(e)(3)(A)(i) and to which section 167 applies,

(B) which is—

(i) section 1245 property (as defined in section 1245(a)(3)), or

(ii) at the election of the taxpayer, qualified real property (as defined in subsection (e)), and

(C) which is acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.

Such term shall not include any property described in section 50(b) (other than paragraph (2) thereof).

(2) Purchase defined

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "purchase" means any acquisition of property, but only if—

(A) the property is not acquired from a person whose relationship to the person acquiring it would result in the disallowance of losses under section 267 or 707(b) (but, in applying section 267(b) and (c) for purposes of this section, paragraph (4) of section 267(c) shall be treated as providing that the family of an individual shall include only his spouse, ancestors, and lineal descendants),

(B) the property is not acquired by one component member of a controlled group from another component member of the same controlled group, and

(C) the basis of the property in the hands of the person acquiring it is not determined—

(i) in whole or in part by reference to the adjusted basis of such property in the hands of the person from whom acquired, or

(ii) under section 1014(a) (relating to property acquired from a decedent).

(3) Cost

For purposes of this section, the cost of property does not include so much of the basis of such property as is determined by reference to the basis of other property held at any time by the person acquiring such property.

(4) Section not to apply to estates and trusts

This section shall not apply to estates and trusts.

(5) Section not to apply to certain noncorporate lessors

This section shall not apply to any section 179 property which is purchased by a person who is not a corporation and with respect to which such person is the lessor unless—

(A) the property subject to the lease has been manufactured or produced by the lessor, or

(B) the term of the lease (taking into account options to renew) is less than 50 percent of the class life of the property (as defined in section 168(i)(1)), and for the period consisting of the first 12 months after the date on which the property is transferred to the lessee the sum of the deductions with respect to such property which are allowable to the lessor solely by reason of section 162 (other than rents and reimbursed amounts with respect to such property) exceeds 15 percent of the rental income produced by such property.

(6) Dollar limitation of controlled group

For purposes of subsection (b) of this section—

(A) all component members of a controlled group shall be treated as one taxpayer, and

(B) the Secretary shall apportion the dollar limitation contained in subsection (b)(1) among the component members of such controlled group in such manner as he shall by regulations prescribe.

(7) Controlled group defined

For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (6), the term "controlled group" has the meaning assigned to it by section 1563(a), except that, for such purposes, the phrase "more than 50 percent" shall be substituted for the phrase "at least 80 percent" each place it appears in section 1563(a)(1).

(8) Treatment of partnerships and S corporations

In the case of a partnership, the limitations of subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the partnership and with respect to each partner. A similar rule shall apply in the case of an S corporation and its shareholders.

(9) Coordination with section 38

No credit shall be allowed under section 38 with respect to any amount for which a deduction is allowed under subsection (a).

(10) Recapture in certain cases

The Secretary shall, by regulations, provide for recapturing the benefit under any deduction allowable under subsection (a) with respect to any property which is not used predominantly in a trade or business at any time.

(e) Qualified real property

For purposes of this section, the term "qualified real property" means—

(1) any qualified improvement property described in section 168(e)(6), and

(2) any of the following improvements to nonresidential real property placed in service after the date such property was first placed in service:

(A) Roofs.

(B) Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning property.

(C) Fire protection and alarm systems.

(D) Security systems.

(Added Pub. L. 85–866, title II, §204(a), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1679; amended Pub. L. 87–834, §13(c)(2), Oct. 16, 1962, 76 Stat. 1034; Pub. L. 91–172, title IV, §401(f), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 94–455, title II, §213(a), title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1547, 1834; Pub. L. 97–34, title II, §202(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 219; Pub. L. 97–354, §3(f), Oct. 19, 1982, 96 Stat. 1689; Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §102(aa), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2369; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §13, July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 505; Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §§201(d)(3), 202, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2139, 2142; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1002(a)(19), (b)(1), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3356, 3357; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11813(b)(11), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–554; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13116(a), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 432; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §§1111(a), 1702(h)(10), (19), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1758, 1874; Pub. L. 108–27, title II, §202(a)–(e), May 28, 2003, 117 Stat. 757, 758; Pub. L. 108–357, title II, §201, title VIII, §910(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1429, 1659; Pub. L. 109–222, title I, §101, May 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 346; Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8212(a)–(c), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 192; Pub. L. 110–185, title I, §102(a), Feb. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 618; Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title VII, §711(a), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3928; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §1202(a), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 335; Pub. L. 111–147, title II, §201(a), Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 77; Pub. L. 111–240, title II, §2021(a)–(d), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2556, 2558; Pub. L. 111–312, title IV, §402(a)–(e), title VII, §737(b)(3), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3306, 3307, 3318; Pub. L. 112–240, title III, §315(a)–(d), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2330, 2331; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §127(a)–(d), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4017; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, §124(a)–(f), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3053; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§11002(d)(1)(R), 13101(a)–(c), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060, 2101, 2102; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(15)(A), (B), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1202.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(b)(15)(B), substituted "subsection (e)" for "subsection (f)".

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 115–141, §401(b)(15)(A), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to special rules for qualified disaster assistance property.

2017—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(1), substituted "$1,000,000" for "$500,000".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(2), substituted "$2,500,000" for "$2,000,000".

Subsec. (b)(6)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(3)(B)(i), substituted "paragraphs (1), (2), and (5)(A)" for "paragraphs (1) and (2)" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(3)(A)(i), substituted "2018" for "2015" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(3)(A)(ii), substituted "calendar year 2017" for "calendar year 2014".

Pub. L. 115–97, §11002(d)(1)(R), substituted "for 'calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "for 'calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)".

Subsec. (b)(6)(B). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(a)(3)(B)(ii), inserted "($100 in the case of any increase in the amount under paragraph (5)(A))" after "$10,000".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(c), inserted "(other than paragraph (2) thereof)" after "section 50(b)" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(b)(1), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "which is section 1245 property (as defined in section 1245(a)(3)), and".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–97, §13101(b)(2), amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) consisted of pars. (1) and (2) defining "section 179 property" and "qualified real property", respectively.

2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(a)(1), substituted "shall not exceed $500,000." for "shall not exceed—

"(A) $250,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2010,

"(B) $500,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2009 and before 2015, and

"(C) $25,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2014."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(a)(2), substituted "exceeds $2,000,000." for "exceeds—

"(A) $800,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2010,

"(B) $2,000,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2009 and before 2015, and

"(C) $200,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2014."

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(f), added par. (6).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(d), struck out "irrevocable" after "Election" in heading and "may not be revoked except with the consent of the Secretary. Any such election or specification with respect to any taxable year beginning after 2002 and before 2015" after "such election," in text.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(e), struck out "and shall not include air conditioning or heating units" after "section 50(b)" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(b), substituted "and to which section 167 applies" for ", to which section 167 applies, and which is placed in service in a taxable year beginning after 2002 and before 2015".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(2)(A), struck out "beginning after 2009 and before 2016" after "any taxable year" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(1)(A), substituted "2016" for "2015" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(2)(B), struck out par. (3). Text read as follows: "For purposes of applying the limitation under subsection (b)(1)(B), not more than $250,000 of the aggregate cost which is taken into account under subsection (a) for any taxable year may be attributable to qualified real property."

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(2)(B), struck out par. (4) which related to limitation of carryover of amounts attributable to qualified real property.

Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(1)(B), substituted "2015" for "2014" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f)(4)(C). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(c)(1)(C), substituted "2013, and 2014" for "and 2013" in heading.

2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(a)(1)(A), substituted "beginning after 2009 and before 2015" for "beginning in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(a)(1)(B), substituted "2014" for "2013".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(a)(2)(A), substituted "beginning after 2009 and before 2015" for "beginning in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(a)(2)(B), substituted "2014" for "2013".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(c), substituted "2015" for "2014".

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(b), substituted "2015" for "2014".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(d)(1), substituted "beginning after 2009 and before 2015" for "beginning in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(d)(2)(A), substituted "2014" for "2013" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f)(4)(C). Pub. L. 113–295, §127(d)(2)(B), substituted "2011, 2012, and 2013" for "2011 and 2012" in heading.

2013—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(a)(1)(A), substituted "2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, and" for "2010 or 2011,".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(a)(1)(B)–(D), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C), substituted "2013" for "2012", and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: "$125,000 in the case of taxable years beginning in 2012, and".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(a)(2)(A), substituted "2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, and" for "2010 or 2011,".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(a)(2)(B)–(D), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C), substituted "2013" for "2012", and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: "$500,000 in the case of taxable years beginning in 2012, and".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(a)(3), struck out par. (6) which related to inflation adjustment.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(c), substituted "2014" for "2013".

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(b), substituted "2014" for "2013".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(d)(1), substituted "2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013" for "2010 or 2011" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(4)(A), (B). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(d)(2)(A), substituted "2013" for "2011".

Subsec. (f)(4)(C). Pub. L. 112–240, §315(d)(2)(B), substituted "2010, 2011 and 2012" for "2010" in heading and inserted at end "For the last taxable year beginning in 2013, the amount determined under subsection (b)(3)(A) for such taxable year shall be determined without regard to this paragraph."

Pub. L. 112–240, §315(d)(2)(A), substituted "2013" for "2011" in two places.

2010—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–240, §2021(a)(1), substituted "shall not exceed—" for "shall not exceed $25,000 ($250,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2011)." and added subpars. (A) to (C).

Pub. L. 111–147, §201(a)(1), substituted "($250,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2011)" for "($125,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2006 and before 2011)".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 111–312, §402(a), added subpars. (C) and (D) and struck out former subpar. (C), which read as follows: "$25,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2011."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–240, §2021(a)(2), substituted "exceeds—" for "exceeds $200,000 ($800,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2011)." and added subpars. (A) to (C).

Pub. L. 111–147, §201(a)(2), substituted "($800,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2007 and before 2011)" for "($500,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2006 and before 2011)".

Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 111–312, §402(b), added subpars. (C) and (D) and struck out former subpar. (C), which read as follows: "$200,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2011."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 111–147, §201(a)(3), (4), redesignated par. (6) as (5) and struck out former par. (5) which related to inflation adjustments.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 111–312, §402(c), added par. (6).

Pub. L. 111–147, §201(a)(4), redesignated par. (6) as (5).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 111–147, §201(a)(3), struck out par. (7) which related to increase in limitations for 2008 and 2009.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 111–312, §402(e), substituted "2013" for "2012".

Pub. L. 111–240, §2021(c), substituted "2012" for "2011".

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 111–312, §402(d), substituted "2013" for "2012".

Pub. L. 111–240, §2021(d), substituted "2012" for "2011".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–240, §2021(b), added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–312, §737(b)(3)(A), struck out "(without regard to the dates specified in subparagraph (A)(i) thereof)" after "section 168(e)(7)".

Subsec. (f)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–312, §737(b)(3)(B), struck out "(without regard to subparagraph (E) thereof)" after "section 168(e)(8)".

2009—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 111–5 substituted "2008, and 2009" for "2008" in heading and "2008, or 2009" for "2008" in introductory provisions.

2008—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 110–185 added par. (7).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–343 added subsec. (e).

2007—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–28, §8212(a), (b)(1), substituted "$125,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2006" for "$100,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2002" and "2011" for "2010".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–28, §8212(a), (b)(2), substituted "$500,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2006" for "$400,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2002" and "2011" for "2010".

Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 110–28, §8212(a), (c)(1), (2), in introductory provisions, substituted "2007" for "2003", "2011" for "2010", and "$125,000 and $500,000" for "$100,000 and $400,000".

Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–28, §8212(c)(3), substituted "2006" for "2002".

Subsecs. (c)(2), (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–28, §8212(a), substituted "2011" for "2010".

2006—Subsecs. (b)(1), (2), (5)(A), (c)(2), (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109–222 substituted "2010" for "2008".

2004—Subsec. (b)(1), (2), (5)(A). Pub. L. 108–357, §201, substituted "2008" for "2006".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 108–357, §910(a), added par. (6).

Subsecs. (c)(2), (d)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 108–357, §201, substituted "2008" for "2006".

2003—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–27, §202(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) contained a table specifying the maximum amounts for taxable years 1997 to 2003 and thereafter which could be taken into account as the aggregate costs under subsec. (a).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–27, §202(b), inserted "($400,000 in the case of taxable years beginning after 2002 and before 2006)" after "$200,000".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 108–27, §202(d), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 108–27, §202(e), inserted at end "Any such election or specification with respect to any taxable year beginning after 2002 and before 2006 may be revoked by the taxpayer with respect to any property, and such revocation, once made, shall be irrevocable."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–27, §202(c), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this section, the term 'section 179 property' means any tangible property (to which section 168 applies) which is section 1245 property (as defined in section 1245(a)(3)) and which is acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business. Such term shall not include any property described in section 50(b) and shall not include air conditioning or heating units."

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–188, §1111(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The aggregate cost which may be taken into account under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed $17,500."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 104–188, §1702(h)(10), struck out "in" before "a trade or business".

Pub. L. 104–188, §1702(h)(19), inserted at end "Such term shall not include any property described in section 50(b) and shall not include air conditioning or heating units."

1993—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "$17,500" for "$10,000".

1990—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §11813(b)(11)(A), substituted "section 1245 property (as defined in section 1245(a)(3))" for "section 38 property".

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 101–508, §11813(b)(11)(B), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: "This section shall not apply to any section 179 property purchased by any person described in section 46(e)(3) unless the credit under section 38 is allowable with respect to such person for such property (determined without regard to this section)."

1988—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §1002(b)(1), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows:

"(A) In general.—The aggregate cost of section 179 property taken into account under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the aggregate amount of taxable income of the taxpayer for such taxable year which is derived from the active conduct by the taxpayer of any trade or business during such taxable year.

"(B) Carryover of unused cost.—The amount of any cost which (but for subparagraph (A)) would have been allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year.

"(C) Computation of taxable income.—For purposes of this paragraph, taxable income derived from the conduct of a trade or business shall be computed without regard to the cost of any section 179 property."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1002(a)(19), substituted "tangible property (to which section 168 applies)" for "recovery property".

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–514, §202(a), in amending subsec. (b) generally, substituted "Limitations" for "Dollar limitation" in heading, in par. (1) substituted as heading "Dollar limitation" for "In general" and in text "shall not exceed $10,000" for "shall not exceed the following applicable amount:" and a table specifying amounts for specific years, added pars. (2) to (4), and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "In the case of a husband and wife filing separate returns for a taxable year, the applicable amount under paragraph (1) shall be equal to 50 percent of the amount otherwise determined under paragraph (1)."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, §202(b), inserted "in the active conduct of".

Subsec. (d)(8). Pub. L. 99–514, §201(d)(3), substituted "Treatment of" for "Dollar limitation in case of" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In the case of a partnership, the dollar limitation contained in subsection (b)(1) shall apply with respect to the partnership and with respect to each partner. A similar rule shall apply in the case of an S corporation and its shareholders."

Subsec. (d)(10). Pub. L. 99–514, §202(c), struck out "before the close of the second taxable year following the taxable year in which it is placed in service by the taxpayer" after "at any time".

1984—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–369 amended table by dropping items setting applicable amounts of $0 for 1981 and $5,000 for 1982, substituting an applicable amount of $5,000 for 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987 for former table items which had set applicable amounts of $5,000 for 1983, $7,500 for 1984, $7,500 for 1985, and $10,000 for 1986 or thereafter, and added items setting applicable amounts of $7,500 for 1988 or 1989, and $10,000 for 1990 or thereafter.

1983—Subsec. (d)(10). Pub. L. 97–448 added par. (10).

1982—Subsec. (d)(8). Pub. L. 97–354 substituted "partnerships and S corporations" for "partnerships" in heading, and inserted "A similar rule shall apply in the case of an S corporation and its shareholders."

1981—Pub. L. 97–34 amended section generally, changing its content from provisions that formerly made available an additional first-year depreciation allowance for small businesses to provisions allowing a taxpayer to elect to treat the cost of section 179 property as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account, with any cost so treated to be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year in which the section 179 property is placed in service.

1976—Subsecs. (c)(1), (2), (d)(6)(B). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (d)(8), (9). Pub. L. 94–455, §213(a), added par. (8) and redesignated former par. (8) as par. (9).

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

1969—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–172 substituted reference to component members of a controlled group for reference to members of an affiliated group in pars. (2)(B) and (b), and substituted definition of controlled group for definition of affiliated group in par. (7).

1962—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 87–834, §13(c)(2)(A), substituted "section 167(h)" for "section 167(g)".

Subsec. (d)(8). Pub. L. 87–834, §13(c)(2)(B), substituted "section 167(g)" for "section 167(f)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(15)(C), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1202, provided that: "The amendments made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall not apply to property placed in service before the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2018]."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(R) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13101(d), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2102, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to property placed in service in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, §124(g), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3053, provided that:

"(1) Extension.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.

"(2) Modifications.—The amendments made by subsections (c)(2) and (e) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015."

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, §127(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4018, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013."

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–240, title III, §315(e), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2331, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–312, title IV, §402(f), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3307, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011."

Amendment by section 737(b)(3) of Pub. L. 111–312 applicable to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2009, see section 737(c) of Pub. L. 111–312, set out as a note under section 168 of this title.

Pub. L. 111–240, title II, §2021(e), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2558, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2009, in taxable years beginning after such date.

"(2) Extensions.—The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010."

Pub. L. 111–147, title II, §201(b), Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 77, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009."

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §1202(b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 335, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title VII, §711(b), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3929, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2007, with respect [to] disasters declared after such date."

Pub. L. 110–185, title I, §102(b), Feb. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 618, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007."

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8212(d), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 193, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §910(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1660, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–27, title II, §202(f), May 28, 2003, 117 Stat. 758, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1111(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1758, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996."

Amendment by section 1702(h)(10), (19) of Pub. L. 104–188 effective, except as otherwise expressly provided, as if included in the provision of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, to which such amendment relates, see section 1702(i) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13116(b), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 432, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by 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 201(d)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date, with exceptions, see sections 203 and 204 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 168 of this title.

Amendment by section 201(d)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 not applicable to any property placed in service before Jan. 1, 1994, if such property placed in service as part of specified rehabilitations, and not applicable to certain additional rehabilitations, see section 251(d)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 46 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 18(a) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by 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 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 of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 213(a) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable in the case of partnership taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 213(f) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as an Effective Date note under section 709 of this title.

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to taxable years ending on or after Dec. 31, 1970, see section 401(h)(3) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 1561 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–834 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1961, and ending after Oct. 16, 1962, see section 13(g) of Pub. L. 87–834, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1245 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 85–866, title II, §204(c), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1680, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall apply with respect to taxable years ending after June 30, 1958."

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by 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.

For provisions that nothing in amendment by 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.
26 U.S.C. § 891 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 891: Doubling of rates of tax on citizens and corporations of certain foreign countries
Doubling of rates of tax on citizens and corporations of certain foreign countries
Status: in_force

Whenever the President finds that, under the laws of any foreign country, citizens or corporations of the United States are being subjected to discriminatory or extraterritorial taxes, the President shall so proclaim and the rates of tax imposed by sections 1, 3, 11, 801, 831, 852, 871, and 881 shall, for the taxable year during which such proclamation is made and for each taxable year thereafter, be doubled in the case of each citizen and corporation of such foreign country; but the tax at such doubled rate shall be considered as imposed by such sections as the case may be. In no case shall this section operate to increase the taxes imposed by such sections (computed without regard to this section) to an amount in excess of 80 percent of the taxable income of the taxpayer (computed without regard to the deductions allowable under section 151 and under part VIII of subchapter B). Whenever the President finds that the laws of any foreign country with respect to which the President has made a proclamation under the preceding provisions of this section have been modified so that discriminatory and extraterritorial taxes applicable to citizens and corporations of the United States have been removed, he shall so proclaim, and the provisions of this section providing for doubled rates of tax shall not apply to any citizen or corporation of such foreign country with respect to any taxable year beginning after such proclamation is made.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 283; Mar. 13, 1956, ch. 83, §5(6), 70 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 86–69, §3(f)(1), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 140; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title II, §211(b)(12), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 755; Pub. L. 99–514, title X, §1024(c)(13), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2408.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–514 struck out reference to section 821.

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 substituted "801" for "802".

1959—Pub. L. 86–69 struck out reference to section 811.

1956—Act Mar. 13, 1956, inserted reference to section 811.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 1024(e) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 831 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 215 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 801 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 86–69 applicable only with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1957, see section 4 of Pub. L. 86–69, set out an Effective Date note under section 381 of this title.

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Amendment by act Mar. 13, 1956, applicable only to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1954, see section 6 of act Mar. 13, 1956, set out as a note under section 316 of this title.