26 U.S.C. § 4958 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 42 / Subchapter D / Section 4958: Taxes on excess benefit transactions
Taxes on excess benefit transactions
Status: in_force

(a) Initial taxes

(1) On the disqualified person

There is hereby imposed on each excess benefit transaction a tax equal to 25 percent of the excess benefit. The tax imposed by this paragraph shall be paid by any disqualified person referred to in subsection (f)(1) with respect to such transaction.

(2) On the management

In any case in which a tax is imposed by paragraph (1), there is hereby imposed on the participation of any organization manager in the excess benefit transaction, knowing that it is such a transaction, a tax equal to 10 percent of the excess benefit, unless such participation is not willful and is due to reasonable cause. The tax imposed by this paragraph shall be paid by any organization manager who participated in the excess benefit transaction.

(b) Additional tax on the disqualified person

In any case in which an initial tax is imposed by subsection (a)(1) on an excess benefit transaction and the excess benefit involved in such transaction is not corrected within the taxable period, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 200 percent of the excess benefit involved. The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by any disqualified person referred to in subsection (f)(1) with respect to such transaction.

(c) Excess benefit transaction; excess benefit

For purposes of this section—

(1) Excess benefit transaction

(A) In general

The term "excess benefit transaction" means any transaction in which an economic benefit is provided by an applicable tax-exempt organization directly or indirectly to or for the use of any disqualified person if the value of the economic benefit provided exceeds the value of the consideration (including the performance of services) received for providing such benefit. For purposes of the preceding sentence, an economic benefit shall not be treated as consideration for the performance of services unless such organization clearly indicated its intent to so treat such benefit.

(B) Excess benefit

The term "excess benefit" means the excess referred to in subparagraph (A).

(2) Special rules for donor advised funds

In the case of any donor advised fund (as defined in section 4966(d)(2))—

(A) the term "excess benefit transaction" includes any grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment from such fund to a person described in subsection (f)(7) with respect to such fund, and

(B) the term "excess benefit" includes, with respect to any transaction described in subparagraph (A), the amount of any such grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment.

(3) Special rules for supporting organizations

(A) In general

In the case of any organization described in section 509(a)(3)—

(i) the term "excess benefit transaction" includes—

(I) any grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment provided by such organization to a person described in subparagraph (B), and

(II) any loan provided by such organization to a disqualified person (other than an organization described in subparagraph (C)(ii)), and

(ii) the term "excess benefit" includes, with respect to any transaction described in clause (i), the amount of any such grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment.

(B) Person described

A person is described in this subparagraph if such person is—

(i) a substantial contributor to such organization,

(ii) a member of the family (determined under section 4958(f)(4)) of an individual described in clause (i), or

(iii) a 35-percent controlled entity (as defined in section 4958(f)(3) by substituting "persons described in clause (i) or (ii) of section 4958(c)(3)(B)" for "persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)" in subparagraph (A)(i) thereof).

(C) Substantial contributor

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) In general

The term "substantial contributor" means any person who contributed or bequeathed an aggregate amount of more than $5,000 to the organization, if such amount is more than 2 percent of the total contributions and bequests received by the organization before the close of the taxable year of the organization in which the contribution or bequest is received by the organization from such person. In the case of a trust, such term also means the creator of the trust. Rules similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 507(d)(2) shall apply for purposes of this subparagraph.

(ii) Exception

Such term shall not include—

(I) any organization described in paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of section 509(a), and

(II) any organization which is treated as described in such paragraph (2) by reason of the last sentence of section 509(a) and which is a supported organization (as defined in section 509(f)(3)) of the organization to which subparagraph (A) applies.

(4) Authority to include certain other private inurement

To the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the term "excess benefit transaction" includes any transaction in which the amount of any economic benefit provided to or for the use of a disqualified person is determined in whole or in part by the revenues of 1 or more activities of the organization but only if such transaction results in inurement not permitted under paragraph (3) or (4) of section 501(c), as the case may be. In the case of any such transaction, the excess benefit shall be the amount of the inurement not so permitted.

(d) Special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1) Joint and several liability

If more than 1 person is liable for any tax imposed by subsection (a) or subsection (b), all such persons shall be jointly and severally liable for such tax.

(2) Limit for management

With respect to any 1 excess benefit transaction, the maximum amount of the tax imposed by subsection (a)(2) shall not exceed $20,000.

(e) Applicable tax-exempt organization

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "applicable tax-exempt organization" means—

(1) any organization which (without regard to any excess benefit) would be described in paragraph (3), (4), or (29) of section 501(c) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), and

(2) any organization which was described in paragraph (1) at any time during the 5-year period ending on the date of the transaction.

Such term shall not include a private foundation (as defined in section 509(a)).

(f) Other definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Disqualified person

The term "disqualified person" means, with respect to any transaction—

(A) any person who was, at any time during the 5-year period ending on the date of such transaction, in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of the organization,

(B) a member of the family of an individual described in subparagraph (A),

(C) a 35-percent controlled entity,

(D) any person who is described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) with respect to an organization described in section 509(a)(3) and organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of the applicable tax-exempt organization,

(E) which involves a donor advised fund (as defined in section 4966(d)(2)), any person who is described in paragraph (7) with respect to such donor advised fund (as so defined), and

(F) which involves a sponsoring organization (as defined in section 4966(d)(1)), any person who is described in paragraph (8) with respect to such sponsoring organization (as so defined).

(2) Organization manager

The term "organization manager" means, with respect to any applicable tax-exempt organization, any officer, director, or trustee of such organization (or any individual having powers or responsibilities similar to those of officers, directors, or trustees of the organization).

(3) 35-percent controlled entity

(A) In general

The term "35-percent controlled entity" means—

(i) a corporation in which persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) own more than 35 percent of the total combined voting power,

(ii) a partnership in which such persons own more than 35 percent of the profits interest, and

(iii) a trust or estate in which such persons own more than 35 percent of the beneficial interest.

(B) Constructive ownership rules

Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 4946(a) shall apply for purposes of this paragraph.

(4) Family members

The members of an individual's family shall be determined under section 4946(d); except that such members also shall include the brothers and sisters (whether by the whole or half blood) of the individual and their spouses.

(5) Taxable period

The term "taxable period" means, with respect to any excess benefit transaction, the period beginning with the date on which the transaction occurs and ending on the earliest of—

(A) the date of mailing a notice of deficiency under section 6212 with respect to the tax imposed by subsection (a)(1), or

(B) the date on which the tax imposed by subsection (a)(1) is assessed.

(6) Correction

The terms "correction" and "correct" mean, with respect to any excess benefit transaction, undoing the excess benefit to the extent possible, and taking any additional measures necessary to place the organization in a financial position not worse than that in which it would be if the disqualified person were dealing under the highest fiduciary standards, except that in the case of any correction of an excess benefit transaction described in subsection (c)(2), no amount repaid in a manner prescribed by the Secretary may be held in any donor advised fund.

(7) Donors and donor advisors

For purposes of paragraph (1)(E), a person is described in this paragraph if such person—

(A) is described in section 4966(d)(2)(A)(iii),

(B) is a member of the family of an individual described in subparagraph (A), or

(C) is a 35-percent controlled entity (as defined in paragraph (3) by substituting "persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (7)" for "persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)" in subparagraph (A)(i) thereof).

(8) Investment advisors

For purposes of paragraph (1)(F)—

(A) In general

A person is described in this paragraph if such person—

(i) is an investment advisor,

(ii) is a member of the family of an individual described in clause (i), or

(iii) is a 35-percent controlled entity (as defined in paragraph (3) by substituting "persons described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (8)(A)" for "persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)" in subparagraph (A)(i) thereof).

(B) Investment advisor defined

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "investment advisor" means, with respect to any sponsoring organization (as defined in section 4966(d)(1)), any person (other than an employee of such organization) compensated by such organization for managing the investment of, or providing investment advice with respect to, assets maintained in donor advised funds (as defined in section 4966(d)(2)) owned by such organization.

(Added Pub. L. 104–168, title XIII, §1311(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1475; amended Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §§1212(a)(3), 1232(a), (b), 1242(a), (b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1074, 1098, 1099, 1104; Pub. L. 110–172, §3(i), Dec. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 2475; Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1322(h)(3), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 192; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(224), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1194.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Sections 1212(a)(3), 1232(a), (b), and 1242(a), (b) of Pub. L. 109–280, which directed the amendment of section 4958 without specifying the act to be amended, were executed to this section, which is section 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 2006 Amendment notes below.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (f)(1)(D). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted comma for period at end.

2010—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 111–148 substituted "paragraph (3), (4), or (29)" for "paragraph (3) or (4)".

2007—Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 110–172, §3(i)(1), substituted "subparagraph (C)(ii)" for "paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of section 509(a)".

Subsec. (c)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 110–172, §3(i)(2), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Such term shall not include any organization described in paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of section 509(a)."

2006—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(b)(1), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 109–280, §1242(b), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4). See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(b)(1), redesignated par. (2) as (3). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 109–280, §1242(b), redesignated par. (3) as (4). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, §1212(a)(3), substituted "$20,000" for "$10,000". See Codification note above.

Subsec. (f)(1)(D). Pub. L. 109–280, §1242(a), added subpar. (D). Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E). See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(a)(1), added subpar. (D). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (f)(1)(E). Pub. L. 109–280, §1242(a), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (F). See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(a)(1), added subpar. (E). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (f)(1)(F). Pub. L. 109–280, §1242(a), redesignated subpar. (E) as (F). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (f)(6). Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(b)(2), inserted ", except that in the case of any correction of an excess benefit transaction described in subsection (c)(2), no amount repaid in a manner prescribed by the Secretary may be held in any donor advised fund" after "standards". See Codification note above.

Subsec. (f)(7), (8). Pub. L. 109–280, §1232(a)(2), added pars. (7) and (8). See Codification note above.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–172 effective as if included in the provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Pub. L. 109–280, to which such amendment relates, see section 3(j) of Pub. L. 110–172, set out as a note under section 170 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 1212(a)(3) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to taxable years beginning after Aug. 17, 2006, see section 1212(f) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4941 of this title.

Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1232(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1099, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to transactions occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."

Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1242(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1105, provided that:

"(1) Subsection (a).—The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to transactions occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006].

"(2) Subsection (b).—The amendments made by subsection (a) [probably should be "subsection (b)", amending this section] shall apply to transactions occurring after July 25, 2006."

Effective Date

Section applicable to excess benefit transactions occurring on or after Sept. 14, 1995, and not applicable to any benefit arising from a transaction pursuant to any written contract which was binding on Sept. 13, 1995, and at all times thereafter before such transaction occurred, see section 1311(d)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 104–168, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note under section 4955 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 6105 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 61 / Section 6105: Confidentiality of information arising under treaty obligations
Confidentiality of information arising under treaty obligations
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Tax convention information shall not be disclosed.

(b) Exceptions

Subsection (a) shall not apply—

(1) to the disclosure of tax convention information to persons or authorities (including courts and administrative bodies) which are entitled to such disclosure pursuant to a tax convention,

(2) to any generally applicable procedural rules regarding applications for relief under a tax convention,

(3) to the disclosure of tax convention information on the same terms as return information may be disclosed under paragraph (3)(C) or (7) of section 6103(i), except that in the case of tax convention information provided by a foreign government, no disclosure may be made under this paragraph without the written consent of the foreign government, or

(4) in any case not described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3), to the disclosure of any tax convention information not relating to a particular taxpayer if the Secretary determines, after consultation with each other party to the tax convention, that such disclosure would not impair tax administration.

(c) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Tax convention information

The term "tax convention information" means any—

(A) agreement entered into with the competent authority of one or more foreign governments pursuant to a tax convention,

(B) application for relief under a tax convention,

(C) background information related to such agreement or application,

(D) document implementing such agreement, and

(E) other information exchanged pursuant to a tax convention which is treated as confidential or secret under the tax convention.

(2) Tax convention

The term "tax convention" means—

(A) any income tax or gift and estate tax convention, or

(B) any other convention or bilateral agreement (including multilateral conventions and agreements and any agreement with a possession of the United States) providing for the avoidance of double taxation, the prevention of fiscal evasion, nondiscrimination with respect to taxes, the exchange of tax relevant information with the United States, or mutual assistance in tax matters.

(d) Cross references

For penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of tax convention information which is return or return information, see sections 7213, 7213A, and 7431.

(Added Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §304(b)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–633; amended Pub. L. 107–134, title II, §201(c)(9), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2444; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §417(18), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 56.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 6105, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 755, authorized the Secretary or his delegate to compile, beginning after June 31, 1941, all cases in which relief from excess profits tax has been allowed, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(a)(7), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1824.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–134, §201(c)(9)(A), struck out "or" at end.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–134, §201(c)(9)(D), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Pub. L. 107–134, §201(c)(9)(B), substituted "paragraph (1), (2), or (3)" for "paragraphs (1) or (2)".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 107–134, §201(c)(9)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(C), (E). Pub. L. 107–147 struck out "any" after subpar. designation.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–134 applicable to disclosures made on or after Jan. 23, 2002, see section 201(d) of Pub. L. 107–134, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.
26 U.S.C. § 7518 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 77 / Section 7518: Tax incentives relating to merchant marine capital construction funds
Tax incentives relating to merchant marine capital construction funds
Status: in_force

(a) Ceiling on deposits

(1) In general

The amount deposited in a fund established under chapter 535 of title 46 of the United States Code (hereinafter in this section referred to as a "capital construction fund") shall not exceed for any taxable year the sum of:

(A) that portion of the taxable income of the owner or lessee for such year (computed as provided in chapter 1 but without regard to the carryback of any net operating loss or net capital loss and without regard to this section) which is attributable to the operation of the agreement vessels in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States or in the fisheries of the United States,

(B) the amount allowable as a deduction under section 167 for such year with respect to the agreement vessels,

(C) if the transaction is not taken into account for purposes of subparagraph (A), the net proceeds (as defined in joint regulations) from—

(i) the sale or other disposition of any agreement vessel, or

(ii) insurance or indemnity attributable to any agreement vessel, and

(D) the receipts from the investment or reinvestment of amounts held in such fund.

(2) Limitations on deposits by lessees

In the case of a lessee, the maximum amount which may be deposited with respect to an agreement vessel by reason of paragraph (1)(B) for any period shall be reduced by any amount which, under an agreement entered into under chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code, the owner is required or permitted to deposit for such period with respect to such vessel by reason of paragraph (1)(B).

(3) Certain barges and containers included

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "agreement vessel" includes barges and containers which are part of the complement of such vessel and which are provided for in the agreement.

(b) Requirements as to investments

(1) In general

Amounts in any capital construction fund shall be kept in the depository or depositories specified in the agreement and shall be subject to such trustee and other fiduciary requirements as may be specified by the Secretary.

(2) Limitation on fund investments

Amounts in any capital construction fund may be invested only in interest-bearing securities approved by the Secretary; except that, if such Secretary consents thereto, an agreed percentage (not in excess of 60 percent) of the assets of the fund may be invested in the stock of domestic corporations. Such stock must be currently fully listed and registered on an exchange registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a national securities exchange, and must be stock which would be acquired by prudent men of discretion and intelligence in such matters who are seeking a reasonable income and the preservation of their capital. If at any time the fair market value of the stock in the fund is more than the agreed percentage of the assets in the fund, any subsequent investment of amounts deposited in the fund, and any subsequent withdrawal from the fund, shall be made in such a way as to tend to restore the fund to a situation in which the fair market value of the stock does not exceed such agreed percentage.

(3) Investment in certain preferred stock permitted

For purposes of this subsection, if the common stock of a corporation meets the requirements of this subsection and if the preferred stock of such corporation would meet such requirements but for the fact that it cannot be listed and registered as required because it is nonvoting stock, such preferred stock shall be treated as meeting the requirements of this subsection.

(c) Nontaxability for deposits

(1) In general

For purposes of this title—

(A) taxable income (determined without regard to this section and chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code) for the taxable year shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount deposited for the taxable year out of amounts referred to in subsection (a)(1)(A),

(B) gain from a transaction referred to in subsection (a)(1)(C) shall not be taken into account if an amount equal to the net proceeds (as defined in joint regulations) from such transaction is deposited in the fund,

(C) the earnings (including gains and losses) from the investment and reinvestment of amounts held in the fund shall not be taken into account,

(D) the earnings and profits (within the meaning of section 316) of any corporation shall be determined without regard to this section and chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code, and

(E) in applying the tax imposed by section 531 (relating to the accumulated earnings tax), amounts while held in the fund shall not be taken into account.

(2) Only qualified deposits eligible for treatment

Paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any amount only if such amount is deposited in the fund pursuant to the agreement and not later than the time provided in joint regulations.

(d) Establishment of accounts

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

Within a capital construction fund 3 accounts shall be maintained:

(A) the capital account,

(B) the capital gain account, and

(C) the ordinary income account.

(2) Capital account

The capital account shall consist of—

(A) amounts referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B),

(B) amounts referred to in subsection (a)(1)(C) other than that portion thereof which represents gain not taken into account by reason of subsection (c)(1)(B),

(C) the percentage applicable under section 243(a)(1) of any dividend received by the fund with respect to which the person maintaining the fund would (but for subsection (c)(1)(C)) be allowed a deduction under section 243, and

(D) interest income exempt from taxation under section 103.

(3) Capital gain account

The capital gain account shall consist of—

(A) amounts representing capital gains on assets held for more than 6 months and referred to in subsection (a)(1)(C) or (a)(1)(D), reduced by

(B) amounts representing capital losses on assets held in the fund for more than 6 months.

(4) Ordinary income account

The ordinary income account shall consist of—

(A) amounts referred to in subsection (a)(1)(A),

(B)(i) amounts representing capital gains on assets held for 6 months or less and referred to in subsection (a)(1)(C) or (a)(1)(D), reduced by

(ii) amounts representing capital losses on assets held in the fund for 6 months or less,

(C) interest (not including any tax-exempt interest referred to in paragraph (2)(D)) and other ordinary income (not including any dividend referred to in subparagraph (E)) received on assets held in the fund,

(D) ordinary income from a transaction described in subsection (a)(1)(C), and

(E) the portion of any dividend referred to in paragraph (2)(C) not taken into account under such paragraph.

(5) Capital losses only allowed to offset certain gains

Except on termination of a capital construction fund, capital losses referred to in paragraph (3)(B) or in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) shall be allowed only as an offset to gains referred to in paragraph (3)(A) or (4)(B)(i), respectively.

(e) Purposes of qualified withdrawals

(1) In general

A qualified withdrawal from the fund is one made in accordance with the terms of the agreement but only if it is for:

(A) the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of a qualified vessel,

(B) the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of barges and containers which are part of the complement of a qualified vessel, or

(C) the payment of the principal on indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of a qualified vessel or a barge or container which is part of the complement of a qualified vessel.

Except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, subparagraph (B), and so much of subparagraph (C) as relates only to barges and containers, shall apply only with respect to barges and containers constructed in the United States.

(2) Penalty for failing to fulfill any substantial obligation

Under joint regulations, if the Secretary determines that any substantial obligation under any agreement is not being fulfilled, he may, after notice and opportunity for hearing to the person maintaining the fund, treat the entire fund or any portion thereof as an amount withdrawn from the fund in a nonqualified withdrawal.

(f) Tax treatment of qualified withdrawals

(1) Ordering rule

Any qualified withdrawal from a fund shall be treated—

(A) first as made out of the capital account,

(B) second as made out of the capital gain account, and

(C) third as made out of the ordinary income account.

(2) Adjustment to basis of vessel, etc., where withdrawal from ordinary income account

If any portion of a qualified withdrawal for a vessel, barge, or container is made out of the ordinary income account, the basis of such vessel, barge, or container shall be reduced by an amount equal to such portion.

(3) Adjustment to basis of vessel, etc., where withdrawal from capital gain account

If any portion of a qualified withdrawal for a vessel, barge, or container is made out of the capital gain account, the basis of such vessel, barge, or container shall be reduced by an amount equal to such portion.

(4) Adjustment to basis of vessels, etc., where withdrawals pay principal on debt

If any portion of a qualified withdrawal to pay the principal on any indebtedness is made out of the ordinary income account or the capital gain account, then an amount equal to the aggregate reduction which would be required by paragraphs (2) and (3) if this were a qualified withdrawal for a purpose described in such paragraphs shall be applied, in the order provided in joint regulations, to reduce the basis of vessels, barges, and containers owned by the person maintaining the fund. Any amount of a withdrawal remaining after the application of the preceding sentence shall be treated as a nonqualified withdrawal.

(5) Ordinary income recapture of basis reduction

If any property the basis of which was reduced under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) is disposed of, any gain realized on such disposition, to the extent it does not exceed the aggregate reduction in the basis of such property under such paragraphs, shall be treated as an amount referred to in subsection (g)(3)(A) which was withdrawn on the date of such disposition. Subject to such conditions and requirements as may be provided in joint regulations, the preceding sentence shall not apply to a disposition where there is a redeposit in an amount determined under joint regulations which will, insofar as practicable, restore the fund to the position it was in before the withdrawal.

(g) Tax treatment of nonqualified withdrawals

(1) In general

Except as provided in subsection (h), any withdrawal from a capital construction fund which is not a qualified withdrawal shall be treated as a nonqualified withdrawal.

(2) Ordering rule

Any nonqualified withdrawal from a fund shall be treated—

(A) first as made out of the ordinary income account,

(B) second as made out of the capital gain account, and

(C) third as made out of the capital account.

For purposes of this section, items withdrawn from any account shall be treated as withdrawn on a first-in-first-out basis; except that (i) any nonqualified withdrawal for research, development, and design expenses incident to new and advanced ship design, machinery and equipment, and (ii) any amount treated as a nonqualified withdrawal under the second sentence of subsection (f)(4), shall be treated as withdrawn on a last-in-first-out basis.

(3) Operating rules

For purposes of this title—

(A) any amount referred to in paragraph (2)(A) shall be included in income as an item of ordinary income for the taxable year in which the withdrawal is made,

(B) any amount referred to in paragraph (2)(B) shall be included in income for the taxable year in which the withdrawal is made as an item of gain realized during such year from the disposition of an asset held for more than 6 months, and

(C) for the period on or before the last date prescribed for payment of tax for the taxable year in which this withdrawal is made—

(i) no interest shall be payable under section 6601 and no addition to the tax shall be payable under section 6651,

(ii) interest on the amount of the additional tax attributable to any item referred to in subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be paid at the applicable rate (as defined in paragraph (4)) from the last date prescribed for payment of the tax for the taxable year for which such item was deposited in the fund, and

(iii) no interest shall be payable on amounts referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2) or in the case of any nonqualified withdrawal arising from the application of the recapture provision of section 606(5) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as in effect on December 31, 1969.

(4) Interest rate

For purposes of paragraph (3)(C)(ii), the applicable rate of interest for any nonqualified withdrawal shall be determined and published jointly by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate and the applicable Secretary and shall bear a relationship to 8 percent which the Secretaries determine under joint regulations to be comparable to the relationship which the money rates and investment yields for the calendar year immediately preceding the beginning of the taxable year bear to the money rates and investment yields for the calendar year 1970.

(5) Amount not withdrawn from fund after 25 years from deposit taxed as nonqualified withdrawal

(A) In general

The applicable percentage of any amount which remains in a capital construction fund at the close of the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, or 30th taxable year following the taxable year for which such amount was deposited shall be treated as a nonqualified withdrawal in accordance with the following table:

 

 If the amount remains in the fund
  at the close of the—
The applicable percentage is—

26th taxable year
20 percent  

27th taxable year
40 percent  

28th taxable year
60 percent  

29th taxable year
80 percent  

30th taxable year
100 percent.

(B) Earnings treated as deposits

The earnings of any capital construction fund for any taxable year (other than net gains) shall be treated for purposes of this paragraph as an amount deposited for such taxable year.

(C) Amounts committed treated as withdrawn

For purposes of subparagraph (A), an amount shall not be treated as remaining in a capital construction fund at the close of any taxable year to the extent there is a binding contract at the close of such year for a qualified withdrawal of such amount with respect to an identified item for which such withdrawal may be made.

(D) Authority to treat excess funds as withdrawn

If the Secretary determines that the balance in any capital construction fund exceeds the amount which is appropriate to meet the vessel construction program objectives of the person who established such fund, the amount of such excess shall be treated as a nonqualified withdrawal under subparagraph (A) unless such person develops appropriate program objectives within 3 years to dissipate such excess.

(E) Amounts in fund on January 1, 1987

For purposes of this paragraph, all amounts in a capital construction fund on January 1, 1987, shall be treated as deposited in such fund on such date.

(6) Nonqualified withdrawals taxed at highest marginal rate

(A) In general

In the case of any taxable year for which there is a nonqualified withdrawal (including any amount so treated under paragraph (5)), the tax imposed by chapter 1 shall be determined—

(i) by excluding such withdrawal from gross income, and

(ii) by increasing the tax imposed by chapter 1 by the product of the amount of such withdrawal and the highest rate of tax specified in section 1 (section 11 in the case of a corporation).

In the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, with respect to the portion of any nonqualified withdrawal made out of the capital gain account during a taxable year to which section 1(h) applies, the rate of tax taken into account under the preceding sentence shall not exceed 20 percent.

(B) Tax benefit rule

If any portion of a nonqualified withdrawal is properly attributable to deposits (other than earnings on deposits) made by the taxpayer in any taxable year which did not reduce the taxpayer's liability for tax under chapter 1 for any taxable year preceding the taxable year in which such withdrawal occurs—

(i) such portion shall not be taken into account under subparagraph (A), and

(ii) an amount equal to such portion shall be treated as allowed as a deduction under section 172 for the taxable year in which such withdrawal occurs.

(C) Coordination with deduction for net operating losses

Any nonqualified withdrawal excluded from gross income under subparagraph (A) shall be excluded in determining taxable income under section 172(b)(2).

(h) Certain corporate reorganizations and changes in partnerships

Under joint regulations—

(1) a transfer of a fund from one person to another person in a transaction to which section 381 applies may be treated as if such transaction did not constitute a nonqualified withdrawal, and

(2) a similar rule shall be applied in the case of a continuation of a partnership.

(i) Definitions

For purposes of this section, any term defined in chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code, which is also used in this section (including the definition of "Secretary") shall have the meaning given such term by such chapter as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section.

(Added Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §261(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2208; amended Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §§1002(m)(1), 1018(u)(23), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3382, 3591; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11101(d)(7)(A), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–405; Pub. L. 105–34, title III, §311(c)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 835; Pub. L. 108–27, title III, §301(a)(2)(D), May 28, 2003, 117 Stat. 758; Pub. L. 109–304, §17(e)(6), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1708; Pub. L. 112–240, title I, §102(c)(1)(D), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2319; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(117), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4054; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13001(b)(2)(Q), (7), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2097, 2098; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(352), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1201.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 606(5) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as in effect on December 31, 1969, referred to in subsec. (g)(3)(C)(iii), was section 606(5) of act June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title VI, 49 Stat. 2004, as amended by acts June 23, 1938, ch. 600, §22, 52 Stat. 960; July 17, 1952, ch. 939, §16, 66 Stat. 764; and May 10, 1956, ch. 247, §1, 70 Stat. 148, which was classified to section 1176(5) of former Title 46, Shipping, and was repealed by Pub. L. 91–469, §20(4), Oct. 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 1026. Section 606 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 was subsequently transferred to section 1176 of the former Appendix to Title 46 and is now set out as a note under section 53101 of Title 46, Shipping.

The date of the enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (i), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 99–514, which was approved Oct. 22, 1986.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code," for "section 607(k) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936" and "such chapter" for "such section 607(k)".

2017—Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, §13001(b)(7), in concluding provisions, substituted "In the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, with respect to the portion" for "With respect to the portion" and struck out "(34 percent in the case of a corporation)" after "shall not exceed 20 percent".

Pub. L. 115–97, §13001(b)(2)(Q), struck out "or 1201(a)" after "section 1(h)" in concluding provisions.

2014—Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 113–295, which directed substitution of "any nonqualified withdrawal shall be determined" for "any nonqualified withdrawal" and all that followed through " 'shall be determined", was executed by substituting "any nonqualified withdrawal shall be determined" for "any nonqualified withdrawal—

"(A) made in a taxable year beginning in 1970 or 1971 is 8 percent, or

"(B) made in a taxable year beginning after 1971, shall be determined"

to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2013—Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 112–240 substituted "20 percent" for "15 percent" in concluding provisions.

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–304, §17(e)(6)(A), substituted "chapter 535 of title 46 of the United States Code" for "section 607 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936".

Subsecs. (a)(2), (c)(1)(A), (D). Pub. L. 109–304, §17(e)(6)(B), substituted "chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code" for "section 607 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936".

Subsec. (g)(3)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 109–304, §17(e)(6)(C), substituted "Merchant Marine Act, 1936," for "Merchant Marine Act of 1936".

2003—Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 108–27 substituted "15 percent" for "20 percent" in concluding provisions.

1997—Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted "20 percent" for "28 percent" in concluding provisions.

1990—Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "section 1(h)" for "section 1(j)" in last sentence.

1988—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(u)(23), substituted "not a qualified withdrawal" for "not qualified withdrawal".

Subsec. (g)(6)(A). Pub. L. 100–647, §1002(m)(1), substituted "section 1(j)" for "section 1(i)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 13001(c)(1) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 11 of this title.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

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

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–240 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012, see section 102(d)(1) of Pub. L. 112–240, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–27 applicable to taxable years ending on or after May 6, 2003, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 108–27, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendment note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to taxable years ending after May 6, 1997, see section 311(d) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

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

Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §261(g), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2216, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and amending section 26 of this title and section 1177 of Title 46, Appendix, Shipping] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986."

Merchant Marine Capital Construction Funds

Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §261(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2208, provided that: "The purpose of this section [enacting this section, amending section 26 of this title and section 1177 of Title 46, Appendix, and enacting provisions set out as a note above] is to coordinate the application of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with the capital construction program under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 [see 46 U.S.C. 53501 et seq.]."
26 U.S.C. § 475 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 475: Mark to market accounting method for dealers in securities
Mark to market accounting method for dealers in securities
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, the following rules shall apply to securities held by a dealer in securities:

(1) Any security which is inventory in the hands of the dealer shall be included in inventory at its fair market value.

(2) In the case of any security which is not inventory in the hands of the dealer and which is held at the close of any taxable year—

(A) the dealer shall recognize gain or loss as if such security were sold for its fair market value on the last business day of such taxable year, and

(B) any gain or loss shall be taken into account for such taxable year.

Proper adjustment shall be made in the amount of any gain or loss subsequently realized for gain or loss taken into account under the preceding sentence. The Secretary may provide by regulations for the application of this paragraph at times other than the times provided in this paragraph.

(b) Exceptions

(1) In general

Subsection (a) shall not apply to—

(A) any security held for investment,

(B)(i) any security described in subsection (c)(2)(C) which is acquired (including originated) by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of a trade or business of the taxpayer and which is not held for sale, and (ii) any obligation to acquire a security described in clause (i) if such obligation is entered into in the ordinary course of such trade or business and is not held for sale, and

(C) any security which is a hedge with respect to—

(i) a security to which subsection (a) does not apply, or

(ii) a position, right to income, or a liability which is not a security in the hands of the taxpayer.

To the extent provided in regulations, subparagraph (C) shall not apply to any security held by a person in its capacity as a dealer in securities.

(2) Identification required

A security shall not be treated as described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1), as the case may be, unless such security is clearly identified in the dealer's records as being described in such subparagraph before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into (or such other time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe).

(3) Securities subsequently not exempt

If a security ceases to be described in paragraph (1) at any time after it was identified as such under paragraph (2), subsection (a) shall apply to any changes in value of the security occurring after the cessation.

(4) Special rule for property held for investment

To the extent provided in regulations, subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to any security described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of subsection (c)(2) which is held by a dealer in such securities.

(c) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Dealer in securities defined

The term "dealer in securities" means a taxpayer who—

(A) regularly purchases securities from or sells securities to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business; or

(B) regularly offers to enter into, assume, offset, assign or otherwise terminate positions in securities with customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

(2) Security defined

The term "security" means any—

(A) share of stock in a corporation;

(B) partnership or beneficial ownership interest in a widely held or publicly traded partnership or trust;

(C) note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness;

(D) interest rate, currency, or equity notional principal contract;

(E) evidence of an interest in, or a derivative financial instrument in, any security described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D), or any currency, including any option, forward contract, short position, and any similar financial instrument in such a security or currency; and

(F) position which—

(i) is not a security described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E),

(ii) is a hedge with respect to such a security, and

(iii) is clearly identified in the dealer's records as being described in this subparagraph before the close of the day on which it was acquired or entered into (or such other time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe).

Subparagraph (E) shall not include any contract to which section 1256(a) applies.

(3) Hedge

The term "hedge" means any position which manages the dealer's risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations, including any position which is reasonably expected to become a hedge within 60 days after the acquisition of the position.

(4) Special rules for certain receivables

(A) In general

Paragraph (2)(C) shall not include any nonfinancial customer paper.

(B) Nonfinancial customer paper

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "nonfinancial customer paper" means any receivable which—

(i) is a note, bond, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness;

(ii) arises out of the sale of nonfinancial goods or services by a person the principal activity of which is the selling or providing of nonfinancial goods or services; and

(iii) is held by such person (or a person who bears a relationship to such person described in section 267(b) or 707(b)) at all times since issue.

(d) Special rules

For purposes of this section—

(1) Coordination with certain rules

The rules of sections 263(g), 263A, and 1256(a) shall not apply to securities to which subsection (a) applies, and section 1091 shall not apply (and section 1092 shall apply) to any loss recognized under subsection (a).

(2) Improper identification

If a taxpayer—

(A) identifies any security under subsection (b)(2) as being described in subsection (b)(1) and such security is not so described, or

(B) fails under subsection (c)(2)(F)(iii) to identify any position which is described in subsection (c)(2)(F) (without regard to clause (iii) thereof) at the time such identification is required,

the provisions of subsection (a) shall apply to such security or position, except that any loss under this section prior to the disposition of the security or position shall be recognized only to the extent of gain previously recognized under this section (and not previously taken into account under this paragraph) with respect to such security or position.

(3) Character of gain or loss

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or section 1236(b)—

(i) In general

Any gain or loss with respect to a security under subsection (a)(2) shall be treated as ordinary income or loss.

(ii) Special rule for dispositions

If—

(I) gain or loss is recognized with respect to a security before the close of the taxable year, and

(II) subsection (a)(2) would have applied if the security were held as of the close of the taxable year,

 such gain or loss shall be treated as ordinary income or loss.

(B) Exception

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any gain or loss which is allocable to a period during which—

(i) the security is described in subsection (b)(1)(C) (without regard to subsection (b)(2)),

(ii) the security is held by a person other than in connection with its activities as a dealer in securities, or

(iii) the security is improperly identified (within the meaning of subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2)).

(e) Election of mark to market for dealers in commodities

(1) In general

In the case of a dealer in commodities who elects the application of this subsection, this section shall apply to commodities held by such dealer in the same manner as this section applies to securities held by a dealer in securities.

(2) Commodity

For purposes of this subsection and subsection (f), the term "commodity" means—

(A) any commodity which is actively traded (within the meaning of section 1092(d)(1));

(B) any notional principal contract with respect to any commodity described in subparagraph (A);

(C) any evidence of an interest in, or a derivative instrument in, any commodity described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including any option, forward contract, futures contract, short position, and any similar instrument in such a commodity; and

(D) any position which—

(i) is not a commodity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C),

(ii) is a hedge with respect to such a commodity, and

(iii) is clearly identified in the taxpayer's records as being described in this subparagraph before the close of the day on which it was acquired or entered into (or such other time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe).

(3) Election

An election under this subsection may be made without the consent of the Secretary. Such an election, once made, shall apply to the taxable year for which made and all subsequent taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary.

(f) Election of mark to market for traders in securities or commodities

(1) Traders in securities

(A) In general

In the case of a person who is engaged in a trade or business as a trader in securities and who elects to have this paragraph apply to such trade or business—

(i) such person shall recognize gain or loss on any security held in connection with such trade or business at the close of any taxable year as if such security were sold for its fair market value on the last business day of such taxable year, and

(ii) any gain or loss shall be taken into account for such taxable year.

Proper adjustment shall be made in the amount of any gain or loss subsequently realized for gain or loss taken into account under the preceding sentence. The Secretary may provide by regulations for the application of this subparagraph at times other than the times provided in this subparagraph.

(B) Exception

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any security—

(i) which is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary as having no connection to the activities of such person as a trader, and

(ii) which is clearly identified in such person's records as being described in clause (i) before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into (or such other time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe).

If a security ceases to be described in clause (i) at any time after it was identified as such under clause (ii), subparagraph (A) shall apply to any changes in value of the security occurring after the cessation.

(C) Coordination with section 1259

Any security to which subparagraph (A) applies and which was acquired in the normal course of the taxpayer's activities as a trader in securities shall not be taken into account in applying section 1259 to any position to which subparagraph (A) does not apply.

(D) Other rules to apply

Rules similar to the rules of subsections (b)(4) and (d) shall apply to securities held by a person in any trade or business with respect to which an election under this paragraph is in effect. Subsection (d)(3) shall not apply under the preceding sentence for purposes of applying sections 1402 and 7704.

(2) Traders in commodities

In the case of a person who is engaged in a trade or business as a trader in commodities and who elects to have this paragraph apply to such trade or business, paragraph (1) shall apply to commodities held by such trader in connection with such trade or business in the same manner as paragraph (1) applies to securities held by a trader in securities.

(3) Election

The elections under paragraphs (1) and (2) may be made separately for each trade or business and without the consent of the Secretary. Such an election, once made, shall apply to the taxable year for which made and all subsequent taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary.

(g) Regulatory authority

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

(1) to prevent the use of year-end transfers, related parties, or other arrangements to avoid the provisions of this section,

(2) to provide for the application of this section to any security which is a hedge which cannot be identified with a specific security, position, right to income, or liability, and

(3) to prevent the use by taxpayers of subsection (c)(4) to avoid the application of this section to a receivable that is inventory in the hands of the taxpayer (or a person who bears a relationship to the taxpayer described in section 267(b) or 707(b)).

(Added Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13223(a), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 481; amended Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1001(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 906; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6010(a)(3), title VII, §7003(a), (b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 813, 832; Pub. L. 106–170, title V, §532(b)(1), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1930; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(7) [title III, §319(4)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–646; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §417(10), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 56.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 107–147 substituted "described in section" for "described in sections".

2000—Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 106–554 substituted "267(b) or" for "267(b) of".

1999—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 106–170 substituted "manages" for "reduces".

1998—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–206, §7003(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (f)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105–206, §6010(a)(3), inserted at end "Subsection (d)(3) shall not apply under the preceding sentence for purposes of applying sections 1402 and 7704."

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 105–206, §7003(b), added par. (3).

1997—Subsecs. (e) to (g). Pub. L. 105–34 added subsecs. (e) and (f) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

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

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by section 6010(a)(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. 105–206, title VII, §7003(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 833, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998].

"(2) Change in method of accounting.—In the case of any taxpayer required by the amendments made by this section to change its method of accounting for its first taxable year ending after the date of the enactment of this Act—

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

"(B) such change shall be treated as made with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury; and

"(C) the net amount of the adjustments required to be taken into account by the taxpayer under section 481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be taken into account ratably over the 4-taxable-year period beginning with such first taxable year."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1001(d), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 907, as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6010(a)(4), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 813, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [enacting section 1259 of this title and amending this section] shall apply to any constructive sale after June 8, 1997.

"(2) Exception for sales of positions, etc. held before june 9, 1997.—If—

"(A) before June 9, 1997, the taxpayer entered into any transaction which is a constructive sale of any appreciated financial position, and

"(B) before the close of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997] or before such later date as may be specified by the Secretary of the Treasury, such transaction and position are clearly identified in the taxpayer's records as offsetting,

such transaction and position shall not be taken into account in determining whether any other constructive sale after June 8, 1997, has occurred. The preceding sentence shall cease to apply as of the date such transaction is closed or the taxpayer ceases to hold such position.

"(3) Special rule.—In the case of a decedent dying after June 8, 1997, if—

"(A) there was a constructive sale on or before such date of any appreciated financial position,

"(B) the transaction resulting in such constructive sale of such position remains open (with respect to the decedent or any related person)—

"(i) for not less than 2 years after the date of such transaction (whether such period is before or after June 8, 1997), and

"(ii) at any time during the 3-year period ending on the date of the decedent's death, and

"(C) such transaction is not closed before the close of the 30th day after the date of the enactment of this Act,

then, for purposes of such Code [probably means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986], such position (and the transaction resulting in such constructive sale) shall be treated as property constituting rights to receive an item of income in respect of a decedent under section 691 of such Code. Section 1014(c) of such Code shall not apply to so much of such position's or property's value (as included in the decedent's estate for purposes of chapter 11 of such Code) as exceeds its fair market value as of the date such transaction is closed.

"(4) Election of mark to market by securities traders and traders and dealers in commodities.—

"(A) In general.—The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(B) 4-year spread of adjustments.—In the case of a taxpayer who elects under subsection (e) or (f) of section 475 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) to change its method of accounting for the taxable year which includes the date of the enactment of this Act—

"(i) any identification required under such subsection with respect to securities and commodities held on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be treated as timely made if made on or before the 30th day after such date of enactment, and

"(ii) the net amount of the adjustments required to be taken into account by the taxpayer under section 481 of such Code shall be taken into account ratably over the 4-taxable year period beginning with such first taxable year."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13223(c), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 484, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [enacting this section and amending section 988 of this title] shall apply to all taxable years ending on or after December 31, 1993.

"(2) Change in method of accounting.—In the case of any taxpayer required by this section to change its method of accounting for any taxable year—

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

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

"(C) except as provided in paragraph (3), the net amount of the adjustments required to be taken into account by the taxpayer under section 481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be taken into account ratably over the 5-taxable year period beginning with the first taxable year ending on or after December 31, 1993.

"(3) Special rule for floor specialists and market makers.—

"(A) In general.—If—

"(i) a taxpayer (or any predecessor) used the last-in first-out (LIFO) method of accounting with respect to any qualified securities for the 5-taxable year period ending with its last taxable year ending before December 31, 1993, and

"(ii) any portion of the net amount described in paragraph (2)(C) is attributable to the use of such method of accounting,

then paragraph (2)(C) shall be applied by taking such portion into account ratably over the 15-taxable year period beginning with the first taxable year ending on or after December 31, 1993.

"(B) Qualified security.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'qualified security' means any security acquired—

"(i) by a floor specialist (as defined in section 1236(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) in connection with the specialist's duties as a specialist on an exchange, but only if the security is one in which the specialist is registered with the exchange, or

"(ii) by a taxpayer who is a market maker in connection with the taxpayer's duties as a market maker, but only if—

"(I) the security is included on the National Association of Security Dealers Automated Quotation System,

"(II) the taxpayer is registered as a market maker in such security with the National Association of Security Dealers, and

"(III) as of the last day of the taxable year preceding the taxpayer's first taxable year ending on or after December 31, 1993, the taxpayer (or any predecessor) has been actively and regularly engaged as a market maker in such security for the 2-year period ending on such date (or, if shorter, the period beginning 61 days after the security was listed in such quotation system and ending on such date)."
26 U.S.C. § 381 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Subchapter C / Section 381: Carryovers in certain corporate acquisitions
Carryovers in certain corporate acquisitions
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

In the case of the acquisition of assets of a corporation by another corporation—

(1) in a distribution to such other corporation to which section 332 (relating to liquidations of subsidiaries) applies; or

(2) in a transfer to which section 361 (relating to nonrecognition of gain or loss to corporations) applies, but only if the transfer is in connection with a reorganization described in subparagraph (A), (C), (D), (F), or (G) of section 368(a)(1),

the acquiring corporation shall succeed to and take into account, as of the close of the day of distribution or transfer, the items described in subsection (c) of the distributor or transferor corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations specified in subsections (b) and (c). For purposes of the preceding sentence, a reorganization shall be treated as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (D) or (G) of section 368(a)(1) only if the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 354(b)(1) are met.

(b) Operating rules

Except in the case of an acquisition in connection with a reorganization described in subparagraph (F) of section 368(a)(1)—

(1) The taxable year of the distributor or transferor corporation shall end on the date of distribution or transfer.

(2) For purposes of this section, the date of distribution or transfer shall be the day on which the distribution or transfer is completed; except that, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the date when substantially all of the property has been distributed or transferred may be used if the distributor or transferor corporation ceases all operations, other than liquidating activities, after such date.

(3) The corporation acquiring property in a distribution or transfer described in subsection (a) shall not be entitled to carry back a net operating loss or a net capital loss for a taxable year ending after the date of distribution or transfer to a taxable year of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(c) Items of the distributor or transferor corporation

The items referred to in subsection (a) are:

(1) Net operating loss carryovers

The net operating loss carryovers determined under section 172, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(A) The taxable year of the acquiring corporation to which the net operating loss carryovers of the distributor or transferor corporation are first carried shall be the first taxable year ending after the date of distribution or transfer.

(B) In determining the net operating loss deduction, the portion of such deduction attributable to the net operating loss carryovers of the distributor or transferor corporation to the first taxable year of the acquiring corporation ending after the date of distribution or transfer shall be limited to an amount which bears the same ratio to the taxable income (determined without regard to a net operating loss deduction) of the acquiring corporation in such taxable year as the number of days in the taxable year after the date of distribution or transfer bears to the total number of days in the taxable year.

(C) For the purpose of determining the amount of the net operating loss carryovers under section 172(b)(2), a net operating loss for a taxable year (hereinafter in this subparagraph referred to as the "loss year") of a distributor or transferor corporation which ends on or before the end of a loss year of the acquiring corporation shall be considered to be a net operating loss for a year prior to such loss year of the acquiring corporation. For the same purpose, the taxable income for a "prior taxable year" (as the term is used in section 172(b)(2)) shall be computed as provided in such section; except that, if the date of distribution or transfer is on a day other than the last day of a taxable year of the acquiring corporation—

(i) such taxable year shall (for the purpose of this subparagraph only) be considered to be 2 taxable years (hereinafter in this subparagraph referred to as the "pre-acquisition part year" and the "post-acquisition part year");

(ii) the pre-acquisition part year shall begin on the same day as such taxable year begins and shall end on the date of distribution or transfer;

(iii) the post-acquisition part year shall begin on the day following the date of distribution or transfer and shall end on the same day as the end of such taxable year;

(iv) the taxable income for such taxable year (computed with the modifications specified in section 172(b)(2)(A) but without a net operating loss deduction) shall be divided between the pre-acquisition part year and the post-acquisition part year in proportion to the number of days in each;

(v) the net operating loss deduction for the pre-acquisition part year shall be determined as provided in section 172(b)(2)(B),1 but without regard to a net operating loss year of the distributor or transferor corporation; and

(vi) the net operating loss deduction for the post-acquisition part year shall be determined as provided in section 172(b)(2)(B).1

(2) Earnings and profits

In the case of a distribution or transfer described in subsection (a)—

(A) the earnings and profits or deficit in earnings and profits, as the case may be, of the distributor or transferor corporation shall, subject to subparagraph (B), be deemed to have been received or incurred by the acquiring corporation as of the close of the date of the distribution or transfer; and

(B) a deficit in earnings and profits of the distributor, transferor, or acquiring corporation shall be used only to offset earnings and profits accumulated after the date of transfer. For this purpose, the earnings and profits for the taxable year of the acquiring corporation in which the distribution or transfer occurs shall be deemed to have been accumulated after such distribution or transfer in an amount which bears the same ratio to the undistributed earnings and profits of the acquiring corporation for such taxable year (computed without regard to any earnings and profits received from the distributor or transferor corporation, as described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph) as the number of days in the taxable year after the date of distribution or transfer bears to the total number of days in the taxable year.

(3) Capital loss carryover

The capital loss carryover determined under section 1212, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(A) The taxable year of the acquiring corporation to which the capital loss carryover of the distributor or transferor corporation is first carried shall be the first taxable year ending after the date of distribution or transfer.

(B) The capital loss carryover shall be a short-term capital loss in the taxable year determined under subparagraph (A) but shall be limited to an amount which bears the same ratio to the capital gain net income (determined without regard to a short-term capital loss attributable to capital loss carryover), if any, of the acquiring corporation in such taxable year as the number of days in the taxable year after the date of distribution or transfer bears to the total number of days in the taxable year.

(C) For purposes of determining the amount of such capital loss carryover to taxable years following the taxable year determined under subparagraph (A), the capital gain net income in the taxable year determined under subparagraph (A) shall be considered to be an amount equal to the amount determined under subparagraph (B).

(4) Method of accounting

The acquiring corporation shall use the method of accounting used by the distributor or transferor corporation on the date of distribution or transfer unless different methods were used by several distributor or transferor corporations or by a distributor or transferor corporation and the acquiring corporation. If different methods were used, the acquiring corporation shall use the method or combination of methods of computing taxable income adopted pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(5) Inventories

In any case in which inventories are received by the acquiring corporation, such inventories shall be taken by such corporation (in determining its income) on the same basis on which such inventories were taken by the distributor or transferor corporation, unless different methods were used by several distributor or transferor corporations or by a distributor or transferor corporation and the acquiring corporation. If different methods were used, the acquiring corporation shall use the method or combination of methods of taking inventory adopted pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(6) Method of computing depreciation allowance

The acquiring corporation shall be treated as the distributor or transferor corporation for purposes of computing the depreciation allowance under sections 167 and 168 on property acquired in a distribution or transfer with respect to so much of the basis in the hands of the acquiring corporation as does not exceed the adjusted basis in the hands of the distributor or transferor corporation.

[(7) Repealed. June 15, 1955, ch. 143, §2(1), 69 Stat. 134]

(8) Installment method

If the acquiring corporation acquires installment obligations (the income from which the distributor or transferor corporation reports on the installment basis under section 453) the acquiring corporation shall, for purposes of section 453, be treated as if it were the distributor or transferor corporation.

(9) Amortization of bond discount or premium

If the acquiring corporation assumes liability for bonds of the distributor or transferor corporation issued at a discount or premium, the acquiring corporation shall be treated as the distributor or transferor corporation after the date of distribution or transfer for purposes of determining the amount of amortization allowable or includible with respect to such discount or premium.

(10) Treatment of certain mining development and exploration expenses of distributor or transferor corporation

The acquiring corporation shall be entitled to deduct, as if it were the distributor or transferor corporation, expenses deferred under section 616 (relating to certain development expenditures) if the distributor or transferor corporation has so elected.

(11) Contributions to pension plans, employees' annuity plans, and stock bonus and profit-sharing plans

The acquiring corporation shall be considered to be the distributor or transferor corporation after the date of distribution or transfer for the purpose of determining the amounts deductible under section 404 with respect to pension plans, employees' annuity plans, and stock bonus and profit-sharing plans.

(12) Recovery of tax benefit items

If the acquiring corporation is entitled to the recovery of any amounts previously deducted by (or allowable as credits to) the distributor or transferor corporation, the acquiring corporation shall succeed to the treatment under section 111 which would apply to such amounts in the hands of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(13) Involuntary conversions under section 1033

The acquiring corporation shall be treated as the distributor or transferor corporation after the date of distribution or transfer for purposes of applying section 1033.

(14) Dividend carryover to personal holding company

The dividend carryover (described in section 564) to taxable years ending after the date of distribution or transfer.

[(15) Repealed. Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11801(c)(10)(A), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–526]

(16) Certain obligations of distributor or transferor corporation

If the acquiring corporation—

(A) assumes an obligation of the distributor or transferor corporation which, after the date of the distribution or transfer, gives rise to a liability, and

(B) such liability, if paid or accrued by the distributor or transferor corporation, would have been deductible in computing its taxable income,

the acquiring corporation shall be entitled to deduct such items when paid or accrued, as the case may be, as if such corporation were the distributor or transferor corporation. This paragraph shall not apply if such obligations are reflected in the amount of stock, securities, or property transferred by the acquiring corporation to the transferor corporation for the property of the transferor corporation.

(17) Deficiency dividend of personal holding company

If the acquiring corporation pays a deficiency dividend (as defined in section 547(d)) with respect to the distributor or transferor corporation, such distributor or transferor corporation shall, with respect to such payments, be entitled to the deficiency dividend deduction provided in section 547.

(18) Percentage depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining

The acquiring corporation shall be considered to be the distributor or transferor corporation for the purpose of determining the applicability of section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground).

(19) Charitable contributions in excess of prior years' limitations

Contributions made in the taxable year ending on the date of distribution or transfer and the 4 prior taxable years by the distributor or transferor corporation in excess of the amount deductible under section 170(b)(2) for such taxable years shall be deductible by the acquiring corporation for its taxable years which begin after the date of distribution or transfer, subject to the limitations imposed in section 170(b)(2). In applying the preceding sentence, each taxable year of the distributor or transferor corporation beginning on or before the date of distribution or transfer shall be treated as a prior taxable year with reference to the acquiring corporation's taxable years beginning after such date.

(20) Carryforward of disallowed business interest

The carryover of disallowed business interest described in section 163(j)(2) to taxable years ending after the date of distribution or transfer.

[(21) Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1901(b)(16), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1796]

(22) Successor insurance company

If the acquiring corporation is an insurance company taxable under subchapter L, there shall be taken into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and of subchapter L, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary) the items required to be taken into account for purposes of subchapter L in respect of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(23) Deficiency dividend of regulated investment company or real estate investment trust

If the acquiring corporation pays a deficiency dividend (as defined in section 860(f)) with respect to the distributor or transferor corporation, such distributor or transferor corporation shall, with respect to such payments, be entitled to the deficiency dividend deduction provided in section 860.

(24) Credit under section 38

The acquiring corporation shall take into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and section 38, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary) the items required to be taken into account for purposes of section 38 in respect of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(25) Credit under section 53

The acquiring corporation shall take into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and section 53, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary) the items required to be taken into account for purposes of section 53 in respect of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(26) Enterprise zone provisions

The acquiring corporation shall take into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and subchapter U, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary) the items required to be taken into account for purposes of subchapter U in respect of the distributor or transferor corporation.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 124; June 15, 1955, ch. 143, §2(1), 69 Stat. 134; Jan. 28, 1956, ch. 15, §1, 70 Stat. 7; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §29(c), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1628; Pub. L. 86–69, §3(c), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 87–834, §2(d), Oct. 16, 1962, 76 Stat. 971; Pub. L. 88–272, title II, §§209(d)(2), 225(i)(3), Feb. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 46, 92; Pub. L. 90–240, §5(d), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 778; Pub. L. 91–172, title V, §§504(c)(2), 512(c), 521(f), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 633, 639, 654; Pub. L. 92–178, title VI, §601(c)(3), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 557; Pub. L. 94–455, title XVI, §1601(e), title XIX, §§1901(a)(54), (b)(16), (17), (21)(B), (33)(N), 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1746, 1773, 1796, 1797, 1802, 1834; Pub. L. 95–30, title II, §202(d)(3)(A), May 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 148; Pub. L. 95–600, title III, §362(d)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2851; Pub. L. 96–223, title II, §232(b)(2)(B), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 276; Pub. L. 96–471, §2(b)(2), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2253; Pub. L. 96–589, §4(g), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3404; Pub. L. 97–34, title II, §§208, 221(b)(1)(B), title III, §331(d)(1)(B), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 226, 246, 294; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §224(c)(7), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 489; Pub. L. 97–448, title I, §§102(h)(3), 103(g)(2)(F), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2372, 2379; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title II, §211(b)(4), title IV, §474(r)(11), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 754, 841; Pub. L. 99–514, title II, §231(d)(3)(F), title IV, §411(b)(2)(C)(iii), title VII, §701(e)(1), title XVIII, §1812(a)(3), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2179, 2227, 2342, 2833; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10202(c)(3), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–392; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1002(a)(13), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3355; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7841(d)(10), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2428; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§11801(c)(10)(A), 11812(b)(6), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–526, 1388–535; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13302(e), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 556; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(26), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§13301(b)(1), 13511(b)(3), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2121, 2142; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(18), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1202.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 172(b)(2)(B), referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(C)(v), (vi), was amended by Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13302(a)(2), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2121, and, as so amended, no longer relates to net operating loss deductions. Provisions similar to those contained in former subpar. (B) of section 172(b)(2) of this title are now contained in subpar. (A) of section 172(b)(2) of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c)(16). Pub. L. 115–141, in concluding provisions, struck out "A corporation which would have been an acquiring corporation under this section if the date of distribution or transfer had occurred on or after the effective date of the provisions of this subchapter applicable to a liquidation or reorganization, as the case may be, shall be entitled, even though the date of distribution or transfer occurred before such effective date, to apply this paragraph with respect to amounts paid or accrued in taxable years beginning after December 31, 1953, on account of such obligations of the distributor or transferor corporation." before "This paragraph".

2017—Subsec. (c)(20). Pub. L. 115–97, §13301(b)(1), added par. (20).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–97, §13511(b)(3), struck out subsec. (d). Text read as follows: "For application of this part to operations loss carrybacks and carryovers of life insurance companies, see section 810."

1996—Subsec. (c)(26), (27). Pub. L. 104–188 amended directory language of Pub. L. 101–239. See 1989 Amendment note below.

1993—Subsec. (c)(26). Pub. L. 103–66 added par. (26).

1990—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 101–508, §11812(b)(6)(A), substituted "sections 167 and 168" for "subsections (b), (j), and (k) of section 167".

Subsec. (c)(15). Pub. L. 101–508, §11801(c)(10)(A), struck out par. (15) "Indebtedness of certain personal holding companies" which read as follows: "The acquiring corporation shall be considered to be the distributor or transferor corporation for the purpose of determining the applicability of subsection (c) of section 545, relating to deduction with respect to payment of certain indebtedness."

Subsec. (c)(24) to (26). Pub. L. 101–508, §11812(b)(6)(B), redesignated pars. (25) and (26) as (24) and (25), respectively, and struck out former par. (24) "Method of computing depreciation deduction" which read as follows: "The acquiring corporation shall be treated as the distributor or transferor corporation for purposes of computing the deduction allowable under section 168(a) on property acquired in a distribution or transfer with respect to so much of the basis in the hands of the acquiring corporation as does not exceed the adjusted basis in the hands of the distributor or transferor corporation."

1989—Subsec. (c)(26), (27). Pub. L. 101–239, as amended by Pub. L. 104–188, redesignated par. (27) as (26).

1988—Subsec. (c)(24). Pub. L. 100–647 substituted "depreciation deduction" for "recovery allowance for recovery property" in heading.

1987—Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 100–203 struck out "or 453A" after "section 453" in two places.

1986—Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 99–514, §411(b)(2)(C)(iii), struck out last sentence which read: "For the purpose of applying the limitation provided in section 617(h), if, for any taxable year, the distributor or transferor corporation was allowed a deduction under section 617(a), the acquiring corporation shall be deemed to have been allowed such deduction."

Subsec. (c)(12). Pub. L. 99–514, §1812(a)(3), amended par. (12) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (12), recovery of bad debts, prior taxes, or delinquency amounts, read as follows: "If the acquiring corporation is entitled to the recovery of bad debts, prior taxes, or delinquency amounts previously deducted or credited by the distributor or transferor corporation, the acquiring corporation shall include in its income such amounts as would have been includible by the distributor or transferor corporation in accordance with section 111 (relating to the recovery of bad debts, prior taxes, and delinquency amounts)."

Subsec. (c)(25), (26). Pub. L. 99–514, §231(d)(3)(F), redesignated par. (26) as (25). Former par. (25), relating to credit under section 30, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(27). Pub. L. 99–514, §701(e)(1), added par. (27).

1984—Subsec. (c)(23). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(B), redesignated par. (25) as (23). Former par. (23), relating to credit under section 38 for investment in certain depreciable property, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(24). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(B), redesignated par. (28) as (24). Former par. (24), relating to credit under section 40 for work incentive program expenses, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(25). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(B), (C), redesignated par. (29) as (25), and substituted "30" for "44F" wherever appearing in heading and text. Former par. (25) redesignated (23).

Subsec. (c)(26). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(D), added par. (26). Former par. (26), relating to credit under section 44B for employment of certain new employees, was struck out.

Subsec. (c)(27). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(A), struck out par. (27) relating to credit under section 44E for alcohol used as fuel.

Subsec. (c)(28), (29). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(B), redesignated pars. (28) and (29) as (24) and (25), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(30). Pub. L. 98–369, §474(r)(11)(A), struck out par. (30) relating to credit under section 44G.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–369, §211(b)(4), substituted "section 810" for "section 812(f)".

1983—Subsec. (c)(28), (29). Pub. L. 97–448, §102(h)(3), redesignated par. (28), relating to credit under section 44F, as (29). Former par. (29) redesignated (30).

Subsec. (c)(30). Pub. L. 97–448, §103(g)(2)(F), redesignated former par. (29), relating to credit under section 44G, as (30).

1982—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 97–248 struck out ", except in a case in which the basis of the assets distributed is determined under section 334(b)(2)" after "applies".

1981—Subsec. (c)(28). Pub. L. 97–34, §208, added par. (28) relating to recovery allowance for recovery property.

Pub. L. 97–34, §221(b)(1)(B), added par. (28) relating to credit under section 44F.

Subsec. (c)(29). Pub. L. 97–34, §331(d)(1)(B), added par. (29).

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–589, §4(g)(2), inserted provisions that a reorganization shall be treated as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (D) or (G) of section 368(a)(1) only if the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 354(b)(1) are met.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 96–589, §4(g)(1), substituted "subparagraph (A), (C), (D), (F), or (G) of section 368(a)(1)" for "subparagraph (A), (C), (D) (but only if the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 354(b)(1) are met), or (F) of section 368(a)(1)".

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 96–471 substituted "reports on the installment basis under section 453 or 453A" for "has elected, under section 453, to report on the installment basis" and "for purposes of section 453 or 453A" for "for purposes of section 453."

Subsec. (c)(27). Pub. L. 96–223 added par. (27).

1978—Subsec. (c)(25). Pub. L. 95–600 substituted "regulated investment company or real estate investment trust" for "real estate investment trust" in heading, and in text "section 860(f)" for "section 859(d)" and "section 860" for "section 859".

1977—Subsec. (c)(26). Pub. L. 95–30 added par. (26).

1976—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(b)(33)(N), substituted in subpars. (B) and (C) "capital gain net income" for "net capital gain".

Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(b)(21(B), among other changes, substituted reference to section 616 (relating to certain development expenditures) if the distributor or transferor corporation has so elected for reference to sections 615 and 616 (relating to pre-1970 exploration expenditures and development expenditures, respectively) if the distributor or transferor corporation has so elected and struck out provisions that if, for any taxable year, the distributor of transferor corporation was allowed or made the election of the deduction under section 615 of this title, the acquiring corporation shall be deemed to have been allowed or to have made such election of the deduction under section 615 of this title.

Subsec. (c)(15). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(b)(17), substituted "subsection (c)" for "subsections (b)(7) and (c)".

Subsec. (c)(20). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(a)(54), struck out par. (20) which related to carry-over of unused pension trust deductions in certain cases.

Subsec. (c)(21). Pub. L. 94–455, §1901(b)(16), struck out par. (21) which related to pre-1954 adjustments resulting from change in method of accounting.

Subsec. (c)(22) to (24). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(25). Pub. L. 94–455, §1601(e), added par. (25).

1971—Subsec. (c)(24). Pub. L. 92–178 added par. (24).

1969—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 91–172, §512(c), substituted "a net operating loss or a net capital loss" for "a net operating loss".

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 91–172, §521(f), substituted "subsections (b), (j) and (k) of section 167" for "paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of section 167(b)" and inserted reference to adjusted basis in the hand of the distributor or transferor corporation.

Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 91–172, §504(c)(2), substituted "Treatment of certain mining exploration and development expenses of distributor or transferor corporation" for "Treatment of certain expenses deferred by the election of distributor or transferor corporation" in heading, limited deduction of expenses deferred under sections 615 and 616 of this title by the acquiring corporation as if it were the distributor or transferor corporation to pre-1970 exploration and development expenditures, and inserted provision that if distributor or transferor corporation, for any taxable year, was allowed the deduction in sections 615(a) or 617(a) of this title or made the election provided in section 615(b) of this title, acquiring corporation shall be deemed to have been allowed such deduction or deductions or to have made such election, as the case may be, for the purpose of applying the limitation provided in section 617 of this title.

1968—Subsec. (c)(22). Pub. L. 90–240 substituted successor insurance companies for successor life insurance companies as the business enterprise covered, substituted reference to insurance companies taxable under subchapter L for reference to life insurance companies as defined in section 801(a), and substituted reference to the purposes of this section and of subchapter L for reference to the purposes of this section and part I of subchapter L.

1964—Subsec. (c)(15). Pub. L. 88–272, §225(i)(3), substituted "subsections (b)(7) and (c) of section 545, relating to deductions with respect to payment of certain indebtedness" for "section 545(b)(7), relating to a deduction for payment of certain indebtedness incurred before Jan. 1, 1934".

Subsec. (c)(19). Pub. L. 88–272, §209(d)(2), permitted deductions for contributions made in the taxable year and in 4 prior taxable years, instead of one prior taxable year, and provided that each taxable year beginning on or before the distribution or transfer date shall be treated as a prior taxable year with reference to the acquiring corporation's taxable years beginning after such date.

1962—Subsec. (c)(23). Pub. L. 87–834 added par. (23).

1959—Subsec. (c)(22). Pub. L. 86–69, §3(c)(1), added par. (22).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–69, §3(c)(2), added subsec. (d).

1958—Subsec. (c)(21). Pub. L. 85–866 added par. (21).

1956—Subsec. (c)(20). Act Jan. 28, 1956 added par. (20).

1955—Subsec. (c)(7). Act June 15, 1955, repealed par. (7) which related to carryover of prepaid income.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 13301 of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 13301(c) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 163 of this title.

Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §13511(c), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2142, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 805, 831, 953, and 1351 of this title and repealing sections 810 and 844 of this title] shall apply to losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 11812(b)(6) of Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to property placed in service after Nov. 5, 1990, but not applicable to any property to which section 168 of this title does not apply by reason of subsec. (f)(5) of section 168, and not applicable to rehabilitation expenditures described in section 252(f)(5) of Pub. L. 99–514, see section 11812(c) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 42 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 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to dispositions in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, with special rules for nondealers and coordination with Tax Reform Act of 1986, see section 10202(e)(1), (3), (5) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 453 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

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

Amendment by section 411(b)(2)(C)(iii) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable, except as otherwise provided, to costs paid or incurred after Dec. 31, 1986, in taxable years ending after such date, see section 411(c) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 263 of this title.

Amendment by section 701(e)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, with certain exceptions and qualifications, see section 701(f) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as an Effective Date note under section 55 of this title.

Amendment by section 1812(a)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 211(b)(4) of 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.

Amendment by section 474(r)(11) 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.

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. 97–248 applicable to any target corporation with respect to which the acquisition date occurs after Aug. 31, 1982, with special rules for certain acquisitions before Sept. 1, 1982, and certain acquisitions of financial institutions in which there was a binding contract on July 22, 1982, to acquire control, see section 224(d) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as an Effective Date note under section 338 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by section 208 of 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.

Amendment by section 221(b)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 97–34 applicable to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1981, see section 221(d) of Pub. L. 97–34, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 41 of this title.

Amendment by section 331(d)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 97–34 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1981, see section 339 of Pub. L. 97–34, set out as a note under section 401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–589 applicable to bankruptcy cases or similar judicial proceeding commencing after Dec. 31, 1980, with exception permitting the debtor to make the amendment applicable to such cases or proceeding commencing after Sept. 30, 1979, see section 7(c)(1), (f) of Pub. L. 96–589, set out as a note under section 108 of this title.

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 96–471, see section 6(a)(1) of Pub. L. 96–471, set out as an Effective Date note under section 453 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–223 applicable to sales or uses after Sept. 30, 1980, in taxable years ending after such date, see section 232(h)(1) of Pub. L. 96–223, set out as an Effective Date note under section 40 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–600 applicable with respect to determinations (as defined in section 860(e) of this title) after Nov. 6, 1978, see section 362(e) of Pub. L. 95–600, set out as an Effective Date note under section 860 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–30 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, and to credit carrybacks from such years, see section 202(e) of Pub. L. 95–30, set out as an Effective Date note under section 51 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by section 1601(e) of Pub. L. 94–455, see section 1608(a) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 857 of this title.

Amendment by section 1901(a)(54), (b)(16), (17), (21)(B), (33)(N) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1901(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–178, title VI, §601(f), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 560, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting sections 40, 50A, and 50B of this title and amending this section and sections 56, 6411, 6501, 6511, 6601, and 6611 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1971."

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by section 504(c)(2) of Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to exploration expenditures paid or incurred after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 504(d)(1) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 243 of this title.

Amendment by section 512(c) of Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to net capital losses sustained in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 512(g) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 1212 of this title.

Amendment by section 521(f) of Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to taxable years ending after July 24, 1969, see section 521(g) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 167 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–240 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1966, see section 5(e) of Pub. L. 90–240, set out as a note under section 832 of this title.

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Amendment by section 225(i)(3) of Pub. L. 88–272 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1963, see section 225(l) of Pub. L. 88–272 set out as a note under section 316 of this title.

Amendment by section 209(d)(2) of Pub. L. 88–272 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1963, with respect to contributions paid or treated as paid under section 170(a)(2) of this title, in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1961, see section 209(f)(2) of Pub. L. 88–272, set out as a note under section 170 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–834 applicable with respect to taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 1961, see section 2(h) of Pub. L. 87–834, set out as an Effective Date note under section 46 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–69, §4, June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 141, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by this Act [amending this section, part I (§801 et seq.) of subchapter L, and sections 841, 842, 891, 1016, 1201, 1232, 1504, 4371, and 6501 of this title] shall apply only with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1957."

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 85–866, see section 29(d) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 481 of this title.

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Act Jan. 28, 1956, ch. 15, §2, 70 Stat. 7, provided that: "The amendments made by the first section of this Act [amending this section] shall reply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1953, and ending after August 16, 1954."

Effective Date of 1955 Amendment

Act June 15, 1955, ch. 143, §3, 69 Stat. 135, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and repealing sections 452 and 462 of this title] shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1953, and ending after August 16, 1954."

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.

Act June 15, 1955, ch. 143, §4, 69 Stat. 135, as amended by act Oct. 22, 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, §2, 100 Stat. 2095, provided:

"(a) Filing of Statement.—If—

"(1) the amount of any tax required to be paid for any taxable year ending on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [June 15, 1955] is increased by reason of the enactment of this Act [amending this section and repealing sections 452 and 462], and

"(2) the last date prescribed for payment of such tax (or any installment thereof) is before December 15, 1955, then the taxpayer shall, on or before December 15, 1955, file a statement which shows the increase in the amount of such tax required to be paid by reason of the enactment of this Act.

"(b) Form and Effect of Statement.—

"(1) Form of statement, etc.—The statement required by subsection (a) shall be filed at the place fixed for filing the return. Such statement shall be in such form, and shall include such information necessary or appropriate to show the increase in the amount of the tax required to be paid for the taxable year by reason of the enactment of this Act, as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall by regulations prescribe.

"(2) Treatment as amount shown on return.—The amount shown on a statement filed under subsection (a) as the increase in the amount of the tax required to be paid for the taxable year by reason of the enactment of this Act shall, for all purposes of the internal revenue laws, be treated as tax shown on the return. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, that portion of the amount of increase in tax for any taxable year which is attributable to a decrease (by reason of the enactment of this Act) in the net operating loss for a succeeding taxable year shall not be treated as tax shown on the return.

"(3) Waiver of interest in case of payment on or before december 15, 1955.—If the taxpayer, on or before December 15, 1955, files the statement referred to in subsection (a) and pays in full that portion of the amount shown thereon for which the last date prescribed for payment is before December 15, 1955, then for purposes of computing interest (other than interest on overpayments) such portion shall be treated as having been paid on the last date prescribed for payment. This paragraph shall not apply if the amount shown on the statement as the increase in the amount of the tax required to be paid for the taxable year by reason of the enactment of this Act is greater than the actual increase unless the taxpayer establishes, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, that his computation of the greater amount was based upon a reasonable interpretation and application of sections 452 and 462 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] [sections 452 and 462 of this title], as those sections existed before the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Special Rules.—

"(1) Interest for period before enactment.—Interest shall not be imposed on the amount of any increase in tax resulting from the enactment of this Act for any period before the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 15, 1955].

"(2) Estimated tax.—Any addition to the tax under section 294(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1939 [section 294(d) of former Title 26, Internal Revenue Code], shall be computed as if this Act had not been enacted. In the case of any installment for which the last date prescribed for payment is before December 15, 1955, any addition to the tax under section 6654 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 6654 of this title], shall be computed as if this Act had not been enacted.

"(3) Treatment of certain payments which taxpayer is required to make.—If—

"(A) the taxpayer is required to make a payment (or an additional payment) to another person by reason of the enactment of this Act, and

"(B) the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [this title] prescribes a period, which expires after the close of the taxable year, within which the taxpayer must make such payment (or additional payment) if the amount thereof is to be taken into account (as a deduction or otherwise) in computing taxable income for such taxable year,

then, subject to such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may prescribe, if such payment (or additional payment) is made on or before December 15, 1955, it shall be treated as having been made within the period prescribed by such Code.

"(4) Treatment of certain dividends.—Subject to such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may prescribe, for purposes of section 561(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 561(a)(1) of this title], dividends paid after the 15th day of the third month following the close of the taxable year and on or before December 15, 1955, may be treated as having been paid on the last day of the taxable year, but only to the extent (A) that such dividends are attributable to an increase in taxable income for the taxable year resulting from the enactment of this Act, and (B) elected by the taxpayer.

"(5) Determination of date prescribed.—For purposes of this section, the determination of the last date prescribed for payment or for filing a return shall be made without regard to any extension of time therefor and without regard to any provision of this section.

"(6) Regulations.—For requirement that the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall prescribe all rules and regulations as may be necessary by reason of the enactment of this Act, see section 7805(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [section 7805(a) of this title]."

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

For applicability of amendment by section 701(e)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 notwithstanding any treaty obligation of the United States in effect on Oct. 22, 1986, with provision that for such purposes any amendment by title I of Pub. L. 100–647 be treated as if it had been included in the provision of Pub. L. 99–514 to which such amendment relates, see section 1012(aa)(2), (4) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 861 of this title.

Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989

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

1 See References in Text note below.
26 U.S.C. § 5843 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 53 / Section 5843: Records and returns
Records and returns
Status: in_force

Importers, manufacturers, and dealers shall keep such records of, and render such returns in relation to, the importation, manufacture, making, receipt, and sale, or other disposition, of firearms as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.

(Added Pub. L. 90–618, title II, §201, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1230; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5843, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 725, as amended by act Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §203(e), 72 Stat. 1427, related to identification of firearms prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 90–618.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5842, act Aug. 16, 1954, 68A Stat. 725, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 90–618.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".
26 U.S.C. § 1504 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 6 / Section 1504: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) Affiliated group defined

For purposes of this subtitle—

(1) In general

The term "affiliated group" means—

(A) 1 or more chains of includible corporations connected through stock ownership with a common parent corporation which is an includible corporation, but only if—

(B)(i) the common parent owns directly stock meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) in at least 1 of the other includible corporations, and

(ii) stock meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) in each of the includible corporations (except the common parent) is owned directly by 1 or more of the other includible corporations.

(2) 80-percent voting and value test

The ownership of stock of any corporation meets the requirements of this paragraph if it—

(A) possesses at least 80 percent of the total voting power of the stock of such corporation, and

(B) has a value equal to at least 80 percent of the total value of the stock of such corporation.

(3) 5 years must elapse before reconsolidation

(A) In general

If—

(i) a corporation is included (or required to be included) in a consolidated return filed by an affiliated group, and

(ii) such corporation ceases to be a member of such group,

with respect to periods after such cessation, such corporation (and any successor of such corporation) may not be included in any consolidated return filed by the affiliated group (or by another affiliated group with the same common parent or a successor of such common parent) before the 61st month beginning after its first taxable year in which it ceased to be a member of such affiliated group.

(B) Secretary may waive application of subparagraph (A)

The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) to any corporation for any period subject to such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.

(4) Stock not to include certain preferred stock

For purposes of this subsection, the term "stock" does not include any stock which—

(A) is not entitled to vote,

(B) is limited and preferred as to dividends and does not participate in corporate growth to any significant extent,

(C) has redemption and liquidation rights which do not exceed the issue price of such stock (except for a reasonable redemption or liquidation premium), and

(D) is not convertible into another class of stock.

(5) Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including (but not limited to) regulations—

(A) which treat warrants, obligations convertible into stock, and other similar interests as stock, and stock as not stock,

(B) which treat options to acquire or sell stock as having been exercised,

(C) which provide that the requirements of paragraph (2)(B) shall be treated as met if the affiliated group, in reliance on a good faith determination of value, treated such requirements as met,

(D) which disregard an inadvertent ceasing to meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(B) by reason of changes in relative values of different classes of stock,

(E) which provide that transfers of stock within the group shall not be taken into account in determining whether a corporation ceases to be a member of an affiliated group, and

(F) which disregard changes in voting power to the extent such changes are disproportionate to related changes in value.

(b) Definition of "includible corporation"

As used in this chapter, the term "includible corporation" means any corporation except—

(1) Corporations exempt from taxation under section 501.

(2) Insurance companies subject to taxation under section 801.

(3) Foreign corporations.

(4) Regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts subject to tax under subchapter M of chapter 1.

(5) A DISC (as defined in section 992(a)(1)).

(6) An S corporation.

(c) Includible insurance companies

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (b)—

(1) Two or more domestic insurance companies each of which is subject to tax under section 801 shall be treated as includible corporations for purposes of applying subsection (a) to such insurance companies alone.

(2)(A) If an affiliated group (determined without regard to subsection (b)(2)) includes one or more domestic insurance companies taxed under section 801, the common parent of such group may elect (pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary) to treat all such companies as includible corporations for purposes of applying subsection (a) except that no such company shall be so treated until it has been a member of the affiliated group for the 5 taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year for which the consolidated return is filed.

(B) If an election under this paragraph is in effect for a taxable year—

(i) section 243(b)(3) and the exception provided under section 243(b)(2) with respect to subsections (b)(2) and (c) of this section,

(ii) section 542(b)(5), and

(iii) subsection (a)(4) and (b)(2)(D) of section 1563, and the reference to section 1563(b)(2)(D) contained in section 1563(b)(3)(C),

shall not be effective for such taxable year.

(d) Subsidiary formed to comply with foreign law

In the case of a domestic corporation owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, 100 percent of the capital stock (exclusive of directors' qualifying shares) of a corporation organized under the laws of a contiguous foreign country and maintained solely for the purpose of complying with the laws of such country as to title and operation of property, such foreign corporation may, at the option of the domestic corporation, be treated for the purpose of this subtitle as a domestic corporation.

(e) Includible tax-exempt organizations

Despite the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection (b), two or more organizations exempt from taxation under section 501, one or more of which is described in section 501(c)(2) and the others of which derive income from such 501(c)(2) organizations, shall be considered as includible corporations for the purpose of the application of subsection (a) to such organizations alone.

(f) Special rule for certain amounts derived from a corporation previously treated as a DISC

In determining the consolidated taxable income of an affiliated group for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 1984, a corporation which had been a DISC and which would otherwise be a member of such group shall not be treated as such a member with respect to—

(1) any distribution (or deemed distribution) of accumulated DISC income which was not treated as previously taxed income under section 805(b)(2)(A) of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, and

(2) any amount treated as received under section 805(b)(3) of such Act.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 369; Mar. 13, 1956, ch. 83, §5(8), 70 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §64(d)(3), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1657; Pub. L. 86–69, §3(f)(1), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 140; Pub. L. 86–376, §2(c), Sept. 23, 1959, 73 Stat. 699; Pub. L. 86–779, §10(j), Sept. 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 1009; Pub. L. 89–389, §4(b)(3), Apr. 14, 1966, 80 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 91–172, title I, §121(a)(4), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 537; Pub. L. 92–178, title V, §502(e), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 550; Pub. L. 94–455, title VIII, §803(b)(3), title X, §§1051(g), 1053(d)(2), title XV, §1507(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1584, 1646, 1649, 1739; Pub. L. 95–600, title I, §141(f)(4), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2795; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, §101(a)(7)(L)(i)(VIII), (iv)(II), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 199, 200; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §60(a), title II, §211(b)(20), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 577, 756; Pub. L. 99–514, title X, §1024(c)(15), (16), title XVIII, §§1804(e)(1), (10), 1899A(35), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2408, 2800, 2804, 2960; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1018(d)(10), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3581; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11814(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–557; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §§1308(d)(2), 1702(h)(6), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1783, 1874; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §221(a)(93), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4050; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(d)(1)(D)(xvii)(I), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1208.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 805(b)(2)(A) and (3) of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), (2), is section 805(b)(2)(A) and (3) of Pub. L. 98–369, which is set out as a note under section 991 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(4) to (8). Pub. L. 115–141 redesignated pars. (6) to (8) as (4) to (6), respectively, and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "Corporations with respect to which an election under section 936 (relating to possession tax credit) is in effect for the taxable year."

2014—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 113–295 struck out "for a taxable year which includes any period after December 31, 1984" after "affiliated group" in cl. (i) and struck out "in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1984" after "such group" in cl. (ii).

1996—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 104–188, §1308(d)(2), added par. (8).

Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 104–188, §1702(h)(6), inserted "section" before "243(b)(2)".

1990—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 101–508, §11814(b), substituted "section 243(b)(3)" for "section 243(b)(6)" and "243(b)(2)" for "section 243(b)(5)".

1988—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(d)(10)(A), amended par. (7) generally, striking out ", or any other corporation which has accumulated DISC income which is derived after December 31, 1984" after "in section 992(a)(1))".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(d)(10)(B), added subsec. (f).

1986—Subsec. (a)(4)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, §1804(e)(1), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "has redemption and liquidation rights which do not exceed the paid-in capital or par value represented by such stock (except for a reasonable redemption premium in excess of such paid-in capital or par value), and".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, §1024(c)(15), struck out "or 821" after "section 802".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 99–514, §1804(e)(10), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: "A DISC or former DISC (as defined in section 992(a))."

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–514, §1899A(35), struck out "or 821" after "section 801".

Pub. L. 99–514, §1024(c)(16), substituted "subsection (b)(2)) includes" for "subsection (b)(2) includes".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369, §60(a), in amending subsec. (a), generally, revised existing provisions of subsec. (a) into pars. (1), (2), and (4), added pars. (3) and (5), revised definition of "affiliated group", and expanded the enumeration of securities not included under term "stock".

Subsecs. (b)(2), (c)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, §211(b)(20), substituted "section 801" for "section 802".

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–222 substituted "a tax credit employee stock ownership plan" for "an ESOP" and "employee" for "leveraged employee".

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–600 substituted "(within the meaning for section 409A(l)) while such securities are held under an ESOP, or qualifying employer securities (within the meaning of section 4975(e)(8)) while such securities are held under a leveraged employee stock ownership plan which meets the requirements of section 4975(e)(7)" for "within the meaning of section 301(d)(9)(A) of the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, or qualifying employer securities within the meaning of section 4975(e)(8) while such securities are held under an employee stock ownership plan which meets the requirements of section 301(d) of such Act or section 4975(e)(7), respectively".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §803(b)(3), substituted "dividends, employer securities within the meaning of section 301(d)(9)(A) of the Tax Reduction Act of 1976, or qualifying employer securities within the meaning of section 4975(e)(8) while such securities are held under an employee stock ownership plan which meets the requirements of section 301(d) of such Act or section 4975(e)(7), respectively" for "dividends" after "preferred as to".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 94–455, §1051(g), substituted "Corporations with respect to which an election under section 936 (relating to possession tax credit) is in effect for the taxable year" for "Corporations entitled to the benefits of section 931, by reason of receiving a large percentage of their income from sources within possessions of the United States" in par. (4).

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 94–455, §1053(d)(2), struck out par. (5) which included corporations organized under the China Trade Act, 1922, within term "includible corporation".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §1507(a), designated existing provisions as provision preceding par. (1) and par. (1), in provision preceding par. (1) as so designated, substituted "Notwithstanding the provisions" for "Despite the provisions", in par. (1) as so designated, substituted "tax under section 802 shall be treated" for "taxation under the same section of this subtitle shall be considered" and added par. (2).

1971—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 92–178 added par. (7).

1969—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 91–172 added subsec. (e).

1966—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 89–389 struck out par. (7) exception to definition of "includible corporation" of unincorporated business enterprises subject to tax as corporations under section 1361 of this title.

1960—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 86–779 inserted "and real estate investment trusts" after "Regulated investment companies".

1959—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 86–69 struck out reference to section 811.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 86–376 struck out par. (8) which excepted an electing small business corporation from term "includible corporation".

1958—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 85–866 added par. (8).

1956—Subsec. (b)(2), Act Mar. 13, 1956, inserted reference to section 811.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

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

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 1308(d)(2) of Pub. L. 104–188 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1317(a) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 641 of this title.

Amendment by section 1702(h)(6) 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 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–508 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1990, and for purposes of section 243(b)(3) of this title, references to elections under such section to include references to an election under section 243(b) of this title as in effect on Nov. 4, 1990, see section 11814(c) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 243 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 1024(c)(15), (16) of 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.

Amendment by section 1804(e)(1), (10) of Pub. L. 99–514 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, to which such amendment relates, see section 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §60(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 579, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, title XVIII, §1804(e)(2)–(5), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, 2800, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984.

"(2) Special rule for corporations affiliated on june 22, 1984.—In the case of a corporation which on June 22, 1984, is a member of an affiliated group which files a consolidated return for such corporation's taxable year which includes June 22, 1984, for purposes of determining whether such corporation continues to be a member of such group for taxable years beginning before January 1, 1988, the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply. The preceding sentence shall cease to apply as of the first day after June 22, 1984, on which such corporation does not qualify as a member of such group under section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984]).

"(3) Special rule not to apply to certain sell-downs after june 22, 1984.—If—

"(A) the requirements of paragraph (2) are satisfied with respect to a corporation,

"(B) more than a de minimis amount of the stock of such corporation—

"(i) is sold or exchanged (including in a redemption), or

"(ii) is issued,

after June 22, 1984 (other than in the ordinary course of business), and

"(C) the requirements of the amendment made by subsection (a) are not satisfied after such sale, exchange, or issuance,

then the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply for purposes of determining whether such corporation continues to be a member of the group. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any transaction if such transaction does not reduce the percentage of the fair market value of the stock of the corporation referred to in the preceding sentence held by members of the group determined without regard to this paragraph.

"(4) Exception for certain sell-downs.—Subsection (b)(2) (and not subsection (b)(3)) will apply to a corporation if such corporation issues or sells stock after June 22, 1984, pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before June 22, 1984, but only if the requirements of the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] (substituting 'more than 50 percent' for 'at least 80 percent' in paragraph (2)(B) of section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954]) are satisfied immediately after such issuance or sale and at all times thereafter until the first day of the first taxable year beginning after December 31, 1987. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if there is a letter of intent between a corporation and a securities underwriter entered into on or before June 22, 1984, and the subsequent issuance or sale is effected pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such stock shall be treated as issued or sold pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before June 22, 1984.

"(5) Native corporations.—

"(A) In the case of a Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), or a corporation all of whose stock is owned directly by such a corporation, during any taxable year (beginning after the effective date of these amendments and before 1992), or any part thereof, in which the Native Corporation is subject to the provisions of section 7(h)(1) of such Act (43 U.S.C. 1606(h)(1))—

"(i) the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply, and

"(ii) the requirements for affiliation under section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 before the amendment made by subsection (a) shall be applied solely according to the provisions expressly contained therein, without regard to escrow arrangements, redemption rights, or similar provisions.

"(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), during the period described in subparagraph (A), no provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (including sections 269 and 482) or principle of law shall apply to deny the benefit or use of losses incurred or credits earned by a corporation described in subparagraph (A) to the affiliated group of which the Native Corporation is the common parent.

"(C) Losses incurred or credits earned by a corporation described in subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the general consolidated return regulations, including the provisions relating to separate return limitation years, and to sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

"(D) Losses incurred and credits earned by a corporation which is affiliated with a corporation described in subparagraph (A) shall be treated as having been incurred or earned in a separate return limitation year, unless the corporation incurring the losses or earning the credits satisfies the affiliation requirements of section 1504(a) without application of subparagraph (A).

"(6) Treatment of certain corporations affiliated on June 22, 1984.—In the case of an affiliated group which—

"(A) has as its common parent a Minnesota corporation incorporated on April 23, 1940, and

"(B) has a member which is a New York corporation incorporated on November 13, 1969,

for purposes of determining whether such New York corporation continues to be a member of such group, paragraph (2) shall be applied by substituting for 'January 1, 1988,' the earlier of January 1, 1994, or the date on which the voting power of the preferred stock in such New York corporation terminates.

"(7) Election to have amendments apply for years beginning after 1983.—If the common parent of any group makes an election under this paragraph, notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to such group for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1983. Any such election, once made, shall be irrevocable.

"(8) Treatment of certain affiliated groups.—If—

"(A) a corporation (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the 'parent') was incorporated in 1968 and filed consolidated returns as the parent of an affiliated group for each of its taxable years ending after 1969 and before 1985,

"(B) another corporation (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the 'subsidiary') became a member of the parent's affiliated group in 1978 by reason of a recapitalization pursuant to which the parent increased its voting interest in the subsidiary from not less than 56 percent to not less than 85 percent, and

"(C) such subsidiary is engaged (or was on September 27, 1985, engaged) in manufacturing and distributing a broad line of business systems and related supplies for binding, laminating, shredding, graphics, and providing secure identification,

then, for purposes of determining whether such subsidiary corporation is a member of the parent's affiliated group under section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] (as amended by subsection (a)), paragraph (2)(B) of such section 1504(a) shall be applied by substituting '55 percent' for '80 percent'.

"(9) Treatment of certain corporations affiliated during 1971.— In the case of a group of corporations which filed a consolidated Federal income tax return for the taxable year beginning during 1971 and which—

"(A) included as a common parent on December 31, 1971, a Delaware corporation incorporated on August 26, 1969, and

"(B) included as a member thereof a Delaware corporation incorporated on November 8, 1971,

for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1970, and ending before January 1, 1988, the requirements for affiliation for each member of such group under section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] (before the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section]) shall be limited solely to the provisions expressly contained therein and by reference to stock issued under State law as common or preferred stock. During the period described in the preceding sentence, no provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (including sections 269 and 482) or principle of law, except the general consolidated return regulations (including the provisions relating to separate return limitation years) and sections 382 and 383 of such Code, shall apply to deny the benefit or use of losses incurred or credits earned by members of such group."

Amendment by section 211(b)(20) of 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 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–222 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if it had been included in the provisions of the Revenue Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–600, to which such amendment relates, see section 201 of Pub. L. 96–222, set out as a note under section 32 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–600 effective with respect to qualified investment for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1978, see section 141(g)(1) of Pub. L. 95–600, set out as a Effective Date note under section 409 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 803(b)(3) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1974, see section 803(j) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 46 of this title.

Amendment by section 1051(g) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 1051(i) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 27 of this title.

Pub. L. 94–455, title X, §1053(e), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1649, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending section 941 and 943 of this title] shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1975. The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) [amending this section and sections 116, 6072, and 6091 of this title and repealing sections 941–943 of this title] shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1977."

Pub. L. 94–455, title XV, §1507(c)(1), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1740, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and sections 821, 843, and 1503 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1980."

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–178 applicable with respect to taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 1971, except that a corporation may not be a DISC for any taxable year beginning before Jan. 1, 1972, see section 507 of Pub. L. 92–178, set out as an Effective Date note under section 991 of this title.

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–172 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 121(g) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as a note under section 511 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–389, §4(b), Apr. 14, 1966, 80 Stat. 116, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective on Jan. 1, 1969.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 86–779 applicable with respect to taxable years of real estate investment trusts beginning after Dec. 31, 1960, see section 10(k) of Pub. L. 86–779, set out as an Effective Date note under section 856 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendments

Pub. L. 86–376, §2(d), Sept. 23, 1959, 73 Stat. 699, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending section 1371 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1959. The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section and section 1374 of this title] shall take effect on the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1959]."

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 as an Effective Date note under section 381 of this title.

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–866 applicable only with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1958, see section 64(e) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 172 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 set out under section 316 of this title.

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.

Repeal of Rules Permitting Loss Transfers by Alaska Native Corporations

Pub. L. 100–647, title V, §5021, Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3666, as amended by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7815(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2414, provided that:

"(a) General Rule.—Nothing in section 60(b)(5) of the Tax Reform Act of 1984 (as amended by section 1804(e)(4) of the Tax Reform Act of 1986) [section 60(b)(5) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note above]—

"(1) shall allow any loss (or credit) of any corporation which arises after April 26, 1988, to be used to offset the income (or tax) of another corporation if such use would not be allowable without regard to such section 60(b)(5) as so amended, or

"(2) shall allow any loss (or credit) of any corporation which arises on or before such date to be used to offset disqualified income (or tax attributable to such income) of another corporation if such use would not be allowable without regard to such section 60(b)(5) as so amended.

"(b) Exception for Existing Contracts.—

"(1) In general.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to any loss (or credit) of any corporation if—

"(A) such corporation was in existence on April 26, 1988, and

"(B) such loss (or credit) is used to offset income assigned (or attributable to property contributed) pursuant to a binding contract entered into before July 26, 1988.

"(2) $40,000,000 limitation.—The aggregate amount of losses (and the deduction equivalent of credits as determined in the same manner as under section 469(j)(5) of the 1986 Code) to which paragraph (1) applies with respect to any corporation shall not exceed $40,000,000. For purposes of this paragraph, a Native Corporation and all other corporations all of the stock of which is owned directly by such corporation shall be treated as 1 corporation.

"(3) Special rule for corporations under title 11.—In the case of a corporation which on April 26, 1988, was under the jurisdiction of a Federal district court under title 11 of the United States Code—

"(A) paragraph (1)(B) shall be applied by substituting the date 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988] for 'July 26, 1988',

"(B) paragraph (1) shall not apply to any loss or credit which arises on or after the date 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and

"(C) paragraph (2) shall be applied by substituting '$99,000,000' for '$40,000,000'.

"(c) Special Administrative Rules.—

"(1) Notice to native corporations of proposed tax adjustments.—Notwithstanding section 6103 of the 1986 Code, the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall notify a Native Corporation or its designated representative of any proposed adjustment—

"(A) of the tax liability of a taxpayer which has contracted with the Native Corporation (or other corporation all of the stock of which is owned directly by the Native Corporation) for the use of losses of such Native Corporation (or such other corporation), and

"(B) which is attributable to an asserted overstatement of losses by, or misassignment of income (or income attributable to property contributed) to, an affiliated group of which the Native Corporation (or such other corporation) is a member.

Such notice shall only include information with respect to the transaction between the taxpayer and the Native Corporation.

"(2) Rights of native corporation.—

"(A) In general.—If a Native Corporation receives a notice under paragraph (1), the Native Corporation shall have the right to—

"(i) submit to the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate a written statement regarding the proposed adjustment, and

"(ii) meet with the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate with respect to such proposed adjustment.

  The Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may discuss such proposed adjustment with the Native Corporation or its designated representative.

"(B) Extension of statute of limitations.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate determines that an extension of the statute of limitation[s] is necessary to permit the participation described in subparagraph (A) and the taxpayer and the Secretary or his delegate have not agreed to such extension.

"(3) Judicial proceedings.—In the case of any proceeding in a Federal court or the United States Tax Court involving a proposed adjustment under paragraph (1), the Native Corporation, subject to the rules of such court, may file an amicus brief concerning such adjustment.

"(4) Failures.—For purposes of the 1986 Code, any failure by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall not affect the validity of the determination of the Internal Revenue Service of any adjustment of tax liability of any taxpayer described in paragraph (1).

"(d) Disqualified Income Defined.—For purposes of subsection (a), the term 'disqualified income' means any income assigned (or attributable to property contributed) after April 26, 1988, by a person who is not a Native Corporation or a corporation all the stock of which is owned directly by a Native Corporation.

"(e) Basis Determination.—For purposes of determining basis for Federal tax purposes, no provision in any law enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988] shall affect the date on which the transfer to the Native Corporation is made. The preceding sentence shall apply to all taxable years whether beginning before, on, or after such date of enactment."

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.

Transaction Rules

Pub. L. 94–455, title XV, §1507(c)(2), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1740, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(A) Limitations on carryovers or carrybacks for groups electing under section 1504(c)(2).—If an affiliated group elects to file a consolidated return pursuant to section 1501(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] a carryover of a loss or credit from a taxable year ending before January 1, 1981, and losses or credits which may be carried back to taxable years ending before such date, shall be taken into account as if this section had not been enacted.

"(B) Nontermination of affiliated group.—The mere election to file a consolidated return pursuant to such section 1504(c)(2) shall not cause the termination of an affiliated group filing consolidated returns."
26 U.S.C. § 125 (2024) — Title 26: INTERNAL REVENUE CODE / Chapter 1 / Section 125: Cafeteria plans
Cafeteria plans
Status: in_force

(a) General rule

Except as provided in subsection (b), no amount shall be included in the gross income of a participant in a cafeteria plan solely because, under the plan, the participant may choose among the benefits of the plan.

(b) Exception for highly compensated participants and key employees

(1) Highly compensated participants

In the case of a highly compensated participant, subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit attributable to a plan year for which the plan discriminates in favor of—

(A) highly compensated individuals as to eligibility to participate, or

(B) highly compensated participants as to contributions and benefits.

(2) Key employees

In the case of a key employee (within the meaning of section 416(i)(1)), subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit attributable to a plan for which the qualified benefits provided to key employees exceed 25 percent of the aggregate of such benefits provided for all employees under the plan. For purposes of the preceding sentence, qualified benefits shall be determined without regard to the second sentence of subsection (f).

(3) Year of inclusion

For purposes of determining the taxable year of inclusion, any benefit described in paragraph (1) or (2) shall be treated as received or accrued in the taxable year of the participant or key employee in which the plan year ends.

(c) Discrimination as to benefits or contributions

For purposes of subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(1), a cafeteria plan does not discriminate where qualified benefits and total benefits (or employer contributions allocable to qualified benefits and employer contributions for total benefits) do not discriminate in favor of highly compensated participants.

(d) Cafeteria plan defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

The term "cafeteria plan" means a written plan under which—

(A) all participants are employees, and

(B) the participants may choose among 2 or more benefits consisting of cash and qualified benefits.

(2) Deferred compensation plans excluded

(A) In general

The term "cafeteria plan" does not include any plan which provides for deferred compensation.

(B) Exception for cash and deferred arrangements

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a profit-sharing or stock bonus plan or rural cooperative plan (within the meaning of section 401(k)(7)) which includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (as defined in section 401(k)(2)) to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions to a trust under such plan on behalf of the employee.

(C) Exception for certain plans maintained by educational institutions

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a plan maintained by an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions for post-retirement group life insurance if—

(i) all contributions for such insurance must be made before retirement, and

(ii) such life insurance does not have a cash surrender value at any time.

For purposes of section 79, any life insurance described in the preceding sentence shall be treated as group-term life insurance.

(D) Exception for health savings accounts

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a plan to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions to a health savings account established on behalf of the employee.

(e) Highly compensated participant and individual defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) Highly compensated participant

The term "highly compensated participant" means a participant who is—

(A) an officer,

(B) a shareholder owning more than 5 percent of the voting power or value of all classes of stock of the employer,

(C) highly compensated, or

(D) a spouse or dependent (within the meaning of section 152, determined without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B) thereof) of an individual described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).

(2) Highly compensated individual

The term "highly compensated individual" means an individual who is described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (1).

(f) Qualified benefits defined

For purposes of this section—

(1) In general

The term "qualified benefit" means any benefit which, with the application of subsection (a), is not includible in the gross income of the employee by reason of an express provision of this chapter (other than section 106(b), 117, 127, or 132). Such term includes any group term life insurance which is includible in gross income only because it exceeds the dollar limitation of section 79 and such term includes any other benefit permitted under regulations.

(2) Long-term care insurance not qualified

The term "qualified benefit" shall not include any product which is advertised, marketed, or offered as long-term care insurance.

(3) Certain exchange-participating qualified health plans not qualified

(A) In general

The term "qualified benefit" shall not include any qualified health plan (as defined in section 1301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) offered through an Exchange established under section 1311 of such Act.

(B) Exception for exchange-eligible employers

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to any employee if such employee's employer is a qualified employer (as defined in section 1312(f)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) offering the employee the opportunity to enroll through such an Exchange in a qualified health plan in a group market.

(g) Special rules

(1) Collectively bargained plan not considered discriminatory

For purposes of this section, a plan shall not be treated as discriminatory if the plan is maintained under an agreement which the Secretary finds to be a collective bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers.

(2) Health benefits

For purposes of subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(1), a cafeteria plan which provides health benefits shall not be treated as discriminatory if—

(A) contributions under the plan on behalf of each participant include an amount which—

(i) equals 100 percent of the cost of the health benefit coverage under the plan of the majority of the highly compensated participants similarly situated, or

(ii) equals or exceeds 75 percent of the cost of the health benefit coverage of the participant (similarly situated) having the highest cost health benefit coverage under the plan, and

(B) contributions or benefits under the plan in excess of those described in subparagraph (A) bear a uniform relationship to compensation.

(3) Certain participation eligibility rules not treated as discriminatory

For purposes of subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1), a classification shall not be treated as discriminatory if the plan—

(A) benefits a group of employees described in section 410(b)(2)(A)(i), and

(B) meets the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii):

(i) No employee is required to complete more than 3 years of employment with the employer or employers maintaining the plan as a condition of participation in the plan, and the employment requirement for each employee is the same.

(ii) Any employee who has satisfied the employment requirement of clause (i) and who is otherwise entitled to participate in the plan commences participation no later than the first day of the first plan year beginning after the date the employment requirement was satisfied unless the employee was separated from service before the first day of that plan year.

(4) Certain controlled groups, etc.

All employees who are treated as employed by a single employer under subsection (b), (c), or (m) of section 414 shall be treated as employed by a single employer for purposes of this section.

(h) Special rule for unused benefits in health flexible spending arrangements of individuals called to active duty

(1) In general

For purposes of this title, a plan or other arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan or health flexible spending arrangement (and shall not fail to be treated as an accident or health plan) merely because such arrangement provides for qualified reservist distributions.

(2) Qualified reservist distribution

For purposes of this subsection, the term "qualified reservist distribution" means any distribution to an individual of all or a portion of the balance in the employee's account under such arrangement if—

(A) such individual was (by reason of being a member of a reserve component (as defined in section 101 of title 37, United States Code)) ordered or called to active duty for a period in excess of 179 days or for an indefinite period, and

(B) such distribution is made during the period beginning on the date of such order or call and ending on the last date that reimbursements could otherwise be made under such arrangement for the plan year which includes the date of such order or call.

(i) Limitation on health flexible spending arrangements

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, if a benefit is provided under a cafeteria plan through employer contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement, such benefit shall not be treated as a qualified benefit unless the cafeteria plan provides that an employee may not elect for any taxable year to have salary reduction contributions in excess of $2,500 made to such arrangement.

(2) Adjustment for inflation

In the case of any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2013, the dollar amount in paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

(A) such amount, multiplied by

(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins by substituting "calendar year 2012" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

If any increase determined under this paragraph is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

(j) Simple cafeteria plans for small businesses

(1) In general

An eligible employer maintaining a simple cafeteria plan with respect to which the requirements of this subsection are met for any year shall be treated as meeting any applicable nondiscrimination requirement during such year.

(2) Simple cafeteria plan

For purposes of this subsection, the term "simple cafeteria plan" means a cafeteria plan—

(A) which is established and maintained by an eligible employer, and

(B) with respect to which the contribution requirements of paragraph (3), and the eligibility and participation requirements of paragraph (4), are met.

(3) Contribution requirements

(A) In general

The requirements of this paragraph are met if, under the plan the employer is required, without regard to whether a qualified employee makes any salary reduction contribution, to make a contribution to provide qualified benefits under the plan on behalf of each qualified employee in an amount equal to—

(i) a uniform percentage (not less than 2 percent) of the employee's compensation for the plan year, or

(ii) an amount which is not less than the lesser of—

(I) 6 percent of the employee's compensation for the plan year, or

(II) twice the amount of the salary reduction contributions of each qualified employee.

(B) Matching contributions on behalf of highly compensated and key employees

The requirements of subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not be treated as met if, under the plan, the rate of contributions with respect to any salary reduction contribution of a highly compensated or key employee at any rate of contribution is greater than that with respect to an employee who is not a highly compensated or key employee.

(C) Additional contributions

Subject to subparagraph (B), nothing in this paragraph shall be treated as prohibiting an employer from making contributions to provide qualified benefits under the plan in addition to contributions required under subparagraph (A).

(D) Definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Salary reduction contribution

The term "salary reduction contribution" means, with respect to a cafeteria plan, any amount which is contributed to the plan at the election of the employee and which is not includible in gross income by reason of this section.

(ii) Qualified employee

The term "qualified employee" means, with respect to a cafeteria plan, any employee who is not a highly compensated or key employee and who is eligible to participate in the plan.

(iii) Highly compensated employee

The term "highly compensated employee" has the meaning given such term by section 414(q).

(iv) Key employee

The term "key employee" has the meaning given such term by section 416(i).

(4) Minimum eligibility and participation requirements

(A) In general

The requirements of this paragraph shall be treated as met with respect to any year if, under the plan—

(i) all employees who had at least 1,000 hours of service for the preceding plan year are eligible to participate, and

(ii) each employee eligible to participate in the plan may, subject to terms and conditions applicable to all participants, elect any benefit available under the plan.

(B) Certain employees may be excluded

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), an employer may elect to exclude under the plan employees—

(i) who have not attained the age of 21 before the close of a plan year,

(ii) who have less than 1 year of service with the employer as of any day during the plan year,

(iii) who are covered under an agreement which the Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective bargaining agreement if there is evidence that the benefits covered under the cafeteria plan were the subject of good faith bargaining between employee representatives and the employer, or

(iv) who are described in section 410(b)(3)(C) (relating to nonresident aliens working outside the United States).

A plan may provide a shorter period of service or younger age for purposes of clause (i) or (ii).

(5) Eligible employer

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) In general

The term "eligible employer" means, with respect to any year, any employer if such employer employed an average of 100 or fewer employees on business days during either of the 2 preceding years. For purposes of this subparagraph, a year may only be taken into account if the employer was in existence throughout the year.

(B) Employers not in existence during preceding year

If an employer was not in existence throughout the preceding year, the determination under subparagraph (A) shall be based on the average number of employees that it is reasonably expected such employer will employ on business days in the current year.

(C) Growing employers retain treatment as small employer

(i) In general

If—

(I) an employer was an eligible employer for any year (a "qualified year"), and

(II) such employer establishes a simple cafeteria plan for its employees for such year,

 then, notwithstanding the fact the employer fails to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) for any subsequent year, such employer shall be treated as an eligible employer for such subsequent year with respect to employees (whether or not employees during a qualified year) of any trade or business which was covered by the plan during any qualified year.

(ii) Exception

This subparagraph shall cease to apply if the employer employs an average of 200 or more employees on business days during any year preceding any such subsequent year.

(D) Special rules

(i) Predecessors

Any reference in this paragraph to an employer shall include a reference to any predecessor of such employer.

(ii) Aggregation rules

All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52, or subsection (n) or (o) of section 414, shall be treated as one person.

(6) Applicable nondiscrimination requirement

For purposes of this subsection, the term "applicable nondiscrimination requirement" means any requirement under subsection (b) of this section, section 79(d), section 105(h), or paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (8) of section 129(d).

(7) Compensation

The term "compensation" has the meaning given such term by section 414(s).

(k) Cross reference

For reporting and recordkeeping requirements, see section 6039D.

(l) Regulations

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

(Added Pub. L. 95–600, title I, §134(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2783; amended Pub. L. 96–222, title I, §101(a)(6)(A), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 96–605, title II, §§201(b)(2), 226(a), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3527, 3529; Pub. L. 96–613, §5(b)(2), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3581; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, §531(b)(1)–(4)(A), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 881, 882; Pub. L. 98–611, §1(d)(3)(A), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3177; Pub. L. 98–612, §1(b)(3)(B), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3181; Pub. L. 99–514, title XI, §1151(d)(1), title XVIII, §1853(b)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2504, 2870; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §§1011B(a)(11)–(13), 1018(t)(6), title IV, §4002(b)(2), title VI, §6051(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3484, 3485, 3589, 3643, 3696; Pub. L. 101–140, title II, §203(a)(1), (3), (b)(2), Nov. 8, 1989, 103 Stat. 830, 831; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7814(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2413; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11801(c)(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–523; Pub. L. 104–191, title III, §§301(d), 321(c)(1), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2051, 2058; Pub. L. 108–173, title XII, §1201(i), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2479; Pub. L. 108–311, title II, §207(11), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat. 1177; Pub. L. 110–172, §11(a)(12), Dec. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 2485; Pub. L. 110–245, title I, §114(a), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat. 1636; Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1515(a), (b), title IX, §§9005(a), 9022(a), title X, §10902(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 258, 854, 874, 1016; Pub. L. 111–152, title I, §1403(b), Mar. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, §§213(b), 220(f), (g), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4033, 4036; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §11002(d)(1)(L), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(37), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1186.)

Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years

For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 1301, 1311, and 1312 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), are classified to sections 18021, 18031, and 18032, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Codification

Pub. L. 101–140, §203(a)(1), amended this section to read as if the amendments made by section 1151(d)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 (amending this section generally) had not been enacted. Subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 99–514, this section was amended by Pub. L. 100–647 and Pub. L. 101–239. See 1989 and 1988 Amendment notes below.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 125 was renumbered section 140 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "subparagraph" for "subparagraphs".

2017—Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–97 substituted "for 'calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "for 'calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)".

2014—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 113–295, §220(f), substituted "qualified benefits" for "statutory nontaxable benefits" in two places.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 113–295, §213(b), inserted "(and shall not fail to be treated as an accident or health plan)" before "merely".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 113–295, §220(g), substituted "means any" for "means, any" in introductory provisions.

2010—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–148, §1515(a), (b), substituted "For purposes of this section—" for "For purposes of this section,"; designated remainder of first sentence and second sentence as par. (1), inserted heading, and substituted "The term" for "the term"; designated third sentence as par. (2), inserted heading, and substituted "The term 'qualified benefit' shall not include" for "Such term shall not include"; and added par. (3).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–148, §10902(a), amended subsec. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this section, if a benefit is provided under a cafeteria plan through employer contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement, such benefit shall not be treated as a qualified benefit unless the cafeteria plan provides that an employee may not elect for any taxable year to have salary reduction contributions in excess of $2,500 made to such arrangement."

Pub. L. 111–148, §9005(a)(2), added subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 111–152, §1403(b)(1), substituted "December 31, 2013" for "December 31, 2011" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–152, §1403(b)(2), substituted "2012" for "2010".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 111–148, §9022(a), added subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Pub. L. 111–148, §9005(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111–148, §9022(a), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 111–148, §9005(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 111–148, §9022(a), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

2008—Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 110–245 added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsecs. (h) and (i) as (i) and (j), respectively.

2007—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–172 substituted "second sentence" for "last sentence".

2004—Subsec. (e)(1)(D). Pub. L. 108–311 inserted ", determined without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B) thereof" after "section 152".

2003—Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 108–173, which directed the amendment of section 125(d)(2) by adding subpar. (D), was executed to this section, which is section 125(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1996—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–191, §321(c)(1), inserted at end "Such term shall not include any product which is advertised, marketed, or offered as long-term care insurance."

Pub. L. 104–191, §301(d), inserted "106(b)," before "117".

1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "section 117," for "section 117, 124,".

1989—Pub. L. 101–140, §203(a)(1), amended section to read as if amendments by Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(d)(1), had not been enacted, see 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 101–140, §203(b)(2), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The term 'cafeteria plan' does not include any plan which provides for deferred compensation. The preceding sentence shall not apply in the case of a profit-sharing or stock bonus plan which includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (as defined in section 401(k)(2)) to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions to a trust under such plan on behalf of the employee."

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "includible only because" for "includable only because", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 101–140, §203(a)(3), substituted "section 410(b)(2)(A)(i)" for "subparagraph (B) of section 410(b)(1)".

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(11)(A), amended subsec. (a) generally, see Codification note above. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "In the case of a cafeteria plan—

"(1) amounts shall not be included in gross income of a participant in such plan solely because, under the plan, the participant may choose among the benefits of the plan, and

"(2) if the plan fails to meet the requirements of subsection (b) for any plan year—

"(A) paragraph (1) shall not apply, and

"(B) notwithstanding any other provision of part III of this subchapter, any qualified benefits received under such cafeteria plan by a highly compensated employee for such plan year shall be included in the gross income of such employee for the taxable year with or within which such plan year ends."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(11)(B), substituted "In the case of a highly compensated employee, subsection (a) shall not apply to any benefit attributable to a plan year" for "A plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subsection", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(11)(C), substituted "subsection (a) shall not apply to any plan year" for "a plan shall be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this subsection" in first sentence, see Codification note above.

Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(13)(B), substituted "shall not include benefits which (without regard to this paragraph) are includible in gross income" for "shall be determined without regard to the last sentence of subsection (e)", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(12), amended subpar. (B) generally, see Codification note above. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "the participants may choose—

"(i) among 2 or more benefits consisting of cash and qualified benefits, or

"(ii) among 2 or more qualified benefits."

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–647, §1018(t)(6), inserted "or rural electric cooperative plan (within the meaning of section 401(k)(7))" after "stock bonus plan", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 100–647, §6051(b), inserted at end "In applying section 89 to a plan described in this subparagraph, contributions under the plan shall be tested as of the time the contributions were made.", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §1011B(a)(13)(A), inserted "and without regard to section 89(a)" after "subsection (a)", see Codification note above.

Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–647, §4002(b)(2), inserted "or any insurance under a qualified group legal services plan the value of which is so includable only because it exceeds the limitation of section 120(a)" after "section 79", see Codification note above.

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, §1151(d)(1), amended section generally, revising and restating as subsecs. (a) to (g) provisions of former subsecs. (a) to (i) so as to coincide with the coming into effect of section 89 of this title.

Subsecs. (c), (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–514, §1853(b)(1)(A), substituted "qualified benefits" for "statutory nontaxable benefits" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–514, §1853(b)(1)(B), substituted "Qualified benefits defined" for "Statutory nontaxable benefits defined" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this section, the term 'statutory nontaxable benefit' means any benefit which, with the application of subsection (a) is not includible in the gross income of the employee by reason of an express provision of this chapter (other than section 117, 124, 127, or 132). Such term includes any group term life insurance which is includible in gross income only because it exceeds the dollar limitation of section 79."

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(3), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting "and key employees" for "where plan is discriminatory" in heading and "Highly compensated participants" for "In general" in par. (1) heading, adding par. (2), redesignating former par. (2) as (3), and inserting therein references to par. (2) and to taxable year of key employee.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(2)(B), inserted "statutory" before "nontaxable benefits" in two places.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(1), substituted "among 2 or more benefits consisting of cash and statutory nontaxable benefits" for "among two or more benefits" in cl. (B) and struck out "The benefits which may be chosen may be nontaxable benefits, or cash, property, or other taxable benefits."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(2)(A), amended subsec. (f) generally, inserting "Statutory" in heading and "statutory" before "nontaxable benefit" in text, providing that the benefit be excluded by reason of an express provision of this chapter (other than section 117, 124, 127, or 132), and extending the benefit to include group term life insurance.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–611 and Pub. L. 98–612, made identical amendments, substituting cross reference provision for reporting requirements provisions.

Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(4)(A), added subsec. (h) relating to reporting requirements provisions. Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–369, §531(b)(4)(A), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i).

1980—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 96–605, §226(a), inserted provision that the sentence excluding deferred compensation plans not apply in the case of a profit-sharing or stock bonus plan which includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement, as defined in section 401(k)(2) to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions to a trust under such plan on behalf of the employee.

Subsec. (g)(3)(B). Pub. L. 96–222 substituted "employment requirement" for "service requirement" in cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 96–613, §5(b)(2), and Pub. L. 96–605, §201(b)(2), made identical amendments by substituting "controlled groups, etc." for "controlled groups" in heading, and by substituting "subsection (b), (c), or (m) of section 414" for "subsection (b) or (c) of section 414" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by section 213(b) of Pub. L. 113–295 effective as if included in the provisions of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110–245, to which such amendment relates, see section 213(d) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 121 of this title.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1515(c), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 258, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013."

Pub. L. 111–148, title IX, §9005(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 855, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010."

Pub. L. 111–148, title IX, §9022(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 876, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 2010."

Pub. L. 111–148, title X, §10902(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 1016, as amended by Pub. L. 111–152, title I, §1403(a), Mar. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 1063, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–245, title I, §114(b), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat. 1636, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to distributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 17, 2008]."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–311 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 208 of Pub. L. 108–311, set out as a note under section 2 of this title.

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–173 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2003, see section 1201(k) of Pub. L. 108–173, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 301(d) of Pub. L. 104–191 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 301(j) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.

Amendment by section 321(c)(1) of Pub. L. 104–191 applicable to contracts issued after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 321(f) of Pub. L. 104–191, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7702B of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendments

Amendment by 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.

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–140 effective as if included in section 1151 of Pub. L. 99–514, see section 203(c) of Pub. L. 101–140, set out as a note under section 79 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1011B(a)(11)–(13) and 1018(t)(6) 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, §4002(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3643, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 120 of this title] shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1987."

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6051(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3696, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 89 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 1151 of the Reform Act [Pub. L. 99–514, see Effective Date of 1986 Amendment note set out under section 79 of this title]."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 1151(d)(1) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable, with certain qualifications and exceptions, to years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 1151(k) of Pub. L. 99–514, as amended, set out as a note under section 79 of this title.

Amendment by section 1853(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 Pub. L. 98–612 effective Jan. 1, 1985, see Pub. L. 98–612, §1(d)(2), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3181.

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–611 effective Jan. 1, 1985, see section 1(g)(2) of Pub. L. 98–611, set out as a note under section 127 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Jan. 1, 1985, see section 531(h) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 132 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendments by section 201(b)(2) of Pub. L. 96–605 and section 5(b)(2) of Pub. L. 96–613 applicable to years ending after Nov. 30, 1980, except in the case of a plan in existence on Nov. 30, 1980 where amendments by section 201(b)(2) of Pub. L. 96–605 and section 5(b)(2) of Pub. L. 96–613 applicable to plan years beginning after Nov. 30, 1980, see section 201(c) of Pub. L. 96–605 and section 5(c) of Pub. L. 96–613, set out as a note under section 414 of this title.

Pub. L. 96–605, title II, §226(b), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3530, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1980."

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–222 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if it had been included in the provisions of the Revenue Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–600, to which such amendment relates, see section 201 of Pub. L. 96–222, set out as a note under section 32 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–600, title I, §134(c), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2785, as amended by Pub. L. 96–222, title I, §101(a)(6)(B), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 197, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1978."

Savings Provision

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.

Temporary Special Rules for Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements

Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title II, §214, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3068, provided that:

"(a) Carryover From 2020 Plan Year.—For plan years ending in 2020, a plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement or dependent care flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement permits participants to carry over (under rules similar to the rules applicable to health flexible spending arrangements) any unused benefits or contributions remaining in any such flexible spending arrangement from such plan year to the plan year ending in 2021.

"(b) Carryover From 2021 Plan Year.—For plan years ending in 2021, a plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement or dependent care flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement permits participants to carry over (under rules similar to the rules applicable to health flexible spending arrangements) any unused benefits or contributions remaining in any such flexible spending arrangement from such plan year to the plan year ending in 2022.

"(c) Extension of Grace Periods, etc.—

"(1) In general.—A plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement or dependent care flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement extends the grace period for a plan year ending in 2020 or 2021 to 12 months after the end of such plan year, with respect to unused benefits or contributions remaining in a health flexible spending arrangement or a dependent care flexible spending arrangement.

"(2) Post-termination reimbursements from health FSAs.—A plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement allows (under rules similar to the rules applicable to dependent care flexible spending arrangements) an employee who ceases participation in the plan during calendar year 2020 or 2021 to continue to receive reimbursements from unused benefits or contributions through the end of the plan year in which such participation ceased (including any grace period, taking into account any modification of a grace period permitted under paragraph (1)).

"(d) Special Carry Forward Rule for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements Where Dependent Aged Out During Pandemic.—

"(1) In general.—In the case of any eligible employee, section 21(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied by substituting 'age 14' for 'age 13' for purposes of determining the dependent care assistance which may be paid or reimbursed with respect to such employee under the dependent care flexible spending arrangement referred to in paragraph (3)(A) with respect to such employee during—

"(A) the plan year described in paragraph (3)(A), and

"(B) in the case of an employee described in paragraph (3)(B)(ii), the subsequent plan year.

"(2) Application to subsequent plan year limited to unused balance from preceding plan year.—Paragraph (1)(B) shall only apply to so much of the amounts paid for dependent care assistance with respect to the dependents referred to in paragraph (3)(B) as does not exceed the unused balance described in paragraph (3)(B)(ii).

"(3) Eligible employee.—For purposes of this section, the term 'eligible employee' means any employee who—

"(A) is enrolled in a dependent care flexible spending arrangement for the last plan year with respect to which the end of the regular enrollment period for such plan year was on or before January 31, 2020, and

"(B) has one or more dependents (as defined in section 152(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) who attain the age of 13—

"(i) during such plan year, or

"(ii) in the case of an employee who (after the application of this section) has an unused balance in the employee's account under such arrangement for such plan year (determined as of the close of the last day on which, under the terms of the plan, claims for reimbursement may be made with respect to such plan year), the subsequent plan year.

"(e) Change in Election Amount.—For plan years ending in 2021, a plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement or dependent care flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement allows an employee to make an election to modify prospectively the amount (but not in excess of any applicable dollar limitation) of such employee's contributions to any such flexible spending arrangement (without regard to any change in status).

"(f) Definitions.—Any term used in this section which is also used in section 106, 125, or 129 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the regulations or guidance thereunder, shall have the same meaning as when used in such section, regulations, or guidance.

"(g) Plan Amendments.—A plan that includes a health flexible spending arrangement or dependent care flexible spending arrangement shall not fail to be treated as a cafeteria plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 merely because such plan or arrangement is amended pursuant to a provision under this section and such amendment is retroactive, if—

"(1) such amendment is adopted not later than the last day of the first calendar year beginning after the end of the plan year in which the amendment is effective, and

"(2) the plan or arrangement is operated consistent with the terms of such amendment during the period beginning on the effective date of the amendment and ending on the date the amendment is adopted."

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

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

Treatment of Pre-1989 Elections for Dependent Care Assistance Under Cafeteria Plans

Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6063, Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3700, provided that: "For purposes of section 125 of the 1986 Code, a plan shall not be treated as failing to be a cafeteria plan solely because under the plan a participant elected before January 1, 1989, to receive reimbursement under the plan for dependent care assistance for periods after December 31, 1988, and such assistance is includible in gross income under the provisions of the Family Support Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–485, see Tables for classification]."

For provision that for purposes of section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a plan shall not be treated as failing to be a cafeteria plan solely because under the plan a participant elected before January 1, 1988, to receive reimbursement under the plan for dependent care assistance for periods after December 31, 1987, and such assistance included reimbursement for expenses at a camp where the dependent stays overnight, see section 10101(b)(2) of Pub. L. 100–203, as added by Pub. L. 100–647, set out as an Effective Date of 1987 Amendment note under section 21 of this title.

Exception for Certain Cafeteria Plans and Benefits

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title V, §531(b)(5), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 883, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, §1853(b)(2), (3), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2870, 2871, provided that:

"(A) General transitional rule.—Any cafeteria plan in existence on February 10, 1984, which failed as of such date and continued to fail thereafter to satisfy the rules relating to section 125 under proposed Treasury regulations, and any benefit offered under such a cafeteria plan which failed as of such date and continued to fail thereafter to satisfy the rules of section 105, 106, 120, or 129 under proposed Treasury regulations, will not fail to be a cafeteria plan under section 125 or a nontaxable benefit under section 105, 106, 120, or 129 solely because of such failures. The preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to cafeteria plans and benefits provided under cafeteria plans before the earlier of—

"(i) January 1, 1985, or

"(ii) the effective date of any modification to provide additional benefits after February 10, 1984.

"(B) Special transition rule for advance election benefit banks.—Any benefit offered under a cafeteria plan in existence on February 10, 1984, which failed as of such date and continued to fail thereafter to satisfy the rules of section 105, 106, 120, or 129 under proposed Treasury regulations because an employee was assured of receiving (in cash or any other benefit) amounts available but unused for covered reimbursement during the year without regard to whether he incurred covered expenses, will not fail to be a nontaxable benefit under such applicable section solely because of such failure. The preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to benefits provided under cafeteria plans before the earlier of—

"(i) July 1, 1985, or

"(ii) the effective date of any modification to provide additional benefits after February 10, 1984.

Except as provided in Treasury regulations, the special transition rule is available only for benefits with respect to which, after December 31, 1984, contributions are fixed before the period of coverage and taxable cash is not available until the end of such period of coverage.

"(C) Plans for which substantial implementation costs were incurred.—For purposes of this paragraph, any plan with respect to which substantial implementation costs had been incurred before February 10, 1984, shall be treated as in existence on February 10, 1984.

"(D) Collective bargaining agreements.—In the case of any cafeteria plan in existence on February 10, 1984, and maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers, the date on which the last of such collective bargaining agreements terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof agreed to after July 18, 1984) shall be substituted for 'January 1, 1985' in subparagraph (A) and for 'July 1, 1985' in subparagraph (B). For purposes of the preceding sentence, any plan amendment made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement added by this section (or any requirement in the regulations under section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] proposed on May 6, 1984) shall not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining agreement.

"(E) Special rule where contributions or reimbursements suspended.—For purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B), a plan shall not be treated as not continuing to fail to satisfy the rules referred to in such subparagraphs with respect to any benefit provided in the form of a flexible spending arrangement merely because contributions or reimbursements (or both) with respect to such plan were suspended before January 1, 1985."