98-34359. General Revision of Regulations Relating to Withholding of Tax on Certain U.S. Source Income Paid to Foreign Persons and Related Collection, Refunds, and Credits; Revision of Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Regulations; and ...  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 251 (Thursday, December 31, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 72183-72189]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-34359]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
    
    Internal Revenue Service
    
    26 CFR Parts 1, 31, 35a, and 301
    
    [TD 8804]
    RIN 1545-AW39
    
    
    General Revision of Regulations Relating to Withholding of Tax on 
    Certain U.S. Source Income Paid to Foreign Persons and Related 
    Collection, Refunds, and Credits; Revision of Information Reporting and 
    Backup Withholding Regulations; and Removal of Regulations Under Parts 
    1 and 35a and of Certain Regulations Under Income Tax Treaties
    
    AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; delay of effective date, technical amendments, and 
    partial withdrawal.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This document contains changes delaying the effective date and 
    making technical amendments to final regulations (TD 8734), which were 
    published in the Federal Register for October 14, 1997, relating to the 
    withholding of income tax on certain U.S. source income payments to 
    foreign persons. The Department of the Treasury and the IRS believe it 
    is in the best interest of tax administration to extend the effective 
    date of the final withholding regulations to ensure that both taxpayers 
    and the government can complete changes necessary to implement the new 
    withholding regime. As extended by this document, the final withholding 
    regulations will apply to payments made after December 31, 1999. This 
    document also withdraws two amendments which have already been dealt 
    with in TD 8772, which was published in the Federal Register for June 
    30, 1998.
    
    DATES: Effective Dates: The amendments in this final rule are effective 
    January 1, 2000. As of December 31, 1998, the effective date of the 
    final regulations published at 62 FR 53387, October 14, 1997, is 
    delayed from January 1, 1999, until January 1, 2000; however, the 
    effective date of the addition of Sec. 31.9999-0 and Sec. 35a.9999-0 
    and the removal of Sec. 35a.9999-0T remains October 14, 1997.
        Withdrawal: Effective December 31, 1998, the amendments removing 
    Secs. 1.6045-1T and 1.6045-2T published at 62 FR 53387, October 14, 
    1997, are withdrawn.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lilo Hester, (202) 622-3840 (not a 
    toll-free number).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The final regulations that are the subject of this amendment 
    provide guidance under sections 1441, 1442, and 1443 of the Internal 
    Revenue Code (Code) on certain U.S. source income paid to foreign 
    persons, the related tax deposit and reporting requirements under 
    section 1461 of the Code, and the related changes under sections 
    163(f), 165(j), 871, 881, 1462, 1463, 3401, 3406, 6041, 6041A, 6042, 
    6045, 6049, 6050A, 6050N, 6109, 6114, 6402, 6413, and 6724 of the Code.
    
    Need for Changes
    
        On April 13, 1998, in Notice 98-16 (1998-15 I.R.B. 12), the IRS and 
    Treasury announced their decision to extend the effective date of the 
    final regulations, and to make correlative changes to the transition 
    rules for obtaining new withholding certificates and statements 
    containing the necessary information and representations required by 
    the final regulations. As published in the Federal Register on October 
    14, 1997 (62 FR 53387), the final regulations were generally applicable 
    to payments made after December 31, 1998, and generally granted 
    withholding agents until after December 31, 1999, to obtain the new 
    withholding certificates and statements required under those 
    regulations. This amendment serves to make the final regulations 
    applicable to payments made after December 31, 1999, and to require 
    mandatory use of the new withholding certificates and statements after 
    December 31, 2000. In addition, this amendment serves to address 
    typographical errors, and to withdraw the removal of Secs. 1.6045-1T 
    and 1.6045-2T since those sections were already removed on June 30, 
    1998, in TD 8772 (63 FR 35517).
    
    Special Analyses
    
        It has been determined that this Treasury decision is not a 
    significant regulatory action as defined in EO 12866. Therefore, a 
    regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that 
    section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) 
    does not apply to these regulations. Finally, it has been determined 
    that the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply 
    to these regulations because the regulations do not impose a collection 
    of information on small entities. Pursuant to 7805(f) of the Code, the 
    notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations (61 FR 17614) 
    was submitted to the Small
    
    [[Page 72184]]
    
    Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    26 CFR Part 1
    
        Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    26 CFR Part 31
    
        Employment taxes, Income taxes, Penalties, Pensions, Railroad 
    retirement, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Social security, 
    Unemployment compensation.
    
    26 CFR Part 35a
    
        Employment taxes, Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
    26 CFR Part 301
    
        Employment taxes, Estate taxes, Excise taxes, Gift taxes, Income 
    taxes, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
        Accordingly, under the authority of 26 U.S.C. 7805, 26 CFR parts 1, 
    31, 35a, and 301 are amended by making the following correcting 
    amendments:
    
    PART 1--INCOME TAXES
    
        Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in 
    part as follows:
    
        Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
    
        Par. 2. In Sec. 1.871-14, paragraph (h) is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.871-14  Rules relating to repeal of tax on interest of 
    nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations received from 
    certain portfolio debt investments.
    
    * * * * *
        (h) Effective date--(1) In general. This section shall apply to 
    payments of interest made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rule. For purposes of this section, the validity of 
    a Form W-8 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised 
    April 1, 1998) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is 
    extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form W-8 that is 
    valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity 
    expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 
    26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until 
    December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (h)(2), however, does not 
    apply to extend the validity period of a Form W-8 that expires solely 
    by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is 
    on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (h)(2), a withholding agent or payor may choose to not take 
    advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (h)(2) with respect 
    to one or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised 
    April 1, 1998) and, therefore, may choose to obtain withholding 
    certificates conforming to the requirements described in this section 
    (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new 
    withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation 
    requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 
    (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new 
    withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is 
    obtained.
        Par. 3. In Sec. 1.1441-1 as revised at 62 FR 53424, paragraph (f) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-1  Requirement for the deduction and withholding of tax on 
    payments to foreign persons.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) Effective date--(1) In general. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules--(i) Special rules for existing documentation. 
    For purposes of paragraphs (d)(3) and (e)(2)(i) of this section, the 
    validity of a withholding certificate (namely, Form W-8, 8233, 1001, 
    4224, or 1078 , or a statement described in Sec. 1.1441-5 in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see Sec. 1.1441-5 as contained in 26 CFR part 
    1, revised April 1, 1998)) that was valid on January 1, 1998 under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will expire, at any time 
    during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a 
    withholding certificate that is valid on or after January 1, 1999, 
    remains valid until its validity expires under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised 
    April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. The rule in 
    this paragraph (f)(2)(i), however, does not apply to extend the 
    validity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by 
    reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on 
    the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (f)(2)(i), a withholding agent may choose to not take 
    advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (f)(2)(i) with 
    respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) and, therefore, to require withholding 
    certificates conforming to the requirements described in this section 
    (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new 
    withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation 
    requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 
    (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new 
    withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section, regardless of when the 
    certificate is obtained.
        (ii) Lack of documentation for past years. A taxpayer may elect to 
    apply the provisions of paragraphs (b)(7)(i)(B), (ii), and (iii) of 
    this section, dealing with liability for failure to obtain 
    documentation timely, to all of its open tax years, including tax years 
    that are currently under examination by the IRS. The election is made 
    by simply taking action under those provisions in the same manner as 
    the taxpayer would take action for payments made after December 31, 
    1999.
        Par. 4. In Sec. 1.1441-4 as amended at 62 FR 53450, paragraph (g) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-4  Exemptions from withholding for certain effectively 
    connected income and other amounts.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Effective date--(1) General rule. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. The validity of a Form 4224 or 8233 that was 
    valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to 
    January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, 
    or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 
    1998. The validity of a Form 4224 or 8233 that is valid on or after 
    January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, 
    revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. The 
    rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend the 
    validity period of a Form 4224 or 8223 that expires solely by reason of 
    changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the 
    certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (g)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage 
    of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or 
    more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) 
    and, therefore, to
    
    [[Page 72185]]
    
    require withholding certificates conforming to the requirements 
    described in this section (new withholding certificates). For purposes 
    of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the 
    documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to 
    January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a 
    new withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is 
    obtained.
        Par. 5. In Sec. 1.1441-5 as revised at 62 FR 53452, paragraph (g) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-5  Withholding on payments to partnerships, trusts, and 
    estates.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Effective date--(1) General rule. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. The validity of a withholding certificate 
    that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 
    1998) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended 
    until December 31, 1998. The validity of a withholding certificate that 
    is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity 
    expires under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 
    26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until 
    December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not 
    apply to extend the validity period of a withholding certificate that 
    expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person 
    whose name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three 
    sentences of this paragraph (g)(2), a withholding agent may choose to 
    not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with 
    respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) and, therefore, to require withholding 
    certificates conforming to the requirements described in this section 
    (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new 
    withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation 
    requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 
    (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new 
    withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is 
    obtained.
        Par. 6. In Sec. 1.1441-6 as revised at 62 FR 53458, paragraph (g) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-6  Claim of reduced withholding under an income tax treaty.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Effective date--(1) General rule. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of 
    a Form 1001 or 8233 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will expire, at any time 
    during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. The validity of a 
    Form 1001 or 8233 is valid on or after January 1, 1999, remains valid 
    until its validity expires under the regulations in effect prior to 
    January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, 
    if earlier, until December 31, 2000. The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), 
    however, does not apply to extend the validity period of a Form 1001 or 
    8233 that expires solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of 
    the person whose name is on the certificate or in interpretation of the 
    law under the regulations under Sec. 1.894-1T(d). Notwithstanding the 
    first three sentences of this paragraph (g)(2), a withholding agent may 
    choose to not take advantage of the transition rule in this paragraph 
    (g)(2) with respect to one or more withholding certificates valid under 
    the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 
    and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) and, therefore, to require withholding 
    certificates conforming to the requirements described in this section 
    (new withholding certificates). For purposes of this section, a new 
    withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation 
    requirement under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 
    (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new 
    withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is 
    obtained.
        Par. 7. In Sec. 1.1441-8 as redesignated and amended at 62 FR 
    53464, paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-8  Exemption from withholding for payments to foreign 
    governments, international organizations, foreign central banks of 
    issue, and the Bank for International Settlements.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) Effective date--(1) In general. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of 
    a Form 8709 that was valid on January 1, 1998, under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 
    1998) and expired, or will expire, at any time during 1998, is extended 
    until December 31, 1998. The validity of a Form 8709 that is valid on 
    or after January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires 
    under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR 
    part 1, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. 
    The rule in this paragraph (f)(2), however, does not apply to extend 
    the validity period of a Form 8709 that expires solely by reason of 
    changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on the 
    certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (f)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage 
    of the transition rule in this paragraph (f)(2) with respect to one or 
    more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) 
    and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to the 
    requirements described in this section (new withholding certificates). 
    For purposes of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed 
    to satisfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 
    1998). Further, a new withholding certificate remains valid for the 
    period specified in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the 
    certificate is obtained.
        Par. 8. In Sec. 1.1441-9, paragraph (d) is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1441-9  Exemption from withholding on exempt income of a foreign 
    tax-exempt organization, including foreign private foundations.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) Effective date--(1) In general. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of 
    a Form W-8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that was valid on January 1, 
    1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 
    CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will 
    expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. 
    The validity of a Form W-8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that is valid 
    on or after January 1, 1999 remains valid until its validity expires 
    under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR 
    parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1,
    
    [[Page 72186]]
    
    1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. The rule in this 
    paragraph (d)(2), however, does not apply to extend the validity period 
    of a Form W-8, 1001, or 4224 or a statement that expires solely by 
    reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on 
    the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (d)(2), a withholding agent may choose to not take advantage 
    of the transition rule in this paragraph (d)(2) with respect to one or 
    more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 
    1998) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to 
    the requirements described in this section (new withholding 
    certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding 
    certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under 
    the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 
    and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new withholding certificate 
    remains valid for the period specified in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), 
    regardless of when the certificate is obtained.
        Par. 9. In Sec. 1.1443-1 as revised at 62 FR 53466, paragraph (c) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.1443-1  Foreign tax-exempt organizations.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Effective date--(1) In general. This section applies to 
    payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. For purposes of this section, the validity of 
    an affidavit or opinion of counsel described in Sec. 1.1443-1(b)(4)(i) 
    in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see Sec. 1.1443-1(b)(4)(i) as 
    contained in 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) that is valid on 
    December 31, 1998 is extended until December 31, 2000. However, a 
    withholding agent may choose to not take advantage of the transition 
    rule in this paragraph (c)(2) with respect to one or more withholding 
    certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 
    2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) and, therefore, to 
    require withholding certificates conforming to the requirements 
    described in this section (new withholding certificates). For purposes 
    of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed to satisfy the 
    documentation requirement under the regulations in effect prior to 
    January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a 
    new withholding certificate remains valid for the period specified in 
    Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when the certificate is 
    obtained.
    
    
    Sec. 1.6041-3  [Amended]
    
        Par. 10. Section 1.6041-3 as amended at 62 FR 53472 is further 
    amended by removing the last sentence of the introductory text.
        Par. 11. In Sec. 1.6042-3 as amended at 62 FR 53475, paragraph 
    (b)(5) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.6042-3  Dividends subject to reporting.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (5) Effective date--(i) General rule. The provisions of this 
    paragraph (b) apply to payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (ii) Transition rules. The validity of a withholding certificate 
    (namely, Form W-8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to 
    rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 
    1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 
    26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will 
    expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. 
    The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after 
    January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. 
    The rule in this paragraph (b)(5)(ii), however, does not apply to 
    extend the validity period of a withholding certificate that expires 
    solely by reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose 
    name is on the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences 
    of this paragraph (b)(5)(ii), a payor may choose not to take advantage 
    of the transition rule in this paragraph (b)(5)(ii) with respect to one 
    or more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 
    1998) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to 
    the requirements described in this section (new withholding 
    certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding 
    certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under 
    the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 
    and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new withholding certificate 
    remains valid for the period specified in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), 
    regardless of when the certificate is obtained.
        Par. 12. In Sec. 1.6045-1 as amended at 62 FR 53476, paragraph 
    (g)(5) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.6045-1  Returns of information of brokers and barter exchanges.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) * * *
        (5) Effective date--(i) General rule. The provisions of this 
    paragraph (g) apply to payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (ii) Transition rules. The validity of a withholding certificate 
    (namely, Form W-8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to 
    rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 
    1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 
    26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will 
    expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. 
    The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after 
    January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. 
    The rule in this paragraph (g)(5)(ii), however, does not apply to 
    extend the validity period of a form that expires in 1998 solely by 
    reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on 
    the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (g)(5)(ii), a payor may choose not to take advantage of the 
    transition rule in this paragraph (g)(5)(ii) with respect to one or 
    more withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect 
    prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 
    1998) and, therefore, to require withholding certificates conforming to 
    the requirements described in this section (new withholding 
    certificates). For purposes of this section, a new withholding 
    certificate is deemed to satisfy the documentation requirement under 
    the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 
    and 35a, revised April 1, 1998). Further, a new withholding certificate 
    remains valid for the period specified in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), 
    regardless of when the certificate is obtained.
        Par. 13. Effective December 31, 1999, the amendments removing 
    Secs. 1.6045-1T and 1.6045-2T, published at 62 FR 53480, are withdrawn.
        Par. 14. In Sec. 1.6049-5 as amended at 62 FR 53483, paragraph (g) 
    is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.6049-5  Interest and original issue discount subject to 
    reporting after December 31, 1982.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Effective date--(1) General rule. The provisions of paragraphs 
    (b)(6) through (15), (c), (d), and (e) of this
    
    [[Page 72187]]
    
    section apply to payments made after December 31, 1999.
        (2) Transition rules. The validity of a withholding certificate 
    (namely, Form W-8 or other form upon which the payor is permitted to 
    rely to hold the payee as a foreign person) that was valid on January 
    1, 1998, under the regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 
    26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) and expired, or will 
    expire, at any time during 1998, is extended until December 31, 1998. 
    The validity of a withholding certificate that is valid on or after 
    January 1, 1999, remains valid until its validity expires under the 
    regulations in effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 
    35a, revised April 1, 1998) or, if earlier, until December 31, 2000. 
    The rule in this paragraph (g)(2), however, does not apply to extend 
    the validity period of a withholding certificate that expires solely by 
    reason of changes in the circumstances of the person whose name is on 
    the certificate. Notwithstanding the first three sentences of this 
    paragraph (g)(2), a payor may choose not to take advantage of the 
    transition rule in this paragraph (g)(2) with respect to one or more 
    withholding certificates valid under the regulations in effect prior to 
    January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised April 1, 1998) 
    and, therefore, may require withholding certificates conforming to the 
    requirements described in this section (new withholding certificates). 
    For purposes of this section, a new withholding certificate is deemed 
    to satisfy the documentation requirement under the regulations in 
    effect prior to January 1, 2000 (see 26 CFR parts 1 and 35a, revised 
    April 1, 1998). Further, a new withholding certificate remains valid 
    for the period specified in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii), regardless of when 
    the certificate is obtained.
    
    PARTS 1, 31, 35a, and 301 [AMENDED]
    
        Par. 15. In the list below, for each section indicated in the left 
    column (which was added, revised, or amended at 62 FR 53387), remove 
    the language in the middle column and add the language in the right 
    column:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Section                   Remove                  Add
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.871-14(c)(2)(iii).........  1.1441-1(c)(3)(ii)..  1.1441-1(e)(3)(ii).
    1.871-14(c)(3)(ii), Example,  October 12, 1999....  October 12, 2000.
     first and sixth sentences.
    1.871-14(c)(3)(ii), Example,  December 31, 1999...  December 31, 2000.
     sixth sentence.
    1.871-14(c)(3)(ii), Example,  June 15, 2003.......  June 15, 2004.
     sixth and seventh sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(2)(iii)(B),       Savings clause......  Saving clause.
     fifth sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv)(E),        Actually maintain...  Actually maintains.
     second sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(3)(iii)(B),       That cannot reliably  Cannot reliably.
     first sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(3)(iii)(C), last  1.1441-4(e).........  1.1441-4(d).
     sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(3)(x), Example    W s.................  W's.
     1, seventh and ninth
     sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(3)(x), Example    W s.................  W's.
     2, sixth and seventh
     sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(3)(x), Example    X, nc...............  X, Inc.
     3, third sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(4)(i), first      1.871-7(b)(2)(i)....  1.871-7(b)(2).
     sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(4)(xix).........  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    1.1441-1(b)(4)(xix).........  April 1, 1997.......  April 1, 1998.
    1.1441-1(b)(5)(viii)........  I.R.B. 1996-49......  1996-2 C.B. 227.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    June 15, 1999.......  June 15, 2000.
     1, first, fourth, and
     eighth sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    September 30, 2001..  September 30, 2002.
     1, third and ninth
     sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    March 15, 2000......  March 15, 2001.
     1, ninth sentence.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    June 15, 1999.......  June 15, 2000.
     2, first, fourth, and
     seventh sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    September 30, 2001..  September 30, 2002.
     2, third and seventh
     sentences.
    1.1441-1(b)(7)(v), Example    March 15, 2000......  March 15, 2001.
     2, seventh and ninth
     sentences.
    1.1441-1(c)(6)(ii)(B).......  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    1.1441-1(c)(6)(ii)(B).......  April 1, 1997.......  April 1, 1998.
    1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii)(A).......  September 30, 1999..  September 30, 2000.
    1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii)(A).......  December 31, 2002...  December 31, 2003.
    1.1441-1(e)(4)(vi), sixth     Provided the          Provided on the
     sentence.                     acceptable.           acceptable.
    1.1441-1(e)(4)(ix)(A)(2),     Sec.  31.3406(c)1(c)  Sec.  31.3406(c)-1(c
     second sentence.              (3)(ii).              )(3)(ii).
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(i),            Reportable payments.  Reportable amounts.
     penultimate sentence.
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(v)(A), third   The intermediary....  The qualified
     sentence.                                           intermediary.
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(v)(A), fourth  The intermediary to.  The qualified
     sentence.                                           intermediary to.
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(v)(B),         Paragraph (b)(3)(vi)  Paragraph
     introductory text, third                            (e)(3)(vi).
     sentence.
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(v)(B)(1),      Withholding agent...  Qualified
     second sentence.                                    intermediary.
    1.1441-1(e)(5)(v)(C), first   The intermediary....  The qualified
     sentence.                                           intermediary.
    1.1441-2(a), last sentence..  871(h)(5)(B)........  871(h)(5)(B) or a
                                                         member of a
                                                         clearing
                                                         organization which
                                                         member is the
                                                         beneficial owner of
                                                         the obligation.
    1.1441-2(b)(1)(ii), fifth     Someone's...........  Someone's.
     sentence.
    1.1441-2(b)(3)(iv)..........  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1441-2(f).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1441-3(h).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    
    [[Page 72188]]
    
     
    1.1441-4(a)(2)(i), second     United States.......  United States and is
     sentence.                                           includable in the
                                                         beneficial owner's
                                                         gross income for
                                                         the taxable year.
    1.1441-5(a)(6), second        Withholding           Withholding foreign
     sentence.                     partnership.          partnership.
    1.1441-5(c)(2)(ii)(B), sixth  Qualified             Withholding foreign
     sentence.                     intermediary.         partnership.
    1.1441-5(c)(2)(ii)(B), sixth  Customers...........  Partners.
     sentence.
    1.1441-5(c)(3)(iii)(D)......  That the partners...  That the amounts
                                                         allocable to the
                                                         partners.
    1.1441-5(d)(4), Example 2,    Depending of........  Depending on.
     second sentence.
    1.1441-6(b)(1), first         Sec.  1.1441-1(e)(1)  Sec.  1.1441-1(e)(1)
     sentence.                     (ii)(B).              (ii)(A)(2).
    1.1441-6(c)(2)(ii), first     Upon a certificate..  Upon receipt of a
     sentence.                                           certificate.
    1.1441-6(d), second sentence  Rate of tax.........  Rate of withholding.
    1.441-7(g)..................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1461-1(b)(2)(v)...........  Foreign partnership   Foreign partnership
                                   shall.                (whether or not a
                                                         withholding foreign
                                                         partnership) shall.
    1.1461-1(b)(2)(vi),           Banks, securities     Banks, or insurance
     paragraph heading.            dealers, or           companies.
                                   insurance companies.
    1.1461-1(c)(4)(iv), first     Certificate attached  Certificate or
     sentence.                     to the                documentary
                                   intermediary's or     evidence attached
                                   partnership           to the
                                   withholding           intermediary's or
                                   certificate that is   partnership
                                   from a qualified      withholding
                                   intermediary or a     certificate.
                                   withholding foreign
                                   partnership.
    1.1461-1(i).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1461-2(a)(1), third         An adjustment to....  A refund of.
     sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(3), first         Beneficial owner....  Beneficial owner or
     sentence.                                           payee.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example       December 1999.......  December 2000.
     1(i), second sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example       February 10, 2000...  February 10, 2001.
     1(i), third sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example       1999................  2000.
     1(ii), first, second, and
     last sentences.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example       March 15, 2000......  March 15, 2001.
     1(ii), first sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example       2000................  2001.
     1(ii), third sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 2,    2000................  2001.
     second and last sentences.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 2,    June 2000...........  June 2001.
     second sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 2,    July 15, 2000.......  July 15, 2001.
     third sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 2,    1999................  2000.
     third sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 2,    March 15, 2001......  March 15, 2002.
     last sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 3,    February 15, 2000...  February 15, 2001.
     last sentence.
    1.1461-2(a)(4), Example 3,    March 15, 2000......  March 15, 2001.
     last sentence.
    1.1461-2(d).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1462-1(c).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1463-1(a), last sentence..  Sec.  1.1441-7(b)(7)  Sec.  1.1441-7(b).
    1.1463-1(b).................  December 31, 1989...  December 31, 1999.
    1.1464-1(b).................  Sec.  1.1461-4......  Sec.  1.1461-2.
    1.6041-4(d).................  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.6041A-1(d)(3)(i)(B), first  If payments made....  If payments are
     sentence.                                           made.
    1.6041A-1(d)(3)(iv),          Amount paid.........  Amounts paid.
     paragraph heading.
    1.6041A-1(d)(3)(v)..........  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.6043-2(a), first, second,   966.................  1099.
     and last sentences.
    1.6045-1(d)(6)(ii)(B).......  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.6045-1(g)(3)(iv), second    Example 7...........  Example 6.
     sentence.
    1.6045-1(g)(4), Example       Y s.................  Y's.
     7(ii), last sentence.
    1.6049-4(c)(1)(ii)(A),        Certificate meeting   Certificate stating
     second sentence.              the certification     that each member of
                                   requirements of       the partnership
                                   paragraphs            meets the
                                   (c)(2)(ii)(A) (1)     requirements of
                                   through (5) of this   paragraphs
                                   section.              (c)(1)(ii)(A)(1)
                                                         through (4) of this
                                                         section.
    1.6049-4(d)(3)(ii)(B).......  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    1.6049-5(b)(12), first        Returns of            Payments that.
     sentence.                     information are not
                                   required for
                                   payments that.
    1.6049-5(c)(4)(i), first      The payor may.......  The bank or other
     sentence.                                           financial
                                                         institution may.
    1.6049-5(c)(4)(ii), second    Then the financial    Then the bank or
     sentence.                     institution.          other financial
                                                         institution.
    1.6049-5(c)(4)(v)...........  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    1.6049-5(d)(2)(ii), second    Publicly traded.....  Actively traded.
     and last sentences.
    1.6049-5(d)(2)(ii), eighth    Is less than 31.....  Is equal to or less
     sentence.                                           than 31.
    1.6049-5(e)(1)(i),            The amount..........  An amount is
     introductory text.                                  described in this
                                                         paragraph (e)(1)(i)
                                                         if it.
    1.6049-5(e)(1)(ii)..........  The amount..........  An amount is
                                                         described in this
                                                         paragraph
                                                         (e)(1)(ii) if it.
    1.6049-5(e)(4), second        Specifically          Specifically
     sentence.                     identifies.           identify.
    1.6049-5(e)(5), Example 5,    Of is section.......  Of this section.
     last sentence.
    1.6049-5(e)(5), Example 9,    A holds.............  A holds.
     second sentence.
    1.6049-5(e)(5), Example 9,    Paid to a...........  Paid to A.
     third sentence.
    1.6049-5(e)(5), Example 9 ,   A's.................  A's.
     third sentence.
    1.6049-5(e)(5), Example 9,    To a by DB..........  To A by DB.
     last sentence.
    1.6050N-1(e), first sentence  Is applies to.......  Applies to.
    1.6050N-1(e), last sentence.  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    
    [[Page 72189]]
    
     
    31.3401(a)(6)-1(e),           January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
     paragraph heading.
    31.3401(a)(6)-1(e), first     January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
     sentence.
    31.3401(a)(6)-1(f),           December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     paragraph heading.
    31.3401(a)(6)-1(f), first     December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     sentence.
    31.3406(g)-1(e), first        December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     sentence.
    31.3406(h)-2(d), penultimate  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     sentence.
    31.9999-0...................  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    301.6114-1(b)(4)(ii)(C),      December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     introductory text.
    301.6114-1(b)(4)(ii)(D).....  December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
    301.6724-1(g)(2) Q-11.......  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    301.6724-1(g)(2) Q-11.......  April 1, 1997.......  April 1, 1998.
    301.6724-1(g)(2) A-11.......  January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
    301.6724-1(g)(2) A-11.......  April 1, 1997.......  April 1, 1998.
    301.6724-1(g)(3), first       December 31, 1998...  December 31, 1999.
     sentence.
    301.6724-1(g)(3), last        January 1, 1999.....  January 1, 2000.
     sentence in both places.
    301.6724-1(g)(3), last        April 1, 1997.......  April 1, 1998.
     sentence.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Robert E. Wenzel,
    Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
        Approved: December 7, 1998.
    Donald C. Lubick,
    Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
    [FR Doc. 98-34359 Filed 12-30-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4830-01-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
12/31/1998
Department:
Internal Revenue Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; delay of effective date, technical amendments, and partial withdrawal.
Document Number:
98-34359
Pages:
72183-72189 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
TD 8804
RINs:
1545-AW39
PDF File:
98-34359.pdf
CFR: (6)
26 CFR 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii)
26 CFR 1.871-14
26 CFR 1.1441-9
26 CFR 1.1443-1
26 CFR 1.6041-3
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