94-6088. Final Regulations Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; Limitations on Corporate Net Operating Loss Carryforwards  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 53 (Friday, March 18, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-6088]
    
    
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    [Federal Register: March 18, 1994]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
    26 CFR Part 1 and Part 602
    
    [TD 8531]
    RIN 1545-A054
    
     
    
    Final Regulations Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code 
    of 1986; Limitations on Corporate Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
    
    AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.
    
    ACTION: Final regulations.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This document contains final regulations under section 382 of 
    the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The final regulations provide rules 
    regarding the treatment of options in determining whether a loss 
    corporation has an ownership change, within the meaning of section 382. 
    These rules are necessary to enable a loss corporation to determine 
    whether it is subject to the annual limitation provided in section 382 
    on the use of certain losses.
    
    DATES: These regulations are effective November 5, 1992. For dates of 
    applicability of these regulations, see ``Effective date'' paragraph in 
    the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION portion of the preamble.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Annette M. Ahlers of the Office of 
    Assistant Chief Counsel (Corporate), Internal Revenue Service, 1111 
    Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224 (Attention: 
    CC:DOM:CORP:1), or telephone (202) 622-7750 (not a toll-free number).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        The collections of information contained in these final regulations 
    have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
    in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 
    3504(h)) under control number 1545-1120. The estimated annual burden 
    per respondent varies from .1 hour to .5 hour, depending on individual 
    circumstances, with an estimated average of .3 hour.
        Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and 
    suggestions for reducing the burden should be sent to the Internal 
    Revenue Service, Attention: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, PC:FP, 
    Washington, DC 20224, and to the Office of Management and Budget, 
    Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of 
    Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503.
    
    Background
    
        This document contains final regulations to be added to the Income 
    Tax Regulations (26 CFR part 1) under section 382 of the Internal 
    Revenue Code (Code). The final regulations provide rules regarding the 
    treatment of options in determining whether a loss corporation has an 
    ownership change within the meaning of that section.
        Proposed regulations on this subject were set forth in a notice of 
    proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on November 5, 
    1992. See 57 FR 52743. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) received 
    comments on the proposed regulations and held a public hearing on 
    February 2, 1993. Having considered the comments and the statements 
    made at the hearing, the IRS and the Treasury Department adopt the 
    proposed regulations as revised by this Treasury decision.
    
    Explanation of Provisions
    
        Section 382 of the Code limits the amount of income earned by a 
    corporation after an ownership change that can be offset by losses 
    incurred prior to the ownership change. In general, an ownership change 
    is an increase of more than 50 percentage points in stock ownership by 
    5-percent shareholders over a three-year period.
        Section 382(l)(3)(A) states that, except as provided in 
    regulations, an option to acquire stock is treated as exercised if the 
    deemed exercise would result in an ownership change. That section also 
    provides that a similar rule applies in the case of certain interests 
    that are similar to options. These rules are implemented by Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(4) of the temporary regulations.
        The IRS issued the proposed regulations in response to numerous 
    comments regarding the practical difficulties of applying the option 
    rules in the temporary regulations. The proposed regulations were 
    intended to reduce these practical difficulties by narrowing the scope 
    of the option rules and simplifying their application.
        The proposed regulations treat an option as exercised only if it is 
    issued or transferred for an abusive principal purpose. The proposed 
    regulations define an abusive principal purpose as a principal purpose 
    of manipulating the timing of an owner shift to avoid, or ameliorate 
    the impact of, an ownership change by one of two means. These two means 
    are (1) providing the holder of the option, prior to its exercise, with 
    a substantial portion of the attributes of ownership of the underlying 
    stock, and (2) facilitating the creation of income to absorb the loss 
    corporation's losses prior to the exercise of the option.
        The determination of whether an option is issued or transferred for 
    an abusive principal purpose is based on all relevant facts and 
    circumstances. The proposed regulations include a nonexclusive list of 
    factors that evidence an abusive principal purpose. One factor, for 
    example, is the receipt by the loss corporation of a capital 
    contribution (in exchange for stock or otherwise) in connection with 
    the issuance or transfer of an option.
        This Treasury Decision adopts the proposed regulations with several 
    revisions. The following discussion describes the principal differences 
    between the proposed and final regulations.
    
    A. The Ownership, Control, and Income Tests
    
        The final regulations treat an option as exercised if it satisfies 
    either an ownership test, a control test, or an income test.
        The ownership test is substantially the same as the first element 
    of the abusive principal purpose test of the proposed regulations. An 
    option satisfies the ownership test if a principal purpose of its 
    issuance, transfer, or structuring is to avoid or ameliorate the impact 
    of an ownership change by providing the holder of the option, prior to 
    its exercise or transfer, with a substantial portion of the attributes 
    of ownership of the underlying stock.
        The control test applies to an option held by a major shareholder 
    or used in connection with a major corporate acquisition. An actual or 
    constructive holder of more than 50 percent of a corporation's stock 
    can generally exercise significant influence over the corporation prior 
    to the exercise of the option. The rules of the proposed regulations, 
    however, may not adequately take into account the relationship between 
    a major shareholder or option holder and the loss corporation. In 
    particular, the attributes of ownership element of the abusive 
    principal purpose test of the proposed regulations focuses only on the 
    attributes of ownership of the stock covered by an option. It does not 
    take into account an option holder's influence over a corporation as a 
    result of owning other stock or options. In addition, the proposed 
    regulations imply (and, as described below, the final regulations 
    explicitly state) that the ability of the holder of an option with a 
    fixed exercise price to share in future appreciation of the underlying 
    stock is not, by itself, a substantial portion of the attributes of 
    ownership of the stock. However, the extent to which a fixed price 
    option transfers an economic interest in the loss corporation to an 
    option holder may be of particular concern when the option is held by a 
    major shareholder or is used in connection with a major corporate 
    acquisition.
        For the reasons described above, the final regulations adopt a 
    control test that applies to options held by major shareholders or used 
    in connection with major corporate acquisitions. An option satisfies 
    the control test if (1) a principal purpose of its issuance, transfer, 
    or structuring is to avoid or ameliorate the impact of an ownership 
    change, and (2) the holder of the option and any persons related to the 
    option holder have, in the aggregate, a direct and indirect ownership 
    interest in the loss corporation of more than 50 percent (determined as 
    if the increase in such persons' percentage ownership interest that 
    would result from the exercise of the option in question and any other 
    options to acquire stock held by such persons, and any other intended 
    increases in such persons' percentage ownership interest, actually 
    occurred on the date the option is issued or transferred).
        The control test will subject certain options to inquiry even if it 
    is unlikely that the option holder (or a related person) will actually 
    acquire (directly or indirectly) more than 50 percent of the stock of 
    the loss corporation. The control test is not satisfied, however, 
    unless a requisite purpose is present. For example, the control test 
    will apply to a contingent option to acquire more than 50 percent of 
    the stock of a loss corporation even though the option holder has no 
    other relationship to the corporation. Nevertheless, in such a 
    situation, the option would not be treated as exercised if it were not 
    issued with a principal purpose to avoid or ameliorate the impact of an 
    ownership change.
        The income test is substantially the same as the second element of 
    the abusive principal purpose test of the proposed regulations. An 
    option satisfies the income test if a principal purpose of its 
    issuance, transfer, or structuring is to avoid or ameliorate the impact 
    of an ownership change by facilitating the creation of income prior to 
    its exercise or transfer. The final regulations clarify that the 
    creation of income concept is a broad one, and refers not only to the 
    creation of income, but to the creation of any value (e.g., unrealized 
    built-in gains that would ameliorate the impact of an ownership 
    change), and also to the acceleration of income or the deferral of 
    deductions.
    
    B. Clarification of Principal Purpose Concept
    
        The proposed regulations treat an option as exercised if a 
    principal purpose of its issuance or transfer is abusive. Various forms 
    of this purpose standard are employed throughout the Code and 
    regulations. See, e.g., sections 306(b)(4) (``one of its principal 
    purposes''); 336(d)(2)(B) (``a principal purpose''); 453(e)(7) (``one 
    of its principal purposes''); 7872(c) (``1 of the principal 
    purposes''); 1.707-6(b) (``a principal purpose''); 1.1275-2T(g) (``a 
    principal purpose''); and 1.1504-4(g)(3)(iv)(B) (``a principal 
    purpose''). The IRS and the Treasury Department considered other 
    formulations of a purpose test in an effort to provide greater clarity 
    on the application of the test. No appropriate substitute was 
    identified. Accordingly, the final regulations retain the ``a principal 
    purpose'' standard, but clarify that the relevant inquiry under this 
    standard is not limited to the purposes for which an option is issued 
    or transferred. The inquiry also focuses on the purposes of structuring 
    the option, either alone or in combination with other arrangements. An 
    abusive purpose can be a principal purpose even when it is outweighed 
    by the non-tax reasons (taken together or separately) for the 
    occurrence or structure of a transaction.
    
    C. Elimination of Abuse Factors and Disclosure Requirement
    
        As noted above, the proposed regulations provide a nonexclusive 
    list of factors that evidence an abusive principal purpose. The 
    proposed regulations require a loss corporation to disclose certain 
    information to the IRS if it does not treat as exercised an option to 
    which one of the specific abuse factors applies.
        The IRS and the Treasury Department have determined that the 
    enforcement benefits that would be achieved by the disclosure 
    requirement do not justify the administrative burden it would impose on 
    taxpayers (in addition to the general disclosure requirement of the 
    temporary regulations; see Sec. 1.382-2T(a)(2)(ii)). Therefore, the 
    final regulations do not retain the disclosure requirement of the 
    proposed regulations. The accuracy-related penalty of section 6662 may 
    apply, however, if a substantial underpayment results from a position 
    that lacks substantial authority that is not adequately disclosed by 
    the taxpayer.
        Because the promulgation of specific abuse factors in the proposed 
    regulations related largely to the disclosure requirement, the final 
    regulations do not retain the specific abuse factors. The elimination 
    of the abuse factors also addresses commentators' concerns that these 
    factors could have been viewed as creating a presumption that an option 
    to which a factor applied was issued or transferred for an abusive 
    principal purpose.
        Instead of providing specific abuse factors that are evidence of an 
    abusive principal purpose, the final regulations merely identify a 
    series of factors that exemplify circumstances that may be probative 
    under the ownership, control, and income tests. The weight given to 
    these factors depends on the facts and circumstances. The presence or 
    absence of any of these factors does not create a presumption.
        Among the factors that are relevant in applying all three tests are 
    any business purposes for the issuance, transfer, or structure of an 
    option, the likelihood of exercise of the option (taking into account, 
    for example, any contingencies to its exercise), transactions related 
    to the issuance or transfer of the option, and the consequences of 
    treating the option as exercised. An option is not treated as exercised 
    under any of the tests, however, if a principal purpose of its 
    issuance, transfer, or structuring is to avoid an ownership change by 
    having it treated as exercised.
        The final regulations also provide examples of additional factors 
    that are taken into account in applying each of the separate tests. 
    Among the additional factors that are taken into account in applying 
    the ownership test are the relationship between the exercise price of 
    the option and the value of the underlying stock at the time of the 
    issuance or transfer of the option, whether the option provides its 
    holder with the right to participate in the management of the loss 
    corporation or with other rights that ordinarily would be afforded to 
    owners of the underlying stock, and the existence of reciprocal put and 
    call options. The ability of the holder of an option with a fixed 
    exercise price to share in future appreciation of the underlying stock 
    is also a relevant factor, but is not sufficient, by itself, for the 
    option to be treated as exercised. Conversely, the fact that the holder 
    of such an option does not bear the risk of loss due to declines in 
    value of the underlying stock does not preclude the option from 
    satisfying the ownership test.
        Among the additional factors that are taken into account in 
    applying the control test are the economic interests in the loss 
    corporation of the option holder or related persons and the influence 
    of those persons over the management of the loss corporation.
        Among the additional factors that are taken into account in 
    applying the income test are whether, in connection with the issuance 
    or transfer of the option, the loss corporation engages in income 
    acceleration transactions or the holder of the option or a related 
    person purchases stock from, or makes a capital contribution or loan 
    to, the loss corporation that can reasonably be expected to avoid or 
    ameliorate the impact of an ownership change. Examples of income 
    acceleration transactions are those outside the ordinary course of the 
    loss corporation's business that accelerate income or gain into the 
    period prior to the exercise of the option or defer deductions to the 
    period after the exercise of the option.
        Commentators on the proposed regulations asked for clarification of 
    the definition of ``capital contribution'' and guidance on the 
    relevance of capital contributions in determining whether an option is 
    treated as exercised. The final regulations address these comments in 
    two respects. First, as noted above, the final regulations eliminate 
    the abuse factors of the proposed regulations, including the factor 
    related to capital contributions. Therefore, although a capital 
    contribution or similar transaction made in connection with the 
    issuance or transfer of an option is relevant in applying the income 
    test, it cannot be viewed as giving rise to a presumption that the 
    option satisfies the test. In addition, the final regulations provide 
    further guidance regarding the relevance of a capital contribution or 
    similar transaction. The final regulations provide that a capital 
    contribution or similar transaction is more probative toward an option 
    satisfying the income test the larger the amount received by the loss 
    corporation in the transaction or related transactions. Further, such a 
    transaction is generally not taken into account in applying the income 
    test if it is made to enable the loss corporation to continue the basic 
    operations of its business for such purposes as meeting the monthly 
    payroll or funding other operating expenses.
    
    D. Safe Harbors
    
        In response to commentators' requests, the final regulations 
    provide several safe harbors. The safe harbors apply to (i) typical 
    contracts to acquire stock that are closed on a change date within one 
    year after they are entered into, (ii) options that are part of 
    security arrangements in typical lending transactions, (iii) certain 
    compensatory options, (iv) certain options exercisable only upon death, 
    disability, mental incompetency, or retirement, and (v) certain rights 
    of first refusal. In addition, the final regulations authorize the IRS 
    to promulgate additional safe harbors by publication in the Internal 
    Revenue Bulletin.
        An option to which a safe harbor applies is generally not subject 
    to the ownership, control, or income test. A contract to acquire stock, 
    however, is not exempted from the income test regardless of whether it 
    is described in the safe harbor applicable to contracts.
    
    E. Treatment of Options Related to Certain Bankruptcy Reorganizations
    
        Section 382(l)(5) provides rules that apply to ownership changes 
    that occur while the loss corporation is under the jurisdiction of a 
    court in a title 11 or similar case. A loss corporation that qualifies 
    for these special rules can use its pre-change losses, after certain 
    reductions, without regard to the annual limitation provided in section 
    382.
        Section 1.382-9(o) of the regulations provides that the option 
    attribution rules of the temporary regulations do not apply to certain 
    options that arise as part of a plan of reorganization in a title 11 or 
    similar case until the time that the plan becomes effective. This rule 
    clarifies the timing of any ownership change that results from the 
    plan. This Treasury decision amends Sec. 1.382-9(o) to provide that 
    neither the option attribution rules of the temporary regulations nor 
    the new rules of the final regulations apply prior to the time the plan 
    becomes effective.
        In general, the new option rules of the final regulations apply to 
    determine whether an ownership change occurs at the time the plan 
    becomes effective. As explained in Part F, below, however, a loss 
    corporation that is subject to a title 11 or similar case filed on or 
    before May 17, 1994 may elect to apply the option attribution rules of 
    the temporary regulations up to the time that the plan of 
    reorganization becomes effective.
        Section 1.382-9(e) of the regulations provides rules regarding the 
    treatment of options for purposes of determining eligibility for the 
    special rules of section 382(l)(5). The preamble of the proposed 
    regulations requested comments on the desirability of changes to the 
    rules of Sec. 1.382-9(e) in light of the option rules of the proposed 
    regulations. The IRS and the Treasury Department are considering the 
    comments received in response to this request.
    
    F. Effective Date
    
        The option rules of the proposed regulations were proposed to apply 
    on any testing date on or after November 5, 1992. Many commentators 
    asked that taxpayers be allowed to apply the new option rules 
    retroactively. These commentators observed that many of the options 
    that were treated as exercised under the temporary regulations (and 
    thus resulted in ownership changes) would not be treated as exercised 
    under the rules of the proposed regulations. Thus, if the same options 
    had been issued after the effective date of the proposed regulations, 
    they would not necessarily have caused an ownership change. The 
    commentators argued that the application of the section 382 limitation 
    should not depend on the timing of the issuance of certain options.
        The IRS and the Treasury Department have declined to allow 
    taxpayers to apply the new option rules retroactively because the 
    results of retroactive application of these rules would be 
    inappropriate. The results would be largely the same as if no option 
    attribution rules had been in effect prior to November 5, 1992, except 
    cases in which attribution favored the taxpayer. A taxpayer could argue 
    that the options in question could not have had an abusive principal 
    purpose because the temporary regulations treated an option as 
    exercised whenever an ownership change would result. Accordingly, a 
    taxpayer who had an ownership change under the prior rules could 
    reverse the ownership change by electing to apply the new rules 
    retroactively--an election the taxpayer would presumably make unless, 
    in retrospect, the application of the temporary regulations had proved 
    to be favorable.
        In light of the foregoing, the final regulations retain the general 
    effective date of the proposed regulations; the option rules of the 
    final regulations generally apply on testing dates on or after November 
    5, 1992.
        Although the option rules of the final regulations, and not those 
    of the temporary regulations, generally apply on testing dates on or 
    after November 5, 1992, the final regulations allow a loss corporation 
    to elect to apply the option rules of the temporary regulations for an 
    extended period. For most loss corporations, the election applies to 
    all testing dates that occur before May 17, 1994. If, however, the loss 
    corporation is subject to a title 11 or similar case filed on or before 
    May 17, 1994, the election applies to all testing dates on or before 
    the time the plan of reorganization becomes effective.
        The final regulations provide an exception to the general effective 
    date for the control test. The test generally does not apply to an 
    option issued on or before March 17, 1994, or issued within 60 days 
    after that date pursuant to a plan existing before that date. The 
    control test will apply to such an option, however, on testing dates on 
    or after the date of a transfer of the option that would itself cause 
    the option to satisfy the control test.
    
    Special Analyses
    
        It has been determined that this Treasury Decision is not a 
    significant regulatory action, as defined in Executive Order 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) and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 
    6) do not apply to these regulations, and, therefore, a Regulatory 
    Flexibility Analysis is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of 
    the Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations 
    was submitted to the Small Business Administration for comment on its 
    impact on small business.
    
    Drafting Information
    
        The principal author of these regulations is Annette M. Ahlers, 
    Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Corporate). However, other personnel 
    from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    26 CFR Part 1
    
        Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    26 CFR Part 602
    
        Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    Amendments to the Regulations
    
    PART 1--INCOME TAXES
    
        Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 602 are amended as follows:
        Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by 
    removing the current citations for Secs. 1.382-2, 1.382-4, and 1.382-9 
    and by adding the following citations to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 1.382-2 also issued 26 
    U.S.C. 382(k)(6)(B)(ii) and 26 U.S.C. 382(m). * * * Section 1.382-4 
    also issued under 26 U.S.C. 382(l)(3) and 382(m). * * * Section 
    1.382-9 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 382(l)(3) and (m). * * *
    
        Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805.
    
        Par. 2. Section 1.382-1 is amended as follows:
        1. Entries for Sec. 1.382-2, paragraphs (a)(3) through (b)(3) are 
    added.
        2. Entries for Sec. 1.382-2T are amended by:
        a. Revising the entry for paragraph (a)(2)(i).
        b. Adding an entry for paragraph (h)(4)(xiii).
        c. Removing the entry for paragraph (h)(4)(x)(Z).
        d. Adding entries for paragraphs (m)(4)(vi) and (m)(4)(vii).
        3. The entries for Sec. 1.382-4 are revised.
        4. The additions and revisions read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.382-1  Table of Contents.
    
    * * * * *
    
    Sec. 1.382-2  General rules for ownership change.
    
        (a) * * *
        (3) Stock.
        (i) In general. [Reserved]
        (ii) Convertible stock.
        (4) Testing date.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Exceptions.
        (b) Effective dates.
        (1) In general. [Reserved]
        (2) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Certain convertible preferred stock.
        (3) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    
    Sec. 1.382-2T  Definition of ownership change under section 382, as 
    amended by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (temporary).
    
        (a) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) Testing dates prior to November 5, 1992.
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (xiii) Effective date.
    * * * * *
        (m) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (vi) Rules provided in paragraph (h)(4) of this section.
        (vii) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
    * * * * *
    
    Sec. 1.382-4 Constructive ownership of stock.
    
        (a) In general. [Reserved]
        (b) Attribution from corporations, partnerships, estates and 
    trusts. [Reserved]
        (c) Attribution to corporations, partnerships, estates and 
    trusts. [Reserved]
        (d) Treatment of options as exercised.
        (1) General rule.
        (2) Options treated as exercised.
        (i) Issuance or transfer.
        (ii) Subsequent testing dates.
        (3) The ownership test.
        (4) The control test.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Operating rules.
        (A) Person and related persons.
        (B) Indirect ownership interest.
        (5) The income test.
        (6) Application of the ownership, control, and income tests.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Application of ownership test.
        (iii) Application of control test.
        (iv) Application of income test.
        (7) Safe harbors.
        (i) Contracts to acquire stock.
        (ii) Escrow, pledge, or other security agreements.
        (iii) Compensatory options.
        (iv) Options exercisable only upon death, disability, mental 
    incompetency or retirement.
        (v) Rights of first refusal.
        (vi) Options designated in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.
        (8) Additional rules.
        (i) Contracts to acquire stock.
        (ii) Indirect transfer of an option.
        (iii) Options related to interests in non-corporate entities.
        (iv) Puts.
        (9) Definition of option.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Convertible stock.
        (iii) Series of options.
        (iv) General principles of tax law.
        (10) Subsequent treatment of options treated as exercised on a 
    change date.
        (i) In general.
        (ii) Alternative look-back rule for options exercised within 3 
    years after change date.
        (11) Transfers not subject to deemed exercise.
        (12) Certain rules regarding non-stock interests as stock.
        (e) Stock transferred under certain agreements. [Reserved]
        (f) Family attribution. [Reserved]
        (g) Definitions.
        (h) Effective date.
        (1) In general. [Reserved]
        (2) Option attribution rules.
        (i) General rule.
        (ii) Special rule for control test.
        (iii) Convertible stock issued prior to July 20, 1988.
        (A) In general.
        (B) Exceptions.
        (1) Nonvoting convertible preferred stock.
        (2) Other convertible stock.
        (iv) Convertible stock issued on or after July 20, 1988, and 
    before November 5, 1992.
        (v) Certain options in existence immediately before and after an 
    ownership change.
        (vi) Election to apply Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4).
        (A) In general.
        (B) Additional consequences of election.
        (C) Time and manner of making the election.
        (D) Amended returns.
        (3) Special rule for options subject to attribution under 
    Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4).
    * * * * *
        Par. 3. Section 1.382-2 is amended as follows:
        1. By revising paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B).
        2. By adding paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), and (b).
        3. The revision and additions read as follows.
    
    
    Sec. 1.382-2  General rules for ownership change.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (B) For the taxable year that includes a testing date, as defined 
    in paragraph (a)(4) of this section or Sec. 1.382-2T(a)(2)(i), 
    whichever is applicable (determined for purposes of this paragraph 
    (a)(1) without regard to whether the corporation is a loss 
    corporation), has a net operating loss, a net capital loss, excess 
    foreign taxes under section 904(c), unused general business credits 
    under section 38, or an unused minimum tax credit under section 53, or
    * * * * *
        (3) Stock--(i) In general. [Reserved]
        (ii) Convertible stock. The term ``stock'' includes any convertible 
    stock. For rules regarding the treatment of certain convertible stock 
    as an option, see Sec. 1.382-4(d)(9)(ii).
        (4) Testing date--(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph 
    (a)(4)(ii) of this section, a loss corporation is required to determine 
    whether an ownership change has occurred immediately after any owner 
    shift, or issuance or transfer (including an issuance or transfer 
    described in Sec. 1.382-4(d)(8)(i) or (ii)) of an option with respect 
    to stock of the loss corporation that is treated as exercised under 
    Sec. 1.382-4(d)(2). Each date on which a loss corporation is required 
    to make a determination of whether an ownership change has occurred is 
    referred to as a testing date. All computations of increases in 
    percentage ownership are to be made as of the close of the testing date 
    and any transactions described in this paragraph (a)(4) that occur on 
    that date are treated as occurring simultaneously at the close of the 
    testing date. See Sec. 1.382-2T(e)(1) for the definition of owner 
    shift. The term option, as used in this paragraph (a)(4), includes 
    interests that are treated as options under Sec. 1.382-4(d)(9). For 
    rules regarding the determination of whether dates prior to November 5, 
    1992, are testing dates, see Sec. 1.382-2T(a)(2)(i).
        (ii) Exceptions. A loss corporation is not required to determine 
    whether an ownership change has occurred immediately after--
        (A) Any transfer of stock, or an option with respect to stock, of 
    the loss corporation in any of the circumstances described in section 
    382(l)(3)(B) (death, gift, divorce, etc.); or
        (B) The transfer of an option described in Sec. 1.382-4(d)(11)(i) 
    or (ii) (relating to transfers between persons who are not 5-percent 
    shareholders or between members of certain public groups).
        (b) Effective dates--(1) In general. [Reserved]
        (2) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section--(i) In 
    general. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, 
    the rules provided in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section apply with 
    respect to any convertible stock.
        (ii) Certain convertible preferred stock. Convertible stock that, 
    when issued, would be described in section 1504(a)(4) by disregarding 
    subparagraph (D) thereof and by ignoring the potential participation in 
    corporate growth that the conversion feature may offer is treated as 
    stock described in that section (and thus is not treated as stock for 
    the purpose of determining whether an ownership change occurs, but is 
    taken into account for the purpose of determining the value of the loss 
    corporation immediately before an ownership change; see sections 
    382(e)(1) and 382(k)(6)(A)) if--
        (A) The stock was issued on or after July 20, 1988, and prior to 
    November 5, 1992; or
        (B) The stock was issued prior to July 20, 1988, and the loss 
    corporation makes the election described in Notice 88-67, 1988-1 C.B. 
    555, (see Sec. 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b) of this chapter for availability of 
    Cumulative Bulletins (C.B.)) on or before the earlier of the date 
    prescribed in the Notice or December 7, 1992.
        (3) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. The rules 
    provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section apply to determine whether 
    dates on or after November 5, 1992, are testing dates.
        Par. 4. Section 1.382-2T is amended as follows:
        1. The paragraph heading for paragraph (a)(2)(i) is revised.
        2. A sentence is added at the end of paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B).
        3. Paragraph (f)(18)(iii) is amended by adding a sentence at the 
    end of the concluding text.
        4. Paragraph (h)(4)(x)(Z) is removed.
        5. Paragraph (h)(4)(xiii) is added.
        6. Paragraphs (m)(4)(vi) and (m)(4)(vii) are added.
        7. The revisions and additions read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.382-2T  Definition of ownership change under section 382, as 
    amended by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (temporary).
    
        (a) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) Testing dates prior to November 5, 1992.* * *
        (B) * * * See paragraph (m)(4)(vii) of this section for special 
    rules regarding the effective date of the provisions of this paragraph 
    (a)(2)(i).
    * * * * *
        (f) * * *
        (18) * * *
        (iii) Treating interests not constituting stock as stock. * * * See 
    Sec. 1.382-4(d)(12) for rules that apply with respect to options and 
    this paragraph (f)(18)(iii).
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (xiii) Effective date. See paragraph (m)(4)(vi) of this section for 
    special rules regarding the effective date of the provisions of this 
    paragraph (h)(4).
    * * * * *
        (m) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (vi) Rules provided in paragraph (h)(4) of this section. The rules 
    provided in paragraph (h)(4) of this section do not apply on any 
    testing date on or after November 5, 1992. The rule provided in 
    paragraph (h)(4)(viii) of this section applies to the lapse or 
    forfeiture of any option treated as exercised under paragraph (h)(4)(i) 
    of this section. If an option is treated as exercised under paragraph 
    (h)(4)(i) of this section, and the option is actually exercised on a 
    day that is within 120 days after the date on which the option is 
    treated as exercised, the rule provided in paragraph (h)(4)(vi)(B) of 
    this section applies (even if the actual exercise of the option occurs 
    on a date on which the rules of paragraph (h)(4) of this section would 
    not otherwise apply). Thus, in such a case, the loss corporation may 
    elect to treat paragraphs (h)(4)(i) and (vi)(A) of this section as not 
    applying to the option and take into account only the acquisition of 
    loss corporation stock resulting from the actual exercise of the 
    option.
        (vii) Rules provided in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. The 
    rules provided in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section apply to 
    determine whether dates prior to November 5, 1992, are testing dates. 
    For rules regarding the determination of whether dates on or after 
    November 5, 1992, are testing dates, see Sec. 1.382-2(a)(4).
    * * * * *
        Par. 5. Section 1.382-4 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 1.382-4 
    Constructive ownership of stock.
        (a) In general. [Reserved]
        (b) Attribution from corporations, partnerships, estates and 
    trusts. [Reserved]
        (c) Attribution to corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. 
    [Reserved]
        (d) Treatment of options as exercised--(1) General rule. Except as 
    provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, an option is not treated 
    as exercised under section 382(l)(3)(A).
        (2) Options treated as exercised--(i) Issuance or transfer. For 
    purposes of determining whether an ownership change occurs, an option 
    is treated as exercised on the date of its issuance or transfer if, on 
    that date, the option satisfies--
        (A) The ownership test of paragraph (d)(3) of this section,
        (B) The control test of paragraph (d)(4) of this section, or
        (C) The income test of paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
        (ii) Subsequent testing dates. Except as provided in paragraph 
    (d)(10) of this section, an option that is treated as exercised on the 
    date of its issuance or transfer is treated as exercised on any 
    subsequent testing date (as defined in Sec. 1.382-2(a)(4)) for purposes 
    of determining whether an ownership change occurs.
        (3) The ownership test. An option satisfies the ownership test if a 
    principal purpose of the issuance, transfer, or structuring of the 
    option (alone or in combination with other arrangements) is to avoid or 
    ameliorate the impact of an ownership change of the loss corporation by 
    providing the holder of the option, prior to its exercise or transfer, 
    with a substantial portion of the attributes of ownership of the 
    underlying stock.
        (4) The control test-- (i) In general. An option satisfies the 
    control test if--
        (A) A principal purpose of the issuance, transfer, or structuring 
    of the option (alone or in combination with other arrangements) is to 
    avoid or ameliorate the impact of an ownership change of the loss 
    corporation, and
        (B) The holder of the option and any persons related to the option 
    holder have, in the aggregate, a direct and indirect ownership interest 
    in the loss corporation of more than 50 percent (determined as if the 
    increase in such persons' percentage ownership interest that would 
    result from the exercise of the option in question and any other 
    options to acquire stock held by such persons, and any other intended 
    increases in such persons' percentage ownership interest, actually 
    occurred on the date the option is issued or transferred).
        (ii) Operating rules--(A) Person and related persons. For purposes 
    of this paragraph (d)(4)--
        (1) The term person includes an individual or entity, but not a 
    public group, as defined in Sec. 1.382-2T(f)(13), and
        (2) Persons are related if they bear a relationship specified in 
    section 267(b) or 707(b) or if they have a formal or informal 
    understanding among themselves to make a coordinated acquisition of 
    stock, within the meaning of Sec. 1.382-3(a)(1)(i).
        (B) Indirect ownership interest. The indirect ownership interest 
    that the holder of the option and any persons related to the holder 
    have in the loss corporation is determined by applying the constructive 
    ownership rules of Sec. 1.382-2T(h), other than Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(2)(i)(A) (which treats stock attributed pursuant to section 
    318(a)(2) as no longer being owned by the entity from which it is 
    attributed) and Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) (which treats options as exercised 
    in certain circumstances). If, however, the application of such 
    constructive ownership rules without regard to Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(2)(i)(A) would result in the same stock of the loss corporation 
    being owned by two or more such persons, appropriate adjustments must 
    be made so that such stock is not counted more than once in computing 
    the aggregate ownership interests of such persons.
        (5) The income test. An option satisfies the income test if a 
    principal purpose of the issuance, transfer, or structuring of the 
    option (alone or in combination with other arrangements) is to avoid or 
    ameliorate the impact of an ownership change of the loss corporation by 
    facilitating the creation of income (including accelerating income or 
    deferring deductions) or value (including unrealized built-in gains) 
    prior to the exercise or transfer of the option.
        (6) Application of the ownership, control, and income tests--(i) In 
    general. Whether an option satisfies the ownership, control, or income 
    test depends on all the relevant facts and circumstances. Among the 
    factors that are relevant in applying all three tests are any business 
    purposes for the issuance, transfer, or structure of the option, the 
    likelihood of exercise of the option (taking into account, for example, 
    any contingencies to its exercise), transactions related to the 
    issuance or transfer of the option, and the consequences of treating 
    the option as exercised.
        An option is not treated as exercised under any of the three tests, 
    however, if a principal purpose of its issuance, transfer, or 
    structuring is to avoid an ownership change by having it treated as 
    exercised. Paragraphs (d)(6) (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this section 
    describe additional examples of factors that are relevant in applying 
    each test. The weight given to any factor depends on all the facts and 
    circumstances. The presence or absence of any factor described in this 
    paragraph (d)(6) does not create a presumption.
        (ii) Application of ownership test. Among the additional factors 
    that are taken into account in applying the ownership test are the 
    relationship, at the time of issuance or transfer of the option, 
    between the exercise price of the option and the value of the 
    underlying stock, whether the option provides its holder or a related 
    person with the right to participate in the management of the loss 
    corporation or with other rights that ordinarily would be afforded to 
    owners of the underlying stock, and the existence of reciprocal options 
    (e.g., a call option held by the prospective purchaser and a 
    corresponding put option held by the prospective seller). The ability 
    of the holder of an option with a fixed exercise price to share in 
    future appreciation of the underlying stock is also a relevant factor, 
    but is not sufficient, by itself, for the option to satisfy the 
    ownership test. Conversely, the fact that the holder of such an option 
    does not bear the risk of loss due to declines in value of the 
    underlying stock does not preclude the option from satisfying the 
    ownership test.
        (iii) Application of control test. Among the additional factors 
    that are taken into account in applying the control test are the 
    economic interests in the loss corporation of the option holder or 
    related persons and the influence of those persons over the management 
    of the loss corporation (in either case, through the option or a 
    related arrangement, or through rights in stock).
        (iv) Application of income test. Among the additional factors that 
    are taken into account in applying the income test are whether, in 
    connection with the issuance or transfer of the option, the loss 
    corporation engages in income acceleration transactions or the holder 
    of the option or a related person purchases stock (including section 
    1504(a)(4) stock) from, or makes a capital contribution or loan to, the 
    loss corporation that can reasonably be expected to avoid or ameliorate 
    the impact of an ownership change. Examples of income acceleration 
    transactions are those outside the ordinary course of the loss 
    corporation's business that accelerate income or gain into the period 
    prior to the exercise of the option (or defer deductions to the period 
    after the exercise of the option). A stock purchase, capital 
    contribution, or loan is more probative toward an option satisfying the 
    income test the larger the amount received by the loss corporation in 
    the transaction or related transactions. A stock purchase, capital 
    contribution, or loan is generally not taken into account in applying 
    the income test if it is made to enable the loss corporation to 
    continue basic operations of its business (e.g., to meet the monthly 
    payroll or fund other operating expenses of the loss corporation).
        (7) Safe harbors. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this 
    section, an option described in this paragraph (d)(7) is not treated as 
    exercised pursuant to the ownership, control, or income test. The 
    failure of an option to be described in this paragraph (d)(7) does not 
    affect the determination of whether the option satisfies the ownership, 
    income, or control test. The following options are described in this 
    paragraph (d)(7):
        (i) Contracts to acquire stock. A stock purchase agreement or a 
    similar arrangement, the terms of which are commercially reasonable, in 
    which the parties' obligations to complete the transaction are subject 
    only to reasonable closing conditions, and which is closed on a change 
    date within one year after it is entered into. An option is not exempt 
    from the income test of paragraph (d)(5) of this section solely by 
    reason of its description in this paragraph (d)(7)(i).
        (ii) Escrow, pledge, or other security agreements. An option that 
    is part of a security arrangement in a typical lending transaction 
    (including a purchase money loan), if the arrangement is subject to 
    customary commercial conditions. For this purpose, a security 
    arrangement includes, for example, an agreement for holding stock in 
    escrow or under a pledge or other security agreement, or an option to 
    acquire stock contingent upon a default under a loan.
        (iii) Compensatory options. An option to acquire stock in a 
    corporation with customary terms and conditions provided to an 
    employee, director, or independent contractor in connection with the 
    performance of services for the corporation or a related person (and 
    that is not excessive by reference to the services performed) and 
    which--
        (A) Is nontransferable within the meaning of Sec. 1.83-3(d); and
        (B) Does not have a readily ascertainable fair market value as 
    defined in Sec. 1.83-7(b) on the date the option is issued.
        (iv) Options exercisable only upon death, disability, mental 
    incompetency, or retirement. An option entered into between 
    stockholders of a corporation (or a stockholder and the corporation) 
    with respect to stock of either stockholder, that is exercisable only 
    upon the death, disability, mental incompetency of the stockholder, or, 
    in the case of stock acquired in connection with the performance of 
    services for the corporation or a related person (and that is not 
    excessive by reference to the services performed), the stockholder's 
    retirement.
        (v) Rights of first refusal. A bona fide right of first refusal 
    with customary terms, entered into between stockholders of a 
    corporation (or between the corporation and a stockholder), and 
    regarding the corporation's stock.
        (vi) Options designated in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. An option 
    designated by the Internal Revenue Service in the Internal Revenue 
    Bulletin as being exempt from one or more of the ownership, control, or 
    income tests. See Sec. 601.601(d)(2)(ii) of this chapter (relating to 
    the Internal Revenue Bulletin).
        (8) Additional rules--(i) Contracts to acquire stock. For purposes 
    of this paragraph (d), a contract is considered to be issued or 
    transferred on the date it is entered into or assigned, respectively.
        (ii) Indirect transfer of an option. If an entity is formed or 
    availed of for a principal purpose of facilitating an indirect transfer 
    of an option by issuing or transferring interests in the entity, an 
    issuance or transfer of an interest in the entity will be treated as a 
    transfer of the option for purposes of applying the ownership, control, 
    and income tests of paragraphs (d) (3) through (5) of this section.
        (iii) Options related to interests in non-corporate entities. The 
    rules of this paragraph (d) apply, with appropriate adjustments, to 
    options to acquire or transfer interests in non-corporate entities.
        (iv) Puts. In applying the rules of this section to puts, 
    appropriate adjustments must be made to take into account that the put 
    provides its holder with a right to transfer, instead of acquire, 
    stock.
        (9) Definition of option--(i) In general. Any contingent purchase, 
    warrant, convertible debt, put, stock subject to a risk of forfeiture, 
    contract to acquire stock, or similar interest is treated as an option 
    for purposes of this paragraph (d), regardless of whether it is 
    contingent or otherwise not currently exercisable.
        (ii) Convertible stock. Convertible stock is treated as an option 
    for purposes of this paragraph (d) (in addition to being treated as 
    stock under Sec. 1.382-2(a)(3)(ii)) only if the terms of the conversion 
    feature permit or require consideration other than the stock being 
    converted.
        (iii) Series of options. For purposes of this paragraph (d), an 
    option to acquire an option with respect to the stock of the loss 
    corporation, and each one of a series of such options, is treated as an 
    option to acquire such stock.
        (iv) General principles of tax law. This paragraph (d) does not 
    affect the determination under general principles of tax law (such as 
    substance over form) of whether an instrument is an option or stock.
        (10) Subsequent treatment of options treated as exercised on a 
    change date--(i) In general. The following rules apply to options that 
    are treated as exercised under paragraph (d)(2) of this section on a 
    change date:
        (A) The option is not treated as exercised under paragraph (d)(2) 
    of this section on any testing date after the change date and prior to 
    a transfer of the option that would itself (i.e., without regard to the 
    purposes for the issuance or any prior transfers of the option) cause 
    the option to satisfy the ownership test of paragraph (d)(3) of this 
    section, the control test of paragraph (d)(4) of this section, or the 
    income test of paragraph (d)(5) of this section; and
        (B) The exercise of the option, if by the person who owned the 
    option immediately after the ownership change (or by a transferee of 
    the option who acquired the option, directly or indirectly, from that 
    person in one or more transfers described in paragraph (d)(11) of this 
    section), does not contribute to another ownership change on any 
    testing date on or after the date of exercise.
        (ii) Alternative look-back rule for options exercised within 3 
    years after change date. If a loss corporation, on its return, as 
    originally filed, for a taxable year that includes a change date, 
    properly treats an option as exercised under paragraph (d)(2) of this 
    section on the change date, and the option is actually exercised within 
    three years after the change date, the loss corporation may treat the 
    rules of paragraph (d)(10)(i) of this section as inapplicable to the 
    option and instead treat the option as having been exercised on the 
    change date for the purpose of determining whether an ownership change 
    occurs on any and all testing dates after the change date (filing such 
    amended returns as may be necessary for taxable years ending after the 
    change date and before the date of exercise of the option). A transfer 
    after the change date of an option to which this paragraph (d)(10)(ii) 
    applies is treated as a transfer of the stock subject to the option. 
    The exercise of an option to which this paragraph (d)(10)(ii) applies 
    is not taken into account for the purpose of determining whether an 
    ownership change occurs on or after the date of exercise.
        (11) Transfers not subject to deemed exercise. Paragraph (d)(2) of 
    this section does not apply to the transfer of an option (including a 
    transfer described in paragraph (d)(8)(i) or (ii) of this section), 
    if--
        (i) Neither the transferor nor the transferee is a 5-percent 
    shareholder and neither person would be a 5-percent shareholder if all 
    options held by that person to acquire stock were treated as exercised;
        (ii) The transfer is between members of separate public groups 
    resulting from the application of the segregation rules of Sec. 1.382-
    2T(j)(2) and (3)(iii); or
        (iii) The transfer occurs in any of the circumstances described in 
    section 382(l)(3)(B) (relating to stock acquired by reason of death, 
    gift, divorce, separation, etc.).
        (12) Certain rules regarding non-stock interests as stock. Section 
    1.382-2T(f)(18)(iii) does not apply to treat an option (whether or not 
    treated as exercised under this paragraph (d)) as stock.
        (e) Stock transferred under certain agreements. [Reserved]
        (f) Family attribution. [Reserved]
        (g) Definitions. The terms and nomenclature used in this section, 
    and not otherwise defined herein, have the same meaning as in section 
    382 and the regulations thereunder.
        (h) Effective date--(1) In general. [Reserved]
        (2) Option attribution rules--(i) General rule. The rules of 
    paragraph (d) of this section apply, instead of the rules of 
    Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4), on any testing date on or after November 5, 1992. 
    See paragraph (h)(2)(vi) of this section for an election relating to 
    the effective date.
        (ii) Special rule for control test. An option issued on or before 
    March 17, 1994, or an option issued within 60 days after that date 
    pursuant to a plan existing before that date, is not treated as 
    exercised under the control test provided in paragraph (d)(4) of this 
    section on any testing date prior to a transfer of the option after 
    March 17, 1994 that would itself cause the option to satisfy the 
    control test.
        (iii) Convertible stock issued prior to July 20, 1988--(A) In 
    general. Except as provided in paragraph (h)(2)(iii)(B) of this 
    section, convertible stock issued prior to July 20, 1988, is not 
    treated as an option subject to the rules of Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) or 
    paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
        (B) Exceptions--(1) Nonvoting convertible preferred stock. 
    Convertible stock issued prior to July 20, 1988, is treated as an 
    option subject to the rules of Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) or paragraph (d)(2) 
    of this section if--
        (i) The stock, when issued, would be described in section 
    1504(a)(4) by disregarding subparagraph (D) thereof and by ignoring the 
    potential participation in corporate growth that the conversion feature 
    may offer; and
        (ii) The loss corporation makes the election described in Notice 
    88-67, 1988-1 C.B. 555 (see Sec. 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(b) of this chapter 
    for availability of Cumulative Bulletins (C.B.)), on or before the 
    earlier of the date prescribed in Notice 88-67 or December 7, 1992.
        (2) Other convertible stock. Convertible stock issued prior to July 
    20, 1988, is treated as an option subject to the rules of Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(4) or paragraph (d)(2) of this section if--
        (i) The terms of the conversion feature permit or require the 
    tender of consideration other than the stock being converted; and
        (ii) The loss corporation makes the election described in Notice 
    88-67 on or before the date prescribed in the Notice.
        (iv) Convertible stock issued on or after July 20, 1988, and before 
    November 5, 1992. Convertible stock issued on or after July 20, 1988, 
    and before November 5, 1992, is treated as an option subject to the 
    rules of Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) or paragraph (d) of this section only if--
        (A) The stock, when issued, would be described in section 
    1504(a)(4) by disregarding subparagraph (D) thereof and by ignoring the 
    potential participation in corporate growth that the conversion feature 
    may offer; or
        (B) The terms of the conversion feature permit or require the 
    tender of consideration other than the stock being converted.
        (v) Certain options in existence immediately before and after an 
    ownership change. If an option existed immediately before and after an 
    ownership change occurring on a testing date to which Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(4) applies--
        (A) The option is not treated as exercised under paragraph (d)(2) 
    of this section on any testing date after the change date and prior to 
    a transfer of the option that would itself cause the option to satisfy 
    the ownership test of paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the control 
    test of paragraph (d)(4) of this section, or the income test of 
    paragraph (d)(5) of this section; and
        (B) Except as provided in Sec. 1.382-2T(m)(4)(vi) (which relates to 
    the effective date of the rules provided in Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) and 
    includes a special rule related to options that are actually exercised 
    within 120 days after they are treated as exercised under that 
    section), the actual exercise of the option, if by the person who owned 
    the option immediately after the ownership change (or by a transferee 
    of the option who acquired the option, directly or indirectly, from 
    that person in one or more transfers described in paragraph (d)(11) of 
    this section), will not contribute to an ownership change on any 
    testing date on or after the date of exercise.
        (vi) Election to apply Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4)--(A) In general. If a 
    loss corporation makes an election under this paragraph (h)(2)(vi), 
    Secs. 1.382-2T(a)(2)(i) and (h)(4) (relating to testing dates and 
    option attribution) apply (instead of the definition of testing date in 
    Sec. 1.382-2(a)(4) and paragraph (d) of this section) for the purpose 
    of determining whether an ownership change occurs--
        (1) On any testing date on or before May 17, 1994, or
        (2) In the case of a loss corporation that is under the 
    jurisdiction of a court in a title 11 or similar case filed on or 
    before May 17, 1994, subject to Sec. 1.382-9(o)(1), on any testing date 
    at or before the time the plan of reorganization becomes effective.
        (B) Additional consequences of election. If a loss corporation 
    makes an election under this paragraph (h)(2)(vi)--
        (1) In determining whether any convertible preferred stock issued 
    by the loss corporation during the period that the election is in 
    effect is treated as stock or as an option, the convertible preferred 
    stock is treated as if it were issued on November 4, 1992, and
        (2) The special effective date for the control test provided in 
    paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section does not apply to any option with 
    respect to stock of the loss corporation.
        (C) Time and manner of making the election. The election described 
    in paragraph (h)(2)(vi)(A) of this section is made by attaching a 
    statement to the loss corporation's income tax return for the first 
    taxable year ending after November 4, 1992, in which a testing date 
    (within the meaning of Sec. 1.382-2T(a)(2)(i)) occurs, or if such 
    return is filed on or before May 17, 1994, with its first return filed 
    after May 17, 1994. However, a loss corporation that is under the 
    jurisdiction of a court in a title 11 or similar case filed on or 
    before May 17, 1994, may make the election described in paragraph 
    (h)(2)(vi)(A) by attaching a statement to its tax return for its first 
    taxable year ending after that date. The statement must say ``THIS IS 
    AN ELECTION UNDER Sec. 1.382-4(h)(2)(vi) TO APPLY Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4) 
    ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 5, 1992.'' Any amended returns required by 
    paragraph (h)(2)(vi)(D) of this section must accompany the return with 
    which the election is made. An election under paragraph (h)(2)(vi)(A) 
    of this section is irrevocable.
        (D) Amended returns. If an election under this paragraph (h)(2)(vi) 
    affects the amount of taxable income or loss for a prior taxable year, 
    the loss corporation (or the common parent of any consolidated group of 
    which the loss corporation was a member for the year) must file an 
    amended return for the year that reflects the effect of the election.
        (3) Special rule for options subject to attribution under 
    Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4). Section Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4)(i) does not apply to 
    any option designated by the Internal Revenue Service in the Internal 
    Revenue Bulletin as being excepted from the operation of Sec. 1.382-
    2T(h)(4)(i).
        Par. 6. Section 1.382-9(o)(1) is revised to read as follows: 
    Sec. 1.382-9. Special rules under section 382 for corporations under 
    the jurisdiction of a court in a title 11 or similar case.
    * * * * *
        (o) Treatment of certain options for ownership change purposes--(1) 
    Neither Sec. 1.382-2T(h)(4)(i) nor Sec. 1.382-4(d) (relating to the 
    treatment of options as exercised) applies to the following options to 
    acquire stock of a loss corporation reorganized pursuant to a plan of 
    reorganization that is confirmed in a title 11 or similar case (within 
    the meaning of section 368(a)(3)(A)) but only until the time the plan 
    becomes effective--
        (i) Any option created by the solicitation or receipt of 
    acceptances to the plan;
        (ii) The option created by the confirmation of the plan; and
        (iii) Any option created under the plan.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 602--OMB CONTROL NUMBERS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT
    
        Par. 7. The authority citation for part 602 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805.
    
        Par. 8. Section 602.101(c) is amended by adding the entry for 
    ``1.382-4'' in the table to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 602.101  OMB Control numbers.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * * 
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Current OMB
        CFR part or section where identified and described       control No.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                      *****                                 
    1.382-4....................................................    1545-1120
                                                                            
                                      *****                                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Margaret Milner Richardson,
    Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
    
        Approved: February 24, 1994.
    Leslie Samuels,
    Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).
    [FR Doc. 94-6088 Filed 3-17-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4830-01-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/5/1992
Published:
03/18/1994
Department:
Treasury Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final regulations.
Document Number:
94-6088
Dates:
These regulations are effective November 5, 1992. For dates of applicability of these regulations, see ``Effective date'' paragraph in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION portion of the preamble.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: March 18, 1994, TD 8531
RINs:
1545-A054
CFR: (10)
26 CFR 1.382-2(a)(4)
26 CFR 1.382-4(d)(2)
26 CFR 1.382-4(d)(12)
26 CFR 1.382-2T(h)(4)
26 CFR 602.101
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