05-3951. Loss Limitation Rules  

  • Start Preamble

    AGENCY:

    Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

    ACTION:

    Final and temporary regulations.

    SUMMARY:

    This document contains final regulations under sections 337(d) and 1502 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). These regulations disallow certain losses recognized on sales of subsidiary stock by members of a consolidated group. These regulations apply to corporations filing consolidated returns, both during and after the period of affiliation, and also affect purchasers of the stock of members of a consolidated group.

    DATES:

    Effective Date: These regulations are effective April 4, 2005.

    Applicability Date: For dates of applicability, see §§ 1.337(d)-2(g), 1.1502-20(i), and 1.1502-32(b).

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Theresa Abell (202) 622-7700 or Martin Huck (202) 622-7750 (not toll-free numbers).

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collection of information contained in these final regulations has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) under control number 1545-1774.

    The collection of information in these final regulations is in §§ 1.337(d)-2(c), 1.1502-20(i), and 1.1502-32(b)(4). The information is required to allow the taxpayer to make certain elections to determine the amount of allowable loss under § 1.337(d)-2, § 1.1502-20 as currently in effect, or under § 1.1502-20 modified so that the amount of allowable loss determined pursuant to § 1.1502-20(c)(1) is computed by taking into account only the amounts computed under § 1.1502-20(c)(1)(i) and (ii); to allow the taxpayer to reapportion a section 382 limitation in certain cases; to allow the taxpayer to waive certain loss carryovers; to allow acquiring groups to reduce the amount of certain loss carryovers deemed to expire; and to ensure that loss is not disallowed and basis is not reduced under § 1.337(d)-2 to the extent the taxpayer establishes that the loss or basis is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an asset. The collection of information is required to obtain a benefit. The likely respondents are corporations that file consolidated income tax returns.

    The estimated burden is as follows:

    Estimated total annual reporting and/or recordkeeping burden: 36,720 hours.

    Estimated average annual burden per respondent: 2 hours.

    Estimated number of respondents: 18,360.

    Estimated annual frequency of responses: Once.

    Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggestions for reducing this burden should be directed to the Office of Management and Start Printed Page 10320Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies to the Internal Revenue Service, Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washington, DC 20224.

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by the Office of Management and Budget.

    Books or records relating to the collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

    Background

    On March 7, 2002, the IRS and Treasury Department issued a Treasury decision that included temporary regulations and cross-referencing proposed regulations (TD 8984, 67 FR 11034; REG-102740-02) implementing the repeal of the General Utilities doctrine in the consolidated return context pursuant to the mandate of section 337(d). Those regulations included §§ 1.337(d)-2T, 1.1502-20T(i), and 1.1502-32T(b)(4)(v).

    For dispositions and deconsolidations of subsidiary stock before March 7, 2002, and dispositions and deconsolidations of subsidiary stock on or after March 7, 2002, that were effected pursuant to a binding written contract entered into before such date that was in continuous effect until the disposition or deconsolidation, § 1.1502-20T(i) permits consolidated groups to elect to calculate allowable loss on the sale of subsidiary stock, or the basis reduction required on the deconsolidation of subsidiary stock, by applying § 1.1502-20 in its entirety, § 1.1502-20 without regard to the duplicated loss factor of the loss disallowance formula, or § 1.337(d)-2T. Section 1.337(d)-2T disallows certain losses recognized on sales of subsidiary stock by members of a consolidated group and, under certain circumstances, requires the basis of subsidiary stock to be reduced to its value immediately before a deconsolidation of the stock. For dispositions and deconsolidations on or after March 7, 2002, unless the disposition or deconsolidation was effected pursuant to a binding written contract entered into before March 7, 2002, that was in continuous effect until the disposition or deconsolidation, groups must apply § 1.337(d)-2T to calculate allowable loss on the sale of subsidiary stock or the basis reduction required on the deconsolidation of subsidiary stock.

    The Treasury decision also included a number of correlative provisions, in both §§ 1.1502-20T and 1.1502-32T, designed to address certain issues that could arise if a group elected to apply § 1.1502-20 without regard to the duplicated loss factor of the loss disallowance formula, or § 1.337(d)-2T. Technical changes to §§ 1.337(d)-2T, 1.1502-20T, and 1.1502-32T were made by Treasury decisions 8998 (67 FR 37998), 9057 (68 FR 24351), 9118 (69 FR 12799), and 9155 (69 FR 51175).

    On August 25, 2004, the IRS issued Notice 2004-58 (2004-39 I.R.B. 520) describing the basis disconformity method and announcing that the IRS will accept that method as a method for determining whether subsidiary stock loss is disallowed and subsidiary stock basis is reduced under § 1.337(d)-2T. Contemporaneous with the issuance of the Notice, the IRS and Treasury Department published temporary and cross-referencing proposed regulations (TD 9154, 69 FR 52419; REG-135898-04) extending the time for making an election under § 1.1502-20T(i) and permitting taxpayers to amend or revoke prior elections made under § 1.1502-20T(i).

    In response to the promulgation of § 1.337(d)-2T and the issuance of Notice 2004-58, the IRS and Treasury Department have received a number of comments on the regulations, the basis disconformity method, and, more generally, on the manner in which the repeal of the General Utilities doctrine should be implemented in the consolidated group context. The IRS and Treasury Department have studied and are continuing to study those comments. In that regard, the IRS and Treasury Department intend to publish within the near term proposed regulations with an alternative approach to this problem. Until those proposed regulations are published as final or temporary regulations, whether certain losses recognized on sales of subsidiary stock are disallowed and whether basis of subsidiary stock must be reduced immediately before a deconsolidation of the stock will continue to be determined under the rules of § 1.337(d)-2T. Accordingly, this Treasury decision adopts the rules of § 1.337(d)-2T (as in effect on March 2, 2005) as final regulation § 1.337(d)-2 without substantive change. The IRS will accept the basis disconformity method as a method for determining whether subsidiary stock loss is disallowed and subsidiary stock basis is reduced under that final regulation.

    In addition, to permit taxpayers to make the election to apply § 1.1502-20 without regard to the duplicated loss factor of the loss disallowance rule, or the rule of § 1.337(d)-2, as provided in this Treasury Decision, this Treasury decision also adopts the rules of § 1.1502-20T and the correlative rules of § 1.1502-32T (as in effect on March 2, 2005) as final regulations without substantive change.

    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 is hereby certified that these regulations will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certification is based on the fact that these regulations will primarily affect affiliated groups of corporations that have elected to file consolidated returns, which tend to be larger businesses. Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, these regulations will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on their impact on small business.

    Drafting Information

    The principal authors of these regulations are Theresa Abell and Martin Huck of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects

    26 CFR Part 1

    • Income taxes
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

    26 CFR Part 602

    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    End List of Subjects

    Amendments to the Regulations

    Start Amendment Part

    Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 602 are amended as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1—INCOME TAXES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by removing the entry for § 1.337(d)-2T and adding an entry in numerical order to read, in part, as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *

    End Authority Start Printed Page 10321

    Section 1.337(d)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 337(d). * * *

    Start Amendment Part

    Par. 2. Section 1.337(d)-2 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Loss limitation rules.

    (a) Loss disallowance—(1) General rule. No deduction is allowed for any loss recognized by a member of a consolidated group with respect to the disposition of stock of a subsidiary.

    (2) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

    (i) The definitions in § 1.1502-1 apply.

    (ii) Disposition means any event in which gain or loss is recognized, in whole or in part.

    (3) Coordination with loss deferral and other disallowance rules. For purposes of this section, the rules of § 1.1502-20(a)(3) apply, with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences between the approach of this section and that of § 1.1502-20.

    (4) Netting. Paragraph (a)(1) of this section does not apply to loss with respect to the disposition of stock of a subsidiary, to the extent that, as a consequence of the same plan or arrangement, gain is taken into account by members with respect to stock of the same subsidiary having the same material terms. If the gain to which this paragraph applies is less than the amount of the loss with respect to the disposition of the subsidiary's stock, the gain is applied to offset loss with respect to each share disposed of as a consequence of the same plan or arrangement in proportion to the amount of the loss deduction that would have been disallowed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section with respect to such share before the application of this paragraph (a)(4). If the same item of gain could be taken into account more than once in limiting the application of paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of this section, the item is taken into account only once.

    (b) Basis reduction on deconsolidation—(1) General rule. If the basis of a member of a consolidated group in a share of stock of a subsidiary exceeds its value immediately before a deconsolidation of the share, the basis of the share is reduced at that time to an amount equal to its value. If both a disposition and a deconsolidation occur with respect to a share in the same transaction, paragraph (a) of this section applies and, to the extent necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section, this paragraph (b) applies following the application of paragraph (a) of this section.

    (2) Deconsolidation. Deconsolidation means any event that causes a share of stock of a subsidiary that remains outstanding to be no longer owned by a member of any consolidated group of which the subsidiary is also a member.

    (3) Value. Value means fair market value.

    (4) Netting. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not apply to reduce the basis of stock of a subsidiary, to the extent that, as a consequence of the same plan or arrangement, gain is taken into account by members with respect to stock of the same subsidiary having the same material terms. If the gain to which this paragraph applies is less than the amount of basis reduction with respect to shares of the subsidiary's stock, the gain is applied to offset basis reduction with respect to each share deconsolidated as a consequence of the same plan or arrangement in proportion to the amount of the reduction that would have been required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section with respect to such share before the application of this paragraph (b)(4).

    (c) Allowable loss—(1) Application. This paragraph (c) applies with respect to stock of a subsidiary only if a separate statement entitled § 1.337(d)-2(c) statement is included with the return in accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

    (2) General rule. Loss is not disallowed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and basis is not reduced under paragraph (b)(1) of this section to the extent the taxpayer establishes that the loss or basis is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain, net of directly related expenses, on the disposition of an asset (including stock and securities). Loss or basis may be attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an asset by a prior group. For purposes of this section, gain recognized on the disposition of an asset is built-in gain to the extent attributable, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, to any excess of value over basis that is reflected, before the disposition of the asset, in the basis of the share, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, after applying section 1503(e) and other applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations. Federal income taxes may be directly related to built-in gain recognized on the disposition of an asset only to the extent of the excess (if any) of the group's income tax liability actually imposed under Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year of the disposition of the asset over the group's income tax liability for the taxable year redetermined by not taking into account the built-in gain recognized on the disposition of the asset. For this purpose, the group's income tax liability actually imposed and its redetermined income tax liability are determined without taking into account the foreign tax credit under section 27(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    (3) Contents of statement and time of filing. The statement required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section must be included with or as part of the taxpayer's return for the year of the disposition or deconsolidation and must contain—

    (i) The name and employer identification number (E.I.N.) of the subsidiary; and

    (ii) The amount of the loss not disallowed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section by reason of this paragraph (c) and the amount of basis not reduced under paragraph (b)(1) of this section by reason of this paragraph (c).

    (4) Example. The principles of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section are illustrated by the examples in §§ 1.337(d)-1(a)(5) and 1.1502-20(a)(5) (other than Examples 3, 4, and 5) and (b), with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences between the approach of this section and that of § 1.1502-20, and by the following example. For purposes of the examples in this section, unless otherwise stated, the group files consolidated returns on a calendar year basis, the facts set forth the only corporate activity, and all sales and purchases are with unrelated buyers or sellers. The basis of each asset is the same for determining earnings and profits adjustments and taxable income. Tax liability and its effect on basis, value, and earnings and profits are disregarded. Investment adjustment system means the rules of § 1.1502-32. The example reads as follows:

    Example.

    Loss offsetting built-in gain in a prior group. (i) P buys all the stock of T for $50 in Year 1, and T becomes a member of the P group. T has 2 assets. Asset 1 has a basis of $50 and a value of $0, and asset 2 has a basis of $0 and a value of $50. T sells asset 2 during Year 3 for $50 and recognizes a $50 gain. Under the investment adjustment system, P's basis in the T stock increased to $100 as a result of the recognition of gain. In Year 5, all of the stock of P is acquired by the P1 group, and the former members of the P group become members of the P1 group. T then sells asset 1 for $0, and recognizes a $50 loss. Under the investment adjustment system, P's basis in the T stock decreases to $50 as a result of the loss. T's assets decline in value from $50 to $40. P then sells all the stock of T for $40 and recognizes a $10 loss.

    (ii) P's basis in the T stock reflects both T's unrecognized gain and unrecognized loss with respect to its assets. The gain T recognizes on the disposition of asset 2 is built-in gain with respect to both the P and P1 groups for purposes of paragraph (c)(2) of this section. In addition, the loss T Start Printed Page 10322recognizes on the disposition of asset 1 is built-in loss with respect to the P and P1 groups for purposes of paragraph (c)(2) of this section. T's recognition of the built-in loss while a member of the P1 group offsets the effect on T's stock basis of T's recognition of the built-in gain while a member of the P group. Thus, P's $10 loss on the sale of the T stock is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain, and the loss is therefore not disallowed under paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

    (iii) The result would be the same if, instead of having a $50 built-in loss in asset 1 when it becomes a member of the P group, T has a $50 net operating loss carryover and the carryover is used by the P group.

    (d) Successors. For purposes of this section, the rules and examples of § 1.1502-20(d) apply, with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences between the approach of this section and that of § 1.1502-20.

    (e) Anti-avoidance rules. For purposes of this section, the rules and examples of § 1.1502-20(e) apply, with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences between the approach of this section and that of § 1.1502-20.

    (f) Investment adjustments. For purposes of this section, the rules and examples of § 1.1502-20(f) apply, with appropriate adjustments to reflect differences between the approach of this section and that of § 1.1502-20.

    (g) Effective dates. This section applies with respect to dispositions and deconsolidations on or after March 3, 2005. In addition, this section applies to dispositions and deconsolidations for which an election is made under § 1.1502-20(i)(2) to determine allowable loss under this section. If loss is recognized because stock of a subsidiary became worthless, the disposition with respect to the stock is treated as occurring on the date the stock became worthless. For dispositions and deconsolidations after March 6, 2002 and before March 3, 2005, see § 1.337(d)-2T as contained in the 26 CFR part 1 in effect on March 2, 2005.

    [Removed]
    Start Amendment Part

    Par. 3. Section 1.337(d)-2T is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    Par. 4. In § 1.1502-20, paragraph (i) is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Disposition or deconsolidation of subsidiary stock.
    * * * * *

    (i) Limitations on the applicability of § 1.1502-20—(1) Dispositions and deconsolidations on or after March 7, 2002. Except to the extent specifically incorporated in § 1.337(d)-2, paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a disposition or deconsolidation of stock of a subsidiary on or after March 7, 2002, unless the disposition or deconsolidation was effected pursuant to a binding written contract entered into before March 7, 2002, that was in continuous effect until the disposition or deconsolidation.

    (2) Dispositions and deconsolidations prior to March 7, 2002. In the case of a disposition or deconsolidation of stock of a subsidiary by a member before March 7, 2002, or a disposition or deconsolidation on or after March 7, 2002, that was effected pursuant to a binding written contract entered into before March 7, 2002, that was in continuous effect until the disposition or deconsolidation, a consolidated group may determine the amount of the member's allowable loss or basis reduction by applying this section in its entirety, or, in lieu thereof, subject to the conditions set forth in this paragraph (i), by making an irrevocable election to apply the provisions of either—

    (i) This section, except that in applying paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the amount of loss disallowed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and the amount of basis reduction under paragraph (b)(1) of this section with respect to a share of stock will not exceed the sum of the amounts described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section; or

    (ii) Section 1.337(d)-2.

    (3) Operating rules—(i) Reattribution of losses in the case of an election to determine allowable loss by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section. If a consolidated group elects to determine allowable loss by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section, an election described in paragraph (g) of this section to reattribute losses will be respected only if the requirements of paragraph (g) of this section, including the requirement that the election be filed with the group's income tax return for the year of the disposition, have been or are satisfied. For example, if a consolidated group did not file a valid election described in paragraph (g) of this section with its return for the year of the disposition, this section does not authorize the group that disposed of the stock to make such an election with its return for the year in which it elects to determine its allowable stock loss under the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section. If a consolidated group that made a valid election described in paragraph (g) of this section with respect to the disposition of stock elects to determine allowable loss by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section, the election described in paragraph (g) of this section may not be revoked, and the amount of loss treated as reattributed as of the time of the disposition pursuant to the election described in paragraph (g) of this section is the amount of loss originally reattributed, reduced to the extent that it exceeds the greater of—

    (A) The amount of stock loss disallowed after applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section; and

    (B) The amount of reattributed losses that the group that disposed of the stock absorbed in years for which the assessment of a deficiency is prevented by any law or rule of law as of the date the election to apply the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section is filed and at all times thereafter.

    (ii) Reattribution of losses in the case of an election to determine allowable loss by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section. If a consolidated group elects to determine allowable loss by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section, the consolidated group may not make an election described in paragraph (g) of this section to reattribute any losses. If the consolidated group made an election described in paragraph (g) of this section with respect to the disposition of subsidiary stock, the amount of loss treated as reattributed pursuant to such election will be the greater of—

    (A) Zero; and

    (B) The amount of reattributed losses that the group that disposed of the stock absorbed in years for which the assessment of a deficiency is prevented by any law or rule of law as of the date the election to apply the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section is filed and at all times thereafter.

    (iii) Apportionment of section 382 limitation in the case of a reduction of reattributed losses—(A) Losses subject to a separate section 382 limitation. If, as a result of the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) and paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section, pre-change separate attributes that were subject to a separate section 382 limitation are treated as losses of a subsidiary and the common parent previously elected to apportion all or a part of such limitation to itself under § 1.1502-96(d), the common parent may reduce the amount of such limitation apportioned to itself.

    (B) Losses subject to a subgroup section 382 limitation. If, as a result of the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) and paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section, pre-change subgroup attributes that were subject to a subgroup section Start Printed Page 10323382 limitation are treated as losses of a subsidiary and the common parent previously elected to apportion all or a part of such limitation to itself under § 1.1502-96(d), the common parent may reduce the amount of such limitation apportioned to itself. In addition, if such subsidiary has ceased to be a member of the loss subgroup to which the pre-change subgroup attributes relate, the common parent may increase the total amount of such limitation apportioned to such subsidiary (or loss subgroup that includes such subsidiary) under § 1.1502-95(c) by an amount not in excess of the amount by which such limitation that is apportioned to the common parent is reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

    (C) Losses subject to a consolidated section 382 limitation. If, as a result of the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) and paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section, pre-change consolidated attributes (or pre-change subgroup attributes) that were subject to a consolidated section 382 limitation (or subgroup section 382 limitation where the common parent was a member of the loss subgroup) are treated as losses of a subsidiary, and the subsidiary has ceased to be a member of the loss group (or loss subgroup), the common parent may increase the amount of such limitation that is apportioned to such subsidiary (or loss subgroup that includes such subsidiary) under § 1.1502-95(c). The amount of each element of such limitation that can be apportioned to a subsidiary (or loss subgroup that includes such subsidiary) pursuant to this paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(C), however, cannot exceed the product of (x) the element and (y) a fraction the numerator of which is the amount of pre-change consolidated attributes (or subgroup attributes) subject to that limitation that are treated as losses of the subsidiary (or loss subgroup) as a result of the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) and paragraph (i)(3)(vii) of this section and the denominator of which is the total amount of pre-change attributes subject to that limitation determined as of the close of the taxable year in which the subsidiary ceases to be a member of the group (or loss subgroup).

    (D) Operating rules—(1) Limitations on apportionment. In making any adjustment to an apportionment of a subgroup section 382 limitation or a consolidated section 382 limitation pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(B) or (C) of this section, the common parent must take into account the extent, if any, to which such limitation has previously been apportioned to another subsidiary or loss subgroup prior to the date the election to apply the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section is filed.

    (2) Manner and effect of adjustment to previous apportionment of limitation to common parent. Any reduction in a previous apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation or a subgroup section 382 limitation to the common parent made pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(A) or (B) of this section is treated as effective when the previous apportionment was effective. Any such adjustment must be made in a manner consistent with the principles of § 1.1502-95(c). For example, to the extent the apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation or a subgroup section 382 limitation to a common parent is reduced pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(A) or (B) of this section, the amount of such limitation available to the subsidiary or loss subgroup, as applicable, is increased.

    (3) Manner and effect of adjustment to apportionment of limitation to departing subsidiary or loss subgroup. Any increase in an amount of a subgroup section 382 limitation or a consolidated section 382 limitation apportioned to a departing subsidiary (or loss subgroup that includes such subsidiary) made pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(B) or (C) of this section is treated as effective for taxable years ending after the date the subsidiary ceases to be a member of the group or loss subgroup. Any such adjustment may be made regardless of whether the common parent previously elected to apportion all or a part of such limitation to such subsidiary (or loss subgroup that includes such subsidiary) under § 1.1502-95(c) or 1.1502-95A(c), but must be made in a manner consistent with the principles of § 1.1502-95(c). For example, to the extent the apportionment of an element of a subgroup section 382 limitation or a consolidated section 382 limitation to a departing subsidiary is increased pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(B) or (C) of this section, the amount of such element of such limitation that is available to the loss subgroup or loss group is reduced consistent with § 1.1502-95(c)(3).

    (4) Prohibition against other adjustments. This paragraph (i)(3)(iii) does not authorize the common parent to adjust the apportionment of any separate section 382 limitation, subgroup section 382 limitation, or consolidated section 382 limitation that it previously apportioned to a subsidiary, to a loss subgroup, or to itself under § 1.1502-95(c), 1.1502-95A(c), or 1.1502-96(d), other than as provided in paragraphs (i)(3)(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this section.

    (E) Time and manner of making apportionment adjustment. An adjustment to the apportionment of any separate section 382 limitation, subgroup section 382 limitation, or consolidated section 382 limitation pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(A), (B), or (C) of this section must be made as part of the group's election to apply the provisions of paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section, as described in paragraph (i)(4) of this section.

    (iv) Notification of reduction of reattributed losses and adjustment of apportionment of section 382 limitation. If the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section results in a reduction of the losses treated as reattributed pursuant to an election described in paragraph (g) of this section, then, prior to the date that the group files its income tax return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, the common parent must send the notification required by this paragraph to the subsidiary, at the subsidiary's last known address. In addition, if the acquirer of the subsidiary stock was a member of a consolidated group at the time of the disposition, the common parent must send a copy of such notification to the person that was the common parent of the acquirer's group at the time of the acquisition, at its last known address. The notification is to be in the form of a statement entitled Recomputation of Losses Reattributed Pursuant to the Election Described in § 1.1502-20(g), that is signed by the common parent and that includes the following information—

    (A) The name and employer identification number (E.I.N.) of the subsidiary;

    (B) The original and the recomputed amount of losses treated as reattributed pursuant to the election described in paragraph (g) of this section; and

    (C) If the apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation, a subgroup section 382 limitation, or a consolidated section 382 limitation is adjusted pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the original and the adjusted apportionment of such limitation.

    (v) Items taken into account in open years—(A) General rule. An election under paragraph (i)(2) of this section affects a taxpayer's items of income, gain, deduction, or loss only to the extent that the election gives rise, directly or indirectly, to items or amounts that would properly be taken into account in a year for which an assessment of deficiency or a refund of overpayment, as the case may be, is not Start Printed Page 10324prevented by any law or rule of law. Under this paragraph, if the election increases the loss allowed with respect to a disposition of subsidiary stock, but the year of the disposition (or the year to which such loss would have been carried back or carried forward) is a year for which a refund of overpayment is prevented by law, to the extent that the absorption of such excess loss in such year would have affected the tax treatment of another item (e.g., another loss that was absorbed in such year) that has an effect in a year for which a refund of overpayment is not prevented by any law or rule of law, the election will affect the treatment of such other item. Therefore, if the absorption of the excess loss in the year of the disposition (which is a year for which a refund of overpayment is prevented by law) would have prevented the absorption of another loss (the second loss) in such year and such loss would have been carried to and used in a year for which a refund of overpayment is not prevented by any law or rule of law (the other year), the election makes the second loss available for use in the other year.

    (B) Special rule. If a member's basis in stock of a subsidiary was reduced pursuant to § 1.1502-32 because a loss with respect to stock of a lower-tier subsidiary was treated as disallowed under this section, then, to the extent such disallowed loss is allowed as a result of an election under paragraph (i) of this section but would have been properly absorbed or expired in a year for which a refund of overpayment is prevented by law or rule of law, the member's basis in the subsidiary stock may be increased for purposes of determining the group's or the shareholder-member's Federal income tax liability in all years for which a refund of overpayment is not prevented by law or rule of law.

    (vi) Conforming amendments for items previously taken into account in open years. To the extent that, on any Federal income tax return, the common parent absorbed losses that were reattributed pursuant to an election described in paragraph (g) of this section and the amount of losses so absorbed is in excess of the amount of losses that are treated as reattributed after application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section, or that may be taken into account after any adjustment to an apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation, a subgroup section 382 limitation, or a consolidated section 382 limitation pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii) of this section, such returns must be amended to the greatest extent possible to reflect the reduction in the amount of losses treated as reattributed and any adjustment to the apportionment of such limitation.

    (vii) Availability of losses to subsidiary. To the extent that any losses of a subsidiary are reattributed to the common parent pursuant to an election described in paragraph (g) of this section, such reattribution is binding on the subsidiary and any group of which the subsidiary is or becomes a member. Therefore, if the subsidiary ceases to be a member of the group, any reattributed losses are not thereafter available to the subsidiary and may not be utilized by the subsidiary or any other group of which such subsidiary is or becomes a member. To the extent that the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section results in a reduction in the amount of losses treated as reattributed to the common parent pursuant to an election described in paragraph (g) of this section, however, losses in the amount of such reduction are available to the subsidiary and may be utilized by the subsidiary or any group of which such subsidiary is a member, subject to applicable limitations (e.g., section 382).

    (viii) Apportionment of section 382 limitation in the case of an amendment of an election made pursuant to § 1.1502-32(b)(4)—(A) In general. If, in connection with a disposition or deconsolidation of subsidiary stock, the subsidiary the stock of which was disposed of or deconsolidated became a member of another consolidated group (the acquiring group), and, pursuant to § 1.1502-32(b)(4)(vii), the acquiring group amends an election made pursuant to § 1.1502-32(b)(4) to treat all or a portion of the loss carryovers of such subsidiary (or a lower-tier corporation of such subsidiary) as expiring for all Federal income tax purposes, then the common parent may reapportion a separate, subgroup, or consolidated section 382 limitation with respect to such subsidiary or lower-tier corporation in a manner consistent with the principles of paragraphs (i)(3)(iii)(A) through (D) of this section. Any reapportionment of a section 382 limitation made pursuant to the previous sentence shall have the effects described in paragraphs (i)(3)(iii)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section. For purposes of this section, a lower-tier corporation is a corporation that was a member of the group of which the subsidiary was a member immediately before becoming a member of the acquiring group and that became a member of the acquiring group as a result of the subsidiary becoming a member of the acquiring group.

    (B) Time and manner of adjustment of apportionment of section 382 limitation. The common parent must include a statement entitled Adjustment of Apportionment of Section 382 Limitation in Connection with Amendment of Election under § 1.1502-32(b)(4) with or as part of any timely filed (including any extensions) original return for a taxable year that includes any date on or before August 26, 2004, or with or as part of an amended return filed before the date the original return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, is due (with regard to extensions). The statement must set forth the name and E.I.N. of the subsidiary and both the original and the adjusted apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation, a subgroup section 382 limitation, and a consolidated section 382 limitation, as applicable. The requirements of this paragraph (i)(3)(viii)(B) will be treated as satisfied if the information required by this paragraph (i)(3)(viii)(B) is included in the statement required by paragraph (i)(4) of this section rather than in a separate statement.

    (4) Time and manner of making the election. An election to determine allowable loss or basis reduction by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section is made by including the statement required by this paragraph with or as part of any timely filed (including any extensions) original return for a taxable year that includes any date on or before August 26, 2004, or with or as part of an amended return filed before the date the original return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, is due (including any extensions). Filing a statement in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph satisfies the requirement to file a “statement of allowed loss” otherwise imposed under paragraph (c)(3) of this section or § 1.337(d)-2(c)(3). The statement required by this paragraph satisfies the requirement that a statement be filed in order to claim allowable loss or basis reduction by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii). The statement filed under this paragraph shall be entitled Allowed Loss Under Section [Specify Section Under Which Allowed Loss Is Determined] Pursuant to Section 1.1502-20(i) and must include the following information—

    (i) The name and E.I.N. of the subsidiary and of the member(s) that disposed of the subsidiary stock;

    (ii) In the case of an election to determine allowable loss or basis reduction by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section, a statement that the taxpayer elects to determine allowable loss or Start Printed Page 10325basis reduction by applying such provisions;

    (iii) In the case of an election to determine allowable loss or basis reduction by applying the provisions described in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section, a statement that the taxpayer elects to determine allowable loss or basis reduction by applying such provisions;

    (iv) If an election described in paragraph (g) of this section was made with respect to the disposition of the stock of the subsidiary, the amount of losses originally treated as reattributed pursuant to such election and the amount of losses treated as reattributed pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section;

    (v) If an apportionment of a separate section 382 limitation, a subgroup section 382 limitation, or a consolidated section 382 limitation is adjusted pursuant to paragraph (i)(3)(iii)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, the original and redetermined apportionment of such limitation; and

    (vi) If the application of paragraph (i)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section results in a reduction of the amount of losses treated as reattributed pursuant to an election described in paragraph (g) of this section, a statement that the notification described in paragraph (i)(3)(iv) of this section was sent to the subsidiary and, if the acquirer was a member of a consolidated group at the time of the stock sale, to the person that was the common parent of such group at such time, as required by paragraph (i)(3)(iv) of this section.

    (5) Revocation or amendment of prior elections—(i) In general. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (i), if a consolidated group made an election under § 1.1502-20T(i) to apply the provisions described in § 1.1502-20T(i)(2)(i) or (ii), the consolidated group may revoke or amend that election as provided in this paragraph (i)(5).

    (ii) Time and manner of revoking or amending an election. An election to apply the provisions described in § 1.1502-20T(i)(2)(i) or (ii) is revoked or amended by including the statement required by paragraph (i)(5)(iii) of this section with or as part of any timely filed (including any extensions) original return for a taxable year that includes any date on or before August 26, 2004, or with or as part of an amended return filed before the date the original return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, is due (including any extensions).

    (iii) Required statement—(A) Revocation. To revoke an election to apply the provisions described in § 1.1502-20T(i)(2)(i) or (ii), the consolidated group must file a statement entitled Revocation of Election Under Section 1.1502-20T(i). The statement must include the name and E.I.N. of the subsidiary and of the member(s) that disposed of the subsidiary stock.

    (B) Amendment. To amend an election to apply the provisions described in § 1.1502-20T(i)(2)(i) or (ii), the consolidated group must file a statement entitled Amendment of Election Under Section 1.1502-20T(i). The statement must include the following information—

    (1) The name and E.I.N. of the subsidiary and of the member(s) that disposed of the subsidiary stock; and

    (2) The provision the taxpayer elects to apply to determine allowable loss or basis reduction (described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section).

    (iv) Special rule. If a consolidated group revokes an election made under § 1.1502-20T(i), an election described in paragraph (g) of this section to reattribute losses will not be respected, even if such election was filed with the group's return for the year of the disposition.

    (6) Effective date. This paragraph (i) is applicable on and after March 3, 2005.

    (7) Cross references. See § 1.1502-32(b)(4)(v) for a special rule for filing a waiver of loss carryovers.

    Start Amendment Part

    Par. 5. In § 1.1502-20T, paragraph (i) is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    Par. 6. Section 1.1502-32 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(4)(v) and (b)(4)(vii) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Investment adjustments.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (4) * * *

    (v) Special rule for loss carryovers of a subsidiary acquired in a transaction for which an election under § 1.1502-20(i)(2) is made—(A) Expired losses. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(4)(iv) of this section, unless a group otherwise chooses, to the extent that S's loss carryovers are increased by reason of an election under § 1.1502-20(i)(2) and such loss carryovers expire or would have been properly used to offset income in a taxable year for which the refund of an overpayment is prevented by any law or rule of law as of the date the group files its original return for the taxable year in which S receives the notification described in § 1.1502-20(i)(3)(iv) and at all times thereafter, the group will be deemed to have made an election under paragraph (b)(4) of this section to treat all of such loss carryovers as expiring for all Federal income tax purposes immediately before S became a member of the consolidated group. A group may choose not to apply the rule of the previous sentence to all of such loss carryovers of S by taking a position on an original or amended tax return for each relevant taxable year that is consistent with having made such choice.

    (B) Available losses. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(4)(iv) of this section, to the extent that S's loss carryovers are increased by reason of an election under § 1.1502-20(i)(2) and such loss carryovers have not expired and would not have been properly used to offset income in a taxable year for which the refund of an overpayment is prevented by any law or rule of law as of the date the group files its original return for the taxable year in which S receives the notification described in § 1.1502-20(i)(3)(iv) and at all times thereafter, the group may make an election under paragraph (b)(4) of this section to treat all or a portion of such loss carryovers as expiring for all Federal income tax purposes immediately before S became a member of the consolidated group. Such election must be filed with the group's original return for the taxable year in which S receives the notification described in § 1.1502-20(i)(3)(iv).

    (C) Effective dates. Paragraph (b)(4)(v) of this section is applicable on and after March 3, 2005. For prior periods, see § 1.1502-32T(b)(4)(v) as contained in the 26 CFR part 1 in effect on March 2, 2005.

    (vi) * * *

    (vii) Special rules for amending waiver of loss carryovers from separate return limitation year—(A) Waivers that increased allowable loss or reduced basis reduction required. If, in connection with the acquisition of S, the group made an election pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section to treat all or any portion of S's loss carryovers as expiring, and the prior group elected to determine the amount of the allowable loss or the basis reduction required with respect to the stock of S or a higher-tier corporation of S by applying the provisions described in § 1.1502-20(i)(2)(i) or (ii), then the group may reduce the amount of any loss carryover deemed to expire (or increase the amount of any loss carryover deemed not to expire) as a result of the election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The aggregate amount of loss carryovers that may be treated as not expiring as a result of amendments made pursuant to this paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(A) with respect to S and any higher- and lower-tier corporation of S may not exceed the Start Printed Page 10326amount described in § 1.1502-20(c)(1)(iii) with respect to the acquired stock (computed without regard to the effect of the group's election or elections pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, but with regard to the effect of the prior group's election pursuant to § 1.1502-20(g), if any, prior to the application of § 1.1502-20(i)(3)). For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of loss carryovers that may be treated as not expiring as a result of amendments made pursuant to this paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(A) with respect to S and any higher- and lower-tier corporation of S, the group may rely on a written notification provided by the prior group. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as permitting a group to increase the amount of any loss carryover deemed to expire (or reduce the amount of any loss carryover deemed not to expire) as a result of the election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

    (B) Inadvertent waivers of loss carryovers previously subject to an election described in § 1.1502-20(g). If, in connection with the acquisition of S, the group made an election pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section to waive loss carryovers of S by identifying the amount of each loss carryover deemed not to expire, the prior group elected to determine the amount of the allowable loss or the basis reduction required with respect to the stock of S or a higher-tier corporation of S by applying the provisions described in § 1.1502-20(i)(2)(i) or (ii), and the amount of S's loss carryovers treated as reattributed to the prior group pursuant to the election described in § 1.1502-20(g) is reduced pursuant to § 1.1502-20(i)(3), then the group may amend its election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section to provide that all or a portion of the loss carryovers of S that are treated as loss carryovers of S as a result of the prior group's election to apply the provisions described in § 1.1502-20(i)(2)(i) or (ii) are deemed not to expire. This paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(B), however, does not permit a group to reduce the amount of any loss carryover deemed not to expire as a result of the election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

    (C) Time and manner of amending an election under § 1.1502-32(b)(4). The amendment of an election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section must be made in a statement entitled Amendment of Election to Treat Loss Carryover as Expiring Under § 1.1502-32(b)(4) Pursuant to § 1.1502-32(b)(4)(vii). The statement must be filed with or as part of any timely filed (including extensions) original return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, or with or as part of an amended return filed before the date the original return for the taxable year that includes August 26, 2004, is due (with regard to extensions). A separate statement shall be filed for each election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section that is being amended pursuant to this paragraph (b)(4)(vii). For purposes of making this statement, the group may rely on the statements set forth in a written notification provided by the prior group. The statement filed under this paragraph must include the following—

    (1) The name and employer identification number (E.I.N.) of S;

    (2) In the case of an amendment made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(A), a statement that the group has received a written notification from the prior group confirming that the group's prior election or elections pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section had the effect of either increasing the prior group's allowable loss on the disposition of subsidiary stock or reducing the prior group's amount of basis reduction required;

    (3) The amount of each loss carryover of S deemed to expire (or the amount of loss carryover deemed not to expire) as set forth in the election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section;

    (4) The amended amount of each loss carryover of S deemed to expire (or the amended amount of loss carryover deemed not to expire); and

    (5) In the case of an amendment made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(A) of this section, a statement that the aggregate amount of loss carryovers of S and any higher- and lower-tier corporation of S that will be treated as not expiring as a result of amendments made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(vii)(A) of this section will not exceed the amount described in § 1.1502-20(c)(1)(iii) with respect to the acquired stock (computed without regard to the effect of the group's election or elections pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, but with regard to the effect of the prior group's election pursuant to § 1.1502-20(g), if any, prior to the application of § 1.1502-20(i)(3)).

    (D) Items taken into account in open years. An amendment to an election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section affects the group's items of income, gain, deduction, or loss only to the extent that the amendment gives rise, directly or indirectly, to items or amounts that would properly be taken into account in a year for which an assessment of deficiency or a refund for overpayment, as the case may be, is not prevented by any law or rule of law. Under this paragraph, if the year to which a loss previously deemed to expire as a result of an election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section is deemed not to expire as a result of an election made pursuant to this paragraph would have been carried back or carried forward is a year for which a refund of overpayment is prevented by law, then to the extent that the absorption of such loss in such year would have affected the tax treatment of another item (e.g., another loss that was absorbed in such year) that has an effect in a year for which a refund of overpayment is not prevented by any law or rule of law, the amendment to the election made pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section will affect the treatment of such other item. Therefore, if the absorption of such loss (the first loss) in a year for which a refund of overpayment is prevented by law would have prevented the absorption of another loss (the second loss) in such year and such second loss would have been carried to and used in a year for which a refund of overpayment is not prevented by any law or rule of law (the other year), the amendment of the election makes the second loss available for use in the other year.

    (E) Higher- and lower-tier corporations of S. A higher-tier corporation of S is a corporation that was a member of the prior group and, as a result of such higher-tier corporation becoming a member of the group; S became a member of the group. A lower-tier corporation of S is a corporation that was a member of the prior group and became a member of the group as a result of S becoming a member of the group.

    (F) Effective date. This paragraph (b)(4)(vii) is applicable on and after March 3, 2005. For prior periods, see § 1.1502-32T(b)(4)(vii) as contained in the 26 CFR part 1 in effect on March 2, 2005.

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    Par. 7. In § 1.1502-32T, paragraphs (b)(4)(v) and (b)(4)(vii) are revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Investment adjustments (temporary).
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (4) * * *

    (v) For further guidance see § 1.1502-32(b)(4)(v).

    (vi) * * *

    (vii) For further guidance see § 1.1502-32(b)(4)(vii).

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    Par. 8. The following sections in the table below are amended by revising Start Printed Page 10327“§ 1.337(d)-2T” to read “§ 1.337(d)-2,” each time it appears in the paragraph:

    End Amendment Part
    SectionRemoveAdd
    § 1.267(f)-1(k)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.597-4(g)(2)(v)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-11(b)(3)(ii)(c)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-12(r)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-15(b)(2)(iii)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-35T(b)(6)(ii)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-35T(c)(9)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    § 1.1502-91(h)(2)§ 1.337(d)-2T§ 1.337(d)-2.
    Start Part

    PART 602—OMB CONTROL NUMBERS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    Par. 9. The authority citation for part 602 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    Par. 10. In § 602.101, paragraph (b) is amended by removing the entry for § 1.337(d)-2T and adding entries to the table in numerical order to read, in part, as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    OMB Control numbers.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    CFR part or section where identified and describedCurrent OMB control No.
    *    *    *    *    *
    1.337(d)-21545-1774
    *    *    *    *    *
    1.1502-201545-1774
    *    *    *    *    *
    1.1502-321545-1774
    *    *    *    *    *
    Start Signature

    Mark E. Matthews,

    Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.

    Approved: February 18, 2005.

    Eric Solomon,

    Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 05-3951 Filed 3-2-05; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4830-01-P

Document Information

Published:
03/03/2005
Department:
Internal Revenue Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final and temporary regulations.
Document Number:
05-3951
Pages:
10319-10327 (9 pages)
Docket Numbers:
TD 9187
RINs:
1545-BA52: Loss Limitation Rules
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1545-BA52/loss-limitation-rules
Topics:
Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
PDF File:
05-3951.pdf
CFR: (7)
26 CFR 1.337(d)-2
26 CFR 1.337(d)-2T
26 CFR 1.1502-20T(i)
26 CFR 602.101
26 CFR 1.1502-20
More ...