Certain Transfers of Stock or Securities by U.S. Persons to Foreign Corporations, 5174-5197 [07-490]

Download as PDF 5174 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations List of Subjects PART 375—THE COMMISSION 18 CFR 35 Electric power rates, Electric utilities, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 18 CFR 366 Electric power, Natural gas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 18 CFR 375 Authority delegations (Government Agencies), Seals and insignia, Sunshine Act. 5. The authority citation for part 375 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 5 U.S.C. 551–557; 15 U.S.C. 717–717w, 3301–3432; 16 U.S.C. 791–825r, 2601–2645; 42 U.S.C. 7101–7352. 6. Amend § 375.303 by revising paragraphs (f) and (g) to read as follows: I § 375.303 Delegations to the Chief Accountant. 3. The authority citation for part 366 continues to read as follows: * * * * (f) Deny or grant, in whole or in part, motions for extension of time to file, or requests for waiver of the requirements of the following forms, data collections, and reports: Annual Reports (Form Nos. 1, 1–F, 2, 2–A, and 6); Quarterly Reports (Form Nos. 3–Q and 6–Q); Annual Report of Centralized Service Companies (Form No. 60); Narrative Description of Service Company Functions (FERC–61); Report of Transmission Investment Activity (FERC–730); and Electric Quarterly Reports, as well as, where required, the electronic filing of such information (§ 385.2011 of this chapter, Procedures for filing on electronic media, paragraphs (a)(6), (c), and (e)). (g) Provide notification if a submitted Annual Report (Form Nos. 1, 1–F, 2, 2– A, and 6), Quarterly Report (Form Nos. 3–Q and 6–Q), Annual Report of Centralized Service Companies (Form No. 60), Narrative Description of Service Company Functions (FERC–61), Report of Transmission Investment Activity (FERC–730), or Electric Quarterly Report fails to comply with applicable statutory requirements, and with all applicable Commission rules, regulations, and orders for which a waiver has not been granted, or, when appropriate, notify a party that a submission is acceptable. * * * * * Authority: Pub. L. No. 109–58, 1261 et seq., 119 Stat. 594, 972 et seq. I By the Commission. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. In consideration of the foregoing, the Commission amends parts 35, 366, and 375, Chapter I, Title 18, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows: I PART 35—FILING OF RATE SCHEDULES AND TARIFFS 1. The authority citation for part 35 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 16 U.S.C. 791–825r, 2601–2645; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 7101–7352. 2. Amend § 35.35 by revising paragraph (h)(3) to read as follows: I § 35.35 Transmission infrastructure investment. * * * * * (h) * * * (3) For good cause shown, the Commission may extend the time within which any FERC–730 filing is to be filed or waive the requirements applicable to any such filing. * * * * * PART 366—PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 2005 I 4. Amend § 366.23 by revising paragraph (a)(3), to read as follows: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES § 366.23 FERC Form No. 60, annual report of service companies, and FERC–61, narrative description of service company functions. (a) * * * (3) For good cause shown, the Commission may extend the time within which any such report or narrative description required to be filed pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) or (2) of this section is to be filed or waive the requirements applicable to any such report or narrative description. * * * * * 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 7. Amend § 375.307 as follows: A. Remove paragraphs (a), (c), (d), and (i)(8) and redesignate paragraphs (b) and (e) through (p) as paragraphs (a) through (m). I B. Revise redesignated paragraph (h)(3) to read as follows: I I VerDate Aug<31>2005 * § 375.307 Delegations to the Director of the Office of Markets, Tariffs and Rates. * * * * * (h) * * * (3) Accept for filing, data and reports required by Commission orders, or presiding officers’ initial decisions upon which the Commission has taken no further action, if such filings are in compliance with such orders or PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 decisions and, when appropriate, notify the filing party of such acceptance. * * * * * § 375.314 [Amended] 8. In § 375.314, remove the words ‘‘Office of Market Oversight and Investigation’’ and add, in their place, the words ‘‘Office of Enforcement’’ in the following sections: A. Section 375.314 section heading; B. Section 375.314(b); C. Section 375.314(c); and D. Section 375.314(d). I [FR Doc. E7–1737 Filed 2–2–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1 and 602 [TD 9311] RIN 1545–BG10 Certain Transfers of Stock or Securities by U.S. Persons to Foreign Corporations Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final and temporary regulations. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document contains final and temporary regulations under section 367(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) regarding gain recognition agreements. The final regulations are necessary to update cross-references in the current regulations. The temporary regulations are necessary to respond to comments requested in Notice 2005–74. The regulations primarily affect U.S. persons that transfer stock or securities to foreign corporations or corporations engaged in transactions that affect existing gain recognition agreements. The text of these temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations (REG–147144–06) set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking on this subject published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective February 5, 2007. Applicability Dates: For dates of applicability, see §§ 1.367(a)–3T(f) and 1.367(a)–8T(h). ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–147144–06), room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be handdelivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–147144–06), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, or sent electronically, via the IRS Internet site at https://www.irs.gov/regs or via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov (IRS REG–147144– 06). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel McCall, (202) 622–3860 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act These temporary regulations are being issued without prior notice and public procedure pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). For this reason, the collections of information contained in these regulations have been reviewed and pending receipt and evaluation of public comments, 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– 2056. Response to these collections of information is mandatory. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection of information displays a valid control number. For further information concerning this collection of information, and where to submit comments on the collection of information and the accuracy of the estimated burden, and suggestions for reducing the burden, please refer to the preamble to the crossreferencing notice of proposed rulemaking published elsewhere in the Proposed Rules section of this issue of the Federal Register. Books and records relating to these collections 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Background Section 367(a)(1) provides that if, in connection with any exchange described in section 332, 351, 354, 356, or 361, a United States person (U.S. transferor) transfers property to a foreign corporation (transferee foreign corporation), such foreign corporation shall not, for purposes of determining the extent to which gain shall be recognized on such transfer, be considered to be a corporation. Section 367(a)(2), (3) and (6) provides VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 exceptions to this general rule and grants regulatory authority to provide additional exceptions and to limit the statutory exceptions. Exceptions to the general rule of section 367(a)(1) for certain transfers by a U.S. transferor of the stock or securities of a corporation (transferred corporation) to a transferee foreign corporation are provided in § 1.367(a)– 3 (initial transfer). In some cases, these exceptions require, among other things, that the U.S. transferor file a gain recognition agreement (GRA), as provided in § 1.367(a)–8. Section 1.367(a)–3(b)(1)(ii) and (c)(1)(iii)(B). Pursuant to a GRA, the U.S. transferor agrees, among other things, to include in income the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer of the stock or securities, and pay any applicable interest, upon certain events (triggering events) that occur before the close of the fifth full taxable year following the year of the initial transfer. Section 1.367(a)–8(b)(1)(iii) and (3)(i). Section 1.367(a)–8(e)(1) and (2) provides that dispositions of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation are generally triggering events. Similarly, § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3) provides that dispositions of substantially all (within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C)) of the assets of the transferred corporation are generally treated as deemed dispositions of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation and therefore are also triggering events. Finally, dispositions of stock of the transferee foreign corporation can also be triggering events. See § 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(ii). Notwithstanding these rules, § 1.367(a)–8 provides that various nonrecognition transactions are not triggering events if certain requirements are satisfied. For example, § 1.367(a)– 8(g) provides exceptions for certain transactions involving the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. Although these exceptions clearly contemplate some nonrecognition transactions, the current regulations are unclear whether, and if so how, the exceptions apply to various asset reorganizations involving section 361 exchanges by the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. Section 1.367(a)–8 also provides that certain nonrecognition transactions are not triggering events because the GRA is terminated without further effect. For example, § 1.367(a)–8(h)(3) lists certain nonrecognition transactions that terminate the GRA, provided that immediately after the transaction the basis in the transferred stock is not PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5175 greater than the U.S. transferor’s basis in the stock that, immediately before the initial transfer, necessitated the GRA. On September 28, 2005, the IRS and the Treasury Department issued Notice 2005–74 (2005–42 IRB 726), see § 601.601(d)(2), which announced the intention to amend the regulations under section 367(a) to address the effect on GRAs of certain asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. The notice was issued in response to comments that the current regulations do not adequately address various asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. Notice 2005–74 addressed the most common of these reorganizations and requested comments on other transactions (for example, certain upstream and downstream reorganizations). Notice 2005–74 generally provided that, if particular requirements are satisfied, certain asset reorganizations of the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, or the transferred corporation will not constitute triggering events. A key premise of the notice was that the covered transactions involved situations where the ability to collect tax is sufficiently preserved in the event of a subsequent trigger of the GRA (that is, the obligor under the GRA remains unchanged as a result of the asset reorganization). In light of taxpayer comments and further study, however, the IRS and Treasury Department have determined that there are additional instances where the ability to collect tax after these asset reorganizations and certain other nonrecognition transactions (as defined in section 7701(a)(45)) is sufficiently preserved so that these transactions also should not constitute a triggering event if particular requirements are met. The IRS and Treasury Department also have concluded that other portions of the current section 367(a) regulations addressing GRAs should be revised. Explanation of Provisions A. Overview The temporary regulations adopt the rules announced in Notice 2005–74, with a number of modifications discussed below. Notice 2005–74 only provided guidance on a particular range of transactions, namely certain asset reorganizations, that are insufficiently addressed in the current regulations. The temporary regulations respond to comments and provide guidance on the effect on GRAs of transactions that are E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5176 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations not addressed in the current regulation or Notice 2005–74. The temporary regulations also make additional changes to the existing regulations. For example, the temporary regulations modify and clarify procedural requirements attendant to entering into GRAs. Finally, the temporary regulations reorganize the current regulation so that distinct paragraphs address triggering events, exceptions to triggering events, and events that terminate a GRA. The IRS and Treasury Department continue to consider issuing additional public guidance that further revises § 1.367(a)–8. B. Effect of Certain Asset Reorganizations and Nontaxable Liquidations on Gain Recognition Agreements mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 1. Transfers of Transferee Foreign Corporation Stock by U.S. Transferor (a) Asset Reorganizations Notice 2005–74 provided that if, in a section 361 transaction, a U.S. transferor transfers all or a portion of the stock or securities of the transferee foreign corporation to an acquiring domestic corporation (successor U.S. transferor) pursuant to certain asset reorganizations, the exchanges made pursuant to the asset reorganization will trigger the gain recognition agreement, unless various conditions are satisfied. These conditions are: (1) The U.S. transferor must have been a member of a consolidated group (original consolidated group) at the time of the initial transfer and the common parent of such group (original common parent) entered into the original GRA; (2) immediately after the asset reorganization, the successor U.S. transferor is a member of the original consolidated group (consolidation continuity requirement); and (3) the original common parent enters into a new GRA with respect to the transfer subject to the original GRA, modified by substituting the successor U.S. transferor for the original U.S. transferor. A notice of the asset reorganization also must be provided with the successor U.S. transferor’s next annual certification. For this purpose, an asset reorganization is defined as a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1) involving the transfer of assets by a corporation to another corporation pursuant to section 361, except that such term shall include reorganizations described in section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G) only if the requirements of section 354(b)(1)(A) and (B) are met. The IRS and Treasury Department received several comments that the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 consolidation continuity requirement was unduly restrictive because it focused on maintaining the same obligor for a GRA following the asset reorganization. Commentators asserted that an equal or better ability to collect the tax due as a result of a triggering event subsequent to such a reorganization may be preserved in certain instances where the consolidation continuity requirement would not be satisfied. However, these same commentators noted that if there were no consolidation continuity requirement, such that a U.S. transferor that is a member of a consolidated group at the time of the initial transfer could be acquired in a later asset reorganization by a corporation (successor corporation) that is not a member of such group without triggering the GRA, the actions of the successor corporation could inappropriately affect the liability of the original consolidated group under the GRA. As a result, the commentators requested that the consolidation continuity requirement be curtailed or eliminated, while at the same time not inappropriately exposing the original consolidated group to the liabilities arising from the actions of the successor corporation. The IRS and Treasury Department generally agree with these views. Therefore, the temporary regulations eliminate the consolidation continuity requirement and address concerns about the liability of a consolidated group that disposes of a U.S. transferor subject to a GRA. Specifically, the temporary regulations provide that when a U.S. transferor transfers all or a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation to an acquiring corporation in an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will not be triggering events and the GRA will terminate without further effect, but only if certain requirements are satisfied. These requirements ensure that the ability to collect tax is sufficiently preserved and that the terms of the GRA are administrable. First, the acquiring corporation (successor U.S. transferor) must be a domestic corporation, and the successor U.S. transferor or the common parent of the consolidated group of which the successor U.S. transferor is a member (as applicable) must enter into a new GRA to recognize gain with respect to the initial transfer during the remaining term of the original GRA (with certain modifications). Second, with its next certification, the successor U.S. transferor must provide PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 to the IRS the new GRA, notice of the transaction, and Form 8838 (Consent to Extend Time to Assess Tax Under Section 367) to extend the period of assessment of tax on the initial transfer. Third, unless the successor U.S. transferor is a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor was a member immediately before the asset reorganization, the person entering into the new GRA must elect that, if the new GRA is triggered in whole or in part, the person will include the required amount in the year of the triggering event (as opposed to the year of the initial transfer). Requiring an inclusion in these circumstances only in the year of a subsequent triggering event when the U.S. transferor is no longer owned by the same consolidated group is necessary, among other reasons, because the successor U.S. transferor may not have existed in the year of the initial transfer. In such a case, the successor U.S. transferor would not be able to amend a return for the year of the initial transfer to include any tax due as a result of a subsequent triggering event. Moreover, the requirement is appropriate even if the successor U.S. transferor did exist in the year of the initial transfer because its tax year for the year of the initial transfer may be closed. In sum, this requirement assures the GRA rules are administrable and that the ability to collect tax is sufficiently preserved. If these requirements are met, the original GRA will terminate without further effect. The IRS and Treasury Department have decided to eliminate the consolidation continuity requirement because these three requirements adequately address the government’s concern in this area by, among other things, preserving the ability to collect the tax due as a result of a triggering event subsequent to a covered asset reorganization. In many asset reorganizations, the successor U.S. transferor will have an equal or greater ability to pay the tax due in the case of a subsequent triggering event than would the original U.S. transferor. Furthermore, the current regulations generally do not impose any financial or other requirements on the ability of a U.S. transferor to enter into a GRA. But see § 1.367(a)–8(d) (imposing a security requirement in certain situations). Consequently, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that even if in some circumstances an acquisition of a U.S. transferor may affect the ability to collect the tax due as a result of a subsequent triggering event (for example, the U.S. transferor is acquired from a consolidated group by another consolidated group whose value is less E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES than that of the original consolidated group), the requirements above nonetheless sufficiently preserve the ability to collect the tax that would be due if the new GRA were triggered and ensure that the terms of the GRA are administrable. As described in this section, the temporary regulations require that the acquirer be a domestic corporation because, among other reasons, the IRS and Treasury Department are concerned that if a foreign acquirer is allowed to enter into a new GRA, it may be difficult for the IRS to collect any tax due in the event of a subsequent trigger of the GRA. However, the IRS and Treasury Department continue to study whether it would be appropriate to allow a domestic corporate shareholder of the U.S. transferor to enter into a new GRA when a U.S. transferor is acquired by a foreign corporation in an asset reorganization under conditions similar to those provided in § 1.367(a)–3T(e). The IRS and Treasury Department welcome more detailed comments on specific approaches that could extend these rules to foreign acquisitions of the U.S. transferor. (b) Nontaxable Liquidations The current regulations provide that, if a corporate U.S. transferor liquidates in a transaction that qualifies under sections 332 and 337, the GRA is triggered unless (1) The U.S. transferor filed a consolidated income tax return with a U.S. parent corporation both in the year of the initial transfer and the year of the liquidation, and (2) the common parent enters into a new GRA, with certain modifications. Section 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(ii). The temporary regulations provide a similar rule. However, the temporary regulations eliminate the consolidation continuity requirement, so the U.S. transferor is no longer required to be a member of the same consolidated group in the year of the initial transfer and the year of the liquidation. Consequently, the temporary regulations provide that where a U.S. transferor disposes of the stock of the foreign transferee corporation in a liquidation that qualifies under sections 332 and 337, the disposition will not constitute a triggering event provided that: (1) The distributee (successor U.S. transferor) is a domestic corporation described in section 332(b)(1); (2) the successor U.S. transferor or, if the successor U.S. transferor is a member of a consolidated group, the common parent of the successor U.S. transferor’s group, enters into a new GRA covering the remaining term of the original GRA (with certain modifications); (3) where the successor VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 5177 U.S. transferor is not a member of the original consolidated group immediately after the liquidation, the person entering into the GRA agrees that if there is a subsequent triggering event, the taxpayer will recognize the gain in the year of the triggering event (as opposed to the year of the initial transfer); and (4) the successor U.S. transferor provides, with its next annual certification, Form 8838 to extend the period of assessment of the tax on the initial transfer. If these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA will terminate without further effect. For reasons similar to those discussed above in the context of asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that the temporary regulations sufficiently address the government’s concerns in this area, including preserving the ability to collect tax due as a result of a subsequent triggering event. As a result, it is not necessary for the U.S. transferor to be a member of the same consolidated group in the year of the transfer and the year of the liquidation. In addition, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that it is appropriate to require an inclusion in the year of a subsequent triggering event if the successor U.S. transferor was not a member of a consolidated group with the U.S. transferor immediately before the liquidation for reasons similar to those discussed regarding asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor. asset reorganizations: (1) Triangular asset reorganizations described in § 1.358–6(b); and (2) asset reorganizations where, after the reorganization, the same corporation is both the transferee foreign corporation (or successor transferee foreign corporation, as applicable) and the transferred corporation (or the successor transferred corporation, as applicable). The temporary regulations generally incorporate these rules and provide that if the above conditions are satisfied the original GRA will terminate without further effect. However, even if these conditions are satisfied, the temporary regulations provide specific gain recognition rules if the transferee foreign corporation transfers stock or securities of the transferred corporation in an asset reorganization and the U.S. transferor recognizes gain under section 356(a)(1). See section C of this preamble. As noted in this preamble, Notice 2005–74 excluded from the definition of the term asset reorganization any triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation and transferred corporation and certain upstream and downstream reorganizations. In response to comments and upon further study by the IRS and Treasury Department, the temporary regulations address the treatment of triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation and certain upstream and downstream reorganizations. See sections G and H of this preamble. 2. Transfers of Transferred Corporation Stock or Securities by Transferee Foreign Corporation in an Asset Reorganization Notice 2005–74 provided that if, in a section 361 transaction, a transferee foreign corporation transfers stock or securities of a transferred corporation to a foreign acquiring corporation in an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will be a triggering event, unless certain conditions are met. These conditions require that the U.S. transferor, common parent, or new common parent corporation, as applicable, enter into a new GRA, with certain modifications. In addition, the U.S. transferor also is required to provide the new GRA and a notice of the asset reorganization with its next annual certification. For purposes of this rule, Notice 2005–74 retained the same definition of asset reorganization as used for the provision dealing with transfers of transferee corporation stock, with certain modifications. Specifically, Notice 2005–74 excludes the following 3. Transfers of Substantially All of a Transferred Corporation’s Assets Notice 2005–74 provides that if a transferred corporation transfers substantially all its assets in an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will be a triggering event, unless certain conditions are met. These conditions require that the U.S. transferor, U.S. parent corporation or new U.S. parent corporation, as applicable, enters into a new GRA, with certain modifications. The U.S. transferor also is required to provide the new GRA and the notice of the asset reorganization with its next annual certification. The definition of asset reorganization is the same as that used in asset reorganizations involving the transferee foreign corporation. The temporary regulations generally incorporate these rules and provide that if these conditions are met, the original GRA will terminate without further effect. However, even if these conditions are satisfied, the temporary regulations provide specific gain recognition rules (described in section C of this preamble) PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5178 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES if the transferred corporation transfers substantially all of its assets in an asset reorganization and the transferee foreign corporation recognizes gain under section 356(a)(1). In addition, although the definition of asset reorganization excludes triangular asset reorganizations and downstream mergers of the transferee foreign corporation, the temporary regulations address the tax treatment of these transactions. See sections G and H of this preamble. C. Special Rules Regarding Nonrecognition Transactions Involving Money or Other Property The current regulations provide that certain nonrecognition transactions are not triggering events if particular requirements are satisfied. However, commentators have stated that the current regulations provide that certain nonrecognition transactions at the transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation level in which any money or other property (as described in sections 351(b) or 356(a)) is received in exchange are triggering events without exception. These commentators assert that it is not appropriate to trigger an entire GRA as a result of receiving a relatively minor amount of ‘‘boot’’ in the nonrecognition transaction. These commentators also note that the current regulations do not address clearly the treatment of transfers of transferee foreign corporation stock by a U.S. transferor in a nonrecognition transaction in which the U.S. transferor receives boot. The IRS and Treasury Department agree that the receipt of boot under section 351(b) or 356(a)(1) in connection with the disposition of transferred corporation stock or securities, or substantially all of a transferred corporation’s assets, should not automatically trigger all the gain under a GRA. Accordingly, the temporary regulations provide that if certain conditions are met, the entire GRA will not be triggered when a transferee foreign corporation disposes of transferred corporation stock or securities in a nonrecognition transaction simply because the transferee foreign corporation receives boot. However, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that the GRA should be triggered to the extent that gain would be recognized in such a transaction by a transferee foreign corporation or a transferred corporation, before taking into account basis increases that may apply to the stock or securities disposed of as a result of triggering the GRA. The current, as well as the temporary regulations, provide VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 that if a U.S. transferor is required to recognize gain because of a triggering event, then certain basis increases are allowed as of the date of the initial transfer. Therefore, in determining the amount of gain that is recognized under the GRA in such a transaction, the temporary regulations provide that the U.S. transferor first must recognize that amount of gain that the transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation would have recognized under 351(b) or 356(a)(1), before taking into account the basis increases that are allowed under the regulations as of the date of the initial transfer. Second, if the U.S. transferor has not recognized all the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, then its new GRA will reflect any remaining unrecognized gain on the initial transfer. Third, after the consequences of the transaction are determined under the temporary regulations, then the taxpayer must determine the amount of gain, if any, that the transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation must recognize under 351(b) or 356(a)(1). In determining the amount to be recognized, the basis of the stock disposed of shall reflect the basis increase allowed as a result of the gain recognized under the GRA by the U.S. transferor. This special rule limiting recognition of gain in otherwise nonrecognition transactions involving boot applies only if the U.S. transferor complies with the otherwise applicable requirements of the exception to recognizing all of the gain subject to the GRA when there is a triggering event. This special rule is intended to require the U.S. transferor to recognize only an appropriate amount of income, without automatically triggering the entire GRA. The IRS and Treasury Department also believe that additional guidance is needed on the treatment of transfers of transferee foreign corporation stock by a U.S. transferor in a nonrecognition exchange in which the U.S. transferor receives boot. Therefore, the temporary regulations treat the disposition of transferee foreign corporation stock in a nonrecognition transaction by the U.S. transferor when the U.S. transferor receives money or other property as described in section 351(b) or 356(a) as a termination of the GRA in whole or in part. Consequently, if a new GRA is filed, then the U.S. transferor will recognize gain under the new GRA in the event of a subsequent triggering event in the amount of the gain realized, but not recognized, in the initial transfer less any gain recognized by the U.S. transferor under section 351(b) and 356(a)(1) in connection with the PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 nonrecognition transaction. If, however, a new GRA is not filed in connection with the nonrecognition transaction, then the original GRA is triggered, and the U.S. transferor must recognize the gain that was realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer less any gain recognized by the U.S. transferor under section 351(b) or 356(a)(1) in connection with the nonrecognition transaction. D. Effect of Consolidation and Deconsolidation on Gain Recognition Agreements Commentators noted that the current regulation does not adequately address the effect on GRAs of certain transactions involving consolidated groups. For example, the commentators noted that it is not clear what effect a U.S. transferor becoming a member of a consolidated group has on an existing GRA. The current regulations do provide, however, that if a U.S. transferor is a member of a consolidated group at the time of the initial transfer and ceases to be a member of the group during the term of the GRA, the common parent of such group that entered into the GRA continues to be liable under the original GRA. Section 1.367(a)–8(b)(5)(ii). Several commentators have raised concerns that such a result is not appropriate because the actions of an acquirer could unilaterally affect the liability of the original consolidated group under the GRA. The IRS and Treasury Department agree that the effect of these transactions needs to be clarified and rationalized. Accordingly, in response to these concerns, the temporary regulations provide specific rules addressing these transactions. In particular, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that the U.S. parent corporation of a consolidated group should not continue to be liable under a GRA with respect to a U.S. transferor that is no longer a member of such group. The temporary regulations provide that when a U.S. transferor becomes a member of a consolidated group (including a transaction where it joins such a group after being a member of another consolidated group) the transaction is a triggering event unless certain conditions are met. If these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA is terminated without further effect. These conditions require the U.S. parent corporation of the consolidated group that the U.S. transferor joins (1) To enter into a new GRA for the remaining term of the original GRA and (2) to elect to recognize gain in the taxable year of any subsequent E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES triggering event (as opposed to the year of the initial transfer). A notice of the consolidation transaction must also be filed with the next annual certification. The IRS and Treasury Department believe that these requirements ensure that a GRA remains in effect after a U.S. transferor joins a consolidated group. These requirements are also consistent with § 1.1502–77(a), which provides that the common parent is the sole agent for each member of the consolidated group. In addition, the temporary regulations also cover situations in which a U.S. transferor ceases to be a member of a consolidated group and does not become a member of a new consolidated group. In these cases, the transaction is a triggering event, unless certain conditions are met. If these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA is terminated without further effect. These conditions require the U.S. transferor (1) To enter into a new GRA for the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement and (2) to elect that in the event of a subsequent triggering event the U.S. transferor will recognize gain in the year of the triggering event. The U.S. transferor must also provide notice of the deconsolidation with the next annual certification. E. U.S. Transferor Goes Out of Existence in a Transaction Giving Rise to a Gain Recognition Agreement The current regulation provides that when a U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, gain generally qualifies for nonrecognition treatment only if the U.S. transferor is owned by a single U.S. parent corporation, the U.S. transferor and its parent corporation file a consolidated Federal income tax return for the taxable year that includes the transfer, and the parent of the consolidated group enters into a GRA. Section 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(i). The current regulation provides that a U.S. transferor that is controlled by five or fewer domestic corporations may request a ruling that the transaction qualifies for nonrecognition treatment. Section 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(i). Notice 2005–74, in turn, provides a rule that treats all members of the U.S. parent’s consolidated group for the taxable year that includes the transfer as a single corporation for purposes of § 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(i). Thus, a U.S. transferor that is not directly owned by a single U.S. parent corporation may still qualify for nonrecognition, without requesting a ruling, when the U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, if it is VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 indirectly wholly owned by members of a consolidated group. The IRS and Treasury Department believe it is necessary to provide additional guidance on how GRAs are entered into when a U.S. transferor is controlled by multiple corporate shareholders with which the U.S. transferor does not join in filing a consolidated return. Moreover, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that in this area a single rule should apply both in consolidated and nonconsolidated situations. As a result, the temporary regulations provide unified rules, replacing both the current regulations and Notice 2005–74, in situations in which a U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA. The temporary regulations generally provide that when a U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, the gain may qualify for nonrecognition treatment if (1) The requirements of section 367(a)(5) and any regulations under that paragraph are satisfied such that five or fewer domestic corporations control the U.S. transferor and appropriate basis adjustments are made, (2) the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(c)(1) are satisfied if the transferred corporation is domestic, (3) all domestic corporate shareholders of the U.S. transferor that own at least five percent of either the total voting power or the total fair market value of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation immediately after the transaction enter into GRAs with respect to their pro rata share of the gain in the transferred stock or securities that designate such domestic corporate shareholders as U.S. transferors for purposes of §§ 1.367(a)– 3(b) and (c) and 1.367(a)–8T, and (4) all domestic corporate shareholders that enter into GRAs elect to recognize any gain upon a subsequent trigger of the GRA in the year of the triggering event. The temporary regulations eliminate the current regulation’s option to request a private letter ruling because guidance is now provided on how GRAs are entered into by five or fewer domestic corporations that control a U.S. transferor satisfying section 367(a)(5). In addition, the temporary regulations clarify that the terms of section 367(a)(5) must be satisfied (along with other requirements) to avoid gain recognition on the U.S. transferor’s section 361 transfer of stock or securities to a foreign acquiring corporation. Therefore, the rule in Notice 2005–74 treating consolidated group members as a single corporation is incorporated by reference to section 367(a)(5), which provides that all PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5179 members of the same affiliated group are treated as one corporation. Lastly, because these rules address how gain recognition may be avoided under section 367(a)(1) on the initial transfer itself, rather than the effect of subsequent transactions on existing GRAs, these rules have been removed from § 1.367(a)–8 and included instead in § 1.367(a)–3T(e). F. Transfers of Transferred Corporation’s Assets Under the current regulations, dispositions of substantially all of the assets of the transferred corporation (within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C)) are generally treated as deemed dispositions of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation and therefore are triggering events. Section 1.367(a)–8(e)(3). In Revenue Ruling 57–518 (1957–2 CB 253), see § 601.601(d)(2), the IRS stated that what constitutes ‘‘substantially all of the properties’’ as the term is used in section 368(a)(1)(C) ‘‘will depend upon the facts and circumstances in each case rather than upon any particular percentage.’’ However, Revenue Procedure 77–37 (1977–2 CB 586), see § 601.601(d)(2), provides that for ruling purposes, the transfer by a corporation of 70 percent of its gross assets or 90 percent of its assets net of liabilities will generally be deemed to be a transfer of substantially all of the assets of a corporation. Commentators have noted that defining substantially all by reference to section 368(a)(1)(C) may not be appropriate in the context of the GRA rules. The IRS and Treasury Department, however, generally believe that defining ‘‘substantially all’’ for these purposes by reference to the definition of the term under section 368(a)(1)(C) is appropriate. Nonetheless, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that it is important to clarify the scope of the term ‘‘substantially all,’’ as used in the current regulation and the temporary regulations. One commentator suggested that if a transferred corporation disposes of less than 70 percent of its gross assets or 90 percent of its assets net of liabilities, the transfer will not be treated as a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the transferred corporation for purposes of § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3), and thus, such a disposition would not trigger a GRA. This suggestion is not correct. If, upon considering the facts and circumstances, a transferred corporation has disposed of substantially all its assets, such a transaction is a triggering event, even if the transferred corporation disposes of less than 70 E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5180 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations percent of a corporation’s gross assets or 90 percent of its assets net of liabilities. The ‘‘substantially all’’ safe harbor provided in Revenue Procedure 77–37 is intentionally high so that the IRS does not need to engage in a factually detailed analysis before issuing a letter ruling. As a result, in the context of GRAs, the Revenue Procedure’s threshold does not mean that a disposition of substantially all the assets does not occur upon the disposition of a lesser amount of assets. Therefore, the temporary regulations provide that whether a transferred corporation has disposed of substantially all of its assets is determined under all the facts and circumstances. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES G. Transactions That Terminate the GRA 1. Taxable Dispositions of Transferee Foreign Corporation Stock Section 1.367(a)–8(h)(1) provides that a GRA will terminate, in whole or in part, as a result of certain taxable dispositions of the transferee foreign corporation stock by the U.S. transferor. A key premise for this termination rule is that the basis in the transferee foreign corporation stock received by the U.S. transferor in the initial transfer is assumed to reflect the basis in the transferred stock or securities. The IRS and Treasury Department continue to believe this termination rule is appropriate. As a result, the temporary regulations generally retain this rule. However, the temporary regulations modify the termination rule to ensure that a GRA terminates only when the transferee foreign corporation stock disposed of in fact reflects the basis of the transferred stock or securities. This termination rule only applies to transferee foreign corporation stock that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer. The IRS and Treasury Department understand that in some cases, taxpayers may take the position that the basis in the transferee foreign corporation stock does not reflect the basis of the transferred stock or securities. For example, taxpayers may take the position that the basis in such transferee foreign corporation stock received also reflects the basis of other property that had a built-in loss when it was transferred to the transferee foreign corporation. Thus, the termination rule in the temporary regulations will apply only when the basis of the transferee foreign corporation stock received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer properly reflects the sum of the aggregate basis of the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer, VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 plus any increase in the basis of such stock or securities as a result of recognizing gain on the transfer. In addition, for purposes of this basis determination, basis increases to the transferee foreign corporation stock as a result of income inclusions (for example, pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken into account. In cases where the basis of the relevant transferee foreign corporation stock exceeds the basis of the transferred stock or securities, however, the temporary regulations allow the U.S. transferor to take advantage of this termination rule if it elects to reduce its basis in the transferee foreign corporation stock such that it does not exceed the basis it had in the transferred stock or securities. If the U.S. transferor makes this election, the basis reduction will be effective immediately before the taxable disposition that terminates the GRA. In addition, if the U.S. transferor makes this election, it may increase its basis in other stock of the transferee foreign corporation it holds, if any, by a corresponding amount but not above the fair market value of such stock. Similar rules apply in the case of partial dispositions of transferee foreign corporation stock and dispositions of transferee foreign corporation stock in nonrecognition transactions in which a portion of the realized gain is recognized. 2. Certain Inbound Distributions or Transfers of the Transferred Stock Section 1.367(a)–8(h)(3) provides that a distribution of the transferred stock in a transaction qualifying under section 355 or sections 332 and 337 will terminate the GRA if the U.S. transferor’s basis in the transferred stock or securities that it receives in the section 355 or 332 and 337 transaction does not exceed the basis the U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer. In response to comments, however, the temporary regulations allow the U.S. transferor to take advantage of this termination rule if it elects to reduce the basis of the transferred stock or securities if the basis exceeds the basis the U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer. For purposes of this basis determination, basis increases to the transferred stock as a result of income inclusions (for example, pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken into account. If the U.S. transferor elects to reduce basis in the transferred stock or securities it receives, the U.S. transferor shall increase its basis in other transferee foreign corporation stock (if PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 any) by a corresponding amount but not above the fair market value of such stock. Although the temporary regulations generally provide that a GRA terminates in certain section 332 liquidations of the transferee foreign corporation, the IRS and Treasury Department are studying to what extent this rule should apply when the transferee foreign corporation has a minority shareholder and therefore recognizes gain under section 336 in connection with the section 332 liquidation. As noted in the request for comments, although the IRS and Treasury Department generally believe it is appropriate to terminate entirely the GRA in a section 332 liquidation, in other circumstances it may not be appropriate. For example, if after an initial transfer, a wholly-owned transferee foreign corporation issues a minority interest to a foreign shareholder, completely terminating the GRA upon a section 332 liquidation of the transferee foreign corporation does not account for the fact that the U.S. transferor has indirectly disposed of up to 20 percent of its interest in the transferred stock or securities. Therefore, when the temporary regulations are finalized, the IRS and Treasury Department may address the effect that section 336 gain has on a gain recognition agreement when a transferee foreign corporation with a minority shareholder liquidates under section 332. The temporary regulations expand the current rule to terminate GRAs when certain U.S. persons other than the original U.S. transferor receive the stock or securities that was transferred in the initial transfer. For example, if the transferred corporation is distributed to a domestic corporation or U.S. individual other than the U.S. transferor in a section 355 ‘‘split off,’’ the GRA would terminate if the domestic corporation or U.S. individual receives the transferred stock or securities with a basis that is not greater than the basis the U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer. Finally, and in response to comments requested in Notice 2005–74, the temporary regulations also expand the current rule to provide that the GRA will terminate in additional transactions where the U.S. transferor or a domestic corporation receives the transferred stock or securities with a basis that is not greater than the basis the U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer. These transactions are upstream asset reorganizations where the U.S. transferor acquires the assets of E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES the transferee foreign corporation, downstream asset reorganizations where the transferred corporation acquires the assets of the transferee foreign corporation, and certain other asset reorganizations where a domestic corporation acquires the assets of the transferee foreign corporation. Consequently, the temporary regulations generally provide that the GRA terminates in particular circumstances when the transferred stock or securities are held with the correct basis by certain U.S. persons, even if the U.S. person is not the original U.S. transferor. However, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that it is not appropriate for the GRA to terminate when the transferred stock or securities may then be disposed of, directly or indirectly, by a foreign shareholder without being subject to U.S. tax. Therefore, this termination rule is limited to section 332 liquidations, section 355 distributions, and asset reorganizations where the domestic corporation that holds the transferred stock or securities after the transaction is either the U.S. transferor or a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is then a member. The IRS and Treasury Department continue to study whether it would be appropriate to expand the scope of the rule to transactions where the acquirer is not a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is then a member and request comments regarding such a rule. H. Triangular Reorganizations of Transferee Foreign Corporation and Transferred Corporation Notice 2005–74 provides rules that allow a U.S. transferor to avoid gain recognition on certain asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation and transferred corporation. However, Notice 2005–74 restricts the definition of ‘‘asset reorganization’’ to exclude triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation and transferred corporation. In response to comments and after further study, the temporary regulations address the treatment of certain triangular asset reorganizations. Specifically, they provide that if the transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation is acquired in a triangular asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will not be triggering events if certain requirements are satisfied. For purposes of this rule, a triangular asset reorganization is limited to a transaction in which the acquiring subsidiary is foreign. The additional requirements are as follows. First, the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 U.S. transferor or common parent must enter into a new GRA to recognize gain with respect to the initial transfer during the remaining term of the original GRA, with certain modifications. In the case of a triangular asset reorganization of the transferee foreign corporation, the U.S. transferor also must make certain designations depending on whether the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary is foreign or domestic and depending on the type of triangular asset reorganization. Finally, the U.S. transferor must provide notice of the transaction with its next annual certification. I. Other Changes The current regulations refer to ‘‘stock of the transferred corporation’’ in some paragraphs but refer to ‘‘stock or securities of the transferred corporation’’ in other paragraphs. The temporary regulations refer to ‘‘stock or securities of the transferred corporation’’ because either stock or securities, or both, may be subject to a GRA when transferred to a transferee foreign corporation by a U.S. person. In contrast, the temporary regulations generally refer only to stock, and not securities, of the transferee foreign corporation. The rules applying to a disposition of the transferee foreign corporation are concerned primarily with transactions in which the U.S. transferor loses or decreases its control of the transferee foreign corporation, which does not occur when a U.S. transferor disposes of securities of the transferee foreign corporation. The current regulation provides a reasonable cause exception to triggering a GRA when the person required to file the GRA fails to comply in any material respect with the terms of a GRA, or when the person fails to meet the timeliness requirement for submitting a GRA. The temporary regulations retain this reasonable cause exception but provide additional guidance on how the person should submit a request for reasonable cause relief. The temporary regulations also provide that the Area Director or Director of Field Operations, as applicable, shall notify the person in writing within 120 days of the filing if the person will be granted reasonable cause relief or if additional time is required to make the determination. The 120-day period runs from the date that the IRS notifies the person that its request has been received. Once this period begins, the person shall be deemed to have established reasonable cause if it is not again notified within 120 days. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5181 Effective Dates With the exception of the special boot rules described in section C of this preamble, these temporary regulations apply to GRAs filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities occurring on or after March 7, 2007. The boot rules described in section C of this preamble apply to GRAs filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities occurring on or after 180 days after February 5, 2007. However, GRAs that are filed after March 7, 2007 in connection with transactions entered into pursuant to a contract that was binding before February 5, 2007 are not subject to these regulations, but taxpayers may elect to apply the rules of these regulations to such a GRA. For all open years, taxpayers may apply rules of these regulations that were not already effective under § 1.367(a)–8 to GRAs filed before March 7, 2007. Similar effective date rules are provided for those transfers discussed in section E of this preamble (regarding a U.S. transferor that goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA). 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 5 U.S.C. 553(b) and (d) do not apply to these regulations. For applicability of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, please refer to the cross-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking published elsewhere in this Federal Register. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this regulation has been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business. Request for Comments The IRS and Treasury Department are considering issuing subsequent public guidance to address additional issues under section 367(a). Accordingly, comments are requested regarding the application of § 1.367(a)–8, including whether other transactions should be excepted from being treated as triggering events pursuant to rules similar to those contained in the temporary regulations. For example, comments are requested as to the most appropriate treatment of divisive reorganizations qualifying under section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G), involving the U.S. transferor corporation, the transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. Comments also are E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5182 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations requested on how a GRA is affected by a subsequent transaction to which section 304 applies involving transferee foreign corporation stock or transferred corporation stock. The IRS and Treasury Department believe that the rules in the temporary regulations generally deal with many transactions to which section 304 applies but request specific comments on any issues raised. In addition, the IRS and Treasury Department request comments on the rule in § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(3)(iii), which imposes interest on the additional tax, if any, that is required to be paid as a result of a triggering event. Specifically, comments are requested on whether interest should be imposed even when no additional tax is ultimately due as a result of a triggering event because, for example, a taxpayer has sufficient net operating losses to offset the tax that would otherwise be due as a result of a triggering event. If an interest charge is not required in such a case, a taxpayer may be viewed as inappropriately benefiting from deferring the realized but unrecognized gain on the initial transfer until a later year. However, there are other instances where the current regulations clearly permit such a benefit (for example, under § 1.367(a)– 8(h)(1)(i) in certain taxable dispositions of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation). As described in section B.1.a of this preamble, comments are requested on whether a GRA should not be triggered, if certain conditions similar to those provided in § 1.367(a)–3T(e) are met, when a U.S. transferor is acquired by a foreign corporation in an asset reorganization. Specifically, the IRS and Treasury Department request comments on how to reconcile the terms of the GRA that would be filed pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3T(e) with the terms of a new GRA that would be filed to avoid triggering the original GRA. For example, the transferee foreign corporation under the outstanding GRA (and under the new GRA filed to avoid triggering the outstanding GRA) would be the transferred corporation with respect to the GRA filed pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3T(e). Finally, and as described in section G.2 of this preamble, the IRS and Treasury Department are studying to what extent the GRA termination rule should apply when the transferee foreign corporation liquidates in a transaction described in section 332 but also recognizes gain under section 336 because of a minority shareholder. Comments are requested on how the termination rule should address such a transaction, taking into consideration potentially different results depending on whether the minority shareholder is also subject to a GRA or is, for example, instead a foreign person who was issued transferee foreign corporation stock after the initial transfer. For information on how to submit comments or request a public heading, see the section ‘‘Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing,’’ set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking Section published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. Drafting Information The principal author of these temporary regulations is Daniel McCall of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International). However, other personnel from the IRS and the 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 Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 602 are amended as follows: I PART 1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by adding new entries to read as follows: I Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Section 1.367(a)–3T(e) also issued under 367(a) and (b).* * * Section 1.367(a)–8T also issued under 367(a) and (b).* * * I Par. 2. For each entry in the table in the ‘‘Section’’ column, remove the language in the ‘‘Remove’’ column and add the language in the ‘‘Add’’ column in its place. Remove Add Example 1(ii), fourth sentence Example 1(ii), fourth sentence Example 1(ii), fifth sentence .. Example 1A(ii), first sentence Example 4(i), first sentence ... Example 4(ii), first sentence .. Example 4(ii), second sen- § 1.367(a)–8(e) ................................................. § 1.367(a)–8(b)(1)(vii) ....................................... § 1.367(a)–8(b)(1)(vii) ....................................... § 1.367(a)–8(a)(3) ............................................ § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3)(i) ......................................... § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3)(i) ......................................... § 1.367(a)–8(h)(2), because A and W filed a consolidated Federal income tax return prior to the transaction. 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), Example 6(ii), last sentence ... 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), Example 7A(ii), last sentence paragraph (d)(3), Example 7A(ii), last sentence § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3)(i) ......................................... § 1.367(a)–8(b)(5) ............................................ and (e)(3)(i) ...................................................... 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), Example 8(ii), second to last sentence. 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), Example 11(ii), sixth sentence 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), Example 11(ii), sixth sentence 1.367(a)–3(e)(1)(A), first sentence ..................... 1.367(a)–3(e)(1)(F), third sentence .................... 1.367(a)–3(e)(2), first sentence .......................... 1.367(a)–3(e)(2), second sentence .................... 1.367(a)–3(e)(2)(G), first sentence ..................... 1.367(a)–3(g)(1), first sentence .......................... 1.367(a)–3(g)(2)(i), first sentence ....................... 1.367(a)–3(g)(2)(ii), first sentence ...................... 1.367(a)–3(g)(2)(ii), fourth sentence .................. 1.367(a)–3(g)(2)(iii), first sentence ..................... § 1.367(a)–8(e)(3)(i) ......................................... § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(1). § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(1)(vii). § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(1)(vii). § 1.367(a)–8T(a)(3). § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2). § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2). § 1.367(a)–8T(g)(2), because A owned an amount of stock in W described in section 1504(a)(2) immediately before the transaction. § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2). § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(5). and V satisfies the requirements contained in § 1.367(a)– 8T(e)(1)(iii). § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2). § 1.367(a)–8(e) ................................................. § 1.367(a)–8(b)(1)(vii) ....................................... (e) ..................................................................... (g) ..................................................................... (e)(1) and (g) .................................................... (e)(2) ................................................................ (e)(1)(G) ........................................................... (g)(2) ................................................................ (g)(2)(iii), (g)(2)(iv) ............................................ (g)(2)(iii) or (iv) ................................................. § 1.367(a)–3(f) .................................................. (g)(2)(ii) ............................................................ § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(1). § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(1)(vii). (g). (j). (g)(1) and (j). (g)(2). (g)(1)(G). (j)(2). (j)(2)(iii), (j)(2)(iv). (j)(2)(iii) or (iv). § 1.367(a)–3(h). (j)(2)(ii). mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), 1.367(a)–3(d)(3), tence. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Section Remove 1.367(a)–3(g)(2)(iv), first sentence ..................... 1.367(b)–4(b)(1)(iii), Example 4(i), last sentence (g)(2)(i) and (ii) ................................................. § 1.367(a)–8(f)(2) ............................................. I Par. 3. Section 1.367(a)–3 is amended as follows: I 1. The second sentence of paragraph (a) is revised. I 2. The first sentence of paragraph (d)(2)(iii) is revised. I 3. Paragraph (d)(2)(iv) is revised. I 4. The title and introductory text of paragraph (d)(2)(v) is revised. I 5. The last two sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 1A(ii) are revised. I 6. The last two sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 5A(ii) are revised. I 7. The first and second sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 7(ii) are revised. I 8. The third sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 7A(ii) is revised. I 9. The last sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 9(ii) is revised. I 10. The title of paragraph (d)(3), Example 10 is revised. I 11. The third sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 12(ii) is revised. I 12. Redesignating paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) as paragraphs (g), (h), and (j), respectively. I 13. Adding new paragraphs (e) and (i). The revisions and addition read as follows: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES § 1.367(a)–3 Treatment of transfers of stock or securities to foreign corporations. (a) * * * In general, a transfer of stock or securities by a U.S. person to a foreign corporation that is described in section 351, 354 (including a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(B) and including an indirect stock transfer described in paragraph (d) of this section), 356 or section 361(a) or (b) is subject to section 367(a)(1) and, therefore, is treated as a taxable exchange, unless one of the exceptions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section (regarding transfers of foreign stock or securities), paragraph (c) of this section (regarding transfers of domestic stock or securities), or paragraph (e) of this section (regarding transfers of stock or securities in a section 361 exchange) applies. * * * * * * * * (d) * * * (2)(iii) * * * For purposes of determining the amount of gain that a U.S. person is required to include in income as a result of a triggering event, see § 1.367(a)–8T(b)(3)(i) and (d). (iv) * * * The U.S. transferor’s agreement to recognize gain, as provided in § 1.367(a)–8, shall include appropriate provisions consistent with VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 5183 Add the principles of § 1.367(a)–3 and § 1.367(a)–8, including, for example, as an additional triggering event an indirect disposition of the transferred stock or securities. For example, in the case of a triangular section 368(a)(1)(B) reorganization described in paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(A) of this section, a triggering event shall include an indirect disposition of the transferred stock or securities by the transfer6ee foreign corporation, such as a disposition of the stock of the acquiring corporation (either foreign or domestic) by the transferee foreign corporation. In the case of a triangular section 368(a)(1)(B) reorganization described in paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(B) of this section, a disposition of the stock of the acquiring corporation by the domestic issuing corporation in a taxable transaction shall, for example, terminate the gain recognition agreement if the principles of § 1.367(a)–8T(g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) are satisfied. See Examples 5 and 5A of this section. (v) Determination of whether substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets are disposed of. For purposes of applying § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2) to determine whether substantially all of the assets of the transferred corporation have been disposed of, the following assets shall be taken into account (but only if such assets are not fully taxable under section 367 in the taxable year that includes the indirect transfer)— * * * * * (3) * * * (j)(2)(i) and (ii). § 1.367(a)–3T(e). recognition agreement if the assets were disposed of in a taxable transaction because V owned an amount of stock in Z described in section 1504(a)(2) immediately before the transaction, and R is a domestic corporation. See § 1.367(a)–8T(g)(2). Because the assets were transferred in an exchange to which section 351 applies, such transfer does not trigger the gain recognition agreement if V complies with the requirements contained in § 1.367(a)–8T(e)(1)(iii). * * * Example 7A. * * * (ii) * * * Thus, the gain recognition agreement would terminate because V owned an amount of stock in Z described in section 1504(a)(2) immediately before the transaction, and R is a domestic corporation. See § 1.367(a)–8T(g)(2).* * * * * * * * Example 9. * * * (ii) * * * To determine whether there is a triggering event under § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(2), both the Business A assets in M and the Business B assets in R must be considered. Example 10. Concurrent application of asset transfer and indirect stock transfer rules in section 368(a)(1)(A)/(a)(2)(D) reorganization—(i) Facts. * * * * * * * * Example 12. * * * (ii) * * * E’s transfer of its N stock could qualify for nonrecognition treatment if D satisfies the requirements in § 1.367(a)– 3T(e).* * * * * * * * (e) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 1.367(a)—3T(e). (f) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 1.367(a)–3T(f). * * * * * (i) [Reserved]. * * * * * Example 1A. * * * (ii) * * * If A leaves the P group, the gain recognition agreement would be triggered pursuant to § 1.367(a)–8T(d)(4), unless the exception provided under § 1.367(a)–8T(e)(8) applies. I Par. 4. Section 1.367(a)–3T is added to read as follows: * (a) through (d) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 1.367(a)–3(a) through (d). (e) Transfers by a domestic corporation to a foreign corporation in a section 361 exchange—(1) General rule. Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, if the U.S. transferor is a domestic corporation that transfers stock or securities to a foreign corporation in a section 361 exchange that would otherwise be subject to section 367(a)(1) under paragraph (a) of this section, such transfer shall not be subject to section 367(a)(1) if— (i) The conditions set forth in the second sentence of section 367(a)(5) and * * * * Example 5A * * * (ii) * * * If Y sold substantially all of its assets (within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C)), the gain recognition agreement would be terminated because U owned an amount of stock in Y described in section 1504(a)(2) immediately before the transaction and Y is a domestic corporation. See § 1.367(a)–8T(g)(2). In addition, if F disposed of the stock of S in a taxable transaction the gain recognition agreement would be terminated if the principles of § 1.367(a)– 8T(g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) are satisfied. * * * * * Example 7. * * * (ii) * * * The disposition by R, the transferred corporation, of substantially all of its assets would terminate the gain PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 1.367(a)–3T Treatment of transfers of stock or securities to foreign corporations (temporary). E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5184 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES any regulations under that section have been satisfied, such that, for example, the U.S. transferor is controlled (within the meaning of section 368(c)) by 5 or fewer domestic corporations and appropriate basis adjustments are made; (ii) In the case of transferred property that is stock or securities of a domestic corporation, the conditions set forth in paragraph (c) of this section are satisfied; (iii) All domestic corporate shareholders of the U.S. transferor immediately before the transaction that own 5 percent or more (applying the attribution rules of section 318, as modified by section 958(b)) of the total voting power or the total fair market value of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation immediately after the transaction enter into gain recognition agreements as provided in § 1.367(a)–8T with respect to their pro rata share (determined by the relative fair market value of the U.S. transferor stock or securities owned) of the gain that was realized but not recognized on the transfer of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation that, in addition to the terms of § 1.367(a)– 8T(b), designate such domestic corporate shareholders as U.S. transferors for purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section and § 1.367(a)– 8T; and (iv) All domestic corporate shareholders that enter into gain recognition agreements pursuant to paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section make the election described in § 1.367(a)– 8T(b)(1)(vii). (2) Certain triangular asset reorganizations. If a transaction described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section qualifies as a triangular asset reorganization described in § 1.358– 6(b)(2)(i) through (iii), or in sections 368(a)(1)(G) and (a)(2)(D), the principles of § 1.367(a)–3(d)(2)(iv) shall apply with respect to any gain recognition agreements filed in connection with such transaction. (3) Example. The provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this section are illustrated in the following example: Example. (i) Facts. US1 and US2, domestic corporations, own 60% and 40%, respectively, of the fair market value of UST, also a domestic corporation. US1 and US2 are not members of the same consolidated group and are unrelated. UST owns 100% of FC, a foreign corporation. In year 1, UST transfers 100% of the stock of FC to FA, a foreign corporation, in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(A) after which US1 and US2 own 6% and 4%, respectively, of the stock of FA. At the time of the initial transfer, the section 1248 amount with respect to the FC stock is $0. The notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c) is VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 satisfied. Section 7874 does not apply to FA’s acquisition of the stock of FC. US1 and US2 satisfy the conditions set forth in the second sentence of section 367(a)(5), including making appropriate basis adjustments. Pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this section, US1 enters into a gain recognition agreement to recognize its pro rata share of the gain realized but not recognized on UST’s transfer of the stock of FC to FA, designates itself as a U.S. transferor for purposes of paragraph (b) of this section and § 1.367(a)–8T, and makes the election described in § 1.367(a)– 8T(b)(1)(vii). US2 does not enter into a gain recognition agreement with respect to its pro rata share of the gain realized but not recognized on UST’s transfer of the stock of FC to FA because US2 owns less than 5 percent of the stock of FA. In year 4, FA sells 30% of the FC stock for cash. (ii) Result. Because the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section are satisfied, the transfer of the FC stock by UST to FA in the year 1 reorganization is not subject to section 367(a)(1). In addition, because FA partially disposes of the stock of FC in year 4, US1 must recognize 30% of its pro rata share of the gain realized but not recognized on the initial transfer of the FC stock to FA pursuant to § 1.367(a)– 8T(d)(1)(iii). The proportion of gain recognized by US1 is determined by reference to the relative fair market value of the UST stock owned by US1 at the time of the initial transfer. Thus, US1 must include 18% of the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer (the 30% of the transferred property that was disposed of multiplied by the amount of gain subject to the gain recognition agreement (corresponding to the 60% of the fair market value of UST stock that US1 held immediately before the initial transfer)), and pay any applicable interest. (iii) Alternate facts. The facts are the same as in paragraph (i) of this Example, except that US1 and US2 are members of a consolidated group in which USP is the common parent. US2 is also a 5-percent transferee shareholder as a result of applying the attribution rules of section 318, as modified by section 958(b). The result is the same as in paragraph (ii) of this Example, except that under § 1.367(a)–8T(a)(3)(i)(A) USP files gain recognition agreements on behalf of both US1 and US2. Thus, US1 and US2 must include in income in year 4 18% and 12%, respectively, of the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer (the 30% of the transferred property that was disposed of multiplied by the amount of gain subject to the gain recognition agreement (corresponding to the 60% and 40% of the fair market value of UST stock that US1 and US2, respectively, held immediately before the initial transfer)), and pay any applicable interest. (f) Effective date—(1) General rule. The rules of this § 1.367(a)–3T(e) apply to transfers of stock or securities occurring on or after March 7, 2007. However, these rules do not apply to transfers of stock or securities occurring on or after March 7, 2007, if such transfer was entered into pursuant to a PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 written agreement which was (subject to customary conditions) binding before February 5, 2007, and at all times thereafter. Solely for purposes of this paragraph (f), a transfer described in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be a transfer occurring before March 7, 2007. For matters covered in this section for periods before March 7, 2007 but on or after July 20, 1998, the rule of § 1.367(a)–8(f)(2)(i) (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 2006) applies. (2) Transfers before effective date—(i) General rule. Taxpayers may apply the rules of § 1.367(a)–3T(e) to transfers before March 7, 2007 and after July 20, 1998, for all open taxable years ending on or after July 20, 1998. This paragraph (f)(2)(i) applies only to rules in § 1.367(a)–3T(e) that were not already effective under the rules of § 1.367(a)– 8(f)(2)(i). (ii) Special filing rule. This paragraph (f)(2)(ii) provides the time and manner in which taxpayers may apply paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section. Notwithstanding the rules provided in § 1.367(a)–8T(a)(2), all agreements, certifications, or other information related to the gain recognition agreement that should have been filed on or before March 7, 2007 with respect to a transfer shall be treated as having been timely filed, provided they are attached to a Federal income tax return amending the taxpayer’s Federal income tax return for the taxable year in which they should have been attached. The amended return described in the preceding sentence must be filed before August 6, 2007. A taxpayer that wishes to apply paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section but that fails to meet the filing requirement described in the preceding sentence must request reasonable cause relief as provided in § 1.367(a)– 8T(e)(10). (3) Expiration. The applicability of this section expires on or before February 1, 2010. * * * * * I Par. 5. Section 1.367(a)–8 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) through (i) to read as follows: § 1.367(a)–8 Gain recognition agreement requirements. (a) through (i) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 1.367(a)–8T(a) through (h). I Par. 6. Section 1.367(a)–8T is added to read as follows: § 1.367(a)–8T Gain recognition agreement requirements (temporary). (a) In general. This section specifies the terms and conditions for an agreement to recognize gain entered into pursuant to §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) through (d) E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations and 1.367(a)–3T(e) to qualify for nonrecognition treatment under section 367(a). (1) Definitions. The following definitions apply for purposes of this section: (i) Asset reorganization. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (a)(1)(i), the term asset reorganization means a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1) involving the transfer of assets by a corporation to another corporation pursuant to section 361, except that such term shall include reorganizations described in section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G) only if the requirements of section 354(b)(1)(A) and (B) are met. For purposes of paragraphs (e)(3)(ii) and (e)(3)(iii) of this section, the following reorganizations are excluded from the term ‘‘asset reorganization’’: (A) Triangular asset reorganizations described in § 1.358–6(b)(2)(i) through (iii) or in sections 368(a)(1)(G) and (a)(2)(D). For rules applicable to triangular asset reorganizations described in § 1.358–6(b)(2)(i) through (iii) or in sections 368(a)(1)(G) and (a)(2)(D), see paragraph (e)(4) of this section. (B) Asset reorganizations where, after the reorganization, the same corporation is both the transferee foreign corporation (or successor transferee foreign corporation, as applicable) and the transferred corporation (or the successor transferred corporation, as applicable); for example, the acquisition of the transferee foreign corporation’s assets by the transferred corporation in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1). For rules applicable to certain upstream and downstream reorganizations involving the transferee foreign corporation and transferred corporation, see paragraphs (e)(6) and (g)(3) of this section. (ii) The term common parent means a corporation that controls an affiliated group of corporations that files its Federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. (iii) The term consolidated group has the meaning set forth in § 1.1502–1(h). (iv) The term disposition means any transfer that would constitute a disposition for any purpose of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder. It also includes an indirect disposition of the stock of the transferred corporation as described in § 1.367(a)–3(d). It does not, however, include a redemption of stock under section 302(d) to the extent the redemption is treated as a distribution to which section 301(c)(1) applies. (v) The term gain recognition agreement means an agreement VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 described in paragraph (b) of this section. (vi) The term initial transfer means a transfer in connection with which a gain recognition agreement is filed in connection with an exchange described in §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) through (d) and 1.367(a)–3T(e). (vii) The term nonrecognition transaction means any disposition of property in a transaction in which gain or loss is not recognized in whole or in part for purposes of subtitle A. (viii) The term transferee foreign corporation means the foreign corporation the stock of which is received in an exchange described in section 367(a) by a U.S. transferor. (ix) Transferred corporation. Other than in the case of an indirect stock transfer, the term transferred corporation means the corporation the stock or securities of which are transferred by a U.S. transferor to a foreign corporation in an exchange described in section 367(a)(1). In the case of an indirect stock transfer, the term transferred corporation has the meaning set forth in § 1.367(a)– 3(d)(2)(ii). (x) The term triggering event means an event described in paragraph (d) of this section, except as provided in paragraphs (e) (exceptions to triggering events) and (g) (terminations of gain recognition agreements) of this section. (xi) The term U.S. transferor means a U.S. person (as defined in § 1.367(a)– 1T(d)(1)) that transfers stock or securities of the transferred corporation in exchange for stock or securities of the transferee foreign corporation in an exchange described in section 367(a). For the application of the rules of this section to indirect transfers involving partnerships and interests therein, see § 1.367(a)–1T(c)(3). (2) Filing requirements for gain recognition agreements. A U.S. transferor’s gain recognition agreement must be attached to, and filed by the due date (including extensions) of, the U.S. transferor’s income tax return for the taxable year that includes the date of the initial transfer, except that if the U.S. transferor is a member of a consolidated group for the taxable year in which the transfer was made, the agreement must be attached to the consolidated group’s tax return. If a new gain recognition agreement is entered into pursuant to an exception in paragraph (e) of this section, the agreement must be attached to, and filed by the due date (including extensions) of, the applicable income tax return for the taxable year that includes the date of the triggering event. If the timeliness requirement of this paragraph (a)(2) is PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5185 not satisfied, see paragraph (e)(10) of this section. (3) Who must sign—(i) General rule. The gain recognition agreement must be signed under penalties of perjury by the appropriate party corresponding to the following categories of U.S. transferor. A gain recognition agreement may also be signed by an agent authorized to do so under a general or specific power of attorney. (A) In the case of a corporate U.S. transferor, a responsible officer, except that if the U.S. transferor (or successor U.S. transferor designated in a new gain recognition agreement entered into under paragraph (e) of this section) is a member, but not the common parent of a consolidated group for the taxable year in which the transfer was made (or for the taxable year in which a new gain recognition agreement is entered into under paragraph (e) of this section) the agreement must be entered into by the common parent and signed by a responsible officer of such common parent. (B) In the case of an individual U.S. transferor (including a partner who is treated as a U.S. transferor by virtue of § 1.367(a)–1T(c)(3)), the individual. (C) In the case of a trust or estate, a trustee, executor, or equivalent fiduciary. (D) In the case of a bankruptcy case under Title 11, United States Code, a debtor in possession or trustee. (ii) Signature requirement. When a gain recognition agreement, certification, or other information is required under this section to be attached to and filed by the due date (including extensions) of a U.S. Federal income tax return and signed under penalties of perjury by the person who signs the return, the attachment and filing of an unsigned copy is considered to satisfy such requirement, provided the taxpayer retains the original in its records in the manner specified by § 1.6001–1(e). (b) Gain recognition agreement—(1) Contents. The gain recognition agreement must set forth the following information, with the heading ‘‘GAIN RECOGNITION AGREEMENT UNDER § 1.367(a)–8T’’ and with paragraphs labeled to correspond with the numbers set forth as follows: (i) A statement that the document submitted constitutes the U.S. transferor’s agreement to recognize gain in accordance with the requirements of this section. (ii) A description of the property transferred as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 5186 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations (iii) The U.S. transferor’s agreement to recognize gain, as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (iv) A waiver of the period of limitations as described in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. (v) An agreement to file with the U.S. transferor’s tax returns for the five full taxable years following the year of the initial transfer a certification as described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section. (vi) A statement that arrangements have been made in connection with the transferred property to ensure that the U.S. transferor will be informed of any triggering events. (vii) A statement as to whether, if all or a portion of the gain recognition agreement is triggered under paragraph (d) of this section, the taxpayer elects to include the required amount in the year of the triggering event rather than in the year of the initial transfer. (2) Description of property transferred. (i) The agreement shall include a description of each property transferred by the U.S. transferor, an estimate of the fair market value of the property as of the date of the initial transfer, a statement of the cost or other basis of the property and any adjustments thereto, and the date on which the property was acquired by the U.S. transferor. (ii) The U.S. transferor must provide the following information: (A) The type or class, amount, and characteristics of the stock or securities transferred, as well as the name, address, and place of incorporation of the issuer of the stock or securities, and the percentage (by voting power and value) that the stock (if any) represents of the total stock outstanding of the transferred corporation. (B) The name, address and place of incorporation of the transferee foreign corporation, and the percentage of stock (by voting power and value) that the U.S. transferor received or will receive in the transaction. (C) If stock or securities are transferred pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3T(e), a statement that the conditions set forth in the second sentence of section 367(a)(5) and any regulations under that section have been satisfied, and an explanation of any basis or other adjustments made pursuant to section 367(a)(5) and any regulations under that paragraph. (D) If the transferred corporation is a domestic corporation, the taxpayer identification number of the transferred corporation, together with a statement describing whether, and if so, how, section 7874 applies to the transfer, and VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 a statement that all of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(c)(1) are satisfied. (E) If the transferred corporation is a foreign corporation, a statement as to whether the U.S. transferor was a section 1248 shareholder, as defined in § 1.367(b)–2(b), of the transferred corporation immediately before the exchange, and, if so, a statement as to whether the U.S. transferor is a section 1248 shareholder with respect to the transferee foreign corporation stock received, and whether any reporting requirements or other rules contained in regulations under section 367(b) are applicable, and, if so, whether they have been satisfied. (F) If the transaction involved the transfer of assets other than stock or securities and the transaction was subject to the indirect stock transfer rules of § 1.367(a)–3(d), a statement as to whether the reporting requirements under section 6038B have been satisfied with respect to the transfer of property other than stock or securities, and an explanation of whether gain was recognized under section 367(a)(1) and whether section 367(d) was applicable to the transfer of such assets, or whether any tangible assets qualified for nonrecognition treatment under section 367(a)(3) (as limited by section 367(a)(5) and §§ 1.367(a)–4T through 1.367(a)– 6T). (3) Terms of agreement—(i) General rule. If before the close of the fifth full taxable year (not less than 60 months) following the close of the taxable year of the initial transfer, there is a triggering event, then, unless an election is made under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section, by the 90th day thereafter the U.S. transferor must file an amended Federal income tax return for the year of the initial transfer and recognize thereon the gain realized, but not recognized, upon the initial transfer, with interest. If an election under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section was made, then, if a triggering event occurs, the U.S. transferor must include the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer in income on its Federal income tax return for the taxable year that includes the date of the triggering event. In accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section, interest must be paid on any additional tax due. If a taxpayer properly makes the election under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section but later fails to include in income the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, the Commissioner may, in his discretion, include the gain in the taxpayer’s income in the year of the initial transfer. (ii) Offsets. No special limitations apply with respect to net operating PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 losses, capital losses, credits against tax, or similar items. (iii) Reporting of interest and gain. If additional tax is required to be paid pursuant to paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, then interest must be paid on that amount at the rates determined under section 6621 with respect to the period between the date that was prescribed for filing the U.S. transferor’s Federal income tax return for the year of the initial transfer and the date on which the additional tax for that year is paid. If the election in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section is made, a taxpayer should include the amount of gain as taxable income on its Federal income tax return (together with other income or loss items) and include the amount of interest in its payment (or reduce the amount of any refund due by the amount of the interest). A taxpayer must also attach to its Federal income tax return a separate schedule with the heading ‘‘Calculation of Section 367 Tax and Interest,’’ on which the amount of tax attributable to the gain and the interest required to be paid under this section are separately identified and calculated. (iv) Basis adjustments—(A) Transferee foreign corporation. If a U.S. transferor is required to recognize gain under this section as a result of a triggering event, then the transferee foreign corporation’s basis in the transferred stock or securities shall be increased (as of the date of the initial transfer) by the amount of gain required to be recognized (but not by any tax or interest required to be paid on such amount) by the U.S. transferor. (B) U.S. transferor. If a U.S. transferor is required to recognize gain as a result of a triggering event, then the U.S. transferor’s basis in the stock of the transferee foreign corporation received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer shall be increased by the amount of gain required to be recognized (as of the date of the initial transfer) (but not by any tax or interest required to be paid on such amount). (C) Other adjustments. Other appropriate adjustments to basis that are consistent with the principles of this paragraph (b)(3)(iv) may be made if the U.S. transferor is required to recognize gain under this section. In no case, however, shall the transferred corporation’s net asset basis be increased as a result of the U.S. transferor recognizing gain under this section as a result of a triggering event. (D) Example. The principles of this paragraph (b)(3) are illustrated by the following example: Example. (i) Facts. D, a domestic corporation owning 100 percent of the stock E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES of S, a foreign corporation, transfers all of the S stock to F, a foreign corporation, in an exchange described in section 368(a)(1)(B). The section 1248 amount with respect to the S stock at the time of the transfer is $0. In the exchange, D receives 20 percent of the voting stock of F. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and D enters into a gain recognition agreement to qualify for nonrecognition treatment and does not make the election contained in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. Two years after the initial transfer, F transfers all of the S stock to F1, a foreign corporation, in an exchange to which section 351 applies, and D complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section. Four years after the initial transfer, D transfers its entire 20 percent interest in F’s voting stock to a domestic partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership and complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section. D complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c) for each transaction subject to section 367(b). Because D complies with the requirements of paragraph (e) for each transaction that would otherwise be a triggering event, D is not required to recognize the gain that was realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer. Five years after the initial transfer, S disposes of substantially all (as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section) of its assets, and D is required by the terms of the gain recognition agreement to recognize all the gain that it realized on the initial transfer of the stock of S. (ii) Result. As a result of the triggering event and paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, the amount of gain required to be recognized as a result of S’s disposition of substantially all its assets (but not the tax or interest required to be paid on such amount) is reflected by an increased basis (as of the date of the initial transfer) in D’s partnership interest, the partnership’s interest in the 20 percent voting stock of F, F’s stock of F1, and F1’s stock of S. S, however, is not permitted to increase its basis in its assets for purposes of determining the direct or indirect U.S. tax results, if any, on the sale of its assets. (4) Waiver of period of limitation. The U.S. transferor must file, with the gain recognition agreement, a waiver of the period of limitation on assessment of tax upon the gain realized on the initial transfer. The waiver shall be executed on Form 8838 ‘‘Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Tax Under Section 367—Gain Recognition Agreement’’ and shall extend the period for assessment of such tax to a date not earlier than the eighth full taxable year following the taxable year of the initial transfer. The waiver shall also contain such other terms with respect to assessment as may be considered necessary by the Commissioner to ensure the assessment and collection of the correct tax liability for each year for which the waiver is required. The waiver must be signed by VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 a person who would be authorized to sign the agreement pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (a)(3) of this section. (5) Annual certification. The U.S. transferor must file with its income tax return for each of the five full taxable years following the taxable year of the initial transfer a certification that there has not been a triggering event, and a description of any exception under paragraph (e) of this section if such an exception is relied upon for the position that there has not been a triggering event. The U.S. transferor must include with its annual certification a statement describing any dispositions of assets by the transferred corporation that are not made in the ordinary course of business. The annual certification pursuant to this paragraph (b)(5) must be signed by a person who would be authorized to sign the agreement pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (a)(3) of this section. (c) Use of security. The U.S. transferor may be required to furnish a bond or other security that satisfies the requirements of § 301.7101–1 of this chapter if the Area Director, Field Examination, Small Business/Self Employed or the Director of Field Operations, Large and Mid-Size Business (Director) determines that such security is necessary to ensure the payment of any tax on the gain realized, but not recognized, upon the initial transfer. Such bond or security generally will be required only if the stock or securities transferred are a principal asset of the U.S. transferor and the Director has reason to believe that a disposition of the stock or securities may be contemplated. (d) Triggering events. If there is a triggering event described in this paragraph (d) during the term of the gain recognition agreement, the U.S. transferor must include in income the gain realized, but not recognized, upon the initial transfer as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section. In addition, the U.S. transferor must pay any interest required by paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section. See § 1.367(a)– 3(d)(2)(iv) for additional triggering events when a gain recognition agreement has been filed in connection with an indirect stock transfer. Except to the extent provided in paragraphs (e) and (g) of this section, if any of the following events occur during the term of the gain recognition agreement, it shall constitute a triggering event: (1) Disposition of stock or securities of the transferred corporation—(i) In general. A disposition, in whole or in part, by the transferee foreign corporation (or any other person) of the PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5187 transferred stock or securities received by the transferee foreign corporation in the initial transfer. For purposes of this section, a reference to transferred stock or securities shall also include stock or securities of the transferred corporation the basis of which is determined (directly or indirectly) in whole or in part, by reference to the basis of the stock or securities transferred in the initial transfer. A disposition of all or a portion of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation by installment sale is treated as a disposition of the stock or securities in the year of the installment sale. (ii) Example. The provisions of this paragraph (d)(1)(i) are illustrated by the following example: Example. Interaction between trigger of gain recognition agreement and subpart F rules—(i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns all of the stock of two foreign corporations, CFC1 and CFC2. USP’s section 1248 amount with respect to CFC2 is $30. USP has a basis of $50 in its stock of CFC2; the stock of CFC2 has a fair market value of $100. In a transaction described in sections 351 and 368(a)(1)(B), USP transfers the stock of CFC2 to CFC1 in exchange for additional stock of CFC1 with a basis of $50. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)– 1(a). To qualify for nonrecognition treatment under section 367(a), USP enters into a gain recognition agreement for $50 under this section. No election under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section is made. USP also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). Two years after the initial transfer, CFC1 sells the stock of CFC2 for $120. At the time of the sale, the section 1248 amount with respect to the CFC2 stock continues to be $30. The $70 of gain recognized on the sale of CFC2 stock would give rise to a $70 subpart F inclusion to USP under section 951(a)(1)(A). (ii) Result—(A) Trigger of gain recognition agreement with no election. CFC1’s sale of CFC2 stock is a triggering event. As a result, USP must amend its return for the year of the initial transfer and include $50 in income (as well as pay any applicable interest), $30 of which will be recharacterized as a dividend pursuant to section 1248. Under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, as of the date of the initial transfer, CFC1 has a basis of $100 in its CFC2 stock, and USP has a basis in its CFC1 stock of $100. As a result of the sale of CFC2 stock by CFC1, USP will have a $20 subpart F inclusion under section 951(a)(1)(A). (B) Trigger of gain recognition agreement with election. Assume the same facts as in paragraph (i) of this Example, except that USP elected under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section to include the amount of gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, $50, in the year of the triggering event rather than in the year of the initial transfer. The result is the same as above, except that USP will include the $50 of gain on its tax return for the year of the triggering event, together with interest. For purposes of E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5188 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES determining the amount of the $50 gain characterized as a dividend pursuant to section 1248, if any, of the $50 inclusion, USP will take into account the section 1248 amount of CFC2 at the time of the disposition in the year of the triggering event. (iii) Partial dispositions. If the transferee foreign corporation or any other person disposes of only a portion of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation, then the U.S. transferor is required to recognize only a proportionate amount of the gain realized, but not recognized, upon the initial transfer. The proportion required to be recognized shall be determined by reference to the fair market value of the transferred stock or securities disposed of and the total fair market value of the transferred stock or securities immediately before the disposition. (2) Disposition of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets. A disposition of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets (including stock in a subsidiary corporation or an interest in a partnership) by the transferred corporation or any other person. Solely for purposes of this section, the term substantially all has the meaning provided under section 368(a)(1)(C). Accordingly, the determination of whether substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets have been disposed of shall be made under all the facts and circumstances. For purposes of this paragraph (d)(2), dispositions of stock in connection with an asset reorganization of a corporation all or a portion the stock of which is owned by the transferred corporation, or a liquidation of a corporation the stock of which is owned by the transferred corporation in an amount satisfying the requirements of section 1504(a)(2) and to which sections 332 and 337 apply, shall not be taken into account. If the initial transfer was an indirect stock transfer, see § 1.367(a)–3(d)(2)(v). If the transferred corporation is a domestic corporation, see paragraph (g)(2) of this section. For an example of when a disposition of substantially all the transferred corporation’s assets by a person other than the transferred corporation is a triggering event under this paragraph (d)(2), see paragraph (e)(6)(ii) of this section. (3) Disposition of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation—(i) General rule. A disposition in whole or in part, by the U.S. transferor of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer. For purposes of this section, a reference to stock described in the preceding sentence shall also include stock of the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 transferee foreign corporation the basis of which is determined, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by reference to the basis of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer. (ii) Partial dispositions. If the U.S. transferor disposes of only a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer, then the U.S. transferor is required to recognize only a proportionate amount of the gain realized, but not recognized, upon the initial transfer. The proportion required to be recognized shall be determined by reference to the fair market value of the transferee foreign corporation stock disposed of and the total fair market value of the transferee foreign corporation stock immediately before the disposition. (4) Deconsolidation. A U.S. transferor that is a member of a consolidated group ceases to be a member of the consolidated group, other than by reason of an acquisition of the assets of the U.S. transferor in a transaction to which section 381(a) applies, or by reason of joining a new consolidated group as part of the same transaction. However, in the case of a transaction to which section 381(a) applies, see paragraph (d)(3) of this section (providing that a triggering event includes a disposition of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation). (5) Consolidation. A U.S. transferor becomes a member of a consolidated group. (6) Individual U.S. transferor becomes a non-citizen nonresident. A U.S. transferor that is an individual loses U.S. citizenship, or a U.S. transferor that is a long-term resident ceases to be taxed as a lawful permanent resident (as defined in section 877(e)(2)). Immediately before the date that the U.S. transferor loses U.S. citizenship or ceases to be taxed as a long-term resident, the gain recognition agreement will be triggered. No additional inclusion is required under section 877 with respect to the transferred stock or securities, and a gain recognition agreement under section 877 may not be used to avoid taxation under section 367(a) resulting from the trigger of the section 367(a) gain recognition agreement. (7) Death of an individual; trust or estate goes out of existence. An individual U.S. transferor dies, or a U.S. transferor that is a trust or estate goes out of existence. (8) Failure to comply. The failure to comply in any material respect with the requirements of this section or with the PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 terms of a gain recognition agreement (for example, a failure to file an annual certification or Form 8838). Such a material failure to comply shall extend the period for assessment of tax until three years after the date on which the Director of Field Operations or Area Director receives actual notice of the failure to comply. (e) Exceptions. Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this section, the following events shall not constitute triggering events: (1) Certain nonrecognition transactions—(i) Dispositions of stock of the transferee foreign corporation by the U.S. transferor—(A) Transfers to a corporation or partnership. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this section, a disposition of stock of the transferee foreign corporation by the U.S. transferor in an exchange to which section 351, 354 (but only in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(B)), or 721 applies, will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the U.S. transferor complies with requirements similar to those contained in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section, providing for notice and an agreement to recognize gain in the case of a direct or indirect disposition of the stock previously held by the U.S. transferor. See paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section for dispositions of the transferee foreign corporation stock in certain asset reorganizations. (B) Liquidations of the U.S. transferor under sections 332 and 337. The disposition of the transferee foreign corporation stock pursuant to a liquidation of the U.S. transferor under sections 332 and 337 will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The distributee is a domestic corporation described in section 332(b)(1). (2) The domestic distributee corporation (successor U.S. transferor) enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which it agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement), with respect to the initial transfer, modified by substituting the successor U.S. transferor in place of the original U.S. transferor, and agreeing to treat the successor U.S. transferor as the original U.S. transferor for purposes of this section. If, however, in connection with a liquidation described in section 332, the U.S. transferor recognizes gain E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations under section 336 with respect to a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation, and the conditions described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section are satisfied, the new gain recognition agreement that the successor U.S. transferor enters into shall reflect the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer (subject to adjustment for prior partial dispositions) less that proportion corresponding to gain recognized under section 336. The proportion is determined by reference to the relative fair market values of the transferee foreign corporation stock received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer on which the U.S. transferor recognized gain under section 336 and the total fair market value of the transferee foreign corporation stock received (or deemed received) by the U.S. transferor in the initial transfer that is distributed by the U.S. transferor in the liquidation. (3) The successor U.S. transferor makes the election described in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. However, if the U.S. transferor was a member of a consolidated group in the year of the initial transfer, and the successor U.S. transferor is also a member of the original consolidated group immediately after the liquidation, no such election must be made. (4) The successor U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) the new gain recognition agreement, a notice of the liquidation, and Form 8838 to extend the period for assessment of the tax on the initial transfer to a date not earlier than the eighth full taxable year following the taxable year of the initial transfer. (ii) Transfers of stock or securities of the transferred corporation by the transferee foreign corporation to a corporation or partnership. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, a disposition of stock or securities of the transferred corporation by the transferee foreign corporation in an exchange to which section 351, 354 (but only in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(B)), or 721 applies, will not be a triggering event described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The transferee foreign corporation receives (or is deemed to receive) in exchange for the property disposed of, stock in a corporation, or an interest in a partnership, that acquired the transferred stock or securities (or receives stock in a corporation that controls the corporation acquiring the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 transferred stock or securities in the case of a triangular section 368(a)(1)(B) reorganization). (B) The U.S. transferor provides a notice of the transfer with its next annual certification under paragraph (b)(5) of this section, setting forth— (1) A full description of the transfer; (2) The applicable nonrecognition provision; and (3) The name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if any) of the new transferee of the transferred stock or securities. (C) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which it agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement) with respect to the initial transfer, and in which it agrees that any of the following events also constitutes a triggering event: (1) A disposition of the stock or securities or partnership interest that the transferee foreign corporation received in exchange for the transferred stock or securities (other than in a disposition which itself qualifies under the rules of paragraph (e) of this section). (2) The corporation or partnership that acquired the transferred stock or securities disposes of such property (other than in a disposition which itself qualifies under the rules of paragraph (e) of this section). (3) Any other disposition that has the effect of an indirect disposition of the transferred stock or securities. (iii) Transfers of the transferred corporation’s assets to a corporation or partnership. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, a disposition of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets by the transferred corporation in an exchange to which section 351, 354 (but only in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(B)—for example, where stock in a subsidiary corporation comprises substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets), or 721 applies, will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the transferred corporation receives (or is deemed to receive) in exchange for all or a portion of its assets stock in a corporation or an interest in a partnership that acquired the assets of the transferred corporation (or receives stock in a corporation that controls the corporation acquiring the assets) and the U.S. transferor complies with requirements similar to those contained in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section, (providing for notice and an PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5189 agreement to recognize gain in the case of a direct or indirect disposition of the assets previously held by the transferred corporation). See paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section for dispositions of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets in certain asset reorganizations. (2) Recapitalizations—(i) Transferred corporation. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, a transaction described in section 368(a)(1)(E) of the transferred corporation will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(1) of this section. The description of this exception that is required to be filed with the annual certification under paragraph (b)(5) of this section must include a description of the type or class, amount, and characteristics of the stock or securities that the transferred corporation issued in the reorganization. (ii) Transferee foreign corporation. A section 368(a)(1)(E) reorganization of the transferee foreign corporation will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(3) of this section. The description of this exception that is required to be filed with the annual certification under paragraph (b)(5) of this section must include a description of the type or class, amount, and characteristics of the stock or securities that the transferee foreign corporation issued in the reorganization. See paragraph (g)(1) of this section for rules regarding the recognition of gain by the U.S. transferor in connection with nonrecognition exchanges. (3) Certain asset reorganizations—(i) Transfers of transferee foreign corporation’s stock by U.S. transferor. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this section, if the U.S. transferor transfers all or a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation to a domestic acquiring corporation (successor U.S. transferor) pursuant to an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to such asset reorganization will not be triggering events described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The common parent of the original consolidated group, successor U.S. transferor, or new common parent, as applicable, enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the successor U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement) with respect to the initial transfer, modified by substituting the successor U.S. transferor in place of the original U.S. E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 5190 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations transferor and agreeing to treat the successor U.S. transferor as the original U.S. transferor for purposes of this section. (B) The successor U.S. transferor or new common parent, as applicable, makes the election described in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. However, if the U.S. transferor was a member of a consolidated group in the year of the initial transfer, and the successor U.S. transferor is also a member of the original consolidated group immediately after the asset reorganization, no such election must be made. (C) The successor U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section)— (1) The new gain recognition agreement; (2) A notice of the transfer setting forth a full description of the transfer (including the date of such transfer), and the successor U.S. transferor’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number; and (3) Form 8838 to extend the period for assessment of the tax on the initial transfer to a date not earlier than the eighth full taxable year following the taxable year of the initial transfer. (ii) Transfers of transferred corporation stock or securities by a transferee foreign corporation to a foreign acquiring corporation. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, if the transferee foreign corporation transfers all or a portion of the stock or securities of the transferred corporation to a foreign acquiring corporation (successor transferee foreign corporation) in an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to such reorganization will not be triggering events described in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(3) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The U.S. transferor or common parent, as applicable, enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement), with respect to the initial transfer, substituting the successor transferee foreign corporation in place of the original transferee foreign corporation, and agreeing to treat the successor transferee foreign corporation as the original transferee foreign corporation for purposes of this section. (B) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) the new gain recognition agreement and a VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 notice of the transfer setting forth a full description of the transfer (including the date of such transfer), and the successor transferee foreign corporation’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if any). (iii) Transfers of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, if the transferred corporation transfers substantially all of its assets to an acquiring corporation (successor transferred corporation) pursuant to an asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to such asset reorganization will not be triggering events under paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The U.S. transferor or common parent, as applicable, enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement), with respect to the initial transfer, modified by— (1) Substituting the successor transferred corporation in place of the original transferred corporation and agreeing to treat the successor transferred corporation as the original transferred corporation for purposes of this section; and (2) Treating only the assets acquired by the successor transferred corporation from the original transferred corporation pursuant to the asset reorganization as the assets subject to the triggering event rules under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (B) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) the new gain recognition agreement and a notice of the transfer setting forth a full description of the transfer (including the date of such transfer), and the successor transferred corporation’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if any). (iv) Example. The rules of paragraph (e)(3) of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation incorporated under the laws of State A, owns 100% of the stock of TFD, a foreign corporation. In year 1, UST transfers all of the TFD stock to TFC, a foreign corporation, in an exchange to which section 351 applies. In the exchange, UST receives 100% of the stock of TFC. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 recognition agreement. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In year 3, UST transfers its assets in a section 361(a) exchange to USA, a newly formed domestic corporation incorporated under the laws of State B, in exchange for stock of USA, and UST distributes such stock to its shareholders in a transaction described in section 368(a)(1)(F). (ii) Result. The transfer of the TFC stock by UST to USA pursuant to the section 368(a)(1)(F) reorganization is a triggering event under paragraph (d)(3) of this section. If, however, UST complies with the requirements contained in paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section, the transfer will not be a triggering event. (iii) Alternate facts. The facts are the same as in paragraph (i) of this Example 1, except that the acquiring corporation is foreign instead of domestic. Because paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section provides an exception to a triggering event under paragraph (d)(3) of this section only if the acquiring corporation in the asset reorganization is a domestic corporation, the section 368(a)(1)(F) reorganization is a triggering event without exception. See also section 367(a)(5) and §§ 1.367(a)–1T(f) and 1.367(a)–3T(e) (providing that certain corporate shareholders of a U.S. transferor may enter into a gain recognition agreement when the U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a section 361 initial transfer). Example 2. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of three foreign corporations, FC1, FC2 and FC3. In year 1, USP transfers 100% of the stock of FC1 to FC2 in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)– 3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain recognition agreement. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In year 4, in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(D), FC2 transfers all of its assets, including the stock of FC1, to FC3 in exchange for FC3 stock. FC2 transfers the FC3 stock to UST in exchange for FC2 stock held by UST, and the FC2 stock is canceled. (ii) Analysis. The transfer of FC1 stock to FC3 and the exchange of FC2 stock for FC3 stock by UST pursuant to the reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(D) are triggering events under paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(3) of this section. If, however, UST complies with the requirements contained in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section, the transfers will not be triggering events. Example 3. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, FC1 and FC2. In year 1, UST transfers 100% of the stock of FC1 to FC2 in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain recognition agreement. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In year 4, in a reorganization described in section E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 368(a)(1)(C), FC1 transfers all of its assets to FC3, an unrelated foreign corporation, in exchange for FC3 stock. FC1 transfers the FC3 stock to FC2 in exchange for the FC1 stock held by FC2 and the FC1 stock is canceled. (ii) Analysis. FC1’s transfer of all of its assets to FC3 and FC2’s exchange of FC1 stock for FC3 stock pursuant to the reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(C) are triggering events under paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(1) of this section, respectively. If, however, UST complies with the requirements contained in paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section, the transfers will not be triggering events. (4) Certain triangular reorganizations—(i) Triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(4), the term triangular asset reorganization means a triangular reorganization described in § 1.358– 6(b)(2)(i) through (iii) or in sections 368(a)(1)(G) and (a)(2)(D) where the acquiring subsidiary is foreign. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1) or (g)(1)(iv) of this section, the exchanges made pursuant to a triangular asset reorganization of the transferee foreign corporation will not be triggering events under paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(3) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The U.S. transferor or common parent, as applicable, enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement), with respect to the initial transfer, and in which the U.S. transferor agrees to— (1) If the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary is foreign, treat such foreign parent as the original transferee foreign corporation for purposes of this section and treat as a triggering event a disposition of the stock of the foreign acquiring subsidiary, or, in the case of a reorganization described in section 368(a)(2)(E), the corporation originally identified as the transferee foreign corporation; and (2) If the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary is domestic, treat the foreign acquiring subsidiary as the original transferee foreign corporation for purposes of this section, and apply the principles of paragraph (g) of this section to taxable dispositions by the domestic parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary or, in the case of a reorganization described in section 368(a)(2)(E), the corporation originally identified as the transferee foreign corporation. In the case of a VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 reorganization described in section 368(a)(2)(E) where the transferee foreign corporation is the merged corporation, rather than the surviving corporation, then the surviving corporation shall be treated as the transferee foreign corporation for purposes of this section. (B) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) the new gain recognition agreement and a notice of the transfer setting forth a full description of the transfer (including the date of such transfer) and the name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if any) for the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary. (ii) Triangular asset reorganizations of the transferred corporation. Except to the extent provided in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this section, the exchanges made pursuant to a triangular asset reorganization of the transferred corporation will not be triggering events in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The U.S. transferor or common parent, as applicable, enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement), in accordance with the rules of paragraph (b) of this section, with respect to the initial transfer, and in which the U.S. transferor agrees to— (1) Treat a disposition of the stock of the acquiring parent as a triggering event; (2) If the reorganization is a triangular C reorganization or a reorganization described in section 368(a)(2)(D), treat a disposition of the stock of the foreign acquiring subsidiary as a triggering event; and (3) If the reorganization is described in section 368(a)(2)(E) and the merged corporation is the transferred corporation, treat a disposition of the stock of the surviving corporation as a triggering event. (B) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) the new gain recognition agreement and a notice of the transfer setting forth a full description of the transfer (including the date of such transfer) and the name, address, and taxpayer identification number (if any) for the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring subsidiary. (5) Compulsory transfers. A compulsory transfer under § 1.367(a)– 4T(f)(2) that is not reasonably PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5191 foreseeable by the U.S. transferor is not a triggering event under paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section. (6) Certain liquidations and upstream reorganizations of the transferred corporation into the transferee foreign corporation—(i) General rule. A transfer of assets by the transferred corporation to the transferee foreign corporation pursuant to a liquidation described in section 332, where the transferee foreign corporation is described in section 332(b)(1), or pursuant to a reorganization described in section 368(a), and related exchanges of stock or securities of the transferred corporation will not be triggering events under paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section. The description of this exception that is required to be filed with the annual certification under paragraph (b)(5) of this section must include a description of the transaction. In such a case, the original gain recognition agreement shall continue to apply during the remainder of its term. If, however, in connection with a liquidation described in section 332, the transferred corporation recognizes gain under section 336 with respect to a portion of its assets, such assets shall be treated as disposed of for purposes of paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (ii) Example. The principles of this paragraph (e)(6) are illustrated by the following example: Example. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation, owns 100 percent of the stock of TFD, a foreign corporation. UST transfers all of the TFD stock to newly-formed TFC, a foreign corporation, in an exchange to which section 351 applies. In the exchange, UST receives 100 percent of the voting stock of TFC. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain recognition agreement to qualify for nonrecognition treatment and does not make the election described in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). Two years after the initial transfer, TFD liquidates into TFC in a transaction described in sections 332 and 337, and UST complies with the requirements of this paragraph (e)(6). Four years after the initial transfer, TFC disposes of substantially all of the assets previously held by TFD. (ii) Result. Because paragraph (d)(2) of this section provides that a disposition of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets by any person is a triggering event, TFC’s disposition of substantially all of the assets previously held by TFD is a triggering event. Under the terms of the gain recognition agreement, UST must amend its return for the year of the initial transfer and include in income the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5192 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES transfer of the stock of TFD to TFC, and pay any interest charge. (7) Death of an individual U.S. transferor. If the U.S. transferor is an individual and such individual dies, the individual’s death will not be a triggering event under paragraph (d)(7) of this section, if— (i) The person winding up the affairs of the U.S. transferor retains, for the duration of the waiver of the statute of limitations relating to the gain recognition agreement, assets to meet any possible liability of the U.S. transferor under the duration of the gain recognition agreement; (ii) The person winding up the affairs of the U.S. transferor provides security as provided under paragraph (c) of this section for any possible liability of the U.S. transferor under the gain recognition agreement; or (iii) The person winding up the affairs of the U.S. transferor obtains a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service providing for successors to the U.S. transferor under the gain recognition agreement. (8) Deconsolidation. A deconsolidation described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section will not be a triggering event, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (i) The U.S. transferor enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement) with respect to the initial transfer and makes the election described in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. (ii) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) notice of the deconsolidation. (9) Consolidation. A consolidation described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section will not be a triggering event, and the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, if the following conditions are satisfied: (i) The common parent of the consolidated group that includes the U.S. transferor immediately after the consolidation enters into a new gain recognition agreement pursuant to which the U.S. transferor agrees to recognize gain (during the remaining term of the original gain recognition agreement) with respect to the initial transfer and in which it makes the election described in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. (ii) The U.S. transferor provides with its next annual certification (described VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 in paragraph (b)(5) of this section) a notice of the consolidation. (10) Reasonable cause exception for failure to comply—(i) Request for relief. A failure to comply described in paragraph (d)(8) of this section will not be a triggering event, and the timeliness requirement with respect to a gain recognition agreement shall be considered satisfied notwithstanding a failure to file the agreement in a timely manner, if the person required to file the gain recognition agreement, annual certification, or Form 8838 is able to demonstrate to the Area Director, Field Examination, Small Business/Self Employed or the Director of Field Operations, Large and Mid-Size Business (Director) having jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return for the taxable year, that such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. In determining whether the person has reasonable cause, the Director shall consider whether the person acted reasonably and in good faith. Whether the person acted reasonably and in good faith will be determined after considering all the facts and circumstances. The Director shall notify the person in writing within 120 days of the filing if it is determined that the failure to comply was not due to reasonable cause, or if additional time will be needed to make such determination. For this purpose, the 120-day period shall begin to run on the date the Service notifies the person in writing that the request has been received and assigned for review. Once such period commences, if the person is not again notified within 120 days, then the person shall be deemed to have established reasonable cause. The reasonable cause exception of this paragraph (e)(10) shall apply only if, once the person becomes aware of the failure to file or comply with the agreement, the person complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(10)(ii) of this section. (ii) Requirements for reasonable cause relief—(A) Time of submission. Requests for reasonable cause relief will only be considered if once the person becomes aware of the failure to file or comply with the agreement, the person attaches all the documents that should have been filed, as well as a complete written statement setting forth the reasons for the failure to timely comply, to an amended return that amends the return to which the documents should have been attached pursuant to the rules of section 367(a) and the regulations under that paragraph. (B) Notice requirement. In addition to the requirement of paragraph (e)(10)(ii)(A) of this section, the person PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 must provide a copy of the amended return and all required attachments to the Director as follows: (1) If the taxpayer is under examination for any taxable year when the person requests relief, the taxpayer must provide a copy of the amended return and attachments to the personnel conducting the examination. (2) If the taxpayer is not under examination for any taxable year when the person requests relief, the taxpayer must provide a copy of the amended return and attachments to the Director having jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s return. (f) Gain recognized in connection with certain nonrecognition transactions—(1) Dispositions of transferred stock or securities—(i) General rule. If a disposition of the transferred stock or securities occurs in connection with a nonrecognition transaction described in paragraph (e)(1)(ii), (e)(2)(i), (e)(3)(ii), (e)(3)(iii), or (e)(4) of this section and gain is recognized by the transferee foreign corporation in connection with the transaction (for example, under sections 351(b) or 356(a)(1)), the U.S. transferor must recognize gain pursuant to the gain recognition agreement as determined under paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section. This paragraph (f)(1)(i) shall not apply to the extent that the gain recognized is treated as a dividend under section 356(a)(2). (ii) Method for determining amount of gain to be recognized. The portion of the gain recognition agreement that must be recognized under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, if any, is the gain that would be recognized by the transferee foreign corporation on such disposition (but not in excess of the amount of the gain recognition agreement). For purposes of this paragraph (f)(1)(ii), the gain that would be recognized in the nonrecognition transactions listed in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section by the transferee foreign corporation shall be calculated before taking into account any basis increase that may apply under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section as a result of the gain that the U.S. transferor is required to recognize. If the amount of gain that the transferee foreign corporation would be required to recognize is less than the amount of the gain subject to the gain recognition agreement, then the new gain recognition agreement filed pursuant to paragraph (e)(1)(ii), (e)(2)(i), (e)(3)(ii), (e)(3)(iii), or (e)(4) of this section shall provide that the U.S. transferor shall recognize the remaining portion of the gain that was realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer if a subsequent triggering event occurs. E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations (iii) Example. The rule of this paragraph (f)(1) is illustrated by the following example: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Example. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation owning 100% of the stock of TFD, a foreign corporation, transfers all of the TFD stock to newly formed TFC, a foreign corporation, in an exchange to which section 351 applies. In the exchange, UST receives 100% of the stock of TFC. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain recognition agreement to qualify for nonrecognition treatment and does not make the election contained in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). At the time of the initial transfer, UST has a basis of $50 in the stock of TFD, which has a fair market value of $100. Thus, the amount of gain subject to the gain recognition agreement is $50. Two years after the initial transfer, TFC and X, an unrelated domestic corporation, form CFC, a foreign corporation. TFC transfers the stock of TFD to CFC in an exchange to which section 351 applies. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). At the time of the transfer, TFC’s basis in the TFD stock equals $50 and the fair market value remains $100. In the exchange, TFC receives 25% of the stock of CFC and $35 of cash. Before taking into account adjustments made under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, TFC would recognize $35 of gain under section 351(b). X transfers property to CFC in exchange for the remaining 75% of the CFC stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, TFC’s disposition of the TFD stock is a triggering event. However, UST complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section providing for an exception to the triggering event. (ii) Result. Under paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, pursuant to the terms of the gain recognition agreement, UST must recognize $35 of the $50 gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer. The new gain recognition agreement that UST files pursuant to paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(C) of this section will reflect the $15 that remains of the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer. Under paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(A) of this section, TFC’s basis in the TFD stock is increased (as of the date of the initial transfer) by $35 to $85. Under paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B) of this section, UST’s basis in the TFC stock is also increased by $35. Finally, after taking account of adjustments under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, TFC must recognize $15 of gain under section 351(b). (2) Dispositions of substantially all of the transferred corporation’s assets. If a disposition of substantially all of the assets of the transferred corporation occurs in connection with a nonrecognition transaction described in paragraph (e)(1)(iii), (e)(3)(iii), or (e)(4)(ii) of this section and gain is recognized on such disposition (for example, under section 351(b) or 356(a)(1)), the U.S. transferor must VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 recognize gain pursuant to the gain recognition agreement to the extent of such gain recognized (but not in excess of the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer). This paragraph (f)(2) shall not apply to the extent that recognized gain is treated as a dividend under section 356(a)(2). (g) Transactions that terminate the gain recognition agreement or reduce the amount of gain required to be recognized pursuant to a gain recognition agreement. Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of this section, the following events shall not constitute triggering events and instead shall either terminate the gain recognition agreement, or reduce the amount of gain required to be recognized pursuant to a gain recognition agreement: (1) Taxable disposition of stock of the transferee foreign corporation by U.S. transferor—(i) General rule. If the U.S. transferor disposes of all the stock of the transferee foreign corporation that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer, then the gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect if— (A) Immediately before the disposition, the aggregate basis of the transferee foreign corporation stock disposed of does not exceed the sum of the aggregate basis of the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer plus any increase in the basis of such stock or securities as a result of the recognition of gain on the initial transfer. For purposes of this paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A), an increase in basis of the stock disposed of as a result of an income inclusion with respect to such stock (for example, pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken into account; and (B) All realized gain (if any) in the stock disposed of is recognized currently and included in taxable income as a result of the disposition. (ii) Partial dispositions—(A) General rule. If the U.S. transferor disposes of a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation that is received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer in a transaction that satisfies the conditions described in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this section, such disposition will not be a triggering event and the gain recognition shall remain in effect. For purposes of determining whether the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section is satisfied, however, the aggregate basis of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation disposed of is compared to the aggregate basis of the transferred stock or securities exchanged for such stock at the time of the initial transfer. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5193 (B) Subsequent triggering event. If the gain recognition agreement is triggered after a disposition described in paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, the U.S. transferor shall be required to recognize only a proportionate amount of the gain subject to the gain recognition agreement that otherwise would be required to be recognized on a subsequent triggering event. Except as provided in paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this section, the proportion required to be recognized shall be determined by reference to the percentage of stock (based on relative fair market value) of the transferee foreign corporation received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer that is retained by the U.S. transferor. (iii) The rule of paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section is illustrated by the following example: Example. (1) Facts. A, a United States citizen, owns 100% of the outstanding stock of foreign corporation X. In a transaction to which section 351 applies, A exchanges his stock in X (and other assets) for 100% of the outstanding stock of foreign corporation Y. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). A enters into a gain recognition agreement, makes the election contained in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section, and also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In the second year following the initial transfer, A disposes of 60% of the fair market value of the stock of Y, and the requirements of paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) are met with respect to such disposition. In the fourth year following the initial transfer, Y disposes of 50% of the fair market value of the stock of X. (ii) Result. The disposition of 60% of the stock of Y is not a triggering event, and the gain recognition agreement continues in effect. The disposition of X stock, however, is a triggering event under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section. As a result of the subsequent disposition of 50% of the stock of X, under paragraphs (d)(1)(iii) and (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, A is required to include in income in the year of such disposition 20% (40% of the fair market value of Y multiplied by 50% of the fair market value of X) of the gain that A realized but did not recognize on the initial transfer of the X stock to Y, and pay any applicable interest. (iv) Certain nonrecognition transactions. The rules described in these paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(A) through (C) apply if the U.S. transferor disposes of all or a portion of the stock of the transferee foreign corporation received (or deemed received) in the initial transfer pursuant to a nonrecognition transaction described in paragraph (e)(1)(i), (e)(2)(ii), (e)(3)(i), or (e)(3)(ii) of this section, the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section is satisfied with respect to such disposition, and gain is recognized in E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 5194 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations connection with the disposition (for example, under sections 351(b), 356(a)(1), or 336). If, however, only a portion of the stock of the transferee corporation stock is disposed of pursuant to this paragraph (g)(1)(iv), then for purposes of determining whether the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section is satisfied, the aggregate basis of the stock disposed of is compared to the aggregate basis of the transferred stock or securities exchanged for such stock at the time of the initial transfer. (A) U.S. transferor files new gain recognition agreement. This paragraph (g)(1)(iv)(A) applies if the U.S. transferor (or successor U.S. transferor, as applicable) enters into a new gain recognition agreement as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(i), (e)(3)(i), or (e)(3)(ii) of this section, as applicable. In such a case, the amount of gain subject to the new gain recognition agreement shall equal the amount of gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, less any gain recognized by the U.S. transferor in connection with the nonrecognition transaction. If the amount of gain recognized on the transfer is equal to or greater than the amount of gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, then the original gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect. (B) U.S. transferor does not file a new gain recognition agreement. This paragraph (g)(1)(iv)(B) applies if the U.S. transferor (or successor U.S. transferor, as applicable) fails to enter into a new gain recognition agreement as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(i), (e)(3)(i), or (e)(3)(ii) of this section, as applicable. In such a case, the amount required to be recognized by the U.S. transferor pursuant to the gain recognition agreement shall be the amount of gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, less any gain recognized by the U.S. transferor in connection with the nonrecognition transaction. (C) Special rule for recapitalizations. Because paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section does not require the U.S. transferor to enter into a new gain recognition agreement, the amount of gain subject to the gain recognition agreement shall equal the amount of gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer, less any gain recognized by the U.S. transferor in connection with the nonrecognition transaction described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section. (v) Election to reduce basis—(A) General rule. For purposes of paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (ii) and (iv) of this section, the U.S. transferor may elect to reduce its aggregate basis in the stock VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 disposed of effective immediately before the disposition such that the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) is satisfied. If an election is made pursuant to this paragraph (g)(1)(v), the U.S. transferor may increase its basis in other stock of the transferee foreign corporation it holds, if any, by a corresponding amount but not above the fair market value of such stock. (B) Election. The election pursuant to this paragraph (g)(1)(v) is made by filing with the U.S. transferor’s income tax return for the taxable year in which the disposition of the transferee foreign corporation stock occurs, a statement setting forth the following information, with the heading ‘‘Election to Reduce Stock Basis Under § 1.367(a)– 8T(g)(1)(v)’’: (1) A description of the transferee foreign corporation stock that the U.S. transferor has disposed of. (2) An estimate of the fair market value of the stock as of the date of the disposition. (3) A comparison of the basis of the transferee foreign corporation stock before and after the election that is made pursuant to this paragraph (g)(1)(v). (4) The date on which the transferee foreign corporation stock was disposed of by the U.S. transferor. (vi) The rules of paragraph (g)(1) of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, FC1 and FC2. The basis and fair market value of the FC1 stock is $100 and $90, respectively. The basis and fair market value of the FC2 stock is $0 and $100, respectively. USP also owns land that has a basis and fair market value of $10. In year 1, USP transfers 100% of the stock of FC1 and FC2 and the land to FC3, a newly formed foreign corporation, in exchange for 20 shares of FC3 stock. The transfer of the stock of FC1 and FC2 qualifies under section 351 and section 368(a)(1)(B). The transfer of the land qualifies under section 351. The transfer of the FC2 stock is subject to both section 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)– 1(a). Pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1)(ii) and this section, USP enters into a gain recognition agreement with respect to the $100 of gain in the FC2 stock and complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). USP takes the position that its basis in each of the 20 shares of FC3 stock received in the transfer equals $5.5 (($100+$0+10)/20). In year 3, USP sells 100% of its FC3 stock to an unrelated person for cash. (ii) Result. The disposition of the FC3 stock is a triggering event described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. The disposition does not terminate the gain recognition agreement pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section because USP takes the position that the basis of each of the 10 shares of FC3 stock it PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 received in exchange for the FC2 stock in the initial transfer equals $5.5. Thus, the total basis in the 10 shares received for the FC2 stock equals $55, which exceeds the $0 basis USP had in the FC2 stock it transferred to FC3 in the initial transfer. As a result, the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section is not satisfied. USP may, however, elect to reduce its basis in 10 of the FC3 shares it disposes of from $5.5 to $0, and increase its basis in its remaining 10 shares of FC2 stock by $5.5, pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(v) of this section. As a result, the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section would be satisfied, the disposition would not be a triggering event, and the gain recognition would terminate without further effect. Example 2. (i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of FC1, a foreign corporation. The basis and fair market value of the FC1 stock is $0 and $80, respectively. In year 1, USP transfers 100% of the stock of FC1 to FC2, a newly formed foreign corporation, in exchange for 20 shares of FC2 stock. The transfer of the stock of FC1 qualifies under section 351 and section 368(a)(1)(B). The transfer of the FC1 stock is subject to both section 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). Pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1)(ii) and this section, USP enters into a gain recognition agreement with respect to the $80 of gain in the FC1 stock and complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). USP’s basis and fair market value in the FC2 stock it receives at the time of the transfer is $0 and $80, respectively. In year 3, when the fair market value of the FC2 stock continues to equal $80, USP transfers land that has a basis and fair market value of $20 to FC2 in a transfer that qualifies under section 351, but does not receive additional shares of FC2 in connection with such transfer. In year 5, USP sells 100% of its FC2 stock to an unrelated person for cash. (ii) Result. The disposition of the FC3 stock is a triggering event described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. The disposition would not terminate the gain recognition agreement pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section if the basis in each of the 20 FC2 shares that USP sells equals $1 ($20/20 shares) because immediately before the disposition the basis in the FC2 shares received for the FC1 shares exceeds the basis of the FC1 shares at the time of the initial transfer. As a result, the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section would not be satisfied. USP may, however, elect to adjust its basis in its FC2 shares such that 16 of the shares have zero basis (reflecting the basis of the FC1 stock) and 4 of the shares have $20 of basis (reflecting the basis of the land). In such a case, the condition described in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section would be satisfied, the disposition would not be a triggering event, and the gain recognition agreement would terminate without further effect. (2) Certain dispositions by a domestic transferred corporation of substantially all of its assets. If, immediately before the initial transfer, the U.S. transferor owned an amount of stock in the transferred corporation described in E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations section 1504(a)(2), and the transferred corporation is domestic, then the gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect if the transferred corporation disposes of substantially all of its assets in a transaction in which all realized gain is recognized currently. If an indirect stock transfer necessitated the filing of the gain recognition agreement, such agreement shall terminate if, immediately before the indirect transfer, the U.S. transferor owned an amount of stock in the acquired corporation described in section 1504(a)(2) (or, in the case of a section 368(a)(1)(A) and (a)(2)(E) reorganization described in § 1.367(a)– 3(d)(1)(ii), the U.S. transferor owned an amount of stock in the acquiring corporation described in section 1504(a)(2)) and the transferred corporation disposes of substantially all of its assets (taking into account § 1.367(a)–3(d)(2)(v)) in a transaction in which all realized gain is recognized currently. (3) Distribution or transfer by transferee foreign corporation of stock or securities of transferred corporation under section 337, 355 or 361—(i) Scope. This paragraph (g)(3) applies if the transferee foreign corporation distributes or transfers the stock or securities that initially necessitated the filing of the gain recognition agreement (and any additional stock received after the initial transfer) pursuant to any of the following transactions: (A) A liquidating distribution to the U.S. transferor or a domestic corporation that is a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is then a member and that qualifies under sections 332 and 337, if such domestic distributee corporation is described in section 332(b)(1). (B) A distribution to the U.S. transferor, a domestic corporation that is a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is a member, or an individual that is a United States person, that qualifies under section 355. (C) A transfer to the U.S. transferor or a domestic corporation that is a member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is then a member and to which section 361 applies (but, if in connection with a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G), only if the requirements of section 354(b)(1)(A) and (B) are met). (ii) General rule. If a distribution or transfer is described in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section, the gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect, provided that immediately after such distribution or VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 transfer the basis in the transferred stock or securities in the hands of the domestic corporation or individual, as applicable, does not exceed the basis that the U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer. For purposes of this paragraph (g)(3)(ii), only the basis in the stock or securities transferred shall be taken into account, and increases to stock basis as a result of income inclusions with respect to stock (for example, pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken into account. In the case of a transaction described in paragraph (g)(3)(i)(B) of this section, any reductions or redistributions of stock basis under § 1.367(b)–5(c)(2) or (4), respectively, shall be made before applying the rules of this paragraph (g)(3)(ii). (iii) Election to reduce basis in stock or securities of transferred corporation. For purposes of paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section, the domestic corporation or individual, as applicable, may elect to reduce the basis in the stock or securities transferred to equal the basis the U.S. transferor had in the corresponding transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial transfer, such that the gain recognition agreement shall terminate without further effect. If such an election is made, the domestic corporation or individual may increase its basis in other stock of the transferred corporation it holds, if any, by a corresponding amount but not above the fair market value of such stock. (iv) Election. The election pursuant to paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section is made by filing with the domestic corporation’s or individual’s income tax return for the taxable year in which the distribution or transfer occurs, a statement setting forth the following information, with the heading ‘‘Election to Reduce Stock Basis Under § 1.367(a)– 8T(g)(3)(iii)’’: (1) A description of the stock or securities received. (2) An estimate of the fair market value of the stock or securities as of the date of their receipt. (3) A statement comparing the basis of the stock or securities before and after the election. (4) The date on which the stock or securities were received. (v) Examples. The rules of paragraph (g)(3) of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, FC1 and FC2. FC1 has 10 shares of stock issued and outstanding. In year 1, when the basis and fair market value of the FC1 stock is $0 and $90, respectively, PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5195 USP transfers its 10 shares of FC1 stock to FC2 in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). Pursuant to § 1.367(a)– 3(b)(1)(ii) and this section, USP enters into a gain recognition agreement with respect to such transfer. USP also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In year 2, FC2 transfers land with a basis and fair market value of $10 to FC1 in exchange for one newly issued share of FC1 stock. In year 4, FC2 distributes all of its FC1 stock to USP in a liquidating distribution that qualifies under sections 332 and 337. (ii) Result. In determining whether the gain recognition agreement entered into by USP is terminated under paragraph (g)(3) of this section, or in the alternative triggered under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, only the stock of FC1 transferred by USP to FC2 in year 1 is considered. Thus, the basis in the one share of FC1 stock issued to FC2 in year 2 in exchange for land is not taken into account. If instead of FC1 actually issuing another share of stock to FC2 in exchange for the land, FC1 was deemed to issue stock to FC2 in such exchange, then the gain recognition agreement would terminate only if USP elects to adjust the basis in its FC1 shares such that nine of the shares have zero basis and one of the shares has $10 of basis. Example 2. (i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, FC and FD. In year 1, USP transfers 100% of the stock of FC to FD in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). At the time of the initial transfer, USP has a basis of $80 in its stock of FC; the stock of FC has a fair market value of $100. USP’s basis in its stock of FD, and the fair market value of the FD stock, are both $100. Pursuant to § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1)(ii) and this section, USP enters into a gain recognition agreement with respect to the initial transfer. USP also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In year 4, FD distributes all of the stock of FC to USP in a pro rata distribution to which section 355 applies. At the time of the distribution, the fair market value of the FC stock has increased to $200, while the fair market value of the FD stock has remained $100. Under section 358, USP allocates its $180 predistribution basis in its FD stock between the FD stock and FC stock according to the stock blocks’ relative fair market values, yielding a $60 basis in the FD stock and a $120 basis in the FC stock. Immediately before the distribution, USP’s section 1248 amount with respect to FC and FD is zero. (ii) Result. The distribution of FC stock is a triggering event under paragraph (d)(1) of this section. The distribution does not terminate the gain recognition agreement under paragraph (g)(3) of this section because after the distribution, USP’s basis of $120 in the FC stock exceeds the $80 basis that USP had in the FC stock at the time of the initial transfer. If, however, USP elects to reduce its basis in the FC stock it receives to $80, then the condition described in paragraph (g)(3) of this section will be satisfied, and the gain E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 5196 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES recognition agreement will terminate without further effect. In addition, the $40 of basis that USP elected to reduce is redistributed to the stock of FD, the result of which is that USP has a basis of $100 in its FD stock. (h) Effective date—(1) General rule— (i) Gain recognition agreements filed for transfers on or after effective date. With the exception of paragraph (f) of this section, the rules of this section apply to gain recognition agreements filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities under Treas. Reg. §§ 1.367(a)– 3(b) through (d) and 1.367(a)–3T(e) occurring on or after March 7, 2007. The rules of paragraph (f) of this section apply to gain recognition agreements filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities under Treas. Reg. §§ 1.367(a)– 3(b) through (d) and 1.367(a)–3T(e) occurring on or after August 6, 2007. However, the rules of this section do not apply to gain recognition agreements filed with respect to such a transfer of stock or securities occurring on or after March 7, 2007, if such transfer was entered into pursuant to a written agreement which was (subject to customary conditions) binding before February 5, 2007, and at all times thereafter. Solely for purposes of this paragraph (h), a transfer described in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be a transfer occurring before March 7, 2007 to which the rules of § 1.367(a)–8 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 2006) apply. See paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section for the ability to apply the rules of this section with respect to gain recognition agreements filed before March 7, 2007. (ii) Gain recognition agreements filed for transfers before effective date. For matters covered in this section for periods before March 7, 2007 but on or after July 20, 1998, the corresponding rules of § 1.367(a)–8 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 2006) apply. For matters covered in this section for periods before July 20, 1998, the corresponding rules of § 1.367(a)–3T(g) (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) and Notice 87–85 ((1987–2 CB 395); see § 601.601(d)(2)(ii) of this chapter) apply. In addition, if a U.S. transferor entered into a gain recognition agreement for transfers before July 20, 1998, then the rules of § 1.367(a)–3T(g) (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 1998) continue to apply in lieu of this section in the event of any direct or indirect nonrecognition transfer of the same property. See also, § 1.367(a)–3(h). (2) Applicability to gain recognition agreements filed before effective date— (i) General rule. This paragraph (h)(2)(i) applies only to rules in this regulation § 1.367(a)–8T that were not already effective under the rules of § 1.367(a)–8 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 2006). Taxpayers may apply all or part of these regulations to gain recognition agreements filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities, for all open years, on or after July 20, 1998. If a taxpayer failed to file a gain recognition agreement with respect to a transfer of stock or securities on or after July 20, 1998 and before March 7, 2007, the taxpayer must first obtain reasonable cause relief under § 1.367(a)-8(c)(2) to file the gain recognition agreement before the taxpayer may apply this paragraph (h)(2)(i). (ii) Special filing rule for tax year ending before effective date. This paragraph (h)(2)(ii) provides the time and manner in which taxpayers may apply paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section. Notwithstanding the rules provided in § 1.367(a)–8T(a)(2), all agreements, certifications, or other information related to such gain recognition agreement that should have been filed on or before March 7, 2007 shall be treated as having been timely filed, provided they are attached to a Federal income tax return amending the taxpayer’s Federal income tax return for the taxable year in which they should have been attached. The amended return described in the preceding sentence must be filed before August 6, 2007. A taxpayer that wishes to apply paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section but that fails to meet the filing requirement described in the preceding sentence must request reasonable cause relief as provided in paragraph (e)(10) of this section. (iii) Tax year ending after effective date. A taxpayer that entered into a gain recognition agreement to which § 1.367(a)–8 (see 26 CFR part 1, revised April 1, 2006) applies may apply the rules of this section in a tax year ending on or after March 7, 2007 by attaching the agreement, certification, or other information related to such gain recognition agreement that the rules of this section require in accordance with the rules of this section and with the time and manner rules provided in § 1.367(a)–8T(a)(2). (iv) Examples. The rules of paragraph (h)(2) of this section are illustrated by the following examples: Example 1. (i) Facts. USP, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, FC and FD. In 2003, USP transfers 100% of the stock of FC to FD in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). Pursuant to § 1.367(a)– 3(b)(1)(ii) and this section, USP enters into a gain recognition agreement with respect to the initial transfer. USP also complies with PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In 2005, FD distributes all of the stock of FC to USP in a pro rata distribution to which section 355 applies. Under section 358, USP’s basis in its FC stock exceeds the basis that USP had in FC immediately before the initial transfer. (ii) Result. Under paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section, the rules of § 1.367(a)–8 apply because the gain recognition agreement was filed before March 7, 2007. As a result of the year 2005 transaction, under § 1.367(a)– 8(e)(1), USP is required to recognize all of the gain subject to the gain recognition agreement, and pay any applicable interest. The gain recognition agreement does not terminate under § 1.367(a)–8(h)(3) because USP’s basis in its FC stock immediately after the section 355 distribution exceeds the basis USP had in the FC stock immediately before the initial transfer. However, paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section provides a rule that would allow USP to elect to reduce its basis in the FC stock such that the conditions in paragraph (g)(3) of this section would be satisfied and the gain recognition agreement would terminate without further effect. Under paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, USP may apply paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section to the 2005 transaction, if 2005 is an open year, because the rule provided in paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section was not already effective under § 1.367(a)–8. Under paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section, USP must submit the documents required under paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section to a Federal income tax return amending its 2005 Federal income tax return before August 6, 2007. Example 2. (i) Facts. UST, a domestic corporation, owns 100% of the stock of two foreign corporations, TFC and TFD. In 2003, USP transfers 100% of the stock of TFD to TFC in an exchange to which section 351 applies. The transaction is subject to both sections 367(a) and (b). See §§ 1.367(a)–3(b) and 1.367(b)–1(a). All of the requirements of § 1.367(a)–3(b)(1) are satisfied, and UST enters into a gain recognition agreement. UST also complies with the notice requirement under § 1.367(b)–1(c). In 2005, TFC transfers its TFD stock to F1, also a foreign corporation, in an exchange to which section 351 applies. UST does not file a new gain recognition agreement under § 1.367(a)– 8(g)(2). (ii) Result. Under paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section, the rules of § 1.367(a)–8 apply because the gain recognition agreement was filed before March 7, 2007. Under § 1.367(a)– 8(e), UST must recognize the gain realized, but not recognized, on its initial transfer of TFD stock. Paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section does not apply because the rule in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section was already effective under § 1.367(a)–8(g)(2). Therefore, UST’s only recourse from recognizing the gain subject to the gain recognition agreement is the reasonable cause exception provided in § 1.367(a)–8(c)(2). (3) Expiration. The applicability of this section expires on or before February 1, 2010. E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 23 / Monday, February 5, 2007 / Rules and Regulations PART 602—OMB CONTROL NUMBERS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT I Par. 7. The authority citation for part 602 continues to read as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805. Par. 8. In § 602.101, paragraph (b) is revised by adding an entry for § 1.367(a)–8T in numerical order to the table to read as follows: I § 602.101 * * * * CFR part or section where identified and described Current OMB control No. * * * * * 1.367(a)–8T .............................. 1545–2056 * * * * * Kevin M. Brown, Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement. Approved: January 31, 2007. Eric Solomon, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy). [FR Doc. 07–490 Filed 2–1–07; 8:52 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 67 Final Flood Elevation Determinations Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Base (1% annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) and modified BFEs are made final for the SUMMARY: Flooding source(s) The date of issuance of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) showing BFEs and modified BFEs for each community. This date may be obtained by contacting the office where the maps are available for inspection as indicated on the table below. ADDRESSES: The final BFEs for each community are available for inspection at the office of the Chief Executive Officer of each community. The respective addresses are listed in the table below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William R. Blanton, Jr., Engineering Management Section, Mitigation Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–3151. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final determinations listed below for the modified BFEs for each community listed. These modified elevations have been published in newspapers of local circulation and ninety (90) days have elapsed since that publication. The Mitigation Division Director of FEMA has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification. This final rule is issued in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR part 67. FEMA has developed criteria for floodplain management in floodprone areas in accordance with 44 CFR part 60. Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the proof Flood Insurance Study and FIRM available at the address cited below for DATES: OMB Control numbers. * communities listed below. The BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). each community. The BFEs and modified BFEs are made final in the communities listed below. Elevations at selected locations in each community are shown. National Environmental Policy Act. This final rule is categorically excluded from the requirements of 44 CFR part 10, Environmental Consideration. An environmental impact assessment has not been prepared. Regulatory Flexibility Act. As flood elevation determinations are not within the scope of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Regulatory Classification. This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under the criteria of section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735. Executive Order 13132, Federalism. This final rule involves no policies that have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This final rule meets the applicable standards of Executive Order 12988. List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 67 Administrative practice and procedure, Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. I Accordingly, 44 CFR part 67 is amended as follows: PART 67—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 67 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 329; E.O. 12127, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 376. § 67.11 [Amended] 2. The tables published under the authority of § 67.11 are amended as follows: I * Elevation in feet (NGVD) + Elevation in feet (NAVD) # Depth in feet above ground Modified Location of referenced elevation 5197 Communities affected Baldwin County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas Docket No.: FEMA–B–7456 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES D’Olive Creek ........................ Styx River .............................. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:24 Feb 02, 2007 +25 +35 +25 +60 +77 Approximately 3,100 feet upstream of Pinegrove Road ....... Tiawasee Creek .................... Just upstream of Lake Forest Dam ....................................... Just downstream of U.S. Highway 90 ................................... Confluence with D’Olive Creek at Lake Forest ..................... Approximately 1,500 feet upstream of Ridgewood Drive ..... Just downstream of Truck Route 17 (Brady Road) .............. +168 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM 05FER1 City of Daphne. City of Daphne. Baldwin County (Unincorporated Areas).

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 23 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5174-5197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-490]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Parts 1 and 602

[TD 9311]
RIN 1545-BG10


Certain Transfers of Stock or Securities by U.S. Persons to 
Foreign Corporations

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Final and temporary regulations.

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SUMMARY: This document contains final and temporary regulations under 
section 367(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) regarding gain 
recognition agreements. The final regulations are necessary to update 
cross-references in the current regulations. The temporary regulations 
are necessary to respond to comments requested in Notice 2005-74. The 
regulations primarily affect U.S. persons that transfer stock or 
securities to foreign corporations or corporations engaged in 
transactions that affect existing gain recognition agreements. The text 
of these temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed 
regulations (REG-147144-06) set forth in the notice of proposed 
rulemaking on this subject published elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register.

DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective February 5, 
2007.
    Applicability Dates: For dates of applicability, see Sec. Sec.  
1.367(a)-3T(f) and 1.367(a)-8T(h).

ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-147144-06), room 
5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, 
Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered Monday through 
Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

[[Page 5175]]

to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-147144-06), Courier's Desk, Internal Revenue 
Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, or sent 
electronically, via the IRS Internet site at https://www.irs.gov/regs or 
via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov (IRS 
REG-147144-06).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel McCall, (202) 622-3860 (not a 
toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Paperwork Reduction Act

    These temporary regulations are being issued without prior notice 
and public procedure pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553). For this reason, the collections of information contained 
in these regulations have been reviewed and pending receipt and 
evaluation of public comments, 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 1545-2056. Response to these 
collections of information is mandatory.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information, unless the collection of 
information displays a valid control number.
    For further information concerning this collection of information, 
and where to submit comments on the collection of information and the 
accuracy of the estimated burden, and suggestions for reducing the 
burden, please refer to the preamble to the cross-referencing notice of 
proposed rulemaking published elsewhere in the Proposed Rules section 
of this issue of the Federal Register.
    Books and records relating to these collections 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

    Section 367(a)(1) provides that if, in connection with any exchange 
described in section 332, 351, 354, 356, or 361, a United States person 
(U.S. transferor) transfers property to a foreign corporation 
(transferee foreign corporation), such foreign corporation shall not, 
for purposes of determining the extent to which gain shall be 
recognized on such transfer, be considered to be a corporation. Section 
367(a)(2), (3) and (6) provides exceptions to this general rule and 
grants regulatory authority to provide additional exceptions and to 
limit the statutory exceptions.
    Exceptions to the general rule of section 367(a)(1) for certain 
transfers by a U.S. transferor of the stock or securities of a 
corporation (transferred corporation) to a transferee foreign 
corporation are provided in Sec.  1.367(a)-3 (initial transfer). In 
some cases, these exceptions require, among other things, that the U.S. 
transferor file a gain recognition agreement (GRA), as provided in 
Sec.  1.367(a)-8. Section 1.367(a)-3(b)(1)(ii) and (c)(1)(iii)(B). 
Pursuant to a GRA, the U.S. transferor agrees, among other things, to 
include in income the gain realized, but not recognized, on the initial 
transfer of the stock or securities, and pay any applicable interest, 
upon certain events (triggering events) that occur before the close of 
the fifth full taxable year following the year of the initial transfer. 
Section 1.367(a)-8(b)(1)(iii) and (3)(i).
    Section 1.367(a)-8(e)(1) and (2) provides that dispositions of the 
stock or securities of the transferred corporation are generally 
triggering events. Similarly, Sec.  1.367(a)-8(e)(3) provides that 
dispositions of substantially all (within the meaning of section 
368(a)(1)(C)) of the assets of the transferred corporation are 
generally treated as deemed dispositions of the stock or securities of 
the transferred corporation and therefore are also triggering events. 
Finally, dispositions of stock of the transferee foreign corporation 
can also be triggering events. See Sec.  1.367(a)-8(f)(2)(ii).
    Notwithstanding these rules, Sec.  1.367(a)-8 provides that various 
nonrecognition transactions are not triggering events if certain 
requirements are satisfied. For example, Sec.  1.367(a)-8(g) provides 
exceptions for certain transactions involving the U.S. transferor, the 
transferee foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. 
Although these exceptions clearly contemplate some nonrecognition 
transactions, the current regulations are unclear whether, and if so 
how, the exceptions apply to various asset reorganizations involving 
section 361 exchanges by the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign 
corporation, and the transferred corporation.
    Section 1.367(a)-8 also provides that certain nonrecognition 
transactions are not triggering events because the GRA is terminated 
without further effect. For example, Sec.  1.367(a)-8(h)(3) lists 
certain nonrecognition transactions that terminate the GRA, provided 
that immediately after the transaction the basis in the transferred 
stock is not greater than the U.S. transferor's basis in the stock 
that, immediately before the initial transfer, necessitated the GRA.
    On September 28, 2005, the IRS and the Treasury Department issued 
Notice 2005-74 (2005-42 IRB 726), see Sec.  601.601(d)(2), which 
announced the intention to amend the regulations under section 367(a) 
to address the effect on GRAs of certain asset reorganizations 
involving the U.S. transferor, the transferee foreign corporation, and 
the transferred corporation. The notice was issued in response to 
comments that the current regulations do not adequately address various 
asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor, the transferee 
foreign corporation, and the transferred corporation. Notice 2005-74 
addressed the most common of these reorganizations and requested 
comments on other transactions (for example, certain upstream and 
downstream reorganizations).
    Notice 2005-74 generally provided that, if particular requirements 
are satisfied, certain asset reorganizations of the U.S. transferor, 
the transferee foreign corporation, or the transferred corporation will 
not constitute triggering events. A key premise of the notice was that 
the covered transactions involved situations where the ability to 
collect tax is sufficiently preserved in the event of a subsequent 
trigger of the GRA (that is, the obligor under the GRA remains 
unchanged as a result of the asset reorganization). In light of 
taxpayer comments and further study, however, the IRS and Treasury 
Department have determined that there are additional instances where 
the ability to collect tax after these asset reorganizations and 
certain other nonrecognition transactions (as defined in section 
7701(a)(45)) is sufficiently preserved so that these transactions also 
should not constitute a triggering event if particular requirements are 
met. The IRS and Treasury Department also have concluded that other 
portions of the current section 367(a) regulations addressing GRAs 
should be revised.

Explanation of Provisions

A. Overview

    The temporary regulations adopt the rules announced in Notice 2005-
74, with a number of modifications discussed below. Notice 2005-74 only 
provided guidance on a particular range of transactions, namely certain 
asset reorganizations, that are insufficiently addressed in the current 
regulations. The temporary regulations respond to comments and provide 
guidance on the effect on GRAs of transactions that are

[[Page 5176]]

not addressed in the current regulation or Notice 2005-74. The 
temporary regulations also make additional changes to the existing 
regulations. For example, the temporary regulations modify and clarify 
procedural requirements attendant to entering into GRAs. Finally, the 
temporary regulations reorganize the current regulation so that 
distinct paragraphs address triggering events, exceptions to triggering 
events, and events that terminate a GRA. The IRS and Treasury 
Department continue to consider issuing additional public guidance that 
further revises Sec.  1.367(a)-8.

B. Effect of Certain Asset Reorganizations and Nontaxable Liquidations 
on Gain Recognition Agreements

1. Transfers of Transferee Foreign Corporation Stock by U.S. Transferor
(a) Asset Reorganizations
    Notice 2005-74 provided that if, in a section 361 transaction, a 
U.S. transferor transfers all or a portion of the stock or securities 
of the transferee foreign corporation to an acquiring domestic 
corporation (successor U.S. transferor) pursuant to certain asset 
reorganizations, the exchanges made pursuant to the asset 
reorganization will trigger the gain recognition agreement, unless 
various conditions are satisfied. These conditions are: (1) The U.S. 
transferor must have been a member of a consolidated group (original 
consolidated group) at the time of the initial transfer and the common 
parent of such group (original common parent) entered into the original 
GRA; (2) immediately after the asset reorganization, the successor U.S. 
transferor is a member of the original consolidated group 
(consolidation continuity requirement); and (3) the original common 
parent enters into a new GRA with respect to the transfer subject to 
the original GRA, modified by substituting the successor U.S. 
transferor for the original U.S. transferor. A notice of the asset 
reorganization also must be provided with the successor U.S. 
transferor's next annual certification.
    For this purpose, an asset reorganization is defined as a 
reorganization described in section 368(a)(1) involving the transfer of 
assets by a corporation to another corporation pursuant to section 361, 
except that such term shall include reorganizations described in 
section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G) only if the requirements of section 
354(b)(1)(A) and (B) are met.
    The IRS and Treasury Department received several comments that the 
consolidation continuity requirement was unduly restrictive because it 
focused on maintaining the same obligor for a GRA following the asset 
reorganization. Commentators asserted that an equal or better ability 
to collect the tax due as a result of a triggering event subsequent to 
such a reorganization may be preserved in certain instances where the 
consolidation continuity requirement would not be satisfied. However, 
these same commentators noted that if there were no consolidation 
continuity requirement, such that a U.S. transferor that is a member of 
a consolidated group at the time of the initial transfer could be 
acquired in a later asset reorganization by a corporation (successor 
corporation) that is not a member of such group without triggering the 
GRA, the actions of the successor corporation could inappropriately 
affect the liability of the original consolidated group under the GRA. 
As a result, the commentators requested that the consolidation 
continuity requirement be curtailed or eliminated, while at the same 
time not inappropriately exposing the original consolidated group to 
the liabilities arising from the actions of the successor corporation.
    The IRS and Treasury Department generally agree with these views. 
Therefore, the temporary regulations eliminate the consolidation 
continuity requirement and address concerns about the liability of a 
consolidated group that disposes of a U.S. transferor subject to a GRA.
    Specifically, the temporary regulations provide that when a U.S. 
transferor transfers all or a portion of the stock of the transferee 
foreign corporation to an acquiring corporation in an asset 
reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will 
not be triggering events and the GRA will terminate without further 
effect, but only if certain requirements are satisfied. These 
requirements ensure that the ability to collect tax is sufficiently 
preserved and that the terms of the GRA are administrable.
    First, the acquiring corporation (successor U.S. transferor) must 
be a domestic corporation, and the successor U.S. transferor or the 
common parent of the consolidated group of which the successor U.S. 
transferor is a member (as applicable) must enter into a new GRA to 
recognize gain with respect to the initial transfer during the 
remaining term of the original GRA (with certain modifications).
    Second, with its next certification, the successor U.S. transferor 
must provide to the IRS the new GRA, notice of the transaction, and 
Form 8838 (Consent to Extend Time to Assess Tax Under Section 367) to 
extend the period of assessment of tax on the initial transfer.
    Third, unless the successor U.S. transferor is a member of the same 
consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor was a member 
immediately before the asset reorganization, the person entering into 
the new GRA must elect that, if the new GRA is triggered in whole or in 
part, the person will include the required amount in the year of the 
triggering event (as opposed to the year of the initial transfer). 
Requiring an inclusion in these circumstances only in the year of a 
subsequent triggering event when the U.S. transferor is no longer owned 
by the same consolidated group is necessary, among other reasons, 
because the successor U.S. transferor may not have existed in the year 
of the initial transfer. In such a case, the successor U.S. transferor 
would not be able to amend a return for the year of the initial 
transfer to include any tax due as a result of a subsequent triggering 
event. Moreover, the requirement is appropriate even if the successor 
U.S. transferor did exist in the year of the initial transfer because 
its tax year for the year of the initial transfer may be closed. In 
sum, this requirement assures the GRA rules are administrable and that 
the ability to collect tax is sufficiently preserved. If these 
requirements are met, the original GRA will terminate without further 
effect.
    The IRS and Treasury Department have decided to eliminate the 
consolidation continuity requirement because these three requirements 
adequately address the government's concern in this area by, among 
other things, preserving the ability to collect the tax due as a result 
of a triggering event subsequent to a covered asset reorganization. In 
many asset reorganizations, the successor U.S. transferor will have an 
equal or greater ability to pay the tax due in the case of a subsequent 
triggering event than would the original U.S. transferor. Furthermore, 
the current regulations generally do not impose any financial or other 
requirements on the ability of a U.S. transferor to enter into a GRA. 
But see Sec.  1.367(a)-8(d) (imposing a security requirement in certain 
situations). Consequently, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that 
even if in some circumstances an acquisition of a U.S. transferor may 
affect the ability to collect the tax due as a result of a subsequent 
triggering event (for example, the U.S. transferor is acquired from a 
consolidated group by another consolidated group whose value is less

[[Page 5177]]

than that of the original consolidated group), the requirements above 
nonetheless sufficiently preserve the ability to collect the tax that 
would be due if the new GRA were triggered and ensure that the terms of 
the GRA are administrable.
    As described in this section, the temporary regulations require 
that the acquirer be a domestic corporation because, among other 
reasons, the IRS and Treasury Department are concerned that if a 
foreign acquirer is allowed to enter into a new GRA, it may be 
difficult for the IRS to collect any tax due in the event of a 
subsequent trigger of the GRA. However, the IRS and Treasury Department 
continue to study whether it would be appropriate to allow a domestic 
corporate shareholder of the U.S. transferor to enter into a new GRA 
when a U.S. transferor is acquired by a foreign corporation in an asset 
reorganization under conditions similar to those provided in Sec.  
1.367(a)-3T(e). The IRS and Treasury Department welcome more detailed 
comments on specific approaches that could extend these rules to 
foreign acquisitions of the U.S. transferor.
(b) Nontaxable Liquidations
    The current regulations provide that, if a corporate U.S. 
transferor liquidates in a transaction that qualifies under sections 
332 and 337, the GRA is triggered unless (1) The U.S. transferor filed 
a consolidated income tax return with a U.S. parent corporation both in 
the year of the initial transfer and the year of the liquidation, and 
(2) the common parent enters into a new GRA, with certain 
modifications. Section 1.367(a)-8(f)(2)(ii).
    The temporary regulations provide a similar rule. However, the 
temporary regulations eliminate the consolidation continuity 
requirement, so the U.S. transferor is no longer required to be a 
member of the same consolidated group in the year of the initial 
transfer and the year of the liquidation. Consequently, the temporary 
regulations provide that where a U.S. transferor disposes of the stock 
of the foreign transferee corporation in a liquidation that qualifies 
under sections 332 and 337, the disposition will not constitute a 
triggering event provided that: (1) The distributee (successor U.S. 
transferor) is a domestic corporation described in section 332(b)(1); 
(2) the successor U.S. transferor or, if the successor U.S. transferor 
is a member of a consolidated group, the common parent of the successor 
U.S. transferor's group, enters into a new GRA covering the remaining 
term of the original GRA (with certain modifications); (3) where the 
successor U.S. transferor is not a member of the original consolidated 
group immediately after the liquidation, the person entering into the 
GRA agrees that if there is a subsequent triggering event, the taxpayer 
will recognize the gain in the year of the triggering event (as opposed 
to the year of the initial transfer); and (4) the successor U.S. 
transferor provides, with its next annual certification, Form 8838 to 
extend the period of assessment of the tax on the initial transfer. If 
these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA will terminate without 
further effect.
    For reasons similar to those discussed above in the context of 
asset reorganizations involving the U.S. transferor, the IRS and 
Treasury Department believe that the temporary regulations sufficiently 
address the government's concerns in this area, including preserving 
the ability to collect tax due as a result of a subsequent triggering 
event. As a result, it is not necessary for the U.S. transferor to be a 
member of the same consolidated group in the year of the transfer and 
the year of the liquidation. In addition, the IRS and Treasury 
Department believe that it is appropriate to require an inclusion in 
the year of a subsequent triggering event if the successor U.S. 
transferor was not a member of a consolidated group with the U.S. 
transferor immediately before the liquidation for reasons similar to 
those discussed regarding asset reorganizations involving the U.S. 
transferor.
2. Transfers of Transferred Corporation Stock or Securities by 
Transferee Foreign Corporation in an Asset Reorganization
    Notice 2005-74 provided that if, in a section 361 transaction, a 
transferee foreign corporation transfers stock or securities of a 
transferred corporation to a foreign acquiring corporation in an asset 
reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the reorganization will 
be a triggering event, unless certain conditions are met. These 
conditions require that the U.S. transferor, common parent, or new 
common parent corporation, as applicable, enter into a new GRA, with 
certain modifications. In addition, the U.S. transferor also is 
required to provide the new GRA and a notice of the asset 
reorganization with its next annual certification.
    For purposes of this rule, Notice 2005-74 retained the same 
definition of asset reorganization as used for the provision dealing 
with transfers of transferee corporation stock, with certain 
modifications. Specifically, Notice 2005-74 excludes the following 
asset reorganizations: (1) Triangular asset reorganizations described 
in Sec.  1.358-6(b); and (2) asset reorganizations where, after the 
reorganization, the same corporation is both the transferee foreign 
corporation (or successor transferee foreign corporation, as 
applicable) and the transferred corporation (or the successor 
transferred corporation, as applicable).
    The temporary regulations generally incorporate these rules and 
provide that if the above conditions are satisfied the original GRA 
will terminate without further effect. However, even if these 
conditions are satisfied, the temporary regulations provide specific 
gain recognition rules if the transferee foreign corporation transfers 
stock or securities of the transferred corporation in an asset 
reorganization and the U.S. transferor recognizes gain under section 
356(a)(1). See section C of this preamble.
    As noted in this preamble, Notice 2005-74 excluded from the 
definition of the term asset reorganization any triangular asset 
reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation and transferred 
corporation and certain upstream and downstream reorganizations. In 
response to comments and upon further study by the IRS and Treasury 
Department, the temporary regulations address the treatment of 
triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation 
and certain upstream and downstream reorganizations. See sections G and 
H of this preamble.
3. Transfers of Substantially All of a Transferred Corporation's Assets
    Notice 2005-74 provides that if a transferred corporation transfers 
substantially all its assets in an asset reorganization, the exchanges 
made pursuant to the reorganization will be a triggering event, unless 
certain conditions are met. These conditions require that the U.S. 
transferor, U.S. parent corporation or new U.S. parent corporation, as 
applicable, enters into a new GRA, with certain modifications. The U.S. 
transferor also is required to provide the new GRA and the notice of 
the asset reorganization with its next annual certification. The 
definition of asset reorganization is the same as that used in asset 
reorganizations involving the transferee foreign corporation.
    The temporary regulations generally incorporate these rules and 
provide that if these conditions are met, the original GRA will 
terminate without further effect. However, even if these conditions are 
satisfied, the temporary regulations provide specific gain recognition 
rules (described in section C of this preamble)

[[Page 5178]]

if the transferred corporation transfers substantially all of its 
assets in an asset reorganization and the transferee foreign 
corporation recognizes gain under section 356(a)(1). In addition, 
although the definition of asset reorganization excludes triangular 
asset reorganizations and downstream mergers of the transferee foreign 
corporation, the temporary regulations address the tax treatment of 
these transactions. See sections G and H of this preamble.

C. Special Rules Regarding Nonrecognition Transactions Involving Money 
or Other Property

    The current regulations provide that certain nonrecognition 
transactions are not triggering events if particular requirements are 
satisfied. However, commentators have stated that the current 
regulations provide that certain nonrecognition transactions at the 
transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation level in 
which any money or other property (as described in sections 351(b) or 
356(a)) is received in exchange are triggering events without 
exception. These commentators assert that it is not appropriate to 
trigger an entire GRA as a result of receiving a relatively minor 
amount of ``boot'' in the nonrecognition transaction. These 
commentators also note that the current regulations do not address 
clearly the treatment of transfers of transferee foreign corporation 
stock by a U.S. transferor in a nonrecognition transaction in which the 
U.S. transferor receives boot.
    The IRS and Treasury Department agree that the receipt of boot 
under section 351(b) or 356(a)(1) in connection with the disposition of 
transferred corporation stock or securities, or substantially all of a 
transferred corporation's assets, should not automatically trigger all 
the gain under a GRA. Accordingly, the temporary regulations provide 
that if certain conditions are met, the entire GRA will not be 
triggered when a transferee foreign corporation disposes of transferred 
corporation stock or securities in a nonrecognition transaction simply 
because the transferee foreign corporation receives boot.
    However, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that the GRA 
should be triggered to the extent that gain would be recognized in such 
a transaction by a transferee foreign corporation or a transferred 
corporation, before taking into account basis increases that may apply 
to the stock or securities disposed of as a result of triggering the 
GRA. The current, as well as the temporary regulations, provide that if 
a U.S. transferor is required to recognize gain because of a triggering 
event, then certain basis increases are allowed as of the date of the 
initial transfer. Therefore, in determining the amount of gain that is 
recognized under the GRA in such a transaction, the temporary 
regulations provide that the U.S. transferor first must recognize that 
amount of gain that the transferee foreign corporation or transferred 
corporation would have recognized under 351(b) or 356(a)(1), before 
taking into account the basis increases that are allowed under the 
regulations as of the date of the initial transfer. Second, if the U.S. 
transferor has not recognized all the gain realized, but not 
recognized, on the initial transfer, then its new GRA will reflect any 
remaining unrecognized gain on the initial transfer. Third, after the 
consequences of the transaction are determined under the temporary 
regulations, then the taxpayer must determine the amount of gain, if 
any, that the transferee foreign corporation or transferred corporation 
must recognize under 351(b) or 356(a)(1). In determining the amount to 
be recognized, the basis of the stock disposed of shall reflect the 
basis increase allowed as a result of the gain recognized under the GRA 
by the U.S. transferor.
    This special rule limiting recognition of gain in otherwise 
nonrecognition transactions involving boot applies only if the U.S. 
transferor complies with the otherwise applicable requirements of the 
exception to recognizing all of the gain subject to the GRA when there 
is a triggering event. This special rule is intended to require the 
U.S. transferor to recognize only an appropriate amount of income, 
without automatically triggering the entire GRA.
    The IRS and Treasury Department also believe that additional 
guidance is needed on the treatment of transfers of transferee foreign 
corporation stock by a U.S. transferor in a nonrecognition exchange in 
which the U.S. transferor receives boot. Therefore, the temporary 
regulations treat the disposition of transferee foreign corporation 
stock in a nonrecognition transaction by the U.S. transferor when the 
U.S. transferor receives money or other property as described in 
section 351(b) or 356(a) as a termination of the GRA in whole or in 
part. Consequently, if a new GRA is filed, then the U.S. transferor 
will recognize gain under the new GRA in the event of a subsequent 
triggering event in the amount of the gain realized, but not 
recognized, in the initial transfer less any gain recognized by the 
U.S. transferor under section 351(b) and 356(a)(1) in connection with 
the nonrecognition transaction. If, however, a new GRA is not filed in 
connection with the nonrecognition transaction, then the original GRA 
is triggered, and the U.S. transferor must recognize the gain that was 
realized, but not recognized, on the initial transfer less any gain 
recognized by the U.S. transferor under section 351(b) or 356(a)(1) in 
connection with the nonrecognition transaction.

D. Effect of Consolidation and Deconsolidation on Gain Recognition 
Agreements

    Commentators noted that the current regulation does not adequately 
address the effect on GRAs of certain transactions involving 
consolidated groups. For example, the commentators noted that it is not 
clear what effect a U.S. transferor becoming a member of a consolidated 
group has on an existing GRA. The current regulations do provide, 
however, that if a U.S. transferor is a member of a consolidated group 
at the time of the initial transfer and ceases to be a member of the 
group during the term of the GRA, the common parent of such group that 
entered into the GRA continues to be liable under the original GRA. 
Section 1.367(a)-8(b)(5)(ii). Several commentators have raised concerns 
that such a result is not appropriate because the actions of an 
acquirer could unilaterally affect the liability of the original 
consolidated group under the GRA.
    The IRS and Treasury Department agree that the effect of these 
transactions needs to be clarified and rationalized. Accordingly, in 
response to these concerns, the temporary regulations provide specific 
rules addressing these transactions. In particular, the IRS and 
Treasury Department believe that the U.S. parent corporation of a 
consolidated group should not continue to be liable under a GRA with 
respect to a U.S. transferor that is no longer a member of such group.
    The temporary regulations provide that when a U.S. transferor 
becomes a member of a consolidated group (including a transaction where 
it joins such a group after being a member of another consolidated 
group) the transaction is a triggering event unless certain conditions 
are met. If these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA is 
terminated without further effect. These conditions require the U.S. 
parent corporation of the consolidated group that the U.S. transferor 
joins (1) To enter into a new GRA for the remaining term of the 
original GRA and (2) to elect to recognize gain in the taxable year of 
any subsequent

[[Page 5179]]

triggering event (as opposed to the year of the initial transfer). A 
notice of the consolidation transaction must also be filed with the 
next annual certification. The IRS and Treasury Department believe that 
these requirements ensure that a GRA remains in effect after a U.S. 
transferor joins a consolidated group. These requirements are also 
consistent with Sec.  1.1502-77(a), which provides that the common 
parent is the sole agent for each member of the consolidated group.
    In addition, the temporary regulations also cover situations in 
which a U.S. transferor ceases to be a member of a consolidated group 
and does not become a member of a new consolidated group. In these 
cases, the transaction is a triggering event, unless certain conditions 
are met. If these conditions are satisfied, the original GRA is 
terminated without further effect. These conditions require the U.S. 
transferor (1) To enter into a new GRA for the remaining term of the 
original gain recognition agreement and (2) to elect that in the event 
of a subsequent triggering event the U.S. transferor will recognize 
gain in the year of the triggering event. The U.S. transferor must also 
provide notice of the deconsolidation with the next annual 
certification.

E. U.S. Transferor Goes Out of Existence in a Transaction Giving Rise 
to a Gain Recognition Agreement

    The current regulation provides that when a U.S. transferor goes 
out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, gain generally 
qualifies for nonrecognition treatment only if the U.S. transferor is 
owned by a single U.S. parent corporation, the U.S. transferor and its 
parent corporation file a consolidated Federal income tax return for 
the taxable year that includes the transfer, and the parent of the 
consolidated group enters into a GRA. Section 1.367(a)-8(f)(2)(i). The 
current regulation provides that a U.S. transferor that is controlled 
by five or fewer domestic corporations may request a ruling that the 
transaction qualifies for nonrecognition treatment. Section 1.367(a)-
8(f)(2)(i).
    Notice 2005-74, in turn, provides a rule that treats all members of 
the U.S. parent's consolidated group for the taxable year that includes 
the transfer as a single corporation for purposes of Sec.  1.367(a)-
8(f)(2)(i). Thus, a U.S. transferor that is not directly owned by a 
single U.S. parent corporation may still qualify for nonrecognition, 
without requesting a ruling, when the U.S. transferor goes out of 
existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, if it is indirectly 
wholly owned by members of a consolidated group.
    The IRS and Treasury Department believe it is necessary to provide 
additional guidance on how GRAs are entered into when a U.S. transferor 
is controlled by multiple corporate shareholders with which the U.S. 
transferor does not join in filing a consolidated return. Moreover, the 
IRS and Treasury Department believe that in this area a single rule 
should apply both in consolidated and nonconsolidated situations. As a 
result, the temporary regulations provide unified rules, replacing both 
the current regulations and Notice 2005-74, in situations in which a 
U.S. transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a 
GRA.
    The temporary regulations generally provide that when a U.S. 
transferor goes out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA, 
the gain may qualify for nonrecognition treatment if (1) The 
requirements of section 367(a)(5) and any regulations under that 
paragraph are satisfied such that five or fewer domestic corporations 
control the U.S. transferor and appropriate basis adjustments are made, 
(2) the requirements of Sec.  1.367(a)-3(c)(1) are satisfied if the 
transferred corporation is domestic, (3) all domestic corporate 
shareholders of the U.S. transferor that own at least five percent of 
either the total voting power or the total fair market value of the 
stock of the transferee foreign corporation immediately after the 
transaction enter into GRAs with respect to their pro rata share of the 
gain in the transferred stock or securities that designate such 
domestic corporate shareholders as U.S. transferors for purposes of 
Sec. Sec.  1.367(a)-3(b) and (c) and 1.367(a)-8T, and (4) all domestic 
corporate shareholders that enter into GRAs elect to recognize any gain 
upon a subsequent trigger of the GRA in the year of the triggering 
event.
    The temporary regulations eliminate the current regulation's option 
to request a private letter ruling because guidance is now provided on 
how GRAs are entered into by five or fewer domestic corporations that 
control a U.S. transferor satisfying section 367(a)(5). In addition, 
the temporary regulations clarify that the terms of section 367(a)(5) 
must be satisfied (along with other requirements) to avoid gain 
recognition on the U.S. transferor's section 361 transfer of stock or 
securities to a foreign acquiring corporation. Therefore, the rule in 
Notice 2005-74 treating consolidated group members as a single 
corporation is incorporated by reference to section 367(a)(5), which 
provides that all members of the same affiliated group are treated as 
one corporation. Lastly, because these rules address how gain 
recognition may be avoided under section 367(a)(1) on the initial 
transfer itself, rather than the effect of subsequent transactions on 
existing GRAs, these rules have been removed from Sec.  1.367(a)-8 and 
included instead in Sec.  1.367(a)-3T(e).

F. Transfers of Transferred Corporation's Assets

    Under the current regulations, dispositions of substantially all of 
the assets of the transferred corporation (within the meaning of 
section 368(a)(1)(C)) are generally treated as deemed dispositions of 
the stock or securities of the transferred corporation and therefore 
are triggering events. Section 1.367(a)-8(e)(3). In Revenue Ruling 57-
518 (1957-2 CB 253), see Sec.  601.601(d)(2), the IRS stated that what 
constitutes ``substantially all of the properties'' as the term is used 
in section 368(a)(1)(C) ``will depend upon the facts and circumstances 
in each case rather than upon any particular percentage.'' However, 
Revenue Procedure 77-37 (1977-2 CB 586), see Sec.  601.601(d)(2), 
provides that for ruling purposes, the transfer by a corporation of 70 
percent of its gross assets or 90 percent of its assets net of 
liabilities will generally be deemed to be a transfer of substantially 
all of the assets of a corporation.
    Commentators have noted that defining substantially all by 
reference to section 368(a)(1)(C) may not be appropriate in the context 
of the GRA rules. The IRS and Treasury Department, however, generally 
believe that defining ``substantially all'' for these purposes by 
reference to the definition of the term under section 368(a)(1)(C) is 
appropriate. Nonetheless, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that 
it is important to clarify the scope of the term ``substantially all,'' 
as used in the current regulation and the temporary regulations. One 
commentator suggested that if a transferred corporation disposes of 
less than 70 percent of its gross assets or 90 percent of its assets 
net of liabilities, the transfer will not be treated as a disposition 
of substantially all of the assets of the transferred corporation for 
purposes of Sec.  1.367(a)-8(e)(3), and thus, such a disposition would 
not trigger a GRA. This suggestion is not correct. If, upon considering 
the facts and circumstances, a transferred corporation has disposed of 
substantially all its assets, such a transaction is a triggering event, 
even if the transferred corporation disposes of less than 70

[[Page 5180]]

percent of a corporation's gross assets or 90 percent of its assets net 
of liabilities. The ``substantially all'' safe harbor provided in 
Revenue Procedure 77-37 is intentionally high so that the IRS does not 
need to engage in a factually detailed analysis before issuing a letter 
ruling. As a result, in the context of GRAs, the Revenue Procedure's 
threshold does not mean that a disposition of substantially all the 
assets does not occur upon the disposition of a lesser amount of 
assets. Therefore, the temporary regulations provide that whether a 
transferred corporation has disposed of substantially all of its assets 
is determined under all the facts and circumstances.

G. Transactions That Terminate the GRA

1. Taxable Dispositions of Transferee Foreign Corporation Stock
    Section 1.367(a)-8(h)(1) provides that a GRA will terminate, in 
whole or in part, as a result of certain taxable dispositions of the 
transferee foreign corporation stock by the U.S. transferor. A key 
premise for this termination rule is that the basis in the transferee 
foreign corporation stock received by the U.S. transferor in the 
initial transfer is assumed to reflect the basis in the transferred 
stock or securities.
    The IRS and Treasury Department continue to believe this 
termination rule is appropriate. As a result, the temporary regulations 
generally retain this rule. However, the temporary regulations modify 
the termination rule to ensure that a GRA terminates only when the 
transferee foreign corporation stock disposed of in fact reflects the 
basis of the transferred stock or securities. This termination rule 
only applies to transferee foreign corporation stock that is received 
(or deemed received) in the initial transfer. The IRS and Treasury 
Department understand that in some cases, taxpayers may take the 
position that the basis in the transferee foreign corporation stock 
does not reflect the basis of the transferred stock or securities. For 
example, taxpayers may take the position that the basis in such 
transferee foreign corporation stock received also reflects the basis 
of other property that had a built-in loss when it was transferred to 
the transferee foreign corporation. Thus, the termination rule in the 
temporary regulations will apply only when the basis of the transferee 
foreign corporation stock received (or deemed received) in the initial 
transfer properly reflects the sum of the aggregate basis of the 
transferred stock or securities immediately before the initial 
transfer, plus any increase in the basis of such stock or securities as 
a result of recognizing gain on the transfer. In addition, for purposes 
of this basis determination, basis increases to the transferee foreign 
corporation stock as a result of income inclusions (for example, 
pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken into account.
    In cases where the basis of the relevant transferee foreign 
corporation stock exceeds the basis of the transferred stock or 
securities, however, the temporary regulations allow the U.S. 
transferor to take advantage of this termination rule if it elects to 
reduce its basis in the transferee foreign corporation stock such that 
it does not exceed the basis it had in the transferred stock or 
securities. If the U.S. transferor makes this election, the basis 
reduction will be effective immediately before the taxable disposition 
that terminates the GRA. In addition, if the U.S. transferor makes this 
election, it may increase its basis in other stock of the transferee 
foreign corporation it holds, if any, by a corresponding amount but not 
above the fair market value of such stock.
    Similar rules apply in the case of partial dispositions of 
transferee foreign corporation stock and dispositions of transferee 
foreign corporation stock in nonrecognition transactions in which a 
portion of the realized gain is recognized.
2. Certain Inbound Distributions or Transfers of the Transferred Stock
    Section 1.367(a)-8(h)(3) provides that a distribution of the 
transferred stock in a transaction qualifying under section 355 or 
sections 332 and 337 will terminate the GRA if the U.S. transferor's 
basis in the transferred stock or securities that it receives in the 
section 355 or 332 and 337 transaction does not exceed the basis the 
U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately 
before the initial transfer. In response to comments, however, the 
temporary regulations allow the U.S. transferor to take advantage of 
this termination rule if it elects to reduce the basis of the 
transferred stock or securities if the basis exceeds the basis the U.S. 
transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately 
before the initial transfer. For purposes of this basis determination, 
basis increases to the transferred stock as a result of income 
inclusions (for example, pursuant to section 961) shall not be taken 
into account. If the U.S. transferor elects to reduce basis in the 
transferred stock or securities it receives, the U.S. transferor shall 
increase its basis in other transferee foreign corporation stock (if 
any) by a corresponding amount but not above the fair market value of 
such stock.
    Although the temporary regulations generally provide that a GRA 
terminates in certain section 332 liquidations of the transferee 
foreign corporation, the IRS and Treasury Department are studying to 
what extent this rule should apply when the transferee foreign 
corporation has a minority shareholder and therefore recognizes gain 
under section 336 in connection with the section 332 liquidation. As 
noted in the request for comments, although the IRS and Treasury 
Department generally believe it is appropriate to terminate entirely 
the GRA in a section 332 liquidation, in other circumstances it may not 
be appropriate. For example, if after an initial transfer, a wholly-
owned transferee foreign corporation issues a minority interest to a 
foreign shareholder, completely terminating the GRA upon a section 332 
liquidation of the transferee foreign corporation does not account for 
the fact that the U.S. transferor has indirectly disposed of up to 20 
percent of its interest in the transferred stock or securities. 
Therefore, when the temporary regulations are finalized, the IRS and 
Treasury Department may address the effect that section 336 gain has on 
a gain recognition agreement when a transferee foreign corporation with 
a minority shareholder liquidates under section 332.
    The temporary regulations expand the current rule to terminate GRAs 
when certain U.S. persons other than the original U.S. transferor 
receive the stock or securities that was transferred in the initial 
transfer. For example, if the transferred corporation is distributed to 
a domestic corporation or U.S. individual other than the U.S. 
transferor in a section 355 ``split off,'' the GRA would terminate if 
the domestic corporation or U.S. individual receives the transferred 
stock or securities with a basis that is not greater than the basis the 
U.S. transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately 
before the initial transfer.
    Finally, and in response to comments requested in Notice 2005-74, 
the temporary regulations also expand the current rule to provide that 
the GRA will terminate in additional transactions where the U.S. 
transferor or a domestic corporation receives the transferred stock or 
securities with a basis that is not greater than the basis the U.S. 
transferor had in the transferred stock or securities immediately 
before the initial transfer. These transactions are upstream asset 
reorganizations where the U.S. transferor acquires the assets of

[[Page 5181]]

the transferee foreign corporation, downstream asset reorganizations 
where the transferred corporation acquires the assets of the transferee 
foreign corporation, and certain other asset reorganizations where a 
domestic corporation acquires the assets of the transferee foreign 
corporation. Consequently, the temporary regulations generally provide 
that the GRA terminates in particular circumstances when the 
transferred stock or securities are held with the correct basis by 
certain U.S. persons, even if the U.S. person is not the original U.S. 
transferor.
    However, the IRS and Treasury Department believe that it is not 
appropriate for the GRA to terminate when the transferred stock or 
securities may then be disposed of, directly or indirectly, by a 
foreign shareholder without being subject to U.S. tax. Therefore, this 
termination rule is limited to section 332 liquidations, section 355 
distributions, and asset reorganizations where the domestic corporation 
that holds the transferred stock or securities after the transaction is 
either the U.S. transferor or a member of the same consolidated group 
of which the U.S. transferor is then a member. The IRS and Treasury 
Department continue to study whether it would be appropriate to expand 
the scope of the rule to transactions where the acquirer is not a 
member of the same consolidated group of which the U.S. transferor is 
then a member and request comments regarding such a rule.

H. Triangular Reorganizations of Transferee Foreign Corporation and 
Transferred Corporation

    Notice 2005-74 provides rules that allow a U.S. transferor to avoid 
gain recognition on certain asset reorganizations of the transferee 
foreign corporation and transferred corporation. However, Notice 2005-
74 restricts the definition of ``asset reorganization'' to exclude 
triangular asset reorganizations of the transferee foreign corporation 
and transferred corporation.
    In response to comments and after further study, the temporary 
regulations address the treatment of certain triangular asset 
reorganizations. Specifically, they provide that if the transferee 
foreign corporation or transferred corporation is acquired in a 
triangular asset reorganization, the exchanges made pursuant to the 
reorganization will not be triggering events if certain requirements 
are satisfied. For purposes of this rule, a triangular asset 
reorganization is limited to a transaction in which the acquiring 
subsidiary is foreign. The additional requirements are as follows. 
First, the U.S. transferor or common parent must enter into a new GRA 
to recognize gain with respect to the initial transfer during the 
remaining term of the original GRA, with certain modifications. In the 
case of a triangular asset reorganization of the transferee foreign 
corporation, the U.S. transferor also must make certain designations 
depending on whether the parent corporation of the foreign acquiring 
subsidiary is foreign or domestic and depending on the type of 
triangular asset reorganization. Finally, the U.S. transferor must 
provide notice of the transaction with its next annual certification.

I. Other Changes

    The current regulations refer to ``stock of the transferred 
corporation'' in some paragraphs but refer to ``stock or securities of 
the transferred corporation'' in other paragraphs. The temporary 
regulations refer to ``stock or securities of the transferred 
corporation'' because either stock or securities, or both, may be 
subject to a GRA when transferred to a transferee foreign corporation 
by a U.S. person. In contrast, the temporary regulations generally 
refer only to stock, and not securities, of the transferee foreign 
corporation. The rules applying to a disposition of the transferee 
foreign corporation are concerned primarily with transactions in which 
the U.S. transferor loses or decreases its control of the transferee 
foreign corporation, which does not occur when a U.S. transferor 
disposes of securities of the transferee foreign corporation.
    The current regulation provides a reasonable cause exception to 
triggering a GRA when the person required to file the GRA fails to 
comply in any material respect with the terms of a GRA, or when the 
person fails to meet the timeliness requirement for submitting a GRA. 
The temporary regulations retain this reasonable cause exception but 
provide additional guidance on how the person should submit a request 
for reasonable cause relief. The temporary regulations also provide 
that the Area Director or Director of Field Operations, as applicable, 
shall notify the person in writing within 120 days of the filing if the 
person will be granted reasonable cause relief or if additional time is 
required to make the determination. The 120-day period runs from the 
date that the IRS notifies the person that its request has been 
received. Once this period begins, the person shall be deemed to have 
established reasonable cause if it is not again notified within 120 
days.

Effective Dates

    With the exception of the special boot rules described in section C 
of this preamble, these temporary regulations apply to GRAs filed with 
respect to transfers of stock or securities occurring on or after March 
7, 2007. The boot rules described in section C of this preamble apply 
to GRAs filed with respect to transfers of stock or securities 
occurring on or after 180 days after February 5, 2007. However, GRAs 
that are filed after March 7, 2007 in connection with transactions 
entered into pursuant to a contract that was binding before February 5, 
2007 are not subject to these regulations, but taxpayers may elect to 
apply the rules of these regulations to such a GRA. For all open years, 
taxpayers may apply rules of these regulations that were not already 
effective under Sec.  1.367(a)-8 to GRAs filed before March 7, 2007. 
Similar effective date rules are provided for those transfers discussed 
in section E of this preamble (regarding a U.S. transferor that goes 
out of existence in a transaction giving rise to a GRA).

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 5 U.S.C. 553(b) and (d) do not apply to these 
regulations. For applicability of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
please refer to the cross-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking 
published elsewhere in this Federal Register. Pursuant to section 
7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, this regulation has been 
submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration for comment on its impact on small business.

Request for Comments

    The IRS and Treasury Department are considering issuing subsequent 
public guidance to address additional issues under section 367(a). 
Accordingly, comments are requested regarding the application of Sec.  
1.367(a)-8, including whether other transactions should be excepted 
from being treated as triggering events pursuant to rules similar to 
those contained in the temporary regulations. For example, comments are 
requested as to the most appropriate treatment of divisive 
reorganizations qualifying under section 368(a)(1)(D) or (G), involving 
the U.S. transferor corporation, the transferee foreign corporation, 
and the transferred corporation. Comments also are

[[Page 5182]]

requested on how a GRA is affected by a subsequent transaction to which 
section 304 applies involving transferee foreign corporation stock or 
transferred corporation stock. The IRS and Treasury Department believe 
that the rules in the temporary regulations generally deal with many 
transactions to which section 304 applies but request specific comments 
on any issues raised.
    In addition, the IRS and Treasury Department request comments on 
the rule in Sec.  1.367(a)-8T(b)(3)(iii), which imposes interest on the 
additional tax, if any, that is required to be paid as a result of a 
triggering event. Specifically, comments are requested on whether 
interest should be imposed even when no additional tax is ultimately 
due as a result of a triggering event because, for example, a taxpayer 
has sufficient net operating losses to offset the tax that would 
otherwise be due as a result of a triggering event. If an interest 
charge is not required in such a case, a taxpayer may be viewed as 
inappropriately benefiting from deferring the realized but unrecognized 
gain on the initial transfer until a later year. However, there are 
other instances where the current regulations clearly permit such a 
benefit (for example, under Sec.  1.367(a)-8(h)(1)(i) in certain 
taxable dispositions of the stock of the transferee foreign 
corporation).
    As described in section B.1.a of this preamble, comments are 
requested on whether a GRA should not be triggered, if certain 
conditions similar to those provided in Sec.  1.367(a)-3T(e) are met, 
when a U.S. transferor is acquired by a foreign corporation in an asset 
reorganization. Specifically, the IRS and Treasury Department request 
comments on how to reconcile the terms of the GRA that would be filed 
pursuant to Sec.  1.367(a)-3T(e) with the terms of a new GRA that would 
be filed to avoid triggering the original GRA. For example, the 
transferee foreign corporation under the outstanding GRA (and under the 
new GRA filed to avoid triggering the outstanding GRA) would be the 
transferred corporation with respect to the GRA filed pursuant to Sec.  
1.367(a)-3T(e).
    Finally, and as described in section G.2 of this preamble, the IRS 
and Treasury Department are studying to what extent the GRA termination 
rule should apply when the transferee foreign corporation liquidates in 
a transaction described in section 332 but also recognizes gain under 
section 336 because of a minority shareholder. Comments are requested 
on how the termination rule should address such a transaction, taking 
into consideration potentially different results depending on whether 
the minority shareholder is also subject to a GRA or is, for example, 
instead a foreign person who was issued transferee foreign corporation 
stock after the initial transfer.
    For information on how to submit comments or request a public 
heading, see the section ``Comments and Requests for a Public 
Hearing,'' set forth in the notice of proposed rulemaking published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of these temporary regulations is Daniel 
McCall of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International). 
However, other personnel from the IRS and the 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

0
Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 602 are amended as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

0
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by adding new 
entries to read as follows:

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
    Section 1.367(a)-3T(e) also issued under 367(a) and (b).* * *
    Section 1.367(a)-8T also issued under 367(a) and (b).* * *


0
Par. 2. For each entry in the table in the ``Section'' column, remove 
the language in the ``Remove'' column and add the language in the 
``Add'' column in its place.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Section                   Remove                  Add
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-8(e)  Sec.   1.367(a)-
 1(ii), fourth sentence.                             8T(d)(1).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 1(ii), fourth sentence.       8(b)(1)(vii).         8T(b)(1)(vii).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 1(ii), fifth sentence.        8(b)(1)(vii).         8T(b)(1)(vii).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 1A(ii), first sentence.       8(a)(3).              8T(a)(3).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 4(i), first sentence.         8(e)(3)(i).           8T(d)(2).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 4(ii), first sentence.        8(e)(3)(i).           8T(d)(2).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 4(ii), second sentence.       8(h)(2), because A    8T(g)(2), because A
                               and W filed a         owned an amount of
                               consolidated          stock in W
                               Federal income tax    described in
                               return prior to the   section 1504(a)(2)
                               transaction.          immediately before
                                                     the transaction.
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 6(ii), last sentence.         8(e)(3)(i).           8T(d)(2).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 7A(ii), last sentence.        8(b)(5).              8T(b)(5).
paragraph (d)(3), Example     and (e)(3)(i).......  and V satisfies the
 7A(ii), last sentence.                              requirements
                                                     contained in Sec.
                                                     1.367(a)-
                                                     8T(e)(1)(iii).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 8(ii), second to last         8(e)(3)(i).           8T(d)(2).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-8(e)  Sec.   1.367(a)-
 11(ii), sixth sentence.                             8T(d)(1).
1.367(a)-3(d)(3), Example     Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 11(ii), sixth sentence.       8(b)(1)(vii).         8T(b)(1)(vii).
1.367(a)-3(e)(1)(A), first    (e).................  (g).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(e)(1)(F), third    (g).................  (j).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(e)(2), first       (e)(1) and (g)......  (g)(1) and (j).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(e)(2), second      (e)(2)..............  (g)(2).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(e)(2)(G), first    (e)(1)(G)...........  (g)(1)(G).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(g)(1), first       (g)(2)..............  (j)(2).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(g)(2)(i), first    (g)(2)(iii),          (j)(2)(iii),
 sentence.                     (g)(2)(iv).           (j)(2)(iv).
1.367(a)-3(g)(2)(ii), first   (g)(2)(iii) or (iv).  (j)(2)(iii) or (iv).
 sentence.
1.367(a)-3(g)(2)(ii), fourth  Sec.   1.367(a)-3(f)  Sec.   1.367(a)-
 sentence.                                           3(h).
1.367(a)-3(g)(2)(iii), first  (g)(2)(ii)..........  (j)(2)(ii).
 sentence.

[[Page 5183]]

 
1.367(a)-3(g)(2)(iv), first   (g)(2)(i) and (ii)..  (j)(2)(i) and (ii).
 sentence.
1.367(b)-4(b)(1)(iii),        Sec.   1.367(a)-      Sec.   1.367(a)-
 Example 4(i), last sentence.  8(f)(2).              3T(e).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
Par. 3. Section 1.367(a)-3 is amended as follows:
0
1. The second sentence of paragraph (a) is revised.
0
2. The first sentence of paragraph (d)(2)(iii) is revised.
0
3. Paragraph (d)(2)(iv) is revised.
0
4. The title and introductory text of paragraph (d)(2)(v) is revised.
0
5. The last two sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 1A(ii) are 
revised.
0
6. The last two sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 5A(ii) are 
revised.
0
7. The first and second sentences of paragraph (d)(3), Example 7(ii) 
are revised.
0
8. The third sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 7A(ii) is revised.
0
9. The last sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 9(ii) is revised.
0
10. The title of paragraph (d)(3), Example 10 is revised.
0
11. The third sentence of paragraph (d)(3), Example 12(ii) is revised.
0
12. Redesignating paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) as paragraphs (g), (h), 
and (j), respectively.
0
13. Adding new paragraphs (e) and (i).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  1.367(a)-3  Treatment of transfers of stock or securities to 
foreign corporations.

    (a) * * * In general, a transfer of stock or securities by a U.S. 
person to a foreign corporation that is described in section 351, 354 
(including a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(B) and 
including an indirect stock transfer described in paragraph (d) of this 
section), 356 or section 361(a) or (b) is subject to section 367(a)(1) 
and, therefore, is treated as a taxable exchange, unless one of the 
exceptions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section (regarding 
transfers of foreign stock or securities), paragraph (c) of this 
section (regarding transfers of domestic stock or securities), or 
paragraph (e) of this section (regarding transfers of stock or 
securities in a section 361 exchange) applies. * * *
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2)(iii) * * * For purposes of determining the amount of gain that 
a U.S. person is required to include in income as a result of a 
triggering event, see Sec.  1.367(a)-8T(b)(3)(i) and (d).
    (iv) * * * The U.S. transferor's agreement to recognize gain, as 
provided in Sec.  1.367(a)-8, shall include appropriate provisions 
consistent with the principles
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