Limitation on Deduction for Business Interest Expense; Allocation of Interest Expense by Passthrough Entities; Dividends Paid by Regulated Investment Companies; Application of Limitation on Deduction for Business Interest Expense to United States Shareholders of Controlled Foreign Corporations and to Foreign Persons With Effectively Connected Income, 56846-56922 [2020-16532]

Agencies

• Internal Revenue Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 178 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56846-56922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16532]



Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 178 / Monday, September 14, 2020 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 56846]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Part 1

[REG-107911-18]
RIN 1545-BP73


Limitation on Deduction for Business Interest Expense; Allocation 
of Interest Expense by Passthrough Entities; Dividends Paid by 
Regulated Investment Companies; Application of Limitation on Deduction 
for Business Interest Expense to United States Shareholders of 
Controlled Foreign Corporations and to Foreign Persons With Effectively 
Connected Income

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This notice of proposed rulemaking provides rules concerning 
the limitation on the deduction for business interest expense after 
amendment of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) by the provisions 
commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted on 
December 22, 2017, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 
Security Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020. Specifically, these 
proposed regulations address application of the limitation in contexts 
involving passthrough entities, regulated investment companies (RICs), 
United States shareholders of controlled foreign corporations, and 
foreign persons with effectively connected income in the United States. 
These proposed regulations also provide guidance regarding the 
definitions of real property development, real property redevelopment, 
and a syndicate. These proposed regulations affect taxpayers that have 
business interest expense, particularly passthrough entities, their 
partners and shareholders, as well as foreign corporations and their 
United States shareholders and foreign persons with effectively 
connected income. These proposed regulations also affect RICs that have 
business interest income, RIC shareholders that have business interest 
expense, and members of a consolidated group.

DATES: Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing 
must be received by November 2, 2020, which is 60 days after the date 
of filing for public inspection with the Office of the Federal 
Register.

ADDRESSES: Commenters are strongly encouraged to submit public comments 
electronically. Submit electronic submissions via the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov (indicate IRS and REG-107911-
18) by following the online instructions for submitting comments. Once 
submitted to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, comments cannot be edited 
or withdrawn. The IRS expects to have limited personnel available to 
process public comments that are submitted on paper through mail. The 
Department of the Treasury (Treasury Department) and the IRS will 
publish for public availability any comment submitted electronically, 
and when practicable on paper, to its public docket.
    Send paper submissions to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-107911-18), Room 5203, 
Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, 
Washington, DC 20044.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning Sec.  1.163(j)-1, Steven 
Harrison, (202) 317-6842, Michael Chin, (202) 317-6842 or John 
Lovelace, (202) 317-5363; concerning Sec.  1.163(j)-2, Sophia Wang, 
(202) 317-4890 or John Lovelace, (202) 317-5363, concerning Sec.  
1.163-14, Sec.  1.163(j)-6, or Sec.  1.469-9, William Kostak, (202) 
317-5279 or Anthony McQuillen, (202) 317-5027; concerning Sec.  1.163-
15, Sophia Wang, (202) 317-4890; concerning Sec.  1.163(j)-7 or Sec.  
1.163(j)-8, Azeka J. Abramoff, (202) 317-3800 or Raphael J. Cohen, 
(202) 317-6938, concerning Sec.  1.1256(e)-2, Sophia Wang, (202) 317-
4890 or Pamela Lew, (202) 317-7053; concerning submissions of comments 
and/or requests for a public hearing, Regina L. Johnson, (202) 317-5177 
(not toll-free numbers).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This document contains proposed amendments to the Income Tax 
Regulations (26 CFR part 1) under sections 163 (in particular section 
163(j)), 469 and 1256(e) of the Code. Section 163(j) was amended as 
part of Public Law 115-97, 131 Stat. 2054 (December 22, 2017), commonly 
referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), and the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law 116-136 (2020) 
(CARES Act). Section 13301(a) of the TCJA amended section 163(j) by 
removing prior section 163(j)(1) through (9) and adding section 
163(j)(1) through (10). The provisions of section 163(j) as amended by 
section 13301 of the TCJA are effective for tax years beginning after 
December 31, 2017. The CARES Act further amended section 163(j) by 
redesignating section 163(j)(10), as amended by the TCJA, as new 
section 163(j)(11), and adding a new section 163(j)(10) providing 
special rules for applying section 163(j) to taxable years beginning in 
2019 or 2020.
    Section 163(j) generally limits the amount of business interest 
expense (BIE) that can be deducted in the current taxable year (also 
referred to in this Preamble as the current year). Under section 
163(j)(1), the amount allowed as a deduction for BIE is limited to the 
sum of (1) the taxpayer's business interest income (BII) for the 
taxable year; (2) 30 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted taxable income 
(ATI) for the taxable year (30 percent ATI limitation); and (3) the 
taxpayer's floor plan financing interest expense for the taxable year 
(in sum, the section 163(j) limitation). As further described later in 
this Background section, section 163(j)(10), as amended by the CARES 
Act, provides special rules relating to the ATI limitation for taxable 
years beginning in 2019 or 2020. Under section 163(j)(2), the amount of 
any BIE that is not allowed as a deduction in a taxable year due to the 
section 163(j) limitation is treated as business interest paid in the 
succeeding taxable year.
    The section 163(j) limitation applies to all taxpayers, except for 
certain small businesses that meet the gross receipts test in section 
448(c) and certain trades or businesses listed in section 163(j)(7). 
Section 163(j)(3) provides that the section 163(j) limitation does not 
apply to any taxpayer that meets the gross receipts test under section 
448(c), other than a tax shelter prohibited from using the cash 
receipts and disbursements method of accounting under section 
448(a)(3).
    Section 163(j)(4) provides special rules for applying section 
163(j) in the case of passthrough entities. Section 163(j)(4)(A) 
requires that the section 163(j) limitation be applied at the 
partnership level, and that a partner's ATI be increased by the 
partner's share of excess taxable income, as defined in section 
163(j)(4)(C), but not by the partner's distributive share of income, 
gain, deduction, or loss. Section 163(j)(4)(B) provides that the amount 
of partnership BIE limited by section 163(j)(1) (EBIE) is carried 
forward at the partner level. Section 163(j)(4)(B)(ii) provides that 
EBIE allocated to a partner and carried forward is available to be 
deducted in a subsequent year only to the extent that the partnership 
allocates excess taxable income to the partner. As further described 
later in this Background section, section 163(j)(10), as amended by the 
CARES Act, provides a special rule for excess business interest expense 
allocated to a partner in a taxable year beginning in 2019.

[[Page 56847]]

Section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii) provides rules for the adjusted basis in a 
partnership of a partner that is allocated EBIE. Section 163(j)(4)(D) 
provides that rules similar to the rules of section 163(j)(4)(A) and 
(C) apply to S corporations and S corporation shareholders.
    Section 163(j)(5) and (6) define ``business interest'' and 
``business interest income,'' respectively, for purposes of section 
163(j). Generally, these terms include interest expense and interest 
includible in gross income that is properly allocable to a trade or 
business (as defined in section 163(j)(7)) and do not include 
investment income or investment expense within the meaning of section 
163(d). The legislative history states that ``a corporation has neither 
investment interest nor investment income within the meaning of section 
163(d). Thus, interest income and interest expense of a corporation is 
properly allocable to a trade or business, unless such trade or 
business is otherwise explicitly excluded from the application of the 
provision.'' H. Rept. 115-466, at 386, fn. 688 (2017).
    Under section 163(j)(7), the limitation on the deduction for 
business interest expense in section 163(j)(1) does not apply to 
certain trades or businesses (excepted trades or businesses). The 
excepted trades or businesses are the trade or business of providing 
services as an employee, electing real property businesses, electing 
farming businesses, and certain regulated utility businesses.
    Section 163(j)(8) defines ATI as the taxable income of the taxpayer 
without regard to the following: Items not properly allocable to a 
trade or business; business interest and business interest income; net 
operating loss (NOL) deductions; and deductions for qualified business 
income under section 199A. ATI also generally excludes deductions for 
depreciation, amortization, and depletion with respect to taxable years 
beginning before January 1, 2022, and it includes other adjustments 
provided by the Secretary of the Treasury.
    Section 163(j)(9) defines ``floor plan financing interest'' as 
interest paid or accrued on ``floor plan financing indebtedness.'' 
These provisions allow taxpayers incurring interest expense for the 
purpose of securing an inventory of motor vehicles held for sale or 
lease to deduct the full expense without regard to the section 163(j) 
limitation.
    Under section 163(j)(10)(A)(i), the amount of business interest 
that is deductible under section 163(j)(1) for taxable years beginning 
in 2019 or 2020 is computed using 50 percent, rather than 30 percent, 
of the taxpayer's ATI for the taxable year (50 percent ATI limitation). 
A taxpayer may elect not to apply the 50 percent ATI limitation to any 
taxable year beginning in 2019 or 2020, and instead apply the 30 
percent ATI limitation. This election must be made separately for each 
taxable year. Once the taxpayer makes the election, the election may 
not be revoked without the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury or 
his delegate. See section 163(j)(10)(A)(iii).
    Sections 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(I) and 163(j)(10)(A)(iii) provide that, 
in the case of a partnership, the 50 percent ATI limitation does not 
apply to partnerships for taxable years beginning in 2019, and the 
election to not apply the 50 percent ATI limitation may be made only 
for taxable years beginning in 2020, and may be made only by the 
partnership. Under section 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(II), however, a partner 
treats 50 percent of its allocable share of a partnership's excess 
business interest expense for 2019 as a business interest expense in 
the partner's first taxable year beginning in 2020 that is not subject 
to the section 163(j) limitation (50 percent EBIE rule). The remaining 
50 percent of the partner's allocable share of the partnership's excess 
business interest expense remains subject to the section 163(j) 
limitation applicable to excess business interest expense carried 
forward at the partner level. A partner may elect out of the 50 percent 
EBIE rule.
    Section 163(j)(10)(B)(i) allows a taxpayer to elect to substitute 
its ATI for the last taxable year beginning in 2019 (2019 ATI) for the 
taxpayer's ATI for a taxable year beginning in 2020 (2020 ATI) in 
determining the taxpayer's section 163(j) limitation for the taxable 
year beginning in 2020.
    Section 163(j)(11) provides cross-references to provisions 
requiring that electing farming businesses and electing real property 
businesses excepted from the section 163(j) limitation use the 
alternative depreciation system (ADS), rather than the general 
depreciation system, for certain types of property. The required use of 
ADS results in the inability of these electing trades or businesses to 
use the additional first-year depreciation deduction under section 
168(k) for those types of property.
    On December 28, 2018, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury 
Department) and the IRS (1) published proposed regulations under 
section 163(j), as amended by the TCJA, in a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (REG-106089-18) (2018 Proposed Regulations) in the Federal 
Register (83 FR 67490), and (2) withdrew the notice of proposed 
rulemaking (1991-2 C.B. 1040) published in the Federal Register on June 
18, 1991 (56 FR 27907 as corrected by 56 FR 40285 (August 14, 1991)) to 
implement rules under section 163(j) before amendment by the TCJA. The 
2018 Proposed Regulations were issued following guidance announcing and 
describing regulations intended to be issued under section 163(j). See 
Notice 2018-28, 2018-16 I.R.B. 492 (April 16, 2018).
    A public hearing on the 2018 Proposed Regulations was held on 
February 27, 2019. The Treasury Department and the IRS also received 
written comments responding to the 2018 Proposed Regulations (available 
at https://www.regulations.gov). In response to certain comments, the 
Treasury Department and the IRS are publishing this notice of proposed 
rulemaking to provide additional proposed regulations (these Proposed 
Regulations) under section 163(j).
    Concurrently with the publication of these Proposed Regulations, 
the Treasury Department and the IRS are publishing in the Rules and 
Regulations section of this edition of the Federal Register (RIN 1545-
BO73) final regulations under section 163(j) (the Final Regulations).
    On April 10, 2020, the Treasury Department and the IRS released 
Revenue Procedure 2020-22, 2020-18 I.R.B. 745, to provide the time and 
manner of making a late election, or withdrawing an election, under 
section 163(j)(7)(B) to be an electing real property trade or business 
or section 163(j)(7)(C) to be an electing farming business for taxable 
years beginning in 2018, 2019, or 2020. Revenue Procedure 2020-22 also 
provides the time and manner of making or revoking elections provided 
by the CARES Act under section 163(j)(10) for taxable years beginning 
in 2019 or 2020. As described earlier in this Background section, these 
elections are: (1) To not apply the 50 percent ATI limitation under 
section 163(j)(10)(A)(iii); (2) to use the taxpayer's 2019 ATI to 
calculate the taxpayer's section 163(j) limitation for any taxable year 
beginning in 2020 under section 163(j)(10)(B); and (3) for a partner to 
elect out of the 50 percent EBIE rule under section 
163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(II).

Explanation of Provisions

    These Proposed Regulations would provide guidance in addition to 
the Final Regulations regarding the section 163(j) limitation. These 
Proposed Regulations would also add or amend regulations under certain 
other provisions of the Code where necessary

[[Page 56848]]

to provide conformity across the Income Tax Regulations. A significant 
number of the terms used throughout these Proposed Regulations are 
defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-1 of the Final Regulations and discussed in 
the Explanation of Provisions section of the 2018 Proposed Regulations 
and the Summary of Comments and Explanation of Revisions section of the 
Final Regulations. Some of these terms are further discussed in this 
Explanation of Provisions section as they relate to specific provisions 
of these Proposed Regulations.
    Part I of this Explanation of Provisions describes proposed rules 
that would allocate interest expense for purposes of sections 469, 
163(d), 163(h), and 163(j) in connection with certain transactions 
involving passthrough entities. Part II provides proposed rules 
relating to distributions of debt proceeds from any taxpayer account or 
from cash so that interest expense may be allocated for purposes of 
sections 469, 163(d), 163(h), and 163(j). Part III describes proposed 
modifications to the definitions and general guidance in Sec.  
1.163(j)-1, including proposed rules permitting taxpayers to apply a 
different computational method in determining adjustments to tentative 
taxable income to address sales or other dispositions of depreciable 
property, stock of a consolidated group member, or interests in a 
partnership, and proposed rules allowing RIC shareholders to treat 
certain RIC dividends as interest income for purposes of section 
163(j). Part IV describes proposed modifications to Sec.  1.163(j)-6, 
relating to the applicability of the section 163(j) limitation to 
passthrough entities, including proposed rules on the applicability of 
the section 163(j) limitation to trading partnerships and publicly 
traded partnerships, the application of the section 163(j) limitation 
in partnership self-charged lending transactions, proposed rules 
relating to the treatment of excess business interest expense in tiered 
partnerships, proposed rules relating to partnership basis adjustments 
upon partner dispositions, proposed rules regarding the election to 
substitute 2019 ATI for the partnership's 2020 ATI in determining the 
partnership's section 163(j) limitation for a taxable year beginning in 
2020, and proposed rules regarding excess business interest expense 
allocated to a partner in a taxable year beginning in 2019.
    Part V discusses re-proposed rules regarding the application of the 
section 163(j) limitation to foreign corporations and United States 
shareholders (as defined in section 951(b) (U.S. shareholders) of 
controlled foreign corporations (as defined in section 957(a)) (CFCs). 
Part VI discusses re-proposed rules regarding the application of the 
section 163(j) limitation to nonresident alien individuals and foreign 
corporations with effectively connected income in the United States. 
Part VII describes proposed modifications to the definition of a real 
property trade or business under Sec.  1.469-9 for purposes of the 
passive activity loss rules and the definition of an electing real 
property trade or business under section 163(j)(7)(B). Part VIII 
describes proposed rules regarding the definition of a ``tax shelter'' 
for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-2 and section 1256(e), as well as 
proposed rules regarding the election to use 2019 ATI in determining 
the taxpayer's section 163(j) limitation for a taxable year beginning 
in 2020. Part IX describes proposed modifications regarding the 
application of the corporate look-through rules to tiered structures.

I. Proposed Sec.  1.163-14: Allocation of Interest Expense With Respect 
to Passthrough Entities

    Section 1.163-8T provides rules regarding the allocation of 
interest expense for purposes of applying the passive activity loss 
limitation in section 469, the investment interest limitation in 
section 163(d), and the personal interest limitation in section 163(h) 
(such purposes, collectively, Sec.  1.163-8T purposes). Under Sec.  
1.163-8T, debt generally is allocated by tracing disbursements of the 
debt proceeds to specific expenditures and interest expense associated 
with debt is allocated for Sec.  1.163-8T purposes in the same manner 
as the debt to which such interest expense relates. When debt proceeds 
are deposited to the borrower's account, and the account also contains 
unborrowed funds, Sec.  1.163-8T(c) provides that the debt generally is 
allocated to expenditures by treating subsequent expenditures from the 
account as made first from the debt proceeds to the extent thereof. The 
rules further provide that if the proceeds of two or more debts are 
deposited in the account, the proceeds are treated as expended in the 
order in which they were deposited. In addition to these rules, Sec.  
1.163-8T also provides specific rules to address reallocation of debt, 
repayments and refinancing.
    The preamble to Sec.  1.163-8T (52 FR 24996) stated that ``interest 
expense of partnerships and S corporations, and of partners and S 
corporation shareholders, is generally allocated in the same manner as 
the interest expense of other taxpayers.'' The preamble acknowledged 
the need for special rules for debt financed distributions to owners of 
partnerships and S corporations, and for cases in which taxpayers incur 
debt to acquire or increase their capital interest in the passthrough 
entity, but reserved on these issues and requested comments.
    In a series of notices, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
provided further guidance with respect to the allocation of interest 
expense in connection with certain transactions involving passthrough 
entities and owners of passthrough entities. See Notice 88-20, 1988-1 
C.B. 487, Notice 88-37, 1988-1 C.B. 522, and Notice 89-35, 1989-1 C.B. 
675. Specifically, Notice 89-35 provides, in part, rules addressing the 
treatment of (1) a passthrough entity owner's debt allocated to 
contributions to, or purchases of, interests in a passthrough entity 
(debt-financed contributions or acquisitions), and (2) passthrough 
entity debt allocated to distributions by the entity to its owners 
(debt-financed distributions).
    In the case of a debt-financed acquisition of an interest in a 
passthrough entity by purchase (rather than by way of a contribution to 
the capital of the entity), Notice 89-35 provides that the interest 
expense of the owner of the passthrough entity, for Sec.  1.163-8T 
purposes, is allocated among the assets of the entity using any 
reasonable method. A reasonable method for this purpose includes, for 
example, allocating the debt among all of the assets of the passthrough 
entity based on the fair market value, the book value, or the adjusted 
basis of the assets, reduced by the amount of any debt of the entity or 
the amount of any debt that the owner of the entity allocates to such 
assets. Notice 89-35 also provides that interest expense on debt 
proceeds allocated to a contribution to the capital of a passthrough 
entity shall be allocated using any reasonable method for Sec.  1.163-
8T purposes. For this purpose, any reasonable method includes 
allocating the debt among the assets of the passthrough entity or 
tracing the debt proceeds to the expenditures of the passthrough 
entity.
    In the case of debt-financed distributions, Notice 89-35 provides a 
general allocation rule and an optional allocation rule. The general 
allocation rule applies the principles of Sec.  1.163-8T to interest 
expense associated with debt-financed distributions by applying a 
tracing approach to determine the character of the interest expense for 
Sec.  1.163-8T purposes. Under this approach, the debt proceeds and the 
associated interest expense related to a debt-financed distribution are 
allocated under Sec.  1.163-8T in accordance with

[[Page 56849]]

the use of the distributed debt proceeds by the distributee owner of 
the passthrough entity. To the extent an owner's share of a passthrough 
entity's interest expense related to the debt-financed distribution 
exceeds the entity's interest expense on the portion of the debt 
proceeds distributed to that particular owner, Notice 89-35 provides 
that the passthrough entity may allocate such excess interest expense 
using any reasonable method.
    The optional allocation rule applicable to debt-financed 
distributions allows a passthrough entity to allocate distributed debt 
proceeds and the associated interest expense to one or more 
expenditures, other than distributions, of the entity that are made 
during the same taxable year of the entity as the distribution, to the 
extent that debt proceeds, including other distributed debt proceeds, 
are not otherwise allocated to such expenditures. Under the optional 
allocation rule, distributed debt proceeds are traced to the owner's 
use of the borrowed funds to the extent that such distributed debt 
proceeds exceed the entity's expenditures, not including distributions, 
for the taxable year to which debt proceeds are not otherwise 
allocated.
    While the 2018 Proposed Regulations did not include rules to 
further address the application of Sec.  1.163-8T to passthrough 
entities, the Treasury Department and the IRS received comments 
indicating that, for purposes of section 163(j), a tracing rule based 
on how a passthrough entity owner uses the proceeds of a debt-financed 
distribution does not align well with the statutory mandate in section 
163(j)(4) to apply section 163(j) at the passthrough entity level. 
Based on these comments and a review of the rules under Sec.  1.163-8T, 
the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that additional 
rules, specific to passthrough entities and their owners, are needed to 
clarify how the rules under Sec.  1.163-8T work when applied to a 
passthrough entity and to account for the entity-level limitation under 
section 163(j)(4).

A. In General

    The rules of Sec.  1.163-8T generally apply to partnerships, S 
corporations, and their owners and the rules in proposed Sec.  1.163-14 
would provide additional rules for purposes of applying the Sec.  
1.163-8T rules to passthrough entities. As with the rules under Sec.  
1.163-8T, proposed Sec.  1.163-14 would provide that interest expense 
on a debt incurred by a passthrough entity is allocated in the same 
manner as the debt to which such interest relates is allocated, and 
that debt is generally allocated by tracing disbursements of the debt 
proceeds to specific expenditures.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the scope 
of Sec.  1.163-8T(a)(4) and (b) is not appropriate in the passthrough 
entity context. Section 1.163-8T(a)(4) generally provides rules 
regarding the treatment of interest expense allocated to specific 
expenditures, which are described in Sec.  1.163-8T(b). However, the 
list of expenditures described in Sec.  1.163-8T(b) is based on an 
allocation of interest for purposes of applying sections 163(d), 
163(h), and 469, and does not adequately account for the uses of debt 
proceeds by a passthrough entity (for example, distributions to 
owners).
    To more accurately account for the types of expenditures made by 
passthrough entities, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(b) would provide rules 
tailored to passthrough entities. In addition, the framework that 
proposed Sec.  1.163-14(b) would provide is needed for a passthrough 
entity to determine how much of its interest expense is allocable to a 
trade or business for purposes of applying section 163(j). These 
proposed regulations would apply before a passthrough entity applies 
any of the rules in section 163(j) (including Sec.  1.163(j)-10).
    In application, a passthrough entity would continue to apply the 
operative rules in Sec.  1.163-8T to allocate debt and the interest 
expense associated with such debt. However, instead of generally 
tracing debt proceeds to the types of expenditures described under 
Sec.  1.163-8T(b) and treating any interest expense associated with 
such debt proceeds in the manner described under Sec.  1.163-8T(a)(4), 
a passthrough entity would generally trace debt proceeds to the types 
of expenditures described under proposed Sec.  1.163-14(b)(2) and treat 
any interest expense associated with such debt proceeds in the manner 
provided under proposed Sec.  1.163-14(b)(1).

B. Debt Financed Distributions

    Proposed Sec.  1.163-14 would provide that when debt proceeds of a 
passthrough entity are allocated under Sec.  1.163-8T to distributions 
to owners of the entity, the debt proceeds distributed to any owner and 
the associated interest expense shall be allocated under proposed Sec.  
1.163-14(d). In general, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d) would adopt a rule 
similar to Notice 89-35, but with the following modifications. First, 
instead of providing that passthrough entities may use the optional 
allocation rule, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d) would generally provide 
that passthrough entities are required to apply a rule that is similar 
to the optional allocation rule. Second, instead of providing that the 
passthrough entity may allocate excess interest expense using any 
reasonable method, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d) would generally provide 
that the passthrough entity must allocate excess interest expense based 
on the adjusted tax basis of the passthrough entity's assets.
    Specifically, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(1) would provide a rule 
based in principle on the optional allocation rule in Notice 89-35. 
Under this proposed rule, distributed debt proceeds (debt proceeds of a 
passthrough entity allocated under Sec.  1.163-8T to distributions to 
owners of the entity) would first be allocated under proposed Sec.  
1.163-14(d)(1)(i) to the passthrough entity's available expenditures. 
Available expenditures are those expenditures of a passthrough entity 
made in the same taxable year as the distribution, but only to the 
extent that debt proceeds (including other distributed debt proceeds) 
are not otherwise allocated to such expenditure. This approach is 
consistent with the concept that money is fungible (a passthrough 
entity may be fairly treated as distributing non-debt proceeds rather 
than debt proceeds and using debt proceeds rather than non-debt 
proceeds to finance its non-distribution expenditures) and seeks to 
coordinate the interest allocation rules with the entity-level approach 
to passthroughs adopted in section 163(j). Where the distributed debt 
proceeds exceed the passthrough entity's available expenditures, this 
excess amount of distributed debt proceeds would be allocated to 
distributions to owners of the passthrough entity (debt financed 
distributions) under proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(1)(ii).
    After determining the amount of its distributed debt proceeds 
allocated to available expenditures and debt financed distributions, a 
passthrough entity would use this information to determine the tax 
treatment of each owner's allocable interest expense (that is, an 
owner's share of interest expense associated with the distributed debt 
proceeds allocated under section 704(b) or 1366(a)). To aid the 
passthrough entity and owner in determining the tax treatment of each 
owner's allocable interest expense, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(2) would 
provide rules for determining the portion of each owner's allocable 
interest expense that is (1) debt financed distribution interest 
expense, (2) expenditure interest expense, and (3) excess interest 
expense. These three categories of allocable interest expense are 
mutually

[[Page 56850]]

exclusive--e.g., a given dollar of allocable interest expense cannot 
simultaneously be both debt financed distribution interest expense and 
expenditure interest expense. The computations in proposed Sec.  1.163-
14(d)(2) would ensure this outcome.
    Once a passthrough entity categorizes each owner's allocable 
interest expense as described earlier, it would apply proposed Sec.  
1.163-14(d)(3) to determine the tax treatment of such interest expense. 
The manner in which the tax treatment of allocable interest expense is 
determined depends on how such allocable interest expense was 
categorized under proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(2).
    Conceptually, each of the three categories described earlier, as 
well as the prescribed tax treatment of interest expense in each 
category, is discussed in Notice 89-35. Debt financed distribution 
interest expense is referred to in Notice 89-35 as an owner's share of 
a passthrough entity's interest expense on debt proceeds allocated to 
such owner. Similar to Notice 89-35, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(3)(i) 
would generally provide that such interest expense is allocated under 
Sec.  1.163-8T in accordance with the owner's use of the debt proceeds. 
Further, expenditure interest expense is referred to in Notice 89-35 as 
interest expense allocated under the optional allocation rule. Similar 
to Notice 89-35, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(3)(ii) would generally 
provide that the tax treatment of such interest expense is determined 
based on how the distributed debt proceeds were allocated among 
available expenditures. Finally, both Notice 89-35 and proposed Sec.  
1.163-14(d) would use the term excess interest expense to refer to an 
owner's share of allocable interest expense in excess of the entity's 
interest expense on the portion of the debt proceeds distributed to 
that particular owner. Unlike Notice 89-35, which generally allows any 
reasonable method for determining the tax treatment of excess interest 
expense, proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(3)(iii) would generally provide 
that the tax treatment of excess interest expense is determined by 
allocating the distributed debt proceeds among all the assets of the 
passthrough entity, pro-rata, based on the adjusted basis of such 
assets.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d)(4) also would provide rules addressing 
the tax treatment of the interest expense of a transferee owner where 
the transferor had previously been allocated debt financed distribution 
interest expense. In the case of a transfer of an interest in a 
passthrough entity, any debt financed distribution interest expense of 
the transferor generally shall be treated as excess interest expense by 
the transferee. However, in the case of a transfer of an interest in a 
passthrough entity to a person who is related to the transferor, any 
debt financed distribution interest expense of the transferor shall 
continue to be treated as debt financed distribution interest expense 
by the related party transferee, and the tax treatment of such debt 
financed distribution expense shall be the same to the related party 
transferee as it was to the transferor. The term related party means 
any person who bears a relationship to the taxpayer which is described 
in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1).
    The proposed regulations also would include an anti-avoidance rule 
to recharacterize arrangements entered into with a principal purpose of 
avoiding the rules of proposed Sec.  1.163-14(d), including the 
transfer of an interest in a passthrough entity by an owner who treated 
a portion of its allocable interest expense as debt financed 
distribution interest expense to an unrelated party pursuant to a plan 
to transfer the interest back to the owner who received the debt 
financed distribution interest expense or to a party who is related to 
the owner who received the debt financed distribution interest expense.

C. Operational Rules

    Proposed Sec.  1.163-14 also would include several operational 
rules that clarify the application of certain rules under Sec.  1.163-
8T as they apply to passthrough entities. Proposed Sec.  1.163-14(e) 
would provide an ordering rule applicable to repayment of debt by 
passthrough entities similar to the rules in Sec.  1.163-8T(d)(1). 
Proposed Sec.  1.163-14(g) would provide that any transfer of an 
ownership interest in a passthrough entity is not a reallocation event 
for purposes of Sec.  1.163-8T(j), except as provided for in Sec.  
1.163-14(d)(4).

D. Debt-Financed Acquisitions

    Proposed Sec.  1.163-14(f) would adopt a rule providing that the 
tax treatment of an owner's interest expense associated with a debt 
financed acquisition (either by purchase or contribution) will be 
determined by allocating the debt proceeds among the assets of the 
entity. The owner would allocate the debt proceeds (1) in proportion to 
the relative adjusted tax basis of the entity's assets reduced by any 
debt allocated to such assets, or (2) based on the adjusted basis of 
the entity's assets in accordance with the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
10(c)(5)(i) reduced by any debt allocated to such assets. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS request comments regarding whether asset basis 
(either adjusted tax basis or adjusted tax basis based on the rules in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(i)) less the amount of debt allocated to assets 
under Sec. Sec.  1.163-14 and 1.163-8T is appropriate as the sole 
method for allocating interest expense in this context.

II. Proposed Sec.  1.163-15: Debt Proceeds Distributed From Any 
Taxpayer Account or From Cash

    Proposed Sec.  1.163-15 supplements the rules in Sec.  1.163-8T 
regarding debt proceeds distributed from any taxpayer account or from 
cash proceeds. Section 1.163-8T(c)(4)(iii)(B) provides that a taxpayer 
may treat any expenditure made from an account within 15 days after the 
debt proceeds are deposited in such account as being made from such 
proceeds, regardless of any other rules in Sec.  1.163-8T(c)(4). Under 
Sec.  1.163-8T(c)(5)(i), if a taxpayer receives debt proceeds in cash, 
the taxpayer may treat any cash expenditure made within 15 days after 
receiving the cash as being made from such debt proceeds, and may treat 
such expenditure as being made on the date the taxpayer received the 
cash. Commenters have suggested that the 15-day limit in Sec.  1.163-8T 
could encourage taxpayers to keep separate accounts, rather than 
commingled accounts for tracing purposes.
    In Notice 88-20, 1988-1 C.B. 487, the IRS announced the intention 
to issue regulations providing that, for debt proceeds deposited in an 
account on or before December 31, 1987, taxpayers could treat any 
expenditure made from any account of the taxpayer or from cash within 
30 days before or after debt proceeds are deposited in such account or 
any other account of the taxpayer as made from such proceeds. The 
Notice states that the regulations also would provide that for debt 
proceeds received in cash on or before December 31, 1987, taxpayers may 
treat any expenditure made from any account of the taxpayer or from 
cash within 30 days before or after debt proceeds are received in cash 
as made from such proceeds. Section VI of Notice 89-35 adopts the 
standard described in Notice 88-20 without the date limitation, 
although no regulations have been issued.
    Consistent with Notice 89-35, proposed Sec.  1.163-15 provides that 
taxpayers may treat any expenditure made from an account of the 
taxpayer or from cash within 30 days before or after debt proceeds are 
deposited in any account of the taxpayer or received in cash as made 
from such proceeds.

[[Page 56851]]

III. Proposed Modifications to Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b): Definitions

A. Adjustments to Tentative Taxable Income

    Section 1.163(j)-1(b)(1) requires taxpayers to make certain 
adjustments to tentative taxable income in computing ATI, including 
adjustments to address certain sales or other dispositions of 
depreciable property, stock of a consolidated group member (member 
stock), or interests in a partnership. More specifically, Sec.  
1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(ii)(C) provides that, if property is sold or otherwise 
disposed of, the greater of the allowed or allowable depreciation, 
amortization, or depletion of the property for the taxpayer (or, if the 
taxpayer is a member of a consolidated group, the consolidated group) 
for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 
1, 2022 (such years, the EBITDA period), with respect to such property 
is subtracted from tentative taxable income. Section 1.163(j)-
1(b)(1)(ii)(D) provides that, with respect to the sale or other 
disposition of stock of a member of a consolidated group by another 
member, the investment adjustments under Sec.  1.1502-32 with respect 
to such stock that are attributable to deductions described in Sec.  
1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(ii)(C) are subtracted from tentative taxable income. 
Section 1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(ii)(E) provides that, with respect to the sale 
or other disposition of an interest in a partnership, the taxpayer's 
distributive share of deductions described in Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(1)(ii)(C) with respect to property held by the partnership at the 
time of such sale or other disposition is subtracted from tentative 
taxable income to the extent such deductions were allowable under 
section 704(d). See the preamble to the Final Regulations for a 
discussion of the rationale for these adjustments.
    The preamble to the Final Regulations noted that, in the 2018 
Proposed Regulations, Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(ii)(C) incorporated a 
``lesser of'' standard. In other words, the lesser of (i) the amount of 
gain on the sale or other disposition of property, or (ii) the amount 
of depreciation deductions with respect to such property for the EBITDA 
period, was required to be subtracted from tentative taxable income to 
determine ATI. As explained in the preamble to the Final Regulations, 
commenters raised several questions regarding this ``lesser of'' 
standard. The Final Regulations removed the ``lesser of'' approach due 
in part to concerns that this approach would be more difficult to 
administer than the approach reflected in the Final Regulations.
    However, the Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that, in 
certain cases, the ``lesser of'' approach might not create 
administrative difficulties for taxpayers. Thus, these Proposed 
Regulations permit taxpayers to choose whether to compute the amount of 
their adjustment using a ``lesser of'' standard. While the 2018 
Proposed Regulations applied this standard solely to dispositions of 
property, these Proposed Regulations extend this standard to 
dispositions of partnership interests and member stock to eliminate the 
discontinuity between the amount of the adjustment for these different 
types of dispositions. Taxpayers opting to use this alternative 
computation method must do so for all sales or other dispositions that 
otherwise would be subject to Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(ii)(C), (D), or 
(E) when the taxpayer computes tentative taxable income.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on the 
``lesser of'' approach, including how such an approach should apply to 
dispositions of member stock and partnership interests.

B. Dividends From Regulated Investment Company (RIC) Shares

    Some commenters on the 2018 Proposed Regulations recommended that 
dividend income from a RIC be treated as interest income for a 
shareholder in a RIC, to the extent that the income earned by the RIC 
is interest income. Because a RIC is a subchapter C corporation, 
section 163(j) applies at the RIC level, and any BIE that is disallowed 
at the RIC level is carried forward to subsequent years at the RIC 
level. Furthermore, because a RIC is a subchapter C corporation, a 
shareholder in a RIC generally does not take into account a share of 
the RIC's items of income, deduction, gain, or loss. Thus, if a RIC's 
BII exceeds its BIE in a taxable year, the RIC may not directly 
allocate the excess amount to its shareholders (unlike a partnership, 
which may allocate excess BII to its partners).
    Under part 1 of subchapter M and other Code provisions, however, a 
RIC that has certain items of income or gain may pay dividends that a 
shareholder in the RIC may treat in the same manner (or a similar 
manner) as the shareholder would treat the underlying items of income 
or gain if the shareholder realized the items directly. Although this 
treatment differs fundamentally from the passthrough treatment of 
partners or trust beneficiaries, this Explanation of Provisions refers 
to this treatment as ``conduit treatment.'' For example, under sections 
871(k)(1) and 881(e)(1), a RIC that has qualified interest income 
within the meaning of section 871(k)(1)(E) may pay interest-related 
dividends, and no tax generally would be imposed under sections 
871(a)(1)(A) or 881(a)(1) on an interest-related dividend paid to a 
nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation. Section 871(k)(1) 
provides necessary limits and procedures that apply to interest-related 
dividends. The Code provides similar conduit treatment for capital gain 
dividends in section 852(b)(3), exempt-interest dividends in section 
852(b)(5), short-term capital gain dividends in section 871(k)(2), 
dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction in section 
854(b)(1)(A), and qualified dividend income in section 854(b)(1)(B).
    In response to comments, these Proposed Regulations provide rules 
under which a RIC that earns BII may pay section 163(j) interest 
dividends. A shareholder that receives a section 163(j) interest 
dividend may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of 
section 163(j), subject to holding period requirements and other 
limitations. A section 163(j) interest dividend that meets these 
requirements is treated as BII if it is properly allocable to a non-
excepted trade or business of the shareholder. A section 163(j) 
interest dividend is treated as interest income solely for purposes of 
section 163(j).
    The rules under which a RIC may report section 163(j) interest 
dividends are based on the rules for reporting exempt-interest 
dividends in section 852(b)(5) and interest-related dividends in 
section 871(k)(1). The total amount of a RIC's section 163(j) interest 
dividends for a taxable year is limited to the excess of the RIC's BII 
for the taxable year over the sum of the RIC's BIE for the taxable year 
and the RIC's other deductions for the taxable year that are properly 
allocable to the RIC's BII. For some types of income and gain to which 
conduit treatment applies, the gross amount of the RIC's income or gain 
of that type serves as the limit on the RIC's corresponding dividends. 
It would be inconsistent with the purposes of section 163(j) to permit 
a RIC to pay section 163(j) interest dividends in an amount based on 
the RIC's gross BII, unreduced by the RIC's BIE. Further reducing the 
limit on a RIC's section 163(j) interest dividends by the amount of the 
RIC's other deductions that are properly allocable to the RIC's BII is 
consistent with the provisions of the Code that provide conduit 
treatment for types of interest earned by a RIC. For example, the limit 
on interest-related dividends in section 871(k)(1)(D) is

[[Page 56852]]

reduced by the deductions properly allocable to the RIC's qualified 
interest income. Similarly, the limit on exempt-interest dividends in 
section 852(b)(5)(A)(iv)(V) is reduced by the amounts disallowed as 
deductions under sections 265 and 171(a)(2). Taking into account the 
appropriate share of deductions also reduces the likelihood that the 
sum of a RIC's items that are eligible for conduit treatment and that 
are relevant to a particular shareholder will exceed the amount of the 
dividend distribution paid to the particular shareholder.
    These Proposed Regulations contain an additional limit to prevent 
inconsistent treatment of RIC dividends by RIC shareholders. Revenue 
Ruling 2005-31, 2005-1 C.B. 1084, allows a RIC to report the maximum 
amount of capital gain dividends, exempt-interest dividends, interest-
related dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, dividends 
eligible for the dividends received deduction, and qualified dividend 
income for a taxable year, even if the sum of the reported amounts 
exceeds the amount of the RIC's dividends for the taxable year. The 
ruling allows different categories of shareholders (United States 
persons and nonresident aliens) to report the dividends they receive by 
giving effect to the conduit treatment of the items relevant to them. A 
single shareholder, however, generally does not benefit from the 
conduit treatment of amounts in excess of the dividend paid to that 
shareholder, because to do so would require the shareholder to include 
in its taxable income amounts exceeding the dividend it received. 
Conduit treatment of BII, however, differs from the conduit treatment 
of other items, because a section 163(j) interest dividend is treated 
as interest income only for purposes of section 163(j). Thus, absent a 
limit, a RIC shareholder could obtain an inappropriate benefit by 
treating a portion of a RIC dividend as interest income for purposes of 
section 163(j) while treating the same portion of the dividend as 
another non-interest type of income, such as a dividend eligible for 
the dividends received deduction under sections 243 and 854(b). 
Therefore, these Proposed Regulations limit the amount of a section 
163(j) interest dividend that a shareholder may treat as interest 
income for purposes of section 163(j) to the excess of the amount of 
the RIC dividend that includes the section 163(j) interest dividend 
over the sum of the portions of that dividend affected by conduit 
treatment in the hands of that shareholder, other than interest-related 
dividends under section 871(k)(1)(C) and section 163(j) interest 
dividends.
    Under these Proposed Regulations, a shareholder generally may not 
treat a section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income unless it 
meets certain holding period and similar requirements. The holding 
period requirements do not apply to (i) dividends paid by a RIC 
regulated as a money market fund under 17 CFR 270.2a-7 or (ii) certain 
regular dividends paid by a RIC that declares section 163(j) interest 
dividends on a daily basis and distributes such dividends on a monthly 
or more frequent basis. The Treasury Department and the IRS request 
comments on whether there are other categories of section 163(j) 
interest dividends for which the holding period requirements should not 
apply or should be modified. The Treasury Department and the IRS also 
request comments on whether any payments that are substitutes for 
section 163(j) interest dividends (for example, in a securities lending 
or sale-repurchase transaction with respect to RIC shares) should be 
treated for purposes of section 163(j) as interest expense of taxpayers 
making the payments or interest income to taxpayers receiving the 
payments. Cf. Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(22)(iii)(C) (addressing certain 
payments that are substitutes for interest).
    These Proposed Regulations, to the extent they concern the payment 
of section 163(j) interest dividends by a RIC and the treatment of such 
dividends as interest by a RIC shareholder, are proposed to apply to 
taxable years beginning on or after the date that is 60 days after the 
date the Treasury decision adopting these regulations as final 
regulations is published in the Federal Register. Solely in the case of 
section 163(j) interest dividends that would be exempt from the holding 
period rules under these Proposed Regulations, the RIC paying such 
dividends and the shareholders receiving such dividends may rely on the 
provisions of these Proposed Regulations pertaining to section 163(j) 
interest dividends for taxable years ending on or after September 14, 
2020, and beginning before the date that is 60 days after the date the 
Treasury decision adopting these regulations as final regulations is 
published in the Federal Register.

IV. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6: Application of the Business Interest 
Expense Deduction Limitations to Partnerships and Subchapter S 
Corporations

A. Trading Partnerships

    The preamble to the 2018 Proposed Regulations states that the 
business interest expense of certain passthrough entities, including S 
corporations, allocable to trade or business activities that are 
described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii) (i.e., activities that are per se 
non-passive under section 469 in which the taxpayer does not materially 
participate) and illustrated in Revenue Ruling 2008-12, 2008-1 C.B. 520 
(March 10, 2008) (trading activities), will be subject to section 
163(j) at the entity level, even if the interest expense is later 
subject to limitation under section 163(d) at the individual partner or 
shareholder level. Accordingly, at least with respect to partnerships, 
to the extent that interest expense from a trading activity is limited 
under section 163(j) and becomes a carryover item of partners who do 
not materially participate in the trading activity, the interest 
expense will be treated as investment interest in the hands of those 
partners for purposes of section 163(d) once the interest expense is no 
longer limited under section 163(j). As a result, the interest expense 
would be subject to two section 163 limitations.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS received multiple comments 
questioning this interpretation of section 163(j)(5) and its 
interaction with section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii). Specifically, commenters 
stated that the interpretation improperly results in the application of 
section 163(j) to partnerships engaged in a trade or business activity 
of trading personal property (including marketable securities) for the 
account of owners of interests in the activity, as described in Sec.  
1.469-1T(e)(6) (trading partnerships). At issue is the extent to which 
BIE of trading partnerships should be subject to limitation under 
section 163(j). This issue involves the definition of BIE under section 
163(j)(5) and, more specifically, the second sentence of section 
163(j)(5), which generally provides that BIE shall not include 
investment interest within the meaning of section 163(d).
    The approach described in the preamble to the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations interprets section 163(j)(5) as simply providing that 
interest expense cannot be both BIE and investment interest expense in 
the hands of the same taxpayer. Under this interpretation, section 
163(j)(5) will treat interest as investment interest

[[Page 56853]]

where conflicting provisions may otherwise subject an amount of 
interest expense to limitation under both section 163(j) and section 
163(d) with respect to the same taxpayer (for example, interest expense 
allocable to business assets comprising ``working capital'' as that 
term is used in section 469(e)(1)(B)). In addition, this approach views 
the partnership as an entity separate from its partners for purposes of 
section 163(j) to the partnership and section 163(d) at the individual 
partner level. Several commenters disagreed with this interpretation of 
section 163(j)(5), asserting that the second sentence of section 
163(j)(5) unequivocally provides that interest expense can never be 
subject to limitation under both section 163(j) and section 163(d) 
under any circumstances. Based on these comments, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS considered three alternative approaches for 
interpreting section 163(j)(5).
    One approach would require a partnership engaged in a trading 
activity to apply section 163(j) at the partnership level to all of the 
partnership's interest expense from the trading activity. Under this 
approach, any deductible interest expense from the partnership's 
trading activity would not be subject to any further limitation under 
section 163(d) at the individual partner level. This interpretation 
would respect the partnership as an entity separate from its partners 
for purposes of section 163(j), but would treat section 163(j)(4) and 
(5) as superseding section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii).
    A second approach would require a partnership engaged in a trading 
activity to bifurcate its interest expense from a trading activity 
between partners that materially participate in the trading activity 
and partners that are passive investors in the activity, and subject 
only the portion that is allocable to the materially participating 
partners to limitation under section 163(j). Under this approach, to 
the extent any interest expense is allocable to passive investors in 
the trading activity, the interest expense would be subject only to 
section 163(d) at the partner level and would never be subject to 
section 163(j) at the partnership level.
    A third approach would require a partnership to treat all of the 
interest expense from a trading activity as investment interest under 
section 163(d), regardless of whether any individual partners 
materially participate in the trading activity. Under this approach, 
the interest expense properly allocable to materially participating 
partners would never be subject to limitation under section 163(j), 
even though interest expense allocable to materially participating 
partners would also not be subject to limitation under section 163(d) 
at the individual partner level.
    After considering the comments, Treasury Department and the IRS 
have concluded that the approach described in the preamble to the 2018 
Proposed Regulations is inconsistent with the statutory language and 
intent of section 163(j)(5) because the second sentence of section 
163(j)(5) specifically states that BIE shall not include investment 
interest expense. In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS have 
determined that the second alternative approach, as described earlier, 
appears to be the most consistent with the intent of sections 163(d) 
and 163(j). Accordingly, these Proposed Regulations would interpret 
section 163(j)(5) as requiring a trading partnership to bifurcate its 
interest expense from a trading activity between partners that 
materially participate in the trading activity and partners that are 
passive investors, and as subjecting only the portion of the interest 
expense that is allocable to the materially participating partners to 
limitation under section 163(j) at the partnership level. The portion 
of interest expense from a trading activity allocable to passive 
investors will be subject to limitation under section 163(d) at the 
partner level, as provided in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii).
    In addition, these Proposed Regulations require that a trading 
partnership bifurcate all of its other items of income, gain, loss and 
deduction from its trading activity between partners that materially 
participate in the partnership's trading activity and partners that are 
passive investors. The portion of the partnership's other items of 
income, gain, loss or deduction from its trading activity properly 
allocable to the passive investors in the partnership will not be taken 
into account at the partnership level as items from a trade or business 
for purposes of applying section 163(j) at the partnership level. 
Instead, all such partnership items properly allocable to passive 
investors will be treated as items from an investment activity of the 
partnership, for purposes of sections 163(j) and 163(d).
    This approach, in order to be effective, adopts the presumption 
that a trading partnership generally will possess knowledge regarding 
whether its individual partners are material participants in its 
trading activity. No rules currently exist requiring a partner to 
inform the partnership whether the partner has grouped activities of 
the partnership with other activities of the partner outside of the 
partnership. Therefore, the partnership might possess little or no 
knowledge regarding whether an individual partner has made such a 
grouping. Without this information, a trading partnership may presume 
that an individual partner is a passive investor in the partnership's 
trading activity based solely on the partnership's understanding as to 
the lack of work performed by the partner in that activity, whereas the 
partner may in fact be treated as a material participant in the 
partnership's trading activity by grouping that activity with one or 
more activities of the partner in which the partner materially 
participates. In order to avoid this result and the potential for 
abuse, a new rule is proposed for the section 469 activity grouping 
rules to provide that any activity described in section 
163(d)(5)(A)(ii) may not be grouped with any other activity of the 
taxpayer, including any other activity described in section 
163(d)(5)(A)(ii). The Treasury Department and the IRS invite comments 
regarding whether other approaches may be feasible and preferable to a 
special rule that prohibits the grouping of trading activities with 
other activities of a partner, such as adoption of a rule or reporting 
regime requiring all partners in the partnership to annually certify or 
report to the partnership whether they are material participants in a 
grouped activity that includes the partnership's trading activity.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS further invite comments 
regarding whether similar rules should be adopted with respect to S 
corporations that may also be involved in trading activities, and 
whether such rules would be compatible with Subchapter S (for example, 
whether the bifurcation of items from the S corporation's trading 
activity between material participants and passive investors would run 
afoul of the second class of stock prohibition).

B. Fungibility of Publicly Traded Partnerships

    In order to be freely marketable, each unit of a publicly traded 
partnership (PTP), as defined in Sec.  1.7704-1, must have identical 
economic and tax characteristics so that such PTP units are fungible. 
For PTP units to be fungible, the section 704(b) capital account 
associated with each unit must be economically equivalent to the 
section 704(b) capital account of all other units of the same class, 
and a PTP unit buyer must receive equivalent tax allocations regardless 
of the specific unit purchased. In other words, from the

[[Page 56854]]

perspective of a buyer, a PTP unit cannot have variable tax attributes 
depending on the identity of the PTP unit seller. In general, to 
achieve fungibility, a PTP (1) makes a section 754 election, pursuant 
to which a purchaser can insulate itself from its predecessor's 
allocable section 704(c) gain or loss through a section 743(b) basis 
adjustment, and (2) adopts the remedial allocation method under section 
704(c) for all of its assets.
    Pursuant to Sec.  1.704-3(d)(1), a partnership adopts the section 
704(c) remedial allocation method to eliminate distortions caused by 
the application of the ceiling rule, as defined in Sec.  1.704-3(b)(1), 
under the section 704(c) traditional method. A partnership adopting the 
remedial allocation method eliminates ceiling rule distortions by 
creating remedial items and allocating those items to its partners. 
Under the remedial allocation method, a partnership first determines 
the amount of section 704(b) book items under Sec.  1.704-3(d)(2) and 
the partners' section 704(b) distributive shares of such items. The 
partnership then allocates the corresponding tax items recognized by 
the partnership, if any, using the traditional method described in 
Sec.  1.704-3(b)(1). If the ceiling rule causes the section 704(b) book 
allocation of an item to a noncontributing partner to differ from the 
tax allocation of the same item to the noncontributing partner, the 
partnership creates a remedial item of income, gain, loss, or deduction 
equal to the full amount of the difference and allocates it to the 
noncontributing partner. The partnership simultaneously creates an 
offsetting remedial item in an identical amount and allocates it to the 
contributing partner. In sum, by coupling the remedial allocation 
method with a section 754 election, PTP units remain fungible from a 
net tax perspective, regardless of the PTP unit seller's section 704(c) 
position.
    However, even when the remedial allocation method is coupled with a 
section 754 election, the application of section 163(j) in the 
partnership context results in variable tax attributes for a buyer 
depending upon the tax characteristics of the interest held by the 
seller. The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined this is an 
inappropriate result for PTPs because PTPs, unlike other partnerships, 
always require that tax attributes be proportionate to economic 
attributes to retain the fungibility of their units. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS have determined that the manner in which section 
163(j) applies in the partnership context should not result in the non-
fungibility of PTP units. Accordingly, these Proposed Regulations 
provide a method, solely for PTPs, for applying section 163(j) in a 
manner that does not result in PTP units lacking fungibility.
    Specifically, commenters identified three ways in which the 2018 
Proposed Regulations may cause PTP units to be non-fungible. First, the 
method for allocating excess items may cause PTP units to be non-
fungible. In general, under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), the allocation of 
the components of ATI dictate the allocation of a partnership's 
deductible BIE and section 163(j) excess items. Consequently, the 
unequal sharing of inside basis, including cost-recovery deductions, 
amortization, gain, and loss affects the ratio in which a partnership's 
section 163(j) excess items, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(b)(6), are 
shared. A partner's share of section 163(j) excess items affects the 
tax treatment and economic consequences of the partner. For example, a 
greater share of excess taxable income enables a partner subject to 
section 163(j) to deduct more interest.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that a non-pro rata 
sharing of inside basis could result in a non-pro rata allocation of 
excess items, which may result in PTP units lacking fungibility. 
Therefore, these Proposed Regulations would amend Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(f)(1)(iii) to provide that, solely for purposes of section 163(j), a 
PTP allocates section 163(j) excess items in accordance with the 
partners' shares of corresponding section 704(b) items that comprise 
ATI.
    Second, the required adjustments to partner ATI for partner basis 
items (e.g., section 743(b) income and loss) may cause PTP units to 
lack fungibility. A non-pro rata sharing of inside basis may result in 
a different allocation of partner basis items, as defined in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(b)(2), and section 704(c) remedial items, as defined in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(b)(3), among partners. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(d)(2), partner basis items and remedial items are not taken into 
account in determining a partnership's ATI under Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(1). Instead, partner basis items and section 704(c) remedial items 
affect the tax treatment and economic consequences of the partner. 
Similar to the disproportionate sharing of excess items discussed 
earlier, the disproportionate sharing of partner basis items and 
section 704(c) remedial items among partners may cause PTP units to 
lack fungibility.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that a non-pro rata 
sharing of inside basis could result in different partner basis items 
and remedial items being allocated to different partners. Therefore, 
these Proposed Regulations would amend Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(2)(ii) to 
provide that, solely for the purpose of determining remedial items 
under section 163(j), a PTP either allocates gain or loss that would 
otherwise be allocated under section 704(c) to a specific partner to 
all partners based on each partner's section 704(b) sharing ratio, or, 
for purposes of allocating cost recovery deductions under section 
704(c), determines each partner's remedial items based on an allocation 
of the partnership's inside basis items among its partners in 
proportion to their share of corresponding section 704(b) items, rather 
than applying the traditional method as described in Sec.  1.704-3(b).
    Third, the treatment of section 704(c) remedial income allocations 
for taxable years beginning before 2022 may cause PTP units to lack 
fungibility. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, when 
tentative taxable income is not reduced by depreciation and 
amortization deductions for purposes of determining ATI, a buyer 
acquiring PTP units with section 704(c) remedial income allocations 
(and an offsetting section 743(b) adjustment) will have an increase to 
its ATI that exceeds that of a buyer of the same number of otherwise 
fungible units that is not stepping into section 704(c) remedial income 
(with no corresponding section 743(b) deduction). While the net amount 
of the section 743(b) and section 704(c) remedial items is the same to 
both buyers, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, 
different units would affect a buyer's ATI differently. The section 
704(c) remedial income of a buyer of units with section 704(c) remedial 
income would be included in its ATI, while the section 743(b) 
deductions would not. Thus, a buyer of units with section 704(c) 
remedial income would increase its ATI each year (before 2022). A buyer 
of units with no section 704(c) remedial income, however, would add 
back any remedial depreciation and amortization deductions before 2022, 
and its ATI would be unaffected by the remedial deductions for such 
years.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that, before 2022, a 
buyer of PTP units with inherent section 704(c) gain would include any 
remedial income and would not include section 743(b) deductions in its 
ATI. Therefore, these Proposed Regulations would amend Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(d)(2)(ii) to provide that, solely for purposes of section 163(j), a 
PTP treats the amount of any section 743(b) adjustment of a purchaser 
of a partnership unit that relates to a remedial item that the 
purchaser inherits from the seller as an offset to

[[Page 56855]]

the related section 704(c) remedial item. The Treasury Department and 
the IRS request comments as to whether the approaches outlined 
adequately resolves the fungibility issues created by section 163(j).

C. Treatment of Business Interest Income and Business Interest Expense 
With Respect to Lending Transactions Between a Partnership and a 
Partner (Self-Charged Lending Transactions)

    The 2018 Proposed Regulations reserved on the treatment of BII and 
BIE with respect to lending transactions between a partnership and a 
partner (self-charged lending transactions). The preamble to the 2018 
Proposed Regulations requested comments regarding self-charged lending 
transactions. One commenter recommended the final regulations include 
rules under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(n) akin to those contained in Sec.  1.469-
7 to identify self-charged interest income and expense and further 
allow such self-charged interest income and expense to be excluded from 
the definition of BIE and BII under section 163(j)(5) and (6), 
respectively. The same commenter recommended that the final regulations 
retain the rule in Sec.  1.163(j)-3(b)(4), as set forth in the 2018 
Proposed Regulations, which applies the section 163(j) limitation prior 
to the application of the passive activity loss rules of section 469. 
Other commenters recommended the Final Regulations exclude BIE and BII 
from the section 163(j) calculation where a partner or S-corporation 
shareholder lends to, or borrows from, a passthrough entity. These 
commenters recommended that the amount excluded be based on the amount 
of income or expense recognized by partners or shareholders that are 
lenders or borrowers, as well as partners or shareholders that are 
related to a lender or borrower partner within the meaning of section 
267(b) because it would be appropriate to exclude the BII and BIE 
realized by the related parties for purposes of the section 163(j) 
calculation.
    In response to these comments, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
propose adding a rule in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(n) to provide that, 
in the case of a lending transaction between a partner (lending 
partner) and partnership (borrowing partnership) in which the lending 
partner owns a direct interest (self-charged lending transaction), any 
BIE of the borrowing partnership attributable to the self-charged 
lending transaction is BIE of the borrowing partnership for purposes of 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6. If in a given taxable year the lending partner is 
allocated EBIE from the borrowing partnership and has interest income 
attributable to the self-charged lending transaction (interest income), 
the lending partner shall treat such interest income as an allocation 
of excess business interest income (EBII) from the borrowing 
partnership in such taxable year, but only to the extent of the lending 
partner's allocation of EBIE from the borrowing partnership in such 
taxable year. To prevent the double counting of BII, the lending 
partner includes interest income that was re-characterized as EBII 
pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(n) only once when calculating the 
lending partner's own section 163(j) limitation. In cases where the 
lending partner is not a C corporation, to the extent that any interest 
income exceeds the lending partner's allocation of EBIE from the 
borrowing partnership for the taxable year, and such interest income 
otherwise would be properly treated as investment income of the lending 
partner for purposes of section 163(d) for that year, such excess 
amount of interest income will continue to be treated as investment 
income of the lending partner for that year for purposes of section 
163(d).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS generally agree that lending 
partners should not be adversely affected by the fact that, without 
special rules, the interest income received at the partner level from 
such lending transactions generally will be treated as investment 
income if the partner is not engaged in the trade or business of 
lending money, while the BIE of the partnership will be subject to 
section 163(j) and potentially limited at the partner level as EBIE. 
This situation would create a mismatch between the character of the 
interest income and of the interest expense at the partner level from 
the same lending transaction. These proposed rules would apply only to 
items of interest income attributable to the lending transaction and 
EBIE from the same partnership that arise in the same taxable year of 
the lending partner. By applying these proposed rules only to correct a 
mismatch in character that may occur at the partner level during a 
single taxable year, these proposed rules otherwise ensure that a 
partnership engaged in a self-charged lending transaction will be 
subject to the rules of section 163(j) to the same extent regardless of 
the sources of its loans.
    These proposed rules will not apply in the case of an S corporation 
because BIE of an S corporation is carried over by the S corporation as 
a corporate-level attribute rather than immediately passed through to 
its shareholders. In the year such disallowed BIE is deductible at the 
corporate level, it is not separately stated, and it is not subject to 
further limitation under section 163(j) at either the S corporation or 
shareholder level. Therefore, a limited self-charged rule to ensure 
proper matching of the character of interest income and BIE at the 
shareholder level is not necessary. This approach is consistent with 
the treatment of S corporations as separate entities from their owners, 
both generally and specifically with respect to section 163(j).
    However, the Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that issues 
analogous to the issues faced by partnerships in self-charged lending 
transactions exist with respect to lending transactions between S 
corporations and their shareholders. The Treasury Department and the 
IRS request comments on whether a similar rule is appropriate for S 
corporations in light of section 163(j)(4)(B) not applying and, if so, 
how such rule should be structured.

D. Partnership Basis Adjustments Upon Partner Dispositions

    In general, a partnership's disallowed BIE is allocated to its 
partners as EBIE rather than carried forward at the partnership level 
in order to prevent the trafficking of deductions for BIE carryforwards 
in the partnership context. To achieve this, section 
163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(I) provides that the adjusted basis of a partner in a 
partnership interest is reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of 
EBIE allocated to the partner. If a partner disposes of a partnership 
interest, section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) provides that the adjusted 
basis of the partner in the partnership interest is increased 
immediately before the disposition by the amount of any EBIE that was 
not treated as BIE paid or accrued by the partner prior to the 
disposition. Further, under section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II), no deduction 
shall be allowed to the transferor or transferee for any EBIE resulting 
in a basis increase.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the basis 
increase required by section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) is not fully 
descriptive of what is occurring when a partner with EBIE disposes of 
its partnership interest. If EBIE is not treated as BIE paid or accrued 
by the partner pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g) prior to the partner 
disposing of its partnership interest (nondeductible EBIE), section 
163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) treats such nondeductible EBIE as though it were 
a nondeductible expense of the partnership.

[[Page 56856]]

    This nondeductible expense is not a nondeductible, non-
capitalizable expense under section 705(a)(2)(B). If it were, the 
partner's basis in its partnership interest at the time of the 
disposition would already reflect such an expense. Instead, section 
163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) requires the partner to increase its basis 
immediately before the disposition--in effect, treating the partner as 
though the partnership made a payment that decreased the value of the 
partnership interest but did not affect the partner's basis in its 
partnership interest. Thus, upon a disposition, section 163(j)(4) 
treats nondeductible EBIE as though it were a nondeductible, 
capitalizable expense of the partnership.
    While the statute is clear that a partner increases the basis in 
its partnership interest immediately prior to a disposition by any 
nondeductible EBIE, it does not specifically state that there must also 
be a corresponding increase to the basis of partnership assets to 
account for the nondeductible, capitalized expense (i.e., the 
nondeductible EBIE). The absence of a corresponding increase to the 
partnership's basis immediately before the partner's disposition would 
create distortions that are inconsistent with the intent of both 
section 163(j) and subchapter K of the Code.
    For example, the basis increase attributable to nondeductible EBIE 
immediately before a liquidating distribution results in less gain 
recognized under section 731(a)(1) (or more loss recognized under 
section 731(a)(2)) for the partner disposing of its partnership 
interest. Consequently, following a liquidating distribution to a 
partner with EBIE, section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) causes a reduced 
section 734(b) adjustment if the partnership has a section 754 election 
in effect (versus the partner basis increase not occurring), resulting 
in basis disparity between the partnership's basis in its assets and 
the aggregate outside basis of the remaining partners.
    To illustrate, consider the following example. In Year 1, A, B, and 
C formed partnership PRS by each contributing $1,000 cash. PRS borrowed 
$900, causing each partner's basis in PRS to increase by $300. Also in 
Year 1, PRS purchased Capital Asset X for $200. In Year 2, PRS pays 
$300 of BIE, all of which is disallowed and treated as EBIE. PRS 
allocated the $300 of EBIE to its partners, $100 each. Pursuant to 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2), each partner reduced its outside basis by its 
$100 allocation of EBIE to $1,200. In Year 3, when the fair market 
value of Capital Asset X is $3,200 and no partner's basis in PRS has 
changed, PRS distributed $1,900 to C in complete liquidation of C's 
partnership interest. PRS has a section 754 election in effect in Year 
3.
    Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3), C increases the adjusted basis 
of its partnership interest by $100 immediately before the disposition. 
Thus, C's section 731(a)(1) gain recognized on the disposition of its 
partnership interest is $900 (($1,900 cash + $300 relief of 
liabilities)-($1,200 outside basis + $100 EBIE add-back)). Because the 
election under section 754 is in effect, PRS has a section 734(b) 
increase to the basis of its assets of $900 (the amount of section 
731(a)(1) gain recognized by C). Under section 755, the entire 
adjustment is allocated to Capital Asset X. As a result, PRS's basis 
for Capital Asset X is $1,100 ($200 + $900 section 734(b) adjustment). 
Following the liquidation of C, PRS's basis in its assets ($1,500 of 
cash + $1,100 of Capital Asset X) does not equal the aggregate outside 
basis of partners A and B ($2,700).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that basis 
disparity resulting from the absence of a corresponding inside basis 
increase, as described earlier, is an inappropriate result. 
Accordingly, these Proposed Regulations would provide for a 
corresponding inside basis increase that would serve as the partnership 
analog of section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II). Specifically, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(5) would provide that if a partner (transferor) disposes 
of its partnership interest, the partnership shall increase the 
adjusted basis of partnership property by an amount equal to the amount 
of the increase required under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3), if any, to the 
adjusted basis of the partnership interest being disposed of by the 
transferor. Such increase in the adjusted basis of partnership property 
(Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment) shall be allocated among 
partnership properties in the same manner as a positive section 734(b) 
adjustment. Because a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment is taken 
into account when determining the gain or loss upon a sale of the 
asset, a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment prevents the shifting 
of built-in gain to the remaining partners.
    These Proposed Regulations would adopt an approach that treats the 
increase in the adjusted basis of any partnership property resulting 
from a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment as not depreciable or 
amortizable under any section of the Code, regardless of whether the 
partnership property allocated such Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment is otherwise generally depreciable or amortizable. This 
approach perceives EBIE as a deduction that was disallowed to the 
partnership (consistent with section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II)), and thus 
should not result in a depreciable section 734(b) basis adjustment.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on this 
approach. An alternative approach considered by the Treasury Department 
and the IRS would treat a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment as 
depreciable or amortizable if it is allocated to depreciable or 
amortizable property. However, section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) provides 
that no deduction shall be allowed to the transferor or transferee for 
any EBIE resulting in a basis increase to the partner that disposed of 
its interest. If a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment were 
depreciable or amortizable, a partnership--which can arguably be viewed 
as a transferee in a transaction in which a partner receives a 
distribution in complete liquidation of its partnership interest--could 
effectively deduct an expense that section 163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II) states 
is permanently disallowed. The Treasury Department and the IRS request 
comments on whether treating a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment 
as potentially depreciable or amortizable is consistent with section 
163(j)(4)(B)(iii)(II).

E. Treatment of Excess Business Interest Expense in Tiered Partnerships

1. Entity Approach
    The preamble to the 2018 Proposed Regulations reserved and 
requested comments on the application of section 163(j)(4) to tiered 
partnership structures. Specifically, the preamble to the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations requested comments regarding whether, in a tiered 
partnership structure, EBIE should be allocated through an upper-tier 
partnership to the partners of upper-tier partnership. Additionally, 
comments were requested regarding how and when the basis of an upper-
tier partnership partner should be adjusted when a lower-tier 
partnership has BIE that is limited under section 163(j).
    In response, commenters recommended approaches that, in general, 
either (1) allocated EBIE through upper-tier partnership to the 
partners of upper-tier partnership (Aggregate Approach), or (2) did not 
allocate EBIE through upper-tier partnership to the partners of upper-
tier partnership (Entity Approach). Commenters stated that both 
approaches reasonably implement Congressional intent of applying 
section 163(j) at the partnership level; however, the Entity

[[Page 56857]]

Approach reflects a stronger allegiance to entity treatment of 
partnerships for purposes of section 163(j). Commenters noted that the 
ultimate determination of which approach is more appropriate should 
rest, in large part, on whether partnerships or partners are more able 
to comply with the provision. The Entity Approach places more of that 
burden on partnerships, and the Aggregate Approach places more of the 
burden on partners. Commenters recommended that partnerships are better 
able to comply with an Entity Approach than partners are able to comply 
with an Aggregate Approach. Further, because the Entity Approach 
centers a significant portion of the compliance effort with 
partnerships, the Entity Approach may increase compliance and simplify 
Service review.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have concluded that an Entity 
Approach is the most consistent with the approach taken to partnerships 
under section 163(j)(4). Further, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
agree with commenters that partnerships are better able to comply with 
section 163(j) tiered partnership rules than partners. Accordingly, 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(3) would provide that if lower-tier 
partnership allocates excess business interest expense to upper-tier 
partnership, then upper-tier partnership reduces its basis in lower-
tier partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2). Upper-tier 
partnership partners do not, however, reduce the bases of their upper-
tier partnership interests pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2) until 
upper-tier partnership treats such excess business interest expense as 
business interest expense paid or accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g).
    Although proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(3) would provide that EBIE 
allocated from a lower-tier partnership to an upper-tier partnership is 
not subject to further allocation by the upper-tier partnership, such 
EBIE necessarily reflects a reduction in the value of lower-tier 
partnership by the amount of the economic outlay that resulted in such 
EBIE. Accordingly, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2) would provide that 
if lower-tier partnership pays or accrues business interest expense and 
allocates such business interest expense to upper-tier partnership, 
then both upper-tier partnership and any direct or indirect partners of 
upper-tier partnership shall, solely for purposes of section 704(b) and 
the regulations thereunder, treat such business interest expense as a 
section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditure. Any section 704(b) capital account 
reduction resulting from such treatment occurs regardless of whether 
such business interest expense is characterized under this section as 
excess business interest expense or deductible business interest 
expense by lower-tier partnership. If upper-tier partnership 
subsequently treats any excess business interest expense allocated from 
lower-tier partnership as business interest expense paid or accrued 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g), the section 704(b) capital accounts of 
any direct or indirect partners of upper-tier partnership are not 
further reduced.
2. Basis and Carryforward Component of EBIE
    Some commenters stated that an Entity Approach--that is, the 
approach these Proposed Regulations would adopt--would result in basis 
disparity between upper-tier partnership's basis in its assets and the 
aggregate basis of the upper-tier partners' interests in upper-tier 
partnership. The Treasury Department and the IRS do not agree. EBIE is 
neither an item of deduction nor a section 705(a)(2)(B) expense. If an 
allocation of EBIE from lower-tier partnership results in a reduction 
of the upper-tier partnership's basis in its lower-tier partnership 
interest, there is not a net reduction in the tax attributes of the 
upper-tier partnership. Rather, in such an event, upper-tier 
partnership merely exchanges one tax attribute (tax basis in its lower-
tier partnership interest) for a different tax attribute (EBIE, which, 
in a subsequent year, could result in either a deduction or a basis 
adjustment). Thus, basis is preserved in this exchange.
    Accordingly, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(4) would provide that if 
lower-tier partnership allocates excess business interest expense to 
upper-tier partnership and such excess business interest expense is not 
suspended under section 704(d), then upper-tier partnership shall treat 
such excess business interest expense (UTP EBIE) as a nondepreciable 
capital asset, with a fair market value of zero and basis equal to the 
amount by which upper-tier partnership reduced its basis in lower-tier 
partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2) due to the allocation of 
such excess business interest expense. The fair market value of UTP 
EBIE, described in the preceding sentence, is not adjusted by any 
revaluations occurring under Sec.  1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f).
    In addition to generally treating UTP EBIE as having a basis 
component in excess of fair market value and, thus, built-in loss 
property, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(4) would also provide that 
upper-tier partnership shall also treat UTP EBIE as having a 
carryforward component associated with it. The carryforward component 
of UTP EBIE shall equal the amount of excess business interest expense 
allocated from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) that is treated as such under Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(h)(2) by upper-tier partnership.
    The carryforward component of UTP EBIE and the basis component of 
such UTP EBIE will always be equal immediately following the allocation 
of such EBIE from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership if, 
at the time of such allocation, upper-tier partnership was required to 
reduce its section 704(b) capital account pursuant to proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(2) due to such allocation. However, subsequent to such 
initial allocation of EBIE from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier 
partnership, disparities between the carryforward component of UTP EBIE 
and the basis component of such UTP EBIE may arise as a result of 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7).
    Similar to the treatment of partner basis items (which do not 
affect the ATI of a partnership), proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(i) 
would provide that negative basis adjustments under sections 734(b) and 
743(b) allocated to UTP EBIE do not affect the carryforward component 
of such UTP EBIE; rather, negative basis adjustments under sections 
734(b) and 743(b) affect only the basis component of such UTP EBIE. 
Although section 734(b) adjustments do affect a partnership's 
computation of ATI, the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined 
that negative section 734(b) adjustments, if allocated to UTP EBIE, 
should not reduce the carryforward component of such UTP EBIE. The 
purpose of proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)--in addition to preventing 
the duplication of loss--is to make partners indifferent for section 
163(j) purposes as to whether a partner exiting upper-tier partnership 
sells its interest or receives a liquidating distribution from upper-
tier partnership. Excluding negative section 734(b) adjustments from 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7) would frustrate this purpose.
3. UTP EBIE Conversion Events
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(4) would further provide that if an 
allocation of excess business interest expense from lower-tier 
partnership is treated as UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership, upper-
tier partnership shall treat such allocation of excess business 
interest expense from lower-tier partnership as UTP EBIE until the 
occurrence of an UTP EBIE conversion event described in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5). In the non-tiered context, EBIE generally has two 
types of conversion events. The first EBIE conversion event is when 
EBIE is

[[Page 56858]]

treated as BIE paid or accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g). The 
second EBIE conversion event is the basis addback that occurs pursuant 
to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3) when a partner disposes of its 
interest in a partnership. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i) and (ii), 
respectively, would provide guidance regarding these two types of 
conversion events in the tiered partnership context.
a. First Type of Conversion Event--UTP EBIE Treated as Paid or Accrued
    Regarding the first type of conversion event, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i) would provide that to the extent upper-tier 
partnership is allocated excess taxable income (or excess business 
interest income) from lower-tier partnership, or Sec.  1.163(j)-6 
(m)(3) applies, upper-tier partnership shall apply proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A) through (C).
    First, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A) requires upper-tier 
partnership to apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g) to its UTP EBIE, 
using any reasonable method (including, for example, FIFO and LIFO) to 
determine which UTP EBIE is treated as business interest expense paid 
or accrued pursuant Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g). If Sec.  1.163(j)-6(m)(3) 
applies, upper-tier partnership shall treat all of its UTP EBIE from 
lower-tier partnership as paid or accrued.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A) would provide that upper-tier 
partnership must determine which of its UTP EBIE is treated as paid or 
accrued, as opposed to just providing that upper-tier partnership 
reduces its UTP EBIE, because UTP EBIE is not necessarily a unified tax 
attribute of upper-tier partnership. UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership 
could have been allocated in different years, have different bases, and 
have different specified partners (defined in the next paragraph). For 
example, assume $30 of UTP EBIE was allocated a negative $10 section 
734(b) adjustment, resulting in the aggregate of upper-tier 
partnership's UTP EBIE having a carryforward component of $30 and basis 
component of $20. Thus, such UTP EBIE could, at most, result in $20 of 
deduction (the basis of such UTP EBIE). However, upper-tier partnership 
does not necessarily need $100 of ETI (or $30 of EBII) to deduct such 
$20. Rather, if upper-tier partnership was allocated $20 of EBII, 
upper-tier partnership could deduct $20 of business interest expense 
if, using a reasonable method, it determined the $20 of UTP EBIE with 
full basis was the UTP EBIE treated as business interest expense paid 
or accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A). Following such 
treatment, upper-tier partnership would still have $10 of UTP EBIE with 
$0 basis remaining (that is, $10 of carryforward component and $0 of 
basis component).
    Second, with respect to any UTP EBIE treated as business interest 
expense paid or accrued in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A), 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(B) would require upper-tier 
partnership to allocate any business interest expense that was formerly 
such UTP EBIE to its specified partner. For purposes of proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j), the term specified partner refers to the partner of 
upper-tier partnership that, due to the initial allocation of excess 
business interest expense from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier 
partnership, was required to reduce its section 704(b) capital account 
pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2). Similar principles apply 
if the specified partner of such business interest expense is itself a 
partnership.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6) would provide rules if a specified 
partner disposes of its interest. Specifically, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(i) would provide that if a specified partner 
(transferor) disposes of an upper-tier partnership interest (or an 
interest in a partnership that itself is a specified partner), the 
portion of any UTP EBIE to which the transferor's status as specified 
partner relates is not reduced pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii). Stated otherwise, if a partner of an upper-tier 
partnership disposes of its interest in the upper-tier partnership, an 
interest in the lower-tier partnership held by upper-tier partnership 
is not deemed to have been similarly disposed of for purposes of 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii). See Rev. Rul. 87-115. Rather, such 
UTP EBIE attributable to the interest disposed of is retained by upper-
tier partnership and the transferee is treated as the specified partner 
for purposes of proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j) with respect to such UTP 
EBIE. Thus, upper-tier partnership must allocate any business interest 
expense that was formerly such UTP EBIE to the transferee.
    Additionally, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii) would provide 
special rules regarding the specified partner of UTP EBIE following 
certain nonrecognition transactions. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(6)(ii)(A) would provide that if a specified partner receives a 
distribution of property in complete liquidation of an upper-tier 
partnership interest, the portion of UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership 
attributable to the liquidated interest shall not have a specified 
partner. If a specified partner (transferee) receives a distribution of 
an interest in upper-tier partnership in complete liquidation of a 
partnership interest, the transferee is the specified partner with 
respect to UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership only to the same extent 
it was prior to the distribution. Similar principles apply where an 
interest in a partnership that is a specified partner is distributed in 
complete liquidation of a transferee's partnership interest.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(B) would further provide that 
if a specified partner (transferor) contributes an upper-tier 
partnership interest to a partnership (transferee), the transferee is 
treated as the specified partner for purposes of proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j) with respect to the portion of the UTP EBIE attributable 
to the contributed interest. Following the transaction, the transferor 
continues to be the specified partner with respect to the UTP EBIE 
attributable to the contributed interest. Similar principles apply 
where an interest in a partnership that is a specified partner is 
contributed to a partnership.
    Finally, after determining the specified partner of the UTP EBIE 
treated as business interest expense paid or accrued in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A) and allocating such business interest expense to 
its specified partner pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(i)(B), proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(C) would require 
upper-tier partnership to, in the manner provided in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(ii) (or (iii), as the case may be), take into account 
any negative basis adjustments under section 734(b) previously made to 
the UTP EBIE treated as business interest expense paid or accrued in 
(A) earlier. Additionally, persons treated as specified partners with 
respect to the UTP EBIE treated as business interest expense paid or 
accrued in (A) earlier shall take any negative basis adjustments under 
section 743(b) into account in the manner provided in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(ii) (or (iii), as the case may be).
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(ii) would provide that if UTP EBIE 
that was allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment is subsequently 
treated as deductible business interest expense, then such deductible 
business interest expense does not result in a deduction to the upper-
tier partnership or the specified partner of such deductible business 
interest expense. If UTP EBIE that was allocated a negative section 
743(b) adjustment is subsequently treated as deductible business 
interest expense, the specified partner of such deductible business 
interest expense recovers any negative section 743(b) adjustment 
attributable to such deductible business interest expense

[[Page 56859]]

(effectively eliminating any deduction for such deductible business 
interest expense).
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(iii) would provide that if UTP EBIE 
that was allocated a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment is 
subsequently treated as excess business interest expense, the specified 
partner's basis decrease in its upper-tier partnership interest 
required under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2) is reduced by the amount 
of the negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment previously made to 
such excess business interest expense. If such excess business interest 
expense is subsequently treated as business interest expense paid or 
accrued by the specified partner, no deduction shall be allowed for any 
of such business interest expense. If the specified partner of such 
excess business interest expense is a partnership, such excess business 
interest expense is considered UTP EBIE that was previously allocated a 
negative section 734(b) adjustment for purposes of proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j).
b. Second Type of Conversion Event--UTP EBIE Reduction
    Regarding the second type of conversion event, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii) would provide that if upper-tier partnership 
disposes of a lower-tier partnership interest (transferred interest), 
upper-tier partnership shall apply proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii)(A) through (C).
    First, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A) would require upper-
tier partnership to apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3) (except 
as provided in (B) and (C) later), using any reasonable method 
(including, for example, FIFO and LIFO) to determine which UTP EBIE is 
reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3). Stated otherwise, proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A) would require upper-tier partnership to 
apply all of the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3), except for the rule 
that determines the amount of the basis increase immediately before the 
disposition to the disposed of interest (the first sentence of Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(3)). In lieu of applying the first sentence of Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(3), upper-tier partnership would apply proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(B) and (C) to determine the amount of such basis 
increase.
    Second, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(B) would require upper-
tier partnership to increase the adjusted basis of the transferred 
interest immediately before the disposition by the total amount of the 
UTP EBIE that was reduced in (A) earlier (the amount of UTP EBIE 
proportionate to the transferred interest). For example, if upper-tier 
partnership disposed of half of its lower-tier partnership interest 
while it held $40 of UTP EBIE allocated from lower tier partnership, 
upper-tier partnership would increase the adjusted basis of the 
disposed of lower-tier partnership interest by $20. However, 
immediately before the disposition, such $20 increase may be reduced 
pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(C).
    Third, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(C) would require upper-
tier partnership to, in the manner provided in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(7)(iv), take into account any negative basis adjustments under 
sections 734(b) and 743(b) previously made to the UTP EBIE that was 
reduced in (A) earlier. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(iv) would 
provide that if UTP EBIE that was allocated a negative section 734(b) 
or 743(b) adjustment is reduced pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii)(A), the amount of upper-tier partnership's basis increase 
under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(B) to the disposed of lower-
tier partnership interest is reduced by the amount of the negative 
section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment previously made to such UTP EBIE.
    Continuing with the previous example, assume that $5 of the $20 of 
UTP EBIE reduced pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A) was 
previously allocated a $5 negative section 743(b) adjustment. Pursuant 
to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(C), upper-tier partnership would 
reduce the $20 increase it determined under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii)(B) by $5. Thus, the adjusted basis of the lower-tier 
partnership interest being disposed of would be increased by $15 
immediately before the disposition. Consequently, lower-tier 
partnership would have a corresponding Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment to its property of $15.
4. Anti-Loss Trafficking Rules
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j) generally relies on negative sections 
734(b) and 743(b) adjustments to prevent a partner from deducting 
business interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE if such partner 
did not bear the economic cost of such business interest expense 
payment. To the extent a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment 
fails to prohibit such a deduction (or basis increase under proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)), the anti-loss trafficking rules in 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8) would prohibit such a deduction (or 
basis addback under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)).
    The anti-loss trafficking rule under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(8)(i) would prohibit the trafficking of business interest expense 
by providing that no deduction shall be allowed to any transferee 
specified partner for any business interest expense derived from a 
transferor's share of UTP EBIE. For purposes of proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j), the term transferee specified partner refers to any 
specified partner that did not reduce its section 704(b) capital 
account upon the initial allocation of excess business interest expense 
from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership pursuant to 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2). However, the transferee described in 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(ii)(B) is not a transferee specified 
partner for purposes of proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j).
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) would also provide the mechanism 
for disallowing such BIE. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) would 
provide that if, pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(B), a 
transferee specified partner is allocated business interest expense 
derived from a transferor's share of UTP EBIE (business interest 
expense to which the partner's status as transferee specified partner 
relates), the transferee specified partner is deemed to recover a 
negative section 743(b) adjustment with respect to, and in the amount 
of, such business interest expense and takes such negative section 
743(b) adjustment into account in the manner provided in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(ii) (or (iii), as the case may be), regardless of 
whether a section 754 election was in effect or a substantial built-in 
loss existed at the time of the transfer by which the transferee 
specified partner acquired the transferred interest. However, to the 
extent a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment was previously 
made to such business interest expense, the transferee specified 
partner does not recover an additional negative section 743(b) 
adjustment pursuant to this paragraph.
    Additionally, the anti-loss trafficking rule under proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) would prohibit the trafficking of BIE that was 
formerly the UTP EBIE of a specified partner that received a 
distribution in complete liquidation of its upper-tier partnership 
interest. Specifically, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) would 
provide that if UTP EBIE does not have a specified partner (as the 
result of a transaction described in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(6)(ii)(A)), upper-tier partnership shall not allocate any business 
interest expense that was formerly such UTP EBIE to its partners. 
Rather, for purposes of applying Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), upper-tier 
partnership shall treat such business interest expense as the allocable 
business interest expense (as defined in

[[Page 56860]]

Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii)) of a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) account.
    Any deductible business interest expense and excess business 
interest expense allocated to a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) account at 
the conclusion of the eleven-step computation set forth in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2) is not tracked in future years. Treating such business 
interest expense as the allocable business interest expense of a 
separate account for purposes of applying Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) 
ensures that partners of upper-tier partnership do not support a 
deduction for such business interest expense (for which no deduction 
will be allowed) using their shares of allocable ATI and allocable 
business interest income before supporting a deduction for their own 
shares of allocable business interest expense (for which a deduction 
may be allowed).
    Additionally, if UTP EBIE that does not have a specified partner 
(as the result of a transaction described in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(6)(ii)(A)) is treated as paid or accrued pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(g), upper-tier partnership shall make a Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(h)(5) basis adjustment to its property in the amount of the adjusted 
basis (if any) of such UTP EBIE at the time such UTP EBIE is treated as 
business interest expense paid or accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g). The purpose of this Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment is to 
preserve basis in the system.
    Thus, any time upper-tier partnership treats UTP EBIE as business 
interest expense paid or accrued pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(i)(A) it must apply proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) and 
(ii). In application, upper-tier partnership would generally undertake 
the following analysis when applying proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) 
and (ii). With respect to any UTP EBIE treated as business interest 
expense paid or accrued pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(i)(A) (UTP BIE), upper-tier partnership must first determine 
whether such UTP BIE has a specified partner. If it does not have a 
specified partner, upper-tier partnership must apply proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii), which, in general, requires upper-tier 
partnership to capitalize the basis (if any) of such UTP BIE into the 
basis of upper-tier partnership property via a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) 
basis adjustment.
    If UTP BIE does have a specified partner, upper-tier partnership 
must next determine whether the specified partner of such UTP BIE 
reduced its section 704(b) capital account upon the initial allocation 
of such excess business interest expense from lower-tier partnership to 
upper-tier partnership pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2). If 
the specified partner did reduce its section 704(b) capital account 
upon such initial allocation, then any deduction for such UTP BIE is 
not disallowed under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i). However, if 
the specified partner did not reduce its section 704(b) capital account 
upon such initial allocation, upper-tier partnership must next 
determine whether such specified partner is a transferee described in 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(B). If it is, then any deduction 
for such UTP BIE is not disallowed under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(8)(i). However, if the specified partner is not a transferee 
described in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(B), then it is a 
transferee specified partner, as defined in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(8)(i). As a result, any deduction for such UTP BIE is disallowed 
under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i). If there are multiple tiers 
of partnerships, each tier must apply these rules.
    Finally, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(iii) would provide a 
similar mechanism to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) for disallowing 
basis addbacks under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3) for certain UTP EBIE. 
Specifically, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(iii) would provide that 
no basis increase under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii) shall be 
allowed to upper-tier partnership for any disallowed UTP EBIE. For 
purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6, the term disallowed UTP EBIE refers to 
any UTP EBIE that has a specified partner that is a transferee 
specified partner (as defined in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i)) 
and any UTP EBIE that does not have a specified partner (as the result 
of a transaction described in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(A)). 
For purposes of applying proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii), upper-
tier partnership shall treat any disallowed UTP EBIE in the same manner 
as UTP EBIE that has previously been allocated a negative section 
734(b) adjustment. However, upper-tier partnership does not treat 
disallowed UTP EBIE as though it were allocated a negative section 
734(b) adjustment pursuant to this paragraph to the extent a negative 
section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment was previously made to such 
disallowed UTP EBIE.
5. Foundational Determinations
    In general, the rules under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j) are 
derived from the following three foundational determinations made by 
the Treasury Department and the IRS. First, basis is preserved when 
upper-tier partnership exchanges basis in its lower-tier partnership 
for EBIE allocated from lower-tier partnership (UTP EBIE). Thus, upper-
tier partnership generally must treat UTP EBIE in the same manner as 
built-in loss property. Second, UTP EBIE has two components--a basis 
component and a carryforward component. In general, negative basis 
adjustments under section 734(b) and 743(b) reduce the basis component 
of UTP EBIE (and thus, any possible deduction for UTP EBIE), but do not 
reduce the carryforward component of UTP EBIE; only the two conversion 
events in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5) are capable of reducing the 
carryforward component of UTP EBIE. Third, upper-tier partnership must 
allocate any business interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE to 
its specified partner--that is, the partner that reduced its section 
704(b) capital account at the time of the initial allocation of the UTP 
EBIE from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership. If there is 
a transfer of a partnership interest, the transferor generally steps 
into the shoes of the transferee's status as specified partner, but may 
not deduct any business interest expense derived from the transferor's 
share of UTP EBIE.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on this 
approach. Specifically, the Treasury Department and the IRS request 
comments on whether further guidance on the treatment of UTP EBIE under 
the rules of subchapter K of the Code is necessary.

F. Partner Basis Adjustments Upon a Distribution

    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, if a partner disposed of all 
or substantially all of its partnership interest, the adjusted basis of 
the partnership interest was increased immediately before the 
disposition by the entire amount of the EBIE not previously treated as 
paid or accrued by the partner. If a partner disposed of less than 
substantially all of its interest in a partnership, the partner could 
not increase its basis by any portion of the EBIE not previously 
treated as paid or accrued by the partner. The Treasury Department and 
the IRS requested comments on this approach in the preamble to the 2018 
Proposed Regulations.
    As discussed in the preamble to Final Regulations, commenters cited 
multiple concerns with the approach adopted in the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations and recommended that the Final Regulations adopt a 
proportionate approach. Under such an approach, a partial disposition 
of a partnership interest would trigger a proportionate EBIE basis 
addback and corresponding decrease in such partner's EBIE carryover. 
The Treasury

[[Page 56861]]

Department and the IRS agreed with commenters. Accordingly, Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(3) provides for a proportionate approach.
    In general, a distribution from a partnership is either a current 
distribution or a liquidating distribution; the concept of a redemptive 
distribution does not exist in the partnership context. Accordingly, 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(4) would provide that, for purposes of 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3), a disposition includes a distribution of money 
or other property by the partnership to a partner in complete 
liquidation of the partner's interest in the partnership. Proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(4) would further provide that, for purposes of 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3), a current distribution of money or other 
property by the partnership to a continuing partner is not a 
disposition for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3). The Treasury 
Department and the IRS request comments on whether a current 
distribution of money or other property by the partnership to a 
continuing partner as consideration for an interest in the partnership 
should also trigger an addback and, if so, how to determine the 
appropriate amount of the addback.

G. Allocable ATI and Allocable Business Interest Income of Upper-Tier 
Partnership Partners

    Section 1.163(j)-6(f)(2) provides an eleven-step computation 
necessary for properly allocating a partnership's deductible BIE and 
section 163(j) excess items among its partners. Pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii), a partnership must determine each of its 
partner's allocable share of each section 163(j) item under section 
704(b) and the regulations under section 704 of the Code, including any 
allocations under section 704(c), other than remedial items. Further, 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) provides that the term allocable ATI means a 
partner's distributive share of the partnership's ATI (that is, a 
partner's distributive share of gross income and gain items comprising 
ATI less such partner's distributive share of gross loss and deduction 
items comprising ATI), and the term allocable business interest income 
means a partner's distributive share of the partnership's business 
interest income.
    In general, if a partnership is not a partner in a partnership, 
each dollar of taxable income that is properly allocable to a trade or 
business will have a corresponding dollar of ATI associated with it. 
Accordingly, in the non-tiered partnership context, if a partner's 
share of gross income and gain items comprising ATI less such partner's 
share of gross loss and deduction items comprising ATI equals $1, such 
partner will have $1 of allocable ATI for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(f)(2)(ii).
    However, if a partnership is a partner in a partnership, each 
dollar of taxable income that is properly allocable to a trade or 
business may not have a full dollar of ATI associated with it. Section 
163(j)(4)(A)(ii)(I) provides that the ATI of a partner in a partnership 
is determined without regard to such partner's distributive share of 
any items of income, gain, deduction, or loss of such partnership. 
Further, section 163(j)(4)(A)(ii)(II) provides that a partner only 
increases its ATI by its distributive share of a partnership's ETI.
    To illustrate, consider the following example. LTP has $100 of 
income and $100 of loss properly allocable to a trade or business. 
Thus, LTP has $0 of ATI. LTP specially allocates the $100 of income to 
partner UTP. Under section 163(j)(4)(A)(ii)(I), UTP does not treat such 
$100 of income as ATI. Additionally, UTP has $300 of income properly 
allocable to a trade or business, which UTP properly treats as ATI. 
Here, UTP's taxable income that is properly allocable to a trade or 
business ($400) does not equal the amount of its ATI ($300).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that a special rule 
is necessary to coordinate situations like the one illustrated earlier 
with the general requirement under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) for 
partnerships to determine a partner's allocable ATI based on such 
partner's allocation of items comprising the ATI of the partnership. 
Accordingly, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9) would provide that, when 
applying Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii), an upper-tier partnership 
determines the allocable ATI and allocable business interest income of 
each of its partners in the manner provided in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(9). Specifically, if an upper-tier partnership's net amount of tax 
items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI is greater than or 
equal to its ATI, upper-tier partnership applies the rules in paragraph 
(j)(9)(ii)(A) to determine each partner's allocable ATI. However, if an 
upper-tier partnership's net amount of tax items that comprise (or have 
ever comprised) ATI is less than its ATI, upper-tier partnership 
applies the rules in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(ii)(B) to 
determine each partner's allocable ATI. To determine each partner's 
allocable business interest income, an upper-tier partnership applies 
the rules in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(iii).

H. Qualified Expenditures

    The 2018 Proposed Regulations provided that partnership ATI is 
reduced by deductions claimed under sections 173 (relating to 
circulation expenditures), 174(a) (relating to research and 
experimental expenditures), 263(c) (relating to intangible drilling and 
development expenditures), 616(a) (relating to mine development 
expenditures), and 617(a) (relating to mining exploration expenditures) 
(collectively ``qualified expenditures''). As a result, deductions for 
qualified expenditures reduced the amount of business interest expense 
a partnership could potentially deduct.
    A partner may elect to capitalize its distributive share of any 
qualified expenditures of a partnership under section 59(e)(4)(C) or 
may be required to capitalize a portion of its distributive share of 
certain qualified expenditures of a partnership under section 291(b). 
As a result, the taxable income reported by a partner in a taxable year 
attributable to the ownership of a partnership interest may exceed the 
amount of taxable income reported to the partner on a Schedule K-1.
    Commenters on the 2018 Proposed Regulations recommended that a 
distributive share of partnership deductions capitalized by a partner 
under section 59(e) or section 291(b) increase the ATI of the partner 
because qualified expenditures reduce both partnership ATI and excess 
taxable income, but may not reduce the taxable income of a partner. Two 
different approaches for achieving this result were suggested: (1) 
Adjust the excess taxable income of the partnership, resulting in an 
increase to partner ATI, and (2) increase the ATI of the partner 
directly, without making any adjustments to partnership excess taxable 
income.
    The Treasury Department and IRS agree that a distributive share of 
partnership deductions capitalized by a partner under section 59(e) 
should increase the ATI of the partner and adopt the recommended 
approach of increasing the ATI of the partner directly, without making 
any adjustments to partnership excess taxable income. The approach of 
increasing partner ATI by adjusting partnership excess taxable income 
is rejected, as it would result in partnerships with more excess 
taxable income than ATI--a result not possible under the current 
statutory conceptual framework. The Treasury Department and IRS have 
the authority to adjust ATI, but do not have a similar grant of 
authority to make adjustments to partnership excess taxable income, 
which is explicitly defined by statute.
    Accordingly, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(6) would provide that the 
ATI of a

[[Page 56862]]

partner is increased by the portion of such partner's allocable share 
of qualified expenditures (as defined in section 59(e)(2)) to which an 
election under section 59(e) applies. Any deduction allowed under 
section 59(e)(1) would be taken into account in determining a partner's 
ATI pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b). Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(l)(4)(iv) would provide a similar rule in the S corporation context.
    The Treasury Department and IRS are aware that a similar issue 
exists in the context of depletion and request comments as to whether a 
similar partner level add-back is appropriate. The Treasury Department 
and IRS are also aware that a partner may be required to capitalize 
certain qualified expenditures of a partnership under section 291(b) 
and request comments as to whether a similar partner level add-back is 
appropriate.

I. CARES Act Partnership Rules

    As stated in the Background section of this preamble, section 
163(j)(10), as enacted by the CARES Act, provides special rules for 
partners and partnerships for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020. 
Under sections 163(j)(10)(A)(i) and 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(I), for 
partnerships, the amount of business interest that may be deductible 
under section 163(j)(1) for taxable years beginning in 2020 is computed 
using the 50 percent ATI limitation. The 50 percent ATI limitation does 
not apply to partnerships for taxable years beginning in 2019. See 
section 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(I). Under section 163(j)(10)(A)(iii), a 
partnership may elect to not apply the 50 percent ATI limitation and, 
instead, to apply the 30 percent ATI limitation. This election is made 
by the partnership.
    Under section 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(II), a partner treats 50 percent of 
its allocable share of a partnership's excess business interest expense 
for 2019 as a business interest expense in the partner's first taxable 
year beginning in 2020 that is not subject to the section 163(j) 
limitation (50 percent EBIE rule). The remaining 50 percent of the 
partner's allocable share of the partnership's 2019 excess business 
interest expense remains subject to the section 163(j) limitation 
applicable to excess business interest expense carried forward at the 
partner level. A partner may elect out of the 50 percent EBIE rule. 
Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4) provides further guidance on the 50 
percent EBIE rule.
    Additionally, section 163(j)(10)(B)(i) allows a taxpayer to elect 
to substitute its 2019 ATI for the taxpayer's 2020 ATI in determining 
the taxpayer's section 163(j) limitation for any taxable year beginning 
in 2020. Section 1.163(j)-2(b)(3) and (4) of the Final Regulations 
provide general rules regarding this election. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(d)(5) provides further guidance on this election in the partnership 
context. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on these 
proposed rules and on whether further guidance is necessary.

V. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7: Application of the Section 163(j) 
Limitation to Foreign Corporations and United States Shareholders

    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 in these Proposed Regulations (Proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-7) provides general rules regarding the application of 
the section 163(j) limitation to foreign corporations and U.S. 
shareholders of CFCs. This section V describes proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
7 contained in the 2018 Proposed Regulations, the comments received on 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 contained in the 2018 Proposed Regulations, 
and Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7.

A. Overview of Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 Contained in the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations

1. General Application of Section 163(j) Limitation to Applicable CFCs
    The 2018 Proposed Regulations clarify that, consistent with Sec.  
1.952-2, section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations apply to 
determine the deductibility of an applicable CFC's BIE in the same 
manner as these provisions apply to determine the deductibility of a 
domestic C corporation's BIE. The 2018 Proposed Regulations define an 
applicable CFC as a CFC in which at least one U.S. shareholder owns 
stock within the meaning of section 958(a). However, in certain cases, 
the 2018 Proposed Regulations allow certain applicable CFCs to make a 
CFC group election and be treated as part of a CFC group for purposes 
of computing the applicable CFC's section 163(j) limitation.
2. Limitation on Amount of Business Interest Expense of a CFC Group 
Member Subject to the Section 163(j) Limitation
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, if a CFC group election is in 
effect, the amount of BIE of a CFC group member that is subject to the 
section 163(j) limitation is limited to the amount of the CFC group 
member's allocable share of the CFC group's applicable net BIE (which 
is equal to the sum of the BIE of all CFC group members, reduced by the 
BII of all CFC group members). Thus, for example, if a CFC group has no 
debt other than loans between CFC group members, no portion of the BIE 
of a CFC group member would be subject to the section 163(j) 
limitation. A CFC group member's allocable share is computed by 
multiplying the applicable net BIE of the CFC group by a fraction, the 
numerator of which is the CFC group member's net BIE (computed on a 
separate company basis), and the denominator of which is the sum of the 
amounts of the net BIE of each CFC group member with net BIE (computed 
on a separate company basis).
    After applying the CFC group rules to determine each CFC group 
member's allocable share of the CFC group's applicable net BIE, each 
CFC group member that has BIE is required to perform a stand-alone 
section 163(j) calculation to determine whether any BIE is disallowed 
under the section 163(j) limitation.
3. Membership in a CFC Group
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, in general, a CFC group means 
two or more applicable CFCs if at least 80 percent of the value of the 
stock of each applicable CFC is owned, within the meaning of section 
958(a), by a single U.S. shareholder or, in the aggregate, by related 
U.S. shareholders that own stock of each member in the same proportion. 
The 2018 Proposed Regulations also generally treat a controlled 
partnership (in general, a partnership in which CFC group members own, 
in the aggregate, at least 80 percent of the interests) as a CFC group 
member. For purposes of identifying a CFC group, members of a 
consolidated group are treated as a single person, as are individuals 
filing a joint return, and stock owned by certain passthrough entities 
is treated as owned proportionately by the owners or beneficiaries of 
the passthrough entity.
    The 2018 Proposed Regulations exclude from the definition of a CFC 
group member an applicable CFC that has any income that is effectively 
connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. 
In addition, if one or more CFC group members conduct a financial 
services business, those entities are treated as comprising a separate 
subgroup.
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, a CFC group election is made 
by applying the rules applicable to CFC groups for purposes of 
computing each CFC group member's deduction for BIE. Once made, the CFC 
group election is irrevocable.

[[Page 56863]]

4. Roll-Up of CFC Excess Taxable Income to Other CFC Group Members and 
U.S. Shareholders
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, if a CFC group election is in 
effect with respect to a CFC group, then an upper-tier CFC group member 
takes into account a proportionate share of any ``CFC excess taxable 
income'' of a lower-tier CFC group member in which it directly owns 
stock for purposes of computing the upper-tier member's ATI. The 
meaning of the term ``CFC excess taxable income'' is analogous to the 
meaning of the term ``excess taxable income'' in the context of a 
partnership and S corporation, and, in general, means the amount of a 
CFC group member's ATI in excess of the amount needed to prevent any 
BIE of the CFC group member from being disallowed under section 163(j).
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, a U.S. shareholder is not 
permitted to include in its ATI amounts included in gross income under 
section 951(a) (subpart F inclusions), section 951A(a) (GILTI 
inclusions), or section 78 (section 78 inclusions) that are properly 
allocable to a non-excepted trade or business (collectively, deemed 
income inclusions). However, the 2018 Proposed Regulations provide that 
a portion of CFC excess taxable income of the highest-tier applicable 
CFC is permitted to be used to increase the ATI of its U.S. 
shareholders. That portion is equal to the U.S. shareholder's interest 
in the highest-tier applicable CFC multiplied by its specified ETI 
ratio. The numerator of the specified ETI ratio is the sum of the U.S. 
shareholder's income inclusions under sections 951(a) and 951A(a) with 
respect to the specified highest-tier member and specified lower-tier 
members, and the denominator is the sum of the taxable income of the 
specified highest-tier member and specified lower-tier members.

B. Summary of Comments on Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 Contained in the 
2018 Proposed Regulations

    The Treasury Department and the IRS requested comments in the 
preamble to the 2018 Proposed Regulations regarding whether it would be 
appropriate to further modify the application of section 163(j) to 
applicable CFCs and whether there are particular circumstances in which 
it may be appropriate to exempt an applicable CFC from the application 
of section 163(j). Some commenters recommended that section 163(j) not 
apply to applicable CFCs. Those comments are addressed in part VIII of 
the Summary of Comments and Explanation of Revisions section in the 
Final Regulations.
    A number of commenters broadly requested changes to the roll-up of 
CFC excess taxable income. Many of these commenters expressed concern 
about the administrability of rolling up CFC excess taxable income. 
Some commenters suggested that the CFC group election be available to a 
stand-alone applicable CFC in order to allow its CFC excess taxable 
income to be used to increase the ATI of a U.S. shareholder, or that an 
applicable CFC be permitted to use any CFC excess taxable income to 
increase the ATI of a shareholder without regard to whether it is a CFC 
group member. Furthermore, some commenters asserted that the nature of 
the roll-up compels multinationals to restructure their operations in 
order to move CFCs with relatively high amounts of ATI and low amounts 
of interest expense to the bottom of the ownership chain and CFCs with 
relatively low amounts of ATI and high amounts of interest expense to 
the top of the ownership chain, in order to maximize the benefits of 
the roll-up of CFC excess taxable income.
    Some commenters asserted that because multinational organizations 
may own hundreds of CFCs, applying the section 163(j) limitation on a 
CFC-by-CFC basis, without regard to whether a CFC group election has 
been made under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, represents a significant 
administrative burden. Many comments suggested that CFC groups should 
be permitted to apply section 163(j) on a group basis, with a single 
group-level section 163(j) calculation similar to the rules applicable 
to a consolidated group. A few commenters suggested that this rule 
should be applied in addition to the roll-up of CFC excess taxable 
income, but most commenters recommended that the group rule be applied 
instead of the roll-up.
    A number of commenters asserted that the requirements to be a 
member of a CFC group under the 2018 Proposed Regulations are overly 
restrictive. Some of these commenters recommended that the 80-percent 
ownership threshold be replaced with the ownership requirements of 
affiliated groups under section 1504(a), the rules of which are well-
known and understood. Others recommended that the 80-percent ownership 
requirement be reduced to 50 percent, consistent with the standard for 
treatment of a foreign corporation as a CFC. Still others asserted that 
U.S. shareholders owning stock in applicable CFCs should not each be 
required to own the same proportion of stock in each applicable CFC in 
order for their ownership interests to count towards the 80-percent 
ownership requirement, or that the attribution rules of section 958(b), 
rather than section 958(a), should apply for purposes of determining 
whether the ownership requirements are met. Finally, some of these 
commenters requested that a CFC group election be permitted when one 
applicable CFC meets the ownership requirements for other applicable 
CFCs, even if no U.S. shareholder meets the ownership requirements for 
a highest-tier applicable CFC.
    Some commenters requested the CFC financial services subgroups not 
be segregated from the CFC group and their BIE and BII be included in 
the general CFC group.
    Some commenters requested that an applicable CFC with effectively 
connected income be permitted to be a member of a CFC group and that 
only its effectively connected income items should be excluded. 
Alternatively, commenters requested a de minimis rule that would permit 
an applicable CFC to be a member of a CFC group if the applicable CFC's 
effectively connected income is below a certain threshold of total 
income, such as 10 percent.
    Some commenters requested that the CFC group election be revocable. 
The commenters proposed either making the CFC group election an annual 
election or providing that the election applies for a certain period, 
for example, three or five years, before it can be revoked.
    Finally, commenters requested a safe harbor or exclusion providing 
that if a CFC group would not be limited under section 163(j) either 
because the CFC group has no net BIE or because its BIE does not exceed 
30 percent of the CFC group's ATI, a U.S. shareholder would not have to 
apply section 163(j) for the applicable CFC or be subject to applicable 
CFC section 163(j) reporting requirements.

C. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7

1. Overview
    As noted in the preamble to the Final Regulations, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS have determined, based on a plain reading of 
section 163(j) and Sec.  1.952-2, that section 163(j) applies to 
foreign corporations where relevant under current law and has applied 
to such corporations since the effective date of the new provision.\1\ 
Congress

[[Page 56864]]

expressly provided that section 163(j) should not apply to certain 
small businesses or to certain excepted trades or businesses. Nothing 
in the Code or legislative history indicates that Congress intended to 
except other persons with trades or businesses, as defined in section 
163(j)(7), from the application of section 163(j). Accordingly, the 
Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that, consistent with a 
plain reading of section 163(j) and Sec.  1.952-2, it is appropriate 
for section 163(j) to apply to applicable CFCs and other foreign 
corporations whose taxable income is relevant for Federal tax purposes 
(other than by reason of having ECI or income described in section 881 
(FDAP)) (relevant foreign corporations).\2\ In the case of CFCs with 
ECI, see proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8. For further discussion of the 
Treasury Department and the IRS's determination that there is not a 
statutory basis for exempting applicable CFCs from the application of 
section 163(j), see part VIII of the Summary of Comments and 
Explanation of Revisions section of the Final Regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Section 1.952-2(b) generally provides that the taxable 
income for a foreign corporation is determined by treating the 
foreign corporation as a domestic corporation but with certain 
enumerated exceptions. Section 1.952-2(c) provides for a number of 
exceptions, but none of the exceptions affects the application of 
section 163(j).
    \2\ For purposes of Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7, the term 
effectively connected income (or ECI) means income or gain that is 
ECI, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii), and deduction or loss 
that is allocable to, ECI, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A number of comments were received asserting that there are other 
mechanisms that eliminate the policy need for section 163(j) to apply 
to limit leverage in CFCs. For example, some commenters have cited tax 
rules in foreign jurisdictions limiting interest deductions, including 
thin capitalization rules (or similar rules intended to implement the 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 
recommendations under Action 4 of the Base Erosion and Profits Shifting 
Project). The Treasury Department and the IRS disagree with these 
assertions. The Treasury Department and the IRS note that these rules 
are not universally applied in other jurisdictions, that many 
jurisdictions do not have any meaningful interest expense limitation 
rules, and that some jurisdictions have no interest expense limitation 
rules of any kind.
    Even if some CFCs owned by a U.S. shareholder are in foreign 
jurisdictions with meaningful thin capitalization rules, in the absence 
of section 163(j), it would still be possible to use leverage to reduce 
or eliminate a U.S. shareholder's global intangible low-taxed income 
(GILTI) under section 951A for these CFCs. This is because for purposes 
of computing a U.S. shareholder's GILTI under section 951A, tested 
income of CFCs may be offset by tested losses of CFCs owned by the U.S. 
shareholder. See section 951A(c). The ability to deduct interest 
without limitation under section 163(j) would result in tested losses 
in CFCs with significant leverage. Because of this aggregation, one 
overleveraged CFC in a single jurisdiction that does not have rules 
limiting interest expense can, without the application of section 
163(j), reduce or eliminate tested income from all CFCs owned by a U.S. 
shareholder regardless of jurisdiction.
    Other comments suggested that, to the extent that debt of a CFC is 
held by a related party, transfer pricing principles would discipline 
the amount of interest expense. Comments also note that to the extent 
that debt of a CFC is held by a third party, market forces would 
discipline the leverage present in the CFC. While both of these 
concepts may discipline the amount of leverage present in a CFC, they 
would also discipline the amount of leverage in any entity. If Congress 
believed that market forces and transfer pricing principles were 
sufficient disciplines to prevent overleverage, section 163(j) would 
not have been amended as part of TCJA to clearly apply to interest 
expense paid or accrued to both third parties and related parties. In 
addition, if transfer pricing were sufficient to police interest 
expense in the related party context, old section 163(j) (as enacted in 
1989 and subsequently revised prior to TCJA) would not have been 
necessary.
    However, the Treasury Department and the IRS also have determined 
that it is appropriate, while still carrying out the provisions of the 
statute and the policies of section 163(j), to reduce the 
administrative and compliance burdens of applying section 163(j) to 
applicable CFCs. Accordingly, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 allows for an 
election to be made to apply section 163(j) on a group basis with 
respect to applicable CFCs that are ``specified group members'' of a 
``specified group.'' If the election is made, the specified group 
members are referred to as ``CFC group members'' and all of the CFC 
group members collectively are referred to as a ``CFC group.'' The 
rules for determining a specified group and specified group members are 
discussed in part V.C.3. of this Explanation of Provisions section. The 
rules and procedures for treating specified group members as CFC group 
members and for determining a CFC group are discussed in part V.C.4. of 
this Explanation of Provisions section.
    In addition, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 provides a safe harbor 
election that exempts certain applicable CFCs from application of 
section 163(j). The safe-harbor election is available for stand-alone 
applicable CFCs (which is an applicable CFC that is not a specified 
group member of a specified group) and CFC group members. The election 
is not available for an applicable CFC that is a specified group member 
but not a CFC group member because a CFC group election is not in 
effect. See part V.C.7. of this Explanation of Provisions section.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 also provides an anti-abuse rule that 
increases ATI in certain circumstances.
    Finally, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 allows a U.S. shareholder of a 
stand-alone applicable CFC or a CFC group member of a CFC group to 
include a portion of its deemed income inclusions attributable to the 
applicable CFC in the U.S. shareholder's ATI. This rule does not apply 
with respect to an applicable CFC that is a specified group member but 
not a CFC group member because a CFC group election is not in effect. 
See part V.C.9. of this Explanation of Provisions section.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS anticipate that, in many 
instances, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 will significantly reduce the 
administrative and compliance burdens of applying section 163(j) to 
applicable CFCs relative to the 2018 Proposed Regulations.
    Unlike Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8, which provides rules for 
allocating disallowed BIE to ECI and non-ECI, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 
does not allocate disallowed BIE among classes of income. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS request comments on appropriate methods of 
allocating disallowed BIE among classes of income, such as subpart F 
income, as defined in section 952, and tested income, as defined in 
section 951A(c)(2)(A) and Sec.  1.951A-2(b)(1), as well as comments on 
whether and the extent to which rules implementing such methods may be 
necessary.
    In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS request comments 
on appropriate methods of allocating disallowed BIE for other purposes, 
including between items described in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(22)(i) and 
other items described in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(22) (defining interest), 
as well as comments on whether and the extent to which rules 
implementing such methods may be necessary.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS do not anticipate that section 
163(j) will affect the tax liability of a passive foreign investment 
company, within the

[[Page 56865]]

meaning of section 1297(a) (PFIC), or its shareholders, solely because 
the PFIC is a relevant foreign corporation. See Sec.  1.163(j)-4(c)(1) 
(providing that section 163(j) does not affect earnings and profits). 
The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on whether any 
additional guidance is needed to reduce the compliance burden of 
section 163(j) on PFICs and their shareholders.
2. Application of Section 163(j) to CFC Group Members
a. Single Section 163(j) Limitation for a CFC Group
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c) provides rules for applying section 
163(j) to CFC group members of a CFC group. Under the Proposed 
Regulations, a single section 163(j) limitation is computed for a CFC 
group. See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(2). For this purpose, the 
current-year BIE, disallowed BIE carryforwards, BII, floor plan 
financing interest expense, and ATI of a CFC group are equal to the 
sums of the current-year amounts of such items for each CFC group 
member for its specified taxable year with respect to the specified 
period. (The terms ``specified taxable year'' and ``specified period'' 
are discussed in part V.C.3. of this Explanation of Provisions 
section.) A CFC group member's current-year BIE, BII, floor plan 
financing interest expense, and ATI for a specified taxable year are 
generally determined on a separate-company basis before being included 
in the CFC group calculation.
b. Allocation of CFC Group's Section 163(j) Limitation to Business 
Interest Expense of CFC Group Members
    The extent to which a CFC group's section 163(j) limitation is 
allocated to a particular CFC group member's current-year BIE and 
disallowed BIE carryforwards is determined using the rules that apply 
to consolidated groups under Sec.  1.163(j)-5(a)(2) and (b)(3)(ii) 
(consolidated BIE rules), subject to certain modifications. See 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(3)(i). Because many CFC groups will be 
owned by consolidated groups, many taxpayers will be familiar with the 
consolidated BIE rules.
    If the sum of the CFC group's current-year BIE and disallowed BIE 
carryforwards exceeds the CFC group's section 163(j) limitation, then 
current-year BIE is deducted first. If the CFC group's current-year BIE 
exceeds the CFC group's section 163(j) limitation, then each CFC group 
member deducts the amount of its current-year BIE not in excess of the 
sum of its BII and floor plan financing interest expense, if any. Then, 
if the CFC group has any section 163(j) limitation remaining for the 
current year, each applicable CFC with remaining current-year BIE 
deducts a pro rata portion thereof.
    If the CFC group's section 163(j) limitation exceeds its current-
year BIE, then CFC group members may deduct all of their current-year 
BIE and may deduct disallowed BIE carryforwards not in excess of the 
CFC group's remaining section 163(j) limitation. The disallowed BIE 
carryforwards are deducted in the order of the taxable years in which 
they arose, beginning with the earliest taxable year, and disallowed 
BIE carryforwards that arose in the same taxable year are deducted on a 
pro rata basis. This taxable year ordering rule is consistent with the 
consolidated BIE rules. However, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 provides 
special rules for disallowed BIE carryforwards when CFC group members 
have different taxable years, or a CFC group member has multiple 
taxable years with respect to the specified period of the CFC group. 
Unlike members of a consolidated group, not all CFC group members will 
have the same taxable years, and not all CFC group members will have 
the same taxable year as the parent of the CFC group. As discussed in 
part V.C.3 of this Explanation of Provisions section, a CFC group 
member is included in a CFC group for its entire taxable year that ends 
with or within a specified period.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ For example, assume a U.S. multinational group parented by a 
consolidated group with a taxable year that is the calendar year 
includes applicable CFCs with November 30 taxable years and other 
applicable CFCs with calendar year taxable years. In this case, as 
discussed in more detail in part V.C.3.b. of the Explanation of 
Provisions section, the specified period of the CFC group for 2020 
would begin on January 1, 2020, and end on December 31, 2020. 
Furthermore, the specified taxable year of a CFC group member with a 
taxable year that is the calendar year is its taxable year ending 
December 31, 2020, and the specified taxable year of a CFC group 
member with a November 30 taxable year is its taxable year ending 
November 30, 2020 (the taxable years that end with or within the 
specified period). A CFC group member can also have multiple taxable 
years with respect to a specified period. For example, a CFC group 
member may have a short taxable year due to an election under Sec.  
1.245A-5T(e)(3)(i) (elective exception to close a CFC's taxable year 
in the case of an extraordinary reduction).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. Limitation on Pre-Group Disallowed Business Interest Expense 
Carryforwards
    The disallowed BIE carryforwards of a CFC group member when it 
joins a CFC group (pre-group disallowed BIE carryforwards) are subject 
to the same CFC group section 163(j) limitation and are deducted pro 
rata with other CFC group disallowed BIE carryforwards. However, pre-
group disallowed BIE carryforwards are subject to additional 
limitations, similar to the limitations on deducting the disallowed BIE 
carryforwards of a consolidated group arising in a SRLY, as defined in 
Sec.  1.1502-1(f), or treated as arising in a SRLY under the principles 
of Sec.  1.1502-21(c) and (g). The policy of the limitation imposed on 
pre-group BIE carryforwards is analogous to the policy of the SRLY 
limitation for consolidated groups.
    The rules and principles of Sec.  1.163(j)-5(d)(1)(B), which 
applies SRLY subgroup principles to disallowed BIE carryforwards of a 
consolidated group, apply to pre-group subgroups. If a CFC group member 
with pre-group disallowed BIE carryforwards (loss member) leaves one 
CFC group (former group) and joins another CFC group (current group), 
the loss member and each other CFC group member that left the former 
group and joined the current group for a specified taxable year with 
respect to the same specified period consists of a ``pre-group 
subgroup.'' Unlike SRLY subgroups, it is not required that all members 
of a pre-group subgroup join the CFC group at the same time, since each 
applicable CFC that joins a CFC group is treated as joining on the 
first day of its taxable year. As a result, even if multiple applicable 
CFCs are acquired on the same day in a single transaction, they would 
join the CFC group on different days if they have different taxable 
years.
d. Special Rules for Specified Periods Beginning in 2019 or 2020
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(5) provides special rules for applying 
section 163(j)(10) to CFC groups. The proposed regulations provide that 
elections under section 163(j)(10) are made for a CFC group (rather 
than for each CFC group member). For a specified period of a CFC group 
beginning in 2019 or 2020, unless the election described in Sec.  
1.163(j)-2(b)(2)(ii)(A) is made, the CFC group section 163(j) 
limitation is determined by using 50 percent (rather than 30 percent) 
of the CFC group's ATI for the specified period, without regard to 
whether the taxable years of CFC group members begin in 2019 or 2020. 
If the election described in Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(2)(ii)(A) is made for 
a specified period of a CFC group, the CFC group section 163(j) 
limitation is determined by using 30 percent (rather than 50 percent) 
of the CFC group's ATI for the specified period, without regard to 
whether the taxable years of CFC group members begin in 2019 or 2020. 
The election is made for the CFC group by each designated U.S. person.

[[Page 56866]]

    The election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) to use 2019 ATI (that 
is, ATI for the last taxable year beginning in 2019) rather than 2020 
ATI (that is, ATI for a taxable year beginning in 2020) is made for a 
specified period of a CFC group beginning in 2020 (2020 specified 
period) and applies to the specified taxable years of CFC group members 
with respect to the 2020 specified period. Accordingly, if a specified 
taxable year of a CFC group member with respect to a CFC group's 2020 
specified period begins in 2020, then the election is applied to such 
taxable year using the CFC group member's ATI for its last taxable year 
beginning in 2019. In some cases, the specified taxable year of a CFC 
group member with respect to a CFC group's 2020 specified period will 
begin in 2019 or 2021. If the specified taxable year of the CFC group 
member begins in 2019, then the election is applied to such taxable 
year using the CFC group member's ATI for its last taxable year 
beginning in 2018; if the specified taxable year of the CFC group 
member begins in 2021, then the election is applied to such taxable 
year using the CFC group member's ATI for its last taxable year 
beginning in 2020.
    For example, assume a CFC group has two CFC group members, CFC1 and 
CFC2, and has a specified period that is the calendar year. CFC1 has a 
taxable year that is the calendar year, and CFC2 has a taxable year 
that ends November 30. The election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) is 
in effect for the specified period beginning January 1, 2020, and 
ending December 31, 2020 (which is the 2020 specified period). As a 
result, the ATI of the CFC group for the 2020 specified period is 
determined by reference to the specified taxable year of CFC1 beginning 
January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019 (the last taxable year 
beginning in 2019), and the specified taxable year of CFC2 beginning 
December 1, 2018, and ending November 30, 2019 (the last taxable year 
beginning in 2018).
    Alternatively, assume (i) the same CFC group instead has a 2020 
specified period that begins on December 1, 2020, and ends on November 
30, 2021; (ii) in 2019 and 2020, CFC1 has a taxable year that is the 
calendar year, but in 2021, CFC1 has a short taxable year that begins 
on January 1, 2021, and ends on June 30, 2021; and (iii) CFC2 has a 
taxable year ending November 30 (for all years). Further assume that 
the election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) is in effect for the 2020 
specified period. In this case, the election applies to the specified 
taxable year of CFC1 that begins on January 1, 2020, and ends on 
December 31, 2020; the specified taxable year of CFC1 that begins on 
January 1, 2021, and ends on June 30, 2021; and the specified taxable 
year of CFC2 that begins on December 1, 2020, and ends on November 30, 
2021. As a result of the election, the ATI of the CFC group for the 
2020 specified period is determined by reference to the specified 
taxable year of CFC1 beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 
2019, the specified taxable year of CFC1 beginning January 1, 2020, and 
ending December 31, 2020, and the specified taxable year of CFC2 
beginning December 1, 2019, and ending November 30, 2020.
    If the election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) to use 2019 ATI 
rather than 2020 ATI is made for a CFC group, the CFC group's ATI for 
the 2020 specified period is determined by reference to the 2019 ATI of 
all CFC group members (except to the extent that 2018 or 2020 ATI is 
used, as described earlier), including any CFC group member that joins 
the CFC group during the 2020 specified period. Therefore, a CFC 
group's ATI for the 2020 specified period may be determined by 
reference to a prior taxable year of a new CFC group member even though 
the CFC group member was not a CFC group member in the prior taxable 
year. If a CFC group member leaves the CFC group during the 2020 
specified period, the ATI of the CFC group for the 2020 specified 
period is determined without regard to the ATI of the departing CFC 
group member.
    As stated in the Background section of this preamble, Revenue 
Procedure 2020-22 generally provides the time and manner of making or 
revoking elections under section 163(j)(10), including elections with 
respect to applicable CFCs. References in Revenue Procedure 2020-22 to 
CFC groups and CFC group members are to CFC groups and applicable CFCs 
for which a CFC group election is made under the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations. The rules described in this part V.C.2.d of this 
Explanation of Provisions section and proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(5) 
modify the application of Revenue Procedure 2020-22 and the elections 
under section 163(j)(10) for CFC groups and applicable CFCs for which a 
CFC group election is made under Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7.
    Thus, for example, if a CFC group has two designated U.S. persons 
that are U.S. corporations, pursuant to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
7(c)(5), the election to not apply the 50 percent ATI limitation to the 
CFC group for a specified period beginning in 2020 is made for the 
specified period of the CFC group by each designated U.S. person, and 
pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2020-22, section 6.01(2), the election to 
not apply the 50 percent ATI limitation is made by the each designated 
U.S. person timely filing a Federal income tax return, including 
extensions, using the 30 percent ATI limitation for purposes of 
determining the taxable income of the CFC group.
    For purposes of applying Sec.  1.964-1(c), the elections described 
in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(5) are treated as if made for each CFC 
group member. Thus, the requirements to provide a statement and written 
notice as provided under Sec.  1.964-1(c)(3)(i)(B) and (C) apply.
3. Specified Groups and Specified Group Members
a. In General
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(d) provides rules for determining a 
specified group and specified group members. The determination of a 
specified group and specified group members is the basis for 
determining a CFC group and CFC group members. This is because a CFC 
group member is a specified group member of a specified group for which 
a CFC group election is in effect, and a CFC group consists of all the 
CFC group members. See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(2).
b. Specified Group
    Under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(d)(2), a specified group includes 
one or more chains of applicable CFCs connected through stock ownership 
with a specified group parent, but only if the specified group parent 
owns stock meeting the requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B) 
(pertaining to value) in at least one applicable CFC, and stock meeting 
the requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B) in each of the applicable 
CFCs (except the specified group parent) is owned by one or more of the 
other applicable CFCs or the specified group parent.
    Unlike the general rules in section 1504, in order to avoid 
breaking affiliation with a partnership or foreign trust or foreign 
estate, for purposes of determining whether stock in an applicable CFC 
meeting the requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B) is owned by the 
specified group parent or other applicable CFCs, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-7(d)(2) takes into account both stock owned directly and stock 
owned indirectly under section 318(a)(2)(A) through a domestic or 
foreign partnership or under section 318(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) through 
a foreign estate or trust (the look-through rule). For example, assume 
CFC1 and CFC2 is each an applicable CFC and a

[[Page 56867]]

specified group member of a specified group. If CFC1 and CFC2 each own 
50 percent of the capital and profits interests in a partnership, and 
the partnership wholly owns CFC3, an applicable CFC, then, by reason of 
the look-through rule, CFC3 is also included in the specified group, 
although the partnership is not.
    The specified group rules also differ from the affiliated group 
rules in section 1504 in that they require only that 80 percent of the 
total value (pursuant to section 1504(a)(2)(B)), not 80 percent of both 
vote and value (pursuant to section 1504(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B)), of an 
applicable CFC be owned by the specified group parent or other 
applicable CFCs in the specified group in order for the applicable CFC 
to be included in the specified group. The Treasury Department and the 
IRS determined that limiting the 80-percent threshold to value is 
appropriate to prevent taxpayers from breaking affiliation by diluting 
voting power below 80 percent.
    The specified group has a single specified group parent, which may 
be either a qualified U.S. person or an applicable CFC. However, the 
specified group parent is included in the specified group only if it is 
an applicable CFC. For this purpose, a qualified U.S. person means a 
U.S. person that is a citizen or resident of the United States or a 
domestic corporation. For purposes of determining the specified group 
parent, members of a consolidated group are treated as a single 
corporation and individuals whose filing status is ``married filing 
jointly'' are treated as a single individual (aggregation rule). The 
Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the aggregation 
rule is appropriate because all deemed inclusions with respect to 
applicable CFCs included in gross income of members of a consolidated 
group or of individuals filing a joint return, as applicable, are 
reported on a single U.S. tax return. The Treasury Department and the 
IRS determined that it is appropriate for an S corporation to be a 
qualified U.S. person because an S corporation can have only a single 
class of stock and therefore the economic rights of its shareholders in 
all applicable CFCs owned by the S corporation are proportionate to 
share ownership. On the other hand, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
have determined that it is not appropriate for a domestic partnership 
to be a qualified U.S. person because of the ability of partnerships to 
make disproportionate or special allocations and therefore the economic 
rights of partners in the partnership with respect to all applicable 
CFCs owned by a partnership will not necessarily be proportionate to 
ownership. However, if, for example, a domestic partnership wholly owns 
an applicable CFC, which wholly owns multiple other applicable CFCs, 
and no qualified U.S. person owns stock in the top-tier CFC meeting the 
requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B), taking into account the look-
through rule, then the applicable CFCs are included in a specified 
group of which the top-tier CFC is the specified group parent.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments regarding 
whether, and to what extent, the definition of a ``qualified U.S. 
person'' should be expanded to include domestic estates and trusts or 
whether and to what extent the look-through rule should apply if stock 
of applicable CFCs is owned by domestic estates and trusts.
    Each specified group has a specified period. A specified period is 
similar to a taxable year but determined with respect to a specified 
group. A specified group does not have a taxable year because the 
specified group members may not have the same taxable year. If the 
specified group parent is a qualified U.S. person, the specified period 
generally ends on the last day of the taxable year of the specified 
group parent and begins on the first day after the last day of the 
prior specified period. Thus, for example, if the specified group 
parent is a domestic corporation with a calendar year taxable year, the 
specified period generally begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. 
If the specified group parent is an applicable CFC, the specified 
period generally ends on the last day of the required year of the 
specified group parent, determined under section 898(c)(1), without 
regard to section 898(c)(2), and begins on the first day after the last 
day of the prior specified period. However, a specified period never 
begins before the first day on which the specified group exists or ends 
after the last day on which the specified group exists. Like a taxable 
year, a specified period can never be longer than 12 months.
    The principles of Sec.  1.1502-75(d)(1), (d)(2)(i) through 
(d)(2)(ii), and (d)(3)(i) through (d)(3)(iv) (regarding when a 
consolidated group remains in existence) (Sec.  1.1502-75(d) 
principles) apply for purposes of determining when a specified group 
ceases to exist. Solely for purposes of applying the Sec.  1.1502-75(d) 
principles, each applicable CFC that is treated as a specified group 
member for a taxable year of the applicable CFC with respect to a 
specified period is treated as affiliated with the specified group 
parent from the beginning to the end of the specified period, without 
regard to the beginning or end of its taxable year. This rule does not 
affect the general rule that, for purposes other than Sec.  1.1502-
75(d) (such as the application of section 163(j) to a CFC group), an 
applicable CFC is a specified group member with respect to a specified 
period for its taxable year ending with or within the specified 
period.\4\
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    \4\ For example, assume a specified group parent with a 
specified period that is the calendar year acquires all of the stock 
of CFC1, an applicable CFC, on June 30, Year 1, and sells all of the 
stock of CFC1 on June 30, Year 3. CFC1 has a November 30 taxable 
year, and the specified period is the calendar year. CFC1 is 
included in the specified group on November 30, Year 1, and November 
30, Year 2 (but not November 30, Year 3). As a result, CFC1 is a 
specified group member for its taxable year ending November 30, Year 
1, with respect to the specified period ending December 31, Year 1, 
and for its taxable year ending November 30, Year 2, with respect to 
the specified period ending December 31, Year 2. Solely for purposes 
of applying the Sec.  1.1502-75(d) principles, CFC1 is treated as 
affiliated with the specified group parent from the beginning to the 
end of the specified period ending December 31, Year 1, and from the 
beginning to the end of the specified period ending December 31, 
Year 2. In other words, CFC1 is treated as affiliated with the 
specified group parent from January 1, Year 1, to December 31, Year 
2.
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    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments as to whether 
any modifications to the Sec.  1.1502-75(d) principles should be made 
for specified groups.
c. Specified Group Members
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(d)(3) provides rules for determining 
specified group members with respect to a specified group. The 
determination as to whether an applicable CFC is a specified group 
member is made with respect to a taxable year of the applicable CFC and 
specified period of a specified group. Specifically, if the applicable 
CFC is included in a specified group on the last day of its taxable 
year that ends with or within the specified period, the applicable CFC 
is a specified group member with respect to the specified period for 
the entire taxable year.\5\
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    \5\ For example, assume CFC1, an applicable CFC, has a taxable 
year beginning December 1, Year 1, and ending November 30, Year 2, 
and a specified group has a specified period beginning January 1, 
Year 2, and ending December 31, Year 2. If CFC1 is included in the 
specified group on November 30, Year 2, then CFC1 is a specified 
group member with respect to the specified period for its entire 
taxable year ending November 30, Year 2. This is the case even if 
CFC1 is not included in the specified group during part of its 
taxable year ending November 30, Year 2 (for example, because all of 
the stock of CFC2 is purchased by the specified group on June 1, 
Year 2, and its taxable year does not close as a result of joining 
the specified group), or if CFC1 ceases to be included in the 
specified group after November 30, Year 2, but before December 31, 
Year 2 (for example, because all of the stock of CFC1 is sold by the 
specified group on December 15, Year 2).

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[[Page 56868]]

    The Treasury Department and the IRS are concerned about the 
potential for abuse that may arise if taxpayers cause an applicable CFC 
that otherwise would be treated as a specified group member and a CFC 
group member to avoid being treated as a CFC group member. For example, 
the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that it is not 
appropriate for taxpayers to prevent an applicable CFC with high ATI 
and low BIE from being part of a CFC group with a goal of increasing 
its CFC excess taxable income and its U.S. shareholders' ATI 
inclusions, rather than allowing the applicable CFC's ATI to be used by 
the CFC group. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on 
appropriate methods of preventing an applicable CFC from avoiding being 
a CFC group member for purposes of increasing the ATI of its U.S. 
shareholders. The Treasury Department and the IRS also request comments 
on whether a rule similar to the rule in section 1504(a)(3), which 
prevents domestic corporations from rejoining a consolidated group for 
60 months, should apply to prevent applicable CFCs from rejoining a CFC 
group.
4. CFC Groups and CFC Group Members
a. In General
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e) provides rules and procedures for 
treating specified group members as CFC group members and for 
determining a CFC group. A CFC group member means a specified group 
member of a specified group for which a CFC group election is in 
effect. The specified group member is a CFC group member for a 
specified taxable year with respect to a specified period. A CFC group 
means all CFC group members for their specified taxable years with 
respect to a specified period. See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(2) 
(defining CFC group and CFC group member). Thus, if a CFC group 
election is in place, the terms ``specified group members,'' ``CFC 
group members,'' and a ``CFC group'' refer to the same applicable CFCs. 
The term ``specified group,'' which is determined at any moment in 
time, may not necessarily refer to the exact same applicable CFCs.
    Once a CFC group election is made, the CFC group continues until 
the CFC group election is revoked or until the end of the last 
specified period with respect to the specified group. See proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(3). When a CFC group election is in effect, if an 
applicable CFC becomes a specified group member with respect to a 
specified period of the specified group, the CFC group election applies 
to the applicable CFC and it becomes a CFC group member. When an 
applicable CFC ceases to be a specified group member with respect to a 
specified period of a specified group, the CFC group election 
terminates solely with respect to the applicable CFC. See proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(4) (joining or leaving a CFC group).
b. Making or Revoking a CFC Group Election
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(5) provides rules for making and 
revoking a CFC group election. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(5)(i) 
provides that a CFC group election applies with respect to a specified 
period of a specified group. Accordingly, the CFC group election 
applies to each specified group member for its entire specified taxable 
year that ends with or within the specified period. In response to 
comments to the 2018 Proposed Regulations, the CFC group election is 
not irrevocable. Instead, once made, a CFC group election cannot be 
revoked with respect to any specified period of the specified group 
that begins during the 60-month period following the last day of the 
first specified period for which the election was made. Similarly, once 
revoked, a CFC group election cannot be made again with respect to any 
specified period of the specified group that begins during the 60-month 
period following the last day of the first specified period for which 
the election was revoked.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments regarding 
whether a specified group that does not make a CFC group election when 
it first comes into existence (or for the first specified period 
following 60 days after the date of publication of the Treasury 
decision adopting these regulations as final in the Federal Register) 
should be prohibited from making the CFC group election for any 
specified period beginning during the 60-month period following that 
specified period.
    Thus, under the Proposed Regulations, in the case of a specified 
group, taxpayers choose to apply section 163(j) to specified group 
members on a CFC group basis or on a stand-alone basis for no less than 
a 60-month period. The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined 
that a 60-month period is an appropriate balance between making the 
choice irrevocable and providing an annual election, the latter of 
which may facilitate inappropriate tax planning (in this regard, see, 
for example, the discussion in part C.7 of this part V of the 
Explanation of Provisions section).
c. Specified Financial Services Subgroup Rules
    In response to comments, Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 does not provide 
for CFC financial services subgroups. Instead, applicable CFCs that 
otherwise qualify as CFC group members are treated as part of the same 
CFC group.
d. Interaction of the CFC Group Election in Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 
With the CFC Group Election in the 2018 Proposed Regulations
    The CFC group election can be made only in accordance with the 
method prescribed in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(5). The 2018 Proposed 
Regulations also contained an election called a ``CFC group election'' 
(old CFC group election). The old CFC group election is a different 
election than the CFC group election contained in Proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-7. Accordingly, the old CFC group election may be relied on 
only for taxable years in which the taxpayer relies on the 2018 
Proposed Regulations. Whether an old CFC group election was made under 
the 2018 Proposed Regulations has no effect on whether a CFC group 
election under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(5) is in effect for any 
taxable year in which the taxpayer relies on Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7.
5. Exclusion of ECI From Application of Section 163(j) to a CFC Group
    In response to comments, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 provides that an 
applicable CFC with ECI is not precluded from being a CFC group member. 
However, under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(f), only the ATI, BII, BIE, 
and floor plan financing of the applicable CFC that are not 
attributable to ECI are included in the CFC group's section 163(j) 
calculations. The ECI items of the applicable CFC are not included in 
the CFC group calculations. Instead, the ECI of the applicable CFC is 
treated as income of a separate CFC, an ``ECI deemed corporation,'' 
that has the same taxable year and shareholders as the applicable CFC, 
but that is not a CFC group member. The ECI deemed corporation must do 
a separate section 163(j) calculation for its ECI in accordance with 
Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8. See Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 and part VI of 
this Explanation of Provisions section for rules applicable to foreign 
corporations with ECI.
6. Treatment of Foreign Taxes for Purposes of Computing ATI
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(g)(3) provides that, for purposes of 
computing its ATI, tentative taxable income of a relevant foreign 
corporation is determined by taking into account a deduction for

[[Page 56869]]

foreign taxes. This rule is consistent with Sec.  1.952-2, which 
provides that the taxable income of a foreign corporation for any 
taxable year is determined by treating the foreign corporation as a 
domestic corporation, and section 164(a), which allows a deduction for 
foreign taxes. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments 
regarding whether, and the extent to which, the ATI of a relevant 
foreign corporation should be determined by adding to tentative taxable 
income any deductions for foreign income taxes.
7. Anti-Abuse Rule
    The Treasury Department and the IRS are concerned that, in certain 
situations, U.S. shareholders may inappropriately affirmatively plan to 
limit BIE deductions as part of a tax-planning transaction, including 
by not making a CFC group election for purposes of increasing the 
disallowed BIE of a specified group member or of a partnership 
substantially owned by specified group members of the same specified 
group. For example, in a taxable year in which a U.S. shareholder would 
otherwise have foreign tax credits in the section 951A category in 
excess of the section 904 limitation, a U.S. shareholder might 
inappropriately cause one specified group member to pay interest to 
another specified group member in an amount in excess of the borrowing 
specified group member's section 163(j) limitation. As a result, the 
U.S. shareholder's pro rata share of tested income of the borrowing 
specified group member for the taxable year would be increased without 
increasing the U.S. shareholder's Federal income tax because excess 
foreign tax credits in the section 951A category in the taxable year 
that cannot be carried forward to a future taxable year would offset 
the Federal income tax on the incremental increase in the U.S. 
shareholder's pro rata share of tested income, while also enabling the 
borrowing specified group member to generate a disallowed BIE 
carryforward that may be used in a subsequent taxable year.
    Accordingly, under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(g)(4), if certain 
conditions are met, when one specified group member or applicable 
partnership (specified borrower) pays interest to another specified 
group member or applicable partnership (specified lender), and the 
payment is BIE to the specified borrower and income to the specified 
lender, then the ATI of the specified borrower is increased by the 
amount necessary such that the BIE of the specified borrower is not 
limited under section 163(j). This amount is determined by multiplying 
the lesser of the payment amount or the disallowed BIE (computed 
without regard to this ATI adjustment) by 3\1/3\ (or by 2, in the case 
of taxable years or specified taxable years with respect to a specified 
period for which the section 163(j) limitation is determined by 
reference to 50 percent of ATI). A partnership is an applicable 
partnership if at least 80 percent of the capital or profits interests 
is owned, in aggregate, by direct or direct partners that are specified 
group members of the same specified group. The conditions for this rule 
to apply are as follows: (i) The BIE is incurred with a principal 
purpose of reducing the Federal income tax liability of a U.S. 
shareholder (including over multiple taxable years); (ii) the effect of 
the specified borrower treating the payment amount as disallowed BIE 
would be to reduce the Federal income tax of a U.S. shareholder; and 
(iii) either no CFC group election is in effect or the specified 
borrower is an applicable partnership.
8. The Safe-Harbor Election
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(h) provides a safe-harbor election for 
stand-alone applicable CFCs and CFC groups. If the safe-harbor election 
is in effect for a taxable year, no portion of the BIE of the stand-
alone applicable CFC or of each CFC group member, as applicable, is 
disallowed under the section 163(j) limitation. The safe-harbor 
election is an annual election. If the election is made, then no 
portion of any CFC excess taxable income is included in a U.S. 
shareholder's ATI. See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(j)(2)(iv).
    The safe-harbor election cannot be made with respect to any foreign 
corporation that is not a stand-alone applicable CFC or a CFC group 
member. As a result, if a CFC group election is not in effect for a 
specified period, a specified group member of the specified group is 
not eligible for the safe-harbor election.
    In the case of a stand-alone applicable CFC, the safe-harbor 
election may be made for a taxable year of the stand-alone applicable 
CFC if its BIE does not exceed 30 percent of the lesser of (i) its 
tentative taxable income attributable to non-excepted trades or 
businesses (referred to as ``qualified tentative taxable income''), and 
(ii) its ``eligible amount'' for the taxable year. In the case of a CFC 
group, the safe-harbor election may be made for the specified taxable 
years of each CFC group member with respect to a specified period if 
the CFC group's BIE does not exceed 30 percent of the lesser of (i) the 
sum of the qualified tentative taxable income of each CFC group member, 
and (ii) the sum of the eligible amounts of each CFC group member. For 
taxable years of a stand-alone applicable CFC or specified periods of a 
CFC group beginning in 2019 or 2020, the 30 percent limitation is 
replaced with a 50 percent limitation, consistent with the change in 
the section 163(j) limitation to take into account 50 percent, rather 
than 30 percent, of ATI for such taxable years or specified periods.
    The ``eligible amount'' is a CFC-level determination. In general, 
the eligible amount is the sum of the applicable CFC's subpart F income 
plus the approximate amount of GILTI inclusions its U.S. shareholders 
would have were the applicable CFC wholly owned by domestic 
corporations that had no tested losses and that were not subject to the 
section 250(a)(2) limitation on the section 250(a)(1) deduction. 
Amounts used in the determination of the eligible amount are computed 
without regard to the application of section 163(j) and the section 
163(j) regulations. While the eligible amount of an applicable CFC 
cannot be negative, qualified tentative taxable income can be negative. 
Thus, limiting the safe-harbor to 30 percent of qualified tentative 
taxable income ensures that losses of a stand-alone applicable CFC or a 
CFC group are taken into account in determining whether the stand-alone 
applicable CFC or the CFC group qualifies for the safe-harbor.\6\
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    \6\ For example, assume that, before taking into account BIE, a 
stand-alone applicable CFC has net income of $0x, consisting of 
$100x of subpart F income, a $100x loss attributable to foreign oil 
and gas extraction income, as defined in section 907(c)(1). It also 
has $20x of BIE, no BII, and no floor plan financing interest 
expense. The ATI of the CFC is zero and the section 163(j) 
limitation would be zero. However, the eligible amount of the CFC is 
$100x. Thus, absent a rule limiting the safe harbor to 30 percent of 
qualified tentative taxable income, the CFC would be permitted to 
deduct its $20x of business interest expense under the safe harbor, 
even though none of the BIE would be deductible under the section 
163(j) limitation.
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    The safe-harbor election does not apply to EBIE, as described in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), and EBIE is not taken into account for purposes 
of determining whether the safe-harbor election is available for a 
stand-alone applicable CFC or a CFC group, until such business interest 
expense is treated as paid or accrued by an applicable CFC in a 
succeeding year (that is, until the applicable CFC is allocated excess 
taxable income or excess business interest income from such partnership 
in accordance with Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(2)(i)).
    The safe-harbor election is intended to reduce the compliance 
burden on applicable CFCs that would not have disallowed BIE if they 
applied the

[[Page 56870]]

section 163(j) calculation. However, the Treasury Department and the 
IRS are concerned that the safe-harbor election might be used to deduct 
pre-group disallowed BIE carryforwards that would be limited under 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(3)(iv) (rules similar to the consolidated 
SRLY rules). Accordingly, the proposed regulations provide that a safe-
harbor election cannot be made for a CFC group that has pre-group 
disallowed BIE carryforward. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
request comments on whether the safe-harbor election should be 
available for CFC groups with pre-group disallowed BIE carryforwards 
and, if so, appropriate methods of preventing pre-group disallowed BIE 
carryforwards that would be limited under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-
7(c)(3)(iv) from being deductible by CFC group members of CFC groups 
that apply the safe-harbor election.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS also request comments on 
appropriate modifications, if any, to the safe-harbor election that 
would further the goal of reducing the compliance burden on stand-alone 
applicable CFCs and CFC groups that would not have disallowed BIE if 
they applied the section 163(j) limitation.
9. Increase in Adjusted Taxable Income of U.S. Shareholders
    As a general matter, a U.S. shareholder does not include in its ATI 
any portion of its specified deemed inclusions. Specified deemed 
inclusions include the U.S. shareholder's deemed income inclusions 
attributable to an applicable CFC and a non-excepted trade or business 
of the U.S. shareholder. See Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(2)(ii)(G). Specified 
deemed inclusions also include amounts included in a domestic C 
corporation's allocable share of a domestic partnership's gross income 
inclusions under sections 951(a) and 951A(a) with respect to an 
applicable CFC that are investment income to the partnership, to the 
extent that such amounts are treated as properly allocable to a non-
excepted trade or business of the domestic C corporation under 
Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-4(b)(3) and 1.163(j)-10.\7\ However, consistent 
with comments received, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(j) allows a U.S. 
shareholder to include in its ATI a portion of its specified deemed 
inclusions that are attributable to either a stand-alone applicable CFC 
or a CFC group member, except to the extent attributable to section 78 
``gross-up'' inclusions. That portion is equal to the ratio of the 
applicable CFC's CFC excess taxable income over its ATI.
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    \7\ The Treasury Department and the IRS anticipate that a 
domestic partnership's gross income inclusions under sections 951(a) 
and 951A(a) will virtually always be investment income to the 
partnership. See section 163(j)(5), excluding ``investment 
interest'' subject to section 163(d) from the definition of business 
interest, and sections 163(d)(3)(A) and (d)(5), treating as 
investment interest any interest properly allocable to ``property 
which produces income of a type described in section 469(e)(1).'' 
See also Sec.  1.469-2T(c)(3).
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    In the case of a stand-alone applicable CFC, CFC excess taxable 
income is equal to an amount that bears the same ratio to the 
applicable CFC's ATI as (i) the excess of 30 percent of the applicable 
CFC's ATI over the amount, if any, by which its BIE exceeds its BII and 
floor plan financing interest expense, bears to (ii) 30 percent of its 
ATI. In the case of a CFC group, each applicable CFC's CFC excess 
taxable income is determined by calculating the excess taxable income 
of the CFC group and allocating it to each CFC group member pro rata on 
the basis of the CFC group member's ATI. For any taxable year or 
specified period to which the 50 percent (rather than 30 percent) 
limitation applies under section 163(j)(10), the formula for 
calculating CFC excess taxable income is adjusted accordingly.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS are concerned that taxpayers 
may inappropriately attempt to aggregate debt in certain specified 
group members for which a CFC group election is not in effect, thereby 
overleveraging some specified group members and artificially creating 
CFC excess taxable income in other specified group members for purposes 
of increasing the ATI of a U.S. shareholder.\8\ Accordingly, the 
Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that any excess taxable 
income of a specified group member should not become available to 
increase the ATI of a U.S. shareholder unless a CFC group election is 
in effect and the CFC group has not exceeded its section 163(j) 
limitation. Accordingly, under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(j)(4)(ii), 
only U.S. shareholders of stand-alone applicable CFCs and CFC group 
members can increase their ATI for a portion of their specified deemed 
inclusion. To the extent that a CFC group election is not in effect, a 
U.S. shareholder may not increase its ATI for any portion of its 
specified deemed inclusion attributable to a specified group member of 
the specified group.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ For example, assume a U.S. shareholder wholly owns CFC1, 
which wholly owns CFC2. CFC1 and CFC2 each have $100x of ATI and no 
business interest income or floor plan financing interest expense. 
CFC1 and CFC2 have not made a CFC group election. If CFC1 and CFC2 
each have $35x of business interest expense, under section 163(j), 
CFC1 and CFC2 could each deduct $30x of business interest expense 
and have a $5x disallowed business interest expense carryforward. 
Neither CFC1 nor CFC2 would have CFC excess taxable income. As a 
result, the U.S. shareholder would have no ATI inclusion from CFC1 
or CFC2. However, if the CFCs move all of CFC2's debt to CFC1, CFC1 
would deduct $30x of business interest expense and have a $40x 
disallowed business interest expense carryforward. Absent rules 
providing otherwise, CFC2 would have $100x of CFC excess taxable 
income and $100x of ATI, allowing the U.S. shareholder to include in 
its ATI its CFC income inclusion attributable to CFC2 (to the extent 
attributable to a non-excepted trade or business and not 
attributable to section 78 ``gross-up'' inclusions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, if a safe-harbor election is in effect with respect to 
the taxable year of a stand-alone applicable CFC or the specified 
period of a CFC group, CFC excess taxable income is not calculated for 
the stand-alone applicable CFC or the CFC group members. As a result, 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7(j)(4)(i) provides that a U.S. shareholder of 
a stand-alone applicable CFC or of a CFC group member for which the 
safe-harbor election is in effect does not increase its ATI for any 
portion of its specified deemed inclusion attributable to the stand-
alone applicable CFC or CFC group member.

VI. Section 1.163(j)-8: Application of the Business Interest Deduction 
Limitation to Foreign Persons With Effectively Connected Income

A. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 Contained in the 2018 Proposed Regulations

    The 2018 Proposed Regulations under Sec.  1.163(j)-8 provide rules 
for how section 163(j) applies to a nonresident alien individual or 
foreign corporation that is not an applicable CFC (specified foreign 
person) with ECI. Although the regulations under section 163(j) 
generally apply to specified foreign persons, a number of the general 
rules under section 163(j) need to be adjusted to take into account the 
fact that a specified foreign person is taxed only on its ECI rather 
than all of its income. Accordingly, the definitions for ATI, BIE, BII, 
and floor plan financing interest expense are modified to limit such 
amounts to items that are, or are allocable to, ECI. The 2018 Proposed 
Regulations also modify Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c) to provide that a 
specified foreign person's interest expense and interest income are 
only allocable to excepted or non-excepted trades or businesses that 
have ECI.
    Under the 2018 Proposed Regulations, a specified foreign person 
that is a partner in a partnership that has ECI (specified foreign 
partner) is required to modify the application of the general 
allocation rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6 with respect to ETI, EBIE, and 
EBII of the

[[Page 56871]]

partnership to take into account only the partnership's items that are, 
or are allocable to, ECI. Although the section 163(j) limitation is 
determined on an entity basis by a partnership, the Treasury Department 
and the IRS determined that excess items of a partnership should only 
be used by the specified foreign partner to the extent that the excess 
items arise from partnership items that are ECI with respect to the 
specified foreign partner. The amount of ETI and EBIE to be used by a 
specified foreign partner was determined by multiplying the amount of 
the ETI or the EBIE allocated under Sec.  1.163(j)-6 to the specified 
foreign partner by a fraction, the numerator of which is the ATI of the 
partnership, with the adjustments described previously to limit such 
amount to only items that are ECI, and the denominator of which is the 
ATI of the partnership determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d). The amount 
of EBII that could be used by a specified foreign partner was limited 
to the amount of allocable BII that is ECI from the partnership that 
exceeds allocable BIE that is allocable to income that is ECI from the 
partnership.
    Lastly, the 2018 Proposed Regulations provide that an applicable 
CFC that has ECI must first apply the general rules of section 163(j) 
and the section 163(j) regulations to determine how section 163(j) 
applies to the applicable CFC. If the applicable CFC has disallowed 
BIE, the applicable CFC then must apportion a part of its disallowed 
BIE to BIE allocable to income that is ECI. The amount of disallowed 
BIE allocable to income that is ECI is equal to the disallowed BIE 
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the applicable 
CFC's ECI ATI, and the denominator of which is the CFC's ATI.
    No comments were received on the 2018 Proposed Regulations under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-8. Nonetheless, the Treasury Department and the IRS have 
become aware of certain distortions that can result under the 2018 
Proposed Regulations. Accordingly, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 has been 
revised, and re-proposed, to alleviate these distortions and to provide 
additional guidance and clarity on the manner in which these rules 
apply to specified foreign partners and CFCs with ECI.

B. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 in the Proposed Regulations

    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 in the Proposed Regulations (Proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-8) provides rules concerning the application of section 
163(j) to foreign persons with ECI.\9\ Similar to proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-8(b) in the 2018 Proposed Regulations, proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-8(b)(1)-(5) provides that, for purposes of applying section 
163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations to a specified foreign 
person, certain definitions (ATI, BIE, BII, and floor plan financing 
interest expense) are modified to take into account only ECI items. 
Additionally, proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(b)(6) provides that, for 
purposes of applying Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c) to a specified foreign 
person, only ECI items and assets that are U.S. assets are taken into 
account in determining the amount of interest income and interest 
expense allocable to a trade or business.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ For purposes of Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8, the term 
effectively connected income (or ECI) means income or gain that is 
ECI, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii), and deduction or loss 
that is allocable to, ECI, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(c) determines the portion of a specified 
foreign partner's allocable share of ETI, EBIE, and EBII (as determined 
under Sec.  1.163(j)-6) that is treated as ECI and the portion that is 
not treated as ECI. The portion of the specified foreign partner's 
allocable share of ETI that is ECI is equal to its allocable share of 
ETI multiplied by a fraction, the specified ATI ratio (which compares 
the specified foreign partner's distributive share of the partnership's 
ECI to its distributive share of the partnership's total income). The 
remainder of the specified foreign partner's allocable share of ETI is 
not ECI. See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(c)(1). Similar to ETI, the 
portion of the specified foreign partner's allocable share of EBII that 
is ECI is equal to its allocable share of EBII multiplied by a 
fraction, the specified BII ratio (which compares the specified foreign 
partner's allocable share of BII that is ECI to its allocable share of 
total BII). See proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(c)(4).
    The portion of the specified foreign partner's allocable share of 
EBIE that is ECI is determined by subtracting the portion of the 
specified foreign partner's allocable share of deductible BIE that is 
characterized as ECI from the amount of the specified foreign partner's 
allocable share of BIE that is characterized as ECI. See proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-8(c)(2). A similar rule applies for purposes of determining 
the portion of EBIE that is not ECI. A specified foreign partner's 
allocable share of deductible BIE that is characterized as ECI or not 
ECI is determined by allocating the deductible BIE pro rata between the 
respective amounts of deductible BIE that the specified foreign partner 
would have if the specified foreign partner's allocable share of the 
ECI items of the partnership and the non-ECI items of the partnership 
were treated as separate partnerships and a 163(j) limitation was 
applied to each hypothetical partnership. However, no more deductible 
BIE can be characterized as ECI or not ECI than the specified foreign 
partner's allocable share of BIE that is ECI or the specified foreign 
partner's allocable share of BIE that is not ECI, respectively. Any 
deductible BIE in excess of the hypothetical partnership limitations is 
characterized as ECI or not ECI pro rata in proportion to the remaining 
amounts of the specified foreign partner's allocable share of BIE that 
is ECI and not ECI.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(d) determines the portion of deductible 
and disallowed BIE of a relevant foreign corporation (as defined in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(33)) that is characterized as ECI or not ECI. These 
rules are similar to the rules in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(c) for 
characterizing a specified foreign partner's allocable share of excess 
items of a partnership as ECI or not ECI in that they calculate the 
hypothetical section 163(j) limitation for two hypothetical foreign 
corporations--a foreign corporation with ECI and a foreign corporation 
with non-ECI--and allocate the deductible BIE between the two 
hypothetical limitations. The portion of the relevant foreign 
corporation's disallowed BIE that is ECI is determined by subtracting 
the portion of the relevant foreign corporation's deductible BIE that 
is characterized as ECI from the relevant foreign corporation's BIE 
that is ECI. A similar rule applies for purposes of determining the 
portion of disallowed BIE that is characterized as not ECI.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(e) provides rules regarding disallowed 
BIE. These rules provide that disallowed BIE is characterized as ECI or 
not ECI in the year in which it arises and retains its characterization 
in subsequent years. Additionally, an ordering rule determines the EBIE 
that is treated as paid or accrued by a specified foreign partner in a 
subsequent year. Specifically, the specified foreign partner's 
allocable share of EBIE is treated as paid or accrued by the specified 
foreign partner in a subsequent year pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(2)(i) in the order of the taxable years in which the allocable 
EBIE arose and pro rata between the specified foreign partner's 
allocable share of EBIE that is ECI and not ECI that arose in the same 
taxable year.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(e)(2) provides that, for purposes of 
characterizing deductible BIE and EBIE as ECI or not ECI, a specified 
foreign partner's BIE is

[[Page 56872]]

deemed to include its allocable share of EBIE of partnerships in which 
it is a direct or indirect partner. As a result, EBIE of both top-tier 
partnerships and lower-tier partnerships is characterized as ECI or not 
ECI in the year in which it arises, even if it is not included in the 
specified foreign partner's allocable share of EBIE.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(f) provides rules coordinating the 
application of section 163(j) with Sec.  1.882-5 and similar rules and 
with the branch profits tax. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(f)(1)(i) 
provides that a foreign corporation first determines its interest 
expense on liabilities that are allocable to ECI under Sec.  1.882-5 
before applying section 163(j). Similarly, interest expense, as defined 
in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(23), that is not allocable to ECI under Sec.  
1.882-5 must be allocable to income that is ECI under the regulations 
under section 861 before section 163(j) is applied.
    Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(f)(1)(ii) provides rules for determining 
the portion of a specified foreign partner's BIE that is ECI, as 
determined under Sec.  1.882-5(b) through (d) or Sec.  1.882-5(e) 
(Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense), that is treated as attributable to a 
partner's allocable share of interest expense of a partnership. As a 
general matter, the determination as to whether a partnership's items 
of income and expense are allocable to ECI is made by the partnership. 
However, the determination as to the amount of interest expense that is 
allocable to ECI is made by a partner, not the partnership. Because 
section 163(j) applies separately to partnerships and their partners, a 
determination must be made as to the source of Sec.  1.882-5 interest 
expense. If the BIE is attributable to BIE of the partnership, it is 
subject to the rules of Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-6 and 1.163(j)-8(c).
    The Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense is first treated as attributable 
to interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities, determined under Sec.  
1.882-5(d)(2)(vii), of the partner or a partnership. Any remaining 
Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense (excess Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense) 
is treated as attributable to interest expense on liabilities of the 
partner in proportion to its U.S. assets (other than partnership 
interests) over all of its U.S. assets, and as attributable to interest 
expense on liabilities of the partner's direct or indirect partnership 
interests in proportion to the portion of the partnership interest that 
is a U.S. asset over all of the partner's U.S. assets. The total amount 
of Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense attributed to the partner or a 
partnership (taking into account both interest expense on U.S. booked 
liabilities and excess Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense) and interest 
expense on a liability described in Sec.  1.882-5(a)(1)(ii)(A) or (B) 
(direct allocations) may never exceed the amount of the partner's 
interest expense on liabilities or the partner's allocable share of the 
partnership's interest expense on liabilities (the interest expense 
limitation). The interest expense limitation prevents more Sec.  1.882-
5 interest expense from being attributed to the partner or the 
partner's allocable share of interest expense of a partnership than the 
actual amount of such interest expense. Any excess Sec.  1.882-5 
interest expense that would have been attributed to the partner or a 
partnership, but for the interest expense limitation, is re-attributed 
in accordance with these attribution rules.
    When excess Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense has been attributed to 
all of the interest expense on liabilities of the foreign corporation 
and its allocable share of partnership interests that have U.S. assets, 
the remaining excess Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense, if any, is first 
attributed to interest expense on liabilities of the foreign 
corporation (but not in excess of the interest expense limitation), and 
then, pro rata, to its allocable share of interest expense on 
liabilities of its partnership interests that do not have U.S. assets, 
subject to the interest expense limitation. See proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-8(f)(1)(iii). These rules merely characterize interest expense 
of the foreign corporation and its partnership interests as ECI or not 
ECI. These rules do not change the amount of interest expense of the 
foreign corporation or its partnership interests.
    The rule in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8(f)(1) of 2018 Proposed 
Regulations providing that the disallowance and carryforwards of BIE 
does not affect effectively connected earnings and profits of a foreign 
corporation is not retained in Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8. This rule is 
not necessary in Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-8 because the general rule 
regarding the effect of section 163(j) on earnings and profits in Sec.  
1.163(j)-4(c)(1) applies to effectively connected earnings and profits.

VII. Proposed Sec.  1.469-9: Definition of Real Property Trade or 
Business

    Section 469(c)(7)(C) defines real property trade or business by 
reference to eleven undefined terms. The Final Regulations amended 
Sec.  1.469-9 to define two of the eleven terms--management and 
operations. In response to questions received about the application of 
section 469(c)(7)(C) to timberlands, these proposed regulations would 
provide definitions for two additional terms--development and 
redevelopment--to further clarify what constitutes a real property 
trade or business.
    The Treasury Department and IRS have determined that real property 
development and redevelopment trades or businesses should be defined to 
include business activities that involve the preservation, maintenance, 
and improvement of forest-covered areas (timberland). Congress most 
likely intended and expected that such business activities would be 
excepted from section 163(j), through election, similar to other real 
property and farming businesses. However, because timber is 
specifically excluded from the definition of farming under other Code 
provisions (such as section 464(e)), the Treasury Department and IRS 
have determined that such business activities are more properly 
described by and should be included in the definition of real property 
trade or business for this purpose. These proposed regulations would 
clarify that ``real property development'' is the maintenance and 
improvement of raw land to make the land suitable for subdivision, 
further development, or construction of residential or commercial 
buildings, or to establish, cultivate, maintain or improve timberlands 
(generally defined as parcels of land covered by forest). Similarly, 
these proposed regulations would clarify that ``real property 
redevelopment'' is the demolition, deconstruction, separation, and 
removal of existing buildings, landscaping, and infrastructure on a 
parcel of land to return the land to a raw condition or otherwise 
prepare the land for new development or construction, or for the 
establishment and cultivation of new timberlands.

VIII. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-2 and Sec.  1.1256(e)-2: Section 1256 and 
Determination of Tax Shelter Status; Election To Use 2019 ATI To 
Determine 2020 Section 163(j) Limitation

A. Section 1256 and Determination of Tax Shelter Status

    Several commenters raised questions regarding the exclusion of ``a 
tax shelter that is not permitted to use a cash method of accounting'' 
from the small business exemption provided in section 163(j)(3). 
Section 448 and Sec.  1.448-1T describe limitations on the use of the 
cash method of accounting, including an explicit prohibition on the use 
of the cash method of accounting by a tax shelter. Section 448(d)(3) 
defines a tax shelter by cross reference to section 461(i)(3), which 
defines a tax shelter, in part, as a syndicate within the meaning

[[Page 56873]]

of section 1256(e)(3)(B). Under Sec.  1.448-1T(b)(3), a syndicate is 
defined as an entity that is not a C corporation if more than 35 
percent of the losses of such entity during the taxable year are 
allocated to limited partners or limited entrepreneurs. Section 
1256(e)(3)(B) refers instead to losses that are allocable to limited 
partners or limited entrepreneurs. As a result, the scope of the small 
business exemption in section 163(j)(3) is unclear. To provide clarity, 
and to make these rules consistent, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
would define the term syndicate for purposes of section 1256 using the 
actual allocation rule from the definition in Sec.  1.448-1T(b)(3). 
This proposed definition is also consistent with the definition of a 
syndicate used in a number of private letter rulings that were issued 
under section 1256. See proposed Sec.  1.1256(e)-2(a).
    One commenter asked for clarification on how to compute the amount 
of losses to be allocated for purposes of determining syndicate status 
under section 1256(e)(3)(A). The commenter provided a particular fact 
pattern in which a small business would be caught in an iterative loop 
of (a) having net losses due to an interest deduction, (b) which would 
trigger disallowance of the exemption in section 163(j)(3), (c) which 
would trigger the application of section 163(j)(1) to reduce the amount 
of the interest deduction, (d) which would then lead to the taxpayer 
having no net losses and therefore being eligible for the application 
of section 163(j)(3). To address this fact pattern, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS have added rules providing that, for purposes of 
section 1256(e)(3)(B), losses are determined without regard to section 
163(j). See proposed Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-2(d)(3) and 1.1256(e)-2(b).
    Several commenters requested that the exemption in section 
163(j)(3) be broadened to apply to all small businesses without regard 
to the parenthetical that denies the section 163(j)(3) exemption for a 
small business that is ``a tax shelter that is not permitted to use a 
cash method of accounting.'' See section 163(j)(3). One commenter 
specifically requested that, for a small business meeting the gross 
receipts test in section 448(c), all interests held by limited partners 
or limited entrepreneurs be treated as held by owners actively managing 
the business even if those interests would not qualify for the active 
management exception under section 1256(e)(3)(C). After considering the 
comments, the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the 
requests are contrary to both the statutory language in section 
163(j)(3) and the accompanying legislative history and therefore 
decline to adopt the comments.

B. Election To Use 2019 ATI To Determine 2020 Section 163(j) Limitation

    As stated in the Background section of this preamble, section 
163(j)(10)(B)(i) allows a taxpayer to elect to use its 2019 ATI in 
determining the taxpayer's section 163(j) limitation for its taxable 
year beginning in 2020. Section 1.163(j)-2(b)(3) and (4) of the Final 
Regulations provide general rules regarding this election.
    These proposed regulations clarify that, if the acquiring 
corporation in a transaction to which section 381 applies makes an 
election under section 163(j)(10)(B)(i), the acquiring corporation's 
2019 ATI for purposes of section 163(j)(10)(B)(i) is its ATI for its 
last taxable year beginning in 2019 (subject to the limitation for 
short taxable years in section 163(j)(10)(B)(ii)). For example, assume 
that T's 2019 ATI is $100 and A's 2019 ATI is $200. If T merges into A 
during A's 2020 taxable year in a transaction described in section 
368(a)(1)(A), and if A makes an election under section 
163(j)(10)(B)(i), A's 2019 ATI for purposes of this election is $200. 
Similarly, these proposed regulations clarify that a consolidated 
group's 2019 ATI for purposes of section 163(j)(10)(B)(i) is the 
consolidated group's ATI for its last taxable year beginning in 2019 
(subject to the limitation in section 163(j)(10)(B)(ii)). The Treasury 
Department and the IRS request comments on these proposed rules. The 
Treasury Department and the IRS also request comments on (1) whether 
the 2019 ATI of an acquired corporation in a transaction to which 
section 381 applies should be included in the acquiring corporation's 
2019 ATI for purposes of section 163(j)(10)(B)(i) and (2) how such a 
rule would address more complex fact patterns, such as situations where 
the acquiring corporation is acquired in a subsequent transaction 
described in section 381, or where the acquired corporation and the 
acquiring corporation have different tax years.

IX. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-10: Application of Corporate Look-Through 
Rules to Tiered Structures

    For purposes of determining the extent to which a shareholder's 
basis in the stock of a domestic non-consolidated C corporation or CFC 
is allocable to an excepted or non-excepted trade or business, Sec.  
1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(ii)(B) provides several look-through rules whereby 
the shareholder ``looks through'' to the corporation's basis in its 
assets.
    A commenter pointed out that the application of these look-through 
rules may produce distortive results in certain situations. For 
example, assume Corporation X's basis in its assets is split equally 
between X's excepted and non-excepted trades or businesses, and that 
(as a result) X has a 50 percent exempt percentage applied to its 
interest expense. However, rather than operate its excepted trade or 
business directly, X operates its excepted trade or business through a 
wholly owned, non-consolidated subsidiary (Corporation Y), and each of 
X and Y borrows funds from external lenders. Assuming for purposes of 
this example that neither the anti-avoidance rule in Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(h) nor the anti-abuse rule in Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(8) applies, Y's 
interest expense would not be subject to the section 163(j) limitation 
because Y is engaged solely in an excepted trade or business. Moreover, 
a portion of X's interest expense also would be allocable to an 
excepted trade or business by virtue of the application of the look-
through rule in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(ii)(B)(2) to X's basis 
in Y's stock.
    The anti-avoidance rule in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-2(h) and the 
anti-abuse rule in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(8) would preclude the 
foregoing result in certain circumstances. However, these proposed 
regulations would modify the look-through rule for domestic non-
consolidated C corporations and CFCs to limit the potentially 
distortive effect of this look-through rule on tiered structures in 
situations to which the anti-avoidance and anti-abuse rules do not 
apply. More specifically, these proposed regulations would modify the 
look-through rule for non-consolidated C corporations to provide that, 
for purposes of determining a taxpayer's basis in its assets used in 
excepted and non-excepted trades or businesses, any such corporation 
whose stock is being looked through may not itself apply the look-
through rule.
    For example, P wholly and directly owns S1, which wholly and 
directly owns S2. Each of these entities is a non-consolidated C 
corporation to which the small business exemption does not apply. In 
determining the extent to which its interest expense is subject to the 
section 163(j) limitation, S1 may look through the stock of S2 for 
purposes of allocating S1's basis in its S2 stock between excepted and 
non-excepted trades or businesses. However, in determining the extent 
to which P's interest expense is subject to the section 163(j) 
limitation, S1 may not look

[[Page 56874]]

through the stock of S2 for purposes of allocating P's basis in its S1 
stock between excepted and non-excepted trades or businesses.
    However, the Treasury Department and the IRS are aware that 
taxpayers are organized into multi-tiered structures for legitimate, 
non-tax reasons. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments 
on the proposed limitation on the application of the corporate look-
through rules. The Treasury Department and the IRS also request 
comments on whether there are other situations in which the look-
through rules for domestic non-consolidated C corporations or CFCs 
should apply and whether there are other approaches for addressing the 
distortions that these proposed rules are intended to minimize.

Proposed Applicability Dates

    These Proposed Regulations are proposed to apply to taxable years 
beginning on or after 60 days after the date the Treasury Decision 
adopting these rules as final regulations is published in the Federal 
Register.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b)(1), may rely on Sec.  1.163-14, Sec.  1.163-15, Sec.  
1.163(j)-2(d)(3), or Sec.  1.1256(e)-2 of these Proposed Regulations 
for a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 
days after the date the Treasury Decision adopting these rules as final 
regulations is published in the Federal Register, provided taxpayers 
and their related parties consistently follow all of the rules of the 
relevant section of the Proposed Regulations for that taxable year and 
for each subsequent taxable year. Taxpayers and their related parties, 
within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to 
apply Sec.  1.163-14, 1.163-15, 1.163(j)-2(d)(3), or 1.1256(e)-2 of the 
final version of these Proposed Regulations for a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 days after the date 
the Treasury Decision adopting these rules as final regulations is 
published in the Federal Register, provided that taxpayers and their 
related parties consistently apply all of the rules of the relevant 
section, as applicable, to that taxable year and each subsequent 
taxable year. See also Sec. Sec.  1.163-14(i), 1.163-15(b), 1.163(j)-
2(k)(2), and 1.1256(e)-2(d) of these Proposed Regulations.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b)(1), who apply the Final Regulations (as defined in 
the Explanation of Provisions) published elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register to a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, 
and before 60 days after the Treasury Decision adopting these rules as 
final regulations is published in the Federal Register may rely on 
Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(iv)(B) and 1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(iv)(E) of these 
Proposed Regulations for a taxable year beginning after December 31, 
2017, and before 60 days after the Treasury Decision adopting these 
rules as final regulations is published in the Federal Register, 
provided that taxpayers and their related parties consistently apply 
the rules of both Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(iv)(B) and 1.163(j)-
1(b)(1)(iv)(E) of these Proposed Regulations, and, if applicable, 
Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 1.382-1, 1.382-2, 
1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.382-7, 1.383-0, 1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.469-11, 1.704-
1, 1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-
36, 1.1502-79, 1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the extent they 
effectuate the rules of Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 
1.383-1), and 1.1504-4, to that taxable year and each subsequent 
taxable year See also Sec.  1.163(j)-1(c)(4)(i) of these Proposed 
Regulations.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b)(1), who apply the Final Regulations published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 days after the 
Treasury Decision adopting these rules as final regulations is 
published in the Federal Register, may rely on the rules in Sec.  
1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(iii) and (iv) of these Proposed Regulations for such 
taxable year, provided that taxpayers and their related parties 
consistently follow the rules of both Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(iii) and 
(iv) for that taxable year and for each subsequent taxable year 
beginning before 60 days after the Treasury Decision adopting these 
rules as final regulations is published in the Federal Register. 
Taxpayers not applying the Final Regulations to taxable years beginning 
before November 13, 2020 may not rely on the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(b)(3)(iii) and (iv) of these Proposed Regulations for those taxable 
years. See also Sec.  1.163(j)-2(k)(2) of these Proposed Regulations.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b), who apply the Final Regulations published elsewhere 
in this issue of the Federal Register to a taxable year beginning after 
December 31, 2017, and before 60 days after the Treasury Decision 
adopting these rules as final regulations is published in the Federal 
Register may rely on the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(ii)(D)(2), 
1.469-4(d)(6), or 1.469-9(b)(2) of these Proposed Regulations for a 
taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 days 
after the Treasury Decision adopting these rules as final regulations 
is published in the Federal Register, provided that taxpayers and their 
related parties consistently follow the rules of Sec.  1.163(j)-
10(c)(5)(ii)(D)(2), 1.469-4(d)(6), or 1.469-9(b)(2) of these Proposed 
Regulations, as applicable, and, if applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 
1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 1.382-1, 1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.382-7, 
1.383-0, 1.383-1, 1.469-4, 1.469-9, 1.469-11, 1.704-1, 1.882-5, 1.1362-
3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-36, 1.1502-79, 
1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the extent they effectuate the rules of 
Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 1.383-1), and 1.1504-4, for 
that taxable year and for each subsequent taxable year. See also 
Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-10(f)(2) and 1.469-11(a)(1) and (4) of these 
Proposed Regulations.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b), may rely on the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6 of these 
Proposed Regulations for a taxable year beginning after December 31, 
2017, and before 60 days after the Treasury Decision adopting these 
rules as final regulations is published in the Federal Register, 
provided that taxpayers and their related parties also apply the rules 
of Sec.  1.163(j)-6 in the Final Regulations and consistently follow 
all of those rules for that taxable year and for each subsequent 
taxable year. See also Sec.  1.163(j)-6(p)(2) of these Proposed 
Regulations.
    Taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b)(1), who apply the Final Regulations published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 days after the date 
the Final Regulations are published in the Federal Register, may rely 
on Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-7 and 1.163(j)-8 of these Proposed Regulations 
for that taxable year, provided the taxpayers and their related parties 
also rely on Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-7 and 1.163(j)-8 of these Proposed 
Regulations and apply the Final Regulations for each subsequent taxable 
year. Taxpayers who choose not to apply the Final Regulations to a 
taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 60 days 
after the date the Final Regulations are published in the Federal 
Register may not rely on either Sec.  1.163(j)-7 or 1.163(j)-8 of these 
Proposed Regulations for that taxable year. For any taxable year 
beginning on or after 60 days after the date the Final Regulations are 
published in the

[[Page 56875]]

Federal Register and before 60 days after the date the Treasury 
Decision adopting these Proposed Regulations as final regulations is 
published in the Federal Register, taxpayers and their related parties, 
within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may rely on 
Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-7 and 1.163(j)-8 of these Proposed Regulations 
provided they consistently follow all of the rules of Sec. Sec.  
1.163(j)-7 and 1.163(j)-8 for such taxable year and for each subsequent 
taxable year beginning before 60 days after the Treasury Decision 
adopting these Proposed Regulations as final regulations is published 
in the Federal Register. See also Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-7(m) and 
1.163(j)-8(j) of these Proposed Regulations. Taxpayers and their 
related parties who rely on Sec.  1.163(j)-7 of these Proposed 
Regulations for any taxable year ending before November 13, 2020 can 
make a CFC group election or a safe-harbor election even if the 
deadline provided in Sec.  1.163(j)-7(e)(5)(iii) or (h)(5)(i) of these 
Proposed Regulations has passed. Such taxpayers and their related 
parties are permitted to make the election on an amended Federal income 
tax return filed on or before the due date (taking into account 
extensions, if any) of the original Federal income tax return for the 
first taxable year ending after November 13, 2020.
    See part III.B of the Explanation of Provisions for rules 
concerning reliance on these Proposed Regulations with respect to 
section 163(j) interest dividends.

Special Analyses

I. Regulatory Planning and Review--Economic Analysis

    Executive Orders 13771, 13563, and 12866 direct agencies to assess 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits, including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity. Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. 
The Executive Order 13771 designation for any final rule resulting from 
these proposed regulations will be informed by comments received. The 
preliminary Executive Order 13771 designation for this proposed rule is 
regulatory.
    These proposed regulations have been designated by the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs as subject to review under Executive 
Order 12866 pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA, April 11, 
2018) between the Treasury Department and the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) regarding review of tax regulations. OMB has designated 
the proposed regulations as economically significant under section 1(c) 
of the MOA. Accordingly, the proposed regulations have been reviewed by 
OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

A. Background and Need for These Proposed Regulations

    Section 163(j), substantially revised by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 
(TCJA), provides a set of relatively complex statutory rules that 
impose a limitation on the amount of business interest expense that a 
taxpayer may deduct for Federal tax purposes. This limitation does not 
apply to businesses with gross receipts of $25 million or less 
(inflation adjusted). This provision has the general effect of putting 
debt-financed investment by businesses on a more equal footing with 
equity-financed investment, a treatment that Congress believed will 
lead to a more efficient capital structure for firms. See Senate Budget 
Explanation of the Bill as Passed by SFC (2017-11-20) at pp. 163-4.
    As described in the Background section earlier, the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) amended section 
163(j) to provide special rules relating to the adjusted taxable income 
(ATI) limitation for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020.
    Because this limitation on deduction for business interest expense 
is new, taxpayers would benefit from regulations that explain key terms 
and calculations. The Treasury Department and the IRS published 
proposed regulations in December 2018 (2018 Proposed Regulations) and 
are issuing final regulations simultaneously with the current proposed 
regulations. This current set of proposed regulations covers topics 
that were reserved in the 2018 Proposed Regulations, were raised by 
commenters to the proposed regulations, or need to be re-proposed.

B. Overview of the Proposed Regulations

    The proposed regulations provide guidance on the definition of 
interest as it relates to income flowing through regulated investment 
companies (RICs); debt-financed distributions from pass-through 
entities; the treatment of business interest expense for publicly 
traded partnerships and trading partnerships \10\; the application of 
the section 163(j) limitation in the context of self-charged interest; 
and the treatment of excess business interest expense in tiered-
partnership structures. The proposed regulations also modify the 
definition of real property development and real property redevelopment 
in section 1.469-9 of the regulations and the definition of syndicate 
for purposes of applying the small business exception in section 
163(j)(3). The proposed regulations also re-propose rules regarding the 
application of the interest limitation to foreign corporations 
(including controlled foreign corporations as defined in section 
957(a)) and United States shareholders of controlled foreign 
corporations, and the applicability of the section 163(j) limitation to 
foreign persons with U.S. effectively connected income.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ A trading partnership is a partnership engaged in the per 
se non-passive activity of trading personal property (including 
market securities) for the account of owners of interests in the 
activity, as described in section 1.469-1T(e)(6) (trading 
partnerships).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Economic Analysis

1. Baseline
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have assessed the benefits and 
costs of these proposed regulations relative to a no-action baseline 
that reflects anticipated Federal income tax-related behavior in the 
absence of these regulations.
2. Summary of Economic Effects
    The proposed regulations provide certainty and clarity to taxpayers 
regarding terms and calculations that are contained in section 163(j), 
which was substantially modified by TCJA. In the absence of this 
clarity, the likelihood that different taxpayers would interpret the 
rules regarding the deductibility of business interest expense 
differently would be exacerbated. In general, overall economic 
performance is enhanced when businesses face more uniform signals about 
tax treatment. Certainty and clarity over tax treatment also reduce 
compliance costs for taxpayers.
    For those situations where taxpayers would generally adopt similar 
interpretations of the statute even in the absence of guidance, the 
proposed regulations provide value by helping to ensure that those 
interpretations are consistent with the intent and purpose of the 
statute. For example, the proposed regulations may specify a tax 
treatment that few or no taxpayers would adopt in the absence of 
specific guidance.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS project that the proposed 
regulations

[[Page 56876]]

will have an annual economic effect greater than $100 million ($2019). 
This determination is based on the substantial volume of business 
interest payments in the economy \11\ and the general responsiveness of 
business investment to effective tax rates,\12\ one component of which 
is the deductibility of interest expense. Based on these two 
magnitudes, even modest changes in the deductibility of interest 
payments (and in the certainty of that deductibility) provided by the 
proposed regulations, relative to the no-action baseline, can be 
expected to have annual effects greater than $100 million. This claim 
is particularly likely to hold for the first set of general section 
163(j) guidance that is promulgated following major legislation, such 
as TCJA, and for other major guidance, which we have determined 
includes these proposed regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Interest deductions in tax year 2013 for corporations, 
partnerships, and sole proprietorships were approximately $800 
billion.
    \12\ See E. Zwick and J. Mahon, ``Tax Policy and Heterogeneous 
Investment Behavior,'' at American Economic Review 2017, 107(1): 
217-48 and articles cited therein.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding the nature of the economic effects, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS project that the proposed regulations will 
increase investment in the United States and increase the proportion 
that is debt-financed, relative to the no-action baseline. We have 
further determined that these effects are consistent with the intent 
and purpose of the statute. Because taxpayer favorable provisions will 
lead to a decrease in Federal tax revenue relative to the no-action 
baseline, there may be an increase in the Federal deficit relative to 
the no-action baseline. This may lead to a decrease in investment by 
taxpayers not directly affected by these proposed regulations, relative 
to the no-action baseline. This effect should be weighed against the 
enhanced efficiency arising from the clarity and enhanced consistency 
with the intent and purpose of the statute provided by these 
regulations. The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that 
the proposed regulations provide a net benefit to the U.S. economy.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have not undertaken more 
precise quantitative estimates of these effects because many of the 
definitions and calculations under 163(j) are new and many of the 
economic decisions that are implicated by these proposed regulations 
involve highly specific taxpayer circumstances. We do not have readily 
available data or models to estimate with reasonable precision the 
types and volume of different financing arrangements that taxpayers 
might undertake under the proposed regulations versus the no-action 
baseline.
    In the absence of such quantitative estimates, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS have undertaken a qualitative analysis of the 
economic effects of the proposed regulations relative to the no-action 
baseline and relative to alternative regulatory approaches. This 
analysis is presented in Part I.C.3 of this Special Analyses.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS solicit comments on these 
findings and more generally on the economic effects of these proposed 
regulations. The Treasury Department and the IRS particularly solicit 
data, other evidence, or models that could be used to enhance the rigor 
of the process by which the final regulations might be developed.
3. Economic Effects of Specific Provisions
a. Definition of Interest
    The final regulations set forth several categories of amounts and 
transactions that generate interest for purposes of section 163(j). The 
proposed regulations provide further guidance on the definition of 
interest relevant to the calculation of interest expense and interest 
income. In particular, the proposed regulations provide rules under 
which the dividends paid by a RIC that earns net business interest 
income (referred to as section 163(j) interest dividends) are to be 
treated as interest income by the RIC's shareholders. That is, under 
the proposed regulations, certain interest income earned by the RIC and 
paid to a shareholder as a dividend is treated as if the shareholder 
earned the interest income directly for purposes of section 163(j).
    To the extent that taxpayers believed, in the absence of the 
proposed regulations, that dividends paid by RICs are not treated as 
business interest income for the purposes of the section 163(j) 
limitation, then taxpayers will likely respond to the proposed 
regulations by reducing their holding of other debt instruments and 
increasing investment in RICs. The Treasury Department and the IRS have 
determined that this treatment is consistent with the intent and 
purpose of the statute.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
have determined that the rules regarding section 163(j) interest 
dividends will potentially affect approximately 10,000 RICs. The 
Treasury Department and the IRS do not have readily available data on 
the number of RIC shareholders that would receive section 163(j) 
interest dividends that the shareholder could treat as business 
interest income for purposes of the shareholder's section 163(j) 
limitation.
b. Provisions Related to Partnerships
i. Trading Partnerships
    Section 163(j) limits the deductibility of interest expense at the 
partnership level. These proposed regulations address commenter 
concerns about the interaction between this section 163(j) limitation 
and the section 163(d) partner level limitation on interest expense 
that existed prior to TJCA. Under logic described in the preamble to 
the 2018 Proposed Regulations, section 163(j) limitations would apply 
at the partnership level while section 163(d) limitations would apply 
at the partner level and these tests would be applied independently. 
Commenters suggested and Treasury has agreed that the correct 
interpretation of the statute is to exempt interest expense that is 
limited at the partner level by section 163(d) from the partnership 
level section 163(j) limitation in accordance with the language of 
section 163(j)(5).
    These proposed regulations provide that interest expense at the 
partnership level that is allocated to non-materially participating 
partners subject to section 163(d) is not included in the section 
163(j) limitation calculation of the partnership. Generally, the 
section 163(d) limitation is more generous than the section 163(j) 
limitation. Relative to the 2018 Proposed Regulations, this change may 
encourage these partners to incur additional interest expense because 
they will be less likely to be limited in their ability to use it to 
offset other income. Commenters argued that exempting from section 
163(j) any interest expense allocated to non-materially participating 
partners subject to section 163(d) will treat this interest expense in 
the same way as the interest expense generated through separately 
managed accounts, which are not subject to section 163(j) limitations.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS project that these proposed 
regulations will result in additional investment in trading 
partnerships and generally higher levels of debt in any given trading 
partnership relative to the 2018 Proposed Regulations. Because 
investments in trading partnerships may be viewed as economically 
similar to investments in separately managed accounts arrangements, we 
further project that the proposed regulations, by making the tax 
treatments of these two arrangements generally similar, will

[[Page 56877]]

improve U.S. economic performance relative to the no-action baseline.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
have determined that the rules regarding trading partnerships will 
potentially affect approximately 275,000 taxpayers. This number was 
reached by determining, using data for the 2017 taxable year, the 
number of Form 1065 and Form 1065-B filers that (1) completed Schedule 
B to Form 1065 and marked box b, c, or d in question 1 to denote 
limited partnership, limited liability company, or limited liability 
partnership status; and (2) have a North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) code starting with 5231 (securities and 
commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage), 5232 (securities and 
commodity exchanges), 5239 (other financial investment activities), or 
5259 (other investment pools and funds).
    Additionally, the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined 
that the rules regarding publicly traded partnerships will potentially 
affect approximately 80 taxpayers. This number was reached by 
determining, using data for the 2017 taxable year, the number of Form 
1065 and 1065-B filers with gross receipts exceeding $25 million that 
answered ``yes'' to question 5 on Schedule B to Form 1065 denoting that 
the entity is a publicly traded partnership. The Treasury Department 
and the IRS do not have readily available data on the number of filers 
that are tax shelters that are potentially affected by these 
provisions.
ii. Debt-Financed Distributions
    Prior to TCJA, partners were responsible for determining the 
applicability of any limitations on the use of proceeds from debt 
because limitations on interest expense deductibility were determined 
at the partner level. Under section 163(j) as amended by TCJA, the 
partnership is required to complete a calculation to determine its 
limitation on trade or business interest expense. These proposed 
regulations provide guidance on the method that partnerships and 
partners should use to allocate interest expense in cases where a 
partner receives a distribution financed from debt. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS project that this guidance will reduce taxpayer 
uncertainty regarding the application of section 163(j) in this 
situation relative to the no-action baseline.
    The proposed regulations require that partnerships allocate the 
interest expense of the partners not receiving a debt-financed 
distribution first. This interest expense is allocated to trade or 
business expense to the extent of the partnership's expenses. The 
character of any remaining interest expense is determined based on the 
partnership's asset basis. Next, the proposed regulations allocate the 
interest expense of the partner receiving the debt-financed 
distribution. If there is any remaining business expense that was not 
used by the other partners it is used first to allocate the interest 
expense. Then the partner receiving the debt financed distribution 
looks to the use of the proceeds of the distribution to determine the 
character of any additional interest expense.
    This procedure provides lower compliance costs relative to 
alternative regulatory approaches. Any alternative method that required 
information on the partner's use of the proceeds to determine the 
partnership level section 163(j) limitation would have increased 
compliance costs for partnerships and partners because it would require 
a new reporting from partners to partnerships. In cases of tiered 
partnerships, this reporting could become extremely complex. The method 
outlined in these proposed regulations avoids the need for partnerships 
and other partners to have information about the use the debt-financed 
distribution proceeds. However, it maintains that interest expense 
allocated to the partner receiving the debt-financed distribution could 
still be subject to other limitations besides section 163(j) based on 
the use of the proceeds. For example, proceeds used for personal 
expenditures would still be subject to section 163(h) limitations on 
interest expense, which may be seen as an important existing anti-abuse 
provision.
    The proposed procedure bases the allocation rules on optional and 
general allocation rules outlined in a previously issued notice, Notice 
89-35, which will minimize compliance costs to partnerships (relative 
to the no-action baseline) to the extent that they are already familiar 
with allocating interest expense first to the partnership's business 
expenses and subsequently based on assets. Relative to the no-action 
baseline, the Treasury Department and the IRS expect these proposed 
regulations will reduce taxpayer uncertainty regarding the application 
of section 163(j). Treasury and IRS expect that this resolution of 
uncertainty itself will reduce taxpayer compliance costs and encourage 
similarly situated taxpayers to interpret section 163(j) similarly.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
are not currently able to determine the number of taxpayers affected by 
rules regarding debt financed distributions because debt financed 
distributions are not separately identified on tax forms, and therefore 
using the numbers of entities reporting interest on a Form K-1, 
Schedule C or Schedule E would produce overly broad results.
iii. Tiered Partnerships
    Section 163(j) does not explicitly address how the interest 
deduction limitation should be applied to tiered partnerships. The 2018 
Proposed Regulations requested comments on the treatment of tiered 
partnership structures. Suppose that an upper-tier partnership (UTP) is 
a partner of a lower-tier partnership (LTP), and that the LTP has 
business interest expense that is limited under section 163(j). Under 
the 2018 Proposed Regulations, the UTP would receive an excess business 
interest expense (EBIE) carryforward from the LTP. In response to 
comments received, these proposed regulations adopt the Entity Approach 
and specify that this EBIE carryforward should not be allocated to the 
partners of the UTP for purposes of section 163(j).
    While some commenters favored the Entity Approach that these 
proposed regulations adopt, others favored an alternative under which 
the EBIE carryforward would be allocated to the UTP's partners 
(Aggregate Approach). Additionally, if the UTP's partner were itself a 
partnership, the EBIE would again be allocated to that partnership's 
partners. This would continue until the EBIE is eventually allocated to 
a non-partnership partner. Relative to the Entity Approach, the 
Aggregate Approach generally places greater compliance burden on 
partners. Under the Aggregate Approach, partners would be required to 
keep records linking separate amounts of EBIE to the partnerships that 
generated them. In simple partnership structures, this is not onerous; 
however, in a partnership structure with many tiers and many partners, 
this would prove cumbersome. In contrast, under the Entity Approach, 
only the UTP keeps a record of the EBIE carryforward.
    In summary, the Treasury Department and the IRS project lower 
record-keeping requirements, higher compliance rates, and easier 
compliance monitoring of tiered partnerships under the Entity Approach 
relative to the Aggregate Approach, with no meaningful difference in 
the economic decisions that taxpayers would make under the two 
approaches.

[[Page 56878]]

    Moreover, relative to the no-action baseline, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS expect these proposed regulations for tiered 
partnerships will reduce taxpayer uncertainty regarding the application 
of section 163(j). Treasury and IRS expect that this resolution of 
uncertainty itself will reduce taxpayer compliance costs and encourage 
similarly situated taxpayers to interpret section 163(j) similarly.
iv. Self-Charged Lending
    The 2018 Proposed Regulations requested comments on the treatment 
of lending transactions between a partnership and a partner (self-
charged lending transactions). Suppose that a partnership receives a 
loan from a partner and allocates the resulting interest expense to 
that partner. Prior to the TCJA, the interest income and interest 
expense from this loan would net precisely to zero on the lending 
partner's tax return. Under section 163(j) as revised by TCJA, however, 
the partnership's interest expense deduction may now be limited. 
Therefore, in absence of specific regulatory guidance, the lending 
partner may receive interest income from the partnership accompanied by 
less-than-fully-offsetting interest expense. Instead, the lending 
partner would receive EBIE, which would not be available to offset his 
personal interest income. This outcome has the effect of increasing the 
cost of lending transactions between partners and their partnerships 
relative to otherwise similar financing arrangements.
    To avoid this outcome, these proposed regulations treat the lending 
partner's interest income from the loan as excess business interest 
income (EBII) from the partnership, but only to the extent of the 
partner's share of any EBIE from the partnership for the taxable year. 
This allows the interest income from the loan to be offset by the EBIE. 
The business interest expense (BIE) of the partnership attributable to 
the lending transaction will thus be treated as BIE of the partnership 
for purposes of applying section 163(j) to the partnership.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS expect that these proposed 
regulations will lead a higher proportion of self-charged lending 
transactions in partnership financing, relative to the no-action 
baseline. We further project that these proposed regulations will 
increase the proportion of partnership financing that is debt-financed 
relative to the no-action baseline. We have determined that these 
effects are consistent with the intent and purpose of the statute.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
do not have readily available data to determine the number of taxpayers 
affected by rules regarding self-charged interest because no reporting 
modules currently connect these payments by and from partnerships.
c. Provisions Related to Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs)
i. How To Apply Section 163(j) When CFCs Have Shared Ownership
    The Final Regulations clarify that section 163(j) and the section 
163(j) regulations apply to determine the deductibility of a CFC's 
business interest expense for tax purposes in the same manner as these 
provisions apply to a domestic corporation. These proposed regulations 
provide further rules and guidance on how section 163(j) applies to 
CFCs when CFCs have shared ownership and are eligible to be members of 
CFC groups.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS considered three options with 
respect to the application of section 163(j) to CFC groups. The first 
option was to apply the 163(j) limitation to CFCs on an individual 
basis, regardless of whether CFCs have shared ownership. However, if 
section 163(j) is applied on an individual basis, business interest 
deductions of individual CFCs may be limited by section 163(j) even 
when, if calculated on a group basis, business interest deductions 
would not be limited. Taxpayers could restructure or ``self-help'' to 
mitigate the effects of the section 163(j) limitation, but that option 
involves economically restructuring costs for the taxpayer (relative to 
the third option, described subsequently) with no corresponding 
economically productive activity.
    The second option, which was proposed in the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations, was to allow an election to treat related CFCs and their 
U.S. shareholders as a group. Under this option, while the section 
163(j) rules would still be computed at the individual CFC level, the 
``excess taxable income'' of a CFC could be passed up from lower-tier 
CFCs to upper-tier CFCs and U.S. shareholders in the same group. Excess 
taxable income is the amount of income by which a CFC's adjusted 
taxable income (ATI) exceeds the threshold amount of ATI below which 
there would be disallowed business expense.
    Many comments suggested that computing a section 163(j) limitation 
for each CFC and rolling up CFC excess taxable income would be 
burdensome for taxpayers, especially since some multinational 
organizations have hundreds of CFCs. In addition, comments noted that 
the ability to pass up excess taxable income would encourage 
multinational organizations to restructure such that CFCs with low 
interest payments and high ATI are lower down the ownership chain and 
CFCs with high interest payments and low ATI are higher up in the chain 
of ownership. Similar to the first option, this restructuring would be 
expensive to taxpayers without any corresponding productive economic 
activity.
    The third option was to allow taxpayers to elect to apply the 
section 163(j) rules to CFC groups on an aggregate basis, similar to 
the rules applicable to U.S. consolidated groups. This option was 
suggested by many comments and is the approach taken in the proposed 
regulations. Under this option, a single 163(j) limitation is computed 
for a CFC group by summing the items necessary for this computation 
(e.g., current-year business interest expense and ATI) across all CFC 
group members. The CFC group's limitation is then allocated to each CFC 
member using allocation rules similar to those that apply to U.S. 
consolidated groups.
    This option reduces the compliance burden on taxpayers in 
comparison to applying the section 163(j) rules on an individual CFC 
basis and calculating the excess taxable income to be passed up from 
lower tier CFCs to higher tier CFCs. In comparison to the first and 
second options, this option also removes the incentive for taxpayers to 
undertake costly restructuring, since the location of interest payments 
and ATI among CFC group members will not affect the interest 
disallowance for the group.
    The proposed regulations also set out a number of rules to govern 
membership in a CFC group. These rules specify which CFCs can be 
members of the same CFC group, how CFCs with U.S. effectively connected 
income (ECI) should be treated, and the timing for making or revoking a 
CFC group election. These rules provide clarity and certainty to 
taxpayers regarding the CFC group election for section 163(j). In the 
absence of these regulations, taxpayers would face uncertainty 
regarding CFC group membership, and may make financing decisions or 
undertake restructuring that would be inefficient relative to the 
proposed regulations.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The population affected by this 
proposed rule includes any taxpayer with ownership in a CFC group, 
consisting of two or more CFCs that has average gross receipts over a 
three year period in excess of $25 million. The Treasury

[[Page 56879]]

Department and the IRS estimate that there are approximately 7,500 
taxpayers with two or more CFCs based on counts of e-filed tax returns 
for tax years 2015-2017. This estimate includes C corporations, S 
corporations, partnerships, and individuals with CFC ownership.
ii. CFC Excess Taxable Income and ATI of U.S. Shareholders
    Generally, for the purposes of computing interest expense 
disallowed under section 163(j), deemed income inclusions, such as 
subpart F and GILTI inclusions, are excluded from a U.S. shareholder's 
ATI under the Final Regulations. The proposed regulations allow a U.S. 
shareholder to add back to its ATI a percentage of its deemed income 
inclusions attributable to an applicable CFC. That percentage is equal 
to the ratio of the CFC's excess taxable income to its ATI.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS considered three options with 
respect to the addition of deemed income inclusions to a U.S. 
shareholder's ATI. The first option is to allow such inclusions to be 
added to ATI with respect to any of a taxpayer's applicable CFCs 
regardless of whether a CFC group election is made. However, under this 
option, taxpayers with a number of highly leveraged CFCs would have the 
incentive to not make a CFC group election and concentrate debt in 
certain CFCs. The taxpayer could thereby reduce the leverage of other 
CFCs in order to create excess taxable income in those CFCs. This 
excess taxable income could be then passed up to increase the U.S. 
shareholder's ATI. This incentive could lead to costly debt shifting 
among CFCs with no corresponding productive economic activity.
    The second option considered was to allow such income inclusions to 
be added to ATI with respect to CFC group members only. Deemed income 
attributable to CFCs that are not members of groups would not be 
allowed to be added to a U.S. shareholder's ATI. This would remove the 
incentive for taxpayers to aggregate debt in certain CFCs, since if 
CFCs are treated as members of a group, then the distribution of 
interest payments across members will not affect the total excess 
taxable income of the group. However, comments noted that this option 
would not allow deemed income from stand-alone CFCs, which do not meet 
the requirements to join a CFC group, to increase shareholders' ATI.
    The third option, which is proposed by the Treasury Department and 
the IRS, is to allow such income inclusions to be added to ATI with 
respect to both CFC group members and stand-alone CFCs. Under this 
option, if CFCs are eligible to be members of a CFC group, then the 
group election must be made in order for deemed inclusions attributable 
to these CFCs to increase shareholder ATI. The ATI of a U.S. 
shareholder can also be increased with respect to CFCs that are not 
eligible to be members of CFC groups. In this way, the rule does not 
penalize, relative to shareholders of CFC groups, shareholders which 
own only one CFC or own CFCs which for other reasons are not eligible 
for group membership.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The population of affected taxpayers 
includes any taxpayer with a CFC since the proposed rule affects both 
stand-alone CFCs as well as CFC groups. The Treasury Department and the 
IRS estimate that there are approximately 10,000 to 11,000 affected 
taxpayers based on a count of e-filed tax returns for tax years 2015-
2017. These counts include C corporations, S corporations, 
partnerships, and individuals with CFC ownership that meet a $25 
million three-year average gross receipts threshold. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS do not have readily available data on the number 
of filers that are tax shelters that are potentially affected by these 
provisions.
d. Election To Use 2019 ATI To Determine 2020 Section 163(j) Limitation 
for Consolidated Groups
    The proposed regulations provide that if a taxpayer filing as a 
consolidated group elects to substitute its 2019 ATI for its 2020 ATI, 
that group can use the consolidated group ATI for the 2019 taxable 
year, even if membership of the consolidated group changed in the 2020 
taxable year. For example, suppose consolidated group C has three 
members in the 2019 taxable year, P, the common parent of the 
consolidated group, and S1 and S2, which are both wholly owned by P. In 
the 2019 taxable year, each member of consolidated group C had $100 of 
ATI on a stand-alone basis, for a total of $300 of ATI for the 
consolidated group C. In the 2020 taxable year, consolidated group C 
sells all of the stock of S2 and acquires all of the stock of a new 
member, S3. In the 2019 taxable year, S3 had $50 in ATI on a stand-
alone basis. Under the proposed regulations, consolidated group C may 
elect to use $300 in ATI from 2019 as a substitute for its ATI in the 
2020 taxable year.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS considered as an alternative 
basing the 2019 ATI on the membership of the consolidated group in the 
2020 taxable year. In the example in the previous paragraph, this 
approach would subtract out the $100 in ATI from S2 and add the $50 in 
ATI from S3, for a total of $250 in 2019 ATI that could potentially be 
substituted for 2020 ATI for consolidated group C. This approach would 
add burden to taxpayers relative to the proposed regulations by 
requiring additional calculations and tracking of ATI on a member-by-
member basis to determine the amount of 2019 ATI that can be used in 
the 2020 taxable year without providing any general economic benefit.
    In addition, the 2019 tax year will have closed for many taxpayers 
by the time these proposed regulations will be published. This implies 
that proposed rule of basing the consolidated group composition on the 
2019 taxable year to calculate the amount of 2019 ATI that can be used 
in the 2020 taxable year will, relative to the alternative approach of 
using the composition in the 2020 taxable year, reduce the incentive 
for taxpayers to engage in costly mergers, acquisitions, or divestures 
to achieve a favorable tax result.
    Number of Affected Taxpayers. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
estimate that approximately 34,000 corporate taxpayers filed a 
consolidated group tax return for tax year 2017. This represents an 
upper-bound of the number of taxpayers affected by the proposed rule as 
not all consolidated groups would need to calculate the amount of 
section 163(j) interest limitation in tax years 2019 and 2020.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collection of information in these Proposed Regulations has 
been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review in 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a valid OMB control number. The collection of information in these 
Proposed Regulations has been submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget for review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)).
    Books or records relating to a collection of information must be 
retained as long as their contents may become material in the 
administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and 
return information are confidential, as required by section 6103.
1. Collections of Information
    The collections of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act in these

[[Page 56880]]

Proposed Regulations are in proposed Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5), 
1.163(j)-6(g)(4), and 1.163(j)-7.
    The collections of information in proposed Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(d)(5) and 1.163(j)-6(g)(4) are required to make two elections 
relating to changes made to section 163(j) by the CARES Act. The 
election under proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5) is for a passthrough 
taxpayer to use the taxpayer's ATI for the last taxable year beginning 
in 2019 as its ATI for any taxable year beginning in 2020, in 
accordance with section 163(j)(10)(B). The election under proposed 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4) relates to excess business interest expense of a 
partnership for any taxable year beginning in 2019 that is allocated to 
a partner. Section 163(j)(10)(A)(ii)(II) provides that, unless the 
partner elects out, in 2020, the partner treats 50 percent of the 
excess business interest expense as not subject to the section 163(j) 
limitation. If the partner elects out, the partner treats all excess 
business interest expense as subject to the same limitations as other 
excess business interest expense allocated to the partner.
    Revenue Procedure 2020-22 describes the time and manner for making 
these elections. For both elections, taxpayers make the election by 
timely filing a Federal income tax return or Form 1065, including 
extensions, an amended Federal income tax return, amended Form 1065, or 
administrative adjustment request, as applicable. More specifically, 
taxpayers complete the Form 8990, ``Limitation on Business Interest 
Expense under Section 163(j),'' using the taxpayer's 2019 ATI and/or 
not applying the rule in section 163(j)(10)(ii)(II), as applicable. No 
formal statements are required to make these elections. Accordingly, 
the reporting burden associated with the collections of information in 
proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5) and -6(g)(4) will be reflected in the 
IRS Form 8990 Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions (OMB control number 
1545-0123).
    The collections of information in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 are 
required for taxpayers to make an election to apply section 163(j) to a 
CFC group (CFC group election) or an annual election to exempt a CFC or 
CFC group from the section 163(j) limitation (safe-harbor election). 
The elections are made by attaching a statement to the US shareholder's 
annual return. The CFC group election remains in place until revoked 
and may not be revoked for any period beginning prior to 60 months 
following the period for which it is made. The safe-harbor election is 
made on an annual basis.
    Under Sec.  1.964-1(c)(3)(i), no election of a foreign corporation 
is effectuated unless the controlling domestic shareholder provides a 
statement with their return and notice of the election to the minority 
shareholders under Sec.  1.964-1(c)(3)(ii) and (iii). See also, Sec.  
1.952-2(b)-(c). These collections are necessary to ensure that the 
election is properly effectuated, and that taxpayers properly report 
the amount of interest that is potentially subject to the limitation.
2. Future Modifications to Forms To Collect Information
    At this time, no modifications to any forms, including the Form 
8990, ``Limitation on Business Interest Expense IRC 163(j),'' are 
proposed with regard to the elections under section 163(j)(10), or the 
CFC group or safe-harbor elections. The Treasury Department and the IRS 
are considering revisions to the Instructions for Form 8990 to reflect 
changes made to section 163(j)(10) regarding the elections under 
proposed Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5) and 1.163(j)-6(g)(4). For purposes 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the 
reporting burden of Form 8990 is associated with OMB control number 
1545-0123. In the 2018 Proposed Regulations, Form 8990 was estimated to 
be required by fewer than 92,500 taxpayers.
    If an additional information collection requirement is imposed 
through these regulations in the future, for purposes of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, any reporting burden associated with these regulations 
will be reflected in the aggregated burden estimates and the OMB 
control numbers for general income tax forms or the Form 8990, 
``Limitation on Business Interest Expense Under Section 163(j)''.
    The forms are available on the IRS website at:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Form                  OMB No.          IRS website link
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Form 1040....................       1545-0074  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf
                                                (Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf).
Form 1120....................       1545-0123  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120.pdf
                                                (Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120.pdf).
Form 1120S...................                  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120s.pdf
                                                (Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120s.pdf).
Form 1065....................                  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1065.pdf
                                                (Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1065.pdf).
Form 1120-REIT...............                  https://www.irs.gov/pub/
                                                irs-prior/f1120rei_
                                                2018.pdf (Instructions:
                                                https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120rei.pdf).
Form 8990....................                  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-access/f8990_accessible.pdf
                                                (Instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8990.pdf).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, when available, drafts of IRS forms are posted for 
comment at https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/draftTaxForms.htm. 
IRS forms are available at https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions. 
Forms will not be finalized until after they have been approved by OMB 
under the PRA.
3. Burden Estimates
    The following estimates for the collections of information in these 
proposed regulations are based on the most recently available 
Statistics of Income (SOI) tax data.
    For the collection of income in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5), 
where a passthrough taxpayer elects to use the taxpayer's ATI for the 
last taxable beginning in 2019 as the taxpayer's ATI for any taxable 
year beginning in 2020, the most recently available 2017 SOI tax data 
indicates that, on the high end, the estimated number of respondents is 
49,202. This number was determined by examining, for the 2017 tax year, 
Form 1065 and Form 1120-S filers with greater than $26 million in gross 
receipts that have reported interest expense, and do not have an NAICS 
code that is associated with a trade or business that normally would be 
excepted from the section 163(j) limitation.
    For the collection of information under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4), in 
which a partner elects out of treating 50 percent of any excess 
business interest expense allocated to the partner in 2019 as not 
subject to a limitation in 2020, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
estimate that only taxpayers that actively want to reduce their 
deductions will make this election. The application of the base erosion 
minimum tax under section 59A depends, in part, on the amount of a 
taxpayer's deductions.

[[Page 56881]]

Accordingly, the Treasury Department and the IRS estimate that 
taxpayers that are subject to both the base erosion minimum tax under 
section 59A and section 163(j) are the potential filers of this 
election. Using the 2017 SOI tax data, the Treasury Department estimate 
that 1,182 firms will make the election. This estimate was determined 
by examining three criteria: First, the number of taxpayers subject to 
section 59A, namely, C corporations with at least $500,000,000 in gross 
receipts, second, the portion of those taxpayers that do not have an 
NAICS code associated with a trade or business that is generally not 
subject to the section 163(j) limitation (2211 (electric power 
generation, transmission and distribution), 2212 (natural gas 
distribution), 2213 (water, sewage and other systems), 111 or 112 
(farming), 531 (real property)), and, third, the portion of taxpayers 
satisfying the first two criteria that received a Form K-1, ``Partner's 
Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.''
    For the collections of information in proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7, 
namely the CFC and safe-harbor elections, and the corresponding notice 
under Sec.  1.964-1(c)(3)(iii), the most recently available 2017 SOI 
tax data indicates that, on the high end, the estimated number of 
respondents is 4,980 firms. This number was determined by examining, 
for the 2017 tax year, Form 1040, Form 1120, Form 1120-S, and Form 1065 
filers with greater than $26 million in gross receipts that filed a 
Form 5471, Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain 
Foreign Corporations, where an interest expense amount was reported on 
Schedule C of the Form 5471.
    The estimated number of respondents that could be subject to the 
collection of information for the CFC group or safe-harbor election is 
4,980. The estimated annual burden per respondent/recordkeeper varies 
from 0 to 30 minutes, depending on individual circumstances, with an 
estimated average of 15 minutes. The estimated total annual reporting 
and/or recordkeeping burden is 1,245 hours (4,980 respondents x 15 
minutes). The estimated annual cost burden to respondents is $95 per 
hour. Accordingly, we expect the total annual cost burden for the CFC 
group election and safe-harbor election statements to be $118,275 
(4,980 * .25 * $95).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS request comment on the 
assumptions, methodology, and burden estimates related to this 
information collection. Comments on the collection of information 
should be sent to the Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk 
Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, with copies to the Internal 
Revenue Service, Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, 
SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washington, DC 20224. Comments on the collection of 
information should be received by November 2, 2020, which is 60 days 
after the date of filing for public inspection with the Office of the 
Federal Register.
    Comments are specifically requested concerning--
    Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the IRS, including whether the 
information will have practical utility;
    The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed 
collection of information;
    How the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected may be enhanced;
    How the burden of complying with the proposed collection of 
information may be minimized, including through the application of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology; and
    Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, 
maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

II. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    It is hereby certified that these Proposed Regulations, if adopted 
as final, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    This certification can be made because the Treasury Department and 
the IRS have determined that the number of small entities that are 
affected as a result of the regulations is not substantial. These rules 
do not disincentivize taxpayers from their operations, and any burden 
imposed is not significant because the cost of implementing the rules, 
if any, is low.
    As discussed in the 2018 Proposed Regulations, section 163(j) 
provides exceptions for which many small entities will qualify. First, 
under section 163(j)(3), the limitation does not apply to any taxpayer, 
other than a tax shelter under section 448(a)(3), which meets the gross 
receipts test under section 448(c) for any taxable year. A taxpayer 
meets the gross receipts test under section 448(c) if the taxpayer has 
average annual gross receipts for the 3-taxable year period ending with 
the taxable year that precedes the current taxable year that do not 
exceed $26,000,000. The gross receipts threshold is indexed annually 
for inflation. Because of this threshold, the Treasury Department and 
the IRS project that entities with 3-year average gross receipts below 
$26 million will not be affected by these regulations except in rare 
cases.
    Section 163(j) provides that certain trades or businesses are not 
subject to the limitation, including the trade or business of 
performing services as an employee, electing real property trades or 
businesses, electing farming businesses, and certain utilities as 
defined in section 163(j)(7)(A)(iv). Under the 2018 Proposed 
Regulations, taxpayers that otherwise qualified as real property trades 
or businesses or farming businesses that satisfied the small business 
exemption in section 448(c) were not eligible to make an election to be 
an electing real property trade or business or electing farming 
business. Under the Final Regulations, however, those taxpayers are 
eligible to make an election to be an electing real property trade or 
business or electing farming business. Additionally, the Final 
Regulations provide that certain utilities not otherwise excepted from 
the limitation can elect for a portion of their non-excepted utility 
trade or business to be excepted from the limitation. Any economic 
impact on any small entities as a result of the requirements in these 
Proposed Regulations, not just the requirements that impose a Paperwork 
Reduction Act burden, is not expected to be significant because the 
cost of implementing the rules, if any, is low.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS do not have readily available 
data on the number of filers that are tax shelters, as defined in 
section 448(a)(3), that are potentially affected by these provisions. 
As described in more detail earlier in this Preamble, these Proposed 
Regulations cover several topics, including, but not limited to, debt 
financed distributions from passthrough entities, self-charged 
interest, the treatment of section 163(j) in relation to trader funds, 
the impact of section 163(j) on publicly traded partnerships, and the 
application of section 163(j) to United States shareholders of 
controlled foreign corporations and to foreign persons with effectively 
connected income in the United States.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS do not have readily available 
data to determine the number of taxpayers affected by rules regarding 
self-charged interest because no reporting modules currently connect 
these payments by and from partnerships.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS likewise do not have precise 
data on the

[[Page 56882]]

number of taxpayers affected by rules regarding debt financed 
distributions. The Treasury Department and the IRS estimate that the 
number of taxpayers affected by the rules regarding debt-financed 
distributions is 50,036. This number was reached first by adding the 
number of Form 1065 filers that reported code W on line 13b of schedule 
K of the Form 1065, or approximately 410,996 using 2018 taxable year 
data, and the number of Form 1120-S filers that reported code S on line 
12d of schedule K of the Form 1120-S, or approximately 89,367 using 
2018 taxable year data. Those codes are used to report interest expense 
allocated to debt financed distributions. Using the result of the two 
numbers, 500,363 (410,996 + 89,367), produces overly broad results 
because the codes referenced above are used to report more than just 
interest expense allocated to debt financed distributions. Code W on 
line 13b of schedule K of the Form 1065 also is used to report at least 
nine other items, including, but not limited to, itemized deductions 
that Form 1040 or 1040-SR filers report on Schedule A, soil and water 
conservation expenditures, and the domestic productions activities 
deductions. Code S on line 12d of schedule K of the Form 1120-S also is 
used to report at least eleven other items, including, but not limited 
to, itemized deductions that Form 1040 or 1040-SR filers report on 
Schedule A, expenditures for the removal of architectural and 
transportation barriers for the elderly and disabled that the 
corporation elected to treat as a current expense, and film, 
television, and live theatrical production expenses. Considering the 
number of other items reported under those codes, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS estimate that approximately 10% of the filers 
using those codes report interest expense allocated to debt financed 
distributions (500,363 * 0.10 = 50,036).
    Despite not having precise data, these rules do not impose a 
significant paperwork or implementation cost burden on taxpayers. Under 
Notice 89-35, taxpayers have been required to maintain books and 
records to properly report the tax treatment of interest associated 
with debt financed acquisitions and contributions by partners, and debt 
financed distributions to partners. Additional reporting requirements 
are needed to allow passthrough entities and their owners to comply 
with the interest tracing rules under Sec.  1.163-8T. Without 
additional reporting, the mechanism for determining the tax treatment 
of interest under Sec.  1.163-8T is burdensome and unclear. For 
example, in some cases, partners would need to report back to the 
partnership how they used debt financed distribution to allow the 
partnership to properly report its interest expense. This notice of 
proposed rules would provide consistent reporting and compliance by 
passthrough entities and their owners, which would reduce their overall 
burden. The estimated time to determine whether a distribution is a 
debt financed distribution and to comply with these rules would be 0 
minutes to 30 minutes per taxpayer, depending on individual 
circumstances, for an average of 15 minutes. The 2018 monetization 
rates for this group of filers is $57.53. According, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS estimate the burden to be $719,642.77 (50,036 
respondents * 0.25 hours * $57.53).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that, on the 
high end, the rules regarding trading partnerships might affect 
approximately 309 small entities. This number was reached by 
determining, using data for the 2017 taxable year, the number of Form 
1065 and Form 1065-B filers, with more than $26 million in gross 
receipts, that (1) completed Schedule B to Form 1065 and marked box b, 
c, or d in question 1 to denote limited partnership, limited liability 
company or limited liability partnership status; (2) have a North 
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code starting with 
5231, 5232, 5239 or 5259, and (3) do not have gross receipts exceeding 
the small business thresholds for the various NAICS codes. The 
following table provides a breakdown of the potentially affected 
taxpayers by NAICS code.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Gross receipts     Number of
    NAICS code             Titles            threshold      respondents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5231.............  Securities and                 $41.5M              42
                    Commodity Contracts
                    Intermediation and
                    Brokerage, including
                    Investment Bank and
                    Securities Dealing;
                    Securities
                    Brokerage; Commodity
                    Contract Dealing;
                    Commodity Contracts
                    Brokerage.
5232.............  Securities and                  41.5M               0
                    Commodities
                    Exchanges.
5239.............  Other Financial                 41.5M             267
                    Investment
                    Activities,
                    including
                    Miscellaneous
                    Intermediation;
                    Portfolio
                    Management;
                    Investment Advice;
                    Trust, Fiduciary,
                    and Custody
                    Activities;
                    Miscellaneous
                    Financial Investment
                    Activities.
5259.............  Other Investment                  35M             [d]
                    Pools and Funds,
                    including Open-End
                    Investment Funds;
                    Trusts, Estates, and
                    Agency Accounts;
                    Other Financial
                    Vehicles.
                  ------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                            309
     Respondents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: SOI Partnership Study, 2017.
[d] Data is suppressed based on disclosure rules detailed in Publication
  1075.

    Additionally, the Treasury Department and the IRS have determined 
that the rules regarding publicly traded partnerships might affect 
approximately 83 taxpayers. This number was reached by determining, 
using data for the 2017 taxable year, the number of Form 1065 and 1065-
B filers with gross receipts exceeding $25 million that answered 
``yes'' to question 5 on Schedule B to Form 1065 denoting that the 
entity is a publicly traded partnership.
    As noted earlier, these Proposed Regulations do not impose any new 
collection of information on these entities. These Proposed Regulations 
actually assist small entities in meeting their filing obligations by 
providing definitive advice on which they can rely.
    For the section 163(j)(10) elections for passthrough taxpayers 
under proposed Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5) and 1.163(j)-6(g)(4), most 
small taxpayers do not need to make the elections because, as discussed 
earlier, they are not subject to the section 163(j) limitation. For 
small taxpayers that are subject to the

[[Page 56883]]

limitation, the cost to implement the election is low. Pursuant to 
Revenue Procedure 2020-22, these passthrough taxpayers simply complete 
the Form 8990 as if the election has been made. Accordingly, the burden 
of complying with the elections, if needed, is no different than for 
taxpayers who do not make the elections.
    The persons potentially subject to proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 are 
U.S. shareholders in one or more CFCs for which BIE is reported, and 
that (1) have average annual gross receipts for the 3-taxable year 
period ending with the taxable year that precedes the current taxable 
year exceeding $26,000,000, and (2) want to make the CFC group election 
or safe-harbor election. Proposed Sec.  1.163(j)-7 requires such 
taxpayers to attach a statement to their return providing basic 
information regarding the CFC group or standalone CFC.
    As discussed in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of this 
Preamble, the reporting burden for both statements is estimated at 0 to 
30 minutes, depending on individual circumstances, with an estimated 
average of 15 minutes for all affected entities, regardless of size. 
The estimated monetized burden for compliance is $95 per hour.
    For these reasons, the Treasury Department and the IRS have 
determined that these Proposed Regulations will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Notwithstanding this certification, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
invite comments from interested members of the public on both the 
number of small entities affected and the economic impact on those 
small entities.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires 
that agencies assess anticipated costs and benefits and take certain 
other actions before issuing a final rule that includes any Federal 
mandate that may result in expenditures in any one year by a state, 
local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for 
inflation. In 2019, that threshold was approximately $154 million. 
These Proposed Regulations do not include any Federal mandate that may 
result in expenditures by state, local, or tribal governments, or by 
the private sector in excess of that threshold.

F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either imposes substantial, direct compliance costs on state and local 
governments, and is not required by statute, or preempts state law, 
unless the agency meets the consultation and funding requirements of 
section 6 of the Executive Order. These Proposed Regulations do not 
have federalism implications and do not impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on state and local governments or preempt state law 
within the meaning of the Executive Order.
Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing
    Before these proposed amendments to the regulations are adopted as 
final regulations, consideration will be given to comments that are 
submitted timely to the IRS as prescribed in the preamble under the 
ADDRESSES section. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments 
on all aspects of the proposed regulations. Any electronic comments 
submitted, and to the extent practicable any paper comments submitted, 
will be made available at www.regulations.gov or upon request.
    A public hearing will be scheduled if requested in writing by any 
person who timely submits electronic or written comments. Requests for 
a public hearing are also encouraged to be made electronically. If a 
public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date and time for the public 
hearing will be published in the Federal Register. Announcement 2020-4, 
2020-17 I.R.B. 667 (April 20, 2020), provides that until further 
notice, public hearings conducted by the IRS will be held 
telephonically. Any telephonic hearing will be made accessible to 
people with disabilities.
Drafting Information
    The principal authors of these regulations are Susie Bird, Charles 
Gorham, Jaime Park, Joanna Trebat and Sophia Wang (Income Tax & 
Accounting), Anthony McQuillen, Adrienne M. Mikolashek, and William 
Kostak (Passthroughs and Special Industries), Azeka J. Abramoff 
(International), Russell Jones, and John Lovelace (Corporate), and 
Pamela Lew, Steven Harrison, and Michael Chin (Financial Institutions & 
Products). Other personnel from the Treasury Department and the IRS 
participated in their development.
Effect on Other Documents
    Notice 89-35, 1989-1 C.B. 675, is proposed to be obsoleted.
Statement of Availability of IRS Documents
    IRS Revenue Procedures, Revenue Rulings notices, and other guidance 
cited in this document are published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin 
(or Cumulative Bulletin) and are available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or 
by visiting the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov.

List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Proposed Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

0
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in 
part as follows:

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

0
Par. 2. Section 1.163-14 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.163-14  Allocation of interest expense among expenditures--
Passthrough Entities.

    (a) In general--(1) Application. This section prescribes rules for 
allocating interest expense associated with debt proceeds of a 
partnership or S corporation (a passthrough entity). In general, 
interest expense on a debt of a passthrough entity is allocated in the 
same manner as the debt to which such interest expense relates is 
allocated. Debt is allocated by tracing disbursements of the debt 
proceeds to specific expenditures. This section prescribes rules for 
tracing debt proceeds to specific expenditures of a passthrough entity.
    (2) Cross-references. This paragraph provides the general manner in 
which interest expense of a passthrough entity is allocated. See 
paragraph (b) of this section for the treatment of interest expense 
allocated under the rules of this section, paragraph (c) for the manner 
in which debt proceeds of a passthrough entity are allocated and the 
manner in which interest expense allocated under this section is 
treated, paragraph (d) for rules relating to debt allocated under the 
rules of Sec.  1.163-8T to distributions to owners of a passthrough 
entity, paragraph (e) for rules relating to debt repayments, paragraph 
(f) for rules relating to debt allocated under the rules of Sec.  
1.163-8T to expenditures for interests in passthrough entities, 
paragraph (g) for change of ownership rules for interest expense 
allocation

[[Page 56884]]

purposes, and paragraph (h) for examples.
    (b) Treatment of interest expense--(1) General rule. Except as 
otherwise provided in section Sec.  1.163(j)-8T(m), interest expense 
allocated under the rules of this section is treated in the following 
manner:
    (i) Interest expense allocated to trade or business expenditures 
(as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(v) of this section) is taken into 
account under section 163(j) by the passthrough entity;
    (ii) Interest expense allocated to other trade or business 
expenditures (as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section) is 
taken into account under the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T, as applicable, by 
the passthrough entity owner allocated such interest expense;
    (iii) Interest expense allocated to rental expenditures (as defined 
in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section) is taken into account under 
the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T, as applicable, by the passthrough entity 
owner allocated such interest expense;
    (iv) Interest expense allocated to investment expenditures (as 
defined in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section) is taken into account 
under the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T, as applicable, by the passthrough 
entity owner allocated such interest expense;
    (v) Interest expense allocated to personal expenditures (as defined 
in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section) is taken into account under 
the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T, as applicable, by the passthrough entity 
owner allocated such interest expense;
    (vi) Interest expense allocated to distributions to owners of a 
passthrough entity is taken into account in the manner provided under 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    (2) Definitions. For purposes of this section--
    (i) Investment expenditure means an expenditure defined in Sec.  
1.163-8T(b)(3), including any expenditure made with respect to a trade 
or business described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii) to the extent such 
expenditure is properly allocable under section 704(b) to partners that 
do not materially participate (within the meaning and for purposes of 
section 469) in the trade or business.
    (ii) Other trade or business expenditure means an expenditure made 
with respect to any activity described in Sec.  1.469-4(b)(1)(ii) and 
(iii).
    (iii) Personal expenditure means an expenditure (other than a 
distribution) not described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iv) and (v) 
of this section.
    (iv) Rental expenditure means an expenditure made with respect to 
any activity described in Sec.  1.469-4(b)(2) that is not a trade or 
business, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(44).
    (v) Trade or business expenditure means an expenditure made with 
respect to a trade or business, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(44), 
except for an expenditure made with respect to a trade or business 
described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii) to the extent such expenditure is 
properly allocable under section 704(b) to partners that do not 
materially participate (within the meaning and for purposes of section 
469) in the trade or business.
    (c) Allocation of debt and interest expense. Except as otherwise 
provided in this section, the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T apply to 
partnerships, S Corporations, and their owners.
    (d) Debt allocated to distributions by passthrough entities--(1) 
Allocation of distributed debt proceeds--(i) Available expenditures. To 
the extent a passthrough entity has available expenditures (as defined 
in paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section), the passthrough entity shall 
first allocate distributed debt proceeds (as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(iii) of this section) to such available expenditures. If a 
passthrough entity has multiple available expenditures, the passthrough 
entity shall allocate distributed debt proceeds to such available 
expenditures in proportion to the amount of each expenditure.
    (ii) Debt financed distributions. If a passthrough entity's 
distributed debt proceeds exceeds its available expenditures, the 
passthrough entity shall allocate such excess amount of distributed 
debt proceeds to distributions to owners of the passthrough entity 
(debt financed distributions).
    (2) Allocation of interest expense--(i) Interest expense allocated 
to debt financed distributions. If distributed debt proceeds are 
allocated to distributions to owners of the passthrough entity 
(pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section), the passthrough 
entity shall determine the portion of each passthrough entity owner's 
allocable interest expense that is debt financed distribution interest 
expense. The amount of a passthrough entity owner's debt financed 
distribution interest expense equals the lesser of such passthrough 
entity owner's allocable interest expense (as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(i) of this section) or the product of--
    (A) The portion of the debt proceeds distributed to that particular 
passthrough entity owner; multiplied by
    (B) A fraction, the numerator of which is the portion of the 
passthrough entity's distributed debt proceeds allocated to debt 
financed distributions (determined under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this 
section), and the denominator of which is the passthrough entity's 
total amount of distributed debt proceeds; multiplied by
    (C) The distributed debt proceeds interest rate (as defined in 
paragraph (d)(5)(iv) of this section).
    (ii) Interest expense allocated to available expenditures. If 
distributed debt proceeds are allocated to available expenditures 
(pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section), the passthrough 
entity shall determine the portion of each passthrough entity owner's 
allocable interest expense that is expenditure interest expense. The 
amount of a passthrough entity owner's expenditure interest expense 
equals the product of--
    (A) The portion of the passthrough entity's distributed debt 
proceeds allocated to available expenditures (determined under 
paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section); multiplied by
    (B) The distributed debt proceeds interest rate; multiplied by
    (C) A fraction, the numerator of which is the excess of that 
particular passthrough entity owner's allocable interest expense over 
its debt financed distribution interest expense (determined under 
paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section) (remaining interest expense), and 
the denominator of which is aggregate of all the passthrough owners' 
remaining interest expense amounts.
    (iii) Excess interest expense. To the extent a passthrough entity 
owner's allocable interest expense is not treated as either debt 
financed distribution interest expense (determined under paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section) or expenditure interest expense (determined 
under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section), such allocable interest 
expense is excess interest expense.
    (3) Tax treatment of interest expense--(i) Debt financed 
distribution interest expense. The tax treatment of a passthrough 
entity owner's debt financed distribution interest expense (determined 
under paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section), if any, shall be determined 
by the passthrough entity owner under the rules of Sec.  1.163-8T, as 
applicable, in accordance with such passthrough entity owner's use of 
its portion of the passthrough entity's distributed debt proceeds. The 
passthrough entity shall separately state the amount of each owner's 
debt financed distribution interest expense. Debt financed distribution 
interest expense is not treated as interest expense of the entity for 
purposes of this section.

[[Page 56885]]

    (ii) Expenditure interest expense. The tax treatment of a 
passthrough entity owner's expenditure interest expense (determined 
under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section), if any, shall be 
determined based on how the distributed debt proceeds were allocated 
among available expenditures (pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section). For example, if distributed debt proceeds are allocated to a 
rental activity under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, the interest 
expense associated with such debt should be taken into account by the 
passthrough entity in computing income or loss from the rental activity 
that is reported to the owner.
    (iii) Excess interest expense. The tax treatment of a passthrough 
entity owner's excess interest expense (determined under paragraph 
(d)(2)(iii) of this section), if any, shall be determined by allocating 
the distributed debt proceeds among all the assets of the passthrough 
entity, pro-rata, based on the adjusted basis of such assets. For 
purposes of the preceding sentence, the passthrough entity shall use 
either the adjusted tax bases of its assets reduced by any debt of the 
passthrough entity allocated to such assets, or determine its adjusted 
basis in its assets in accordance with the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
10(c)(5)(i), reduced by any debt of the passthrough entity allocated to 
such assets. Once a passthrough entity chooses a method for determining 
its adjusted basis in its assets for this purpose, the passthrough 
entity must consistently apply the same method in all subsequent tax 
years. Any assets purchased in the same taxable year as the 
distribution (such that the expenditure for those assets was taken into 
account in Sec.  1.163-14(b)(1)) are not included in this allocation.
    (4) Treatment of transfers of interests in a passthrough entity by 
an owner that received a debt financed distribution--(i) In general. In 
the case of a transfer of an interest in a passthrough entity, any debt 
financed distribution interest expense of the transferor shall be 
treated as excess interest expense by the transferee. However, in the 
case of a transfer of an interest in a passthrough entity to a person 
who is related to the transferor, any debt financed distribution 
interest expense of the transferor shall continue to be treated as debt 
financed distribution interest expense by the related party transferee, 
and the tax treatment of such debt financed distribution expense under 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be the same to the related party 
transferee as it was to the transferor. The term related party means 
any person who bears a relationship to the taxpayer which is described 
in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1).
    (ii) Anti-avoidance rule. Arrangements entered into with a 
principal purpose of avoiding the rules of this paragraph, including 
the transfer of an interest in a passthrough entity by an owner who 
treated a portion of its allocable interest expense as debt financed 
distribution interest expense to an unrelated party pursuant to a plan 
to transfer the interest back to the owner who received the debt 
financed distribution interest expense or to a party who is related to 
the owner who received the debt financed distribution interest expense, 
may be disregarded or recharacterized by the Commissioner of the IRS to 
the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.
    (5) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph--
    (i) Allocable interest expense means a passthrough entity owner's 
share of interest expense associated with the distributed debt proceeds 
allocated under section 704 or section 1366(a).
    (ii) Available expenditure means an expenditure of a passthrough 
entity described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section made in the same 
taxable year of the entity as the distribution, to the extent that debt 
proceeds (including other distributed debt proceeds) are not otherwise 
allocated to such expenditure.
    (iii) Distributed debt proceeds means debt proceeds of a 
passthrough entity that are allocated under Sec.  1.163-8T and this 
section to distributions to owners of the passthrough entity in a 
taxable year. If debt proceeds from multiple borrowings are allocated 
under Sec.  1.163-8T to distributions to owners of the passthrough 
entity in a taxable year, then all such borrowings are treated as a 
single borrowing for purposes of this section.
    (iv) Distributed debt proceeds interest rate means a fraction, the 
numerator of which is the amount of interest expense associated with 
distributed debt proceeds, and the denominator of which is the amount 
of distributed debt proceeds.
    (e) Repayment of passthrough entity debt--(1) In general. If any 
portion of passthrough entity debt is repaid at a time when such debt 
is allocated to more than one expenditure, the debt is treated for 
purposes of this section as repaid in the following order:
    (i) Amounts allocated to one or more expenditures described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii);
    (ii) Amounts allocated to one or more expenditures described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(i) (relating to investment expenditures as defined in 
Sec.  1.163-8T(b)(3));
    (iii) Amounts allocated to one or more expenditures described in 
paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iv) (relating to expenditures with respect 
to any activities described in Sec.  1.469-4(b)(1)(ii) and (iii), and 
Sec.  1.469-4(b)(2)); and
    (iv) Amounts allocated to one or more expenditures described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(v) (generally relating to expenditures made with 
respect to a trade or business as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(44)).
    (2) Repayment of debt used to finance a distribution. Any repayment 
of debt of a passthrough entity that has been allocated to debt 
financed distributions under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section and 
to one or more available expenditures under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section may, at the option of the passthrough entity, be treated first 
as a repayment of the portion of the debt that had been allocated to 
such debt financed distributions.
    (f) Debt allocated to expenditures for interests in passthrough 
entities. In the case of debt proceeds allocated under the rules of 
Sec.  1.163-8T and this section to contributions to the capital of or 
to the purchase of an interest in a passthrough entity, the character 
of the debt proceeds and any associated interest expense shall be 
determined by allocating the debt proceeds among the adjusted tax bases 
of the entity's assets. For purposes of this paragraph, the owner must 
allocate the debt proceeds either in proportion to the relative 
adjusted tax basis of the entity's assets reduced by any debt allocated 
to such assets, or based on the adjusted basis of the entity's assets 
in accordance with the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(i) reduced by 
any debt allocated to such assets. Once the owner chooses a method for 
allocating the debt proceeds for this purpose, the owner must 
consistently apply the same method in all subsequent tax years. 
Individuals shall report interest expense paid or incurred in 
connection with debt-financed acquisitions on their individual income 
tax return in accordance with the asset to which the interest expense 
is allocated under this paragraph.
    (g) Change in ownership. Any transfer of an ownership interest in a 
passthrough entity is not a reallocation event for purposes of Sec.  
1.163-8T(j), except as provided for in paragraph (d)(4) of this 
section.

    (h) Examples--(1) Example 1--(i) Facts. A (an individual) and B 
(an individual) are partners in partnership PRS. PRS conducts two 
businesses; a manufacturing business, which is a trade or business 
as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(44) (manufacturing), and a 
separate commercial real estate leasing

[[Page 56886]]

business, which is an activity described in Sec.  1.469-4(b)(2) 
(leasing). In Year 1, PRS borrowed $100,000 from an unrelated third-
party lender (the loan). Other than the loan, PRS does not have any 
outstanding debt. During Year 1, PRS paid $80,000 in manufacturing 
expenses, $120,000 in leasing expenses, and made a $100,000 
distribution to A, the proceeds of which A used to make a personal 
expenditure. Under Sec.  1.163-8T, PRS treated the $100,000 of loan 
proceeds as having been distributed to A. As a result, in Year 1 PRS 
had $200,000 of available expenditures (as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii) of this section) and $100,000 of distributed debt 
proceeds (as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section). PRS 
paid $10,000 in interest expense that accrued during Year 1 on the 
loan, and allocated such interest expense under section 704(b) 
equally to A and B ($5,000 each). Thus, A and B each had $5,000 of 
allocable interest expense (as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(i) of 
this section).
    (ii) Applicability. Because PRS treated all $100,000 of the loan 
proceeds as having been distributed under Sec.  1.163-8T, PRS 
allocated all $10,000 of the interest expense associated with the 
loan to the distribution. Thus, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(vi) of 
this section, PRS must determine the tax treatment of such $10,000 
of interest expense in the manner provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (iii) Debt allocated to distributions. Under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section, to the extent PRS has available expenditures (as 
defined under paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section), it must 
allocate any distributed debt proceeds (as defined under paragraph 
(d)(5)(iii) of this section) to such available expenditures. Here, 
PRS has distributed debt proceeds of $100,000 and available 
expenditures of $200,000 (manufacturing expenditures of $80,000, 
plus leasing expenditures of $120,000). Thus, PRS allocates all 
$100,000 of the distributed debt proceeds to available expenditures 
as follows: $40,000 to manufacturing expenditures ($100,000 x 
($80,000/$200,000)) and $60,000 to leasing expenditures ($100,000 x 
($120,000/$200,000)). Because the amount of PRS's distributed debt 
proceeds is less than its available expenditures, none of the 
distributed debt proceeds are allocated to debt financed 
distributions pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (iv) Allocation of interest expense. Because all of PRS's 
distributed debt proceeds are allocated to available expenditures 
(pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section), A and B each 
treat all $5,000 of their allocable interest expense as expenditure 
interest expense.
    (v) Tax treatment of interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii) of this section, each partner treats its expenditure 
interest expense (determined under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this 
section) in the same manner as the distributed debt proceeds that 
were allocated to available expenditures under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section. Thus, A's $5,000 of expenditure interest expense 
comprises of $2,000 of business interest expense ($5,000 x ($40,000/
$100,000)) and $3,000 of interest expense allocated to rental 
expenditures ($5,000 x ($60,000/$100,000)). B's $5,000 of 
expenditure interest expense similarly comprises of $2,000 of 
business interest expense and $3,000 of interest expense allocated 
to rental expenditures. As a result, $4,000 of interest expense 
associated with the distributed debt proceeds (A's $2,000 plus B's 
$2,000 of expenditure interest expense treated as business interest 
expense) is business interest expense of PRS, subject to section 
163(j) at the PRS level.

                    Table 1 to Paragraph (h)(2)(vii)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Partner A       Partner B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable interest expense:
    Debt financed distribution interest
     expense:
        N/A.............................              $0              $0
    Expenditure interest expense:
        Business interest (to PRS)......           2,000           2,000
        Rental activity interest expense           3,000           3,000
    Excess interest expense:
        N/A.............................               0               0
                                         -------------------------------
            Total.......................           5,000           5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Example 2--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as in Example 1 
in paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section, except PRS did not have any 
rental expenditures in Year 1. As a result, in Year 1 PRS had 
$80,000 of available expenditures (as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii) of this section) and $100,000 of distributed debt 
proceeds (as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section).
    (ii) Applicability. Because PRS treated all $100,000 of the loan 
proceeds as having been distributed to A under Sec.  1.163-8T, PRS 
allocated all $10,000 of the interest expense associated with the 
loan to the distribution. Thus, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(vi) of 
this section, PRS must determine the tax treatment of such $10,000 
of interest expense in the manner provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (iii) Debt allocated to distributions. Under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section, to the extent PRS has available expenditures (as 
defined under paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section), it must 
allocate any distributed debt proceeds (as defined under paragraph 
(d)(5)(i) of this section) to such available expenditures. Here, PRS 
has distributed debt proceeds of $100,000 and available expenditures 
of $80,000. Thus, $80,000 of the distributed debt proceeds are 
allocated to such available expenditures. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(1)(ii) of this section, PRS allocates the remaining $20,000 of 
the distributed debt proceeds to debt financed distributions.
    (iv) Allocation of interest expense--debt financed distribution 
interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, A 
treats $2,000 of its allocable interest expense as debt financed 
distribution interest expense, which is the lesser of $5,000 or 
$2,000 ((A) the portion of debt proceeds distributed to A 
($100,000), multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is 
the portion of PRS's distributed debt proceeds allocated to debt 
financed distributions pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this 
section ($20,000), and the denominator of which is PRS's total 
amount of distributed debt proceeds ($100,000), multiplied by (C) 
the distributed debt proceeds interest rate, as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(iii) of this section, of 10% (the amount of interest expense 
associated with distributed debt proceeds ($10,000), divided by the 
amount of distributed debt proceeds ($100,000))) and B treats $0 of 
its allocable interest expense as debt financed distribution 
interest expense, which is the lesser of $5,000 or $0 ((A) $0 x (B) 
20% x (C) 10%).
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P

[[Page 56887]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.010

    (v) Allocation of interest expense--expenditure interest 
expense. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, A treats 
$3,000 of its allocable interest expense as expenditure interest 
expense ((A) the portion of PRS's distributed debt proceeds 
allocated to available expenditures pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section ($80,000), multiplied by (B) the distributed debt 
proceeds interest rate (10%), multiplied by (C) a fraction, the 
numerator of which is A's remaining interest expense (that is, the 
excess of A's allocable interest expense ($5,000) over its debt 
financed distribution interest expense as determined under paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section ($2,000)), and the denominator of which is 
the aggregate of A's and B's remaining interest expense amounts 
($3,000 + $5,000)) and B treats $5,000 of its allocable interest 
expense as expenditure interest expense ((A) $80 x (B) 10% x (C) 
62.5%).

[[Page 56888]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.011

    (vi) Allocation of interest expense--excess interest expense. 
Neither partner treats any of its allocable interest expense as 
excess interest expense under paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (vii) Tax treatment of interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(3)(i) of this section, each partner determines the tax treatment 
of its debt financed distribution interest expense (determined under 
paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section) based on its use of the 
distributed debt proceeds. Because A used its $100,000 of 
distributed debt proceeds on a personal expenditure, A's $2,000 of 
debt financed distribution interest expense is personal interest 
subject to section 163(h) at A's level. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii) of this section, each partner treats its expenditure 
interest expense (determined under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this 
section) in the same manner as the distributed debt proceeds that 
were allocated to available expenditures under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section. Thus, all $3,000 of A's expenditure interest 
expense and all $5,000 of B's expenditure interest expense is 
business interest expense. As a result, $8,000 interest expense 
associated with the distributed debt proceeds (A's $3,000 plus B's 
$5,000 of expenditure interest expense treated as business interest 
expense) is business interest expense of PRS, subject to section 
163(j) at the PRS level.

                    Table 6 to Paragraph (h)(2)(vii)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Partner A       Partner B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable interest expense;
    Debt financed distribution interest
     expense:
        Personal interest...............          $2,000              $0
    Expenditure interest expense:
        Business interest (to PRS)......           3,000           5,000
    Excess interest expense:
        N/A.............................               0               0
                                         -------------------------------
            Total.......................           5,000           5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 56889]]

    (3) Example 3--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as in Example 2 
in paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, except PRS paid $20,000 in 
manufacturing expenses, made a distribution of $75,000 to A (the 
proceeds of which A used on a personal expenditure), and made a 
distribution of $25,000 to B (the proceeds of which B used on a 
trade or business expenditure). As a result, in Year 1 PRS had 
$20,000 of available expenditures (as defined in paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii) of this section) and $100,000 of distributed debt 
proceeds (as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section). The 
$20,000 manufacturing expenditure was to acquire assets used in 
PRS's manufacturing business. At the end of Year 1, the adjusted tax 
basis of PRS's assets used in manufacturing was $720,000 and the 
adjusted tax basis of PRS's assets used in leasing was $200,000. In 
addition, at the end of Year 1, the adjusted basis of PRS's assets 
held for investment (within the meaning of section 163(d)(5)) was 
$100,000.
    (ii) Applicability. Because PRS treated all $100,000 of the loan 
proceeds as having been distributed under Sec.  1.163-8T, PRS 
allocated all $10,000 of the interest expense associated with the 
loan to the distribution. Thus, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(vi) of 
this section, PRS must determine the tax treatment of such $10,000 
of interest expense in the manner provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (iii) Debt allocated to distributions. Under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section, to the extent PRS has available expenditures (as 
defined under paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section), it must 
allocate any distributed debt proceeds (as defined under paragraph 
(d)(5)(i) of this section) to such available expenditures. Here, PRS 
has distributed debt proceeds of $100,000 and available expenditures 
of $20,000. Thus, PRS allocates $20,000 of the distributed debt 
proceeds to available expenditures. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(ii) 
of this section, PRS allocates the remaining $80,000 of distributed 
debt proceeds to debt financed distributions.
    (iv) Allocation of interest expense--debt financed distribution 
interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, A 
treats $5,000 of its allocable interest expense as debt financed 
distribution interest expense, which is the lesser of $5,000 or 
$6,000 ((A) $75,000 x (B) 80% x (C) 10%) and B treats $2,000 of its 
allocable interest expense as debt financed distribution interest 
expense, which is the lesser of $5,000 or $2,000 ((A) $25,000 x (B) 
80% x (C) 10%).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.012

    (v) Allocation of interest expense--expenditure interest 
expense. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, A does 
not treat any of its allocable interest expense as expenditure 
interest expense ((A) $20,000 x (B) 10% x (C) 0%) and B treats 
$2,000 of its allocable interest expense as expenditure interest 
expense ((A) $20,000 x (B) 10% x (C) 100%).

[[Page 56890]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.013

BILLING CODE 4830-01-C
    (vi) Allocation of interest expense--excess interest expense. 
Pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section, A does not treat 
any of its allocable interest expense as excess interest expense 
($5,000 of allocable interest expense, less $5,000 of debt financed 
distribution interest expense, less $0 of expenditure interest 
expense) and B treats $1,000 of its allocable interest expense as 
excess interest expense ($5,000 of allocable interest expense, less 
$2,000 of debt financed distribution interest expense, less $2,000 
of expenditure interest expense).
    (vii) Tax treatment of interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(3)(i) of this section, each partner determines the tax treatment 
of its debt financed distribution interest expense based on its use 
of the distributed debt proceeds. A used its share of the 
distributed debt proceeds to make personal expenditures. Thus, A's 
$5,000 of debt financed distribution interest expense is subject to 
section 163(h) at A's level. B used its share of the distributed 
debt proceeds to make trade or business expenditures. Thus, B's 
$2,000 of debt financed distribution interest expense is subject to 
section 163(j) at B's level. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of 
this section, B treats its $2,000 of expenditure interest expense in 
the same manner as the distributed debt proceeds were allocated to 
available expenditures under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section. 
Thus, B's $2,000 of expenditure interest expense is business 
interest expense, subject to section 163(j) at the level of PRS. 
Pursuant to paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section, B determines the 
tax treatment of its $1,000 of excess interest expense by allocating 
distributed debt proceeds among the adjusted basis of PRS's assets, 
reduced by any debt allocated to such assets. For purposes of 
paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section, PRS's has $700,000 ($720,000-
$20,000 debt proceeds allocated to such assets) of basis in its 
manufacturing assets, $200,000 of basis in its leasing assets, and 
$100,000 of basis in its assets held for investment. Thus, B's 
$1,000 of excess interest expense is treated as $700 of business 
interest expense subject to 163(j) at the PRS level, $200 of 
interest expense related to a rental activity, and $100 of 
investment interest expense.

                    Table 11 to Paragraph (h)(3)(vii)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Partner A       Partner B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable interest expense:
    Debt financed distribution interest
     expense:
        Personal interest:..............          $5,000              $0
        Business interest (but not to                  0           2,000
         PRS)...........................

[[Page 56891]]

 
    Expenditure interest expense:
        Business interest (to PRS)......               0           2,000
    Excess interest expense:
        Business interest (to PRS):.....               0             700
        Rental activity interest expense               0             200
        Investment interest expense.....               0             100
                                         -------------------------------
            Total.......................           5,000           5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Example 4. The facts are the same as in Example 2 in 
paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section. In Year 2, A sells its interest 
in PRS to C. C is not related to either A or B under the rules of 
either section 267(b) or section 707(b)(1). No facts have changed 
with respect to PRS's loan. Under these facts, and only for purposes 
of this section, C's share of the debt financed distribution 
interest expense will be treated as excess interest expense pursuant 
to paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section. Accordingly, C will 
determine the character of its share of this interest expense by 
allocating the debt proceeds associated with this interest expense 
among the assets of PRS under paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (5) Example 5. The facts are the same as in Example 4 in 
paragraph (h)(4) of this section, except that C is a party that is 
related to A under the rules of either section 267(b) or section 
707(b)(1). Under these facts, and only for purposes of this section, 
A's $2,000 of debt financed distribution interest expense shall, 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section, continue to be 
treated as debt financed distribution interest expense of C, subject 
to the same tax treatment as it was to the transferor (personal 
interest expense).
    (6) Example 6. The facts are the same as in Example 2 in 
paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, except that in Year 2 B sells 
its interest in PRS to D. D is not related to either A or B under 
the rules of either section 267(b) or section 707(b)(1). No other 
facts have changed with respect to PRS's loan. Under these facts, 
the tax treatment of the expenditure interest expense does not 
change with respect to PRS or any of the partners as a result of the 
ownership change pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section. 
Accordingly, the tax treatment of the expenditure interest expense 
allocable to D under section 704(b) is identical to the expenditure 
interest expense that had been allocable to B prior to the sale.
    (7) Example 7--(i) Facts. A (an individual) and B (an 
individual) are equal shareholders in S corporation X. X conducts a 
manufacturing business, which is a trade or business as defined in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(44) (manufacturing). In Year 1, X borrowed 
$100,000 from an unrelated third-party lender (the loan). Other than 
the loan, X does not have any outstanding debt. During Year 1, X 
paid $100,000 in manufacturing expenses and made a $50,000 
distribution to each of its shareholders, A and B, which each 
shareholder used to make a personal expenditure. Under Sec.  1.163-
8T, X treated all $100,000 of the loan proceeds as having been 
distributed to A and B. As a result, in Year 1 X had $100,000 of 
available expenditures (as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this 
section) and $100,000 of distributed debt proceeds (as defined in 
paragraph (d)(5)(iii) of this section). X paid $10,000 in interest 
expense that accrued during Year 1 on the loan, and allocated such 
interest expense under section 1366(a) equally to A and B ($5,000 
each). Thus, A and B each had $5,000 of allocable interest expense 
(as defined in paragraph (d)(5)(i) of this section).
    (ii) Applicability. Because X treated all $100,000 of the loan 
proceeds as having been distributed to A and B under Sec.  1.163-8T, 
PRS allocated all $10,000 of the interest expense associated with 
the loan to the distributions. Thus, pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(1)(vi) of this section, PRS must determine the tax treatment of 
such $10,000 of interest expense in the manner provided in paragraph 
(d) of this section.
    (iii) Debt allocated to distributions. Under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section, to the extent X has available expenditures (as 
defined under paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this section), it must 
allocate any distributed debt proceeds (as defined under paragraph 
(d)(5)(iii) of this section) to such available expenditures. Here, X 
has distributed debt proceeds of $100,000 and available expenditures 
of $100,000. Thus, PRS allocates all $100,000 of the distributed 
debt proceeds to available expenditures
    (iv) Allocation of interest expense. Because all of X's 
distributed debt proceeds are allocated to available expenditures 
(pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section), A and B each 
treat all $5,000 of their allocable interest expense as expenditure 
interest expense.
    (v) Tax treatment of interest expense. Pursuant to paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii) of this section, each partner treats its expenditure 
interest expense (determined under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this 
section) in the same manner as the distributed debt proceeds that 
were allocated to available expenditures under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section. Thus, A's $5,000 of expenditure interest expense 
and B's $5,000 of expenditure interest expense is treated as 
business interest expense of X, subject to section 163(j) at X's 
level.

                     Table 12 to Paragraph (h)(7)(v)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Partner A       Partner B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable interest expense:
    Debt financed distribution interest
     expense:
        N/A.............................              $0              $0
    Expenditure interest expense:
        Business interest (to X)........           5,000           5,000
    Excess interest expense:
        N/A.............................               0               0
                                         -------------------------------
            Total.......................           5,000           5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (h) Applicability date. This section applies to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), 
may choose to apply the rules of this section to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE 
OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], provided 
that they consistently apply the rules of this

[[Page 56892]]

section to that taxable year and each subsequent taxable year.
0
Par. 3. Section 1.163-15 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.163-15   Debt Proceeds Distributed from Any Taxpayer Account or 
from Cash.

    (a) In general. Regardless of paragraphs (c)(4) and (5) of Sec.  
1.163-8T, in the case of debt proceeds deposited in an account, a 
taxpayer that is applying Sec.  1.163-8T or Sec.  1.163-14 may treat 
any expenditure made from any account of the taxpayer, or from cash, 
within 30 days before or 30 days after debt proceeds are deposited in 
any account of the taxpayer as made from such proceeds to the extent 
thereof. Similarly, in the case of debt proceeds received in cash, a 
taxpayer that is applying Sec.  1.163-8T or Sec.  1.163-14 may treat 
any expenditure made from any account of the taxpayer, or from cash, 
within 30 days before or 30 days after debt proceeds are received in 
cash as made from such proceeds to the extent thereof. For purposes of 
this section, terms used have the same meaning as in Sec.  1.163-
8T(c)(4) and (5).
    (b) Applicability date. This section applies to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), 
may choose to apply the rules of this section to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE 
OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], provided 
that they consistently apply the rules of this section to that taxable 
year and each subsequent taxable year.
0
Par. 4. As added in a final rule published elsewhere in this issue of 
the Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-0 is 
amended by:
0
1. Revising the entries for Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(iv)(B), 
(b)(22)(iii)(F), and (b)(35);
0
2. Adding entries for Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)(iv)(E), (c)(4), and 
(c)(4)(i) and (ii);
0
3. Adding an entry for Sec.  1.163(j)-2(d)(3);
0
4. Revising the entries for Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-2(k) and 1.163(j)-
6(c)(1) and (2);
0
5. Adding an entry for Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(3), (4), and (5) and (e)(5);
0
6. Revising the entries for Sec. Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(1)(iii), (g)(4), 
(h)(4) and (5), (j), and (n) and 1.163(j)-7;
0
7. Adding an entry for Sec.  1.163(j)-8;
0
8. Revising the entries for Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(5)(ii)(D) and (f).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-0  Table of Contents.

* * * * *
Sec.  1.163(j)-1 Definitions.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (B) Deductions by members of a consolidated group.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Application of the alternative computation method.
* * * * *
    (E) Alternative computation method.
    (1) Alternative computation method for property dispositions.
    (2) Alternative computation method for dispositions of member 
stock.
    (3) Alternative computation method for dispositions of 
partnership interests.
* * * * *
    (22) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (F) Section 163(j) interest dividends.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Limitation on amount treated as interest income.
    (3) Conduit amounts.
    (4) Holding period.
    (5) Exception to holding period requirement for money market 
funds and certain regularly declared dividends.
* * * * *
    (35) Section 163(j) interest dividend.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Reduction in the case of excess reported amounts.
    (iii) Allocation of excess reported amount.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Special rule for noncalendar year RICs.
    (iv) Definitions.
    (A) Reported section 163(j) interest dividend amount.
    (B) Excess reported amount.
    (C) Aggregate reported amount.
    (D) Post-December reported amount.
    (E) Excess section 163(j) interest income.
    (v) Example.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
* * * * *
    (4) Alternative computation for certain adjustments to tentative 
taxable income, and section 163(j) interest dividends.
    (i) Alternative computation for certain adjustments to tentative 
taxable income.
    (ii) Section 163(j) interest dividends.
* * * * *
Sec.  1.163(j)-2 Deduction for business interest expense limited.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
* * * * *
    (iii) Transactions to which section 381 applies.
    (iv) Consolidated groups.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) Determining a syndicate's loss amount.
* * * * *
    (k) Applicability dates.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Paragraphs (b)(iii), (b)(iv), and (d)(3).

Sec.  1.163(j)-6 Application of the business interest deduction 
limitation to partnerships and subchapter S Corporations
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Modification of business interest income for partnerships.
    (2) Modification of business interest expense for partnerships.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) Section 743(b) adjustments and publicly traded partnerships.
    (4) Modification of adjusted taxable income for partnerships.
    (5) Election to use 2019 adjusted taxable income for taxable 
years beginning in 2020.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
* * * * *
    (5) Partner basis items, remedial items, and publicly traded 
partnerships.
    (6) Partnership deductions capitalized by a partner.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Exception applicable to publicly traded partnerships.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (4) Special rule for taxable years beginning in 2019 and 2020.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (4) Partner basis adjustments upon liquidating distribution.
    (5) Partnership basis adjustments upon partner dispositions.
* * * * *
    (j) Tiered partnerships.
    (1) Purpose.
    (2) Section 704(b) capital account adjustments.
    (3) Basis adjustments of upper-tier partnership.
    (4) Treatment of excess business interest expense allocated by 
lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership.
    (5) UTP EBIE conversion events.
    (i) Allocation to upper-tier partnership by lower-tier 
partnership of excess taxable income (or excess business interest 
income).
    (ii) Upper-tier partnership disposition of lower-tier 
partnership interest.
    (6) Disposition of specified partner's partnership interest.
    (i) General rule.
    (ii) Special rules.
    (A) Distribution in liquidation of a specified partner's 
partnership interest.
    (B) Contribution of a specified partner's partnership interest.
    (7) Effect of basis adjustments allocated to UTP EBIE.
    (i) In general.

[[Page 56893]]

    (ii) UTP EBIE treated as deductible business interest expense.
    (iii) UTP EBIE treated as excess business interest expense.
    (iv) UTP EBIE reduced due to a disposition.
    (8) Anti-loss trafficking.
    (i) Transferee specified partner.
    (ii) UTP EBIE without a specified partner.
    (iii) Disallowance of addback.
    (9) Determining allocable ATI and allocable business interest 
income of upper-tier partnership partners.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Upper-tier partner's allocable ATI.
    (iii) Upper-tier partner's allocable business interest income.
    (l) * * *
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) S corporation deductions capitalized by an S corporation 
shareholder.
* * * * *
    (n) Treatment of self-charged lending transactions between 
partnerships and partners.
    (o) * * *
* * * * *
Sec.  1.163(j)-7 Application of the section 163(j) limitation to 
foreign corporations and United States shareholders.

    (a) Overview.
* * * * *
    (c) Application of section 163(j) to CFC group members of a CFC 
group.
    (1) Scope.
    (2) Calculation of section 163(j) limitation for a CFC group for 
a specified period.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Certain transactions between CFC group members disregarded.
    (iii) CFC group treated as a single C corporation for purposes 
of allocating items to an excepted trade or business.
    (iv) CFC group treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of 
determining interest.
    (3) Deduction of business interest expense.
    (i) CFC group business interest expense.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Modifications to relevant terms.
    (ii) Carryforwards treated as attributable to the same taxable 
year.
    (iii) Multiple specified taxable years of a CFC group member 
with respect to a specified period.
    (iv) Limitation on pre-group disallowed business interest 
expense carryforward.
    (A) General rule.
    (1) CFC Group member pre-group disallowed business interest 
expense carryforward.
    (2) Subgrouping.
    (B) Deduction of pre-group disallowed business interest expense 
carryforwards.
    (4) Currency translation.
    (5) Special rule for specified periods beginning in 2019 or 
2020.
    (i) 50 percent ATI limitation applies to a specified period of a 
CFC group.
    (ii) Election to use 2019 ATI applies to a specified period of a 
CFC group.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Specified taxable years that do not begin in 2020.
    (d) Determination of a specified group and specified group 
members.
    (1) Scope.
    (2) Rules for determining a specified group.
    (i) Definition of a specified group.
    (ii) Indirect ownership.
    (iii) Specified group parent.
    (iv) Qualified U.S. person.
    (v) Stock.
    (vi) Options treated as exercised.
    (vii) When a specified group ceases to exist.
    (3) Rules for determining a specified group member.
    (e) Rules and procedures for treating a specified group as a CFC 
group.
    (1) Scope.
    (2) CFC group and CFC group member.
    (i) CFC group.
    (ii) CFC group member.
    (3) Duration of a CFC group.
    (4) Joining or leaving a CFC group.
    (5) Manner of making or revoking a CFC group election.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Revocation by election.
    (iii) Timing.
    (iv) Election statement.
    (v) Effect of prior CFC group election.
    (f) Treatment of a CFC group member that has ECI.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Ordering rule.
    (g) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) Treatment of certain taxes.
    (4) Anti-abuse rule.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) ATI adjustment amount.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods 
beginning in 2019 or 2020.
    (iii) Applicable partnership.
    (h) Election to apply safe-harbor.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Eligibility for safe-harbor election.
    (i) Stand-alone applicable CFC.
    (ii) CFC group.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Currency translation.
    (3) Eligible amount.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Amounts properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or 
business.
    (4) Qualified tentative taxable income.
    (5) Manner of making a safe-harbor election.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Election statement.
    (6) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods 
beginning in 2019 or 2020.
* * * * *
    (j) Rules regarding the computation of ATI of certain United 
States shareholders of applicable CFCs.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Rules for determining CFC excess taxable income.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Applicable CFC is a stand-alone applicable CFC.
    (iii) Applicable CFC is a CFC group member.
    (iv) ATI percentage.
    (3) Cases in which an addition to tentative taxable income is 
not allowed.
    (4) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods 
beginning in 2019 or 2020.
    (k) Definitions.
    (1) Applicable partnership.
    (2) Applicable specified taxable year.
    (3) ATI adjustment amount.
    (4) ATI percentage.
    (5) CFC excess taxable income.
    (6) CFC group.
    (7) CFC group election.
    (8) CFC group member.
    (9) CFC-level net deemed tangible income return.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Amounts properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or 
business.
    (10) Cumulative section 163(j) pre-group carryforward 
limitation.
    (11) Current group.
    (12) Designated U.S. person.
    (13) ECI deemed corporation.
    (14) Effectively connected income.
    (15) Eligible amount.
    (16) Former group.
    (17) Loss member.
    (18) Payment amount.
    (19) Pre-group disallowed business interest expense 
carryforward.
    (20) Qualified tentative taxable income.
    (21) Qualified U.S. person.
    (22) Relevant period.
    (23) Safe-harbor election.
    (24) Specified borrower.
    (25) Specified group.
    (26) Specified group member.
    (27) Specified group parent.
    (28) Specified lender.
    (29) Specified period.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Short specified period.
    (30) Specified taxable year.
    (31) Stand-alone applicable CFC.
    (32) Stock.
    (l) Examples.
    (m) Applicability dates.
    (1) General applicability date.
    (2) Exception.

Sec.  1.163(j)-8 Application of the section 163(j) limitation to 
foreign persons with effectively connected income.

    (a) Overview.
    (b) Application to a specified foreign person with ECI.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Modification of adjusted taxable income.
    (3) Modification of business interest expense.
    (4) Modification of business interest income.
    (5) Modification of floor plan financing interest expense.
    (6) Modification of allocation of interest expense and interest 
income that is allocable to a trade or business.
    (c) Rules for a specified foreign partner.
    (1) Characterization of excess taxable income.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Specified ATI ratio.
    (iii) Distributive share of ECI.
    (iv) Distributive share of non-ECI.
    (2) Characterization of excess business interest expense.
    (i) Allocable ECI excess BIE.
    (ii) Allocable non-ECI excess BIE.

[[Page 56894]]

    (3) Characterization of deductible business interest expense.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Allocation between allocable ECI deductible BIE and 
allocable non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (A) Allocation to hypothetical deductible amounts.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Limitation.
    (B) Allocation of remaining deductible amounts.
    (iii) Hypothetical partnership deductible business interest 
expense.
    (A) Hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE.
    (B) Hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (4) Characterization of excess business interest income.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Specified BII ratio.
    (iii) Allocable ECI BII.
    (5) Rules for determining ECI.
    (d) Characterization of disallowed business interest expense by 
a relevant foreign corporation with ECI.
    (1) Scope.
    (2) Characterization of disallowed business interest expense.
    (i) FC ECI disallowed BIE.
    (ii) FC non-ECI disallowed BIE.
    (3) Characterization of deductible business interest expense.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Allocation between FC ECI deductible BIE and FC non-ECI 
deductible BIE.
    (A) Allocation to hypothetical deductible amounts.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Limitation.
    (B) Allocation of remaining deductible amounts.
    (iii) Hypothetical FC deductible business interest expense.
    (A) Hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE.
    (B) Hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (e) Rules regarding disallowed business interest expense.
    (1) Retention of character in a succeeding taxable year.
    (2) Deemed allocation of excess business interest expense of a 
partnership to a specified foreign partner.
    (3) Ordering rule for conversion of excess business interest 
expense to business interest expense paid or accrued by a partner.
    (4) Allocable ECI excess BIE and allocable non-ECI excess BIE 
retains its character when treated as business interest expense paid 
or accrued in a succeeding taxable year.
    (f) Coordination of the application of section 163(j) with Sec.  
1.882-5 and similar provisions and with the branch profits tax.
    (1) Coordination of section 163(j) with Sec.  1.882-5 and 
similar provisions.
    (i) Ordering rule.
    (ii) Treatment of excess business interest expense.
    (iii) Attribution of certain Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense 
among the foreign corporation and its partnership interests.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Attribution of interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities.
    (C) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense to the foreign corporation.
    (3) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense to partnerships.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Direct and indirect partnership interests.
    (4) Limitation on attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense.
    (2) Coordination with the branch profits tax.
    (g) Definitions.
    (1) Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions.
    (2) Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense.
    (3) Allocable ECI BIE.
    (4) Allocable ECI BII.
    (5) Allocable ECI deductible BIE.
    (6) Allocable ECI excess BIE.
    (7) Allocable non-ECI BIE.
    (8) Allocable non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (9) Allocable non-ECI excess BIE.
    (10) Distributive share of ECI.
    (11) Distributive share of non-ECI.
    (12) Effectively connected income.
    (13) Excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense.
    (14) FC ECI BIE.
    (15) FC ECI deductible BIE.
    (16) FC ECI disallowed BIE.
    (17) FC non-ECI BIE.
    (18) FC non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (19) FC non-ECI disallowed BIE.
    (20) Hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE.
    (21) Hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (22) Hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE.
    (23) Hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (24) Specified ATI ratio.
    (25) Specified BII ratio.
    (26) Specified foreign partner.
    (27) Specified foreign person.
    (28) Successor.
    (h) Examples.
    (i) [Reserved]
    (j) Applicability date.

Sec.  1.163(j)-10 Allocation of interest expense, interest income, 
and other items of expense and gross income to an excepted trade or 
business.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) Limitations on application of look-through rules.
    (1) Inapplicability of look-through rule to partnerships or non-
consolidated C corporations to which the small business exemption 
applies.
    (2) Limitation on application of look-through rule to C 
corporations.
* * * * *
    (f) Applicability dates.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D)(2).

0
Par. 5.As added in a final rule published elsewhere in this issue of 
the Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-1 is 
amended by:
0
1. Revising paragraph (b)(1)(iv)(B).
0
 2. Adding paragraphs (b)(1)(iv)(E), (b)(22)(iii)(F), and (b)(35)
0
3. In paragraph (c)(1), removing ``paragraphs (c)(2) and (3)'' from the 
first sentence and adding ``paragraphs (c)(2), (3), and (4)'' in its 
place.
0
4. Adding paragraph (c)(4).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (B) Deductions by members of a consolidated group--(1) In general. 
If paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C), (D), or (E) of this section applies to 
adjust the tentative taxable income of a taxpayer, and if the taxpayer 
does not use the computation method in paragraph (b)(1)(iv)(E) of this 
section, the amount of the adjustment under paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of 
this section equals the greater of the allowed or allowable 
depreciation, amortization, or depletion of the property, as provided 
under section 1016(a)(2), for any member of the consolidated group for 
the taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 
1, 2022, with respect to such property.
    (2) Application of the alternative computation method. If paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(C), (D), or (E) of this section applies to adjust the 
tentative taxable income of a taxpayer, and if the taxpayer uses the 
computation method in paragraph (b)(1)(iv)(E) of this section, the 
amount of the adjustment under paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of this section 
equals the lesser of:
    (i) Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of such 
property by the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is a member of a 
consolidated group, the consolidated group); and
    (ii) The greater of the allowed or allowable depreciation, 
amortization, or depletion of the property, as provided under section 
1016(a)(2), for the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is a member of a 
consolidated group, the consolidated group) for the taxable years 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2022, with 
respect to such property.
* * * * *
    (E) Alternative computation method. If paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C), 
(D), or (E) of this section applies to adjust the tentative taxable 
income of a taxpayer, the taxpayer may compute the amount of the 
adjustments required by such paragraph using the formulas in paragraph 
(b)(1)(iv)(E)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, respectively, provided 
that the taxpayer applies such formulas to all

[[Page 56895]]

dispositions for which an adjustment is required under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(C), (D), or (E) of this section.
    (1) Alternative computation method for property dispositions. With 
respect to the sale or other disposition of property, the lesser of:
    (i) Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of such 
property by the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is a member of a 
consolidated group, the consolidated group); and
    (ii) The greater of the allowed or allowable depreciation, 
amortization, or depletion of the property, as provided under section 
1016(a)(2), for the taxpayer (or, if the taxpayer is a member of a 
consolidated group, the consolidated group) for the taxable years 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2022, with 
respect to such property.
    (2) Alternative computation method for dispositions of member 
stock. With respect to the sale or other disposition of stock of a 
member of a consolidated group by another member, the lesser of:
    (i) Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of such 
stock; and
    (ii) The investment adjustments under Sec.  1.1502-32 with respect 
to such stock that are attributable to deductions described in 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of this section.
    (3) Alternative computation method for dispositions of partnership 
interests. With respect to the sale or other disposition of an interest 
in a partnership, the lesser of (i) any gain recognized on the sale or 
other disposition of such interest, and (ii) the taxpayer's (or, if the 
taxpayer is a consolidated group, the consolidated group's) 
distributive share of deductions described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) 
of this section with respect to property held by the partnership at the 
time of such sale or other disposition to the extent such deductions 
were allowable under section 704(d).
* * * * *
    (22) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (F) Section 163(j) interest dividends--(1) In general. Except as 
otherwise provided in this paragraph (b)(22)(iii)(F), a section 163(j) 
interest dividend is treated as interest income.
    (2) Limitation on amount treated as interest income. A shareholder 
may not treat any part of a section 163(j) interest dividend as 
interest income to the extent the amount of the section 163(j) interest 
dividend exceeds the excess of the amount of the entire dividend that 
includes the section 163(j) interest dividend over the sum of the 
conduit amounts other than interest-related dividends under section 
871(k)(1)(C) and section 163(j) interest dividends that affect the 
shareholder's treatment of that dividend.
    (3) Conduit amounts. For purposes of paragraph (b)(22)(iii)(F)(2) 
of this section, the term conduit amounts means, with respect to any 
category of income (including tax-exempt interest) earned by a RIC for 
a taxable year, the amounts identified by the RIC (generally in a 
designation or written report) in connection with dividends paid by the 
RIC for that taxable year that are subject to a limit determined by 
reference to that category of income. For example, a RIC's conduit 
amount with respect to its net capital gain is the amount of capital 
gain dividends that the RIC pays under section 852(b)(3)(C).
    (4) Holding period. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(22)(iii)(F)(5) of this section, no dividend is treated as interest 
income under paragraph (b)(22)(iii)(F)(1) of this section if the 
dividend is received with respect to a share of RIC stock--
    (i) That is held by the shareholder for 180 days or less (taking 
into account the principles of section 246(c)(3) and (4)) during the 
361-day period beginning on the date which is 180 days before the date 
on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend; 
or
    (ii) To the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation 
(whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related 
payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related 
property.
    (5) Exception to holding period requirement for money market funds 
and certain regularly declared dividends. Paragraph 
(b)(22)(iii)(F)(4)(i) of this section does not apply to dividends 
distributed by any RIC regulated as a money market fund under 17 CFR 
270.2a-7 (Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act) or to regular dividends paid by 
a RIC that declares section 163(j) interest dividends on a daily basis 
in an amount equal to at least 90 percent of its excess section 163(j) 
interest income, as defined in paragraph (b)(35)(iv)(E) of this 
section, and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent 
basis.
* * * * *
    (35) Section 163(j) interest dividend. The term section 163(j) 
interest dividend means a dividend paid by a RIC for a taxable year for 
which section 852(b) applies to the RIC, to the extent described in 
paragraph (b)(35)(i) or (ii) of this section, as applicable.
    (i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(35)(ii) of this 
section, a section 163(j) interest dividend is any dividend, or part of 
a dividend, that is reported by the RIC as a section 163(j) interest 
dividend in written statements furnished to its shareholders.
    (ii) Reduction in the case of excess reported amounts. If the 
aggregate reported amount with respect to the RIC for the taxable year 
exceeds the excess section 163(j) interest income of the RIC for such 
taxable year, the section 163(j) interest dividend is--
    (A) The reported section 163(j) interest dividend amount; reduced 
by
    (B) The excess reported amount that is allocable to that reported 
section 163(j) interest dividend amount.
    (iii) Allocation of excess reported amount--(A) In general. Except 
as provided in paragraph (b)(35)(iii)(B) of this section, the excess 
reported amount, if any, that is allocable to the reported section 
163(j) interest dividend amount is that portion of the excess reported 
amount that bears the same ratio to the excess reported amount as the 
reported section 163(j) interest dividend amount bears to the aggregate 
reported amount.
    (B) Special rule for noncalendar year RICs. In the case of any 
taxable year that does not begin and end in the same calendar year, if 
the post-December reported amount equals or exceeds the excess reported 
amount for that taxable year, paragraph (b)(35)(iii)(A) of this section 
is applied by substituting ``post-December reported amount'' for 
``aggregate reported amount,'' and no excess reported amount is 
allocated to any dividend paid on or before December 31 of such taxable 
year.
    (iv) Definitions. The following definitions apply for purposes of 
this paragraph (b)(35):
    (A) Reported section 163(j) interest dividend amount. The term 
reported section 163(j) interest dividend amount means the amount of a 
dividend distribution reported to the RIC's shareholders under 
paragraph (b)(35)(i) of this section as a section 163(j) interest 
dividend.
    (B) Excess reported amount. The term excess reported amount means 
the excess of the aggregate reported amount over the RIC's excess 
section 163(j) interest income for the taxable year.
    (C) Aggregate reported amount. The term aggregate reported amount 
means the aggregate amount of dividends reported by the RIC under 
paragraph (b)(35)(i) of this section as section 163(j) interest 
dividends for the taxable year (including section 163(j) interest 
dividends paid after the close of the taxable year described in section 
855).
    (D) Post-December reported amount. The term post-December reported

[[Page 56896]]

amount means the aggregate reported amount determined by taking into 
account only dividends paid after December 31 of the taxable year.
    (E) Excess section 163(j) interest income. The term excess section 
163(j) interest income means, with respect to a taxable year of a RIC, 
the excess of the RIC's business interest income for the taxable year 
over the sum of the RIC's business interest expense for the taxable 
year and the RIC's other deductions for the taxable year that are 
properly allocable to the RIC's business interest income.

    (v) Example--(A) Facts. X is a domestic C corporation that has 
elected to be a RIC. For its taxable year ending December 31, 2021, 
X has $100x of business interest income (all of which is qualified 
interest income for purposes of section 871(k)(1)(E)) and $10x of 
dividend income (all of which is qualified dividend income within 
the meaning of section 1(h)(11) and would be eligible for the 
dividends received deduction under section 243, determined as 
described in section 854(b)(3)). X has $10x of business interest 
expense and $20x of other deductions. X has no other items for the 
taxable year. On December 31, 2021, X pays a dividend of $80x to its 
shareholders, and reports, in written statements to its 
shareholders, $71.82x as a section 163(j) interest dividend; $10x as 
dividends that may be treated as qualified dividend income or as 
dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction; and $72.73x 
as interest-related dividends under section 871(k)(1)(C). 
Shareholder A, a domestic C corporation, meets the holding period 
requirements in paragraph (b)(22)(iii)(F)(4) of this section with 
respect to the stock of X, and receives a dividend of $8x from X on 
December 31, 2021.
    (B) Analysis. X determines that $18.18x of other deductions are 
properly allocable to X's business interest income. X's excess 
section 163(j) interest income under paragraph (b)(35)(iv)(E) of 
this section is $71.82x ($100x business interest income-($10x 
business interest expense + $18.18x other deductions allocated) = 
$71.82x). Thus, X may report up to $71.82x of its dividends paid on 
December 31, 2021, as section 163(j) interest dividends to its 
shareholders. X may also report up to $10x of its dividends paid on 
December 31, 2021, as dividends that may be treated as qualified 
dividend income or as dividends that are eligible for the dividends 
received deduction. X determines that $9.09x of interest expense and 
$18.18x of other deductions are properly allocable to X's qualified 
interest income. Therefore, X may report up to $72.73x of its 
dividends paid on December 31, 2021, as interest-related dividends 
under section 871(k)(1)(C) ($100x qualified interest income-$27.27x 
deductions allocated = $72.73x). A treats $1x of its $8x dividend as 
a dividend eligible for the dividends received deduction and no part 
of the dividend as an interest-related dividend under section 
871(k)(1)(C). Therefore, under paragraph (b)(22)(iii)(F)(2) of this 
section, A may treat $7x of the section 163(j) interest dividend as 
interest income for purposes of section 163(j) ($8x dividend-$1x 
conduit amount = $7x limitation).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Alternative computation for certain adjustments to tentative 
taxable income, and section 163(j) interest dividends--(i) Alternative 
computation for certain adjustments to tentative taxable income. 
Paragraphs (b)(1)(iv)(B) and (E) of this section apply to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register]. Taxpayers and their related 
parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may 
choose to apply the rules in paragraphs (b)(1)(iv)(B) and (E) of this 
section to a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 
[DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE 
Federal Register], so long as the taxpayers and their related parties 
consistently apply the rules of the section 163(j) regulations, and, if 
applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 1.382-1, 
1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.382-7, 1.383-0, 1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.469-
11, 1.704-1, 1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-
21, 1.1502-36, 1.1502-79, 1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the extent 
they effectuate the rules of Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 
1.383-1), and 1.1504-4, to that taxable year and each subsequent 
taxable year.
    (ii) Section 163(j) interest dividends. Paragraphs (b)(22)(iii)(F) 
and (b)(35) of this section apply to taxable years beginning on or 
after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE 
Federal Register]. Taxpayers and their related parties, within the 
meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to apply the rules 
in paragraphs (b)(22)(iii)(F) and (b)(35) of this section for a taxable 
year beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER 
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE Federal Register], so long 
as the taxpayers and their related parties consistently apply the rules 
of the section 163(j) regulations.
0
Par. 6. As added in a final rule published elsewhere in this issue of 
the Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-2 is 
amended by:
0
1. Adding paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and (iv) and (d)(3).
0
2. Redesignating paragraph (k) as paragraph (k)(1).
0
3. Adding a new subject heading for paragraph (k).
0
4. Revising the subject heading of redesignated paragraph (k)(1).
0
5. Adding paragraph (k)(2).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-2  Deduction for business interest expense limited.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Transactions to which section 381 applies. For purposes of 
the election described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, and 
subject to the limitation in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, the 
2019 ATI of the acquiring corporation in a transaction to which section 
381 applies equals the amount of the acquiring corporation's ATI for 
its last taxable year beginning in 2019.
    (iv) Consolidated groups. For purposes of the election described in 
paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, and subject to the limitation in 
paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, the 2019 ATI of a consolidated 
group equals the amount of the consolidated group's ATI for its last 
taxable year beginning in 2019.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Determining a syndicate's loss amount. For purposes of section 
163(j), losses allocated under section 1256(e)(3)(B) and Sec.  1.448-
1T(b)(3) are determined without regard to section 163(j). See also 
Sec.  1.1256(e)-2(b).
* * * * *
    (k) Applicability dates.
    (1) In general. * * *
    (2) Paragraphs (b)(3)(iii), (b)(3)(iv), and (d)(3). Paragraphs 
(b)(3)(iii) and (iv) and (d)(3) of this section apply to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), 
may choose to apply the rules of paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and (iv) of 
this section to a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, and 
before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE 
FEDERAL REGISTER], provided that they consistently apply the rules of 
paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) and (iv) of this section and the rules in the 
section 163(j) regulations for that taxable year and for each 
subsequent taxable year. Taxpayers and their related parties, within 
the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b), may choose to apply the 
rules of paragraph (d)(3) of this section to a taxable year beginning 
after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF 
PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE

[[Page 56897]]

IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], provided that they consistently apply the 
rules of paragraph (d)(3) of this section for that taxable year and for 
each subsequent taxable year.
0
Par. 7.As added in a final rule published elsewhere in this issue of 
the Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-6 is 
amended by:
0
1. Adding paragraphs (c)(1) and (2), (d)(3) through (5), (e)(5) and 
(6), (f)(1)(iii), (g)(4), (h)(4) and (5), (j), (l)(4)(iv), (n), and 
(o)(24) through (29).
0
2. Redesignating paragraph (p) as paragraph (p)(1).
0
3. Adding a new subject heading for paragraph (p).
0
4. Revising the subject heading of newly redesignated paragraph (p)(1).
0
5. Adding paragraph (p)(2).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-6   Application of the business interest deduction 
limitation to partnerships and subchapter S corporations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Modification of business interest income for partnerships. The 
business interest income of a partnership generally is determined in 
accordance with Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(3). To the extent that interest 
income of a partnership that is properly allocable to trades or 
businesses that are per se non-passive activities and is allocated to 
partners that do not materially participate (within the meaning of 
section 469), as described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii), such interest 
income shall not be considered business interest income for purposes of 
determining the section 163(j) limitation of a partnership pursuant to 
Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b). A per se non-passive activity is an activity that 
is not treated as a passive activity for purposes of section 469 
regardless of whether the owners of the activity materially participate 
in the activity.
    (2) Modification of business interest expense for partnerships. The 
business interest expense of a partnership generally is determined in 
accordance with Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(2). To the extent that interest 
expense of a partnership that is properly allocable to trades or 
businesses that are per se non-passive activities is allocated to 
partners that do not materially participate within the meaning of 
section 469, as described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii), such interest 
expense shall not be considered business interest expense for purposes 
of determining the section 163(j) limitation of a partnership pursuant 
to Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b).
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Section 743(b) adjustments and publicly traded partnerships. 
Solely for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6, a publicly traded partnership, 
as defined in Sec.  1.7704-1, shall treat the amount of any section 
743(b) adjustment of a purchaser of a partnership unit that relates to 
a remedial item that the purchaser inherits from the seller as an 
offset to the related section 704(c) remedial item. For this purpose, 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(2)(ii) applies. See Example 25 in paragraph (o)(25) 
of this section.
    (4) Modification of adjusted taxable income for partnerships. The 
adjusted taxable income of a partnership generally is determined in 
accordance with Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1). To the extent that the items 
comprising the adjusted taxable income of a partnership are properly 
allocable to trades or businesses that are per se non-passive 
activities and are allocated to partners that do not materially 
participate (within the meaning of section 469), as described in 
section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii), such partnership items shall not be 
considered adjusted taxable income for purposes of determining the 
section 163(j) limitation of a partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(b).
    (5) Election to use 2019 adjusted taxable income for taxable years 
beginning in 2020. In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2020, a 
partnership may elect to apply this section by substituting its 
adjusted taxable income for the last taxable year beginning in 2019 for 
the adjusted taxable income for such taxable year. See Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(b)(4) for the time and manner of making or revoking this election. An 
electing partnership determines each partner's allocable ATI (as 
defined in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section) pursuant to paragraph 
(j)(9) of this section in the same manner as an upper-tier partnership. 
See Example 34 in paragraph (o)(34) of this section.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (5) Partner basis items, remedial items, and publicly traded 
partnerships. Solely for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6, a publicly 
traded partnership, as defined in Sec.  1.7704-1, shall either allocate 
gain that would otherwise be allocated under section 704(c) based on a 
partner's section 704(b) sharing ratios, or, for purposes of allocating 
cost recovery deductions under section 704(c), determine a partner's 
remedial items, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(b)(3), based on an 
allocation of the partnership's asset basis (inside basis) items among 
its partners in proportion to their share of corresponding section 
704(b) items (rather than applying the traditional method, described in 
Sec.  1.704-3(b)). See Example 24 in paragraph (o)(24) of this section.
    (6) Partnership deductions capitalized by a partner. The ATI of a 
partner is increased by the portion of such partner's allocable share 
of qualified expenditures (as defined in section 59(e)(2)) to which an 
election under section 59(e) applies.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) Exception applicable to publicly traded partnerships. 
Publicly traded partnerships, as defined in Sec.  1.7704-1, do not 
apply the rules in paragraph (f)(2) of this section to determine a 
partner's share of section 163(j) excess items. Rather, publicly traded 
partnerships determine a partner's share of section 163(j) excess items 
by applying the same percentage used to determine the partner's share 
of the corresponding section 704(b) items that comprise ATI.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (4) Special rule for taxable years beginning in 2019 and 2020. In 
the case of any excess business interest expense of a partnership for 
any taxable year beginning in 2019 that is allocated to a partner under 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section, 50 percent of such excess business 
interest expense (Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4) business interest expense) is 
treated as business interest expense that, notwithstanding paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section, is paid or accrued by the partner in the 
partner's first taxable year beginning in 2020. Additionally, Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(g)(4) business interest expense is not subject to the 
section 163(j) limitation at the level of the partner. For purposes of 
paragraph (h)(1) of this section, any Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4) business 
interest expense is, similar to deductible business interest expense, 
taken into account before any excess business interest expense. This 
paragraph applies after paragraph (n) of this section. If a partner 
disposes of a partnership interest in the partnership's 2019 or 2020 
taxable year, Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4) business interest expense is 
deductible by the partner and thus does not result in a basis increase 
under paragraph (h)(3) of this section. See Example 35 and Example 36 
in paragraphs (o)(35) and (o)(36), respectively, of this section. A 
taxpayer may elect to not have this provision apply. The rules and 
procedures regarding the time and manner of making, or revoking, such 
an election are provided in Revenue Procedure 2020-22, 2020-18 I.R.B. 
745, and may

[[Page 56898]]

be further modified through other guidance (see Sec. Sec.  601.601(d) 
and 601.602 of this chapter).
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (4) Partner basis adjustments upon liquidating distribution. For 
purposes of paragraph (h)(3) of this section, a disposition includes a 
distribution of money or other property by the partnership to a partner 
in complete liquidation of the partner's interest in the partnership. 
However, a current distribution of money or other property by the 
partnership to a continuing partner is not a disposition for purposes 
of paragraph (h)(3) of this section.
    (5) Partnership basis adjustments upon partner dispositions. If a 
partner (transferor) disposes of its partnership interest, the 
partnership shall increase the adjusted basis of partnership property 
by an amount equal to the amount of the increase required under 
paragraph (h)(3) (or, if the transferor is a partnership, (j)(5)(ii)) 
of this section (if any) to the adjusted basis of the partnership 
interest being disposed of by the transferor. Such increase in the 
adjusted basis of partnership property (Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment) shall be allocated among capital gain property of the 
partnership in the same manner as a positive section 734(b) adjustment. 
However, the increase in the adjusted basis of any partnership property 
resulting from a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment is not 
depreciable or amortizable under any section of the Code, regardless of 
whether the partnership property allocated such Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) 
basis adjustment is otherwise generally depreciable or amortizable. In 
general, a partnership allocates its Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment immediately before the disposition (simultaneous with the 
transferor's basis increase required under paragraph (h)(3) or 
(j)(5)(ii) of this section). However, if the disposition was the result 
of a distribution by the partnership of money or other property to the 
transferor in complete liquidation of the transferor's interest in the 
partnership, the partnership allocates its Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment among its properties only after it has allocated its section 
734(b) adjustment (if any) among its properties. See Example 31 in 
paragraph (o)(31) of this section.
* * * * *
    (j) Tiered partnerships--(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section 
is to provide guidance regarding the treatment of business interest 
expense of a partnership (lower-tier partnership) that is allocated to 
a partner that is a partnership (upper-tier partnership). Specifically, 
this section clarifies that disparities are not created between an 
upper-tier partner's basis in its upper-tier partnership interest and 
such partner's share of the adjusted basis of upper-tier partnership's 
property following the allocation of excess business interest expense 
from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership. Further, these 
rules disallow any deduction for business interest expense that was 
formerly excess business interest expense to any person that is not the 
specified partner of such business interest expense. See Example 27 
through Example 30 in paragraphs (o)(27) through (30), respectively.
    (2) Section 704(b) capital account adjustments. If lower-tier 
partnership pays or accrues business interest expense and allocates 
such business interest expense to upper-tier partnership, then both 
upper-tier partnership and any direct or indirect partners of upper-
tier partnership shall, solely for purposes of section 704(b) and the 
regulations thereunder, treat such business interest expense as a 
section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditure. Any section 704(b) capital account 
reduction resulting from such treatment occurs regardless of whether 
such business interest expense is characterized under this section as 
excess business interest expense or deductible business interest 
expense by lower-tier partnership. If upper-tier partnership 
subsequently treats any excess business interest expense allocated from 
lower-tier partnership as business interest expense paid or accrued 
pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section, the section 704(b) capital 
accounts of any direct or indirect partners of upper-tier partnership 
are not further reduced.
    (3) Basis adjustments of upper-tier partnership. If lower-tier 
partnership allocates excess business interest expense to upper-tier 
partnership, then upper-tier partnership reduces its basis in lower-
tier partnership pursuant to paragraph (h)(2) of this section. Upper-
tier partnership partners do not, however, reduce the bases of their 
upper-tier partnership interests pursuant to paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section until upper-tier partnership treats such excess business 
interest expense as business interest expense paid or accrued pursuant 
to paragraph (g) of this section.
    (4) Treatment of excess business interest expense allocated by 
lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership. Except as provided in 
paragraph (j)(7) of this section, if lower-tier partnership allocates 
excess business interest expense to upper-tier partnership and such 
excess business interest expense is not suspended under section 704(d), 
then upper-tier partnership shall treat such excess business interest 
expense (UTP EBIE) as a nondepreciable capital asset, with a fair 
market value of zero and basis equal to the amount by which upper-tier 
partnership reduced its basis in lower-tier partnership pursuant to 
paragraph (h)(2) of this section due to the allocation of such excess 
business interest expense. The fair market value of UTP EBIE, described 
in the preceding sentence, is not adjusted by any revaluations 
occurring under Sec.  1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f). In addition to generally 
treating UTP EBIE as having a basis component in excess of fair market 
value and, thus, built-in loss property, upper-tier partnership shall 
also treat UTP EBIE as having a carryforward component associated with 
it. The carryforward component of UTP EBIE shall equal the amount of 
excess business interest expense allocated from lower-tier partnership 
to upper-tier partnership under paragraph (f)(2) of this section that 
is treated as such under paragraph (h)(2) of this section by upper-tier 
partnership. If an allocation of excess business interest expense from 
lower-tier partnership is treated as UTP EBIE of upper-tier 
partnership, upper-tier partnership shall treat such allocation of 
excess business interest expense from lower-tier partnership as UTP 
EBIE until the occurrence of an event described in paragraph (j)(5) of 
this section.
    (5) UTP EBIE conversion events--(i) Allocation to upper-tier 
partnership by lower-tier partnership of excess taxable income (or 
excess business interest income). To the extent upper-tier partnership 
is allocated excess taxable income (or excess business interest income) 
from lower-tier partnership, or paragraph (m)(3) of this section 
applies, upper-tier partnership shall--
    (A) First, apply the rules in paragraph (g) of this section to its 
UTP EBIE, using any reasonable method (including, for example, FIFO and 
LIFO) to determine which UTP EBIE is treated as business interest 
expense paid or accrued pursuant paragraph (g) of this section. If 
paragraph (m)(3) of this section applies, upper-tier partnership shall 
treat all of its UTP EBIE from lower-tier partnership as business 
interest expense paid or accrued.
    (B) Second, with respect to any UTP EBIE treated as business 
interest expense paid or accrued in paragraph (j)(5)(i)(A) of this 
section, allocate any business interest expense that was formerly such 
UTP EBIE to its specified partner. For purposes of this section, the

[[Page 56899]]

term specified partner refers to the partner of upper-tier partnership 
that, due to the initial allocation of excess business interest expense 
from lower-tier partnership to upper-tier partnership, was required to 
reduce its section 704(b) capital account pursuant to paragraph (j)(2) 
of this section. Similar principles apply if the specified partner of 
such business interest expense is itself a partnership. See paragraph 
(j)(6) of this section for rules that apply if a specified partner 
disposes of its partnership interest.
    (C) Third, in the manner provided in paragraph (j)(7)(ii) (or 
(iii), as the case may be) of this section, take into account any 
negative basis adjustments under section 734(b) previously made to the 
UTP EBIE treated as business interest expense paid or accrued in 
paragraph (j)(5)(i)(A) of this section. Additionally, persons treated 
as specified partners with respect to the UTP EBIE treated as business 
interest expense paid or accrued in paragraph (j)(5)(i)(A) shall take 
any negative basis adjustments under section 743(b) into account in the 
manner provided in paragraph (j)(7)(ii) (or (iii), as the case may be) 
of this section.
    (ii) Upper-tier partnership disposition of lower-tier partnership 
interest. If upper-tier partnership disposes of a lower-tier 
partnership interest (transferred interest), upper-tier partnership 
shall--
    (A) First, apply the rules in paragraph (h)(3) of this section 
(except as provided in paragraphs (j)(5)(ii)(B) and (C) of this 
section), using any reasonable method (including, for example, FIFO and 
LIFO) to determine which UTP EBIE is reduced pursuant paragraph (h)(3) 
of this section.
    (B) Second, increase the adjusted basis of the transferred interest 
immediately before the disposition by the total amount of the UTP EBIE 
that was reduced in paragraph (j)(5)(ii)(A) of this section (the amount 
of UTP EBIE proportionate to the transferred interest).
    (C) Third, in the manner provided in paragraph (j)(7)(iv) of this 
section, take into account any negative basis adjustments under 
sections 734(b) and 743(b) previously made to the UTP EBIE that was 
reduced in (A) earlier.
    (6) Disposition of a specified partner's partnership interest--(i) 
General rule. If a specified partner (transferor) disposes of an upper-
tier partnership interest (or an interest in a partnership that itself 
is a specified partner), the portion of any UTP EBIE to which the 
transferor's status as specified partner relates is not reduced 
pursuant to paragraph (j)(5)(ii) of this section. Rather, such UTP EBIE 
attributable to the interest disposed of is retained by upper-tier 
partnership and the transferee is treated as the specified partner for 
purposes of this section with respect to such UTP EBIE. Thus, upper-
tier partnership must allocate any business interest expense that was 
formerly such UTP EBIE to the transferee. However, see paragraph (j)(8) 
of this section for rules regarding the deductibility of such 
transferee's business interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE.
    (ii) Special rules--(A) Distribution in liquidation of a specified 
partner's partnership interest. If a specified partner receives a 
distribution of property in complete liquidation of an upper-tier 
partnership interest, the portion of UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership 
attributable to the liquidated interest shall not have a specified 
partner. If a specified partner (transferee) receives a distribution of 
an interest in upper-tier partnership in complete liquidation of a 
partnership interest, the transferee is the specified partner with 
respect to UTP EBIE of upper-tier partnership only to the same extent 
it was prior to the distribution. Similar principles apply where an 
interest in a partnership that is a specified partner is distributed in 
complete liquidation of a transferee's partnership interest. See 
paragraph (j)(8) of this section for rules regarding the treatment of 
UTP EBIE that does not have a specified partner.
    (B) Contribution of a specified partner's partnership interest. If 
a specified partner (transferor) contributes an upper-tier partnership 
interest to a partnership (transferee), the transferee is treated as 
the specified partner with respect to the portion of the UTP EBIE 
attributable to the contributed interest. Following the transaction, 
the transferor continues to be the specified partner with respect to 
the UTP EBIE attributable to the contributed interest. Similar 
principles apply where an interest in a partnership that is a specified 
partner is contributed to a partnership.
    (7) Effect of basis adjustments allocated to UTP EBIE--(i) In 
general. Negative basis adjustments under sections 734(b) and 743(b) 
allocated to UTP EBIE do not affect the carryforward component 
(described in paragraph (j)(4) of this section) of such UTP EBIE. 
Rather, negative basis adjustments under sections 734(b) and 743(b) 
affect only the basis component of such UTP EBIE. For purposes of 
Sec. Sec.  1.743-1(d), 1.755-1(b), and 1.755-1(c), the amount of tax 
loss that would be allocated to a transferee from a hypothetical 
disposition by upper-tier partnership of its UTP EBIE equals the 
adjusted basis of the UTP EBIE to which the transferee's status as 
specified partner relates. Additionally, solely for purposes of Sec.  
1.755-1(b), upper-tier partnership shall treat UTP EBIE as an ordinary 
asset of upper-tier partnership.
    (ii) UTP EBIE treated as deductible business interest expense. If 
UTP EBIE that was allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment is 
subsequently treated as deductible business interest expense, then such 
deductible business interest expense does not result in a deduction to 
the upper-tier partnership or the specified partner of such deductible 
business interest expense. If UTP EBIE that was allocated a negative 
section 743(b) adjustment is subsequently treated as deductible 
business interest expense, the specified partner of such deductible 
business interest expense recovers any negative section 743(b) 
adjustment attributable to such deductible business interest expense 
(effectively eliminating any deduction for such deductible business 
interest expense).
    (iii) UTP EBIE treated as excess business interest expense. If UTP 
EBIE that was allocated a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment 
is subsequently treated as excess business interest expense, the 
specified partner's basis decrease in its upper-tier partnership 
interest required under paragraph (h)(2) of this section is reduced by 
the amount of the negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment 
previously made to such excess business interest expense. If such 
excess business interest expense is subsequently treated as business 
interest expense paid or accrued by the specified partner, no deduction 
shall be allowed for any of such business interest expense. If the 
specified partner of such excess business interest expense is a 
partnership, such excess business interest expense is considered UTP 
EBIE that was previously allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment 
for purposes of this section.
    (iv) UTP EBIE reduced due to a disposition. If UTP EBIE that was 
allocated a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment is reduced 
pursuant to paragraph (j)(5)(ii)(A) of this section, the amount of 
upper-tier partnership's basis increase under paragraph (j)(5)(ii)(B) 
of this section to the disposed of lower-tier partnership interest is 
reduced by the amount of the negative section 734(b) or 743(b) 
adjustment previously made to such UTP EBIE.
    (8) Anti-loss trafficking--(i) Transferee specified partner. No 
deduction shall be allowed to any

[[Page 56900]]

transferee specified partner for any business interest expense derived 
from a transferor's share of UTP EBIE. For purposes of this section, 
the term transferee specified partner refers to any specified partner 
that did not reduce its section 704(b) capital account due to the 
initial allocation of excess business interest expense from lower-tier 
partnership to upper-tier partnership pursuant to paragraph (j)(2) of 
this section. However, the transferee described in paragraph 
(j)(6)(ii)(B) of this section is not a transferee specified partner for 
purposes of this section. If pursuant to paragraph (j)(5)(i)(B) of this 
section a transferee specified partner is allocated business interest 
expense derived from a transferor's share of UTP EBIE (business 
interest expense to which the partner's status as transferee specified 
partner relates), the transferee specified partner is deemed to recover 
a negative section 743(b) adjustment with respect to, and in the amount 
of, such business interest expense and takes such negative section 
743(b) adjustment into account in the manner provided in paragraph 
(j)(7)(ii) (or (iii), as the case may be) of this section, regardless 
of whether a section 754 election was in effect or a substantial built-
in loss existed at the time of the transfer by which the transferee 
specified partner acquired the transferred interest. However, to the 
extent a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment was previously 
made to such business interest expense, the transferee specified 
partner does not recover an additional negative section 743(b) 
adjustment pursuant to this paragraph.
    (ii) UTP EBIE without a specified partner. If UTP EBIE does not 
have a specified partner (as the result of a transaction described in 
paragraph (j)(6)(ii)(A) of this section), upper-tier partnership shall 
not allocate any business interest expense that was formerly such UTP 
EBIE to its partners. Rather, for purposes of applying paragraph (f)(2) 
of this section, upper-tier partnership shall treat such business 
interest expense as the allocable business interest expense (as defined 
in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section) of a Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(8)(ii) account. Additionally, if UTP EBIE that does not have a 
specified partner (as the result of a transaction described in 
paragraph (j)(6)(ii)(A) of this section) is treated as paid or accrued 
pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section, upper-tier partnership shall 
make a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment to its property in the 
amount of the adjusted basis (if any) of such UTP EBIE at the time such 
UTP EBIE is treated as business interest expense paid or accrued 
pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.
    (iii) Disallowance of addback. No basis increase under paragraph 
(j)(5)(ii) of this section shall be allowed to upper-tier partnership 
for any disallowed UTP EBIE. For purposes of this section, the term 
disallowed UTP EBIE refers to any UTP EBIE that has a specified partner 
that is a transferee specified partner (as defined in paragraph 
(j)(8)(i) of this section) and any UTP EBIE that does not have a 
specified partner (as the result of a transaction described in 
paragraph (j)(6)(ii)(A) of this section). For purposes of applying 
paragraph (j)(5)(ii) of this section, upper-tier partnership shall 
treat any disallowed UTP EBIE in the same manner as UTP EBIE that has 
previously been allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment and take 
such negative section 734(b) adjustment into account in the manner 
provided in paragraph (j)(7)(iv) of this section. However, upper-tier 
partnership does not treat disallowed UTP EBIE as though it were 
allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment pursuant to this 
paragraph to the extent a negative section 734(b) or 743(b) adjustment 
was previously made to such disallowed UTP EBIE.
    (9) Determining allocable ATI and allocable business interest 
income of upper-tier partnership partners--(i) In general. When 
applying paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section, an upper-tier 
partnership determines the allocable ATI and allocable business 
interest income of each of its partners in the manner provided in this 
paragraph. Specifically, if an upper-tier partnership's net amount of 
tax items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI is greater than or 
equal to its ATI, upper-tier partnership applies the rules in paragraph 
(j)(9)(ii)(A) of this section to determine each partner's allocable 
ATI. See Example 32 in paragraph (o)(32) of this section. However, if 
an upper-tier partnership's net amount of tax items that comprise (or 
have ever comprised) ATI is less than its ATI, upper-tier partnership 
applies the rules in paragraph (j)(9)(ii)(B) of this section to 
determine each partner's allocable ATI. See Example 33 in paragraph 
(o)(33) of this section. To determine each partner's allocable business 
interest income, an upper-tier partnership applies the rules in 
paragraph (j)(9)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) Upper-tier partner's allocable ATI--(A) If an upper-tier 
partnership's net amount of tax items that comprise (or have ever 
comprised) ATI is greater than or equal to its ATI (as determined under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)), then an upper-tier partner's allocable ATI 
(for purposes of paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section) is equal to the 
product of--
    (1) Such partner's distributive share of gross income and gain 
items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI, minus such partner's 
distributive share of gross loss and deduction items that comprise (or 
have ever comprised) ATI; multiplied by
    (2) A fraction, the numerator of which is upper-tier partnership's 
ATI (as determined under Sec.  163(j)-1(b)(1)), and the denominator of 
which is upper-tier partnership's net amount of tax items that comprise 
(or have ever comprised) ATI.
    (B) If an upper-tier partnership's net amount of tax items that 
comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI is less than its ATI (as 
determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1)), then an upper-tier partner's 
allocable ATI (for purposes of paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section) is 
equal to--
    (1) The excess (if any) of such partner's distributive share of 
gross income and gain items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI, 
over such partner's distributive share of gross loss and deduction 
items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI; increased by
    (2) The product of--
    (i) Such partner's share of residual profits expressed as a 
fraction; multiplied by
    (ii) Upper-tier partnership's ATI (as determined under Sec.  
1.163(j)-1(b)(1)), minus the aggregate of all the partners' amounts 
determined under paragraph (j)(9)(ii)(B)(1) of this section.
    (iii) Upper-tier partner's allocable business interest income. An 
upper-tier partner's allocable business interest income (for purposes 
of paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section) is equal to the product of--
    (A) Such partner's distributive share of items that comprise (or 
have ever comprised) business interest income; multiplied by
    (B) A fraction, the numerator of which is upper-tier partnership's 
business interest income (as determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(4)), 
and the denominator of which is the upper-tier partnership's amount of 
items that comprise (or have ever comprised) business interest income.
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) S corporation deductions capitalized by an S corporation 
shareholder. The ATI of an S corporation shareholder is increased by 
the portion of such S corporation shareholder's allocable share of 
qualified expenditures (as defined in

[[Page 56901]]

section 59(e)(2)) to which an election under section 59(e) applies.
* * * * *
    (n) Treatment of self-charged lending transactions between 
partnerships and partners. In the case of a lending transaction between 
a partner (lending partner) and partnership (borrowing partnership) in 
which the lending partner owns a direct interest (self-charged lending 
transaction), any business interest expense of the borrowing 
partnership attributable to the self-charged lending transaction is 
business interest expense of the borrowing partnership for purposes of 
this section. If in a given taxable year the lending partner is 
allocated excess business interest expense from the borrowing 
partnership and has interest income attributable to the self-charged 
lending transaction (interest income), the lending partner is deemed to 
receive an allocation of excess business interest income from the 
borrowing partnership in such taxable year. The amount of the lending 
partner's deemed allocation of excess business interest income is the 
lesser of such lending partner's allocation of excess business interest 
expense from the borrowing partnership in such taxable year or the 
interest income attributable to the self-charged lending transaction in 
such taxable year. To prevent the double counting of business interest 
income, the lending partner includes interest income that was treated 
as excess business interest income pursuant to this paragraph (n) only 
once when calculating its own section 163(j) limitation. In cases where 
the lending partner is not a C corporation, to the extent that any 
interest income exceeds the lending partner's allocation of excess 
business interest expense from the borrowing partnership for the 
taxable year, and such interest income otherwise would be properly 
treated as investment income of the lending partner for purposes of 
section 163(d) for that year, such excess amount of interest income 
will continue to be treated as investment income of the lending partner 
for that year for purposes of section 163(d).
    See Example 26 in paragraph (o)(26) of this section.
    (o) * * *

    (24) Example 24--(i) Facts. On January 1, 2020, L and M form LM, 
a publicly traded partnership (as defined in Sec.  1.7704-1), and 
agree that each will be allocated a 50 percent share of all LM 
items. The partnership agreement provides that LM will make 
allocations under section 704(c) using the remedial allocation 
method under Sec.  1.704-3(d). L contributes depreciable property 
with an adjusted tax basis of $4,000 and a fair market value of 
$10,000. The property is depreciated using the straight-line method 
with a 10-year recovery period and has 4 years remaining on its 
recovery period. M contributes $10,000 in cash, which LM uses to 
purchase land. Except for the depreciation deductions, LM's expenses 
equal its income in each year of the 10 years commencing with the 
year LM is formed. LM has a valid section 754 election in effect.
    (ii) Section 163(j) remedial items and partner basis items. LM 
sells the asset contributed by L in a fully taxable transaction at a 
time when the adjusted basis of the property is $4,000. Under Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(e)(2)(ii), solely for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6, the 
tax gain of $6,000 is allocated equally between L and M ($3,000 
each). To avoid shifting built-in gain to the non-contributing 
partner (M) in a manner consistent with the rule in section 704(c), 
a remedial deduction of $3,000 is allocated to M (leaving M with no 
net tax gain), and remedial income of $3,000 is allocated to L 
(leaving L with total tax gain of $6,000).
    (25) Example 25--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as Example 24 
in paragraph (o)(24) of this section except the property contributed 
by L had an adjusted tax basis of zero. For each of the 10 years 
following the contribution, there would be $500 of section 704(c) 
remedial income allocated to L and $500 of remedial deductions 
allocated to M with respect to the contributed asset. A buyer of M's 
units would step into M's shoes with respect to the $500 of annual 
remedial deductions. A buyer of L's units would step into L's shoes 
with respect to the $500 of annual remedial income and would have an 
annual section 743(b) deduction of $1,000 (net $500 of deductions).
    (ii) Analysis. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(2)(ii), solely 
for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6, a buyer of L's units immediately 
after formation of LM would offset its $500 annual section 704(c) 
remedial income allocation with $500 of annual section 743(b) 
adjustment (leaving the buyer with net $500 of section 743(b) 
deduction). As a result, such buyer would be in the same position as 
a buyer of M's units. Each buyer would have net deductions of $500 
per year, which would not affect ATI before 2022.
    (26) Example 26--(i) Facts. X and Y are partners in partnership 
PRS. In Year 1, PRS had $200 of excess business interest expense. 
Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), PRS allocated $100 of such 
excess business interest expense to each of its partners. In Year 2, 
X lends $10,000 to PRS and receives $1,000 of interest income for 
the taxable year (self-charged lending transaction). X is not in the 
trade or business of lending money. The $1,000 of interest expense 
resulting from this loan is allocable to PRS's trade or business 
assets. As a result, such $1,000 of interest expense is business 
interest expense of PRS. X and Y are each allocated $500 of such 
business interest expense as their distributive share of PRS's 
business interest expense for the taxable year. Additionally, in 
Year 2, PRS has $3,000 of ATI. PRS allocates the items comprising 
its $3,000 of ATI $0 to X and $3,000 to Y.
    (ii) Partnership-level. In Year 2, PRS's section 163(j) limit is 
30 percent of its ATI plus its business interest income, or $900 
($3,000 x 30 percent). Thus, PRS has $900 of deductible business 
interest expense, $100 of excess business interest expense, $0 of 
excess taxable income, and $0 of excess business interest income. 
Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), $400 of X's allocation of 
business interest expense is treated as deductible business interest 
expense, $100 of X's allocation of business interest expense is 
treated as excess business interest expense, and $500 of Y's 
allocation of business interest expense is treated as deductible 
business interest expense.
    (iii) Lending partner. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(n), X treats 
$100 of its $1,000 of interest income as excess business interest 
income allocated from PRS in Year 2. Because X is deemed to have 
been allocated $100 of excess business interest income from PRS, and 
excess business interest expense from a partnership is treated as 
paid or accrued by a partner to the extent excess business interest 
income is allocated from such partnership to a partner, X treats its 
$100 allocation of excess business interest expense from PRS in Year 
2 as business interest expense paid or accrued in Year 2. X, in 
computing its limit under section 163(j), has $100 of business 
interest income ($100 deemed allocation of excess business interest 
income from PRS in Year 2) and $100 of business interest expense 
($100 allocation of excess business interest expense treated as paid 
or accrued in Year 2). Thus, X's $100 of business interest expense 
is deductible business interest expense. At the end of Year 2, X has 
$100 of excess business interest expense from PRS ($100 from Year 
1). X treats $900 of its $1,000 of interest income as investment 
income for purposes of section 163(d).
    (27) Example 27--(i) Formation. A, B, and C formed partnership 
UTP in Year 1, each contributing $1,000 cash in exchange for a one 
third interest. Also in Year 1, UTP, D, and E formed partnership 
LTP, each contributing $1,200 cash in exchange for a one third 
interest. LTP borrowed $9,000, resulting in each of its partners 
increasing its basis in LTP by $3,000. Further, the partners of UTP 
each increased their bases in UTP by $1,000 each as a result of the 
LTP borrowing.
    (ii) Application of section 163(j) to LTP. In Year 1, LTP's only 
item of income, gain, loss, or deduction was $900 of BIE. As a 
result, LTP had $900 of excess business interest expense. Pursuant 
to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), LTP allocated $300 of excess business 
interest expense to each of its partners.
    (iii) Section 704(b) capital account adjustments. Solely for 
purposes of section 704(b) and the regulations thereunder, each 
direct and indirect partner of LTP treats its allocation of excess 
business interest expense from LTP as a section 705(a)(2)(B) 
expenditure pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2). Further, each 
indirect partner of LTP that reduced its section 704(b) capital 
account as a result of the $300 allocation of excess business 
interest expense to UTP is the specified partner of such UTP EBIE, 
as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(B). Each partner of UTP 
reduced its capital account by $100 as a result of the $300 
allocation of excess business interest expense from LTP to

[[Page 56902]]

UTP. As a result, A, B, and C are each a specified partner with 
respect to $100 of UTP EBIE.
    (iv) Basis adjustments. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2), D, 
E, and UTP each reduce its basis in LTP by the amount of its 
allocation of excess business interest expense from LTP. As a 
result, each partner's basis in its LTP interest is $3,900. Pursuant 
to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(3), the direct partners of UTP (A, B, and C) 
do not reduce the bases of their interests in UTP as a result of the 
allocation of excess business interest expense from LTP to UTP. UTP 
treats its $300 allocation of excess business interest expense from 
LTP as UTP EBIE, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(4). At the end of 
Year 1, the section 704(b) and tax basis balance sheets of LTP and 
UTP are as follows:
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.014

    (28) Example 28--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as Example 27 
in paragraph (o)(27) of this section. In Year 2, while a section 754 
election was in effect, C sold its UTP interest to D for $900. In 
Year 3, LTP's only item of income, gain, loss, or deduction was $240 
of income, which it allocated to UTP. Such $240 of income resulted 
in $240 of excess taxable income, which LTP allocated to UTP 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-f(2). Further, in Year 3, UTP's only item 
of income, gain, loss, or deduction was its $240 allocation of 
income from LTP. UTP allocated such $240 of income equally among its 
partners. In Year 4, UTP sold its interest in LTP to X for $1,140.
    (ii) Sale of specified partner's UTP interest. C's section 741 
loss recognized on the sale of its partnership interest to D in Year 
2 is $100 (amount realized of $900 cash, plus $1,000 relief of 
liabilities, less $2,000 basis in UTP). D's initial adjusted basis 
in the UTP interest acquired from C in Year 2 is $1,900 (the cash 
paid for C's interest, $900, plus $1,000, D's share of UTP 
liabilities). D's interest in UTP's previously taxed capital is 
$1,000 ($900, the amount of cash D would receive if PRS liquidated 
immediately after the hypothetical transaction, decreased by $0, the 
amount of tax gain allocated to D from the hypothetical transaction, 
and increased by $100, the amount of tax loss that would be 
allocated to D from the hypothetical transaction). D's share of the 
adjusted basis to the partnership of the partnership's property is 
$2,000 ($1,000 share of previously taxed capital, plus $1,000 share 
of the partnership's liabilities). Therefore, the amount of the 
basis adjustment under section 743(b) to partnership property is 
negative $100 (the difference between $1,900 and $2,000). D's 
negative $100 section 743(b) adjustment is allocated among UTP's 
assets under section 755. Under Sec.  1.755-1(b)(2), the amount of 
D's

[[Page 56903]]

section 743(b) adjustment allocated to ordinary income property is 
equal to the total amount of income or loss that would be allocated 
to D from the sale of all ordinary income property in a hypothetical 
transaction. Solely for purposes of Sec.  1.755-1(b), any UTP EBIE 
is treated as ordinary income property. Thus, D's negative $100 
section 743(b) basis adjustment is allocated to UTP EBIE.
    (iii) Application of section 163(j) to UTP. In Year 3, UTP was 
allocated excess taxable income from LTP. Thus, UTP applies the 
rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i). First, pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A), UTP applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g) 
to its UTP EBIE. Because UTP was allocated $240 of excess taxable 
income from LTP in Year 3, UTP treats $240 of its UTP EBIE as 
business interest expense paid or accrued in Year 3. Specifically, 
UTP treats $80 of each partner's share of UTP EBIE as business 
interest expense paid or accrued. Under these circumstances, UTP's 
method for determining which UTP EBIE is treated as business 
interest expense paid or accrued is reasonable. Second, pursuant to 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(B), UTP allocates such business interest 
expense that was formerly UTP EBIE to its specified partner. 
Accordingly, A and B are each allocated $80 of business interest 
expense. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(i), D is treated as the 
specified partner with respect to $100 of UTP EBIE (C's share of UTP 
EBIE prior to the sale). Further, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(i)(A), $80 of the UTP EBIE to which D is the specified 
partner was treated as business interest expense paid or accrued. 
Accordingly, D is allocated such $80 of business interest expense. 
After determining each partner's allocable share of section 163(j) 
items used in its own section 163(j) calculation, UTP determines 
each partner's allocable share of excess items pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2).


         Table 62 to Paragraph (o)(28)(iii)--UTP's Application of Sec.   1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) in Year 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         A               B               D             Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable ATI...................................             $80             $80             $80            $240
Allocable BII...................................               0               0               0               0
Allocable BIE...................................              80              80              80             240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



         Table 63 to Paragraph (o)(28)(iii)--UTP's Application of Sec.   1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(xi) in Year 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         A               B               D             Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deductible BIE..................................             $24             $24             $24             $72
EBIE allocated..................................              56              56              56             168
ETI allocated...................................               0               0               0               0
EBII allocated..................................               0               0               0               0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (iv) Treatment of business interest expense that was formerly 
UTP EBIE. After determining each partner's share of deductible 
business interest expense and section 163(j) excess items, UTP takes 
into account any basis adjustments under section 734(b) and the 
partners take into account any basis adjustments under section 
743(b) to business interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(C). None of the UTP EBIE 
treated as business interest expense paid or accrued in Year 3 was 
allocated a section 734(b) adjustment. Additionally, neither A's nor 
B's share of business interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE 
was allocated a section 743(b) basis adjustment. Further, neither A 
nor B is a transferee specified partner, as defined in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i). Therefore, no special adjustments are required 
to A's or B's $24 of deductible business interest expense and $56 of 
excess business interest expense. At the end of Year 3, A and B each 
has an adjusted basis in UTP of $2,000 and each is the specified 
partner with respect to $20 of UTP EBIE. D's share of business 
interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE was allocated a negative 
$80 section 743(b) adjustment. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(7)(ii), D recovers $24 of the negative section 743(b) 
adjustment, effectively eliminating the $24 deduction resulting from 
its $24 allocation of deductible business interest expense. 
Additionally, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7)(iii), the $56 basis 
decrease required under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2) for D's allocation of 
excess business interest expense is reduced by the negative section 
743(b) adjustment attributable to such excess business interest 
expense ($56). Consequently, D does not reduce the basis of its 
interest in UTP pursuant Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2) upon being allocated 
such excess business interest expense. As a result, D has $56 of 
excess business interest expense with a basis of $0. At the end of 
Year 3, D has an adjusted basis in UTP of $1,980 and is the 
specified partner with respect to $20 of UTP EBIE.
    (v) Application of anti-loss trafficking rules. Although D is a 
transferee specified partner, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i), 
with respect to its $80 allocation of business interest expense from 
UTP, no special basis adjustments under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i) are 
required because all $80 of such business interest expense was already 
fully offset by negative section 743(b) adjustment. However, if such 
$80 of business interest expense was not fully offset by a negative 
section 743(b) adjustment, D's status as transferee specified partner 
would cause such business interest expense to be fully offset by a 
negative section 743(b) adjustment pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(8)(i), regardless of whether a section 754 election was not in 
effect with respect to the sale of UTP from C to D. Such negative 
section 743(b) adjustment would be taken into account in the manner 
described in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(7).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14SE20.015


[[Page 56904]]


BILLING CODE 4830-01-C
    (vi) Sale of LTP interest. In Year 4, UTP disposed of its 
interest in LTP. Thus, UTP applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii). First, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A), UTP 
applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3) to its UTP EBIE. Because 
UTP disposed of all of its LTP interest, UTP reduces its UTP EBIE by 
$60. Second, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(B), UTP 
increases the adjusted basis of its LTP interest by $60 (the total 
amount of UTP EBIE that was reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii)(A)). Third, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(C), 
this $60 increase is reduced by $20 to take into account the 
negative $20 section 743(b) adjustment allocated in Year 2 to the 
$20 of UTP EBIE reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A). 
As a result, UTP's adjusted basis in its LTP interest immediately 
prior to the sale to X is $4,180 ($3,900 at the end of Year 1, plus 
$240 allocation of income from LTP in Year 3, plus $40 increase 
immediately prior to the sale attributable to the basis of UTP 
EBIE). UTP's section 741 loss recognized on the sale is $40 (amount 
realized of $1,140 cash, plus $3,000 relief of liabilities, less 
$4,180 adjusted basis in LTP). No deduction under section 163(j) is 
allowed to the UTP or X under chapter 1 of subtitle A of the Code 
for any of such UTP EBIE reduced under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3). 
Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5), LTP has a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) 
basis adjustment of $40. LTP does not own property of the character 
required to be adjusted. Thus, under Sec.  1.755-1(c)(4), the 
adjustment is made when LTP subsequently acquires capital gain 
property to which an adjustment can be made. Regardless of whether a 
$20 negative section 743(b) adjustment was allocated to the $20 of 
UTP EBIE reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A), UTP 
would only increase its basis in LTP pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii) by $40. The specified partner of such $20 of UTP EBIE is 
a transferee specified partner. Therefore, it is treated as 
disallowed UTP EBIE under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(iii) of this 
section. As a result, UTP would treat such $20 of UTP EBIE for 
purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii) as though it were allocated a 
negative section 734(b) adjustment of $20.
    (29) Example 29--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as Example 27 
in paragraph (o)(27) of this section. In Year 2, while a section 754 
election was in effect, UTP distributed $900 to C in complete 
liquidation of C's partnership interest. In Year 3, LTP's only item 
of income, gain, loss, or deduction was $240 of income, which it 
allocated to UTP. Such $240 of income resulted in $240 of excess 
taxable income, which LTP allocated to UTP pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-f(2). Further, in Year 3, UTP's only item of income, gain, 
loss, or deduction was its $240 allocation of income from LTP. UTP 
allocated such $240 of income equally among its partners. In Year 4, 
UTP sold its interest in LTP to X for $1,140.
    (ii) Liquidating distribution to specified partner. C's section 
731(a)(2) loss recognized on the disposition of its partnership 
interest is $100 ($2,000 basis in UTP, less amount realized of $900 
cash, plus $1,000 relief of liabilities). Because the election under 
section 754 is in effect, UTP has a section 734(b) decrease to the 
basis of its assets of $100 (the amount of section 731(a)(2) loss 
recognized by C). Under section 755, the entire negative $100 
section 734(b) adjustment is allocated to UTP EBIE. Following the 
liquidation of C, UTP's basis in its assets ($900 of cash, plus 
$3,900 interest in LTP, plus $200 basis of UTP EBIE) equals the 
aggregate outside basis of partners A and B ($5,000).
    (iii) Application of section 163(j) to UTP. In Year 3, UTP was 
allocated excess taxable income from LTP. Thus, UTP applies the 
rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i). First, pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(A), UTP applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g) 
to its UTP EBIE. Because UTP was allocated $240 of excess taxable 
income from LTP in Year 3, UTP treats $240 of its UTP EBIE as 
business interest expense paid or accrued in Year 3. Specifically, 
UTP treats $100 of A's share, $100 of B's share, and $40 of the UTP 
EBIE that does not have a specified partner as business interest 
expense paid or accrued. Under these circumstances, UTP's method for 
determining which UTP EBIE is treated as business interest expense 
paid or accrued is reasonable. Second, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(i)(B), UTP allocates such business interest expense that was 
formerly UTP EBIE to its specified partner. Accordingly, each of A 
and B is allocated $100 of business interest expense.
    (iv) Application of anti-loss trafficking rules. Following the 
liquidating distribution to C in Year 2 (a transaction described in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(A)), the $100 of UTP EBIE to which C was 
formerly the specified partner does not have a specified partner. 
Thus, UTP does not allocate any deductible business interest expense 
or excess business interest expense that was formerly C's share of 
UTP EBIE to A or B. Rather, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii), 
UTP treats such business interest expense as the allocable business 
interest expense, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii), of a 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) account for purposes of applying Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2). After determining each partner's allocable share 
of section 163(j) items used in its own section 163(j) calculation, 
UTP determines each partner's allocable share of excess items 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2).

          Table 65 to Paragraph (o)(29)(iv)--UTP's Application of Sec.   1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) in Year 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Sec.   1.163(j)-
                                                   A               B        6(j)(8)(ii)  account       Total
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allocable ATI.............................            $120            $120                 $0               $240
Allocable BII.............................               0               0                  0                  0
Allocable BIE.............................             100             100                 40                240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



          Table 65 to Paragraph (o)(29)(iv)--UTP's Application of Sec.   1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(xi) in Year 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Sec.   1.163(j)-
                                                   A               B        6(j)(8)(ii)  account       Total
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deductible BIE............................             $36             $36                 $0                $72
EBIE allocated............................              64              64                 40                168
ETI allocated.............................               0               0                  0                  0
EBII allocated............................               0               0                  0                  0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) Treatment of business interest expense that was formerly UTP 
EBIE. After determining each partner's share of deductible business 
interest expense and section 163(j) excess items, UTP takes into 
account any basis adjustments under section 734(b) and the partners 
take into account any basis under section 743(b) to business 
interest expense that was formerly UTP EBIE pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i)(C). None of the UTP EBIE treated as business 
interest expense paid or accrued in Year 3 was allocated a section 
743(b) adjustment. Further, neither A nor B is a transferee 
specified partner, as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i). 
Therefore, no special basis adjustments are required under Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(i). The $40 of excess business interest expense 
allocated to the Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) account is not allocated 
to A or B and is not carried over by UTP. Additionally, UTP does not 
have a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment because such $40 of 
business interest expense does not have any basis. Thus, A

[[Page 56905]]

and B each has $36 of deductible business interest expense and $64 
of excess business interest expense. At the end of Year 3, A and B 
each has an adjusted basis in UTP of $2,520 ($2,500 outside basis, 
plus $120 allocation of income, less $36 of deductible business 
interest expense, less $64 of excess business interest expense), and 
neither A nor B is a specified partner with respect to any of UTP's 
$60 of UTP EBIE.

                            Table 66 to Paragraph (o)(29)(v)--UTP EBIE--End of Year 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Specified partner                                     Partnership
                              ---------------------------------                  -------------------------------
                                    Basis        Carryforward                          Basis       Carryforward
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A............................              $0              $0   UTP.............              $0             $60
B............................               0               0                     ..............  ..............
Sec.   1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii)                 0              60                     ..............  ..............
 account.
                              ---------------------------------                  -------------------------------
    Total....................               0              60      Total........               0              60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (vi) Sale of LTP interest. In Year 4, UTP disposed of its 
interest in LTP. Thus, UTP applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii). First, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A), UTP 
applies the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3) to its UTP EBIE. Because 
UTP disposed of all of its LTP interest, UTP reduces its UTP EBIE by 
$60. Second, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(B), UTP 
increases the adjusted basis of its LTP interest by $60 (the total 
amount of UTP EBIE that was reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(5)(ii)(A)). Third, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(C), 
this $60 increase is reduced by $60 to take into account the 
negative $60 section 734(b) adjustment allocated in Year 2 to the 
$60 of UTP EBIE reduced pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii)(A). 
As a result, UTP's adjusted basis in its LTP interest immediately 
prior to the sale to X is $4,140 ($3,900 at the end of Year 1, plus 
$240 allocation of income from LTP in Year 3). UTP has no section 
741 gain or loss recognized on the sale (amount realized of $1,140 
cash, plus $3,000 relief of liabilities, equals $4,140 adjusted 
basis in LTP). No deduction under section 163(j) is allowed to the 
UTP or X under chapter 1 of subtitle A of the Code for any of such 
UTP EBIE reduced under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(3). Regardless of whether 
the $60 of UTP EBIE's basis was reduced by a $60 negative section 
734(b) adjustment, UTP would not increase its basis in LTP pursuant 
to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii) of this section as a result of the 
sale to X. The $60 of UTP EBIE does not have a specified partner. 
Therefore, it is treated as disallowed UTP EBIE under Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(iii) of this section. As a result, UTP would treat 
such $60 of UTP EBIE for purposes of Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(ii) as 
though it were allocated a negative section 734(b) adjustment of 
$60.
    (30) Example 30--(i) X, Y and Z are partners in partnership PRS, 
PRS and A are partners in UTP, and UTP is a partner in LTP. LTP 
allocates $15 of excess business interest expense to UTP. Pursuant 
to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(2), UTP reduces its section 704(b) capital 
account (capital account) in LTP by $15, A reduces its capital 
account in UTP by $5, PRS reduces its capital account in UTP by $10, 
X reduces its capital account in PRS by $4, and Y reduces its 
capital account in PRS by $6. Thus, A, PRS, X, and Y are the 
specified partner with respect to $5, $10, $4, and $6 of UTP EBIE, 
respectively.
    (ii) Assume the same facts in (i) except that PRS distributed 
cash to Y in complete liquidation of Y's interest in PRS. As a 
result, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(A), Y's share of UTP 
EBIE would not have a specified partner. In a subsequent year, if 
LTP allocated UTP $15 of excess business interest income, UTP would 
apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i) and allocate $5 of 
deductible business interest expense to A and $10 of deductible 
business interest expense to PRS (the specified partners of such 
deductible business interest expense). Because the $10 of deductible 
business interest expense allocated to PRS was formerly UTP EBIE, 
PRS must also apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i). PRS 
would allocate $4 of such deductible business interest expense to X 
(the specified partner of such $4). However, as a result of the 
liquidating distribution to Y, the remaining $6 of deductible 
business interest expense does not have a specified partner. Thus, 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii), PRS would make a Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis adjustment to its property in the amount of 
the adjusted basis (if any) of such $6 of deductible business 
interest expense.
    (iii) Assume the same facts as in (i) except that PRS 
distributed its interest in UTP to Y in complete liquidation of Y's 
interest in PRS. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(6)(ii)(A), Y is the 
specified partner with respect to UTP EBIE of UTP only to the same 
extent it was prior to the distribution ($6). As a result, the UTP 
EBIE of UTP in excess of the UTP EBIE for which Y is the specified 
partner (X's $4) does not have a specified partner. If in a 
subsequent year LTP allocated UTP $15 of excess business interest 
income, UTP would apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i) and 
allocate $5 of deductible business interest expense to A and $6 of 
deductible business interest expense to Y. Regarding the $4 of DBIE 
without a specified partner, UTP would apply the rules in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(8)(ii) and make a Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
adjustment to its property in the amount of the adjusted basis (if 
any) of such $4 of deductible business interest expense.
    (iv) Assume the same facts as in (i) except that A contributes 
its UTP interest to a new partnership, PRS2. Following the 
contribution, PRS2 is treated as the specified partner with respect 
to the portion of the UTP EBIE attributable to the contributed 
interest ($5). Further, A continues to be the specified partner with 
respect to the UTP EBIE attributable to the contributed interest 
($5). If in a subsequent year LTP allocated UTP $15 of excess 
business interest income, UTP would apply the rules in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(j)(5)(i) and allocate $5 of deductible business interest 
expense to PRS2, and PRS2 would allocate such $5 of deductible 
business interest expense to A.
    (31) Example 31--(i) Facts. In Year 1, A, B, and C formed 
partnership PRS by each contributing $1,000 cash. PRS borrowed $900, 
causing each partner's basis in PRS to increase by $300 under 
section 752. Also in Year 1, PRS purchased Capital Asset X for $200. 
In Year 2, PRS pays $300 of business interest expense, all of which 
is disallowed and treated as excess business interest expense. PRS 
allocated the $300 of excess business interest expense to its 
partners, $100 each. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(2), each 
partner reduced its adjusted basis in its PRS interest by its $100 
allocation of excess business interest expense to $1,200. In Year 3, 
when the fair market value of Capital Asset X is $3,200 and no 
partner's basis in PRS has changed, PRS distributed $1,900 to C in 
complete liquidation of C's partnership interest in a distribution 
to which section 737 does not apply. PRS had a section 754 election 
in effect in Year 3.
    (ii) Consequences to selling partner. Pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(h)(3), C increases the adjusted basis of its interest in 
PRS by $100 immediately before the disposition. Thus, C's section 
731(a)(1) gain recognized on the disposition of its interest in PRS 
is $900 (($1,900 cash + $300 relief of liabilities) - ($1,200 
outside basis + $100 excess business interest expense add-back)).
    (iii) Partnership basis. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5), PRS 
has a $100 increase to the basis of its assets attributable to a 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis increase immediately before C's 
disposition. Under section 755, the entire $100 adjustment is 
allocated to Capital Asset X. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5), 
regardless of whether Capital Asset X is a depreciable or 
amortizable asset, none of the $100 of Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis 
increase allocated to Capital Asset X is depreciable or amortizable. 
Additionally, PRS has a section 734(b) increase to the basis of its 
assets of $900 (the amount of section 731(a)(1) gain recognized by 
C). Under section 755, the entire $900 adjustment is allocated to 
Capital Asset X. As a result, PRS's basis in Capital Asset X is 
$1,200 ($200 + $100 Sec.  1.163(j)-6(h)(5) basis increase + $900 
section 734(b) adjustment). Following the liquidation of C, PRS's 
basis in its assets ($600 cash + $1,200

[[Page 56906]]

Capital Asset X) equals the aggregate adjusted basis of partners A 
and B in PRS ($1,800).
    (32) Example 32--(i) Facts. X and Y are equal partners in 
partnership UTP, which is a partner in partnership LTP. In Year 1, 
LTP allocated $100 of income to UTP. LTP, in computing its limit 
under section 163(j), treated such $100 of income as ATI. 
Accordingly, in LTP's Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) calculation, UTP's 
allocable ATI was $100. Additionally, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(f)(2), LTP allocated $50 of excess taxable income to UTP. UTP's 
only items of income, gain, loss or deduction in Year 1, other than 
the $100 allocation from LTP, were $100 of trade or business income 
and $30 of business interest expense. UTP allocated its $200 of 
income and gain items $100 to X and $100 to Y, and all $30 of its 
business interest expense to X.
    (ii) Partnership-level. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(1), UTP, 
in computing its limit under section 163(j), does not increase or 
decrease any of its section 163(j) items by any of LTP's section 
163(j) items. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1), UTP determines it 
has $150 of ATI in Year 1 ($100 of ATI resulting from its $100 of 
trade or business income, plus $50 of excess taxable income from 
LTP). UTP's section 163(j) limit is 30 percent of its ATI, or $45 
($150 x 30 percent). Thus, UTP has $50 of excess taxable income and 
$30 of deductible business interest expense.
    (iii) Partner-level allocations. UTP allocates its $50 of excess 
taxable income and $30 of deductible business interest expense to X 
and Y pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2). To determine each 
partner's share of the $50 of excess taxable income, UTP must 
determine each partner's allocable ATI and allocable business 
interest expense (as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii)). X's 
allocable business interest expense is $30 and Y's allocable 
business interest expense is $0. Because UTP is an upper-tier 
partnership, UTP determines the allocable ATI of each of its 
partners in the manner provided in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9). 
Specifically, because UTP's net amount of tax items that comprise 
(or have ever comprised) ATI is $200 ($100 of trade or business 
income that UTP treated as ATI, plus UTP's $100 allocation from LTP 
of items that comprised ATI to LTP), which is greater than its $150 
of ATI, UTP must apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(ii)(A) to 
determine each of its partner's allocable ATI. UTP determines X's 
allocable ATI is $75 (X's $100 distributive share of gross income 
and gain items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI, 
multiplied by ($150/$200), the ratio of UTP's ATI to its tax items 
that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI). In a similar manner, 
UTP determines Y's allocable ATI also equals $75. Therefore, 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), X is allocated $30 of deductible 
business interest expense and Y is allocated $50 of excess taxable 
income.
    (33) Example 33--(i) Facts. X and Y are equal partners in 
partnership UTP, which is a partner in partnership LTP. Further, X 
and Y share the residual profits of UTP equally. In Year 1, LTP 
allocated ($99) of income to UTP. LTP, in computing its limit under 
section 163(j), treated such ($99) of income as ATI. Accordingly, in 
LTP's Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii) calculation, UTP's allocable ATI 
was ($99). UTP's only items of income, gain, loss or deduction in 
Year 1, other than the ($99) allocation from LTP, were $100 of trade 
or business income and $15 of business interest expense. UTP 
allocated $1 of income to X and $0 to Y pursuant to section 704(c), 
the ($99) of loss and remaining $99 of income equally pursuant to 
section 704(b), and all $15 of its business interest expense to X.
    (ii) Partnership-level. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(1), UTP, 
in computing its limit under section 163(j), does not increase or 
decrease any of its section 163(j) items by any of LTP's section 
163(j) items. Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1), UTP determines it 
has $100 of ATI in Year 1 ($100 of ATI resulting from its $100 of 
trade or business income). UTP's section 163(j) limit is 30 percent 
of its ATI, or $30 ($100 x 30 percent). Thus, UTP has $50 of excess 
taxable income and $15 of deductible business interest expense.
    (iii) Partner-level allocations. UTP allocates its $50 of excess 
taxable income and $15 of deductible business interest expense to X 
and Y pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2). To determine each 
partner's share of the $50 of excess taxable income, UTP must 
determine each partner's allocable ATI and allocable business 
interest expense (as defined in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii)). X's 
allocable business interest expense is $15 and Y's allocable 
business interest expense is $0. Because UTP is an upper-tier 
partnership, UTP determines the allocable ATI of each of its 
partners in the manner provided in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9). 
Specifically, because UTP's net amount of tax items that comprise 
(or have ever comprised) ATI is $1 ($100 of trade or business income 
that UTP treated as ATI, plus UTP's ($99) allocation from LTP of 
items that comprised ATI to LTP), which is less than its $100 of 
ATI, UTP must apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(ii)(B) to 
determine each of its partner's allocable ATI. UTP determines X's 
allocable ATI is $50.50 ($1, which is the excess of X's distributive 
share of gross income and gain items that comprise (or have ever 
comprised) ATI, $100, over X's distributive share of gross loss and 
deduction items that comprise (or have ever comprised) ATI, $99; 
increased by $49.50, which is the product of 50 percent, X's 
residual profit sharing percentage, and $99, UTP's $100 of ATI minus 
$1, which is the aggregate of all the partners' amounts determined 
under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(ii)(B)(1)). In a similar manner, UTP 
determines Y's allocable ATI is $49.50. Therefore, pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2), X is allocated $15 of deductible business interest 
expense and $0.50 of excess taxable income, and Y is allocated 
$49.50 of excess taxable income.
    (34) Example 34--(i) Facts. X and Y are equal partners in 
partnership PRS. Further, X and Y share the profits of PRS equally. 
In 2019, PRS had ATI of $100. In 2020, PRS's only items of income, 
gain, loss or deduction was $1 of trade or business income, which it 
allocated to X pursuant to section 704(c).
    (ii) Partnership-level. In 2020, PRS makes the election 
described in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5) to use its 2019 ATI in 2020. As 
a result, PRS has $100 of ATI in 2020. PRS does not have any 
business interest expense. Therefore, PRS has $100 of excess taxable 
income in 2020.
    (iii) Partner-level allocations. PRS allocates its $100 of 
excess taxable income to X and Y pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2). 
To determine each partner's share of the $100 of excess taxable 
income, PRS must determine each partner's allocable ATI (as defined 
in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii)). Because PRS made the election 
described in Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d)(5), PRS must determine the 
allocable ATI of each of its partners pursuant to paragraph (j)(9) 
of this section in the same manner as an upper-tier partnership. 
Specifically, because PRS's amount of tax items that comprise ATI 
before the election is $1, which is less than its $100 of ATI 
following the election, PRS must apply the rules in Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(j)(9)(ii)(B) to determine each of its partner's allocable ATI. PRS 
determines X's allocable ATI is $50.50 ($1, which is the excess of 
X's distributive share of gross income and gain items that would 
have comprised ATI had PRS not made the election, $1, over X's 
distributive share of gross loss and deduction items that would have 
comprised ATI had PRS not made the election, $0; increased by 
$49.50, which is the product of 50%, X's residual profit share, and 
$99, PRS's $100 of ATI minus $1, the aggregate of all the partners' 
amounts determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(j)(9)(ii)(B)(1)). In a 
similar manner, PRS determines Y's allocable ATI is $49.50. 
Therefore, pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), X is allocated $50.50 
of excess taxable income, and Y is allocated $49.50 of excess 
taxable income.
    (35) Example 35--(i) Facts. X, a partner in partnership PRS, was 
allocated $20 of excess business interest expense from PRS in 2018 
and $10 of excess business interest expense from PRS in 2019. In 
2020, PRS allocated $16 of excess taxable income to X.
    (ii) Analysis. X treats 50 percent of its $10 of excess business 
interest expense allocated from PRS in 2019 as Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(4) business interest expense. Thus, $5 of Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(4) business interest expense is treated as paid or accrued by X 
in 2020 and is not subject to the section 163(j) limitation at X's 
level. Because X was allocated $16 of excess taxable income from PRS 
in 2020, X treats $16 of its $25 of excess business interest expense 
as business interest expense paid or accrued pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(g)(2). X, in computing its limit under section 163(j) in 
2020, has $16 of ATI (as a result of its allocation of $16 of excess 
taxable income from PRS), $0 of business interest income, and $16 of 
business interest expense ($16 of excess business interest expense 
treated as paid or accrued in 2020). Pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(b)(2)(i), X's section 163(j) limit in 2020 is $8 ($16 x 50 
percent). Thus, X has $8 of business interest expense that is 
deductible under section 163(j). The $8 of X's business interest 
expense not allowed as a deduction ($16 business interest expense 
subject to section 163(j), less $8 section 163(j) limit) is treated 
as business interest expense paid or accrued by X in 2021. At the 
end of 2020, X has $9 of excess business interest expense from PRS 
($20 from 2018, plus $10 from 2019, less $5 treated as paid or 
accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(4), less $16 treated as paid 
or accrued pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(2)).
    (36) Example 36--(i) Facts. X is a partner in partnership PRS. 
At the beginning of 2018, X's outside basis in PRS was $100. X was

[[Page 56907]]

allocated $20 of excess business interest expense from PRS in 2018 
and $10 of excess business interest expense from PRS in 2019. X sold 
its PRS interest in 2019 for $70.
    (ii) Analysis. X treats 50 percent of its $10 of excess business 
interest expense allocated from PRS in 2019 as Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(4) business interest expense. Thus, $5 of Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(4) business interest expense is treated as paid or accrued by X 
in 2020 and is not subject to the section 163(j) limitation at X's 
level. Pursuant to paragraph (h)(3) of this section, immediately 
before the disposition, X increases the basis of its PRS interest to 
$95. Thus, X has a $25 section 741 loss recognized on the sale ($70-
$95).

    (p) Applicability dates--(1) In general. * * *
    (2) Paragraphs (c)(1) and (2), (d)(3) through (5), (e)(5) and (6), 
(f)(1)(iii), (g)(4), (h)(4) and (5), (j), (l)(4)(iv), (n), and (o)(24) 
through (29). Paragraphs (c)(1) and (2), (d)(3) through (5), (e)(5) and 
(6), (f)(1)(iii), (g)(4), (h)(4) and (5), (j), (l)(4)(iv), (n), and 
(o)(24) through (29) of this section apply to taxable years beginning 
on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE 
IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their related parties, 
within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to 
apply the rules of those paragraphs to a taxable year beginning after 
December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION 
OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], provided that they also 
apply the provisions of Sec.  1.163(j)-6 in the section 163(j) 
regulations, and consistently apply all of the rules of Sec.  1.163(j)-
6 in the section 163(j) regulations to that taxable year and to each 
subsequent taxable year.
* * * * *
0
Par. 8. As added in a final rule elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-7 is amended by 
revising paragraph (a), adding paragraphs (c) through (f), (g)(3) and 
(4), (h), and (j) through (l), and revising paragraph (m) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-7  Application of the section 163(j) limitation to 
foreign corporations and United States shareholders.

    (a) Overview. This section provides rules for the application of 
section 163(j) to relevant foreign corporations and United States 
shareholders of relevant foreign corporations. Paragraph (b) of this 
section provides the general rule regarding the application of section 
163(j) to a relevant foreign corporation. Paragraph (c) of this section 
provides rules for applying section 163(j) to CFC group members of a 
CFC group. Paragraph (d) of this section provides rules for determining 
a specified group and specified group members. Paragraph (e) of this 
section provides rules and procedures for treating a specified group 
member as a CFC group member and for determining a CFC group. Paragraph 
(f) of this section provides rules regarding the treatment of a CFC 
group member that has ECI. Paragraph (g) of this section provides rules 
concerning the computation of ATI of an applicable CFC. Paragraph (h) 
of this section provides a safe-harbor that exempts certain stand-alone 
applicable CFCs and CFC groups from the application of section 163(j) 
for a taxable year. Paragraph (i) of this section is reserved. 
Paragraph (j) of this section provides rules concerning the computation 
of ATI of a United States shareholder of an applicable CFC. Paragraph 
(k) of this section provides definitions that apply for purposes of 
this section. Paragraph (l) of this section provides examples 
illustrating the application of this section.
* * * * *
    (c) Application of section 163(j) to CFC group members of a CFC 
group--(1) Scope. This paragraph (c) provides rules for applying 
section 163(j) to a CFC group member. Paragraph (c)(2) of this section 
provides rules for computing a single section 163(j) limitation for a 
specified period of a CFC group. Paragraph (c)(3) of this section 
provides rules for allocating a CFC group's section 163(j) limitation 
to CFC group members for specified taxable years. Paragraph (c)(4) of 
this section provides currency translation rules. Paragraph (c)(5) of 
this section provides special rules for specified periods beginning in 
2019 or 2020.
    (2) Calculation of section 163(j) limitation for a CFC group for a 
specified period--(i) In general. A single section 163(j) limitation is 
computed for a specified period of a CFC group. For purposes of 
applying section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations, the 
current-year business interest expense, disallowed business interest 
expense carryforwards, business interest income, floor plan financing 
interest expense, and ATI of a CFC group for a specified period equal 
the sums of each CFC group member's respective amounts for its 
specified taxable year with respect to the specified period. A CFC 
group member's current-year business interest expense, business 
interest income, floor plan financing interest expense, and ATI for a 
specified taxable year are generally determined on a separate-company 
basis.
    (ii) Certain transactions between CFC group members disregarded. 
Any transaction between CFC group members of a CFC group that is 
entered into with a principal purpose of affecting a CFC group or a CFC 
group member's section 163(j) limitation by increasing or decreasing a 
CFC group or a CFC group member's ATI for a specified taxable year is 
disregarded for purposes of applying section 163(j) and the section 
163(j) regulations.
    (iii) CFC group treated as a single C corporation for purposes of 
allocating items to an excepted trade or business. For purposes of 
allocating items to an excepted trade or business under Sec.  1.163(j)-
10, all CFC group members of a CFC group are treated as a single C 
corporation.
    (iv) CFC group treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of 
determining interest. For purposes of determining whether amounts, 
other than amounts in respect of transactions between CFC group members 
of a CFC group, are treated as interest within the meaning of Sec.  
1.163(j)-1(b)(22), all CFC group members of a CFC group are treated as 
a single taxpayer.
    (3) Deduction of business interest expense--(i) CFC group business 
interest expense--(A) In general. The extent to which a CFC group 
member's current-year business interest expense and disallowed business 
interest expense carryforwards for a specified taxable year that ends 
with or within a specified period may be deducted under section 163(j) 
is determined under the rules and principles of Sec.  1.163(j)-5(a)(2) 
and (b)(3)(ii), subject to the modifications described in paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(B) of this section.
    (B) Modifications to relevant terms. For purposes of paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(A) of this section, the rules and principles of Sec.  
1.163(j)-5(b)(3)(ii) are applied by--
    (1) Replacing ``Sec.  1.163(j)-4(d)(2)'' in Sec.  1.163(j)-
5(a)(2)(ii) with ``Sec.  1.163(j)-7(c)(2)(i)'';
    (2) Replacing the term ``allocable share of the consolidated 
group's remaining section 163(j) limitation'' with ``allocable share of 
the CFC group's remaining section 163(j) limitation'';
    (3) Replacing the terms ``consolidated group'' and ``group'' with 
``CFC group'';
    (4) Replacing the term ``consolidated group's remaining section 
163(j) limitation'' with ``CFC group's remaining section 163(j) 
limitation'';
    (5) Replacing the term ``consolidated return year'' with 
``specified period'';
    (6) Replacing the term ``current year'' or ``current-year'' with 
``current specified period'' or ``specified taxable year with respect 
to the current specified period,'' as the context requires;

[[Page 56908]]

    (7) Replacing the term ``member'' with ``CFC group member''; and
    (8) Replacing the term ``taxable year'' with ``specified taxable 
year with respect to a specified period.''
    (ii) Carryforwards treated as attributable to the same taxable 
year. For purposes of applying the principles of Sec.  1.163(j)-
5(b)(3)(ii), as required under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, CFC 
group members' disallowed business interest expense carryforwards that 
arose in specified taxable years with respect to the same specified 
period are treated as disallowed business interest expense 
carryforwards from taxable years ending on the same date and are 
deducted on a pro rata basis, under the principles of Sec.  1.163(j)-
5(b)(3)(ii)(C)(3), pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
    (iii) Multiple specified taxable years of a CFC group member with 
respect to a specified period. If a CFC group member has more than one 
specified taxable year (each year, an applicable specified taxable 
year) with respect to a single specified period of a CFC group, then 
all such applicable specified taxable years are taken into account for 
purposes of applying the principles of Sec.  1.163(j)-5(b)(3)(ii), as 
required under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, with respect to the 
specified period. The portion of the section 163(j) limitation 
allocable to disallowed business interest expense carryforwards of the 
CFC group member for its applicable specified taxable years is prorated 
among the applicable specified taxable years in proportion to the 
number of days in each applicable specified taxable year.
    (iv) Limitation on pre-group disallowed business interest expense 
carryforward--(A) General rule--(1) CFC group member pre-group 
disallowed business interest expense carryforward. This paragraph 
(c)(3)(iv) applies to pre-group disallowed business interest expense 
carryforwards of a CFC group member. The amount of the pre-group 
disallowed business interest expense carryforwards described in the 
preceding sentence that are included in any CFC group member's business 
interest expense deduction for any specified taxable year under this 
paragraph (c)(3) may not exceed the aggregate section 163(j) limitation 
for all specified periods of the CFC group, determined by reference 
only to the CFC group member's items of income, gain, deduction, and 
loss, and reduced (including below zero) by the CFC group member's 
business interest expense (including disallowed business interest 
expense carryforwards) taken into account as a deduction by the CFC 
group member in all specified taxable years in which the CFC group 
member has continuously been a CFC group member of the CFC group 
(cumulative section 163(j) pre-group carryforward limitation).
    (2) Subgrouping. In the case of a CFC group member with a pre-group 
disallowed business interest expense carryforward (the loss member) 
that joined the CFC group (the current group) for a specified taxable 
year with respect to a specified period (the relevant period), if the 
loss member was a CFC group member of a different CFC group (the former 
group) immediately prior to joining the current group, a pre-group 
subgroup is composed of the loss member and each other CFC group member 
that became a CFC group member of the current group for a specified 
taxable year with respect to the relevant period and was a member of 
the former group immediately prior to joining the current group. For 
purposes of this paragraph (c), the rules and principles of Sec.  
1.163(j)-5(d)(1)(B) apply to a pre-group subgroup as if the pre-group 
subgroup were a SRLY subgroup.
    (B) Deduction of pre-group disallowed business interest expense 
carryforwards. Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(1) of this 
section, pre-group disallowed business interest expense carryforwards 
are available for deduction by a CFC group member in its specified 
taxable year only to the extent the CFC group has remaining section 
163(j) limitation for the specified period after the deduction of 
current-year business interest expense and disallowed business interest 
expense carryforwards from earlier taxable years that are permitted to 
be deducted in specified taxable years of CFC group members with 
respect to the specified period. See paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this 
section and Sec.  1.163(j)-5(b)(3)(ii)(A). Pre-group disallowed 
business interest expense carryforwards are deducted on a pro rata 
basis (under the principles of paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section and 
Sec.  1.163(j)-5(b)(3)(ii)(C)(3)) with other disallowed business 
interest expense carryforwards from taxable years ending on the same 
date.
    (4) Currency translation. For purposes of applying this paragraph 
(c), items of a CFC group member are translated into a single currency 
for the CFC group and back to the functional currency of the CFC group 
member using the average rate for the CFC group member's specified 
taxable year, using any reasonable method, consistently applied. The 
single currency for the CFC group may be the U.S. dollar or the 
functional currency of a plurality of the CFC group members.
    (5) Special rule for specified periods beginning in 2019 or 2020--
(i) 50 percent ATI limitation applies to a specified period of a CFC 
group. In the case of a CFC group, Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(2) (including 
the election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(2)(ii)) applies to a specified 
period of the CFC group beginning in 2019 or 2020, rather than to a 
specified taxable year of a CFC group member. An election under Sec.  
1.163(j)-2(b)(2)(ii) for a specified period of a CFC group is not 
effective unless made by each designated U.S. person. Except as 
otherwise provided in this paragraph (c)(5)(i), the election is made in 
accordance with Revenue Procedure 2020-22, 2020-18 I.R.B. 745. For 
purposes of applying Sec.  1.964-1(c), the election is treated as if 
made for each CFC group member.
    (ii) Election to use 2019 ATI applies to a specified period of a 
CFC group--(A) In general. In the case of a CFC group, for purposes of 
applying paragraph (c)(2) of this section, an election under Sec.  
1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) is made for a specified period of a CFC group 
beginning in 2020 and applies to the specified taxable years of each 
CFC group member with respect to such specified period, taking into 
account the application of paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(B) of this section. The 
election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) does not apply to any 
specified taxable year of a CFC group member other than those described 
in the preceding sentence. An election under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3)(i) 
for a specified period of a CFC group is not effective unless made by 
each designated U.S. person. Except as otherwise provided in this 
paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(A), the election is made in accordance with 
Revenue Procedure 2020-22, 2020-18 I.R.B. 745. For purposes of applying 
Sec.  1.964-1(c), the election is treated as if made for each CFC group 
member.
    (B) Specified taxable years that do not begin in 2020. If a 
specified taxable year of a CFC group member with respect to the 
specified period described in paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(A) of this section 
begins in 2019, then, for purposes of applying paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3) is applied to such specified taxable 
year by substituting ``2018'' for ``2019'' and ``2019'' for ``2020.'' 
If a specified taxable year of a CFC group member with respect to the 
specified period described in paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(A) of this section 
begins in 2021, then, for purposes of applying paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(3) is applied to such specified taxable 
year by substituting ``2020'' for ``2019'' and ``2021'' for ``2020.''

[[Page 56909]]

    (d) Determination of a specified group and specified group 
members--(1) Scope. This paragraph (d) provides rules for determining a 
specified group and specified group members. Paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section provides rules for determining a specified group. Paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section provides rules for determining specified group 
members.
    (2) Rules for determining a specified group--(i) Definition of a 
specified group. Subject to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, the 
term specified group means one or more chains of applicable CFCs 
connected through stock ownership with a specified group parent (which 
is included in the specified group only if it is an applicable CFC), 
but only if--
    (A) The specified group parent owns directly or indirectly stock 
meeting the requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B) in at least one 
applicable CFC; and
    (B) Stock meeting the requirements of section 1504(a)(2)(B) in each 
of the applicable CFCs (except the specified group parent) is owned 
directly or indirectly by one or more of the other applicable CFCs or 
the specified group parent.
    (ii) Indirect ownership. For purposes of applying paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section, stock is owned indirectly only if it is 
owned under section 318(a)(2)(A) through a partnership or under section 
318(a)(2)(A) or (B) through an estate or trust not described in section 
7701(a)(30).
    (iii) Specified group parent. The term specified group parent means 
a qualified U.S. person or an applicable CFC.
    (iv) Qualified U.S. person. The term qualified U.S. person means a 
United States person described in section 7701(a)(30)(A) or (C). For 
purposes of this paragraph (d), members of a consolidated group that 
file (or that are required to file) a consolidated U.S. federal income 
tax return are treated as a single qualified U.S person and individuals 
described in section 7701(a)(30)(A) whose filing status is married 
filing jointly are treated as a single qualified U.S. person.
    (v) Stock. For purposes of paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section, the 
term stock has the same meaning as ``stock'' in section 1504 (without 
regard to Sec.  1.1504-4, except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(vi) of 
this section) and all shares of stock within a single class are 
considered to have the same value. Thus, control premiums and minority 
and blockage discounts within a single class are not taken into 
account.
    (vi) Options treated as exercised. For purposes of this paragraph 
(d)(2), options that are reasonably certain to be exercised, as 
determined under Sec.  1.1504-4(g), are treated as exercised. For 
purposes of this paragraph (d)(2)(vi), options include call options, 
warrants, convertible obligations, put options, and any other 
instrument treated as an option under Sec.  1.1504-4(d), determined by 
replacing the term ``a principal purpose of avoiding the application of 
section 1504 and this section'' with ``a principal purpose of avoiding 
the application of section 163(j).''
    (vii) When a specified group ceases to exist. The principles of 
Sec.  1.1502-75(d)(1), (d)(2)(i) through (d)(2)(ii), and (d)(3)(i) 
through (d)(3)(iv), apply for purposes of determining when a specified 
group ceases to exist. Solely for purposes of applying these 
principles, each applicable CFC that is treated as a specified group 
member for a taxable year with respect to a specified period is treated 
as affiliated with the specified group parent from the beginning to the 
end of the specified period, without regard to the beginning or end of 
its taxable year.
    (3) Rules for determining a specified group member. If an 
applicable CFC is included in a specified group on the last day of a 
taxable year of the applicable CFC that ends with or within a specified 
period, the applicable CFC is a specified group member with respect to 
the specified period for its entire taxable year ending with or within 
the specified period. If an applicable CFC has multiple taxable years 
that end with or within a specified period, this paragraph (d)(3) is 
applied separately to each taxable year to determine if the applicable 
CFC is a specified group member for such taxable year.
    (e) Rules and procedures for treating a specified group as a CFC 
group--(1) Scope. This paragraph (e) provides rules and procedures for 
treating a specified group member as a CFC group member and for 
determining a CFC group for purposes of applying section 163(j) and the 
section 163(j) regulations.
    (2) CFC group and CFC group member--(i) CFC group. The term CFC 
group means, with respect to a specified period, all CFC group members 
for their specified taxable years.
    (ii) CFC group member. The term CFC group member means, with 
respect to a specified taxable year and a specified period, a specified 
group member of a specified group for which a CFC group election is in 
effect.
    (3) Duration of a CFC group. A CFC group continues until the CFC 
group election is revoked, or there is no longer a specified period 
with respect to the specified group.
    (4) Joining or leaving a CFC group. If an applicable CFC becomes a 
specified group member for a specified taxable year with respect to a 
specified period of a specified group for which a CFC group election is 
in effect, the CFC group election applies to the applicable CFC and the 
applicable CFC becomes a CFC group member. If an applicable CFC ceases 
to be a specified group member for a specified taxable year with 
respect to a specified period of a specified group for which a CFC 
group election is in effect, the CFC group election terminates solely 
with respect to the applicable CFC.
    (5) Manner of making or revoking a CFC group election--(i) In 
general. An election is made or revoked under this paragraph (e)(5) (a 
CFC group election) with respect to a specified period of a specified 
group. A CFC group election remains in effect for each specified period 
of the specified group until revoked. A CFC group election that is in 
effect with respect to a specified period of a specified group applies 
to each specified group member for its specified taxable year that ends 
with or within the specified period. The making or revoking of a CFC 
group election is not effective unless made or revoked by each 
designated U.S. person.
    (ii) Revocation by election. A CFC group election cannot be revoked 
with respect to any specified period beginning prior to 60 months 
following the last day of the specified period for which the election 
was made. Once a CFC group election has been revoked, a new CFC group 
election cannot be made with respect to any specified period beginning 
prior to 60 months following the last day of the specified period for 
which the election was revoked.
    (iii) Timing. A CFC group election must be made or revoked with 
respect to a specified period of a specified group no later than the 
due date (taking into account extensions, if any) of the original 
Federal income tax return for the taxable year of each designated U.S. 
person in which or with which the specified period ends.
    (iv) Election statement. Except as otherwise provided in 
publications, forms, instructions, or other guidance, to make or revoke 
a CFC group election for a specified period of a specified group, each 
designated U.S. person must attach a statement to its relevant Federal 
tax or information return. The statement must include the name and 
taxpayer identification number of all designated U.S. persons, a 
statement that the CFC group election is being made or revoked, as 
applicable, the specified period for which the CFC group election is 
being made or revoked,

[[Page 56910]]

and the name of each CFC group member and its specified taxable year 
with respect to the specified period. The statement must be filed in 
the manner prescribed in publications, forms, instructions, or other 
guidance.
    (v) Effect of prior CFC group election. A CFC group election is 
made solely pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (e)(5), 
without regard to whether the election described in proposed Sec.  
1.163(j)-7(f)(7) that was included in a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(REG-106089-18) that was published on December 28, 2018, in the Federal 
Register (83 FR 67490) was in effect.
    (f) Treatment of a CFC group member that has ECI--(1) In general. 
If a CFC group member has ECI in its specified taxable year, then for 
purposes of section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations--
    (i) The items, disallowed business interest expense carryforwards, 
and other attributes of the CFC group member that are ECI are treated 
as items, disallowed business interest expense carryforwards, and 
attributes of a separate applicable CFC (such deemed corporation, an 
ECI deemed corporation), subject to Sec.  1.163(j)-8(d), that has same 
taxable year and shareholders as the applicable CFC; and
    (ii) The ECI deemed corporation is not treated as a specified group 
member for the specified taxable year.
    (2) Ordering rule. Paragraph (f)(1) of this section applies before 
application of Sec.  1.163(j)-8(d).
    (g) * * *
    (3) Treatment of certain taxes. For purposes of computing the ATI 
of a relevant foreign corporation for a taxable year, tentative taxable 
income takes into account any deduction for foreign taxes. See section 
164(a).
    (4) Anti-abuse rule--(i) In general. If a specified group member of 
a specified group or an applicable partnership (specified lender) 
includes an amount (the payment amount) in income and such amount is 
attributable to business interest expense incurred by another specified 
group member or an applicable partnership of the specified group (a 
specified borrower) during its taxable year, then the ATI of the 
specified borrower for the taxable year is increased by the ATI 
adjustment amount if--
    (A) The business interest expense is incurred with a principal 
purpose of reducing the Federal income tax liability of any United 
States shareholder of a specified group member (including over multiple 
taxable years);
    (B) Absent the application of this paragraph (g)(4), the effect of 
the specified borrower treating all or part of the payment amount as 
disallowed business interest expense would be to reduce the Federal 
income tax liability of any United States shareholder of a specified 
group member; and
    (C) Either no CFC group election is in effect with respect to the 
specified group or the specified borrower is an applicable partnership.
    (ii) ATI adjustment amount--(A) In general. For purposes of this 
paragraph (g)(4), the term ATI adjustment amount means, with respect to 
a specified borrower and a taxable year, the product of 3\1/3\ and the 
lesser of the payment amount or the disallowed business interest 
expense, computed without regard to this paragraph (g)(4).
    (B) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods beginning 
in 2019 or 2020. For any taxable year of an applicable CFC or specified 
taxable year of a CFC group member with respect to a specified period 
for which the section 163(j) limitation is determined based, in part, 
on 50 percent of ATI, in accordance with Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(2), 
paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A) of this section is applied by substituting 
``2'' for ``3\1/3\.''
    (iii) Applicable partnership. For purposes of this paragraph 
(g)(4), the term applicable partnership means, with respect to a 
specified group, a partnership in which at least 80 percent of the 
interests in capital or profits is owned, directly or indirectly 
through one or more other partnerships, by specified group members of 
the specified group.
    (h) Election to apply safe-harbor--(1) In general. If an election 
to apply this paragraph (h)(1) (safe-harbor election) is in effect with 
respect to a taxable year of a stand-alone applicable CFC or a 
specified taxable year of a CFC group member, as applicable, then, for 
such year, no portion of the applicable CFC's business interest expense 
is disallowed under the section 163(j) limitation. This paragraph (h) 
does not apply to excess business interest expense, as described in 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), until the taxable year in which it is treated 
as paid or accrued by an applicable CFC under Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(g)(2)(i). Furthermore, excess business interest expense is not taken 
into account for purposes of determining whether the safe-harbor 
election is available for a stand-alone applicable CFC or a CFC group 
until the taxable year in which it is treated as paid or accrued by an 
applicable CFC under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(2)(i).
    (2) Eligibility for safe-harbor election--(i) Stand-alone 
applicable CFC. The safe-harbor election may be made for the taxable 
year of a stand-alone applicable CFC only if business interest expense 
of the applicable CFC is less than or equal to 30 percent of the lesser 
of qualified tentative taxable income or the eligible amount of the 
applicable CFC for its taxable year.
    (ii) CFC group--(A) In general. The safe-harbor election may be 
made for the specified period of a CFC group only if the business 
interest expense of the CFC group for the specified period is less than 
or equal to 30 percent of the lesser of the sum of qualified tentative 
taxable income or the sum of the eligible amounts of each CFC group 
member for its specified taxable year with respect to the specified 
period, and no CFC group member has pre-group disallowed business 
interest expense carryforward.
    (B) Currency translation. For purposes of applying paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii) of this section, qualified tentative taxable income and 
eligible amounts of each CFC group member are translated into the 
currency in which the business interest expense of the CFC group is 
denominated using the method used under paragraph (c)(4) of this 
section. See paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section for rules for 
determining the business interest expense of a CFC group.
    (3) Eligible amount--(i) In general. Subject to paragraph 
(h)(3)(ii) of this section, the term eligible amount means, with 
respect to the taxable year of an applicable CFC, the sum of the 
following amounts, computed without regard to the application of 
section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations (including without 
regard to any disallowed business interest expense carryforwards)--
    (A) Subpart F income (within the meaning of section 952);
    (B) The product of--
    (1) The excess of 100 percent over the percentage described in 
section 250(a)(1)(B), taking into account section 250(a)(3)(B), and
    (2) The excess, if any, of tested income (within the meaning of 
section 951A(c)(2)(A) and Sec.  1.951A-2(b)(1)), over the CFC-level net 
deemed tangible income return.
    (ii) Amounts properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or 
business. For purposes of computing an eligible amount, subpart F 
income and tested income are determined by only taking into account 
items properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or business.
    (4) Qualified tentative taxable income. The term qualified 
tentative taxable income means, with respect to a taxable year of an 
applicable CFC, the applicable CFC's tentative taxable income, 
determined by only taking into

[[Page 56911]]

account items properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or business.
    (5) Manner of making a safe-harbor election--(i) In general. A 
safe-harbor election is an annual election made under this paragraph 
(h)(5) with respect to a taxable year of a stand-alone applicable CFC 
or with respect to a specified period of a CFC group. A safe-harbor 
election that is made with respect to a specified period of a CFC group 
is effective with respect to each CFC group member for its specified 
taxable year. A safe-harbor election is only effective if made by each 
designated U.S. person with respect to a stand-alone applicable CFC or 
a CFC group. A safe-harbor election is made with respect to a taxable 
year of a stand-alone applicable CFC, or a specified period of a CFC 
group, no later than the due date (taking into account extensions, if 
any) of the original Federal income tax return for the taxable year of 
each designated U.S. person, respectively, in which or with which the 
taxable year of the stand-alone applicable CFC ends or the specified 
period of the CFC group ends.
    (ii) Election statement. Unless otherwise provided in publications, 
forms, instructions, or other guidance, to make a safe-harbor election, 
each designated U.S. person must attach to its relevant Federal income 
tax return or information return a statement that includes the name and 
taxpayer identification number of all designated U.S. persons, a 
statement that a safe-harbor election is being made pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-7(h) and that the requirements for making the election are 
satisfied, and the taxable year of the stand-alone applicable CFC or 
the specified period of the CFC group, as applicable, for which the 
safe-harbor election is being made. In the case of a CFC group, the 
statement must also include the name of each CFC group member and its 
specified taxable year that ends with or within the specified period 
for which the safe-harbor election is being made. The statement must be 
filed in the manner prescribed in publications, forms, instructions, or 
other guidance.
    (6) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods beginning 
in 2019 or 2020. In the case of a stand-alone applicable CFC, for any 
taxable year beginning in 2019 or 2020, paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this 
section is applied by substituting ``50 percent'' for ``30 percent.'' 
In the case of a CFC group, for any specified period beginning in 2019 
or 2020, paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(A) of this section is applied by 
substituting ``50 percent'' for ``30 percent.''
* * * * *
    (j) Rules regarding the computation of ATI of certain United States 
shareholders of applicable CFCs--(1) In general. For purposes of 
computing ATI of a United States shareholder of an applicable CFC, for 
the taxable year of the United States shareholder in which or with 
which the taxable year of the applicable CFC ends, there is added to 
the United States shareholder's tentative taxable income the product 
of--
    (i) The portion of the adjustment, if any, made to the United 
States shareholder's tentative taxable income under Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(1)(ii)(G) (regarding specified deemed inclusions) that is 
attributable to the applicable CFC, but for this purpose excluding the 
portion of the adjustment that is attributable to an inclusion under 
section 78 with respect to the applicable CFC; and
    (ii) A fraction, expressed as a percentage, but not greater than 
100 percent, the numerator of which is CFC excess taxable income and 
the denominator of which is the ATI of the applicable CFC for the 
taxable year.
    (2) Rules for determining CFC excess taxable income--(i) In 
general. The term CFC excess taxable income means, with respect to a 
taxable year of an applicable CFC, the amount described in paragraph 
(j)(2)(ii) or (j)(2)(iii) of this section, as applicable.
    (ii) Applicable CFC is a stand-alone applicable CFC. If an 
applicable CFC is a stand-alone applicable CFC for a taxable year, its 
CFC excess taxable income for the taxable year is the amount that bears 
the same ratio to the applicable CFC's ATI as--
    (A) The excess (if any) of--
    (1) 30 percent of the applicable CFC's ATI; over
    (2) The amount (if any) by which the applicable CFC's business 
interest expense exceeds its business interest income and floor plan 
financing interest expense; bears to
    (B) 30 percent of the applicable CFC's ATI.
    (iii) Applicable CFC is a CFC group member. If an applicable CFC is 
a CFC group member for a specified taxable year, its CFC excess taxable 
income is equal to the product of the CFC group member's ATI percentage 
and the amount that bears the same ratio to the CFC group's ATI for the 
specified period as--
    (A) The excess (if any) of--
    (1) 30 percent of the CFC group's ATI; over
    (2) The amount (if any) by which the CFC group's business interest 
expense exceeds the CFC group's business interest income and floor plan 
financing interest expense; bears to
    (B) 30 percent of the CFC group's ATI.
    (iv) ATI percentage. For purposes of this paragraph (j), the term 
ATI percentage means, with respect to a specified taxable year of a CFC 
group member and a specified period of the CFC group, a fraction 
(expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is the ATI of the 
CFC group member for the specified taxable year, and the denominator of 
which is the ATI of the CFC group for the specified period. If either 
the numerator or denominator of the fraction is less than or equal to 
zero, the ATI percentage is zero.
    (3) Cases in which an addition to tentative taxable income is not 
allowed. Paragraph (j)(1) of this section is not applicable for a 
taxable year of a United States shareholder if, with respect to the 
taxable year of the applicable CFC described in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this section--
    (i) A safe-harbor election (as described in paragraph (h) of this 
section) is in effect; or
    (ii) The applicable CFC is neither a stand-alone applicable CFC nor 
a CFC group member.
    (4) Special rule for taxable years or specified periods beginning 
in 2019 or 2020. In the case of a stand-alone applicable CFC, for any 
taxable year beginning in 2019 or 2020 to which the election described 
in Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b)(2)(ii) does not apply, paragraph (j)(2)(ii) of 
this section is applied by substituting ``50 percent'' for ``30 
percent'' each place it appears. In the case of a CFC group member, for 
any specified taxable year with respect to a specified period beginning 
in 2019 or 2020 to which the election described in Sec.  1.163(j)-
2(b)(2)(ii) does not apply, paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this section is 
applied by substituting ``50 percent'' for ``30 percent'' each place it 
appears.
    (k) Definitions. The following definitions apply for purposes of 
this section.
    (1) Applicable partnership. The term applicable partnership has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (g)(4)(iii) of this section.
    (2) Applicable specified taxable year. The term applicable 
specified taxable year has the meaning provided in paragraph 
(c)(3)(iii) of this section.
    (3) ATI adjustment amount. The term ATI adjustment amount has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this section.
    (4) ATI percentage. The term ATI percentage has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (j)(2)(iv) of this section.

[[Page 56912]]

    (5) CFC excess taxable income. The term CFC excess taxable income 
has the meaning provided in paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section.
    (6) CFC group. The term CFC group has the meaning provided in 
paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section.
    (7) CFC group election. The term CFC group election means the 
election described in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
    (8) CFC group member. The term CFC group member has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (9) CFC-level net deemed tangible income return--(i) In general. 
The term CFC-level net deemed tangible income return means, with 
respect to a taxable year of an applicable CFC, the excess (if any) 
of--
    (A) 10 percent of the qualified business asset investment, as 
defined in section 951A(d)(1) and Sec.  1.951A-3(b), of the applicable 
CFC, over
    (B) The excess, if any, of--
    (1) Tested interest expense, as defined in Sec.  1.951A-4(b)(1), of 
the applicable CFC, over
    (2) Tested interest income, as defined in Sec.  1.951A-4(b)(2), of 
the applicable CFC.
    (ii) Amounts properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or 
business. For purposes of computing CFC-level net deemed tangible 
income return, qualified business asset investment is determined by 
only taking into account assets properly allocable to a non-excepted 
trade or business, as determined in Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c)(3), and tested 
interest expense and tested interest income are determined by only 
taking into account items properly allocable to a non-excepted trade or 
business, as determined in Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c).
    (10) Cumulative section 163(j) pre-group carryforward limitation. 
The term cumulative section 163(j) pre-group carryforward limitation 
has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(1) of this section.
    (11) Current group. The term current group has the meaning provided 
in paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section.
    (12) Designated U.S. person. The term designated U.S. person 
means--
    (i) With respect to a stand-alone applicable CFC, each controlling 
domestic shareholder, as defined in Sec.  1.964-1(c)(5) of the 
applicable CFC; or
    (ii) With respect to a specified group, the specified group parent, 
if the specified group parent is a qualified U.S. person, or each 
controlling domestic shareholder, as defined in Sec.  1.964-1(c)(5), of 
the specified group parent, if the specified group parent is an 
applicable CFC.
    (13) ECI deemed corporation. The term ECI deemed corporation has 
the meaning provided in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section.
    (14) Effectively connected income. The term effectively connected 
income (or ECI) means income or gain that is ECI, as defined in Sec.  
1.884-1(d)(1)(iii), and deduction or loss that is allocable to, ECI, as 
defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii).
    (15) Eligible amount. The term eligible amount has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section.
    (16) Former group. The term former group has the meaning provided 
in paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section.
    (17) Loss member. The term loss member has the meaning provided in 
paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section.
    (18) Payment amount. The term payment amount has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section.
    (19) Pre-group disallowed business interest expense carryforward. 
The term pre-group disallowed business interest expense carryforward 
means, with respect to a CFC group member and a specified taxable year, 
any disallowed business interest expense carryforward of the CFC group 
member that arose in a taxable year during which the CFC group member 
(or its predecessor) was not a CFC group member of the CFC group.
    (20) Qualified tentative taxable income. The term qualified 
tentative taxable income has the meaning provided in paragraph (h)(4) 
of this section.
    (21) Qualified U.S. person. The term qualified U.S. person has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section.
    (22) Relevant period. The term relevant period has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section.
    (23) Safe-harbor election. The term safe-harbor election has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
    (24) Specified borrower. The term specified borrower has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section.
    (25) Specified group. The term specified group has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (26) Specified group member. The term specified group member has 
the meaning provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (27) Specified group parent. The term specified group parent has 
the meaning provided in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (28) Specified lender. The term specified lender has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section
    (29) Specified period--(i) In general. Except as otherwise provided 
in paragraph (k)(29)(ii) of this section, the term specified period 
means, with respect to a specified group--
    (A) If the specified group parent is a qualified U.S. person, the 
period ending on the last day of the taxable year of the specified 
group parent and beginning on the first day after the last day of the 
specified group's immediately preceding specified period; or
    (B) If the specified group parent is an applicable CFC, the period 
ending on the last day of the specified group parent's required year 
described in section 898(c)(1), without regard to section 898(c)(2), 
and beginning on the first day after the last day of the specified 
group's immediately preceding specified period.
    (ii) Short specified period. A specified period begins no earlier 
than the first date on which a specified group exists. A specified 
period ends on the date a specified group ceases to exist under 
paragraph (d)(2)(vii) of this section. If the last day of a specified 
period, as determined under paragraph (k)(29)(i) of this section, 
changes, and, but for this paragraph (k)(29)(ii), the change in the 
last day of the specified period would result in the specified period 
being longer than 12 months, the specified period ends on the date on 
which the specified period would have ended had the change not 
occurred.
    (30) Specified taxable year. The term specified taxable year means, 
with respect to an applicable CFC that is a specified group member of a 
specified group and a specified period, a taxable year of the 
applicable CFC that ends with or within the specified period.
    (31) Stand-alone applicable CFC. The term stand-alone applicable 
CFC means any applicable CFC that is not a specified group member.
    (32) Stock. The term stock has the meaning provided in paragraph 
(d)(2)(v) of this section.
    (l) Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of 
this section. For each example, unless otherwise stated, no exemptions 
from the application of section 163(j) are available, no foreign 
corporation has ECI, and all relevant taxable years and specified 
periods begin after December 31, 2020.

    (1) Example 1. Specified taxable years included in specified 
period of a specified

[[Page 56913]]

group--(i) Facts. As of June 30, Year 1, USP, a domestic 
corporation, owns 60 percent of the common stock of FP, which owns 
all of the stock of FC1, FC2, and FC3. The remaining 40 percent of 
the common stock of FP is owned by an unrelated foreign corporation. 
FP has a single class of stock. FP acquired the stock of FC3 from an 
unrelated person on March 22, Year 1. The acquisition did not result 
in a change in FC3's taxable year or a close of its taxable year. 
USP's interest in FP and FP's interest in FC1 and FC2 has been the 
same for a number of years. USP has a taxable year ending June 30, 
Year 1, which is not a short taxable year. Each of FP, FC1, FC2, and 
FC3 are applicable CFCs. Pursuant to section 898(c)(2), FP and FC1 
have taxable years ending May 31, Year 1. Pursuant to section 
898(c)(1), FC2 and FC3 have taxable years ending June 30, Year 1.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Determining a specified group and specified 
period of the specified group. Pursuant to paragraph (d) of this 
section, FP, FC1, FC2, and FC3 are members of a specified group, and 
FP is the specified group parent. Because the specified group 
parent, FP, is an applicable CFC, the specified period of the 
specified group is the period ending on June 30, Year 1, which is 
the last day of FP's required year described in section 898(c)(1), 
without regard to section 898(c)(2), and on beginning July 1, Year 
0, which is the first day following the last day of the specified 
group's immediately preceding specified period (June 30, Year 0). 
See paragraph (k)(29)(i)(B) of this section.
    (B) Determining the specified taxable years with respect to the 
specified period. Pursuant to paragraph (d)(3) of this section, 
because each of FP and FC1 are included in the specified group on 
the last day of their taxable years ending May 31, Year 1 and such 
taxable years end with or within the specified period ending June 
30, Year 1, FP and FC1 are specified group members with respect to 
the specified period ending June 30, Year 1, for their entire 
taxable years ending May 31, Year 1, and those taxable years are 
specified taxable years. Similarly, because each of FC2 and FC3 are 
included in the specified group on the last day of their taxable 
years ending June 30, Year 1, and such taxable years end with or 
within the specified period ending June 30, Year 1, FC2 and FC3 are 
specified group members with respect to the specified period ending 
June 30, Year 1, for their entire taxable years ending June 30, Year 
1, and those taxable years are specified taxable years. The fact 
that FC3 was acquired on March 22, Year 1, does not prevent FC3 from 
being a specified group member with respect to the specified period 
for the portion of its specified taxable year prior to March 22, 
Year 1.
    (2) Example 2. CFC groups--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as 
in Example 1 in paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section. In addition, a 
CFC group election is in place with respect to the specified period 
ending June 30, Year 1.
    (ii) Analysis. Because a CFC group election is in place for the 
specified period ending June 30, Year 1, pursuant to paragraph 
(e)(2)(ii) of this section, each specified group member is a CFC 
group member with respect to its specified taxable year ending with 
or within the specified period. Accordingly, FP, FC1, FC2, and FC3 
are CFC group members with respect to the specified period ending 
June 30, Year 1, for their specified taxable years ending May 31, 
Year 1, and June 30, Year 1, respectively. Pursuant to paragraph 
(e)(2)(i) of this section, the CFC group for the specified period 
ending June 30, Year 1, consists of FP, FC1, FC2, and FC3 for their 
specified taxable years ending May 31, Year 1, and June 30, Year 1, 
respectively. Pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a single 
section 163(j) limitation is computed for the specified period 
ending June 30, Year 1. That section 163(j) calculation will include 
FP and FC1's specified taxable years ending May 31, Year 1, and FC2 
and FC3's specified taxable years ending June 30, Year 1.
    (3) Example 3. Application of anti-abuse rule--(i) Facts. USP, a 
domestic corporation, is the specified group parent of a specified 
group. The specified group members include CFC1 and CFC2. USP owns 
(within the meaning of section 958(a)) all of the stock of all 
specified group members. USP has a calendar year taxable year. All 
specified group members also have a calendar year taxable year and a 
functional currency of the U.S. dollar. CFC1 is organized in, and a 
tax resident of, a jurisdiction that imposes no tax on certain types 
of income, including interest income. With respect to Year 1, USP 
expects to pay no residual U.S. tax on its income inclusion under 
section 951A(a) (GILTI inclusion) and expects to have unused foreign 
tax credits in the category described in section 904(d)(1)(A). A CFC 
group election is not in effect for Year 1. With a principal purpose 
of reducing USP's Federal income tax liability, on January 1, Year 
1, CFC1 loans $100x to CFC2. On December 31, Year 1, CFC2 pays 
interest of $10x to CFC1 and repays the principal of $100x. Absent 
application of paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section, CFC2 would treat 
all $10x of interest expense as disallowed business interest expense 
and therefore would have $10x of disallowed business interest 
expense carryforward to Year 2. In Year 2, CFC2 disposes of one of 
its businesses at a substantial gain that gives rise to tested 
income (within the meaning of section 951A(c)(2)(A) and Sec.  
1.951A-2(b)(1)). Assume that as a result of the gain being included 
in the ATI of CFC2, absent application of paragraph (g)(3)(i) of 
this section, CFC2 would be allowed to deduct the entire $10x of 
disallowed business interest expense carryforward and therefore 
reduce the amount of CFC2's tested income. Also, assume that USP 
would have residual U.S. tax on its GILTI inclusion in Year 2, 
without regard to the application of paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this 
section.
    (ii) Analysis. The $10x of interest expense paid in Year 1 is a 
payment amount described in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section 
because it is between specified group members, CFC1 and CFC2. 
Furthermore the requirements of paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A), (B), and (C) 
of this section are satisfied because the business interest expense 
is incurred with a principal purpose of reducing USP's Federal 
income tax liability; absent the application of paragraph (g)(4)(i) 
of this section, the effect of CFC2 treating the $10x of business 
interest expense as disallowed business interest expense in Year 1 
would be to reduce USP's Federal income tax liability in Year 2; and 
no CFC group election is in effect with respect to the specified 
group in Year 1. Because the requirements of paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A), 
(B), and (C) of this section are satisfied, CFC2's ATI for Year 1 is 
increased by $33.33x, which is the amount equal to 3 \1/3\ 
multiplied by $10x (the lesser of the payment amount of $10x and the 
disallowed business interest expense of $10x). As a result, the $10x 
of business interest expense is not treated by CFC2 as disallowed 
business interest expense in Year 1, and therefore does not give 
rise to a disallowed business interest expense carryforward to Year 
2.

    (m) Applicability dates--(1) General applicability date. Except as 
provided in paragraph (m)(2) of this section, this section applies to 
taxable years of a foreign corporation beginning on or after November 
13, 2020 However, except as provided in paragraph (m)(2) of this 
section, taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of 
sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to apply the rules of this 
section to a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017, so long as 
the taxpayers and their related parties consistently apply the rules of 
this section to each subsequent taxable year and the section 163(j) 
regulations, and if applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 1.263A-15, 
1.381(c)(20)-1, 1.382-1, 1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.382-7, 1.383-0, 
1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.469-11, 1.704-1, 1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 
1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-36, 1.1502-79, 1.1502-91 through 
1.1502-99 (to the extent they effectuate the rules of Sec. Sec.  1.382-
2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 1.383-1), and 1.1504-4 to that taxable year 
and each subsequent taxable year.
    (2) Exception. Paragraphs (a), (c) through (f), (g)(3) and (4), and 
(h) through (k) of this section apply to taxable years beginning on or 
after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE 
FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their related parties, within 
the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to apply 
paragraphs (a), (c) through (f), (g)(3) and (4), and (h) through (k) of 
this section in their entirety for a taxable year beginning after 
December 31, 2017, so long as the taxpayers and their related parties 
also apply Sec.  1.163(j)-8 for the taxable year. For taxable years 
beginning before November 13, 2020, taxpayers and their related parties 
may not choose to apply paragraphs (a), (c) through (f), (g)(3) and 
(4), and (h) through (k) of this section unless they also apply 
paragraphs (b) and (g)(1) and (2) of this section in accordance with

[[Page 56914]]

the second sentence of paragraph (m)(1) of this section. 
Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(5)(iii) or (h)(5)(i) of this section, in 
the case of a specified period of a specified group or a taxable year 
of a stand-alone applicable CFC that ends with or within a taxable year 
of a designated U.S. person ending before November 13, 2020, a CFC 
group election or a safe-harbor election may be made on an amended 
Federal income tax return filed on or before the due date (taking into 
account extensions, if any) of the original Federal income tax return 
for the first taxable year of each designated U.S. person ending after 
November 13, 2020.
0
Par. 9. As reserved in a final rule elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-8 is 
added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.163(j)-8  Application of the section 163(j) limitation to 
foreign persons with effectively connected income.

    (a) Overview. This section provides rules concerning the 
application of section 163(j) to foreign persons with ECI. Paragraph 
(b) of this section modifies the application of section 163(j) for a 
specified foreign person with ECI. Paragraph (c) of this section sets 
forth rules for a specified foreign partner in a partnership with ECI. 
Paragraph (d) of this section allocates disallowed business interest 
expense for relevant foreign corporations with ECI. Paragraph (e) of 
this section provides rules concerning disallowed business interest 
expense. Paragraph (f) of this section coordinates the application of 
section 163(j) with Sec.  1.882-5 and the branch profits tax under 
section 884. Paragraph (g) of this section provides definitions that 
apply for purposes of this section. Paragraph (h) of this section 
illustrates the application of this section through examples.
    (b) Application to a specified foreign person with ECI--(1) In 
general. If a taxpayer is a specified foreign person, then the taxpayer 
applies the modifications described in this paragraph (b), taking into 
account the application of paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Modification of adjusted taxable income. Adjusted taxable 
income for a specified foreign person for a taxable year means the 
specified foreign person's adjusted taxable income, as determined under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(1), taking into account only items that are ECI.
    (3) Modification of business interest expense. Business interest 
expense for a specified foreign person means business interest expense 
described in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(3) that is ECI, taking into account 
the application of paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (4) Modification of business interest income. The business interest 
income of a specified foreign person means business interest income 
described in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(4) that is ECI.
    (5) Modification of floor plan financing interest expense. The 
floor plan financing interest expense of a specified foreign person 
means floor plan financing interest expense described Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(19) that is ECI.
    (6) Modification of allocation of interest expense and interest 
income that is allocable to a trade or business. For purposes of 
applying Sec.  1.163(j)-10(c) to a specified foreign person, only 
interest income and interest expense that are ECI and only assets that 
are U.S. assets, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d), are taken into 
account. If the specified foreign person is also a specified foreign 
partner, this paragraph (b)(6) does not apply to any trade or business 
of the partnership.
    (c) Rules for a specified foreign partner--(1) Characterization of 
excess taxable income--(i) In general. The portion of excess taxable 
income allocated to a specified foreign partner from a partnership 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) that is ECI is equal to the 
specified foreign partner's allocation of excess taxable income from 
the partnership multiplied by its specified ATI ratio with respect to 
the partnership, and the remainder is not ECI.
    (ii) Specified ATI ratio. The term specified ATI ratio means the 
fraction described in this paragraph (c)(1)(ii). If the specified 
foreign partner's distributive share of ECI and distributive share of 
non-ECI are both positive, the numerator of this fraction is the 
specified foreign partner's distributive share of ECI and the 
denominator is the specified foreign partner's distributive share of 
partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and loss. If the 
specified foreign partner's distributive share of ECI is negative or 
zero and its distributive share of non-ECI is positive, this fraction 
is treated as zero. If the specified foreign partner's distributive 
share of non-ECI is negative or zero and its distributive share of ECI 
is positive, this fraction is treated as one. If the specified foreign 
partner's distributive share of ECI and distributive share of non-ECI 
are both negative, the numerator of this fraction is its distributive 
share of non-ECI and the denominator is its distributive share of 
partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and loss.
    (iii) Distributive share of ECI. The term distributive share of ECI 
means the net amount of the specified foreign partner's distributive 
share of partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and loss that 
are ECI.
    (iv) Distributive share of non-ECI. The term distributive share of 
non-ECI means the net amount of the specified foreign partner's 
distributive share of partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and 
loss that are not ECI.
    (2) Characterization of excess business interest expense--(i) 
Allocable ECI excess BIE. The portion of excess business interest 
expense allocated to a specified foreign partner from a partnership 
pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) or paragraph (e)(2) of this section 
that is ECI (allocable ECI excess BIE) is equal to the excess, if any, 
of allocable ECI BIE over allocable ECI deductible BIE.
    (ii) Allocable non-ECI excess BIE. The portion of excess business 
interest expense allocated to a specified foreign partner from a 
partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) or paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section that is not ECI (allocable non-ECI excess BIE) is equal to 
the excess, if any, of allocable non-ECI BIE over allocable non-ECI 
deductible BIE.
    (3) Characterization of deductible business interest expense--(i) 
In general. The portion of deductible business interest expense, if 
any, that is allocated to a specified foreign partner from a 
partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) that is ECI (allocable 
ECI deductible BIE) is equal to the sum of the amounts described in 
paragraphs (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(1) of this section. 
The portion of deductible business interest expense, if any, that is 
allocated to a specified foreign partner from a partnership pursuant to 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) that is not ECI (allocable non-ECI deductible 
BIE) is equal to the sum of the amounts described in paragraphs 
(c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Allocation between allocable ECI deductible BIE and allocable 
non-ECI deductible BIE. For purposes of paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this 
section--
    (A) Allocation to hypothetical deductible amounts--(1) In general. 
Subject to paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(2) of this section, deductible 
business interest expense that is allocated to the specified foreign 
partner from the partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) is 
allocated pro rata to--
    (i) Hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE; and
    (ii) Hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (2) Limitation. The amount allocated to hypothetical partnership 
ECI

[[Page 56915]]

deductible BIE in paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) of this section cannot 
exceed the lesser of hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE or 
allocable ECI BIE, and the amount allocated to hypothetical partnership 
non-ECI deductible BIE in paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) of this 
section cannot exceed the lesser of hypothetical partnership non-ECI 
deductible BIE or allocable non-ECI BIE.
    (B) Allocation of remaining deductible amounts. Deductible business 
interest expense that is allocated to the specified foreign partner 
from the partnership pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) in excess of 
the amount allocated in paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, if 
any, is allocated pro rata to--
    (1) Allocable ECI BIE, reduced by the amount described in paragraph 
(c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) of this section; and
    (2) Allocable non-ECI BIE, reduced by the amount described in 
paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (iii) Hypothetical partnership deductible business interest 
expense--(A) Hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE. The term 
hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE means the deductible 
business interest expense of the partnership, as defined in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(b)(5), determined by only taking into account the specified 
foreign partner's allocable share of items that are ECI (including by 
reason of paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section).
    (B) Hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE. The term 
hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE means the deductible 
business interest expense of the partnership, as defined in Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(b)(5), determined by only taking into account the specified 
foreign partner's allocable share of items that are not ECI (including 
by reason of paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section).
    (4) Characterization of excess business interest income--(i) In 
general. The portion of excess business interest income allocated to a 
specified foreign partner from a partnership pursuant to Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2) that is ECI is equal to the specified foreign 
partner's allocation of excess business interest income from the 
partnership multiplied by its specified BII ratio with respect to the 
partnership, and the remainder is not ECI.
    (ii) Specified BII ratio. The term specified BII ratio means the 
ratio of the specified foreign partner's allocable ECI BII to allocable 
business interest income (determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii)).
    (iii) Allocable ECI BII. The term allocable ECI BII means the 
specified foreign partner's allocable BII, as determined under Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2)(ii), computed by only taking into account income that 
is ECI.
    (5) Rules for determining ECI. Except as described in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this section, if the determination as to whether partnership 
items are ECI is made by a direct or indirect partner, rather than the 
partnership itself, then for purposes of this paragraph (c), the 
partnership must use a reasonable method to characterize such items as 
ECI or as not ECI.
    (d) Characterization of disallowed business interest expense by a 
relevant foreign corporation with ECI--(1) Scope. A relevant foreign 
corporation that has ECI and disallowed business interest expense for a 
taxable year determines the portion of its disallowed business interest 
expense and deductible business interest expense that is characterized 
as ECI or as not ECI under this paragraph (d). A relevant foreign 
corporation that is a specified foreign partner also applies the rules 
in paragraph (c) of this section. See also Sec.  1.163(j)-7(f) for 
rules regarding CFC group members with ECI.
    (2) Characterization of disallowed business interest expense--(i) 
FC ECI disallowed BIE. For purposes of this section, the portion of 
disallowed business interest expense of a relevant foreign corporation 
that is ECI (FC ECI disallowed BIE) is equal to the excess, if any, of 
FC ECI BIE over FC ECI deductible BIE.
    (ii) FC non-ECI disallowed BIE. For purposes of this section, the 
portion of disallowed business interest expense of a relevant foreign 
corporation that is not ECI (FC non-ECI disallowed BIE) is equal to the 
excess, if any, of FC non-ECI BIE over FC non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (3) Characterization of deductible business interest expense--(i) 
In general. The portion of deductible business interest expense, if 
any, that is ECI (FC ECI deductible BIE) is equal to the sum of the 
amounts described in paragraphs (d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) and 
(d)(3)(ii)(B)(1) of this section. The portion of deductible business 
interest expense, if any, that is allocable to income that is not ECI 
(FC non-ECI deductible BIE) is equal to the sum of the amounts 
described in paragraphs (d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) and (d)(3)(ii)(B)(2) of 
this section.
    (ii) Allocation between FC ECI deductible BIE and FC non-ECI 
deductible BIE. For purposes of paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section--
    (A) Allocation to hypothetical deductible amounts--(1) In general. 
Subject to paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A)(2) of this section, deductible 
business interest expense is allocated pro rata to--
    (i) Hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE; and
    (ii) Hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE.
    (2) Limitation. The amount allocated to hypothetical FC ECI 
deductible BIE in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) of this section cannot 
exceed the lesser of hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE or FC ECI BIE, 
and the amount allocated to hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE in 
paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) of this section cannot exceed the lesser 
of hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE or FC non-ECI BIE.
    (B) Allocation of remaining deductible amounts. Deductible business 
interest expense in excess of the amount allocated in paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, if any, is allocated pro rata to--
    (1) FC ECI BIE, reduced by the amount described in paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) of this section; and
    (2) FC non-ECI BIE, reduced by the amount described in paragraph 
(d)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (iii) Hypothetical FC deductible business interest expense--(A) 
Hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE. The term hypothetical FC ECI 
deductible BIE means the deductible business interest expense of the 
relevant foreign corporation determined by only taking into account its 
items that are ECI.
    (B) Hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE. The term hypothetical 
FC non-ECI deductible BIE means the deductible business interest 
expense of the relevant foreign corporation determined by only taking 
into account its items that are not ECI.
    (e) Rules regarding disallowed business interest expense--(1) 
Retention of character in a succeeding taxable year. Disallowed 
business interest expense of a specified foreign person or a relevant 
foreign corporation for a taxable year (including excess business 
interest expense allocated to a specified foreign partner under Sec.  
1.163(j)-6(f)(2) or paragraph (e)(2) of this section) that is ECI or is 
not ECI retains its character as ECI or as not ECI in a succeeding 
taxable year.
    (2) Deemed allocation of excess business interest expense of a 
partnership to a specified foreign partner. For purposes of this 
paragraph (e) and paragraphs (c)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(7) of this 
section, a specified foreign partner's allocable share of business 
interest expense is deemed to include its allocable share of excess 
business interest expense of a partnership in which it is a direct or 
indirect partner. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(2), a specified 
foreign partner's allocable share of excess business interest

[[Page 56916]]

expense of a partnership in which it is a direct or indirect partner is 
determined as if the excess business interest expense of the 
partnership were deductible in the taxable year in which the interest 
expense is first paid or accrued.
    (3) Ordering rule for conversion of excess business interest 
expense to business interest expense paid or accrued by a partner. A 
specified foreign partner's allocable share of excess business interest 
expense (determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) or paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section) is treated as business interest expense paid or accrued 
under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(2)(i) in the order of the taxable years in 
which the excess business interest expense arose, and pro rata between 
allocable ECI excess BIE and allocable non-ECI excess BIE that arose in 
the same taxable year. This paragraph (e)(3) applies before application 
of paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (4) Allocable ECI excess BIE and allocable non-ECI excess BIE 
retains its character when treated as business interest expense paid or 
accrued in a succeeding taxable year. If excess business interest 
expense of a partnership in which a specified foreign partner is a 
direct or indirect partner is treated as business interest expense paid 
or accrued by the specified foreign partner or a partnership in which 
it is a direct or indirect partner under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(g)(2)(i), 
then allocable ECI excess BIE is treated as business interest expense 
allocable to ECI and allocable non-ECI excess BIE is treated as 
business interest expense allocable to income that is not ECI.
    (f) Coordination of the application of section 163(j) with Sec.  
1.882-5 and similar provisions and with the branch profits tax--(1) 
Coordination of section 163(j) with Sec.  1.882-5 and similar 
provisions--(i) Ordering rule. A foreign corporation first determines 
its business interest expense allocable to ECI under Sec.  1.882-5 or 
any other relevant provision (Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions) 
before applying section 163(j) to the foreign corporation. If a foreign 
corporation has a disallowed business interest expense carryforward 
from a taxable year, then none of that business interest expense is 
taken into account for purposes of determining business interest 
expense under Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions in a succeeding 
taxable year.
    (ii) Treatment of excess business interest expense. For purposes of 
applying Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions, the business interest 
expense of a specified foreign partner that is a direct or indirect 
partner in a partnership is determined without regard to the 
application of section 163(j) to the partnership. As a result, for 
purposes of applying Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions, the 
specified foreign partner's share of business interest expense on 
liabilities of a partnership in which it is a direct or indirect 
partner is determined as if any excess business interest expense of the 
partnership (determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) or paragraph 
(e)(2) of this section) were deductible in the taxable year in which 
the business interest expense is first paid or accrued and not in a 
succeeding taxable year.
    (iii) Attribution of certain Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense among 
the foreign corporation and its partnership interests--(A) In general. 
If a foreign corporation is a specified foreign partner in one or more 
partnerships, then, for purposes of section 163(j) and the section 
163(j) regulations, interest expense determined under Sec.  1.882-5(b) 
through (d) or Sec.  1.882-5(e) (Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense) is treated as attributable to liabilities of the foreign 
corporation or the foreign corporation's share of liabilities of each 
partnership in accordance with paragraphs (f)(1)(iii)(B) and 
(f)(1)(iii)(C) of this section. Accordingly, the portion of the Sec.  
1.882-5 three-step interest expense attributable to liabilities of the 
foreign corporation described in this paragraph (f)(1)(iii) is subject 
to section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations at the level of 
the foreign corporation. The portion of the Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense interest attributable to liabilities of a partnership 
described in this paragraph (f)(1)(iii) is subject to section 163(j) 
and the section 163(j) regulations at the partnership-level. See Sec.  
1.163(j)-6. This paragraph (f)(1)(iii) merely characterizes interest 
expense of the foreign corporation and its partnership interests as ECI 
or not ECI. It does not change the amount of interest expense of the 
foreign corporation or its partnership interests.
    (B) Attribution of interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities. The 
Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense is treated as attributable, 
pro rata, to interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities of a foreign 
corporation, determined under Sec.  1.882-5(d)(2)(ii)-(iii) or its 
interest expense on its share of U.S. booked liabilities of a 
partnership, determined under Sec.  1.882-5(d)(2)(vii), as applicable, 
to the extent thereof (without regard to whether the foreign 
corporation uses the method described in Sec.  1.882-5(b) through (d) 
or the method described in Sec.  1.882-5(e) for purposes of determining 
Sec.  1.882-5 interest expense).
    (C) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense--(1) In general. The Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense 
in excess of interest expense attributable to U.S. booked liabilities 
described in Sec.  1.882-5(d)(2), if any (excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-
step interest expense), is treated as attributable to liabilities of 
the foreign corporation or the foreign corporation's allocable share of 
liabilities of one or more partnerships, in accordance with paragraphs 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(2) and (f)(1)(iii)(C)(3) of this section, subject to the 
limitation in paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) of this section. For purposes 
of this paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C), the term ``U.S. assets'' means U.S. 
assets described in Sec.  1.882-5(b).
    (2) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense 
to the foreign corporation. Excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense is treated as attributable to interest expense on liabilities 
of the foreign corporation (and not its partnership interests) in 
proportion to its U.S. assets other than its partnership interests over 
all of its U.S. assets.
    (3) Attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense 
to partnerships--(i) In general. Excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense is treated as attributable to interest expense on the 
foreign corporation's direct or indirect allocable share of liabilities 
of a partnership in proportion to the portion of the partnership 
interest that is treated as a U.S. asset under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(3)(ii) of this section over all of the foreign 
corporation's U.S. assets.
    (ii) Direct and indirect partnership interests. If a foreign 
corporation owns an interest in a partnership that does not own an 
interest in any other partnerships, the portion of the partnership 
interest that is a U.S. asset is determined under Sec.  1.882-5(b). If 
a foreign corporation owns an interest in a partnership (the top-tier 
partnership) that owns an interest in one or more other partnerships, 
directly or indirectly (the lower-tier partnerships), the portion of 
the foreign corporation's direct or indirect interest in the top-tier 
partnership and lower-tier partnerships that is a U.S. asset is 
determined by re-attributing the portion of the top-tier partnership 
interest that is a U.S. asset, as determined under Sec.  1.882-5(b), 
among the foreign corporation's direct interest in the top-tier 
partnership and indirect interests in each lower-tier partnership in 
proportion to their contribution to the portion of the foreign 
corporation's interest in the upper-tier partnership that is a U.S. 
asset. Each partnership interest's contribution is determined based on 
a reasonable method consistent with the method

[[Page 56917]]

used to determine the portion of the top-tier partnership interest that 
is a U.S. asset under Sec.  1.882-5(b).
    (4) Limitation on attribution of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense. The portion of excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense attributable to a foreign corporation under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(2) of this section or to a partnership under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(2) or (f)(1)(iii)(C)(3) of this section, as applicable, 
is limited to interest on liabilities of the foreign corporation or the 
foreign corporation's allocable share of liabilities of the 
partnership, reduced by the sum of the amounts of interest expense on 
its U.S. booked liabilities described in Sec.  1.882-5(d)(2) and 
interest expense on liabilities described in Sec.  1.882-5(a)(1)(ii)(A) 
or (B) (regarding direct allocations of interest expense). The portion 
of any excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense that would be 
treated as attributable to the foreign corporation or a partnership 
interest, as applicable, but for this paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) is 
re-attributable in accordance with the rules and principles of this 
paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C). The portion of any excess Sec.  1.882-5 
three-step interest expense that cannot be re-attributed under the 
rules of (f)(1)(iii)(C)(1) through (3) of this section because of the 
application of the first sentence of this paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) 
is attributable, first to interest on liabilities of the foreign 
corporation, and then, pro rata, to the foreign corporation's allocable 
share of interest on liabilities of its direct or indirect partnership 
interests, to the extent such attribution is not in excess of the 
limitation described in this paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(4), and without 
regard to whether the foreign corporation or its partnership interests 
have U.S. assets.
    (2) Coordination with the branch profits tax. The disallowance and 
carryforward of business interest expense under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b) and 
(c) will not affect the computation of the U.S. net equity of a foreign 
corporation, as defined in Sec.  1.884-1(c).
    (g) Definitions. The following definitions apply for purposes of 
this section.
    (1) Sec.  1.882-5 and similar provisions. The term Sec.  1.882-5 
and similar provisions has the meaning provided in paragraph (f)(1)(i) 
of this section.
    (2) Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense. The term Sec.  
1.882-5 three-step interest expense has the meaning provided in 
paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(A) of this section.
    (3) Allocable ECI BIE. The term allocable ECI BIE means, with 
respect to a partnership, the specified foreign partner's allocable 
share of the partnership's business interest expense that is ECI, 
taking into account the application of paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section.
    (4) Allocable ECI BII. The term allocable ECI BII has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section.
    (5) Allocable ECI deductible BIE. The term allocable ECI deductible 
BIE has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
    (6) Allocable ECI excess BIE. The term allocable ECI excess BIE has 
the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.
    (7) Allocable non-ECI BIE. The term allocable non-ECI BIE means, 
with respect a partnership, the specified foreign partner's allocable 
share of the partnership's business interest expense that is not ECI, 
taking into account the application of paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section.
    (8) Allocable non-ECI deductible BIE. The term allocable non-ECI 
deductible BIE has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this 
section.
    (9) Allocable non-ECI excess BIE. The term allocable non-ECI excess 
BIE has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (10) Distributive share of ECI. The term distributive share of ECI 
has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (11) Distributive share of non-ECI. The term distributive share of 
non-ECI has the meaning provided in paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this 
section.
    (12) Effectively connected income. The term effectively connected 
income (or ECI) means income or gain that is ECI, as defined in Sec.  
1.884-1(d)(1)(iii), and deduction or loss that is allocable to, ECI, as 
defined in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(1)(iii).
    (13) Excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense. The term 
excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(1) of this section.
    (14) FC ECI BIE. The term FC ECI BIE means, with respect to a 
relevant foreign corporation and a taxable year, business interest 
expense that is ECI, determined without regard to the application of 
section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations except for the 
application of paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (15) FC ECI deductible BIE. The term FC ECI deductible BIE has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section.
    (16) FC ECI disallowed BIE. The term FC ECI disallowed BIE has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (17) FC non-ECI BIE. The term FC non-ECI BIE means, with respect to 
a relevant foreign corporation and a taxable year, business interest 
expense that is not ECI, determined without regard to the application 
of section 163(j) and the section 163(j) regulations except for the 
application of paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section.
    (18) FC non-ECI deductible BIE. The term FC non-ECI deductible BIE 
has the meaning provided in paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section.
    (19) FC non-ECI disallowed BIE. The term FC non-ECI disallowed BIE 
has the meaning provided in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (20) Hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE. The term 
hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE has the meaning provided in 
paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(A) of this section.
    (21) Hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE. The term 
hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE has the meaning 
provided in paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (22) Hypothetical FC ECI deductible BIE. The term hypothetical FC 
ECI deductible BIE has the meaning provided in paragraph (d)(3)(iii)(A) 
of this section.
    (23) Hypothetical FC non-ECI deductible BIE. The term hypothetical 
FC non-ECI deductible BIE has the meaning provided in paragraph 
(d)(3)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (24) Specified ATI ratio. The term specified ATI ratio has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section.
    (25) Specified BII ratio. The term specified BII ratio has the 
meaning provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section.
    (26) Specified foreign partner. The term specified foreign partner 
means, with respect to a partnership that has ECI, a direct or indirect 
partner that is a specified foreign person or a relevant foreign 
corporation.
    (27) Specified foreign person. The term specified foreign person 
means a nonresident alien individual, as defined in section 7701(b) and 
the regulations under section 7701(b), or a foreign corporation other 
than a relevant foreign corporation.
    (28) Successor. The term successor includes, with respect to a 
foreign corporation, the acquiring corporation in a transaction 
described in section 381(a) in which the foreign corporation is the 
distributor or transferor corporation.
    (h) Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of 
this section. For all examples, assume that all referenced interest 
expense is

[[Page 56918]]

deductible but for the application of section 163(j), the small 
business exemption under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(d) is not available, no 
entity is engaged in an excepted trade or business, no business 
interest expense is floor plan financing interest expense, all entities 
have the same taxable year, all entities use the U.S. dollar as their 
functional currency, no foreign corporation is a relevant foreign 
corporation, all relevant taxable years begin after December 31, 2020, 
and, for purposes of computing ATI, none of the adjustments described 
in Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b) are relevant other than the adjustment for 
business interest expense.

    (1) Example 1. Limitation on business interest deduction of a 
foreign corporation--(i) Facts. FC, a foreign corporation, has $100x 
of gross income that is ECI. FC has $60x of other income which is 
not ECI. FC has total expenses of $100x, of which $50x is business 
interest expense. Assume that FC has $30x of Sec.  1.882-5 three-
step interest expense. Under section 882(c) and the regulations, FC 
has $40x of other expenses that are ECI, none of which are business 
interest expense. FC does not have any business interest income. All 
amounts described in this paragraph (h)(1)(i) are with respect to a 
single taxable year of FC.
    (ii) Analysis. FC is a specified foreign person under paragraph 
(g)(27) of this section. The amount of FC's business interest 
expense that is disallowed for the taxable year is determined under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b) with respect to business interest expense 
described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Under paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section, FC has business interest expense of $30x. 
Under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, FC has ATI of $60x ($100x-
$40x). Accordingly, FC's section 163(j) limitation is $18x ($60x x 
30 percent). Because FC's business interest expense ($30x) that is 
ECI exceeds the section 163(j) limitation ($18x), FC may only deduct 
$18x of business interest expense. Under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(c), the 
remaining $12x is disallowed business interest expense carryforward, 
and under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, the $12x is not taken 
into account for purposes of applying Sec.  1.882-5 in the 
succeeding taxable year.
    (2) Example 2. Use of a disallowed business interest expense 
carryforward--(i) Facts. The facts are the same as in Example 1 in 
paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section except that for the taxable year 
FC has $300x of gross income that is all ECI. Furthermore, assume 
that for the taxable year FC has a disallowed business interest 
expense carryforward of $25x with respect to business interest 
expense described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) Analysis. Under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, FC's 
$25x of disallowed business interest expense carryforward is not 
taken into account for purposes of determining FC's interest expense 
under Sec.  1.882-5 for the taxable year. Therefore, FC has $30x of 
Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense. Under paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section, FC has ATI of $260x ($300x of gross income reduced by 
$40 of expenses other than business interest expense). Accordingly, 
FC's section 163(j) limitation is $78x ($260x x 30 percent). Because 
FC's business interest expense ($55x) does not exceed the section 
163(j) limitation ($78x), FC may deduct all $55x of business 
interest expense.
    (3) Example 3. Foreign corporation is engaged in a U.S. trade or 
business and is also a specified foreign partner--(i) Facts. FC, a 
foreign corporation, owns a 50-percent interest in ABC, a 
partnership that has ECI. In addition to owning a 50-percent 
interest in ABC, FC conducts a separate business that is engaged in 
a trade or business in the United States, Business Y. Business Y 
produces $65x of taxable income before taking into account business 
interest expense and has U.S. assets with an adjusted basis of 
$300x, business interest expense of $15x on $160x of liabilities, 
and no business interest income. All of the liabilities of Business 
Y are U.S. booked liabilities for purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(d). FC 
also has various foreign operations, some of which have U.S. dollar 
denominated debt. ABC has two lines of business, Business S and 
Business T. FC is allocated 50 percent of all items of income and 
expense of Business S and Business T. Business S produces $140x of 
taxable income before taking into account business interest expense, 
and Business T produces $80x of taxable income before taking into 
account business interest expense. Business S has business interest 
expense of $20x on $400x of liabilities and no business interest 
income. Business T has business interest expense of $10x on $150x of 
liabilities and no business interest income. With respect to FC, 
only Business S produces ECI. FC has an outside basis of $600x in 
the portion of its ABC partnership interest that is a U.S. asset for 
purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(b), step 1. All of the liabilities of 
Business S are U.S. booked liabilities for purposes of Sec.  1.882-
5(d). FC computes its interest expense under the three-step method 
described in Sec.  1.882-5(b) through (d) and for purposes of Sec.  
1.882-5(c), step 2, FC uses the fixed ratio of 50 percent described 
in Sec.  1.882-5(c)(4) for taxpayers that are neither a bank nor an 
insurance company. Under Sec.  1.882-5(d)(5)(ii), FC's interest rate 
on excess U.S. connected liabilities is 5 percent. For the taxable 
year, assume FC has total interest expense of $100x for purposes of 
Sec.  1.882-5(a)(3). All amounts described in this paragraph 
(h)(3)(i) are with respect to a single taxable year of FC or ABC, as 
applicable.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Application of Sec.  1.882-5 to FC. FC is a 
specified foreign person under paragraph (g)(27) of this section and 
a specified foreign partner under paragraph (g)(26) of this section. 
Under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, FC first determines its 
Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense and then applies section 
163(j). Under Sec.  1.882-5(b), step 1, FC has U.S. assets of $900x 
($600x of basis in the portion of its ABC partnership interest that 
is a U.S. asset determined using the asset method described in Sec.  
1.884-1(d)(3)(ii) + $300x basis in U.S. assets of Business Y). Under 
Sec.  1.882-5(c), step 2, applying the 50-percent fixed ratio 
described in Sec.  1.882-5(c)(4), FC has U.S. connected liabilities 
of $450x ($900x x 50 percent). Under Sec.  1.882-5(d), step 3, FC 
has U.S. booked liabilities of $360x ($200x attributable to its 50-
percent share of Business S liabilities of ABC + $160x of Business Y 
liabilities) and interest on U.S. booked liabilities of $25x ($10x 
attributable to its 50-percent share of $20x interest expense of 
Business S + $15x of Business Y interest expense). FC has excess 
U.S. connected liabilities of $90x ($450x-$360x) and under Sec.  
1.882-5(d)(5) has interest expense on excess U.S. connected 
liabilities of $4.50x ($90x x 5 percent), which is excess Sec.  
1.882-5 three-step interest expense. FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense is $29.50x ($25x + $4.50x).
    (B) Attribution of Sec.  1.882-5 business interest expense 
between FC and ABC. Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section, 
FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense is attributable to 
interest on its liabilities or on its share of ABC liabilities. 
Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(B), FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step 
interest expense of $29.50x is first attributable to $15 of interest 
expense on FC's (Business Y) U.S. booked liabilities and $10x of 
interest expense on FC's share of U.S. booked liabilities of ABC. 
Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(2) of this section, of the excess 
Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense of $4.50x ($29.50x-$15x-
$10x), 66.67 percent ($600x of basis in the portion of the ABC 
partnership interest that is a U.S. asset/$900x of total U.S. 
assets), or $3.00x, is attributable to interest expense on FC's 
share of liabilities of ABC and 33.33 percent ($300x U.S. assets 
other than partnership interests/$900x of total U.S. assets), or 
$1.50x, is attributable to interest expense on liabilities of FC. As 
a result, $16.50x of business interest expense ($15x + $1.50x) is 
attributed to FC and $13x of business interest expense ($10x + $3x) 
is attributed to ABC. The limitation under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) of this section does not change the result 
described in the preceding sentence. Specifically, under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) of this section, the amount attributed to ABC 
(tentatively, $3.00x) is limited to $5x (FC's 50-percent share of 
the $30x of business interest expense of ABC or $15x, reduced by 
FC's 50-percent share of the $20x of business interest expense on 
U.S. booked liabilities of Business S), and the amount attributed to 
FC (tentatively, $1.50x) is limited to $70x (FC's business interest 
expense of $100x, reduced by $15x of business interest expense on 
U.S. booked liabilities of Business Y and its $15x allocable share 
of ABC's business interest expense).
    (C) Application of the section 163(j) limitation to ABC. Under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(a), ABC computes a section 163(j) limitation at the 
partnership level. ABC has business interest expense of $30x ($20x 
from Business S and $10x from Business T). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-
6(d), ABC has ATI of $220x ($140 + $80). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b), 
ABC's section 163(j) limitation is $66x ($220x x 30 percent). 
Because ABC's business interest expense ($30x) does not exceed the 
section 163(j) limitation ($66x), all of ABC's business interest 
expense is deductible for the taxable year.
    (D) Excess taxable income of ABC. Under Sec.  1.163(j)-1(b)(15), 
ABC has excess taxable

[[Page 56919]]

income of $120x ($220x x ($36x/$66x)). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), 
FC is allocated 50 percent of the $120x of ABC's excess taxable 
income or $60x of allocable excess taxable income. Under paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section, the amount of the allocable excess taxable 
income of $60x that is ECI is equal to FC's allocable excess taxable 
income multiplied by the specified ATI ratio. Under paragraph 
(c)(1)(iii) of this section, FC's distributive share of ECI of ABC 
is $57x (FC's 50-percent share of $140x (Business S income computed 
without regard to business interest expense) or $70x-$13x of 
business interest expense that is ECI). Under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) 
of this section, FC's distributive share of non-ECI of ABC is $38x 
(FC's 50-percent share of $80x (Business T income computed without 
regard to business interest expense) or $40x-$2x of business 
interest expense that is not ECI). FC's distributive share of 
partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and loss of ABC is 
$95x ($57x distributive share of ECI and $38x distributive share of 
non-ECI). Because both FC's distributive share of ECI and 
distributive share of non-ECI are positive, under paragraph 
(c)(1)(ii) of this section, the specified ATI ratio is 60 percent 
($57x distributive share of ECI/$95x distributive share of 
partnership items of income, gain, deduction, and loss of ABC). As a 
result, the amount of FC's allocable excess taxable income from ABC 
that is ECI is $36x ($60 of allocable excess taxable income x 60 
percent specified ATI ratio).
    (E) Application of section 163(j) to FC. Under paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section, FC's business interest expense is $16.50x. Under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(1), FC's ATI is determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(1) without regard to FC's distributive share of any items of 
income, gain, deduction, or loss of ABC. Under paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section, FC's ATI is $101x ($65x of ECI from Business Y + $36x 
of allocable excess taxable income from ABC that is ECI). FC's 
section 163(j) limitation is $30.30x ($101x x 30 percent). Because 
FC's business interest expense ($16.50x) is less than FC's section 
163(j) limitation ($30.30x) and all of its share of ABC's business 
interest expense that is allocable to ECI ($13x) is deductible, FC 
may deduct all $29.50x of Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense 
determined under paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) of this section.
    (4) Example 4. Specified foreign partner with excess business 
interest expense from a partnership--(i) Facts--(A) In general. FC, 
a foreign corporation, owns a 50-percent interest in ABC, a 
partnership that has ECI. In addition to owning a 50-percent 
interest in ABC, FC conducts a separate business that is engaged in 
a trade or business in the United States, Business Y. Business Y 
produces $56x of taxable income before taking into account business 
interest expense and has U.S. assets with an adjusted basis of 
$800x, business interest expense of $16x on $200x of liabilities, 
and no business interest income. All of the liabilities of Business 
Y are U.S. booked liabilities for purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(d). FC 
also has various foreign operations, some of which have U.S. dollar 
denominated debt.
    (B) ABC Partnership. ABC has two lines of business, Business S 
and Business T, and owns a 50-percent interest in DEF, a 
partnership. FC is allocated 50 percent of all items of income and 
expenses of Business S and Business T and ABC's allocable share of 
items from partnership DEF. Business S produces $80x of taxable 
income before taking into account business interest expense, and 
Business T produces $90x of taxable income before taking into 
account business interest expense. Business S has business interest 
expense of $30x on $500x of liabilities and no business interest 
income. Business T has business interest expense of $50x on $500x of 
liabilities and no business interest income. With respect to FC, 
only Business S produces ECI. All of the liabilities of Business S 
are U.S. booked liabilities for purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(d).
    (C) DEF Partnership. DEF has two lines of business, Business U 
and Business V. ABC is allocated 50 percent of all items of income 
and expenses of Business U and Business V. Business U produces $100x 
of taxable income before taking into account business interest 
expense and Business V produces $140x of taxable income before 
taking into account business interest expense. Business U has 
business interest expense of $40x on $600x of liabilities and no 
business interest income. Business V has business interest expense 
of $60x on $600x of liabilities and no business interest income. 
With respect to FC, only Business U produces ECI. All of the 
liabilities of Business U are U.S. booked liabilities for purposes 
of Sec.  1.882-5(d).
    (D) Section 1.882-5. FC has an outside basis of $600x in the 
portion of its ABC partnership interest that is a U.S. asset for 
purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(b), step 1, determined using the asset 
method described in Sec.  1.884-1(d)(3)(ii). For purposes of Sec.  
1.884-1(d)(3)(ii), ABC has a total basis of $500 in assets that 
would be treated as U.S. assets if ABC were a foreign corporation, 
including a basis of $250x in the portion of its interest in DEF 
partnership interest that would be treated as a U.S. asset if ABC 
were a foreign corporation. FC computes its interest expense under 
the three-step method described in Sec.  1.882-5(b) through (d), and 
for purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(c), step 2, FC uses the fixed ratio of 
50 percent described in Sec.  1.882-5(c)(4) for taxpayers that are 
neither a bank nor an insurance company. FC has total interest 
expense of $100x for purposes of Sec.  1.882-5(a)(3). Under Sec.  
1.882-5(d)(5)(ii), FC's interest rate on excess U.S. connected 
liabilities is 6 percent. All amounts described in this paragraph 
(h)(4)(i) are with respect to a single taxable year of FC, ABC, or 
DEF, as applicable.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Application of Sec.  1.882-5 to FC. FC is a 
specified foreign person under paragraph (g)(27) of this section and 
a specified foreign partner under paragraph (g)(26) of this section. 
Under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, FC first determines its 
Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense and then applies section 
163(j). Under Sec.  1.882-5(b), step 1, FC has U.S. assets of $1400x 
($600x of basis in the portion of its ABC partnership interest that 
is a U.S. asset + $800x basis in U.S. assets of Business Y). Under 
Sec.  1.882-5(c), step 2, applying the 50-percent fixed ratio 
described in Sec.  1.882-5(c)(4), FC has U.S. connected liabilities 
of $700x ($1400x x 50 percent). Under Sec.  1.882-5(d), step 3, FC 
has U.S. booked liabilities of $600x ($250x attributable to its 50-
percent share of Business S liabilities of ABC + $150x attributable 
to its indirect 25-percent share of Business U liabilities of DEF + 
$200x of Business Y liabilities), and interest on U.S. booked 
liabilities of $41x ($15x attributable to its 50-percent share of 
$30x interest expense of Business S + $10x attributable to its 25-
percent share of $40 interest expense of Business U + $16x of 
Business Y interest expense). FC has excess U.S. connected 
liabilities of $100x ($700x-$600x) and under Sec.  1.882-5(d)(5), 
interest expense on excess U.S. connected liabilities of $6x ($100x 
x 6 percent), which is excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense. FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense is $47x 
($41x + $6x).
    (B) Attribution of certain Sec.  1.882-5 business interest 
expense among FC, ABC, and DEF. Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this 
section, FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense is 
attributable to interest on its liabilities or on its share of ABC 
and DEF's liabilities. Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(B) of this 
section, FC's Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest expense of $47x is 
first attributable to $16 of interest expense on FC's U.S. booked 
liabilities, $15x of interest expense on FC's share of U.S. booked 
liabilities of ABC, and $10x of interest expense on FC's share of 
U.S. booked liabilities of DEF. Under paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(2) of 
this section, of the excess Sec.  1.882-5 three-step interest 
expense of $6x ($47x-$16x-$15x-$10x), 42.86 percent ($600x of basis 
in the portion of the ABC partnership interest that is a U.S. asset/
$1400x of total U.S. assets) or $2.57x is attributable to interest 
expense on FC's share of liabilities of ABC (and its partnership 
interests), and 57.14 percent ($800x U.S. assets other than 
partnership interests/$1400x of total U.S. assets) or $3.43x is 
attributable to interest expense on liabilities of FC. Under 
paragraph (f)(1)(iii)(C)(3) of this section, of the $2.57x of 
business interest expense that is ECI and that is attributable to 
interest expense on FC's share of liabilities of ABC (and its 
partnership interests), 50 percent ($250x of basis in the portion of 
the DEF partnership interest that would be a U.S. asset if ABC were 
a foreign corporation/$500x total basis in assets that would be U.S. 
assets if ABC were a foreign corporation), or $1.29x, is 
attributable to interest expense on FC's share of liabilities of ABC 
and 50 percent ($250x of basis in assets other than partnership 
interests that would be U.S. assets if ABC were a foreign 
corporation/$500x of total basis in assets that would be U.S. assets 
if ABC were a foreign corporation), or $1.29x is attributable to 
interest expense on FC's share of liabilities of DEF. As a result, 
$19.43x ($16x + $3.43x) of business interest expense is attributed 
to FC, $16.29x ($15x + $1.29x) of business interest expense is 
attributed to ABC, and $11.29x ($10x + $1.29x) of business interest 
expense is attributed to DEF. The limitation under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) of this section does not change the result 
described in the preceding sentence. Specifically, under paragraph 
(f)(1)(iii)(C)(4) of this section, the amount attributed to FC 
(tentatively, $3.43x)

[[Page 56920]]

is limited to $19x (FC's business interest expense of $100x, reduced 
by $16x of business interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities of 
Business Y, its $40x allocable share of ABC's business interest 
expense, and its $25 allocable share of DEF's business interest 
expense); the amount attributed to ABC (tentatively, $1.29x) is 
limited to $25x (FC's 50-percent share of the $80x of business 
interest expense of ABC, or $40x, reduced by FC's 50-percent share 
of the $30x of business interest expense on U.S. booked liabilities 
of Business S, or $15x); and the amount attributed to DEF 
(tentatively, $1.29x) is limited to $15x (FC's 25-percent share of 
the $100x of business interest expense of DEF, or $25x, reduced by 
FC's 25-percent share of the $40x of business interest expense on 
U.S. booked liabilities of Business U, or $10x).
    (C) Application of section 163(j) to DEF--(1) In general. Under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(a), DEF computes a section 163(j) limitation at the 
partnership-level. DEF has business interest expense of $100x ($40x 
from Business U + $60x from Business V). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d), 
DEF has ATI of $240x ($100x + $140x). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b), 
DEF's section 163(j) limitation is $72x ($240x x 30 percent). 
Because DEF's business interest expense ($100x) exceeds the section 
163(j) limitation ($72x), only $72x of DEF's business interest 
expense is deductible and $28x is disallowed under section 163(j). 
Pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this section, FC is allocated $7x of 
excess business interest expense (25 percent x $28x) and $18x of 
deductible business interest expense (25 percent x $72x).
    (2) Deductible business interest expense. Under paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section, in order to determine the portion of FC's allocable 
deductible business interest expense ($18x) that is allocable ECI 
deductible BIE and the portion that is allocable non-ECI deductible 
BIE, the hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE and 
hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE must be determined. 
Under paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(A) of this section, FC's hypothetical 
partnership ECI deductible BIE with respect to DEF is $7.50x ($25x 
of FC's allocable share of ECI before taking into account interest 
expense x 30 percent). Under paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(B) of this 
section, FC's hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE with 
respect to DEF is $10.50x ($35x of FC's allocable share of income 
that is not ECI before taking into account interest expense x 30 
percent). Under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, allocable ECI 
deductible BIE is equal to the amounts described in paragraphs 
(c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(1) of this section and 
allocable non-ECI deductible BIE is equal to the amounts described 
in paragraphs (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(2) of this 
section. Under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1) of this section, FC's 
allocable deductible business interest expense ($18x) is allocated 
pro rata between hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE 
($7.50x) and hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE 
($10.50x). However, the amount allocated to hypothetical partnership 
ECI deductible BIE cannot exceed the lesser of hypothetical 
partnership ECI deductible BIE ($7.50x) or allocable ECI BIE 
($11.29x), and the amount allocated to hypothetical partnership non-
ECI deductible BIE cannot exceed the lesser of hypothetical 
partnership non-ECI deductible BIE ($10.50x) or allocable non-ECI 
BIE (total allocable business interest expense of $25x reduced by 
allocable ECI BIE of $11.29x, or $13.71x). The portion of FC's 
allocable deductible business interest expense ($18x) from DEF that 
is allocable ECI deductible BIE is 41.67 percent ($7.50x of 
hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE/$18x of total 
hypothetical partnership deductible BIE), or $7.5x. The portion of 
FC's allocable deductible business interest expense from DEF ($18x) 
that is allocable non-ECI deductible BIE is 58.33 percent ($10.50x 
of hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE/$18x of total 
hypothetical partnership deductible BIE), or $10.50x. Because the 
full amount of FC's allocable deductible business interest expense 
($18x) is allocable under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1) of this 
section, no portion is allocated under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(B) of 
this section.
    (3) Excess business interest expense. Under paragraph (c)(2)(i) 
of this section, the portion of excess business interest expense 
allocated to FC from DEF pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section ($7x) that is allocable ECI excess BIE is $3.79x ($11.29x of 
allocable ECI BIE-$7.50x allocable ECI deductible BIE). Under 
paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the portion of excess business 
interest expense allocated to FC from DEF pursuant to paragraph 
(e)(2) of this section ($7x) that is allocable non-ECI excess BIE is 
$3.21x ($13.71x of allocable non-ECI BIE-$10.50x allocable non-ECI 
deductible BIE).
    (D) Application of section 163(j) to ABC--(1) In general. Under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(a), ABC computes a section 163(j) limitation at the 
partnership-level. ABC has business interest expense of $80x ($30x 
from Business S + $50x from Business T). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-6(d), 
ABC has ATI of $170x ($80x + $90x). Under Sec.  1.163(j)-2(b), ABC's 
section 163(j) limitation is $51x ($170x x 30 percent). Because 
ABC's business interest expense ($80x) exceeds the section 163(j) 
limitation ($51x), ABC may only deduct $51x of business interest 
expense, and $29x is disallowed under section 163(j). Pursuant to 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2), FC is allocated $14.50x of excess business 
interest expense (50 percent x $29x) and $25.50x of deductible 
business interest expense (50 percent x $51x).
    (2) Deductible business interest expense. Under paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section, in order to determine the portion of FC's allocable 
deductible business interest expense ($25.50x) that is allocable ECI 
deductible BIE and the portion that is allocable non-ECI deductible 
BIE, the hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE and 
hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE must be determined. 
Under paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(A) of this section, FC's hypothetical 
partnership ECI deductible BIE with respect to ABC is $12x ($40x of 
FC's allocable share of ECI before taking into account interest 
expense x 30 percent). Under paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(B) of this 
section, FC's hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE with 
respect to ABC is $13.50x ($45x of FC's allocable share of income 
that is not ECI before taking into account interest expense x 30 
percent). Under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, allocable ECI 
deductible BIE is equal to the amounts described in paragraphs 
(c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(i) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(1) of this section and 
allocable non-ECI deductible BIE is equal to the amounts described 
in paragraphs (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(ii)(B)(2) of this 
section. Under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1) of this section, FC's 
allocable deductible business interest expense ($25.50x) is 
allocated pro rata between hypothetical partnership ECI deductible 
BIE ($12x) and hypothetical partnership non-ECI deductible BIE 
($13.50x). However, the amount allocated to hypothetical partnership 
ECI deductible BIE cannot exceed the lesser of hypothetical 
partnership ECI deductible BIE ($12x) or allocable ECI BIE 
($16.29x), and the amount allocated to hypothetical partnership non-
ECI deductible BIE cannot exceed the lesser of hypothetical 
partnership non-ECI deductible BIE ($13.50x) or allocable non-ECI 
BIE (total allocable business interest expense of $40x reduced by 
allocable ECI BIE of $16.29x, or $23.71x). The portion of FC's 
allocable deductible business interest expense from ABC ($25.50x) 
that is allocable ECI deductible BIE is 47.06 percent ($12x of 
hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE/$25.50x of total 
hypothetical partnership deductible BIE), or $12x. The portion of 
FC's allocable deductible business interest expense from ABC that is 
allocable non-ECI deductible BIE is 52.94 percent ($13.50x of 
hypothetical partnership ECI deductible BIE/$25.50x of total 
hypothetical partnership deductible BIE), or $13.50x. Because the 
full amount of FC's allocable deductible business interest expense 
($25.50x) is allocable under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1) of this 
section, no portion is allocated under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(B) of 
this section.
    (3) Excess business interest expense. Under paragraph (c)(2)(i) 
of this section, the portion of excess business interest expense 
allocated to FC from ABC pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2)($14.50x) 
that is allocable ECI excess BIE is $4.29x ($16.29x of allocable ECI 
BIE-$12x allocable ECI deductible BIE). Under paragraph (c)(2)(ii) 
of this section, the portion of excess business interest expense 
allocated to FC from ABC pursuant to Sec.  1.163(j)-6(f)(2) 
($14.50x) that is allocable non-ECI excess BIE is $10.21x ($23.71x 
of allocable non-ECI BIE-$13.50x allocable non-ECI deductible BIE).
    (E) Application of section 163(j) to FC. Under paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section, FC's business interest expense is $19.43x. Under 
Sec.  1.163(j)-6(e)(1), FC's ATI is determined under Sec.  1.163(j)-
1(b)(1) without regard to FC's distributive share of any items of 
income, gain, deduction, or loss of ABC or DEF. Under paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, FC's ATI is $56x ($56x of ECI of Business Y 
before taking into account interest expense). FC's section 163(j) 
limitation is $16.80x ($56x x 30 percent). Because the portion of 
FC's business interest expense determined under Sec.  1.882-5 that 
is attributed to FC ($19.43x) exceeds the section 163(j) limitation 
($16.80x), FC may only deduction $16.80x of business interest 
expense, and $2.63x is disallowed business interest

[[Page 56921]]

expense carryforward. After taking into account FC's allocable share 
of deductible business interest expense, FC may deduct $36.30x 
($16.80x from FC + $12x allocable ECI deductible BIE from ABC + 
$7.50x allocable ECI deductible BIE from DEF). FC also has $2.63x 
disallowed business interest expense carryforward characterized as 
ECI, $4.29x allocable ECI excess BIE from ABC, $10.21x allocable 
non-ECI excess BIE from ABC, and, under paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section, is deemed to have $3.79x allocable ECI excess BIE from DEF 
and $3.21x allocable non-ECI excess BIE from DEF.

    (i) [Reserved]
    (j) Applicability date. This section applies to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), 
may choose to apply this section in its entirety for a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, so long as the taxpayers and their 
related parties also apply Sec.  1.163(j)-7(a), (c) through (f), (g)(3) 
and (4), and (h) through (k) for the taxable year. For a taxable year 
beginning before November 13, 2020, taxpayers and their related parties 
may not choose to apply this section unless they also apply Sec.  
1.163(j)-7(b) and (g)(1) and (2) in accordance with the second sentence 
of Sec.  1.163(j)-7(m)(1).
0
Par. 10. As added in a final rule elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.163(j)-10 is 
amended by:
0
1. Designating paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D) as paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D)(1).
0
2. Adding a subject heading for paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D).
0
3. Adding paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D)(2).
0
4. Designating paragraph (f) as paragraph (f)(1).
0
5. Adding a subject heading for paragraph (f).
0
6. Revising the subject heading of newly redesignated paragraph (f)(1).
0
7. Adding paragraph (f)(2).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


1.163(j)-10  Allocation of interest expense, interest income, and other 
items of expense and gross income to an excepted trade or business.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) Limitations on application of look-through rules. * * *
    (2) Limitation on application of look-through rule to C 
corporations. Except as provided in Sec.  1.163(j)-9(h)(4)(iii) and 
(iv) (for a REIT or a partnership making the election under Sec.  
1.163(j)-9(h)(1) or (7), respectively), for purposes of applying the 
look-through rules in paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section 
to a non-consolidated C corporation (upper-tier entity), that upper-
tier entity may not apply these look-through rules to a lower-tier non-
consolidated C corporation. For example, assume that P wholly and 
directly owns S1 (the upper-tier entity), which wholly and directly 
owns S2. Further assume that each of these entities is a non-
consolidated C corporation to which the small business exemption does 
not apply. S1 may not look through the stock of S2 (and may not apply 
the asset basis look-through rule described in paragraph 
(c)(5)(ii)(B)(2)(iv) of this section) for purposes of P's allocation of 
its basis in its S1 stock between excepted and non-excepted trades or 
businesses; instead, S1 must treat its stock in S2 as an asset used in 
a non-excepted trade or business for that purpose. However, S1 may look 
through the stock of S2 for purposes of S1's allocation of its basis in 
its S2 stock between excepted and non-excepted trades or businesses.
* * * * *
    (f) Applicability dates.
    (1) In general. * * *
    (2) Paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D)(2). The rules contained in paragraph 
(c)(5)(ii)(D)(2) of this section apply for taxable years beginning on 
or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN 
THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers may choose to apply the rules 
of paragraph (c)(5)(ii)(D)(2) of this section to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE 
OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], so long as 
they consistently apply the rules in the section 163(j) regulations, 
and, if applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 
1.382-1, 1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.383-0, 1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.704-1, 
1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-79, 
1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the extent they effectuate the rules of 
Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 1.383-1), and 1.1504-4 to 
that taxable year and each subsequent taxable year.
0
Par. 11. Section 1.469-4 is amended by adding paragraph (d)(6) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  1.469-4   Definition of activity.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (6) Activities described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii). An activity 
described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii) that involves the conduct of a 
trade or business which is not a passive activity of the taxpayer and 
with respect to which the taxpayer does not materially participate may 
not be grouped with any other activity or activities of the taxpayer, 
including any other activity described in section 163(d)(5)(A)(ii).
* * * * *
0
Par. 12. As amended in a final rule elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register, effective November 13, 2020, Sec.  1.469-9 is further 
amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.469-9  Rules for certain rental real estate activities.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) Real property development. The term real property development 
means the maintenance and improvement of raw land to make the land 
suitable for subdivision, further development, or construction of 
residential or commercial buildings, or to establish, cultivate, 
maintain or improve timberlands (that is, land covered by timber-
producing forest). Improvement of land may include any clearing (such 
as through the mechanical separation and removal of boulders, rocks, 
brush, brushwood, and underbrush from the land); excavation and 
gradation work; diversion or redirection of creeks, streams, rivers, or 
other sources or bodies of water; and the installation of roads 
(including highways, streets, roads, public sidewalks, and bridges), 
utility lines, sewer and drainage systems, and any other infrastructure 
that may be necessary for subdivision, further development, or 
construction of residential or commercial buildings, or for the 
establishment, cultivation, maintenance or improvement of timberlands.
    (B) Real property redevelopment. The term real property 
redevelopment means the demolition, deconstruction, separation, and 
removal of existing buildings, landscaping, and infrastructure on a 
parcel of land to return the land to a raw condition or otherwise 
prepare the land for new development or construction, or for the 
establishment and cultivation of new timberlands.
* * * * *
0
Par. 13. Section 1.469-11 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.469-11  Applicability date and transition rules.

    (a) * * *

[[Page 56922]]

    (1) The rules contained in Sec. Sec.  1.469-1, 1.469-1T, 1.469-2, 
1.469-2T, 1.469-3, 1.469-3T, 1.469-4, but not Sec.  1.469-4(d)(6), 
1.469-5 and 1.469-5T apply for taxable years ending after May 10, 1992. 
The rules contained in Sec.  1.469-4(d)(6) apply for taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b), may 
choose to apply the rules of Sec.  1.469-4(d)(6) to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE 
OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], so long as 
they consistently apply the rules in the section 163(j) regulations, 
and, if applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 
1.382-1, 1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.383-0, 1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.704-1, 
1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-79, 
1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the extent they effectuate the rules of 
Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, and 1.383-1), and 1.1504-4 to 
that taxable year and each subsequent taxable year.
* * * * *
    (4) The rules contained in Sec.  1.469-9(b)(2), other than 
paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(A) and (B), apply to taxable years beginning on 
or after [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL 
RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. Section 1.469-9(b)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) 
applies to taxable years beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE 
OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, 
taxpayers and their related parties, within the meaning of sections 
267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to apply the rules of Sec.  1.469-
9(b)(2), other than paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(A) and (B), to a taxable year 
beginning after December 31, 2017, and before [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS 
AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER] 
and may choose to apply the rules contained in 1.469-9(b)(2)(ii)(A) and 
(B) to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before 
[DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE 
FEDERAL REGISTER], so long as they consistently apply the rules of the 
section 163(j) regulations, and, if applicable, Sec. Sec.  1.263A-9, 
1.263A-15, 1.381(c)(20)-1, 1.382-1, 1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-6, 1.383-0, 
1.383-1, 1.469-9, 1.704-1, 1.882-5, 1.1362-3, 1.1368-1, 1.1377-1, 
1.1502-13, 1.1502-21, 1.1502-79, 1.1502-91 through 1.1502-99 (to the 
extent they effectuate the rules of Sec. Sec.  1.382-2, 1.382-5, 1.382-
6, and 1.383-1), and 1.1504-4 to that taxable year and each subsequent 
taxable year.
* * * * *
0
Par. 14. Section 1.1256(e)-2 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.1256 (e)-2  Special rules for syndicates.

    (a) Allocation of losses. For purposes of section 1256(e)(3), 
syndicate means any partnership or other entity (other than a 
corporation that is not an S corporation) if more than 35 percent of 
the losses of such entity during the taxable year are allocated to 
limited partners or limited entrepreneurs (within the meaning of 
section 461(k)(4)).
    (b) Determination of loss amount. For purposes of section 
1256(e)(3), the amount of losses to be allocated under paragraph (a) of 
this section is calculated without regard to section 163(j).

    (c) Example. The following example illustrates the rules in this 
section:
    (1) Facts. Entity is an S corporation that is equally owned by 
individuals A and B. A provides all of the goods and services 
provided by Entity. B provided all of the capital for Entity but 
does not participate in Entity's business. For the current taxable 
year, Entity has gross receipts of $5,000,000, non-interest expenses 
of $4,500,000, and interest expense of $600,000.
    (2) Analysis. Under paragraph (b) of this section, Entity has a 
net loss of $100,000 ($5,000,000 minus $5,100,000) for the current 
taxable year. One half (50 percent) of this loss is allocated to B, 
a limited owner. Therefore, for the current taxable year, Entity is 
a syndicate within the meaning of section 1256(e)(3)(B).

    (d) Applicability date. This section applies to taxable years 
beginning on or after [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. However, taxpayers and their 
related parties, under sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1), may choose to 
apply the rules of this section for a taxable year beginning after 
December 31, 2017, and before [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION 
OF THE FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], provided that they 
consistently apply the rules of this section to that taxable year and 
each subsequent taxable year.

Sunita Lough,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2020-16532 Filed 9-3-20; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P