81_FR_91981 81 FR 91738 - Guidance Under Section 355(e) Regarding Predecessors, Successors, and Limitation on Gain Recognition; Guidance Under Section 355(f)

81 FR 91738 - Guidance Under Section 355(e) Regarding Predecessors, Successors, and Limitation on Gain Recognition; Guidance Under Section 355(f)

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 243 (December 19, 2016)

Page Range91738-91755
FR Document2016-30160

This document contains temporary regulations that provide guidance regarding the distribution by a distributing corporation of stock or securities of a controlled corporation without the recognition of income, gain, or loss. The temporary regulations provide guidance in determining whether a corporation is a predecessor or successor of a distributing or controlled corporation for purposes of the exception under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to the nonrecognition treatment afforded qualifying distributions, and they provide certain limitations on the recognition of gain in certain cases involving a predecessor of a distributing corporation. The temporary regulations also provide rules regarding the extent to which section 355(f) of the Code causes a distributing corporation (and in certain cases its shareholders) to recognize income or gain on the distribution of stock or securities of a controlled corporation. These temporary regulations affect corporations that distribute the stock or securities of controlled corporations and the shareholders or security holders of those distributing corporations. The text of these temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations in the related notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-140328-15) set forth in the Proposed Rules section in this issue of the Federal Register.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 91738-91755]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30160]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Part 1

[TD 9805]
RIN 1545-BN18


Guidance Under Section 355(e) Regarding Predecessors, Successors, 
and Limitation on Gain Recognition; Guidance Under Section 355(f)

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Temporary regulations.

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SUMMARY: This document contains temporary regulations that provide 
guidance regarding the distribution by a distributing corporation of 
stock or securities of a controlled corporation without the recognition 
of income, gain, or loss. The temporary regulations provide guidance in 
determining whether a corporation is a predecessor or successor of a 
distributing or controlled corporation for purposes of the exception 
under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to the 
nonrecognition treatment afforded qualifying distributions, and they 
provide certain limitations on the recognition of gain in certain cases 
involving a predecessor of a distributing corporation. The temporary 
regulations also provide rules regarding the extent to which section 
355(f) of the Code causes a distributing corporation (and in certain 
cases its shareholders) to recognize income or gain on the distribution 
of stock or securities of a controlled corporation. These temporary 
regulations affect corporations that distribute the stock or securities 
of controlled corporations and the shareholders or security holders of 
those distributing corporations. The text of these temporary 
regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations in the 
related notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-140328-15) set forth in the 
Proposed Rules section in this issue of the Federal Register.

DATES: Effective date: These temporary regulations are effective on 
December 19, 2016.
    Applicability date: For dates of applicability see Sec.  1.355-
8T(i) and (j).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard K. Passales, (202) 317-5024 or 
Marie C. Milnes-Vasquez, (202) 317-7700 (not toll-free numbers).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Explanation of Provisions

1. Overview

    On November 22, 2004, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury 
Department) and the IRS published in the Federal Register (69 FR 67873) 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-145535-02) containing proposed 
regulations under section 355(e)(4)(D) of the Code (the proposed 
regulations). After considering the comments received on the proposed 
regulations and taking into account subsequently issued guidance as 
described in part 3. of this preamble, the Treasury Department and the 
IRS are issuing temporary regulations that adopt the proposed 
regulations with significant modifications based on the comments 
received on the proposed regulations. The temporary regulations also 
serve as the text of new proposed regulations in the related notice of 
proposed rulemaking (REG-140328-15) published in the Proposed Rules 
section in this issue of the Federal Register.
    The temporary regulations amend 26 CFR part 1 under section 355 to 
provide necessary guidance under section 355(e)(4)(D) regarding the 
identity of predecessor and successor corporations of distributing and 
controlled corporations and to enable taxpayers to utilize the benefit 
of certain gain limitation rules. The temporary regulations also 
provide guidance regarding the extent to which section 355(f) precludes 
the application of section 355 to certain distributions and exchanges 
between members of an affiliated group. Finally, the regulations 
provide guidance regarding the application of section 336(e) to certain 
distributions of controlled stock to which section 355(e) applies.
A. Section 355 in General
    Section 355(a) generally provides that if a distributing 
corporation (Distributing) distributes stock or securities of a 
controlled corporation (Controlled) to Distributing's shareholders or 
security holders and certain requirements are met, then no gain or loss 
is recognized by (and no amount is includible in the income of) 
Distributing's shareholders or security holders upon their receipt of 
the Controlled stock. Section 355(c) generally provides that 
Distributing does not recognize gain or loss on any distribution of 
qualified property to which section 355 (or so much of section 356 as 
relates to section 355) applies. Similar rules under section 361(c) 
apply in the case of a divisive reorganization under section

[[Page 91739]]

368(a)(1)(D) (a divisive D reorganization). Controlled stock or 
securities are qualified property under section 355(c)(2)(B) (or 
section 361(c)(2)(B)(ii) in the case of a divisive D reorganization), 
unless certain exceptions apply.
B. Sections 355(e) and (f)
    One exception to treating Controlled stock or securities as 
qualified property is provided under section 355(e), which was enacted 
as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105-34, section 
1012(a), 111 Stat. 788. Under section 355(e), stock or securities of 
Controlled generally will not be treated as qualified property under 
sections 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) if the stock or securities are 
distributed as part of a plan or series of related transactions (a 
Plan) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire directly or 
indirectly stock representing a 50-percent or greater interest in the 
stock of Distributing or Controlled (a Planned 50-percent Acquisition). 
Section 1.355-7 of the Income Tax Regulations provides additional 
guidance on the meaning of a Plan.
    Under section 355(e)(2)(C), the existence of a purported Plan that 
includes a Planned 50-percent Acquisition will not prevent Controlled 
stock or securities from being treated as qualified property for 
purposes of section 355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2) if, immediately 
after the completion of such Plan, Distributing and each Controlled are 
members of a single affiliated group, as defined in section 1504 
without regard to section 1504(b) (an Expanded Affiliated Group or 
EAG). As a result, section 355(e) generally does not apply to a 
distribution between members of the same EAG unless the distribution 
precedes a distribution of Controlled stock or securities outside of 
the EAG (an External Distribution) so that Controlled and Distributing 
are not members of the same EAG after completion of the Plan.
    Section 355(f) provides a special rule that applies to certain 
distributions between certain related corporations that do not qualify 
for the exception from section 355(e) under section 355(e)(2)(C). In 
particular, section 355(f) provides that, except as provided in 
regulations, section 355 (or so much of section 356 as relates to 
section 355) does not apply to the distribution of stock from one 
member of an affiliated group (as defined in section 1504(a)) to 
another member of the group if the distribution is part of a Plan that 
includes a Planned 50-percent Acquisition and is not described in 
section 355(e)(2)(C). For example, assume that a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of stock of a corporation (a Higher-Tier Distributing) that 
is the common parent of an affiliated group, as defined in section 
1504(a), occurs when the Higher-Tier Distributing owns all of the stock 
of a subsidiary member (a Lower-Tier Distributing), which in turn owns 
all of the stock of Controlled (also a member of the affiliated group). 
Under the Plan, the Lower-Tier Distributing distributes Controlled 
stock to the Higher-Tier Distributing (an Internal Distribution), and 
the Higher-Tier Distributing then distributes the Controlled stock in 
an External Distribution. Under these facts, section 355(e) would apply 
to the Internal Distribution of all of Controlled's stock by the Lower-
Tier Distributing to the Higher-Tier Distributing because the 
distribution is part of a Plan (after application of any exceptions to 
section 355(e), including section 355(e)(2)(C)). However, section 
355(f) provides that section 355 (or so much of section 356 as applies 
to section 355) would not apply to such an Internal Distribution. 
Therefore, the Internal Distribution would be taxable to the Lower-Tier 
Distributing under section 311 and to the Higher-Tier Distributing 
under section 301 (subject to any available dividends received 
deduction and section 1059) or subject to the special rules of Sec.  
1.1502-13(f) for distributions between members of the same consolidated 
group.
    Without the application of section 355(f), the Lower-Tier 
Distributing would recognize any gain in the Controlled stock by reason 
of section 355(e) (section 355(e) gain) in the Internal Distribution, 
but the Higher-Tier Distributing would be afforded nonrecognition 
treatment under section 355(a) on the receipt of Controlled stock. As a 
result, the Higher-Tier Distributing would not take a fair market value 
basis in the Controlled stock under section 301(d), but a basis 
determined under section 358(g), despite the Lower-Tier Distributing's 
recognition of section 355(e) gain. The Higher-Tier Distributing would 
also likely recognize additional section 355(e) gain on the subsequent 
External Distribution of the Controlled stock. Section 355(f) is 
intended to provide a benefit to such an affiliated group by 
effectively ensuring that the group recognizes section 355(e) gain only 
once at the lowest-tier Distributing, rather than at multiple levels. 
In addition, application of section 355(f) may eliminate duplicated 
loss, in some cases.
    Section 355(e)(3)(B) provides that, if the assets of Distributing 
or any Controlled are acquired by a successor corporation in a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A), (C), or (D), or any other 
transaction specified in regulations by the Secretary, the shareholders 
(immediately before the acquisition) of the corporation acquiring such 
assets are treated as acquiring stock in the corporation from which the 
assets were acquired.
    Section 355(e)(4)(D) provides that, for purposes of section 355(e), 
any reference to Controlled or Distributing includes a reference to any 
predecessor or successor of such corporation. As a result, Controlled 
stock or securities generally will not be treated as qualified property 
under section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) if there is a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of the stock of a predecessor or successor of Distributing 
or Controlled.

2. Summary of Proposed Regulations

    Section 355(e) does not provide a definition of a predecessor or 
successor of Distributing or Controlled. The proposed regulations 
generally defined the terms predecessor and successor for purposes of 
section 355(e) and provided guidance regarding the acquisition or 
deemed acquisition of the stock of predecessors of Distributing and 
certain other acquisitions. As more fully described in part 2.E. of 
this preamble, the proposed regulations also limited Distributing's 
recognition of gain in two cases and provided an overall gain 
limitation. Parts 2.A. through 2.F. of this preamble describe the 
proposed regulations, which the temporary regulations largely adopt 
with the modifications described in part 3. of this preamble.
A. Predecessor of Distributing
    The preamble to the proposed regulations stated that the definition 
of a Predecessor of Distributing (a POD) in those regulations was 
intended to reflect the fact that section 355(e) generally denies tax-
free treatment under sections 355(c)(1) and 361(c)(1) if there is a 
division of Distributing's assets to which section 355(a) applies that 
is coupled with a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing or 
Controlled. The proposed regulations attempted to provide a similar 
result in cases in which the ownership of a POD's assets (rather than 
those of Distributing) would otherwise be divided tax-free as part of a 
Plan that included a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a POD or 
Distributing.
    The proposed regulations generally defined a POD as a corporation 
that transferred its property in a transaction to which section 381(a) 
applies (section

[[Page 91740]]

381 transaction) to Distributing (a combining transfer) but only if 
Distributing then transferred some, but not all, of the property 
acquired in the combining transfer to Controlled in a transferred basis 
transaction before the distribution (a separating transfer). The 
definition was slightly different if Controlled stock was an asset 
transferred in the combining transfer. In addition, under the proposed 
regulations, no corporation could have been a predecessor of a POD.
    In addition, the proposed regulations provided three operating 
rules relating to the determination of predecessor status. The first 
was a substitute asset rule that prevented a corporation from avoiding 
treatment as a POD simply because property received by Distributing in 
a combining transfer (or by Controlled in a separating transfer) was 
transferred by Distributing before the separating transfer (or by 
Controlled before the distribution) in exchange for other property in a 
nonrecognition transaction. The second rule provided that the 
transferor corporation and resulting corporation in a reorganization 
under section 368(a)(1)(F) (an F reorganization) would be treated as 
the same entity for purposes of determining whether a corporation is a 
POD or a Predecessor of Controlled (POC), as described in part 2.B. of 
this preamble. Without such a rule, a corporation could circumvent the 
proposed regulations by engaging in an F reorganization, because the 
proposed regulations did not take into account predecessors of a POD or 
POC. The third rule provided that there may be more than one POD, for 
example, if multiple corporations merged directly with and into 
Distributing in distinct transactions to which section 381 applied.
    Under the proposed regulations, the definition of a POD was not 
tied to the existence of a Plan. Accordingly, a combining transfer and 
a separating transfer would be taken into account in identifying a POD 
even if neither transfer was part of a Plan; as a result, taxpayers 
would have been required to track the assets of any potential POD for 
an unlimited period prior to the distribution. In addition, once a POD 
had been identified, it would have been necessary to determine whether 
the distribution and any acquisitions (deemed or actual) of stock of 
the POD were part of a Plan, although the proposed regulations included 
no guidance relating to whether acquisitions of the stock of a POD and 
the distribution were part of a Plan.
B. Predecessor of Controlled
    The proposed regulations defined a POC as a corporation that 
transferred its assets to Controlled in a section 381 transaction 
before the distribution. However, whether a corporation was a POC was 
only taken into account for very limited purposes: (1) The definition 
of a POD, (2) the gain limitation rules described in part 2.E. of this 
preamble, and (3) the application of section 355(e)(2)(C), which is 
described in part 2.F. of this preamble. Other than for those limited 
purposes, a corporation would not be a POC under the proposed 
regulations. Further, no corporation could have been a predecessor of a 
POC.
C. Successor of Distributing and Controlled
    The proposed regulations defined a Successor of Distributing or 
Controlled as a corporation to which Distributing or Controlled, 
respectively, transferred its assets in a section 381 transaction after 
the distribution (a Successor Transaction). If, after the distribution, 
Distributing transferred its assets to a Successor in a Successor 
Transaction, the proposed regulations provided that the shareholders of 
the Successor immediately before the transaction would be deemed to 
acquire Distributing stock (and stock of any POD) in the Successor 
Transaction. Subsequent acquisitions of stock of the Successor would be 
treated as acquisitions of Distributing (and any PODs).
D. Special Rules for Measuring Acquisitions
    Under the proposed regulations, the determination of whether there 
was a Planned 50-percent Acquisition was made separately with respect 
to Distributing and the POD. Therefore, Distributing may have been 
required to recognize section 355(e) gain if there was a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of a POD, but not of Distributing, and vice versa.
    The proposed regulations provided special rules to determine 
whether there had been an acquisition of the stock of a POD in 
connection with and after a combining transfer from a POD to 
Distributing. Consistent with section 355(e)(3)(B), the proposed 
regulations provided that each person that owned an interest in 
Distributing immediately before the combining transfer would be treated 
as acquiring stock of the POD in the transaction. For example, if 
Distributing acquired the assets of a POD in a statutory merger 
qualifying as a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) (an A 
reorganization), and individual A owned stock of Distributing 
immediately before the merger, A would be treated as acquiring stock of 
the POD in the transaction. In addition, an acquisition of Distributing 
that occurred after Distributing's combination with a POD would be 
treated not only as an acquisition of Distributing, but also as an 
acquisition of the POD. For example, if Distributing acquired the 
assets of a POD in a statutory merger qualifying as an A reorganization 
and, after the merger, individual B acquired stock of Distributing, B 
would be treated as acquiring not only stock of Distributing, but also 
stock of the POD. Similar rules applied with respect to Controlled 
except that there was no provision for a deemed acquisition of the 
stock of a POC because such acquisitions were of no consequence under 
the proposed regulations.
    In addition, the proposed regulations provided that acquisitions of 
the stock of a corporation and its Successors would be combined to 
determine whether there had been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
the corporation. For example, planned acquisitions of the stock of a 
POD, Distributing, and Distributing's Successors would be combined to 
determine whether there had been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
the POD. Similarly, planned acquisitions of the stock of Distributing 
and its Successors would be combined to determine whether there had 
been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing. In addition, 
planned acquisitions of the stock of Controlled and its Successors 
would be combined to determine whether there had been a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of Controlled.
E. Limitations on Gain Recognition
    Generally, if there is a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
Distributing (or a POD), Controlled, or their Successors, then section 
355(e) requires Distributing to recognize the full amount of the built-
in gain in the Controlled stock on the date of the distribution under 
section 355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2), as applicable. The proposed 
regulations provided two gain limitation rules limiting the amount of 
gain that Distributing must recognize in certain cases in which there 
was a POD and a third gain limitation rule providing an overall 
limitation on Distributing's gain.
    The first gain limitation rule applied when there was a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of one or more PODs. In those cases, the 
calculation of the section 355(e) gain focused on assets of the POD(s) 
that were transferred to

[[Page 91741]]

Controlled and any Controlled stock transferred by the POD(s) to 
Distributing. Specifically, the proposed regulations limited the 
section 355(e) gain recognized by Distributing to the amount of gain, 
if any, that any PODs would have recognized if, immediately before the 
distribution each POD had (1) transferred the property that was 
transferred to Controlled (and any stock of Controlled that the POD 
transferred to Distributing) to a newly-formed, wholly-owned 
corporation solely for stock of such corporation in an exchange to 
which section 351 applied (section 351 exchange), and (2) then sold the 
stock of that corporation to an unrelated person in exchange for cash 
equal to its fair market value. In applying this first gain limitation 
rule, the proposed regulations provided four operating rules. The first 
operating rule was a substitute asset rule (similar to that described 
in part 2.A. of this preamble) that applied if property received by 
Distributing in a combining transfer had been exchanged tax-free. In 
such case, the property Distributing received in the exchange would be 
treated as property received in the combining transfer. The second 
operating rule provided that (other than Controlled stock) the only 
property taken into account for purposes of the first gain limitation 
rule would be property that was transferred to Controlled in the 
separating transfer (or a substitute asset received in a tax-free 
exchange for property received in the separating transfer) and held by 
Controlled at the time of the distribution. Under the third operating 
rule, the basis and value of the property (other than Controlled stock) 
would be determined as of the date of the distribution. The fourth 
operating rule provided that the basis and value of any Controlled 
stock that the POD transferred to Distributing would be measured on the 
date of the combining transfer.
    The second gain limitation rule applied if a section 381 
transaction (for example, an A reorganization of a POD into 
Distributing) caused a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing 
stock. Under those circumstances, the second gain limitation rule 
effectively limited the amount of section 355(e) gain that Distributing 
would recognize to the excess of the amount described in section 
355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2), as applicable, over any section 355(e) 
gain that Distributing would have been required to recognize if there 
had been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of one or more PODs (but not 
Distributing). The section 355(e) gain computed on the hypothetical 
Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing would take into account 
the first gain limitation rule.
    The third gain limitation rule was an overall limitation on gain 
recognition. This rule limited the total amount of section 355(e) gain 
that could be recognized by Distributing as a result of the 
distribution to the amount of the built-in gain in the Controlled stock 
that, without regard to the first and second gain limitation rules, 
would be taken into account under section 355(c)(2) or section 
361(c)(2).
F. Special Rule for Affiliated Groups
    As described in part 1.B. of this preamble, section 355(e)(2)(C) 
provides that section 355(e) does not apply to a distribution between 
members of an EAG if, immediately after completion of the Plan, 
Distributing and Controlled both remain members of the same EAG. The 
proposed regulations included a special rule that would rationalize the 
application of section 355(e)(2)(C) within an EAG, following a section 
381 transaction. The proposed regulations provided that, for purposes 
of section 355(e)(2)(C), a POD or POC that was a member of the same EAG 
as Distributing or Controlled (as relevant) at the time of the section 
381 transaction would be treated as continuing in existence within the 
EAG following its transfer of property to Distributing or Controlled in 
the section 381 transaction. Similarly, Distributing or Controlled 
would be treated as continuing in existence following a transfer of 
property to a Successor that was a member of the same EAG. Without this 
rule, for example, because a POD that was a historic member of the EAG 
would not continue to exist for Federal income tax purposes after 
transferring property to Distributing in a combining transfer, section 
355(e)(2)(C) would not prevent section 355(e) from applying to a 
Planned 50-percent Acquisition of the stock of a POD, even if 
Distributing and Controlled remained members of the same EAG 
immediately after completion of the Plan.

3. Summary of Comments and Modifications Adopted in the Temporary 
Regulations

    The Treasury Department and the IRS received formal and informal 
comments regarding the proposed regulations. The comments and 
modifications to the proposed regulations adopted in the temporary 
regulations are discussed here. The temporary regulations retain many 
of the rules of the proposed regulations; however, in response to 
comments, the temporary regulations modify some provisions and add new 
provisions, as discussed in parts 3.A. through 3.D. of this preamble. 
In addition, the temporary regulations include certain non-substantive 
modifications to the organization of the rules of the proposed 
regulations.
A. Comments Regarding Definition of POD
i. Scope of Definition of a POD and Application of Sec.  1.355-7 Plan 
Rules
    The Treasury Department and the IRS received a comment regarding 
the narrow scope of the definition of a POD in the proposed 
regulations. Under the proposed regulations, the definition of a POD 
was limited to a corporation that, before the distribution, transferred 
property to Distributing in a section 381 transaction. Further, 
following the transfer from a POD, Distributing must have transferred 
some (but not all) of the acquired property to Controlled (or to a POC, 
as described below), and the basis of such property immediately after 
the transfer to Controlled (or a POC) must have been determined in 
whole or in part by reference to the basis of the property in the hands 
of Distributing immediately before the transfer. The commenter noted 
that the results contemplated by the definition of a POD of the 
proposed regulations (the tax-free separation of the POD's assets in 
the distribution, coupled with a potential 50-percent acquisition of 
the POD's stock) could be effectively replicated in a manner that would 
circumvent that definition and thereby avoid the application of section 
355(e) in substantially similar transactions. For example, assume that 
corporation D2 owns 100 percent of both classes (voting class A and 
voting class B) of corporation D1's stock, and D1 owns all of the stock 
of corporation C. The three corporations together file a consolidated 
return (the D2 group). Assume that the following steps occur as part of 
a Plan: D2 acquires all of the stock of unrelated corporation P in 
exchange for 10 percent of D2's only class of outstanding stock in a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(B). After joining the D2 group, 
P transfers an asset to D1 for less than 20 percent of D1's voting 
class A stock in a section 351 exchange by application of Sec.  1.1502-
34. D1 then transfers the asset to C and distributes all the C stock 
with respect to its voting class B stock to D2 in a transaction 
qualifying under section 355(a). D2 in turn distributes all the C stock 
to its shareholders in a transaction qualifying under section 355(a). 
In such a case, P's assets have been divided tax-free as a result of 
the distribution of C stock, and P has undergone a 50-percent 
acquisition of

[[Page 91742]]

its stock, but section 355(e) would not apply because P did not engage 
in a section 381 transaction, although all steps occurred under a Plan.
    Commenters also expressed concern that the definition of a POD in 
the proposed regulations would apply without regard to whether the 
combining transfer or separating transfer were part of a Plan. These 
commenters further noted that the Plan rules of Sec.  1.355-7, which 
were published after the proposed regulations, did not provide express 
guidance regarding their application in cases involving an acquisition 
of a POD's stock that could implicate section 355(e). The commenters 
recommended that the proposed regulations be modified to include: (1) A 
rule stating that a corporation can satisfy the definition of a POD 
only if both the combining transfer and the separating transfer are 
part of a Plan, and (2) express guidance regarding the application of 
the Sec.  1.355-7 Plan rules in cases involving an acquisition of a 
POD's stock. The comments indicated that, absent the requirement that 
the combining transfer and the separating transfer both be part of a 
Plan, there could be uncertainty as to whether section 355(e) would 
apply to the acquisition of a potential POD if there is no Plan in 
existence at the time of the section 381 transaction. Further, this 
uncertainty would burden taxpayers by requiring assets acquired by 
Distributing in any section 381 transaction at any time to be tracked 
through the date of the distribution without knowing whether section 
355(e) would apply.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the normal 
construct of the Plan rules in Sec.  1.355-7 generally should apply to 
acquisitions of POD stock (as well as to acquisitions of the stock of 
Distributing, Controlled, and their Successors). Accordingly, the 
temporary regulations provide a general rule that references in Sec.  
1.355-7 to Distributing or Controlled are treated as references to a 
POD, POC, or Successor of Distributing or Controlled, as the context 
may require. Further, a reference to a distribution generally includes 
a reference to a distribution and other related pre-distribution 
transactions that together effect a division of the assets of a POD. 
However, special rules apply with regard to the actions taken into 
account in determining whether a 50-percent acquisition of a POD occurs 
as part of Plan. Although a 50-percent acquisition of a POD may occur 
contemporaneously with a distribution made by Distributing, the 
acquisition and distribution might occur as part of a Plan of the POD, 
but without the participation (or even the knowledge) of Distributing. 
Because Distributing would be the corporation that could recognize 
section 355(e) gain, the Treasury Department and the IRS have 
determined that it is not appropriate to apply the rules of Sec.  
1.355-7 by imputing to Distributing the actions of a POD or its 
shareholders. Accordingly, these temporary regulations provide that any 
agreement, understanding, arrangement, or substantial negotiations with 
regard to the acquisition of a POD is analyzed under Sec.  1.355-7 by 
taking into account the actions of officers or directors of 
Distributing or Controlled, controlling shareholders (as defined in 
Sec.  1.355-7(h)(3)) of Distributing or Controlled, or a person acting 
with the implicit or explicit permission of one of those parties. The 
actions of officers or directors of a POD and other parties that might 
be relevant with regard to an analysis under Sec.  1.355-7 if the POD 
were an actual Distributing are not considered unless those actions 
otherwise would be examined under the preceding sentence (for example, 
if a POD or its shareholder is a controlling shareholder of 
Distributing).
    In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS agree with the 
comment that the definition of a POD in the proposed regulations, with 
its exclusive application to transferors in section 381 transactions, 
did not adequately address section 355(e) policy concerns regarding the 
use of section 355 to facilitate tax-free dispositions of assets. The 
Treasury Department and the IRS also agree with commenters that the 
existence of a Plan should be relevant to the determination of whether 
a corporation is a POD, to minimize the burden of tracking a 
corporation's assets prior to the distribution. Therefore, as described 
in the following paragraphs, the modified definition of a POD contained 
in the temporary regulations takes into account both of these comments.
ii. Modifications to Definition of a POD
a. Synthetic Spin-Off Analysis
    Study by the Treasury Department and the IRS arising from 
consideration of the comments received on the proposed regulations has 
led to the identification of a variety of pre-distribution transactions 
that taxpayers could use to achieve results substantially similar to a 
combining transfer and separating transfer. For example, as described 
in part 3.A.i. of this preamble, a corporation could transfer some, but 
not all, of its assets to Distributing in a section 351 exchange, with 
those assets ultimately being held by Controlled when its stock is 
distributed by Distributing. However, under the proposed regulations, 
POD status would not attach to the transferor because the division of 
the transferor's assets would be accomplished using a section 351 
exchange and not in a section 381 transaction (that is, a combining 
transfer).
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have reviewed the major goal of 
the proposed regulations, as discussed at part 2.A. of this preamble: 
To apply section 355(e) in cases in which, as part of a Plan, a tax-
free division of the ownership of the POD's assets would otherwise be 
achieved through the use of a section 355 distribution. Although not 
discussed in depth in the preamble of the proposed regulations, the 
overarching theory was to apply section 355(e) to a section 355 
distribution if, as part of a Plan, some of the assets of a POD were 
transferred to Controlled without full recognition of gain, and the 
distribution accomplished a division of the POD's assets. The Treasury 
Department and the IRS viewed (and continue to view) this type of 
transaction as a vehicle for achieving, as a result of the distribution 
of Controlled stock, the tax-free separation of the assets that the POD 
transferred to Distributing that are further transferred to Controlled 
(a synthetic spin-off). The POD might have separated those assets in a 
divisive D reorganization, without the intervention of Distributing. 
However, in that case, section 355(e) may have applied to the section 
355 distribution, whereas, absent treatment as a POD, a synthetic spin-
off of the POD's assets would not be subject to section 355(e).
    The proposed regulations defined a POD narrowly, so that a 
corporation that transferred some of its assets to Controlled would be 
a POD only if it first transferred those assets to Distributing in a 
section 381 transaction. To achieve the goal of applying section 355(e) 
to synthetic spin-offs more effectively, these temporary regulations 
have both broadened and limited the scope of the definition of a POD. 
As discussed in greater detail in part 3.A.ii.b. of this preamble, the 
temporary regulations eliminate the formalistic requirements of a 
combining transfer followed by a separating transfer and generally 
identify as a POD any corporation whose assets are divided as part of a 
Plan as a result of some but not all of those assets being transferred 
to Controlled without the recognition of all of the built-in gain on 
the transferred assets before the distribution. No specific 
transactional form is required with regard to the transfer(s) of assets 
to

[[Page 91743]]

Controlled, although such transfers must be made as part of a Plan. 
Thus, Distributing may recognize section 355(e) gain on a distribution 
of Controlled stock if Controlled acquired assets of any corporation 
identified as a POD, and the POD experiences a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of its stock.
b. Definition of a POD in the Temporary Regulations
    Consistent with the synthetic spin-off analysis described in part 
3.A.ii.a. of this preamble, the temporary regulations focus in a more 
conceptual manner on the division of property of any corporation other 
than Distributing or Controlled (a Potential Predecessor) as part of a 
Plan. Certain property of a Potential Predecessor (Relevant Property) 
is required to be tracked for the purpose of determining whether a 
division of the Potential Predecessor's property has occurred. Relevant 
Property is defined as any property held, directly or indirectly, by 
the Potential Predecessor at any point during the Plan Period. The Plan 
Period, in turn, is defined as the period that ends immediately after 
the distribution and begins on the earliest date on which any pre-
distribution step that is part of the Plan is agreed to or understood, 
arranged, or substantially negotiated by one or more officers or 
directors acting on behalf of Distributing or Controlled, by 
controlling shareholders of Distributing or Controlled, or by another 
person or persons with the implicit or explicit permission of one or 
more of such officers, directors, or controlling shareholders. The 
temporary regulations generally do not treat as Relevant Property any 
property of a Potential Predecessor that was held directly or 
indirectly by Distributing or Controlled before a Plan existed. Rather, 
the definition of Relevant Property of a Potential Predecessor excludes 
any property held directly or indirectly by Distributing unless that 
property was directly or indirectly transferred to Distributing as part 
of a Plan, and it was Relevant Property of the Potential Predecessor 
before the transfer.
    Because POD status under the temporary regulations depends in large 
part upon the division of the Relevant Property of a Potential 
Predecessor, Relevant Property must be carefully defined and transfers 
of Relevant Property as part of a Plan must be tracked to achieve the 
goals of the temporary regulations. Thus, although the modified 
definition of a POD is conceptual in nature, it is implemented through 
application of a set of defined terms. In addition to Relevant Property 
and Plan Period, the following defined terms are integral to applying 
the modified definition of a POD:
    Relevant Stock--Stock that is a Potential Predecessor's Relevant 
Property.
    Substitute Asset--In general, any property that is held directly or 
indirectly by Distributing during the Plan Period and that was received 
in exchange for Relevant Property that was acquired directly or 
indirectly by Distributing if all gain on the transferred Relevant 
Property is not recognized in the exchange. In addition, stock received 
by Distributing in a distribution qualifying under section 305(a) or 
section 355(a) on Relevant Stock is a Substitute Asset.
    Separated Property--Each item of Relevant Property that is 
transferred to Controlled as part of a Plan and is held by Controlled 
immediately before the distribution. Also, Controlled stock that is 
Relevant Property and that is transferred to, and distributed by, 
Distributing as part of a Plan.
    Underlying Property--Property directly or indirectly held by a 
corporation that is the issuer of Relevant Stock.
    The definition of a POD, which focuses on the division of Relevant 
Property as part of a Plan, requires the satisfaction of both pre-
distribution and post-distribution requirements. There are two pre-
distribution requirements: A Relevant Property requirement and a 
reflection of basis requirement. The Relevant Property requirement may 
be satisfied in two ways. The Relevant Property requirement may be 
satisfied if, before the distribution and as part of a Plan, 
Distributing directly or indirectly acquires Controlled stock in 
exchange for a direct or indirect interest in Relevant Property. In 
addition, Controlled must directly or indirectly hold Relevant Property 
immediately before the distribution, and the gain in the Relevant 
Property must not have been fully recognized as part of the Plan. The 
Relevant Property requirement also may be satisfied if any Controlled 
stock that is distributed as part of the Plan is Relevant Property, and 
the full amount of gain on that Controlled stock is not recognized as 
part of the Plan. In either case and as discussed earlier in this part 
3.A.ii.b., for purposes of determining POD status, a Potential 
Predecessor will not be treated as an indirect owner of property that 
is directly or indirectly held by Distributing unless that property was 
transferred to Distributing as part of a Plan.
    The reflection of basis requirement is satisfied only if any 
Controlled stock distributed in the distribution reflects the basis of 
any Separated Property. This requirement ensures that there is a 
connection between the gain in the property of a POD and the gain that 
would be included under an application of section 355(e) and these 
temporary regulations. For example, under this rule, if section 355(e) 
applies to each of two sequential distributions of Controlled stock, 
the Controlled stock that is distributed in the second distribution 
might not reflect any gain in Separated Property of a Potential 
Predecessor of the first Distributing. In that case, the Potential 
Predecessor will not be treated as a POD for purposes of the second 
distribution, even though that Potential Predecessor may have been a 
POD for purposes of the first distribution.
    In addition to the two pre-distribution requirements, a single 
post-distribution requirement applies: Immediately after the 
distribution, direct or indirect ownership of Relevant Property must 
have been divided between Controlled on the one hand, and Distributing 
or the Potential Predecessor (or a successor of a Potential 
Predecessor) on the other hand. For purposes of the preceding sentence, 
if a Potential Predecessor transfers property in a section 381 
transaction to a corporation (other than Distributing or Controlled) 
during the Plan Period, the corporation is a successor to the Potential 
Predecessor. If all of the Relevant Property of a Potential Predecessor 
is transferred to Controlled before the distribution, that Potential 
Predecessor is not a POD because its assets have not been divided.
    Special rules apply to ensure that the occurrence of a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(E) or (F) to which Distributing 
is a party does not affect the analysis of whether Distributing stock 
or Distributing's direct and indirect assets are treated as Relevant 
Property.
    The definition of a POD under the temporary regulations captures 
many of the same transactions that would have been captured under the 
proposed regulations without modification. For example, the merger of a 
Potential Predecessor into Distributing as part of a Plan, followed by 
the transfer of some (but not all) of the assets of the Potential 
Predecessor to Controlled as part of the Plan would result in the 
Potential Predecessor being treated as a POD under both regulations. 
However, the definition of a POD under the temporary regulations will 
reach a number of other Potential Predecessors, including indirect 
transferors, particularly because, under the modified definition, 
Relevant Property expressly includes

[[Page 91744]]

both the directly and indirectly-held property of a Potential 
Predecessor. Therefore, in determining whether Relevant Property has 
been divided (and, thus, whether a POD exists), the temporary 
regulations consider an expanded pool of Potential Predecessors. For 
example, if a Potential Predecessor transfers Relevant Property to 
Distributing in a section 351 exchange as part of a Plan, the Potential 
Predecessor may be a POD, as may be a direct or indirect corporate 
shareholder of the Potential Predecessor (an indirect owner of the 
Relevant Property during the Plan Period), if the Potential 
Predecessor's Relevant Property (directly or indirectly held) is 
ultimately divided, as part of the Plan, as a result of the 
distribution. As another example, a Potential Predecessor that merges 
into Distributing in a forward triangular merger as part of a Plan may 
be a POD, as well as a direct or indirect corporate shareholder of the 
Potential Predecessor during the Plan Period. However, as discussed 
earlier in this part 3.A.ii.b., in either case, the Potential 
Predecessor's Relevant Property ultimately must be divided as part of 
the Plan to satisfy the post-distribution requirement.
    As discussed earlier in this part 3.A.ii.b., the temporary 
regulations require the tracking of assets for purposes of identifying 
PODs; as discussed further in part 3.B. of this preamble, the temporary 
regulations also require asset tracking for purposes of application of 
the gain limitation rules. However, to alleviate this burden (as 
identified in the comments received on the proposed regulations), the 
temporary regulations provide that only direct or indirect transfers of 
Relevant Property (including Controlled stock) by a Potential 
Predecessor to Distributing (or to a POD (see discussion in part 
3.A.iii. of this preamble)) that occur as part of a Plan are relevant 
in determining whether a Potential Predecessor is treated as a POD or a 
predecessor of a POD (the Plan Limitation). Similarly, only assets 
transferred as part of a Plan are relevant for application of the gain 
limitation rules. If no transfer of property of a Potential Predecessor 
to Distributing or Controlled occurs as part of a Plan, there is no 
requirement for taxpayers to track assets of any Potential Predecessor 
under the temporary regulations.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS recognize that there may be 
potential difficulties in applying section 355(e) to a POD that does 
not cease to exist as a result of the transaction in which it becomes a 
POD. However, it is expected that in many (if not most) cases, a POD 
will cease to exist as a result of the transaction in which it becomes 
a POD. Further, under the first gain limitation rule of the temporary 
regulations, Distributing will recognize section 355(e) gain on the 
division of Relevant Property only if there has been a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of a POD. Because only acquisitions of a POD's 
stock that occur as part of a Plan are relevant to these inquiries, 
Distributing should be in possession of the necessary information to 
determine whether section 355(e) will apply. The Treasury Department 
and the IRS request comments regarding the integration of the Plan 
Limitation rule and the definition of a POD under the temporary 
regulations.
iii. Substitute Assets and POCs
    As discussed in part 3.A.ii.b. of this preamble, the POD status 
under these temporary regulations depends in large part upon the 
division of Relevant Property of a Potential Predecessor as part of a 
Plan. Therefore, to better effectuate the tracking of Relevant Property 
(and, by extension, Separated Property), these temporary regulations 
broaden the definition of a Substitute Asset, which is treated as 
Relevant Property. Under these temporary regulations, a Substitute 
Asset is any property that is held directly or indirectly by 
Distributing during the Plan Period and was received in exchange for 
Relevant Property that was acquired directly or indirectly by 
Distributing if all gain on the transferred Relevant Property is not 
recognized on the exchange. Controlled stock may constitute a 
Substitute Asset (and thus, Relevant Property) only if that Controlled 
stock received (or deemed received) in the exchange reflects the basis 
of Relevant Stock and the issuer of that Relevant Stock ceases to exist 
for Federal income tax purposes under the Plan. Treatment of this type 
of Controlled stock as Relevant Property eliminates the need for 
application of the POC concept for purposes of determining POD status 
and computing gain limitations. Accordingly, these temporary 
regulations reduce the scope of the POC rule to apply solely for 
purposes of applying the affiliated group rule of section 355(e)(2)(C).
iv. Successive Predecessors
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the Plan 
Limitation rule described in part 3.A.ii.b. of this preamble mitigates 
much of the burden associated with tracking successive PODs. Thus, the 
temporary regulations treat a predecessor of a POD as a POD. A 
corporation is a predecessor of a POD if it transfers assets to the POD 
as part of a Plan, and all additional pre- and post-distribution 
requirements are satisfied with respect to its assets. The temporary 
regulations include a similar rule with respect to a predecessor of a 
POC. Because the temporary regulations recognize successive 
predecessors of Distributing and Controlled, it is no longer necessary 
to include the general operating rule contained in the proposed 
regulations that would have treated the resulting corporation in an F 
reorganization as the same corporation that engaged in the 
reorganization. Accordingly, the temporary regulations eliminate this 
operating rule.
B. Special Rules for Gain Recognition
    The gain limitation rules of the proposed regulations are 
incorporated in the temporary regulations, with modifications to 
address certain concerns of commenters. Commenters expressed three main 
concerns with respect to the first gain limitation in the proposed 
regulations, which applies if there is a Planned 50-percent Acquisition 
of a POD.
    First, commenters stated that the hypothetical section 351 exchange 
construct used in the first gain limitation rule to determine 
Distributing's section 355(e) gain on a Planned 50-percent Acquisition 
of a POD was unnecessarily complicated because of its reliance on rules 
ancillary to section 351. Specifically, commenters were uncertain as to 
whether (or how) the loss importation rules under then-recently-enacted 
section 362(e) would apply to the hypothetical section 351 exchange. 
Commenters requested that, in lieu of the hypothetical section 351 
exchange, gain be limited to the difference between the aggregate basis 
in the POD's assets actually transferred to Controlled and the 
aggregate fair market value of those assets immediately before the 
distribution.
    The second main concern of commenters was that the proposed 
regulations imposed a tracking burden with respect to a POD's assets. 
Third, commenters noted that measuring the value of Controlled stock 
acquired by Distributing from a POD at the time of the combining 
transfer (as opposed to at the time of the distribution, as is the case 
with other property) could be burdensome.
    With regard to the first concern, the Treasury Department and the 
IRS do not agree with the commenters' suggestion that the first gain 
limitation rule applicable to a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a POD 
should be measured solely by reference to the

[[Page 91745]]

difference between the aggregate basis and the aggregate fair market 
value in a POD's assets transferred to Controlled. Outside of the POD 
context, application of section 355(e) results in the recognition of 
gain on Controlled stock, rather than on assets held by Controlled. As 
discussed in part 3.A.ii.a. of this preamble, the policy underlying the 
proposed regulations was to apply section 355(e) to result in section 
355(e) gain equivalent to that obtained if some of the assets of a POD 
had been transferred to a hypothetical Controlled without full 
recognition of gain, and a division of the POD's assets were 
accomplished through a hypothetical distribution to which section 
355(e) applied. That theory continues to underlie these temporary 
regulations. Therefore, the Treasury Department and the IRS have 
determined that a limitation on section 355(e) gain equal to the gain 
in the stock of a hypothetical Controlled following a transfer of POD 
assets is appropriate. In addition, the commenters' concerns regarding 
the possible application of section 362(e), highlighted by the use of a 
hypothetical section 351 and sale construct in the proposed 
regulations, should be eased by the intervening promulgation of final 
regulations under section 362(e)(1) and (2). See Sec. Sec.  1.362-3 and 
1.362-4. However, to avoid confusion regarding the applicable Code 
provisions to be applied in determining the appropriate amount of 
section 355(e) gain to be recognized by Distributing, these temporary 
regulations modify the first and second gain limitation rules to result 
in section 355(e) gain that would have been present in hypothetical 
Controlled stock, had Distributing transferred assets to a hypothetical 
Controlled and distributed its stock in a hypothetical reorganization 
under section 368(a)(1)(D) and section 355(e) (a Hypothetical D/355(e) 
Reorganization), rather than a section 351 exchange followed by a 
hypothetical sale. This formulation will more closely reflect the 
policy underlying the proposed regulations and these temporary 
regulations.
    With regard to the second concern, as discussed in part 3.A.ii.b. 
of this preamble, these temporary regulations mitigate the burden of 
tracking assets by providing that a Potential Predecessor can be a POD 
only if the assets of the Potential Predecessor are transferred as part 
of a Plan. If such a transfer occurs as part of a Plan, the required 
tracking burden is knowable by Distributing; if there is no Plan, there 
is no requirement to track any assets of a Potential Predecessor under 
the temporary regulations. In addition, the Treasury Department and the 
IRS continue to view the burden of tracking a POD's assets imposed by 
the first gain limitation rule as preferable to requiring Distributing 
to recognize the full amount of section 355(e) gain that Distributing 
would otherwise recognize under section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) (the 
Statutory Recognition Amount) in the absence of such a rule. 
Nevertheless, the temporary regulations provide that Distributing may 
choose not to apply the first or second gain limitation rules to a 
distribution, and instead may recognize the Statutory Recognition 
Amount, by reporting the Statutory Recognition Amount on its original 
or amended Federal income tax return for the year of the distribution.
    With regard to the measurement of gain on Controlled stock that is 
Separated Property, the Treasury Department and the IRS agree that it 
is preferable to measure this gain as of the time of the distribution. 
Using the date of the distribution to measure the gain attributable to 
the POD's Controlled stock allows for investment adjustments to be made 
with respect to such stock if Distributing is a member of a 
consolidated group. Such adjustments often will mitigate the effect of 
multiple layers of taxation on the same economic gain. Accordingly, 
these temporary regulations include modifications to the proposed 
regulations that address the commenters' concerns.
    The temporary regulations implement the modifications discussed 
using terminology that is consistent with the modification of the 
definition of a POD. Thus, the temporary regulations provide that the 
first gain limitation rule applicable to a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of a POD equals the amount of section 355(e) gain 
Distributing would have recognized if, immediately before the 
distribution, Distributing had transferred all the Separated Property 
received from the POD to a newly-formed corporation in exchange solely 
for stock of such corporation in a Hypothetical D/355(e) 
Reorganization.
    With regard to situations in which there is a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of Distributing, the temporary regulations modify the 
language of the second gain limitation rule to conform to the modified 
definition of a POD. However, the substance of the rule remains: If the 
Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing stock occurs in a 
section 381 transaction in which a POD transfers its assets to 
Distributing, the amount of section 355(e) gain recognized is limited. 
This rule is intended to minimize the Federal income tax impact of 
directionality between economically equivalent section 381 
transactions. That is, the same result should obtain under the 
temporary regulations regardless of which party to the section 381 
transaction is the transferor corporation and which is the acquiring 
corporation.
    Because the temporary regulations require the tracking of both the 
direct and indirect assets of PODs, the Treasury Department and the IRS 
have determined that certain additional limitations on the recognition 
of gain are appropriate. First, the definition of Separated Property 
excludes property indirectly held by a POD if the stock of the 
corporation that directly owns the property is Separated Property (and 
thus is already taken into account for gain recognition purposes). 
Thus, a corporation's Underlying Property is excluded from the gain 
recognition computation if the corporation's stock is Relevant Stock 
transferred to Controlled as part of a Plan and held by Controlled 
immediately before the distribution. The temporary regulations also 
provide a prohibition on counting the same asset as Relevant Property 
of successive PODs, as well as a more general anti-duplication rule, 
which ensures that the same economic gain is not captured multiple 
times under section 355(e) and these regulations.
C. Section 336(e) Election
    Effective for certain sales, exchanges, or distributions of stock 
made by a domestic corporation on or after May 15, 2013, regulations 
under section 336(e) permit, in certain circumstances, a domestic 
corporation to elect to treat a sale, exchange, or distribution of the 
stock of a corporation as an asset sale. See Sec. Sec.  1.336-1 through 
1.336-5. The temporary regulations clarify that Distributing may elect 
to apply the regulations under section 336(e) to a distribution of 
Controlled stock to which the temporary regulations apply, provided 
that the transaction otherwise satisfies the requirements of the 
regulations under section 336(e), and Distributing would otherwise be 
required under these temporary regulations to recognize the Statutory 
Recognition Amount with respect to the Controlled stock its 
distributes.
D. Successors
    In the preamble to the proposed regulations, the Treasury 
Department and the IRS requested comments regarding whether transferees 
of the property of Distributing or Controlled in transactions other 
than section 381 transactions should be considered Successors. One 
comment on the

[[Page 91746]]

proposed regulations endorsed treating a transferee in a section 351 or 
section 721 transaction as a Successor, but only in limited 
circumstances. Although the Treasury Department and the IRS continue to 
study this issue, the temporary regulations treat as a Successor for 
section 355(e) purposes only a transferee to which Distributing or 
Controlled transferred its assets in a section 381 transaction after a 
distribution.
E. Section 355(f)
    As described in part 1.B. of this preamble, by operation of section 
355(e)(2)(C), section 355(e) does not apply to an Internal Distribution 
if immediately after the Plan Distributing and each Controlled remain 
members of the same Expanded Affiliated Group. Also, as described in 
part 1.B. of this preamble, section 355(f) prevents section 355 from 
applying to an Internal Distribution if section 355(e) would otherwise 
apply to such distribution (that is, if after the Plan, Controlled or 
the Lower-Tier Distributing is not a member of the affiliated group as 
a result of an External Distribution). Because section 355 would not 
apply, the Internal Distribution would be taxable, and the shareholder 
or security holder would take the Controlled stock or securities with a 
fair market value basis under section 301(d). Upon the subsequent 
External Distribution, there typically no longer would be built-in gain 
in the Controlled stock or securities to result in additional section 
355(e) gain.
    The Treasury Department and the IRS have determined that the 
application of section 355(f) may frustrate the policy underlying the 
first and second gain limitation rules of these temporary regulations 
in certain cases. Specifically, if there is a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of only a predecessor of the Lower-Tier Distributing (and 
not of Controlled or the Lower-Tier Distributing), the stock or 
securities of Controlled are distributed in an Internal Distribution by 
the Lower-Tier Distributing, and each of the acquisition(s) and the 
Internal Distribution precedes an External Distribution of Controlled 
as part of the same Plan, then section 355(f) would be expected to 
apply to the Internal Distribution. If section 355(f) were to apply, no 
part of section 355 would apply (including the gain limitation rules 
under these temporary regulations). Without application of the first 
and second gain limitation rules, the full amount of built-in gain in 
the Controlled stock or securities would be recognized by the Lower-
Tier Distributing under section 311 on its distribution of Controlled 
stock, even though section 355(f) would have applied only as a result 
of a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a predecessor of the Lower-Tier 
Distributing (and not of Controlled or the Lower-Tier Distributing). 
However, there may be circumstances under which taxpayers wish to apply 
section 355(f) to such distributions instead of the first or second 
gain limitation rules provided by these temporary regulations.
    Accordingly, these temporary regulations provide that section 
355(f) does not apply if there is a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
the stock of a predecessor of a Lower-Tier Distributing but not of the 
stock of the Lower-Tier Distributing or Controlled. As a result, 
section 355(e), including the first and second gain limitation rules in 
these temporary regulations, applies to the Internal Distribution. 
However, the temporary regulations provide that a Lower-Tier 
Distributing may choose to apply section 355(f) to an Internal 
Distribution it makes without any limitation on the gain it recognizes, 
but only if each member of the affiliated group (as defined in section 
1504(a)) of which the Lower-Tier Distributing is a member reports the 
Federal income tax consequences of the Internal Distribution consistent 
with the application of section 355(f).

Effective/Applicability Date

    These temporary regulations apply to distributions that occur after 
January 18, 2017. However, these regulations do not apply to a 
distribution that is: (1) Made pursuant to a binding agreement in 
effect on or before December 16, 2016, and at all times thereafter, (2) 
described in a ruling request submitted to the IRS on or before 
December 16, 2016 for a transaction that is not modified after such 
date, or (3) described on or before December 16, 2016 in a public 
announcement or in a filing with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. In addition, Distributing and any affiliated group of which 
it is a member may consistently apply these regulations in their 
entirety to any distribution occurring after November 22, 2004. If so, 
taxpayers must consistently apply this section in its entirety to all 
distributions occurring after November 22, 2004, that are part of the 
same Plan.

Special Analyses

    Certain IRS regulations, including this one, are exempt from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866, as supplemented and reaffirmed 
by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory impact assessment is 
not required. These temporary regulations are necessary to provide 
necessary guidance regarding the identity of predecessor and successor 
corporations of distributing and controlled corporations, to enable 
taxpayers to utilize the benefit of certain gain limitation rules with 
respect to certain section 355(e) transactions, and to enable taxpayers 
to choose to apply or not to apply section 355(f). These subjects were 
framed for discussion in a prior notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-
145535-02) and modifications to the proposed regulations in these 
temporary regulations either flow directly from comments received 
relating to the definition of a Predecessor of Distributing set forth 
in that notice of proposed rulemaking or permit taxpayers to 
effectively elect the tax consequences of transactions subject to the 
proposed regulations. For this reason, it has been determined, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), that good cause exists for dispensing with the 
notice and public comment procedures. However, to minimize their effect 
on pending transactions, these regulations apply only to distributions 
occurring 30 days or more after the date this Treasury decision is 
published in the Federal Register. For the applicability of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6), refer to the Special 
Analyses section of the preamble of the cross-referenced notice of 
proposed rulemaking published in the Proposed Rules section of this 
issue of the Federal Register. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the 
Internal Revenue Code, this regulation has been submitted to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment 
on its impact on small businesses.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of these regulations is Lynlee C. Baker, 
formerly of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate). However, 
other personnel from the Treasury Department and the IRS participated 
in their development.

List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is amended as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

0
Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by adding an 
entry in numerical order to read in part as follows:


[[Page 91747]]


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

    Section 1.355-8T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 336(e) and 
355(e)(5).


0
Par. 2. Section 1.355-0 is amended by revising the introductory text 
and adding an entry for Sec.  1.355-8T to read as follows:


Sec.  1.355-0   Outline of sections.

    In order to facilitate the use of Sec. Sec.  1.355-1 through 1.355-
8T, this section lists the major paragraphs in those sections as 
follows:
* * * * *
Sec.  1.355-8T Definition of predecessor and successor and 
limitations on gain recognition under section 355(e) and section 
355(f).

    (a) In general.
    (1) Scope.
    (2) Purpose.
    (3) Overview.
    (4) References.
    (i) References to Distributing or Controlled.
    (ii) References to Plan or distribution.
    (iii) Plan Period.
    (b) Predecessor of Distributing.
    (1) Definition.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Pre-distribution requirements.
    (A) Relevant Property.
    (B) Reflection of basis.
    (iii) Post-distribution requirement.
    (2) Additional definitions and rules related to paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section.
    (i) References to Distributing and Controlled.
    (ii) Potential Predecessor.
    (iii) Successors of Potential Predecessors.
    (iv) Relevant Property; Relevant Stock.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Property held by Distributing.
    (C) Certain reorganizations.
    (v) Stock of Distributing as Relevant Property.
    (A) In general.
    (B) Certain reorganizations.
    (vi) Substitute Asset.
    (vii) Separated Property.
    (viii) Underlying Property.
    (ix) Scope of definition of Predecessor of Distributing.
    (x) Deemed exchanges.
    (c) Additional definitions.
    (1) Predecessor of Controlled.
    (2) Successors.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Determination of Successor status.
    (3) Section 381 transaction.
    (d) Special acquisition rules.
    (1) Deemed acquisitions of stock in section 381 transactions.
    (2) Deemed acquisitions of stock after section 381 transactions.
    (3) Separate counting for Distributing and each Predecessor of 
Distributing.
    (e) Special rules for gain recognition.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Planned 50-percent or greater acquisitions of a Predecessor 
of Distributing.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Operating rules.
    (A) Separated Property other than Controlled stock.
    (B) Controlled stock that is Separated Property.
    (C) Anti-duplication rule.
    (3) Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing in a section 
381 transaction.
    (4) Overall gain recognition.
    (5) Section 336(e) election.
    (f) Predecessor or Successor as a member of the affiliated 
group.
    (g) Inapplicability of section 355(f) to certain intra-group 
distributions.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Alternative application of section 355(f).
    (h) Examples.
    (i) Effective/applicability date.
    (1) In general.
    (2) Transition rule.
    (i) In general.
    (ii) Definition of distribution.
    (3) Exception.


0
Par. 3. Section 1.355-8T is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.355-8T   Definition of predecessor and successor and 
limitations on gain recognition under section 355(e) and section 355(f) 
(temporary).

    (a) In general--(1) Scope. This section provides rules under 
section 355(e)(4)(D) to determine whether a corporation is treated as a 
predecessor or successor of a distributing corporation (Distributing) 
or a controlled corporation (Controlled) for purposes of section 
355(e). This section also provides rules limiting the amount of 
Distributing's gain recognized under section 355(e) on the distribution 
of Controlled stock if section 355(e) applies to an acquisition by one 
or more persons, as part of a Plan (within the meaning of Sec.  1.355-7 
as modified by paragraph (a)(3) of this section), of stock that in the 
aggregate represents a 50-percent or greater interest (a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition) of a Predecessor of Distributing (as defined in 
paragraph (b) of this section), or of Distributing. In addition, this 
section provides rules regarding the application of section 336(e) to a 
distribution to which this section applies and the application of 
section 355(f) to a distribution of Controlled stock in certain cases.
    (2) Purpose. The rules in this section have two principal purposes. 
The first is to ensure that section 355(e) applies to a section 355 
distribution if, as part of a Plan, some of the assets of a Predecessor 
of Distributing (as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section) are 
transferred directly or indirectly to Controlled without full 
recognition of gain, and the distribution accomplishes a division of 
the assets of the Predecessor of Distributing. The second is to ensure 
that section 355(e) applies when there is a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of a Successor of Distributing or Successor of Controlled 
(as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section). The rules of this 
section must be interpreted and applied in a manner that is consistent 
with and reasonably carries out the purposes of this section.
    (3) Overview. This section applies if a distribution of Controlled 
stock (or stock and securities) is part of the same Plan that includes 
a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a Predecessor of Distributing, 
Distributing, Controlled, a Successor of Distributing, or a Successor 
of Controlled. Paragraph (a)(4) of this section provides rules 
regarding references to the terms Distributing, Controlled, 
distribution, Plan, and Plan Period for purposes of section 355(e), 
Sec.  1.355-7, and this section. Paragraph (b) of this section defines 
the term Predecessor of Distributing and several related terms. A 
corporation generally will be a Predecessor of Distributing if: As part 
of a Plan, the distribution accomplishes a division of the assets that 
the corporation directly and indirectly held during the Plan Period; 
that division occurs through transfers, as part of a Plan, resulting in 
Controlled directly or indirectly holding some but not all of those 
assets immediately after the distribution; and all of the gain on that 
corporation's assets directly or indirectly held by Controlled is not 
recognized before the distribution. In addition, a corporation 
generally will be a Predecessor of Distributing if: As part of a Plan, 
the distribution accomplishes a division of the assets that it directly 
and indirectly held during the Plan Period; that division occurs as a 
result of the direct or indirect transfer of Controlled stock by that 
corporation to Distributing without the transfer of all of the 
corporation's other assets to Controlled; and all of the gain on the 
corporation's assets (including the Controlled stock) directly or 
indirectly held by Controlled is not recognized before the 
distribution. In both cases, Controlled stock distributed in the 
distribution must reflect the basis of any Separated Property (as 
defined in paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section). Paragraph (c) of 
this section defines other terms, including Predecessor of Controlled 
and Successor (of Distributing or Controlled). Paragraph (d) of this 
section provides guidance with regard to acquisitions and deemed 
acquisitions of stock if there is a Predecessor of Distributing or a 
Successor of either Distributing or Controlled. Paragraph (e) of this 
section provides two rules that may limit the amount of Distributing's 
gain on the distribution of Controlled stock if there is a Predecessor 
of Distributing, as well as an overall gain limitation. Paragraph

[[Page 91748]]

(e) of this section also provides guidance with respect to the 
application of section 336(e). Regardless of whether there is a 
predecessor or successor of Distributing or Controlled, paragraph (f) 
of this section provides a special rule relating to section 
355(e)(2)(C), which provides that section 355(e) does not apply to 
certain transactions within an affiliated group (as defined in section 
1504(a) without regard to section 1504(b)). Paragraph (g) of this 
section provides rules coordinating the application of section 355(f) 
with the rules of this section. Paragraph (h) of this section contains 
examples that illustrate the rules of this section.
    (4) References--(i) References to Distributing or Controlled. For 
purposes of section 355(e) and the regulations thereunder, except as 
otherwise provided in this section, any reference to Distributing or 
Controlled includes, as the context may require, a reference to any 
Predecessor of Distributing (as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section) or Predecessor of Controlled (as defined in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section), respectively, or any Successor (as defined in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section) of Distributing or Controlled, 
respectively. However, except as otherwise provided in this section, a 
reference to a Predecessor of Distributing or to a Successor of 
Distributing does not include a reference to Distributing, and a 
reference to a Predecessor of Controlled or to a Successor of 
Controlled does not include a reference to Controlled.
    (ii) References to Plan or distribution. Except as otherwise 
provided in this section, references to a Plan in this section are 
references to a plan within the meaning of Sec.  1.355-7. References to 
a distribution in Sec.  1.355-7 include a reference to a distribution 
and other related pre-distribution transactions that together effect a 
division of the assets of a Predecessor of Distributing. In determining 
whether a distribution and a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a 
predecessor or successor of Distributing or Controlled are part of a 
Plan, the rules of Sec.  1.355-7 apply. In those cases, references to 
Distributing or Controlled in Sec.  1.355-7 generally include 
references to a predecessor or successor of Distributing or Controlled. 
However, with regard to any possible Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
a Predecessor of Distributing, any agreement, understanding, 
arrangement, or substantial negotiations with regard to the acquisition 
of the stock of the Predecessor of Distributing is analyzed under Sec.  
1.355-7 with regard to the actions of officers or directors of 
Distributing or Controlled, controlling shareholders (as defined in 
Sec.  1.355-7(h)(3)) of Distributing or Controlled, or a person acting 
with permission of one of those parties. For that purpose, references 
in Sec.  1.355-7 to Distributing do not include references to a 
Predecessor of Distributing. Therefore, the actions of officers or 
directors, or controlling shareholders of a Predecessor of 
Distributing, or a person acting with the implicit or explicit 
permission of one of those parties are not considered unless those 
parties otherwise would be treated as acting on behalf of Distributing 
or Controlled under Sec.  1.355-7 (for example, if a Predecessor of 
Distributing is a controlling shareholder of Distributing).
    (iii) Plan Period. For purposes of this section, the term Plan 
Period means the period that ends immediately after the distribution 
and begins on the earliest date on which any pre-distribution step that 
is part of the Plan is agreed to or understood, arranged, or 
substantially negotiated by one or more officers or directors acting on 
behalf of Distributing or Controlled, by controlling shareholders of 
Distributing or Controlled, or by another person or persons with the 
implicit or explicit permission of one or more of such officers, 
directors, or controlling shareholders. For purposes of the preceding 
sentence, references to Distributing and Controlled do not include 
references to any predecessor or successor of Distributing or 
Controlled.
    (b) Predecessor of Distributing--(1) Definition--(i) In general. A 
Potential Predecessor (as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this 
section) is a Predecessor of Distributing if, taking into account the 
special rules of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the pre-distribution 
requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section and the post-
distribution requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section are 
satisfied.
    (ii) Pre-distribution requirements--(A) Relevant Property. Before 
the distribution, and as part of a Plan, either--
    (1) Any Controlled stock distributed in the distribution was 
directly or indirectly acquired (or deemed acquired under paragraph 
(b)(2)(x) of this section) by Distributing in exchange for any direct 
or indirect interest in Relevant Property (as defined in paragraph 
(b)(2)(iv) of this section)--
    (i) That is held directly or indirectly by Controlled immediately 
before the distribution; and
    (ii) The gain on which was not recognized in full as part of a 
Plan; or
    (2) Any Controlled stock that is distributed in the distribution is 
Relevant Property of the Potential Predecessor, and the gain on that 
Controlled stock was not recognized in full as part of a Plan.
    (B) Reflection of basis. Any Controlled stock distributed in the 
distribution reflects the basis of any Separated Property (as defined 
in paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section).
    (iii) Post-distribution requirement. Immediately after the 
distribution, direct or indirect ownership of Relevant Property has 
been divided between Controlled on the one hand, and Distributing or 
the Potential Predecessor (or a successor of a Potential Predecessor) 
on the other hand. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(1)(iii), if 
Controlled stock that is distributed in the distribution is Relevant 
Property of a Potential Predecessor, then Controlled is deemed to have 
received Relevant Property of the Potential Predecessor.
    (2) Additional definitions and rules related to paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section--(i) References to Distributing and Controlled. For 
purposes of paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) and (b)(1)(iii) of this section, 
references to Distributing and Controlled do not include references to 
any predecessor or successor of Distributing or Controlled.
    (ii) Potential Predecessor. The term Potential Predecessor means a 
corporation other than Distributing or Controlled.
    (iii) Successors of Potential Predecessors. For purposes of 
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, if a Potential Predecessor 
transfers property in a section 381 transaction to a corporation (other 
than Distributing or Controlled) during the Plan Period, the 
corporation is a successor to the Potential Predecessor.
    (iv) Relevant Property; Relevant Stock--(A) In general. Except as 
otherwise provided in this paragraph (b)(2)(iv), the term Relevant 
Property means any property that was held, directly or indirectly, by 
the Potential Predecessor during the Plan Period. The term Relevant 
Stock means stock of a corporation if that stock is a Potential 
Predecessor's Relevant Property.
    (B) Property held by Distributing. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, property held directly or indirectly by 
Distributing (including Controlled stock) is Relevant Property of a 
Potential Predecessor only to the extent that the property was 
transferred directly or indirectly to Distributing during the Plan 
Period, and it was Relevant Property of the Potential Predecessor 
before the direct or indirect transfers. For example, if during the 
Plan Period a subsidiary corporation of a Potential Predecessor merges 
into Controlled in a

[[Page 91749]]

reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) and (2)(D), and, as a result, 
the Potential Predecessor directly or indirectly owns Distributing 
stock received in the merger, the subsidiary's assets held by 
Controlled will be Relevant Property of that Potential Predecessor.
    (C) Certain reorganizations. For purposes of paragraph 
(b)(2)(iv)(B) of this section, the transferor and transferee in any 
reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(F) (F reorganization) are 
treated as a single corporation. Therefore, for example, Relevant 
Property acquired during the Plan Period by a corporation that is a 
transferor (as to a later F reorganization) is treated as having been 
acquired directly (and from the same source) by the transferee (as to 
the later F reorganization) during the Plan Period. In addition, any 
transfer (or deemed transfer) of assets to Distributing in an F 
reorganization will not cause the transferred assets to be treated as 
Relevant Property.
    (v) Stock of Distributing as Relevant Property--(A) In general. For 
purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, except as provided in 
paragraph (b)(2)(v)(B) of this section, stock of Distributing is not 
Relevant Stock (and thus not Relevant Property) to the extent that the 
Potential Predecessor becomes, as part of a Plan, the direct or 
indirect owner of that stock as the result of the transfer to 
Distributing of direct or indirect interests in the Potential 
Predecessor's Relevant Property. For example, stock of Distributing is 
not Relevant Stock if it is acquired by a Potential Predecessor as part 
of a Plan in an exchange to which section 351(a) applies.
    (B) Certain reorganizations. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
of this section, stock of Distributing is Relevant Stock (and thus 
Relevant Property) to the extent that the Potential Predecessor 
becomes, as part of the Plan, the direct or indirect owner of that 
stock as the result of a transaction described in section 368(a)(1)(E).
    (vi) Substitute Asset. The term Substitute Asset means any property 
that is held directly or indirectly by Distributing during the Plan 
Period and was received, during the Plan Period, in exchange for 
Relevant Property that was acquired directly or indirectly by 
Distributing if all gain on the transferred Relevant Property is not 
recognized on the exchange. For example, property received by 
Controlled in exchange for Relevant Property in a transaction 
qualifying under section 1031 is a Substitute Asset. Irrespective of 
the general rule of this paragraph (b)(2)(vi), stock of Controlled 
received in exchange for a direct or indirect transfer of Relevant 
Property by Distributing generally is not a Substitute Asset. However, 
if Controlled stock received or deemed received in an exchange reflects 
in whole or in part the basis of Relevant Stock the issuer of which 
ceases to exist for Federal income tax purposes under the Plan, then 
that Controlled stock will constitute a Substitute Asset. See paragraph 
(b)(2)(x) of this section. In addition, stock received by Distributing 
in a distribution qualifying under section 305(a) or section 355(a) on 
Relevant Stock is a Substitute Asset. For purposes of this section, a 
Substitute Asset is treated as Relevant Property with the same 
ownership and transfer history as the Relevant Property for which (or 
on which) it was received.
    (vii) Separated Property. The term Separated Property means each 
item of Relevant Property that is described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A) 
of this section. However, if Relevant Stock is Separated Property, 
Underlying Property (as defined in paragraph (b)(2)(viii) of this 
section) associated with that stock is not treated as Separated 
Property. In addition, if Distributing directly or indirectly acquires 
Relevant Stock in a transaction in which gain is recognized in full, 
Underlying Property associated with that stock is not treated as 
Separated Property.
    (viii) Underlying Property. The term Underlying Property means 
property directly or indirectly held by a corporation that is the 
issuer of Relevant Stock.
    (ix) Scope of definition of Predecessor of Distributing. If there 
are multiple Potential Predecessors that satisfy the requirements of 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, each of those Potential Predecessors 
will be a Predecessor of Distributing. For example, a Potential 
Predecessor that transfers property to a Predecessor of Distributing 
without full recognition of gain (and that otherwise meets the 
requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section) is also a Predecessor 
of Distributing if the applicable transfer occurred as part of a Plan 
that existed at the time of such transfer.
    (x) Deemed exchanges. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) and 
(b)(2)(vi) of this section, Distributing is treated as acquiring 
Controlled stock in exchange for a direct or indirect interest in 
Relevant Property if the basis of Distributing in that Controlled stock 
reflects the basis of the Relevant Property in whole or in part.
    (c) Additional definitions--(1) Predecessor of Controlled. Solely 
for purposes of applying paragraph (f) of this section, a corporation 
is a Predecessor of Controlled if, before the distribution, it 
transfers property to Controlled in a section 381 transaction as part 
of a Plan. Other than for the purpose described in the preceding 
sentence, no corporation can be a Predecessor of Controlled. For 
purposes of this paragraph (c)(1), a reference to Controlled includes a 
reference to a Predecessor of Controlled. If multiple corporations 
satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (c)(1), each of those 
corporations will be a Predecessor of Controlled. For example, a 
corporation that transfers property to a Predecessor of Controlled in a 
section 381 transaction is also a Predecessor of Controlled if the 
section 381 transaction occurred as part of a Plan that existed at the 
time of such transaction.
    (2) Successors--(i) In general. A Successor of Distributing or 
Controlled, respectively, is a corporation to which Distributing or 
Controlled transfers property in a section 381 transaction after the 
distribution (a Successor Transaction).
    (ii) Determination of Successor status. More than one corporation 
may be a Successor of Distributing or Controlled. Therefore, if 
Distributing transfers property to another corporation (X) in a section 
381 transaction, and X transfers property to another corporation (Y) in 
a section 381 transaction, then each of X and Y may be a Successor of 
Distributing. In this case, the determination of whether Y is a 
Successor of Distributing is made after the determination of whether X 
is a Successor of Distributing.
    (3) Section 381 transaction. The term section 381 transaction means 
a transaction to which section 381 applies.
    (d) Special acquisition rules--(1) Deemed acquisitions of stock in 
section 381 transactions. Each person that owned an interest in the 
acquiring corporation immediately before a section 381 transaction (an 
Acquiring Owner) is treated for purposes of this section as acquiring, 
in the section 381 transaction, stock representing an interest in the 
distributor or transferor corporation, to the extent that the Acquiring 
Owner did not hold an equivalent direct or indirect interest in the 
distributor or transferor corporation before the section 381 
transaction. For example, if Distributing held a 25-percent interest in 
a Predecessor of Distributing before a section 381 transaction in which 
the Predecessor of Distributing transfers its assets to Distributing, 
each person that owns an interest in Distributing is treated as 
acquiring in the section 381 transaction

[[Page 91750]]

a proportionate share of the remaining 75-percent interest in the 
Predecessor of Distributing. Similarly, each Acquiring Owner of a 
Successor of Distributing is treated as acquiring, in the Successor 
Transaction, stock of Distributing, to the extent that the Acquiring 
Owner did not hold an equivalent direct or indirect interest in 
Distributing before the section 381 transaction.
    (2) Deemed acquisitions of stock after section 381 transactions. 
For purposes of this section, after a section 381 transaction 
(including a Successor Transaction), an acquisition of stock of an 
acquiring corporation (including a deemed stock acquisition under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section) is treated also as an acquisition of 
an interest in the stock of the distributor or transferor corporation. 
For example, an acquisition of the stock of Distributing that occurs 
after a section 381 transaction is treated not only as an acquisition 
of the stock of Distributing, but also as an acquisition of the stock 
of any Predecessor of Distributing whose assets were acquired by 
Distributing in a prior section 381 transaction. Similarly, an 
acquisition of the stock of a Successor of Distributing that occurs 
after the Successor Transaction is treated not only as an acquisition 
of the stock of the Successor of Distributing, but also as an 
acquisition of the stock of Distributing.
    (3) Separate counting for Distributing and each Predecessor of 
Distributing. The measurement of whether one or more persons have 
acquired stock of any specific corporation in a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition is made separately from the measurement of any potential 
Planned 50-percent Acquisition of any other corporation. Therefore, 
there may be a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a Predecessor of 
Distributing even if there is no Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
Distributing. Similarly, there may be a Planned 50-percent Acquisition 
of Distributing even if there is no Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a 
Predecessor of Distributing.
    (e) Special rules for gain recognition--(1) In general. If there 
are Planned 50-percent Acquisitions of multiple corporations (for 
example, two Predecessors of Distributing), Distributing must recognize 
gain in the amount described in section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) (the 
Statutory Recognition Amount), as applicable, with respect to each such 
corporation, subject to the limitations in paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section (relating to the Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a 
Predecessor of Distributing) and paragraph (e)(3) of this section 
(relating to the Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing), if 
applicable. The limitations in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this 
section are applied separately to the Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
each such corporation to determine the amount of gain required to be 
recognized. Paragraph (e)(4) of this section sets forth an overall 
limitation based on the full amount of gain otherwise required to be 
recognized by Distributing by reason of section 355(e). Paragraph 
(e)(5) of this section clarifies the availability of an election under 
section 336(e) with regard to certain distributions.
    (2) Planned 50-percent or greater acquisitions of a Predecessor of 
Distributing--(i) In general. If there is a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of a Predecessor of Distributing, the amount of gain 
recognized by Distributing by reason of section 355(e) as a result of 
the Planned 50-percent Acquisition is limited to the amount of gain, if 
any, that Distributing would have recognized if, immediately before the 
distribution, Distributing had engaged in the following transaction: 
Distributing transferred all Separated Property received from the 
Predecessor of Distributing to a newly-formed corporation in exchange 
solely for stock of such corporation in a reorganization under section 
368(a)(1)(D) and then distributed the stock of such corporation to the 
shareholders of Distributing in a transaction to which section 355(e) 
applied (a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization). This computation is 
applied regardless of whether Distributing actually directly held the 
Separated Property.
    (ii) Operating rules. For purposes of applying paragraph (e)(2)(i) 
of this section, the following rules apply:
    (A) Separated Property other than Controlled stock. The basis and 
fair market value of Separated Property other than stock of Controlled 
treated as transferred by Distributing to a hypothetical Controlled in 
a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization equal the basis and fair market 
value, respectively, of such property in the hands of Controlled 
immediately before the distribution of Controlled stock.
    (B) Controlled stock that is Separated Property. The basis and fair 
market value of the stock of Controlled that is Separated Property 
treated as transferred by Distributing to a hypothetical Controlled in 
a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization equal the basis and fair market 
value, respectively, of such stock in the hands of Distributing 
immediately before the distribution of Controlled stock.
    (C) Anti-duplication rule. A Predecessor of Distributing's 
Separated Property is taken into account for purposes of applying this 
paragraph (e)(2) only to the extent such property was not taken into 
account by Distributing in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization with 
respect to another Predecessor of Distributing. Further, appropriate 
adjustments must be made to prevent other duplicative inclusions of 
section 355(e) gain under this paragraph (e) reflecting the same 
economic gain.
    (3) Planned 50-percent Acquisition of Distributing in a section 381 
transaction. This paragraph (e)(3) applies if there is a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of Distributing (by application of paragraph (d)(1) 
of this section) that occurs as part of a Plan as the result of a 
transfer by a Predecessor of Distributing to Distributing in a section 
381 transaction. In that case, the amount of gain recognized by 
Distributing by reason of section 355(e) as a result of the acquisition 
is the excess, if any, of the Statutory Recognition Amount, as 
applicable, over the amount of gain, if any, that Distributing would 
have been required to recognize under paragraph (e)(2) of this section 
if there had been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of the Predecessor 
of Distributing, but not of Distributing, in the section 381 
transaction. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(3), references to 
Distributing are not references to a Predecessor of Distributing.
    (4) Overall gain recognition. The sum of the amounts required to be 
recognized by Distributing under section 355(e) and the regulations 
thereunder (taking into account paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this 
section) with regard to a single distribution will not exceed the 
Statutory Recognition Amount, as applicable. In addition, Distributing 
may choose not to apply the limitations of paragraph (e)(2) and (3) of 
this section to a distribution, and instead may recognize the Statutory 
Recognition Amount. Distributing indicates its choice to apply the 
preceding sentence by reporting the Statutory Recognition Amount on its 
original or amended Federal income tax return for the year of the 
distribution.
    (5) Section 336(e) election. Distributing is not eligible to make a 
section 336(e) election with respect to a distribution to which this 
section applies unless Distributing would, absent the making of a 
section 336(e) election (as defined in Sec.  1.336-1(b)(11)), recognize 
the Statutory Recognition Amount with respect to a distribution of 
Controlled stock under paragraph (e)(2), (e)(3), and (e)(4) (without 
regard to the final two sentences thereof) of this

[[Page 91751]]

section. See Sec. Sec.  1.336-1 through 1.336-5 for additional 
requirements with regard to a section 336(e) election.
    (f) Predecessor or Successor as a member of the affiliated group. 
For purposes of section 355(e)(2)(C), if a corporation transfers its 
assets to a member of the same affiliated group (as defined in section 
1504 without regard to section 1504(b)) in a section 381 transaction, 
the transferor will be treated as continuing in existence within the 
same affiliated group.
    (g) Inapplicability of section 355(f) to certain intra-group 
distributions--(1) In general. Section 355(f) does not apply to a 
distribution if there is a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a 
Predecessor of Distributing (but not of Distributing, Controlled, or 
their Successors), except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section. Therefore, except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, section 355 (or so much of section 356 as relates to section 
355) and the regulations thereunder, including the gain limitation 
rules of paragraph (e)(2) of this section, apply, without regard to 
section 355(f), to the distribution of Controlled within an affiliated 
group if the distribution and the Planned 50-percent Acquisition of the 
Predecessor of Distributing are part of a Plan. For purposes of this 
paragraph (g)(1), references to the distribution (and Distributing and 
Controlled) include references to a distribution (and Distributing and 
Controlled) to which section 355 would apply but for the application of 
section 355(f).
    (2) Alternative application of section 355(f). Distributing may 
choose not to apply paragraph (g)(1) of this section to each 
distribution (that occurs under a single Plan) to which section 355(f) 
would otherwise apply absent paragraph (g)(1) of this section and may 
instead apply section 355(f) to all such distributions according to its 
terms, but only if all members of the same affiliated group (as defined 
in section 1504(a) without regard to section 1504(b)) report 
consistently the Federal income tax consequences of the distributions 
that are part of the Plan (determined without regard to section 
355(f)). In such a case, no gain limitation under paragraph (e)(2) or 
(3) of this section is available with regard to any applicable 
distribution. Distributing indicates its choice to apply section 355(f) 
consistently to all applicable distributions by reporting the Federal 
income tax consequences of each distribution in accordance with section 
355(f) on its Federal income tax return for the year of the 
distribution.
    (h) Examples. The following examples illustrate the principles of 
this section. Unless the facts indicate otherwise, assume throughout 
these examples that: Distributing (D) owns all the stock of Controlled 
(C), and none of the shares of C held by D has a built-in loss; D 
distributes the stock of C in a distribution to which section 355 
applies, but to which section 355(d) does not apply; X, Y, and Z are 
individuals; each of D, D1, D2, C, P, P1, P2, and R is a corporation 
having one class of stock outstanding, and none is a member of a 
consolidated group; and each transaction that is part of a Plan defined 
in this section is respected as a separate transaction under general 
Federal income tax principles. No inference should be drawn from any 
example concerning whether any requirements of section 355 are 
satisfied other than those of section 355(e):

    Example 1. Predecessor of Distributing--(i) Facts. X owns 100% 
of the stock of P, which holds multiple assets. Y owns 100% of the 
stock of D. The following steps occur as part of a Plan: P merges 
into D in a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately 
after the merger, X and Y own 10% and 90%, respectively, of the 
stock of D. D then contributes to C one of the assets (Asset 1) 
acquired from P in the merger. At the time of the contribution, 
Asset 1 has a basis of $40x and a fair market value of $110x. In 
exchange for Asset 1, D receives additional C stock and $10x. D 
distributes the stock of C (but not the cash) to X and Y, pro rata. 
The contribution and distribution constitute a reorganization under 
section 368(a)(1)(D), and D recognizes $10x of gain under section 
361(b) on the contribution. Immediately before the distribution, 
taking into account the $10x of gain recognized by D on the 
contribution, Asset 1 has an adjusted basis of $50x under section 
362(b) and a fair market value of $110x, and the stock of C held by 
D has a basis of $100x and a fair market value of $200x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D. Immediately before the 
distribution and as part of a Plan, C holds P Relevant Property 
(Asset 1) the gain on which was not recognized in full as part of a 
Plan. Further, some of the C stock distributed in the distribution 
was acquired by D in exchange for Asset 1, and it reflects the basis 
of Separated Property (Asset 1). In addition, immediately after the 
distribution, D continues to hold Relevant Property of P. Therefore, 
P's Relevant Property has been divided between C and D.
    (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Y is treated as acquiring stock representing 90% of 
the voting power and value of P as a result of the merger of P into 
D. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
P.
    (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $100x of gain 
($200x of aggregate fair market value minus $100x of aggregate basis 
of the C stock held by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount 
described in section 361(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section, D's gain recognized by reason of the deemed 
acquisition of P stock will not exceed $60x, an amount equal to the 
amount of gain D would have recognized had D transferred Asset 1 
(Separated Property) to a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for 
C1 stock and distributed the C1 stock to D's shareholders in a 
Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. For purposes of this 
computation, the basis and fair market value of Asset 1 equal the 
basis and fair market value of Asset 1 in the hands of C immediately 
before the distribution of C stock. Under section 361(c)(2), D would 
recognize $60x of gain, an amount equal to the gain in the 
hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $110x fair market value over 
the $50x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $60x of gain.
    (iii) Plan not in existence at time of acquisition of Potential 
Predecessor's Property. The facts are the same as in paragraph (i) 
of this Example 1 except that the merger of P into D occurred before 
the existence of a Plan. Even though D transferred P property (Asset 
1) to C, Asset 1 was not Relevant Property of P because P did not 
hold Asset 1 during the Plan Period. See paragraphs (b)(2)(iv) and 
(a)(4)(iii) of this section. Because Asset 1 is not Relevant 
Property, D did not receive C stock distributed in the distribution 
in exchange for Relevant Property when it contributed Asset 1 to C, 
none of the distributed stock reflects the basis of Separated 
Property, and C does not hold Relevant Property immediately before 
the distribution. Further, Relevant Property of P has not been 
divided. Therefore, P is not a Predecessor of D.
    Example 2. Planned acquisition of Distributing, but not 
Predecessor of Distributing--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of 
P, which holds multiple assets. Y owns 100% of the stock of D. The 
following steps occur as part of a Plan: P merges into D in a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the 
merger, X and Y own 90% and 10%, respectively, of the stock of D. D 
then contributes to C one of the assets (Asset 1) acquired from P in 
the merger. In exchange for Asset 1, D receives additional C stock. 
D distributes the stock of C to X and Y, pro rata. The contribution 
and distribution constitute a reorganization under section 
368(a)(1)(D). Immediately before the distribution, Asset 1 has a 
basis of $50x and a fair market value of $110x, and the stock of C 
held by D has a basis of $120x and a fair market value of $200x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D. Immediately before the 
distribution and as part of a Plan, C holds P Relevant Property 
(Asset 1) the gain on which was not recognized in full as part of a 
Plan. Further, some of the C stock distributed in the distribution 
was acquired by D in exchange for Asset 1, and it reflects the basis 
of Separated Property (Asset 1). In addition, immediately after the 
distribution, D continues to hold Relevant Property of P. Therefore, 
P's Relevant Property has been divided between C and D.
    (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Y is treated

[[Page 91752]]

as acquiring stock representing 10% of the voting power and value of 
P as a result of the merger of P into D. The 10% acquisition of P 
stock does not cause section 355(e) gain recognition or cause 
application of paragraph (e)(2) of this section because there has 
not been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of P. X acquires 90% of 
the voting power and value of D as a result of the merger of P into 
D. The acquisition of greater than 50% of the D stock implicates 
section 355(e) and results in gain recognition, subject to the rules 
of paragraph (e) of this section.
    (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $80x of gain 
($200x of fair market value minus $120x of basis of the C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount described in section 
361(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, D's gain 
recognized by reason of X's acquisition of D stock will not exceed 
$20x, the excess of the Statutory Recognition Amount ($80x) over the 
amount of gain that D would have been required to recognize under 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section if there had been a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of the Predecessor of D but not D in the section 
381 transaction ($60x). The hypothetical gain under paragraph (e)(2) 
of this section equals the amount D would have recognized had it 
transferred Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a newly-formed 
corporation (C1) solely for stock and distributed the C1 stock in a 
Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D 
would recognize $60x of gain, an amount equal to the gain in the 
hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $110x fair market value over 
the $50x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $20x of gain ($80x-$60x).
    Example 3.  Predecessor of Distributing owns Controlled stock; 
gain duplication--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of P, which 
holds multiple assets, including Asset 2. Y owns 100% of the stock 
of D. P owns 35% of the stock of C (Block 1), and D owns the 
remaining 65% of the C stock (Block 2). The following steps occur as 
part of a Plan: P merges into D in a reorganization under section 
368(a)(1)(A), and D immediately thereafter distributes all of the C 
stock to X and Y pro rata. Immediately after the merger, X and Y own 
10% and 90%, respectively, of the D stock, and, prior to the 
distribution, D owns Block 1 with a basis of $40x and a fair market 
value of $45x, and Block 2 with a basis of $10x and a fair market 
value of $65x. D continues to hold Asset 2.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D. Some of the Controlled stock 
distributed in the distribution was Relevant Property of P, the gain 
on which was not recognized in full as part of a Plan. See paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this section. This Controlled stock is Separated 
Property. See paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section. Because the 
gain on the P Controlled stock was not recognized in full, this 
stock reflects the basis of Separated Property. See paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section. Because some of the Controlled stock 
distributed in the distribution was Relevant Property of P, C is 
deemed to have received Relevant Property of P. See paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) of this section. Further, D continues to hold Relevant 
Property of P immediately after the distribution. Therefore, P's 
Relevant Property has been divided between C and D.
    (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Y is treated as acquiring stock representing 90% of 
the voting power and value of P, as a result of the merger of P into 
D. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of 
P.
    (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $60x of gain 
($110x of fair market value minus $50x of basis of the C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount under section 355(c)(2). 
However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain recognized 
by reason of the deemed acquisition of P stock will not exceed $5x, 
an amount equal to the amount D would have recognized had it 
transferred Block 1 of the C stock (Separated Property) to a newly-
formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and distributed the C1 
stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. 
For purposes of this computation, the basis and fair market value of 
the Block 1 C stock equal their basis and fair market value in the 
hands of D immediately before the distribution of C stock. Under 
section 361(c)(2), D would recognize $5x of gain, an amount equal to 
the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock ($45x-$40x). Therefore, D 
recognizes $5x of gain.
    Example 4.  Controlled stock as Substitute Asset--(i) Facts. X 
owns 100% of the stock of P, which owns multiple assets, including 
100% of the stock of R and Asset 2. Y owns 100% of the stock of D. 
The following steps occur as part of a Plan: P merges into D in a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) (the P-D reorganization). 
Immediately after the merger, X and Y own 10% and 90%, respectively, 
of the stock of D. D then causes R to transfer all of its assets to 
C in a reorganization under section 368(a)(1) (the R-C 
reorganization). At the time of the P-D reorganization, the R stock 
has a basis of $40x and a fair market value of $110x. D distributes 
the stock of C to X and Y, pro rata. D continues to directly hold 
Asset 2. Immediately before the distribution, the C stock held by D 
that was deemed received in the R-C reorganization has a basis of 
$40x and a fair market value of $110x, and all of the stock of C 
held by D has a basis of $100x and a fair market value of $200x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D. D is treated as acquiring a block 
of C stock in exchange for a direct or indirect interest in R stock 
(Relevant Stock) in the R-C reorganization because the basis of D in 
that C stock reflects the basis of the R stock. See paragraph 
(b)(2)(x) of this section. Further, because the block of C stock is 
treated as received in exchange for R stock, that block of C stock 
is a Substitute Asset, which is treated as Relevant Property. See 
paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. Therefore, some of the C stock 
distributed in the distribution was Relevant Property of P, gain on 
which was not recognized in full as part of a Plan. This C stock is 
Separated Property. See paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section. 
Because the gain on P's R Stock (for which C stock is substituted) 
was not recognized in full, this C stock reflects the basis of 
Separated Property. See paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section. 
Finally, under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, C is deemed to 
have received Relevant Property of P, and, immediately after the 
distribution, D continues to hold Asset 2, which is Relevant 
Property of P. Therefore, P's Relevant Property has been divided 
between C and D.
    (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Y is treated as acquiring stock representing 90% of 
the voting power and value of P, as a result of the P-D 
reorganization. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of P.
    (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $100x of gain 
($200x of fair market value minus $100x of basis of all C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount described in section 
355(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain 
recognized by reason of the deemed acquisition of P stock will not 
exceed $70x, an amount equal to the amount D would have recognized 
had it transferred the C stock deemed received in the R-C 
reorganization under section (b)(2)(x) of this section (Separated 
Property) to a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and 
distributed the C1 stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/
355(e) Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D would recognize 
$70x of gain, an amount equal to the gain in the hypothetical C1 
stock (excess of the $110x fair market value over the $40x basis). 
Therefore, D recognizes $70x of gain.
    Example 5.  Predecessor of Distributing; section 351 
transaction--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of P, which holds 
multiple assets, including Asset 1, Asset 2, and Asset 3. Y owns 
100% of the stock of D. The following steps occur as part of a Plan: 
P transfers Asset 1 and Asset 2 to D and Y transfers property to D 
in an exchange qualifying under section 351. Immediately after the 
exchange, P and Y own 10% and 90%, respectively, of the stock of D. 
D then contributes Asset 1 to C in exchange for additional C stock. 
D distributes all of the stock of C to P and Y, pro rata. D 
continues to directly hold Asset 2, and P continues to directly hold 
Asset 3. The contribution and distribution constitute a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D). Immediately before the 
distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $40x and a fair market value of 
$110x, and the stock of C held by D has a basis of $100x and a fair 
market value of $200x. Following the distribution, and as part of 
the same Plan, Z acquires 51% of the P stock.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D. Immediately before the 
distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds P Relevant Property 
(Asset 1), the gain on which was not recognized in full as part of a 
Plan. Further, the C stock distributed in the distribution was 
acquired by D in exchange for an interest in P Relevant Property 
transferred to C, and the basis of the C stock reflects the basis of 
Separated Property (Asset

[[Page 91753]]

1). In addition, immediately after the distribution, each of P and D 
holds Relevant Property of P. Therefore, P's Relevant Property has 
been divided between C, on the one hand, and P and D on the other 
hand.
    (B) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $100x of gain 
($200x of fair market value minus $100x of basis of the C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount described in section 
361(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain 
recognized by reason of Z's acquisition of P stock will not exceed 
$70x, an amount equal to the amount D would have recognized had it 
transferred Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a newly-formed 
corporation (C1) solely for voting stock and distributed the C1 
stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. 
Under section 361(c)(2), D would recognize $70x of gain, an amount 
equal to the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $110x 
fair market value over the $40x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $70x 
of gain.
    Example 6.  Predecessor of Distributing; forward triangular 
merger--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of P, which owns 
multiple assets, including 100% of the stock of R and Asset 2. Y 
owns 100% of the stock of D. The following steps occur as part of a 
Plan: R merges into C in a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) 
and (2)(D). Immediately after the merger P and Y own 10% and 90%, 
respectively, of the stock of D. D distributes the stock of C to P 
and Y pro rata. Immediately before the distribution, R's directly-
held assets have a basis of $40x and a fair market value of $110x. 
Immediately before the distribution, D has a basis in the C stock of 
$60x and a fair market value of $200x. Pursuant to the same Plan, Z 
acquires 51% of P stock. P continues to hold Asset 2.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P is a Predecessor of D because immediately before the 
distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds directly P Relevant 
Property (Underlying Property of R) the gain on which was not 
recognized in full as part of a Plan. Further, the C stock 
distributed in the distribution was acquired by D, in part, in 
deemed exchange for P Relevant Property (see paragraph (b)(2)(x) of 
this section), and the C stock reflects the basis of Separated 
Property (Underlying Property of R). See Sec.  1.358-6(c)(1). In 
addition, immediately after the distribution, P's Relevant Property 
has been divided between C, on the one hand, and P and D on the 
other hand.
    (B) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $140x of gain 
($200x of fair market value minus $60x of basis of the C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount under section 355(c)(2). 
However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain recognized 
by reason of the 51% acquisition of P stock by Z will not exceed 
$70x, an amount equal to the amount D would have recognized had it 
transferred the Underlying Property of R to a newly-formed 
corporation (C1) solely in exchange for stock and distributed the C1 
stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. 
Under section 361(c)(2), D would recognize $70x of gain, an amount 
equal to the gain in hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $110x 
aggregate fair market value of the Underlying Property of R over the 
$40x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $70x of gain.
    Example 7.  Potential Predecessor in sequential distributions--
(i) Facts. X owns 100% of P, which owns multiple assets, including 
Asset 1 and Asset 2. Y owns 100% of the stock of D, D owns 100% of 
the stock of D1, and D1 owns 100% of the stock of C. The following 
steps occur as part of a Plan: P merges into D1 in a reorganization 
under section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the merger, X and D 
own 10% and 90%, respectively, of the stock of D1. D1 contributes 
Asset 1 to C in exchange for additional C stock, but D1 continues to 
hold Asset 2. D1 distributes the stock of C to D and X, pro rata in 
a distribution to which section 355 applies (First Distribution), 
and D distributes to Y all of the stock of C that it received from 
D1 in a distribution to which section 355 applies (Second 
Distribution). The contribution of Asset 1 by D1 to C and the First 
Distribution constitute a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D). 
Immediately before the First Distribution and the Second 
Distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $10x and a fair market value of 
$60x, and the stock of C has a fair market value of $200x. 
Immediately before the First Distribution, the stock of C held by D1 
has a basis of $100x. The stock of C held by D immediately before 
the Second Distribution has a basis of $80x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor in First Distribution. Under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a Predecessor of D1. 
Immediately before the First Distribution, and as part of a Plan, C 
holds P Relevant Property (Asset 1), the gain on which was not 
recognized in full as part of a Plan. Further, the C stock 
distributed in the First Distribution was directly acquired by D1 in 
exchange for P Relevant Property, and it reflects the basis of 
Separated Property (Asset 1). In addition, immediately after the 
First Distribution, each of C and D1 continues to hold Relevant 
Property of P. Therefore, P's Relevant Property has been divided 
between C and D1.
    (B) Predecessor in Second Distribution. Under paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section, P is not a Predecessor of D. Immediately before the 
Second Distribution, the stock of C distributed does not reflect the 
basis of Separated Property (Asset 1). Because there has been no 
Planned 50-percent Acquisition of D, C, or a Predecessor of D, there 
is no application of section 355(e) to the Second Distribution.
    (C) Gain on First Distribution. By application of section 
355(f), section 355 and the regulations thereunder (including the 
gain limitation rules in paragraph (e) of this section) would not 
apply to the First Distribution. Therefore, D1 would be required to 
recognize $100x of gain (excess of the $200x fair market value over 
the $100x basis of C stock held by D1) under section 311(b), and D 
would be treated as receiving a distribution of $180x to which 
section 301 applied. However, under paragraph (g)(1) of this 
section, section 355(f) will not apply to the First Distribution. As 
a result, section 355, including the gain limitation rules of 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section, will apply to the First 
Distribution. Under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D1's gain 
recognized by reason of the deemed acquisition of P stock by D will 
not exceed $50x, an amount equal to the amount D1 would have 
recognized had it transferred Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a 
newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and distributed the 
C1 stock to D1 shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e) 
Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D1 would recognize $50x of 
gain, an amount equal to the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock 
(excess of the $60x fair market value over the $10x basis). 
Therefore, D1 recognizes $50x of gain. Under paragraph (g)(2) of 
this section, however, D1 may choose to apply section 355(f) to the 
First Distribution, in which case D1 would recognize $100x of gain 
under section 311(b) and section 301 would apply to the distribution 
of C stock to D.
    Example 8.  Sequential Predecessors--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of 
P1, which holds multiple assets, including Asset 1 and Asset 2. Y 
owns 100% of P2, which holds Asset 3, and Z owns 100% of D. The 
following steps occur as part of a Plan: P1 merges into P2 in a 
reorganization under 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the merger, X 
and Y own 10% and 90%, respectively, of the stock of P2. P2 then 
transfers Asset 1 to D and Z transfers property to D in an exchange 
qualifying under section 351. As a result of the exchange, P2 and Z 
own 10% and 90%, respectively, of the stock of D. D then contributes 
Asset 1 to C in exchange for additional C stock, and P2 retains 
Asset 2 and Asset 3. D distributes all of the stock of C to P2 and 
Z, pro rata. The contribution and distribution constitute a 
reorganization under 368(a)(1)(D), and D recognizes no gain under 
section 361. Immediately before the distribution, Asset 1 has a 
basis of $40x and a fair market value of $100x, and the stock of C 
held by D has a basis of $100x and a fair market value of $200x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) P2 as Predecessor of D. Under paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section, P2 is a Predecessor of D. Immediately before 
the distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds P2 Relevant 
Property (Asset 1), the gain on which was not recognized in full as 
part of a Plan. Further, the C stock distributed in the distribution 
was acquired by D in exchange for a direct interest in P2 Relevant 
Property (Asset 1), and it reflects the basis in Separated Property 
(Asset 1). In addition, immediately after the distribution, P2 
continues to hold P2 Relevant Property. Therefore, P2's Relevant 
Property has been divided between C and P2.
    (B) P1 as Predecessor of D. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, P1 is a Predecessor of D. P1 transferred property to P2 (a 
Predecessor of D) as part of a Plan. Immediately before the 
distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds P1 Relevant Property 
(Asset 1) the gain on which was not recognized in full as part of a 
Plan. Further, the C stock distributed in the distribution was 
acquired by D in exchange for a direct interest in P1 Relevant 
Property, and it reflects the basis in Separated Property (Asset

[[Page 91754]]

1). In addition, immediately after the distribution, P2 (a successor 
of P1 under paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section) continues to hold 
Relevant Property of P1. Therefore, P1's Relevant Property has been 
divided between C and P2 (the successor of P1).
    (C) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Y is treated as acquiring stock representing 90% of 
the voting power and value of P1 as a result of the merger of P1 
into P2. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 50-percent 
Acquisition of P1. There is no acquisition of P2 stock.
    (D) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $100x of gain 
($200x of aggregate fair market value minus $100x of aggregate basis 
of the C stock held by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount 
described in section 361(c)(2), because there has been a Planned 50-
percent Acquisition of P1, a Predecessor of D. However, under 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain recognized by reason of 
the deemed acquisition of P1 stock will not exceed $60x, an amount 
equal to the amount D would have recognized had it transferred Asset 
1 (Separated Property) to a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for 
stock and distributed the C1 stock to D shareholders in a 
Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D 
would recognize $60x, an amount equal to the gain in hypothetical C1 
stock (excess of the $100x fair market over the $40x basis). The 
fact that there is no Planned 50-percent Acquisition of either P2 or 
D does not change this result. Therefore, D recognizes $60x of gain.
    Example 9.  Multiple Predecessors of Distributing--(i) Facts. X 
owns 100% of the stock of P1, which holds multiple assets, including 
Asset 1 and Asset 3. Y owns 100% of the stock of P2, which holds 
multiple assets, including Asset 2 and Asset 4. Z owns 100% of the 
stock of D. The following steps occur as part of a Plan: Each of P1 
and P2 merges into D in a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A). 
Immediately after the mergers, each of X and Y owns 10%, and Z owns 
80%, of the stock of D. D then contributes to C Asset 1 (acquired 
from P1), and Asset 2 (acquired from P2). In exchange for Asset 1 
and Asset 2, D receives additional C stock. D distributes the stock 
of C to X, Y, and Z, pro rata. D's contribution of Asset 1 and Asset 
2 and the distribution constitute a reorganization under section 
368(a)(1)(D). D continues to hold Asset 3 and Asset 4. Immediately 
before the distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $50x and a fair 
market value of $110x, Asset 2 has a basis of $70x and a fair market 
value of $90x, and the stock of C held by D has a basis of $130x and 
a fair market value of $220x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Predecessor. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, each of P1 and P2 is a Predecessor of D. Immediately before 
the distribution and as part of a Plan, C holds P1 Relevant Property 
(Asset 1) and P2 Relevant Property (Asset 2), each of which was 
transferred as part of a Plan without full gain recognition. The C 
stock distributed in the distribution was acquired by D in exchange 
for Asset 1 and Asset 2, and that stock reflects the basis in both 
Asset 1 and Asset 2 (Relevant Property). In addition, immediately 
after the distribution, D continues to hold Relevant Property of P1 
and P2. Therefore, each of P1's and P2's Relevant Property has been 
divided between C and D.
    (B) Acquisition of Predecessor stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, Z is treated as acquiring stock representing 80% of 
the voting power and value of each of P1 and P2 as a result of the 
mergers of P1 and P2 into D. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 
50-percent Acquisition of P1 and P2.
    (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the limitations in paragraph 
(e) of this section, D would be required to recognize $90x of gain 
($220x of fair market value minus $130x of basis of the C stock held 
by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount under section 361(c)(2). 
However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D's gain recognized 
by reason of the deemed acquisition of P1 stock will not exceed $60x 
($110x fair market value minus $50x basis), an amount equal to the 
amount D would have recognized had it transferred Asset 1 (Separated 
Property) to a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and 
distributed that (C1) stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/
355(e) Reorganization. D's gain recognized by reason of the deemed 
acquisition of P2 stock will not exceed $20x ($90x fair market value 
minus $70x basis), an amount equal to the amount D would have 
recognized had it transferred Asset 2 (Separated Property) to a 
second newly-formed corporation (C2) solely for stock and 
distributed the (C2) stock to D shareholders in a Hypothetical D/
355(e) Reorganization. Therefore, D will recognize $80x of gain 
($60x + $20x).
    Example 10.  Successor of Controlled--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of 
the stock of each of D and R. The following steps occur as part of a 
Plan: D distributes all of its C stock to X. Immediately before the 
Distribution, D's C stock has a basis of $10x and a fair market 
value of $30x. C then merges into R in a reorganization under 
section 368(a)(1)(D). Immediately after the merger, X owns all of 
the R stock. As part of the same Plan, Z purchases 51% of the stock 
of R from X.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Successor. Under paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section, R is a Successor of C because after the distribution C 
transfers property to R in a section 381 transaction. Accordingly, 
under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, Z's acquisition of stock of 
R is treated as an acquisition of stock of C. Therefore, Z is 
treated as acquiring 51% of the stock of C.
    (B) Gain not limited. The special gain limitation rules in 
paragraph (e)(2) or (3) of this section do not apply because there 
is not an acquisition of stock of D or a Predecessor of D. 
Therefore, because the distribution and Z's acquisition of a 51% 
interest in R are part of a Plan, D is required to recognize gain in 
the amount of $20x ($30x fair market value minus $10x basis of the C 
stock held by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount under section 
355(c)(2).
    Example 11.  Multiple Successors--(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the 
stock of both D and R. Y owns 100% of the stock of S. The following 
steps occur as part of a Plan: D distributes all of the C stock to 
X. Immediately after the distribution, D merges into R in a 
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A). Following the merger, R 
merges into S in a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A). As a 
result of the merger of R into S, X and Y own 10% and 90%, 
respectively, of the S stock. Immediately before the distribution, 
D's C stock has a basis of $10x and a fair market value of $30x.
    (ii) Analysis--(A) Successor. Under paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this 
section, R is a successor of D because, after the distribution, D 
transfers property to R in a section 381 transaction. Under 
paragraph (c)(2)(ii), S is also a successor of D because R (a 
successor of D) transfers property to S in a section 381 
transaction.
    (B) Acquisition of Successor Stock. Under paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, there is no deemed acquisition of D stock as a result 
of the merger of D into R because X wholly owns the stock of D 
before the merger and wholly owns the stock of R after the merger. 
Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated as acquiring 
stock representing 90% of the voting power and value of R (Successor 
of D) as a result of the merger of R into S. Under paragraph (d)(2) 
of this section, an acquisition of the R stock is also treated as an 
acquisition of the D stock.
    (C) Gain. The special gain limitation rules in paragraph (e)(2) 
or (3) of this section do not apply because there is not an 
acquisition of stock of D or a Predecessor of D. Therefore, because 
there is a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of R (Successor of D), D 
is required to recognize $20x of gain ($30x fair market value minus 
$10x basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory Recognition 
Amount described in section 355(c)(2).
    (i) Effective/applicability date--(1) In general. Except as 
provided in paragraph (i)(2) or (3) of this section, this section 
applies to distributions occurring after January 18, 2017.
    (2) Transition rule--(i) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (i)(3) of this section, this section does not apply to a 
distribution (as defined in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section) that 
is--
    (A) Made pursuant to a binding agreement in effect on or before 
December 16, 2016 and at all times thereafter;
    (B) Described in a ruling request submitted to the Internal Revenue 
Service on or before December 16, 2016; or
    (C) Described on or before December 16, 2016 in a public 
announcement or in a filing with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.
    (ii) Definition of distribution. For purposes of paragraphs 
(i)(2)(i) and (3) of this section, references to a distribution include 
a reference to a distribution and other related pre-distribution 
transactions that together effect a division of the assets of a 
Predecessor of Distributing. Therefore, for example, if a corporation 
would qualify as a Predecessor of Distributing under paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section,

[[Page 91755]]

Distributing may claim the benefit of the transition rule of paragraph 
(i)(2) of this section only if all steps relevant to the determination 
of Predecessor of Distributing status are described in the binding 
agreement, ruling request, announcement, or filing described in 
paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section.
    (3) Exception. Notwithstanding paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this 
section, Distributing and any affiliated group that it is a member of 
as of the beginning of the date on which a distribution (as defined in 
paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section) may apply this section in its 
entirety to that distribution if it occurs after November 22, 2004. 
However, under this paragraph (i)(3), taxpayers must consistently apply 
this section in its entirety to all distributions occurring after 
November 22, 2004, that are part of the same Plan.
    (j) Expiration date. The applicability of this section expires on 
or before December 16, 2019.

John Dalrymple,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.

    Approved: December 1, 2016.

Mark J. Mazur,
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).
[FR Doc. 2016-30160 Filed 12-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4830-01-P



                                              91738            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              component. The basket or bed                            DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                            Background and Explanation of
                                              component is a box-like structure,                                                                            Provisions
                                              generally made of a clear, high impact-                 Internal Revenue Service
                                                                                                                                                            1. Overview
                                              resistant plastic material, with an open
                                              top and four stationary walls to hold the               26 CFR Part 1                                            On November 22, 2004, the
                                              pediatric patient. The frame can include                                                                      Department of the Treasury (Treasury
                                                                                                      [TD 9805]                                             Department) and the IRS published in
                                              drawers, shelving, or cabinetry that
                                                                                                                                                            the Federal Register (69 FR 67873) a
                                              provides space to hold infant care items.
                                                                                                                                                            notice of proposed rulemaking (REG–
                                              The wheels or casters allow the bassinet                RIN 1545–BN18                                         145535–02) containing proposed
                                              to transport the infant throughout the                                                                        regulations under section 355(e)(4)(D) of
                                              care setting.                                           Guidance Under Section 355(e)
                                                                                                                                                            the Code (the proposed regulations).
                                                                                                      Regarding Predecessors, Successors,
                                                (b) Classification. Class II (special                                                                       After considering the comments
                                                                                                      and Limitation on Gain Recognition;
                                              controls). The device is exempt from the                                                                      received on the proposed regulations
                                                                                                      Guidance Under Section 355(f)
                                              premarket notification procedures in                                                                          and taking into account subsequently
                                              subpart E of part 807 of this chapter                   AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),               issued guidance as described in part 3.
                                              subject to § 880.9. The special controls                Treasury.                                             of this preamble, the Treasury
                                              for this device are:                                                                                          Department and the IRS are issuing
                                                                                                      ACTION:   Temporary regulations.                      temporary regulations that adopt the
                                                (1) The manufacturer must conduct                                                                           proposed regulations with significant
                                              performance testing to determine                        SUMMARY:   This document contains                     modifications based on the comments
                                              material compatibility with cleansing                   temporary regulations that provide                    received on the proposed regulations.
                                              products labeled to clean the device.                   guidance regarding the distribution by a              The temporary regulations also serve as
                                              Testing must demonstrate that the                       distributing corporation of stock or                  the text of new proposed regulations in
                                              cleaning instructions provided by the                   securities of a controlled corporation                the related notice of proposed
                                              manufacturer do not cause crazing,                      without the recognition of income, gain,              rulemaking (REG–140328–15) published
                                              cracking, or deterioration of the device;               or loss. The temporary regulations                    in the Proposed Rules section in this
                                                (2) Manufacturers shall conduct                       provide guidance in determining                       issue of the Federal Register.
                                              performance testing to ensure the                       whether a corporation is a predecessor                   The temporary regulations amend 26
                                                                                                      or successor of a distributing or                     CFR part 1 under section 355 to provide
                                              mechanical and structural stability of
                                                                                                      controlled corporation for purposes of                necessary guidance under section
                                              the bassinet under expected conditions
                                                                                                      the exception under section 355(e) of                 355(e)(4)(D) regarding the identity of
                                              of use, including transport of patients in                                                                    predecessor and successor corporations
                                                                                                      the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to the
                                              the bassinet. Testing must demonstrate                                                                        of distributing and controlled
                                                                                                      nonrecognition treatment afforded
                                              that failures such as wheel or caster                   qualifying distributions, and they                    corporations and to enable taxpayers to
                                              breakage do not occur and that the                      provide certain limitations on the                    utilize the benefit of certain gain
                                              device does not present a tipping hazard                recognition of gain in certain cases                  limitation rules. The temporary
                                              due to any mechanical failures under                    involving a predecessor of a distributing             regulations also provide guidance
                                              expected conditions of use; and                         corporation. The temporary regulations                regarding the extent to which section
                                                (3) Each device must have the                         also provide rules regarding the extent               355(f) precludes the application of
                                              following label(s) affixed:                             to which section 355(f) of the Code                   section 355 to certain distributions and
                                                                                                      causes a distributing corporation (and in             exchanges between members of an
                                                (i) Adequate instructions for users to
                                                                                                      certain cases its shareholders) to                    affiliated group. Finally, the regulations
                                              care for, maintain, and clean the                                                                             provide guidance regarding the
                                                                                                      recognize income or gain on the
                                              bassinet; and                                                                                                 application of section 336(e) to certain
                                                                                                      distribution of stock or securities of a
                                                (ii) A warning label on at least two                  controlled corporation. These temporary               distributions of controlled stock to
                                              sides of the plastic basket or bed                      regulations affect corporations that                  which section 355(e) applies.
                                              component with the following language                   distribute the stock or securities of                 A. Section 355 in General
                                              in text of at least 9 millimeters in height:            controlled corporations and the
                                                                                                      shareholders or security holders of those                Section 355(a) generally provides that
                                              WARNING: To avoid tipping hazards of                                                                          if a distributing corporation
                                                                                                      distributing corporations. The text of
                                               this device, make sure that the basket                                                                       (Distributing) distributes stock or
                                                                                                      these temporary regulations also serves
                                               or bed component sits firmly in the                                                                          securities of a controlled corporation
                                                                                                      as the text of the proposed regulations
                                               base and that all doors, drawers, and                  in the related notice of proposed                     (Controlled) to Distributing’s
                                               casters are secure.                                    rulemaking (REG–140328–15) set forth                  shareholders or security holders and
                                                Dated: December 12, 2016.                             in the Proposed Rules section in this                 certain requirements are met, then no
                                                                                                      issue of the Federal Register.                        gain or loss is recognized by (and no
                                              Leslie Kux,
                                                                                                                                                            amount is includible in the income of)
                                              Associate Commissioner for Policy.                      DATES: Effective date: These temporary                Distributing’s shareholders or security
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–30193 Filed 12–16–16; 8:45 am]            regulations are effective on December                 holders upon their receipt of the
                                              BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                  19, 2016.                                             Controlled stock. Section 355(c)
                                                                                                        Applicability date: For dates of                    generally provides that Distributing
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                                                                                                      applicability see § 1.355–8T(i) and (j).              does not recognize gain or loss on any
                                                                                                                                                            distribution of qualified property to
                                                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                            which section 355 (or so much of
                                                                                                      Richard K. Passales, (202) 317–5024 or
                                                                                                                                                            section 356 as relates to section 355)
                                                                                                      Marie C. Milnes-Vasquez, (202) 317–
                                                                                                                                                            applies. Similar rules under section
                                                                                                      7700 (not toll-free numbers).
                                                                                                                                                            361(c) apply in the case of a divisive
                                                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            reorganization under section


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         91739

                                              368(a)(1)(D) (a divisive D                              assume that a Planned 50-percent                      Controlled are acquired by a successor
                                              reorganization). Controlled stock or                    Acquisition of stock of a corporation (a              corporation in a reorganization under
                                              securities are qualified property under                 Higher-Tier Distributing) that is the                 section 368(a)(1)(A), (C), or (D), or any
                                              section 355(c)(2)(B) (or section                        common parent of an affiliated group, as              other transaction specified in
                                              361(c)(2)(B)(ii) in the case of a divisive              defined in section 1504(a), occurs when               regulations by the Secretary, the
                                              D reorganization), unless certain                       the Higher-Tier Distributing owns all of              shareholders (immediately before the
                                              exceptions apply.                                       the stock of a subsidiary member (a                   acquisition) of the corporation acquiring
                                                                                                      Lower-Tier Distributing), which in turn               such assets are treated as acquiring
                                              B. Sections 355(e) and (f)
                                                                                                      owns all of the stock of Controlled (also             stock in the corporation from which the
                                                 One exception to treating Controlled                 a member of the affiliated group). Under              assets were acquired.
                                              stock or securities as qualified property               the Plan, the Lower-Tier Distributing                   Section 355(e)(4)(D) provides that, for
                                              is provided under section 355(e), which                 distributes Controlled stock to the                   purposes of section 355(e), any
                                              was enacted as part of the Taxpayer                     Higher-Tier Distributing (an Internal                 reference to Controlled or Distributing
                                              Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105–34,                  Distribution), and the Higher-Tier                    includes a reference to any predecessor
                                              section 1012(a), 111 Stat. 788. Under                   Distributing then distributes the                     or successor of such corporation. As a
                                              section 355(e), stock or securities of                  Controlled stock in an External                       result, Controlled stock or securities
                                              Controlled generally will not be treated                Distribution. Under these facts, section              generally will not be treated as qualified
                                              as qualified property under sections                    355(e) would apply to the Internal                    property under section 355(c)(2) or
                                              355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) if the stock or                  Distribution of all of Controlled’s stock             361(c)(2) if there is a Planned 50-percent
                                              securities are distributed as part of a                 by the Lower-Tier Distributing to the                 Acquisition of the stock of a predecessor
                                              plan or series of related transactions (a               Higher-Tier Distributing because the                  or successor of Distributing or
                                              Plan) pursuant to which one or more                     distribution is part of a Plan (after                 Controlled.
                                              persons acquire directly or indirectly                  application of any exceptions to section
                                              stock representing a 50-percent or                                                                            2. Summary of Proposed Regulations
                                                                                                      355(e), including section 355(e)(2)(C)).
                                              greater interest in the stock of                        However, section 355(f) provides that                    Section 355(e) does not provide a
                                              Distributing or Controlled (a Planned                   section 355 (or so much of section 356                definition of a predecessor or successor
                                              50-percent Acquisition). Section 1.355–                 as applies to section 355) would not                  of Distributing or Controlled. The
                                              7 of the Income Tax Regulations                         apply to such an Internal Distribution.               proposed regulations generally defined
                                              provides additional guidance on the                     Therefore, the Internal Distribution                  the terms predecessor and successor for
                                              meaning of a Plan.                                      would be taxable to the Lower-Tier                    purposes of section 355(e) and provided
                                                 Under section 355(e)(2)(C), the                      Distributing under section 311 and to                 guidance regarding the acquisition or
                                              existence of a purported Plan that                      the Higher-Tier Distributing under                    deemed acquisition of the stock of
                                              includes a Planned 50-percent                           section 301 (subject to any available                 predecessors of Distributing and certain
                                              Acquisition will not prevent Controlled                 dividends received deduction and                      other acquisitions. As more fully
                                              stock or securities from being treated as               section 1059) or subject to the special               described in part 2.E. of this preamble,
                                              qualified property for purposes of                      rules of § 1.1502–13(f) for distributions             the proposed regulations also limited
                                              section 355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2) if,              between members of the same                           Distributing’s recognition of gain in two
                                              immediately after the completion of                     consolidated group.                                   cases and provided an overall gain
                                              such Plan, Distributing and each                           Without the application of section                 limitation. Parts 2.A. through 2.F. of this
                                              Controlled are members of a single                      355(f), the Lower-Tier Distributing                   preamble describe the proposed
                                              affiliated group, as defined in section                 would recognize any gain in the                       regulations, which the temporary
                                              1504 without regard to section 1504(b)                  Controlled stock by reason of section                 regulations largely adopt with the
                                              (an Expanded Affiliated Group or EAG).                  355(e) (section 355(e) gain) in the                   modifications described in part 3. of this
                                              As a result, section 355(e) generally                   Internal Distribution, but the Higher-                preamble.
                                              does not apply to a distribution between                Tier Distributing would be afforded
                                              members of the same EAG unless the                                                                            A. Predecessor of Distributing
                                                                                                      nonrecognition treatment under section
                                              distribution precedes a distribution of                 355(a) on the receipt of Controlled                      The preamble to the proposed
                                              Controlled stock or securities outside of               stock. As a result, the Higher-Tier                   regulations stated that the definition of
                                              the EAG (an External Distribution) so                   Distributing would not take a fair                    a Predecessor of Distributing (a POD) in
                                              that Controlled and Distributing are not                market value basis in the Controlled                  those regulations was intended to reflect
                                              members of the same EAG after                           stock under section 301(d), but a basis               the fact that section 355(e) generally
                                              completion of the Plan.                                 determined under section 358(g),                      denies tax-free treatment under sections
                                                 Section 355(f) provides a special rule               despite the Lower-Tier Distributing’s                 355(c)(1) and 361(c)(1) if there is a
                                              that applies to certain distributions                   recognition of section 355(e) gain. The               division of Distributing’s assets to
                                              between certain related corporations                    Higher-Tier Distributing would also                   which section 355(a) applies that is
                                              that do not qualify for the exception                   likely recognize additional section                   coupled with a Planned 50-percent
                                              from section 355(e) under section                       355(e) gain on the subsequent External                Acquisition of Distributing or
                                              355(e)(2)(C). In particular, section 355(f)             Distribution of the Controlled stock.                 Controlled. The proposed regulations
                                              provides that, except as provided in                    Section 355(f) is intended to provide a               attempted to provide a similar result in
                                              regulations, section 355 (or so much of                 benefit to such an affiliated group by                cases in which the ownership of a
                                              section 356 as relates to section 355)                  effectively ensuring that the group                   POD’s assets (rather than those of
                                              does not apply to the distribution of                   recognizes section 355(e) gain only once              Distributing) would otherwise be
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                                              stock from one member of an affiliated                  at the lowest-tier Distributing, rather               divided tax-free as part of a Plan that
                                              group (as defined in section 1504(a)) to                than at multiple levels. In addition,                 included a Planned 50-percent
                                              another member of the group if the                      application of section 355(f) may                     Acquisition of a POD or Distributing.
                                              distribution is part of a Plan that                     eliminate duplicated loss, in some                       The proposed regulations generally
                                              includes a Planned 50-percent                           cases.                                                defined a POD as a corporation that
                                              Acquisition and is not described in                        Section 355(e)(3)(B) provides that, if             transferred its property in a transaction
                                              section 355(e)(2)(C). For example,                      the assets of Distributing or any                     to which section 381(a) applies (section


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                                              91740            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              381 transaction) to Distributing (a                     B. Predecessor of Controlled                          368(a)(1)(A) (an A reorganization), and
                                              combining transfer) but only if                            The proposed regulations defined a                 individual A owned stock of
                                              Distributing then transferred some, but                 POC as a corporation that transferred its             Distributing immediately before the
                                              not all, of the property acquired in the                assets to Controlled in a section 381                 merger, A would be treated as acquiring
                                              combining transfer to Controlled in a                   transaction before the distribution.                  stock of the POD in the transaction. In
                                              transferred basis transaction before the                                                                      addition, an acquisition of Distributing
                                                                                                      However, whether a corporation was a
                                              distribution (a separating transfer). The                                                                     that occurred after Distributing’s
                                                                                                      POC was only taken into account for
                                              definition was slightly different if                                                                          combination with a POD would be
                                                                                                      very limited purposes: (1) The
                                              Controlled stock was an asset                                                                                 treated not only as an acquisition of
                                                                                                      definition of a POD, (2) the gain
                                              transferred in the combining transfer. In                                                                     Distributing, but also as an acquisition
                                                                                                      limitation rules described in part 2.E. of
                                              addition, under the proposed                                                                                  of the POD. For example, if Distributing
                                                                                                      this preamble, and (3) the application of
                                                                                                                                                            acquired the assets of a POD in a
                                              regulations, no corporation could have                  section 355(e)(2)(C), which is described
                                                                                                                                                            statutory merger qualifying as an A
                                              been a predecessor of a POD.                            in part 2.F. of this preamble. Other than
                                                                                                                                                            reorganization and, after the merger,
                                                 In addition, the proposed regulations                for those limited purposes, a
                                                                                                                                                            individual B acquired stock of
                                              provided three operating rules relating                 corporation would not be a POC under                  Distributing, B would be treated as
                                              to the determination of predecessor                     the proposed regulations. Further, no                 acquiring not only stock of Distributing,
                                              status. The first was a substitute asset                corporation could have been a                         but also stock of the POD. Similar rules
                                              rule that prevented a corporation from                  predecessor of a POC.                                 applied with respect to Controlled
                                              avoiding treatment as a POD simply                      C. Successor of Distributing and                      except that there was no provision for
                                              because property received by                            Controlled                                            a deemed acquisition of the stock of a
                                              Distributing in a combining transfer (or                                                                      POC because such acquisitions were of
                                                                                                        The proposed regulations defined a
                                              by Controlled in a separating transfer)                                                                       no consequence under the proposed
                                                                                                      Successor of Distributing or Controlled
                                              was transferred by Distributing before                                                                        regulations.
                                                                                                      as a corporation to which Distributing or                In addition, the proposed regulations
                                              the separating transfer (or by Controlled               Controlled, respectively, transferred its
                                              before the distribution) in exchange for                                                                      provided that acquisitions of the stock
                                                                                                      assets in a section 381 transaction after             of a corporation and its Successors
                                              other property in a nonrecognition                      the distribution (a Successor
                                              transaction. The second rule provided                                                                         would be combined to determine
                                                                                                      Transaction). If, after the distribution,             whether there had been a Planned 50-
                                              that the transferor corporation and                     Distributing transferred its assets to a              percent Acquisition of the corporation.
                                              resulting corporation in a reorganization               Successor in a Successor Transaction,                 For example, planned acquisitions of
                                              under section 368(a)(1)(F) (an F                        the proposed regulations provided that                the stock of a POD, Distributing, and
                                              reorganization) would be treated as the                 the shareholders of the Successor                     Distributing’s Successors would be
                                              same entity for purposes of determining                 immediately before the transaction                    combined to determine whether there
                                              whether a corporation is a POD or a                     would be deemed to acquire                            had been a Planned 50-percent
                                              Predecessor of Controlled (POC), as                     Distributing stock (and stock of any                  Acquisition of the POD. Similarly,
                                              described in part 2.B. of this preamble.                POD) in the Successor Transaction.                    planned acquisitions of the stock of
                                              Without such a rule, a corporation could                Subsequent acquisitions of stock of the               Distributing and its Successors would
                                              circumvent the proposed regulations by                  Successor would be treated as                         be combined to determine whether there
                                              engaging in an F reorganization, because                acquisitions of Distributing (and any                 had been a Planned 50-percent
                                              the proposed regulations did not take                   PODs).                                                Acquisition of Distributing. In addition,
                                              into account predecessors of a POD or                   D. Special Rules for Measuring                        planned acquisitions of the stock of
                                              POC. The third rule provided that there                 Acquisitions                                          Controlled and its Successors would be
                                              may be more than one POD, for                                                                                 combined to determine whether there
                                              example, if multiple corporations                          Under the proposed regulations, the                had been a Planned 50-percent
                                              merged directly with and into                           determination of whether there was a                  Acquisition of Controlled.
                                              Distributing in distinct transactions to                Planned 50-percent Acquisition was
                                                                                                      made separately with respect to                       E. Limitations on Gain Recognition
                                              which section 381 applied.
                                                                                                      Distributing and the POD. Therefore,                    Generally, if there is a Planned 50-
                                                 Under the proposed regulations, the                  Distributing may have been required to                percent Acquisition of Distributing (or a
                                              definition of a POD was not tied to the                 recognize section 355(e) gain if there                POD), Controlled, or their Successors,
                                              existence of a Plan. Accordingly, a                     was a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of               then section 355(e) requires Distributing
                                              combining transfer and a separating                     a POD, but not of Distributing, and vice              to recognize the full amount of the built-
                                              transfer would be taken into account in                 versa.                                                in gain in the Controlled stock on the
                                              identifying a POD even if neither                          The proposed regulations provided                  date of the distribution under section
                                              transfer was part of a Plan; as a result,               special rules to determine whether there              355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2), as
                                              taxpayers would have been required to                   had been an acquisition of the stock of               applicable. The proposed regulations
                                              track the assets of any potential POD for               a POD in connection with and after a                  provided two gain limitation rules
                                              an unlimited period prior to the                        combining transfer from a POD to                      limiting the amount of gain that
                                              distribution. In addition, once a POD                   Distributing. Consistent with section                 Distributing must recognize in certain
                                              had been identified, it would have been                 355(e)(3)(B), the proposed regulations                cases in which there was a POD and a
                                              necessary to determine whether the                      provided that each person that owned                  third gain limitation rule providing an
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                                              distribution and any acquisitions                       an interest in Distributing immediately               overall limitation on Distributing’s gain.
                                              (deemed or actual) of stock of the POD                  before the combining transfer would be                  The first gain limitation rule applied
                                              were part of a Plan, although the                       treated as acquiring stock of the POD in              when there was a Planned 50-percent
                                              proposed regulations included no                        the transaction. For example, if                      Acquisition of one or more PODs. In
                                              guidance relating to whether                            Distributing acquired the assets of a                 those cases, the calculation of the
                                              acquisitions of the stock of a POD and                  POD in a statutory merger qualifying as               section 355(e) gain focused on assets of
                                              the distribution were part of a Plan.                   a reorganization under section                        the POD(s) that were transferred to


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        91741

                                              Controlled and any Controlled stock                     Acquisition of Distributing would take                provisions, as discussed in parts 3.A.
                                              transferred by the POD(s) to                            into account the first gain limitation                through 3.D. of this preamble. In
                                              Distributing. Specifically, the proposed                rule.                                                 addition, the temporary regulations
                                              regulations limited the section 355(e)                    The third gain limitation rule was an               include certain non-substantive
                                              gain recognized by Distributing to the                  overall limitation on gain recognition.               modifications to the organization of the
                                              amount of gain, if any, that any PODs                   This rule limited the total amount of                 rules of the proposed regulations.
                                              would have recognized if, immediately                   section 355(e) gain that could be
                                                                                                      recognized by Distributing as a result of             A. Comments Regarding Definition of
                                              before the distribution each POD had (1)
                                                                                                      the distribution to the amount of the                 POD
                                              transferred the property that was
                                              transferred to Controlled (and any stock                built-in gain in the Controlled stock                 i. Scope of Definition of a POD and
                                              of Controlled that the POD transferred to               that, without regard to the first and                 Application of § 1.355–7 Plan Rules
                                              Distributing) to a newly-formed, wholly-                second gain limitation rules, would be                   The Treasury Department and the IRS
                                              owned corporation solely for stock of                   taken into account under section                      received a comment regarding the
                                              such corporation in an exchange to                      355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2).                       narrow scope of the definition of a POD
                                              which section 351 applied (section 351                  F. Special Rule for Affiliated Groups                 in the proposed regulations. Under the
                                              exchange), and (2) then sold the stock of                                                                     proposed regulations, the definition of a
                                              that corporation to an unrelated person                    As described in part 1.B. of this
                                                                                                      preamble, section 355(e)(2)(C) provides               POD was limited to a corporation that,
                                              in exchange for cash equal to its fair                                                                        before the distribution, transferred
                                              market value. In applying this first gain               that section 355(e) does not apply to a
                                                                                                      distribution between members of an                    property to Distributing in a section 381
                                              limitation rule, the proposed regulations                                                                     transaction. Further, following the
                                              provided four operating rules. The first                EAG if, immediately after completion of
                                                                                                      the Plan, Distributing and Controlled                 transfer from a POD, Distributing must
                                              operating rule was a substitute asset rule                                                                    have transferred some (but not all) of the
                                                                                                      both remain members of the same EAG.
                                              (similar to that described in part 2.A. of                                                                    acquired property to Controlled (or to a
                                                                                                      The proposed regulations included a
                                              this preamble) that applied if property                                                                       POC, as described below), and the basis
                                                                                                      special rule that would rationalize the
                                              received by Distributing in a combining                                                                       of such property immediately after the
                                                                                                      application of section 355(e)(2)(C)
                                              transfer had been exchanged tax-free. In                                                                      transfer to Controlled (or a POC) must
                                                                                                      within an EAG, following a section 381
                                              such case, the property Distributing                                                                          have been determined in whole or in
                                                                                                      transaction. The proposed regulations
                                              received in the exchange would be                                                                             part by reference to the basis of the
                                                                                                      provided that, for purposes of section
                                              treated as property received in the                                                                           property in the hands of Distributing
                                                                                                      355(e)(2)(C), a POD or POC that was a
                                              combining transfer. The second                                                                                immediately before the transfer. The
                                                                                                      member of the same EAG as Distributing
                                              operating rule provided that (other than                or Controlled (as relevant) at the time of            commenter noted that the results
                                              Controlled stock) the only property                     the section 381 transaction would be                  contemplated by the definition of a POD
                                              taken into account for purposes of the                  treated as continuing in existence                    of the proposed regulations (the tax-free
                                              first gain limitation rule would be                     within the EAG following its transfer of              separation of the POD’s assets in the
                                              property that was transferred to                        property to Distributing or Controlled in             distribution, coupled with a potential
                                              Controlled in the separating transfer (or               the section 381 transaction. Similarly,               50-percent acquisition of the POD’s
                                              a substitute asset received in a tax-free               Distributing or Controlled would be                   stock) could be effectively replicated in
                                              exchange for property received in the                   treated as continuing in existence                    a manner that would circumvent that
                                              separating transfer) and held by                        following a transfer of property to a                 definition and thereby avoid the
                                              Controlled at the time of the                           Successor that was a member of the                    application of section 355(e) in
                                              distribution. Under the third operating                 same EAG. Without this rule, for                      substantially similar transactions. For
                                              rule, the basis and value of the property               example, because a POD that was a                     example, assume that corporation D2
                                              (other than Controlled stock) would be                  historic member of the EAG would not                  owns 100 percent of both classes (voting
                                              determined as of the date of the                        continue to exist for Federal income tax              class A and voting class B) of
                                              distribution. The fourth operating rule                 purposes after transferring property to               corporation D1’s stock, and D1 owns all
                                              provided that the basis and value of any                Distributing in a combining transfer,                 of the stock of corporation C. The three
                                              Controlled stock that the POD                           section 355(e)(2)(C) would not prevent                corporations together file a consolidated
                                              transferred to Distributing would be                    section 355(e) from applying to a                     return (the D2 group). Assume that the
                                              measured on the date of the combining                   Planned 50-percent Acquisition of the                 following steps occur as part of a Plan:
                                              transfer.                                               stock of a POD, even if Distributing and              D2 acquires all of the stock of unrelated
                                                 The second gain limitation rule                      Controlled remained members of the                    corporation P in exchange for 10 percent
                                              applied if a section 381 transaction (for               same EAG immediately after completion                 of D2’s only class of outstanding stock
                                              example, an A reorganization of a POD                   of the Plan.                                          in a reorganization under section
                                              into Distributing) caused a Planned 50-                                                                       368(a)(1)(B). After joining the D2 group,
                                              percent Acquisition of Distributing                     3. Summary of Comments and                            P transfers an asset to D1 for less than
                                              stock. Under those circumstances, the                   Modifications Adopted in the                          20 percent of D1’s voting class A stock
                                              second gain limitation rule effectively                 Temporary Regulations                                 in a section 351 exchange by application
                                              limited the amount of section 355(e)                       The Treasury Department and the IRS                of § 1.1502–34. D1 then transfers the
                                              gain that Distributing would recognize                  received formal and informal comments                 asset to C and distributes all the C stock
                                              to the excess of the amount described in                regarding the proposed regulations. The               with respect to its voting class B stock
                                              section 355(c)(2) or section 361(c)(2), as              comments and modifications to the                     to D2 in a transaction qualifying under
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                                              applicable, over any section 355(e) gain                proposed regulations adopted in the                   section 355(a). D2 in turn distributes all
                                              that Distributing would have been                       temporary regulations are discussed                   the C stock to its shareholders in a
                                              required to recognize if there had been                 here. The temporary regulations retain                transaction qualifying under section
                                              a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of one                 many of the rules of the proposed                     355(a). In such a case, P’s assets have
                                              or more PODs (but not Distributing).                    regulations; however, in response to                  been divided tax-free as a result of the
                                              The section 355(e) gain computed on                     comments, the temporary regulations                   distribution of C stock, and P has
                                              the hypothetical Planned 50-percent                     modify some provisions and add new                    undergone a 50-percent acquisition of


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                                              91742            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              its stock, but section 355(e) would not                 Plan of the POD, but without the                      being held by Controlled when its stock
                                              apply because P did not engage in a                     participation (or even the knowledge) of              is distributed by Distributing. However,
                                              section 381 transaction, although all                   Distributing. Because Distributing                    under the proposed regulations, POD
                                              steps occurred under a Plan.                            would be the corporation that could                   status would not attach to the transferor
                                                 Commenters also expressed concern                    recognize section 355(e) gain, the                    because the division of the transferor’s
                                              that the definition of a POD in the                     Treasury Department and the IRS have                  assets would be accomplished using a
                                              proposed regulations would apply                        determined that it is not appropriate to              section 351 exchange and not in a
                                              without regard to whether the                           apply the rules of § 1.355–7 by imputing              section 381 transaction (that is, a
                                              combining transfer or separating transfer               to Distributing the actions of a POD or               combining transfer).
                                              were part of a Plan. These commenters                   its shareholders. Accordingly, these                     The Treasury Department and the IRS
                                              further noted that the Plan rules of                    temporary regulations provide that any                have reviewed the major goal of the
                                              § 1.355–7, which were published after                   agreement, understanding, arrangement,                proposed regulations, as discussed at
                                              the proposed regulations, did not                       or substantial negotiations with regard               part 2.A. of this preamble: To apply
                                              provide express guidance regarding                      to the acquisition of a POD is analyzed               section 355(e) in cases in which, as part
                                              their application in cases involving an                 under § 1.355–7 by taking into account                of a Plan, a tax-free division of the
                                              acquisition of a POD’s stock that could                 the actions of officers or directors of               ownership of the POD’s assets would
                                              implicate section 355(e). The                           Distributing or Controlled, controlling               otherwise be achieved through the use
                                              commenters recommended that the                         shareholders (as defined in § 1.355–                  of a section 355 distribution. Although
                                              proposed regulations be modified to                     7(h)(3)) of Distributing or Controlled, or            not discussed in depth in the preamble
                                              include: (1) A rule stating that a                      a person acting with the implicit or                  of the proposed regulations, the
                                              corporation can satisfy the definition of               explicit permission of one of those                   overarching theory was to apply section
                                              a POD only if both the combining                        parties. The actions of officers or                   355(e) to a section 355 distribution if, as
                                              transfer and the separating transfer are                directors of a POD and other parties that             part of a Plan, some of the assets of a
                                              part of a Plan, and (2) express guidance                might be relevant with regard to an                   POD were transferred to Controlled
                                              regarding the application of the § 1.355–               analysis under § 1.355–7 if the POD                   without full recognition of gain, and the
                                              7 Plan rules in cases involving an                      were an actual Distributing are not                   distribution accomplished a division of
                                              acquisition of a POD’s stock. The                       considered unless those actions                       the POD’s assets. The Treasury
                                              comments indicated that, absent the                     otherwise would be examined under the                 Department and the IRS viewed (and
                                              requirement that the combining transfer                 preceding sentence (for example, if a                 continue to view) this type of
                                              and the separating transfer both be part                POD or its shareholder is a controlling               transaction as a vehicle for achieving, as
                                              of a Plan, there could be uncertainty as                shareholder of Distributing).                         a result of the distribution of Controlled
                                              to whether section 355(e) would apply                      In addition, the Treasury Department               stock, the tax-free separation of the
                                              to the acquisition of a potential POD if                and the IRS agree with the comment                    assets that the POD transferred to
                                              there is no Plan in existence at the time               that the definition of a POD in the                   Distributing that are further transferred
                                              of the section 381 transaction. Further,                proposed regulations, with its exclusive              to Controlled (a synthetic spin-off). The
                                              this uncertainty would burden                           application to transferors in section 381             POD might have separated those assets
                                              taxpayers by requiring assets acquired                  transactions, did not adequately address              in a divisive D reorganization, without
                                              by Distributing in any section 381                      section 355(e) policy concerns regarding              the intervention of Distributing.
                                              transaction at any time to be tracked                   the use of section 355 to facilitate tax-             However, in that case, section 355(e)
                                              through the date of the distribution                    free dispositions of assets. The Treasury             may have applied to the section 355
                                              without knowing whether section 355(e)                  Department and the IRS also agree with                distribution, whereas, absent treatment
                                              would apply.                                            commenters that the existence of a Plan               as a POD, a synthetic spin-off of the
                                                 The Treasury Department and the IRS                                                                        POD’s assets would not be subject to
                                                                                                      should be relevant to the determination
                                              have determined that the normal                                                                               section 355(e).
                                                                                                      of whether a corporation is a POD, to
                                              construct of the Plan rules in § 1.355–7                                                                         The proposed regulations defined a
                                                                                                      minimize the burden of tracking a
                                              generally should apply to acquisitions                                                                        POD narrowly, so that a corporation that
                                                                                                      corporation’s assets prior to the                     transferred some of its assets to
                                              of POD stock (as well as to acquisitions
                                              of the stock of Distributing, Controlled,               distribution. Therefore, as described in              Controlled would be a POD only if it
                                              and their Successors). Accordingly, the                 the following paragraphs, the modified                first transferred those assets to
                                              temporary regulations provide a general                 definition of a POD contained in the                  Distributing in a section 381 transaction.
                                              rule that references in § 1.355–7 to                    temporary regulations takes into                      To achieve the goal of applying section
                                              Distributing or Controlled are treated as               account both of these comments.                       355(e) to synthetic spin-offs more
                                              references to a POD, POC, or Successor                  ii. Modifications to Definition of a POD              effectively, these temporary regulations
                                              of Distributing or Controlled, as the                                                                         have both broadened and limited the
                                                                                                      a. Synthetic Spin-Off Analysis
                                              context may require. Further, a                                                                               scope of the definition of a POD. As
                                              reference to a distribution generally                      Study by the Treasury Department                   discussed in greater detail in part
                                              includes a reference to a distribution                  and the IRS arising from consideration                3.A.ii.b. of this preamble, the temporary
                                              and other related pre-distribution                      of the comments received on the                       regulations eliminate the formalistic
                                              transactions that together effect a                     proposed regulations has led to the                   requirements of a combining transfer
                                              division of the assets of a POD.                        identification of a variety of pre-                   followed by a separating transfer and
                                              However, special rules apply with                       distribution transactions that taxpayers              generally identify as a POD any
                                              regard to the actions taken into account                could use to achieve results                          corporation whose assets are divided as
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              in determining whether a 50-percent                     substantially similar to a combining                  part of a Plan as a result of some but not
                                              acquisition of a POD occurs as part of                  transfer and separating transfer. For                 all of those assets being transferred to
                                              Plan. Although a 50-percent acquisition                 example, as described in part 3.A.i. of               Controlled without the recognition of all
                                              of a POD may occur contemporaneously                    this preamble, a corporation could                    of the built-in gain on the transferred
                                              with a distribution made by                             transfer some, but not all, of its assets             assets before the distribution. No
                                              Distributing, the acquisition and                       to Distributing in a section 351                      specific transactional form is required
                                              distribution might occur as part of a                   exchange, with those assets ultimately                with regard to the transfer(s) of assets to


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          91743

                                              Controlled, although such transfers                     and Plan Period, the following defined                distributed in the distribution reflects
                                              must be made as part of a Plan. Thus,                   terms are integral to applying the                    the basis of any Separated Property.
                                              Distributing may recognize section                      modified definition of a POD:                         This requirement ensures that there is a
                                              355(e) gain on a distribution of                           Relevant Stock—Stock that is a                     connection between the gain in the
                                              Controlled stock if Controlled acquired                 Potential Predecessor’s Relevant                      property of a POD and the gain that
                                              assets of any corporation identified as a               Property.                                             would be included under an application
                                              POD, and the POD experiences a                             Substitute Asset—In general, any                   of section 355(e) and these temporary
                                              Planned 50-percent Acquisition of its                   property that is held directly or                     regulations. For example, under this
                                              stock.                                                  indirectly by Distributing during the                 rule, if section 355(e) applies to each of
                                                                                                      Plan Period and that was received in                  two sequential distributions of
                                              b. Definition of a POD in the Temporary                 exchange for Relevant Property that was               Controlled stock, the Controlled stock
                                              Regulations                                             acquired directly or indirectly by                    that is distributed in the second
                                                 Consistent with the synthetic spin-off               Distributing if all gain on the transferred           distribution might not reflect any gain
                                              analysis described in part 3.A.ii.a. of                 Relevant Property is not recognized in                in Separated Property of a Potential
                                              this preamble, the temporary regulations                the exchange. In addition, stock                      Predecessor of the first Distributing. In
                                              focus in a more conceptual manner on                    received by Distributing in a                         that case, the Potential Predecessor will
                                              the division of property of any                         distribution qualifying under section                 not be treated as a POD for purposes of
                                              corporation other than Distributing or                  305(a) or section 355(a) on Relevant                  the second distribution, even though
                                              Controlled (a Potential Predecessor) as                 Stock is a Substitute Asset.                          that Potential Predecessor may have
                                              part of a Plan. Certain property of a                      Separated Property—Each item of                    been a POD for purposes of the first
                                              Potential Predecessor (Relevant                         Relevant Property that is transferred to              distribution.
                                              Property) is required to be tracked for                 Controlled as part of a Plan and is held                 In addition to the two pre-distribution
                                              the purpose of determining whether a                    by Controlled immediately before the                  requirements, a single post-distribution
                                              division of the Potential Predecessor’s                 distribution. Also, Controlled stock that             requirement applies: Immediately after
                                              property has occurred. Relevant                         is Relevant Property and that is                      the distribution, direct or indirect
                                              Property is defined as any property                     transferred to, and distributed by,                   ownership of Relevant Property must
                                              held, directly or indirectly, by the                    Distributing as part of a Plan.                       have been divided between Controlled
                                              Potential Predecessor at any point                         Underlying Property—Property                       on the one hand, and Distributing or the
                                              during the Plan Period. The Plan Period,                directly or indirectly held by a                      Potential Predecessor (or a successor of
                                              in turn, is defined as the period that                  corporation that is the issuer of Relevant            a Potential Predecessor) on the other
                                              ends immediately after the distribution                 Stock.                                                hand. For purposes of the preceding
                                              and begins on the earliest date on which                   The definition of a POD, which                     sentence, if a Potential Predecessor
                                              any pre-distribution step that is part of               focuses on the division of Relevant                   transfers property in a section 381
                                              the Plan is agreed to or understood,                    Property as part of a Plan, requires the              transaction to a corporation (other than
                                              arranged, or substantially negotiated by                satisfaction of both pre-distribution and             Distributing or Controlled) during the
                                              one or more officers or directors acting                post-distribution requirements. There                 Plan Period, the corporation is a
                                              on behalf of Distributing or Controlled,                are two pre-distribution requirements: A              successor to the Potential Predecessor. If
                                              by controlling shareholders of                          Relevant Property requirement and a                   all of the Relevant Property of a
                                              Distributing or Controlled, or by another               reflection of basis requirement. The                  Potential Predecessor is transferred to
                                              person or persons with the implicit or                  Relevant Property requirement may be                  Controlled before the distribution, that
                                              explicit permission of one or more of                   satisfied in two ways. The Relevant                   Potential Predecessor is not a POD
                                              such officers, directors, or controlling                Property requirement may be satisfied                 because its assets have not been
                                              shareholders. The temporary regulations                 if, before the distribution and as part of            divided.
                                              generally do not treat as Relevant                      a Plan, Distributing directly or                         Special rules apply to ensure that the
                                              Property any property of a Potential                    indirectly acquires Controlled stock in               occurrence of a reorganization under
                                              Predecessor that was held directly or                   exchange for a direct or indirect interest            section 368(a)(1)(E) or (F) to which
                                              indirectly by Distributing or Controlled                in Relevant Property. In addition,                    Distributing is a party does not affect the
                                              before a Plan existed. Rather, the                      Controlled must directly or indirectly                analysis of whether Distributing stock or
                                              definition of Relevant Property of a                    hold Relevant Property immediately                    Distributing’s direct and indirect assets
                                              Potential Predecessor excludes any                      before the distribution, and the gain in              are treated as Relevant Property.
                                              property held directly or indirectly by                 the Relevant Property must not have                      The definition of a POD under the
                                              Distributing unless that property was                   been fully recognized as part of the                  temporary regulations captures many of
                                              directly or indirectly transferred to                   Plan. The Relevant Property                           the same transactions that would have
                                              Distributing as part of a Plan, and it was              requirement also may be satisfied if any              been captured under the proposed
                                              Relevant Property of the Potential                      Controlled stock that is distributed as               regulations without modification. For
                                              Predecessor before the transfer.                        part of the Plan is Relevant Property,                example, the merger of a Potential
                                                 Because POD status under the                         and the full amount of gain on that                   Predecessor into Distributing as part of
                                              temporary regulations depends in large                  Controlled stock is not recognized as                 a Plan, followed by the transfer of some
                                              part upon the division of the Relevant                  part of the Plan. In either case and as               (but not all) of the assets of the Potential
                                              Property of a Potential Predecessor,                    discussed earlier in this part 3.A.ii.b.,             Predecessor to Controlled as part of the
                                              Relevant Property must be carefully                     for purposes of determining POD status,               Plan would result in the Potential
                                              defined and transfers of Relevant                       a Potential Predecessor will not be                   Predecessor being treated as a POD
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              Property as part of a Plan must be                      treated as an indirect owner of property              under both regulations. However, the
                                              tracked to achieve the goals of the                     that is directly or indirectly held by                definition of a POD under the temporary
                                              temporary regulations. Thus, although                   Distributing unless that property was                 regulations will reach a number of other
                                              the modified definition of a POD is                     transferred to Distributing as part of a              Potential Predecessors, including
                                              conceptual in nature, it is implemented                 Plan.                                                 indirect transferors, particularly
                                              through application of a set of defined                    The reflection of basis requirement is             because, under the modified definition,
                                              terms. In addition to Relevant Property                 satisfied only if any Controlled stock                Relevant Property expressly includes


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                                              91744            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              both the directly and indirectly-held                   will cease to exist as a result of the                corporation is a predecessor of a POD if
                                              property of a Potential Predecessor.                    transaction in which it becomes a POD.                it transfers assets to the POD as part of
                                              Therefore, in determining whether                       Further, under the first gain limitation              a Plan, and all additional pre- and post-
                                              Relevant Property has been divided                      rule of the temporary regulations,                    distribution requirements are satisfied
                                              (and, thus, whether a POD exists), the                  Distributing will recognize section                   with respect to its assets. The temporary
                                              temporary regulations consider an                       355(e) gain on the division of Relevant               regulations include a similar rule with
                                              expanded pool of Potential                              Property only if there has been a                     respect to a predecessor of a POC.
                                              Predecessors. For example, if a Potential               Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a                   Because the temporary regulations
                                              Predecessor transfers Relevant Property                 POD. Because only acquisitions of a                   recognize successive predecessors of
                                              to Distributing in a section 351                        POD’s stock that occur as part of a Plan              Distributing and Controlled, it is no
                                              exchange as part of a Plan, the Potential               are relevant to these inquiries,                      longer necessary to include the general
                                              Predecessor may be a POD, as may be                     Distributing should be in possession of               operating rule contained in the
                                              a direct or indirect corporate                          the necessary information to determine                proposed regulations that would have
                                              shareholder of the Potential Predecessor                whether section 355(e) will apply. The                treated the resulting corporation in an F
                                              (an indirect owner of the Relevant                      Treasury Department and the IRS                       reorganization as the same corporation
                                              Property during the Plan Period), if the                request comments regarding the                        that engaged in the reorganization.
                                              Potential Predecessor’s Relevant                        integration of the Plan Limitation rule               Accordingly, the temporary regulations
                                              Property (directly or indirectly held) is               and the definition of a POD under the                 eliminate this operating rule.
                                              ultimately divided, as part of the Plan,                temporary regulations.
                                                                                                                                                            B. Special Rules for Gain Recognition
                                              as a result of the distribution. As
                                                                                                      iii. Substitute Assets and POCs                         The gain limitation rules of the
                                              another example, a Potential
                                              Predecessor that merges into                               As discussed in part 3.A.ii.b. of this             proposed regulations are incorporated
                                              Distributing in a forward triangular                    preamble, the POD status under these                  in the temporary regulations, with
                                              merger as part of a Plan may be a POD,                  temporary regulations depends in large                modifications to address certain
                                              as well as a direct or indirect corporate               part upon the division of Relevant                    concerns of commenters. Commenters
                                              shareholder of the Potential Predecessor                Property of a Potential Predecessor as                expressed three main concerns with
                                              during the Plan Period. However, as                     part of a Plan. Therefore, to better                  respect to the first gain limitation in the
                                              discussed earlier in this part 3.A.ii.b., in            effectuate the tracking of Relevant                   proposed regulations, which applies if
                                              either case, the Potential Predecessor’s                Property (and, by extension, Separated                there is a Planned 50-percent
                                              Relevant Property ultimately must be                    Property), these temporary regulations                Acquisition of a POD.
                                              divided as part of the Plan to satisfy the              broaden the definition of a Substitute                  First, commenters stated that the
                                              post-distribution requirement.                          Asset, which is treated as Relevant                   hypothetical section 351 exchange
                                                 As discussed earlier in this part                    Property. Under these temporary                       construct used in the first gain
                                              3.A.ii.b., the temporary regulations                    regulations, a Substitute Asset is any                limitation rule to determine
                                              require the tracking of assets for                      property that is held directly or                     Distributing’s section 355(e) gain on a
                                              purposes of identifying PODs; as                        indirectly by Distributing during the                 Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a
                                              discussed further in part 3.B. of this                  Plan Period and was received in                       POD was unnecessarily complicated
                                              preamble, the temporary regulations                     exchange for Relevant Property that was               because of its reliance on rules ancillary
                                              also require asset tracking for purposes                acquired directly or indirectly by                    to section 351. Specifically, commenters
                                              of application of the gain limitation                   Distributing if all gain on the transferred           were uncertain as to whether (or how)
                                              rules. However, to alleviate this burden                Relevant Property is not recognized on                the loss importation rules under then-
                                              (as identified in the comments received                 the exchange. Controlled stock may                    recently-enacted section 362(e) would
                                              on the proposed regulations), the                       constitute a Substitute Asset (and thus,              apply to the hypothetical section 351
                                              temporary regulations provide that only                 Relevant Property) only if that                       exchange. Commenters requested that,
                                              direct or indirect transfers of Relevant                Controlled stock received (or deemed                  in lieu of the hypothetical section 351
                                              Property (including Controlled stock) by                received) in the exchange reflects the                exchange, gain be limited to the
                                              a Potential Predecessor to Distributing                 basis of Relevant Stock and the issuer of             difference between the aggregate basis
                                              (or to a POD (see discussion in part                    that Relevant Stock ceases to exist for               in the POD’s assets actually transferred
                                              3.A.iii. of this preamble)) that occur as               Federal income tax purposes under the                 to Controlled and the aggregate fair
                                              part of a Plan are relevant in                          Plan. Treatment of this type of                       market value of those assets
                                              determining whether a Potential                         Controlled stock as Relevant Property                 immediately before the distribution.
                                              Predecessor is treated as a POD or a                    eliminates the need for application of                  The second main concern of
                                              predecessor of a POD (the Plan                          the POC concept for purposes of                       commenters was that the proposed
                                              Limitation). Similarly, only assets                     determining POD status and computing                  regulations imposed a tracking burden
                                              transferred as part of a Plan are relevant              gain limitations. Accordingly, these                  with respect to a POD’s assets. Third,
                                              for application of the gain limitation                  temporary regulations reduce the scope                commenters noted that measuring the
                                              rules. If no transfer of property of a                  of the POC rule to apply solely for                   value of Controlled stock acquired by
                                              Potential Predecessor to Distributing or                purposes of applying the affiliated                   Distributing from a POD at the time of
                                              Controlled occurs as part of a Plan, there              group rule of section 355(e)(2)(C).                   the combining transfer (as opposed to at
                                              is no requirement for taxpayers to track                                                                      the time of the distribution, as is the
                                                                                                      iv. Successive Predecessors                           case with other property) could be
                                              assets of any Potential Predecessor
                                              under the temporary regulations.                           The Treasury Department and the IRS                burdensome.
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                                                 The Treasury Department and the IRS                  have determined that the Plan                           With regard to the first concern, the
                                              recognize that there may be potential                   Limitation rule described in part                     Treasury Department and the IRS do not
                                              difficulties in applying section 355(e) to              3.A.ii.b. of this preamble mitigates                  agree with the commenters’ suggestion
                                              a POD that does not cease to exist as a                 much of the burden associated with                    that the first gain limitation rule
                                              result of the transaction in which it                   tracking successive PODs. Thus, the                   applicable to a Planned 50-percent
                                              becomes a POD. However, it is expected                  temporary regulations treat a                         Acquisition of a POD should be
                                              that in many (if not most) cases, a POD                 predecessor of a POD as a POD. A                      measured solely by reference to the


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        91745

                                              difference between the aggregate basis                  regulations. In addition, the Treasury                income tax impact of directionality
                                              and the aggregate fair market value in a                Department and the IRS continue to                    between economically equivalent
                                              POD’s assets transferred to Controlled.                 view the burden of tracking a POD’s                   section 381 transactions. That is, the
                                              Outside of the POD context, application                 assets imposed by the first gain                      same result should obtain under the
                                              of section 355(e) results in the                        limitation rule as preferable to requiring            temporary regulations regardless of
                                              recognition of gain on Controlled stock,                Distributing to recognize the full                    which party to the section 381
                                              rather than on assets held by Controlled.               amount of section 355(e) gain that                    transaction is the transferor corporation
                                              As discussed in part 3.A.ii.a. of this                  Distributing would otherwise recognize                and which is the acquiring corporation.
                                              preamble, the policy underlying the                     under section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) (the                Because the temporary regulations
                                              proposed regulations was to apply                       Statutory Recognition Amount) in the                  require the tracking of both the direct
                                              section 355(e) to result in section 355(e)              absence of such a rule. Nevertheless, the             and indirect assets of PODs, the
                                              gain equivalent to that obtained if some                temporary regulations provide that                    Treasury Department and the IRS have
                                              of the assets of a POD had been                         Distributing may choose not to apply                  determined that certain additional
                                              transferred to a hypothetical Controlled                the first or second gain limitation rules             limitations on the recognition of gain
                                              without full recognition of gain, and a                 to a distribution, and instead may                    are appropriate. First, the definition of
                                              division of the POD’s assets were                       recognize the Statutory Recognition                   Separated Property excludes property
                                              accomplished through a hypothetical                     Amount, by reporting the Statutory                    indirectly held by a POD if the stock of
                                              distribution to which section 355(e)                    Recognition Amount on its original or                 the corporation that directly owns the
                                              applied. That theory continues to                       amended Federal income tax return for                 property is Separated Property (and thus
                                              underlie these temporary regulations.                   the year of the distribution.                         is already taken into account for gain
                                              Therefore, the Treasury Department and                     With regard to the measurement of                  recognition purposes). Thus, a
                                              the IRS have determined that a                          gain on Controlled stock that is                      corporation’s Underlying Property is
                                              limitation on section 355(e) gain equal                 Separated Property, the Treasury                      excluded from the gain recognition
                                              to the gain in the stock of a hypothetical              Department and the IRS agree that it is               computation if the corporation’s stock is
                                              Controlled following a transfer of POD                  preferable to measure this gain as of the             Relevant Stock transferred to Controlled
                                              assets is appropriate. In addition, the                 time of the distribution. Using the date              as part of a Plan and held by Controlled
                                              commenters’ concerns regarding the                      of the distribution to measure the gain               immediately before the distribution. The
                                              possible application of section 362(e),                 attributable to the POD’s Controlled                  temporary regulations also provide a
                                              highlighted by the use of a hypothetical                stock allows for investment adjustments               prohibition on counting the same asset
                                              section 351 and sale construct in the                   to be made with respect to such stock                 as Relevant Property of successive
                                              proposed regulations, should be eased                   if Distributing is a member of a                      PODs, as well as a more general anti-
                                              by the intervening promulgation of final                consolidated group. Such adjustments                  duplication rule, which ensures that the
                                              regulations under section 362(e)(1) and                 often will mitigate the effect of multiple            same economic gain is not captured
                                              (2). See §§ 1.362–3 and 1.362–4.                        layers of taxation on the same economic               multiple times under section 355(e) and
                                              However, to avoid confusion regarding                   gain. Accordingly, these temporary                    these regulations.
                                              the applicable Code provisions to be                    regulations include modifications to the
                                                                                                                                                            C. Section 336(e) Election
                                              applied in determining the appropriate                  proposed regulations that address the
                                                                                                      commenters’ concerns.                                    Effective for certain sales, exchanges,
                                              amount of section 355(e) gain to be                                                                           or distributions of stock made by a
                                                                                                         The temporary regulations implement
                                              recognized by Distributing, these                                                                             domestic corporation on or after May
                                                                                                      the modifications discussed using
                                              temporary regulations modify the first                                                                        15, 2013, regulations under section
                                                                                                      terminology that is consistent with the
                                              and second gain limitation rules to                     modification of the definition of a POD.              336(e) permit, in certain circumstances,
                                              result in section 355(e) gain that would                Thus, the temporary regulations provide               a domestic corporation to elect to treat
                                              have been present in hypothetical                       that the first gain limitation rule                   a sale, exchange, or distribution of the
                                              Controlled stock, had Distributing                      applicable to a Planned 50-percent                    stock of a corporation as an asset sale.
                                              transferred assets to a hypothetical                    Acquisition of a POD equals the amount                See §§ 1.336–1 through 1.336–5. The
                                              Controlled and distributed its stock in a               of section 355(e) gain Distributing                   temporary regulations clarify that
                                              hypothetical reorganization under                       would have recognized if, immediately                 Distributing may elect to apply the
                                              section 368(a)(1)(D) and section 355(e)                 before the distribution, Distributing had             regulations under section 336(e) to a
                                              (a Hypothetical D/355(e)                                transferred all the Separated Property                distribution of Controlled stock to
                                              Reorganization), rather than a section                  received from the POD to a newly-                     which the temporary regulations apply,
                                              351 exchange followed by a                              formed corporation in exchange solely                 provided that the transaction otherwise
                                              hypothetical sale. This formulation will                for stock of such corporation in a                    satisfies the requirements of the
                                              more closely reflect the policy                         Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization.                 regulations under section 336(e), and
                                              underlying the proposed regulations                        With regard to situations in which                 Distributing would otherwise be
                                              and these temporary regulations.                        there is a Planned 50-percent                         required under these temporary
                                                 With regard to the second concern, as                Acquisition of Distributing, the                      regulations to recognize the Statutory
                                              discussed in part 3.A.ii.b. of this                     temporary regulations modify the                      Recognition Amount with respect to the
                                              preamble, these temporary regulations                   language of the second gain limitation                Controlled stock its distributes.
                                              mitigate the burden of tracking assets by               rule to conform to the modified
                                              providing that a Potential Predecessor                  definition of a POD. However, the                     D. Successors
                                              can be a POD only if the assets of the                  substance of the rule remains: If the                    In the preamble to the proposed
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                                              Potential Predecessor are transferred as                Planned 50-percent Acquisition of                     regulations, the Treasury Department
                                              part of a Plan. If such a transfer occurs               Distributing stock occurs in a section                and the IRS requested comments
                                              as part of a Plan, the required tracking                381 transaction in which a POD                        regarding whether transferees of the
                                              burden is knowable by Distributing; if                  transfers its assets to Distributing, the             property of Distributing or Controlled in
                                              there is no Plan, there is no requirement               amount of section 355(e) gain                         transactions other than section 381
                                              to track any assets of a Potential                      recognized is limited. This rule is                   transactions should be considered
                                              Predecessor under the temporary                         intended to minimize the Federal                      Successors. One comment on the


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                                              91746            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              proposed regulations endorsed treating                  Distributing under section 311 on its                 regulatory impact assessment is not
                                              a transferee in a section 351 or section                distribution of Controlled stock, even                required. These temporary regulations
                                              721 transaction as a Successor, but only                though section 355(f) would have                      are necessary to provide necessary
                                              in limited circumstances. Although the                  applied only as a result of a Planned 50-             guidance regarding the identity of
                                              Treasury Department and the IRS                         percent Acquisition of a predecessor of               predecessor and successor corporations
                                              continue to study this issue, the                       the Lower-Tier Distributing (and not of               of distributing and controlled
                                              temporary regulations treat as a                        Controlled or the Lower-Tier                          corporations, to enable taxpayers to
                                              Successor for section 355(e) purposes                   Distributing). However, there may be                  utilize the benefit of certain gain
                                              only a transferee to which Distributing                 circumstances under which taxpayers                   limitation rules with respect to certain
                                              or Controlled transferred its assets in a               wish to apply section 355(f) to such                  section 355(e) transactions, and to
                                              section 381 transaction after a                         distributions instead of the first or                 enable taxpayers to choose to apply or
                                              distribution.                                           second gain limitation rules provided by              not to apply section 355(f). These
                                                                                                      these temporary regulations.                          subjects were framed for discussion in
                                              E. Section 355(f)                                         Accordingly, these temporary                        a prior notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 As described in part 1.B. of this                    regulations provide that section 355(f)               (REG–145535–02) and modifications to
                                              preamble, by operation of section                       does not apply if there is a Planned 50-              the proposed regulations in these
                                              355(e)(2)(C), section 355(e) does not                   percent Acquisition of the stock of a                 temporary regulations either flow
                                              apply to an Internal Distribution if                    predecessor of a Lower-Tier Distributing              directly from comments received
                                              immediately after the Plan Distributing                 but not of the stock of the Lower-Tier                relating to the definition of a
                                              and each Controlled remain members of                   Distributing or Controlled. As a result,              Predecessor of Distributing set forth in
                                              the same Expanded Affiliated Group.                     section 355(e), including the first and               that notice of proposed rulemaking or
                                              Also, as described in part 1.B. of this                 second gain limitation rules in these                 permit taxpayers to effectively elect the
                                              preamble, section 355(f) prevents                       temporary regulations, applies to the                 tax consequences of transactions subject
                                              section 355 from applying to an Internal                Internal Distribution. However, the                   to the proposed regulations. For this
                                              Distribution if section 355(e) would                    temporary regulations provide that a                  reason, it has been determined,
                                              otherwise apply to such distribution                    Lower-Tier Distributing may choose to                 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), that good
                                              (that is, if after the Plan, Controlled or              apply section 355(f) to an Internal                   cause exists for dispensing with the
                                              the Lower-Tier Distributing is not a                    Distribution it makes without any                     notice and public comment procedures.
                                              member of the affiliated group as a                     limitation on the gain it recognizes, but             However, to minimize their effect on
                                              result of an External Distribution).                    only if each member of the affiliated                 pending transactions, these regulations
                                              Because section 355 would not apply,                    group (as defined in section 1504(a)) of              apply only to distributions occurring 30
                                              the Internal Distribution would be                      which the Lower-Tier Distributing is a                days or more after the date this Treasury
                                              taxable, and the shareholder or security                member reports the Federal income tax                 decision is published in the Federal
                                              holder would take the Controlled stock                  consequences of the Internal                          Register. For the applicability of the
                                              or securities with a fair market value                  Distribution consistent with the                      Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
                                              basis under section 301(d). Upon the                    application of section 355(f).                        chapter 6), refer to the Special Analyses
                                              subsequent External Distribution, there
                                                                                                      Effective/Applicability Date                          section of the preamble of the cross-
                                              typically no longer would be built-in
                                                                                                         These temporary regulations apply to               referenced notice of proposed
                                              gain in the Controlled stock or securities
                                              to result in additional section 355(e)                  distributions that occur after January 18,            rulemaking published in the Proposed
                                              gain.                                                   2017. However, these regulations do not               Rules section of this issue of the Federal
                                                 The Treasury Department and the IRS                  apply to a distribution that is: (1) Made             Register. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of
                                              have determined that the application of                 pursuant to a binding agreement in                    the Internal Revenue Code, this
                                              section 355(f) may frustrate the policy                 effect on or before December 16, 2016,                regulation has been submitted to the
                                              underlying the first and second gain                    and at all times thereafter, (2) described            Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
                                              limitation rules of these temporary                     in a ruling request submitted to the IRS              Business Administration for comment
                                              regulations in certain cases.                           on or before December 16, 2016 for a                  on its impact on small businesses.
                                              Specifically, if there is a Planned 50-                 transaction that is not modified after                Drafting Information
                                              percent Acquisition of only a                           such date, or (3) described on or before
                                              predecessor of the Lower-Tier                                                                                    The principal author of these
                                                                                                      December 16, 2016 in a public
                                              Distributing (and not of Controlled or                                                                        regulations is Lynlee C. Baker, formerly
                                                                                                      announcement or in a filing with the
                                              the Lower-Tier Distributing), the stock                                                                       of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel
                                                                                                      Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                              or securities of Controlled are                                                                               (Corporate). However, other personnel
                                                                                                      In addition, Distributing and any
                                              distributed in an Internal Distribution                                                                       from the Treasury Department and the
                                                                                                      affiliated group of which it is a member
                                              by the Lower-Tier Distributing, and each                                                                      IRS participated in their development.
                                                                                                      may consistently apply these
                                              of the acquisition(s) and the Internal                  regulations in their entirety to any                  List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1
                                              Distribution precedes an External                       distribution occurring after November                   Income taxes, Reporting and
                                              Distribution of Controlled as part of the               22, 2004. If so, taxpayers must                       recordkeeping requirements.
                                              same Plan, then section 355(f) would be                 consistently apply this section in its
                                              expected to apply to the Internal                       entirety to all distributions occurring               Amendments to the Regulations
                                              Distribution. If section 355(f) were to                 after November 22, 2004, that are part of               Accordingly, 26 CFR part 1 is
                                              apply, no part of section 355 would                     the same Plan.                                        amended as follows:
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                                              apply (including the gain limitation
                                              rules under these temporary                             Special Analyses
                                                                                                                                                            PART 1—INCOME TAXES
                                              regulations). Without application of the                  Certain IRS regulations, including this
                                              first and second gain limitation rules,                 one, are exempt from the requirements                 ■ Paragraph 1. The authority citation
                                              the full amount of built-in gain in the                 of Executive Order 12866, as                          for part 1 is amended by adding an entry
                                              Controlled stock or securities would be                 supplemented and reaffirmed by                        in numerical order to read in part as
                                              recognized by the Lower-Tier                            Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a                   follows:


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         91747

                                                Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *                         (B) Controlled stock that is Separated              (as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this
                                                Section 1.355–8T also issued under 26                 Property.                                             section). The rules of this section must
                                              U.S.C. 336(e) and 355(e)(5).                              (C) Anti-duplication rule.                          be interpreted and applied in a manner
                                                                                                        (3) Planned 50-percent Acquisition of
                                              ■ Par. 2. Section 1.355–0 is amended by                 Distributing in a section 381 transaction.
                                                                                                                                                            that is consistent with and reasonably
                                              revising the introductory text and                        (4) Overall gain recognition.                       carries out the purposes of this section.
                                              adding an entry for § 1.355–8T to read                    (5) Section 336(e) election.                           (3) Overview. This section applies if a
                                              as follows:                                               (f) Predecessor or Successor as a member            distribution of Controlled stock (or stock
                                                                                                      of the affiliated group.                              and securities) is part of the same Plan
                                              § 1.355–0   Outline of sections.                          (g) Inapplicability of section 355(f) to            that includes a Planned 50-percent
                                                In order to facilitate the use of                     certain intra-group distributions.
                                                                                                        (1) In general.                                     Acquisition of a Predecessor of
                                              §§ 1.355–1 through 1.355–8T, this                                                                             Distributing, Distributing, Controlled, a
                                                                                                        (2) Alternative application of section
                                              section lists the major paragraphs in                   355(f).                                               Successor of Distributing, or a Successor
                                              those sections as follows:                                (h) Examples.                                       of Controlled. Paragraph (a)(4) of this
                                              *     *     *     *     *                                 (i) Effective/applicability date.                   section provides rules regarding
                                              § 1.355–8T Definition of predecessor and                  (1) In general.                                     references to the terms Distributing,
                                                    successor and limitations on gain                   (2) Transition rule.                                Controlled, distribution, Plan, and Plan
                                                    recognition under section 355(e) and                (i) In general.
                                                                                                                                                            Period for purposes of section 355(e),
                                                    section 355(f).                                     (ii) Definition of distribution.
                                                                                                        (3) Exception.                                      § 1.355–7, and this section. Paragraph
                                                 (a) In general.
                                                 (1) Scope.
                                                                                                                                                            (b) of this section defines the term
                                                                                                      ■ Par. 3. Section 1.355–8T is added to                Predecessor of Distributing and several
                                                 (2) Purpose.                                         read as follows:
                                                 (3) Overview.                                                                                              related terms. A corporation generally
                                                 (4) References.                                      § 1.355–8T Definition of predecessor and              will be a Predecessor of Distributing if:
                                                 (i) References to Distributing or Controlled.        successor and limitations on gain                     As part of a Plan, the distribution
                                                 (ii) References to Plan or distribution.             recognition under section 355(e) and                  accomplishes a division of the assets
                                                 (iii) Plan Period.                                   section 355(f) (temporary).                           that the corporation directly and
                                                 (b) Predecessor of Distributing.                        (a) In general—(1) Scope. This section             indirectly held during the Plan Period;
                                                 (1) Definition.                                                                                            that division occurs through transfers,
                                                 (i) In general.
                                                                                                      provides rules under section
                                                 (ii) Pre-distribution requirements.                  355(e)(4)(D) to determine whether a                   as part of a Plan, resulting in Controlled
                                                 (A) Relevant Property.                               corporation is treated as a predecessor               directly or indirectly holding some but
                                                 (B) Reflection of basis.                             or successor of a distributing                        not all of those assets immediately after
                                                 (iii) Post-distribution requirement.                 corporation (Distributing) or a                       the distribution; and all of the gain on
                                                 (2) Additional definitions and rules related         controlled corporation (Controlled) for               that corporation’s assets directly or
                                              to paragraph (b)(1) of this section.                    purposes of section 355(e). This section              indirectly held by Controlled is not
                                                 (i) References to Distributing and                   also provides rules limiting the amount               recognized before the distribution. In
                                              Controlled.                                             of Distributing’s gain recognized under               addition, a corporation generally will be
                                                 (ii) Potential Predecessor.                                                                                a Predecessor of Distributing if: As part
                                                 (iii) Successors of Potential Predecessors.
                                                                                                      section 355(e) on the distribution of
                                                 (iv) Relevant Property; Relevant Stock.              Controlled stock if section 355(e)                    of a Plan, the distribution accomplishes
                                                 (A) In general.                                      applies to an acquisition by one or more              a division of the assets that it directly
                                                 (B) Property held by Distributing.                   persons, as part of a Plan (within the                and indirectly held during the Plan
                                                 (C) Certain reorganizations.                         meaning of § 1.355–7 as modified by                   Period; that division occurs as a result
                                                 (v) Stock of Distributing as Relevant                paragraph (a)(3) of this section), of stock           of the direct or indirect transfer of
                                              Property.                                               that in the aggregate represents a 50-                Controlled stock by that corporation to
                                                 (A) In general.                                      percent or greater interest (a Planned 50-            Distributing without the transfer of all of
                                                 (B) Certain reorganizations.                         percent Acquisition) of a Predecessor of              the corporation’s other assets to
                                                 (vi) Substitute Asset.                                                                                     Controlled; and all of the gain on the
                                                 (vii) Separated Property.
                                                                                                      Distributing (as defined in paragraph (b)
                                                 (viii) Underlying Property.                          of this section), or of Distributing. In              corporation’s assets (including the
                                                 (ix) Scope of definition of Predecessor of           addition, this section provides rules                 Controlled stock) directly or indirectly
                                              Distributing.                                           regarding the application of section                  held by Controlled is not recognized
                                                 (x) Deemed exchanges.                                336(e) to a distribution to which this                before the distribution. In both cases,
                                                 (c) Additional definitions.                          section applies and the application of                Controlled stock distributed in the
                                                 (1) Predecessor of Controlled.                       section 355(f) to a distribution of                   distribution must reflect the basis of any
                                                 (2) Successors.                                      Controlled stock in certain cases.                    Separated Property (as defined in
                                                 (i) In general.                                         (2) Purpose. The rules in this section             paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section).
                                                 (ii) Determination of Successor status.                                                                    Paragraph (c) of this section defines
                                                                                                      have two principal purposes. The first is
                                                 (3) Section 381 transaction.
                                                 (d) Special acquisition rules.                       to ensure that section 355(e) applies to              other terms, including Predecessor of
                                                 (1) Deemed acquisitions of stock in section          a section 355 distribution if, as part of             Controlled and Successor (of
                                              381 transactions.                                       a Plan, some of the assets of a                       Distributing or Controlled). Paragraph
                                                 (2) Deemed acquisitions of stock after               Predecessor of Distributing (as defined               (d) of this section provides guidance
                                              section 381 transactions.                               in paragraph (b)(1) of this section) are              with regard to acquisitions and deemed
                                                 (3) Separate counting for Distributing and           transferred directly or indirectly to                 acquisitions of stock if there is a
                                              each Predecessor of Distributing.                       Controlled without full recognition of                Predecessor of Distributing or a
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                                                 (e) Special rules for gain recognition.              gain, and the distribution accomplishes               Successor of either Distributing or
                                                 (1) In general.                                      a division of the assets of the                       Controlled. Paragraph (e) of this section
                                                 (2) Planned 50-percent or greater
                                              acquisitions of a Predecessor of Distributing.
                                                                                                      Predecessor of Distributing. The second               provides two rules that may limit the
                                                 (i) In general.                                      is to ensure that section 355(e) applies              amount of Distributing’s gain on the
                                                 (ii) Operating rules.                                when there is a Planned 50-percent                    distribution of Controlled stock if there
                                                 (A) Separated Property other than                    Acquisition of a Successor of                         is a Predecessor of Distributing, as well
                                              Controlled stock.                                       Distributing or Successor of Controlled               as an overall gain limitation. Paragraph


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                                              91748            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              (e) of this section also provides                       shareholders (as defined in § 1.355–                  Predecessor, and the gain on that
                                              guidance with respect to the application                7(h)(3)) of Distributing or Controlled, or            Controlled stock was not recognized in
                                              of section 336(e). Regardless of whether                a person acting with permission of one                full as part of a Plan.
                                              there is a predecessor or successor of                  of those parties. For that purpose,                      (B) Reflection of basis. Any Controlled
                                              Distributing or Controlled, paragraph (f)               references in § 1.355–7 to Distributing               stock distributed in the distribution
                                              of this section provides a special rule                 do not include references to a                        reflects the basis of any Separated
                                              relating to section 355(e)(2)(C), which                 Predecessor of Distributing. Therefore,               Property (as defined in paragraph
                                              provides that section 355(e) does not                   the actions of officers or directors, or              (b)(2)(vii) of this section).
                                              apply to certain transactions within an                 controlling shareholders of a                            (iii) Post-distribution requirement.
                                              affiliated group (as defined in section                 Predecessor of Distributing, or a person              Immediately after the distribution,
                                              1504(a) without regard to section                       acting with the implicit or explicit                  direct or indirect ownership of Relevant
                                              1504(b)). Paragraph (g) of this section                 permission of one of those parties are                Property has been divided between
                                              provides rules coordinating the                         not considered unless those parties                   Controlled on the one hand, and
                                              application of section 355(f) with the                  otherwise would be treated as acting on               Distributing or the Potential Predecessor
                                              rules of this section. Paragraph (h) of                 behalf of Distributing or Controlled                  (or a successor of a Potential
                                              this section contains examples that                     under § 1.355–7 (for example, if a                    Predecessor) on the other hand. For
                                              illustrate the rules of this section.                   Predecessor of Distributing is a                      purposes of this paragraph (b)(1)(iii), if
                                                 (4) References—(i) References to                     controlling shareholder of Distributing).             Controlled stock that is distributed in
                                              Distributing or Controlled. For purposes                   (iii) Plan Period. For purposes of this            the distribution is Relevant Property of
                                              of section 355(e) and the regulations                   section, the term Plan Period means the               a Potential Predecessor, then Controlled
                                              thereunder, except as otherwise                         period that ends immediately after the                is deemed to have received Relevant
                                              provided in this section, any reference                 distribution and begins on the earliest               Property of the Potential Predecessor.
                                              to Distributing or Controlled includes,                 date on which any pre-distribution step                  (2) Additional definitions and rules
                                              as the context may require, a reference                 that is part of the Plan is agreed to or              related to paragraph (b)(1) of this
                                              to any Predecessor of Distributing (as                  understood, arranged, or substantially                section—(i) References to Distributing
                                              defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this                     negotiated by one or more officers or                 and Controlled. For purposes of
                                              section) or Predecessor of Controlled (as               directors acting on behalf of Distributing            paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) and (b)(1)(iii) of this
                                              defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this                     or Controlled, by controlling                         section, references to Distributing and
                                              section), respectively, or any Successor                shareholders of Distributing or                       Controlled do not include references to
                                              (as defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this                 Controlled, or by another person or                   any predecessor or successor of
                                              section) of Distributing or Controlled,                 persons with the implicit or explicit                 Distributing or Controlled.
                                              respectively. However, except as                        permission of one or more of such                        (ii) Potential Predecessor. The term
                                              otherwise provided in this section, a                   officers, directors, or controlling                   Potential Predecessor means a
                                              reference to a Predecessor of                           shareholders. For purposes of the                     corporation other than Distributing or
                                              Distributing or to a Successor of                       preceding sentence, references to                     Controlled.
                                              Distributing does not include a                         Distributing and Controlled do not                       (iii) Successors of Potential
                                              reference to Distributing, and a                        include references to any predecessor or              Predecessors. For purposes of paragraph
                                              reference to a Predecessor of Controlled                successor of Distributing or Controlled.              (b)(1)(iii) of this section, if a Potential
                                              or to a Successor of Controlled does not                   (b) Predecessor of Distributing—(1)                Predecessor transfers property in a
                                              include a reference to Controlled.                      Definition—(i) In general. A Potential                section 381 transaction to a corporation
                                                 (ii) References to Plan or distribution.             Predecessor (as defined in paragraph                  (other than Distributing or Controlled)
                                              Except as otherwise provided in this                    (b)(2)(ii) of this section) is a Predecessor          during the Plan Period, the corporation
                                              section, references to a Plan in this                   of Distributing if, taking into account               is a successor to the Potential
                                              section are references to a plan within                 the special rules of paragraph (b)(2) of              Predecessor.
                                              the meaning of § 1.355–7. References to                 this section, the pre-distribution                       (iv) Relevant Property; Relevant
                                              a distribution in § 1.355–7 include a                   requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of               Stock—(A) In general. Except as
                                              reference to a distribution and other                   this section and the post-distribution                otherwise provided in this paragraph
                                              related pre-distribution transactions that              requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of              (b)(2)(iv), the term Relevant Property
                                              together effect a division of the assets of             this section are satisfied.                           means any property that was held,
                                              a Predecessor of Distributing. In                          (ii) Pre-distribution requirements—(A)             directly or indirectly, by the Potential
                                              determining whether a distribution and                  Relevant Property. Before the                         Predecessor during the Plan Period. The
                                              a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a                   distribution, and as part of a Plan,                  term Relevant Stock means stock of a
                                              predecessor or successor of Distributing                either—                                               corporation if that stock is a Potential
                                              or Controlled are part of a Plan, the                      (1) Any Controlled stock distributed               Predecessor’s Relevant Property.
                                              rules of § 1.355–7 apply. In those cases,               in the distribution was directly or                      (B) Property held by Distributing.
                                              references to Distributing or Controlled                indirectly acquired (or deemed acquired               Except as provided in paragraph
                                              in § 1.355–7 generally include                          under paragraph (b)(2)(x) of this section)            (b)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, property
                                              references to a predecessor or successor                by Distributing in exchange for any                   held directly or indirectly by
                                              of Distributing or Controlled. However,                 direct or indirect interest in Relevant               Distributing (including Controlled
                                              with regard to any possible Planned 50-                 Property (as defined in paragraph                     stock) is Relevant Property of a Potential
                                              percent Acquisition of a Predecessor of                 (b)(2)(iv) of this section)—                          Predecessor only to the extent that the
                                              Distributing, any agreement,                               (i) That is held directly or indirectly            property was transferred directly or
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                                              understanding, arrangement, or                          by Controlled immediately before the                  indirectly to Distributing during the
                                              substantial negotiations with regard to                 distribution; and                                     Plan Period, and it was Relevant
                                              the acquisition of the stock of the                        (ii) The gain on which was not                     Property of the Potential Predecessor
                                              Predecessor of Distributing is analyzed                 recognized in full as part of a Plan; or              before the direct or indirect transfers.
                                              under § 1.355–7 with regard to the                         (2) Any Controlled stock that is                   For example, if during the Plan Period
                                              actions of officers or directors of                     distributed in the distribution is                    a subsidiary corporation of a Potential
                                              Distributing or Controlled, controlling                 Relevant Property of the Potential                    Predecessor merges into Controlled in a


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        91749

                                              reorganization under section                            stock of Controlled received in exchange              this section, a corporation is a
                                              368(a)(1)(A) and (2)(D), and, as a result,              for a direct or indirect transfer of                  Predecessor of Controlled if, before the
                                              the Potential Predecessor directly or                   Relevant Property by Distributing                     distribution, it transfers property to
                                              indirectly owns Distributing stock                      generally is not a Substitute Asset.                  Controlled in a section 381 transaction
                                              received in the merger, the subsidiary’s                However, if Controlled stock received or              as part of a Plan. Other than for the
                                              assets held by Controlled will be                       deemed received in an exchange reflects               purpose described in the preceding
                                              Relevant Property of that Potential                     in whole or in part the basis of Relevant             sentence, no corporation can be a
                                              Predecessor.                                            Stock the issuer of which ceases to exist             Predecessor of Controlled. For purposes
                                                 (C) Certain reorganizations. For                     for Federal income tax purposes under                 of this paragraph (c)(1), a reference to
                                              purposes of paragraph (b)(2)(iv)(B) of                  the Plan, then that Controlled stock will             Controlled includes a reference to a
                                              this section, the transferor and                        constitute a Substitute Asset. See                    Predecessor of Controlled. If multiple
                                              transferee in any reorganization                        paragraph (b)(2)(x) of this section. In               corporations satisfy the requirements of
                                              described in section 368(a)(1)(F) (F                    addition, stock received by Distributing              this paragraph (c)(1), each of those
                                              reorganization) are treated as a single                 in a distribution qualifying under                    corporations will be a Predecessor of
                                              corporation. Therefore, for example,                    section 305(a) or section 355(a) on                   Controlled. For example, a corporation
                                              Relevant Property acquired during the                   Relevant Stock is a Substitute Asset. For             that transfers property to a Predecessor
                                              Plan Period by a corporation that is a                  purposes of this section, a Substitute                of Controlled in a section 381
                                              transferor (as to a later F reorganization)             Asset is treated as Relevant Property                 transaction is also a Predecessor of
                                              is treated as having been acquired                      with the same ownership and transfer                  Controlled if the section 381 transaction
                                              directly (and from the same source) by                  history as the Relevant Property for                  occurred as part of a Plan that existed
                                              the transferee (as to the later F                       which (or on which) it was received.                  at the time of such transaction.
                                              reorganization) during the Plan Period.                    (vii) Separated Property. The term                    (2) Successors—(i) In general. A
                                              In addition, any transfer (or deemed                    Separated Property means each item of                 Successor of Distributing or Controlled,
                                              transfer) of assets to Distributing in an               Relevant Property that is described in                respectively, is a corporation to which
                                              F reorganization will not cause the                     paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A) of this section.              Distributing or Controlled transfers
                                              transferred assets to be treated as                     However, if Relevant Stock is Separated               property in a section 381 transaction
                                              Relevant Property.                                      Property, Underlying Property (as                     after the distribution (a Successor
                                                 (v) Stock of Distributing as Relevant                defined in paragraph (b)(2)(viii) of this             Transaction).
                                              Property—(A) In general. For purposes                   section) associated with that stock is not               (ii) Determination of Successor status.
                                              of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section,                treated as Separated Property. In                     More than one corporation may be a
                                              except as provided in paragraph                         addition, if Distributing directly or                 Successor of Distributing or Controlled.
                                              (b)(2)(v)(B) of this section, stock of                  indirectly acquires Relevant Stock in a               Therefore, if Distributing transfers
                                              Distributing is not Relevant Stock (and                 transaction in which gain is recognized               property to another corporation (X) in a
                                              thus not Relevant Property) to the extent               in full, Underlying Property associated               section 381 transaction, and X transfers
                                              that the Potential Predecessor becomes,                 with that stock is not treated as                     property to another corporation (Y) in a
                                              as part of a Plan, the direct or indirect               Separated Property.                                   section 381 transaction, then each of X
                                              owner of that stock as the result of the                   (viii) Underlying Property. The term               and Y may be a Successor of
                                              transfer to Distributing of direct or                   Underlying Property means property                    Distributing. In this case, the
                                              indirect interests in the Potential                     directly or indirectly held by a                      determination of whether Y is a
                                              Predecessor’s Relevant Property. For                    corporation that is the issuer of Relevant            Successor of Distributing is made after
                                              example, stock of Distributing is not                   Stock.                                                the determination of whether X is a
                                              Relevant Stock if it is acquired by a                      (ix) Scope of definition of Predecessor            Successor of Distributing.
                                              Potential Predecessor as part of a Plan                 of Distributing. If there are multiple                   (3) Section 381 transaction. The term
                                              in an exchange to which section 351(a)                  Potential Predecessors that satisfy the               section 381 transaction means a
                                              applies.                                                requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this              transaction to which section 381
                                                 (B) Certain reorganizations. For                     section, each of those Potential                      applies.
                                              purposes of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this                Predecessors will be a Predecessor of                    (d) Special acquisition rules—(1)
                                              section, stock of Distributing is Relevant              Distributing. For example, a Potential                Deemed acquisitions of stock in section
                                              Stock (and thus Relevant Property) to                   Predecessor that transfers property to a              381 transactions. Each person that
                                              the extent that the Potential Predecessor               Predecessor of Distributing without full              owned an interest in the acquiring
                                              becomes, as part of the Plan, the direct                recognition of gain (and that otherwise               corporation immediately before a
                                              or indirect owner of that stock as the                  meets the requirements of paragraph                   section 381 transaction (an Acquiring
                                              result of a transaction described in                    (b)(1) of this section) is also a                     Owner) is treated for purposes of this
                                              section 368(a)(1)(E).                                   Predecessor of Distributing if the                    section as acquiring, in the section 381
                                                 (vi) Substitute Asset. The term                      applicable transfer occurred as part of a             transaction, stock representing an
                                              Substitute Asset means any property                     Plan that existed at the time of such                 interest in the distributor or transferor
                                              that is held directly or indirectly by                  transfer.                                             corporation, to the extent that the
                                              Distributing during the Plan Period and                    (x) Deemed exchanges. For purposes                 Acquiring Owner did not hold an
                                              was received, during the Plan Period, in                of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) and (b)(2)(vi) of             equivalent direct or indirect interest in
                                              exchange for Relevant Property that was                 this section, Distributing is treated as              the distributor or transferor corporation
                                              acquired directly or indirectly by                      acquiring Controlled stock in exchange                before the section 381 transaction. For
                                              Distributing if all gain on the transferred             for a direct or indirect interest in                  example, if Distributing held a 25-
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                                              Relevant Property is not recognized on                  Relevant Property if the basis of                     percent interest in a Predecessor of
                                              the exchange. For example, property                     Distributing in that Controlled stock                 Distributing before a section 381
                                              received by Controlled in exchange for                  reflects the basis of the Relevant                    transaction in which the Predecessor of
                                              Relevant Property in a transaction                      Property in whole or in part.                         Distributing transfers its assets to
                                              qualifying under section 1031 is a                         (c) Additional definitions—(1)                     Distributing, each person that owns an
                                              Substitute Asset. Irrespective of the                   Predecessor of Controlled. Solely for                 interest in Distributing is treated as
                                              general rule of this paragraph (b)(2)(vi),              purposes of applying paragraph (f) of                 acquiring in the section 381 transaction


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                                              91750            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              a proportionate share of the remaining                  applicable. The limitations in                        Property is taken into account for
                                              75-percent interest in the Predecessor of               paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this                  purposes of applying this paragraph
                                              Distributing. Similarly, each Acquiring                 section are applied separately to the                 (e)(2) only to the extent such property
                                              Owner of a Successor of Distributing is                 Planned 50-percent Acquisition of each                was not taken into account by
                                              treated as acquiring, in the Successor                  such corporation to determine the                     Distributing in a Hypothetical D/355(e)
                                              Transaction, stock of Distributing, to the              amount of gain required to be                         Reorganization with respect to another
                                              extent that the Acquiring Owner did not                 recognized. Paragraph (e)(4) of this                  Predecessor of Distributing. Further,
                                              hold an equivalent direct or indirect                   section sets forth an overall limitation              appropriate adjustments must be made
                                              interest in Distributing before the                     based on the full amount of gain                      to prevent other duplicative inclusions
                                              section 381 transaction.                                otherwise required to be recognized by                of section 355(e) gain under this
                                                 (2) Deemed acquisitions of stock after               Distributing by reason of section 355(e).             paragraph (e) reflecting the same
                                              section 381 transactions. For purposes                  Paragraph (e)(5) of this section clarifies            economic gain.
                                              of this section, after a section 381                    the availability of an election under                    (3) Planned 50-percent Acquisition of
                                              transaction (including a Successor                      section 336(e) with regard to certain                 Distributing in a section 381
                                              Transaction), an acquisition of stock of                distributions.                                        transaction. This paragraph (e)(3)
                                              an acquiring corporation (including a                      (2) Planned 50-percent or greater                  applies if there is a Planned 50-percent
                                              deemed stock acquisition under                          acquisitions of a Predecessor of                      Acquisition of Distributing (by
                                              paragraph (d)(1) of this section) is                    Distributing—(i) In general. If there is a            application of paragraph (d)(1) of this
                                              treated also as an acquisition of an                    Planned 50-percent Acquisition of a                   section) that occurs as part of a Plan as
                                              interest in the stock of the distributor or             Predecessor of Distributing, the amount               the result of a transfer by a Predecessor
                                              transferor corporation. For example, an                 of gain recognized by Distributing by                 of Distributing to Distributing in a
                                              acquisition of the stock of Distributing                reason of section 355(e) as a result of the           section 381 transaction. In that case, the
                                              that occurs after a section 381                         Planned 50-percent Acquisition is                     amount of gain recognized by
                                              transaction is treated not only as an                   limited to the amount of gain, if any,                Distributing by reason of section 355(e)
                                              acquisition of the stock of Distributing,               that Distributing would have recognized               as a result of the acquisition is the
                                              but also as an acquisition of the stock of              if, immediately before the distribution,              excess, if any, of the Statutory
                                              any Predecessor of Distributing whose                   Distributing had engaged in the                       Recognition Amount, as applicable, over
                                              assets were acquired by Distributing in                 following transaction: Distributing                   the amount of gain, if any, that
                                              a prior section 381 transaction.                        transferred all Separated Property                    Distributing would have been required
                                              Similarly, an acquisition of the stock of               received from the Predecessor of                      to recognize under paragraph (e)(2) of
                                              a Successor of Distributing that occurs                 Distributing to a newly-formed                        this section if there had been a Planned
                                              after the Successor Transaction is                      corporation in exchange solely for stock              50-percent Acquisition of the
                                              treated not only as an acquisition of the               of such corporation in a reorganization               Predecessor of Distributing, but not of
                                              stock of the Successor of Distributing,                 under section 368(a)(1)(D) and then                   Distributing, in the section 381
                                              but also as an acquisition of the stock of              distributed the stock of such corporation             transaction. For purposes of this
                                              Distributing.                                           to the shareholders of Distributing in a              paragraph (e)(3), references to
                                                 (3) Separate counting for Distributing               transaction to which section 355(e)                   Distributing are not references to a
                                              and each Predecessor of Distributing.                   applied (a Hypothetical D/355(e)                      Predecessor of Distributing.
                                              The measurement of whether one or                       Reorganization). This computation is                     (4) Overall gain recognition. The sum
                                              more persons have acquired stock of any                 applied regardless of whether                         of the amounts required to be
                                              specific corporation in a Planned 50-                   Distributing actually directly held the               recognized by Distributing under
                                              percent Acquisition is made separately                  Separated Property.                                   section 355(e) and the regulations
                                              from the measurement of any potential                      (ii) Operating rules. For purposes of              thereunder (taking into account
                                              Planned 50-percent Acquisition of any                   applying paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this                  paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section)
                                              other corporation. Therefore, there may                 section, the following rules apply:                   with regard to a single distribution will
                                              be a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of                     (A) Separated Property other than                  not exceed the Statutory Recognition
                                              a Predecessor of Distributing even if                   Controlled stock. The basis and fair                  Amount, as applicable. In addition,
                                              there is no Planned 50-percent                          market value of Separated Property                    Distributing may choose not to apply
                                              Acquisition of Distributing. Similarly,                 other than stock of Controlled treated as             the limitations of paragraph (e)(2) and
                                              there may be a Planned 50-percent                       transferred by Distributing to a                      (3) of this section to a distribution, and
                                              Acquisition of Distributing even if there               hypothetical Controlled in a                          instead may recognize the Statutory
                                              is no Planned 50-percent Acquisition of                 Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization                  Recognition Amount. Distributing
                                              a Predecessor of Distributing.                          equal the basis and fair market value,                indicates its choice to apply the
                                                 (e) Special rules for gain recognition—              respectively, of such property in the                 preceding sentence by reporting the
                                              (1) In general. If there are Planned 50-                hands of Controlled immediately before                Statutory Recognition Amount on its
                                              percent Acquisitions of multiple                        the distribution of Controlled stock.                 original or amended Federal income tax
                                              corporations (for example, two                             (B) Controlled stock that is Separated             return for the year of the distribution.
                                              Predecessors of Distributing),                          Property. The basis and fair market                      (5) Section 336(e) election.
                                              Distributing must recognize gain in the                 value of the stock of Controlled that is              Distributing is not eligible to make a
                                              amount described in section 355(c)(2) or                Separated Property treated as                         section 336(e) election with respect to a
                                              361(c)(2) (the Statutory Recognition                    transferred by Distributing to a                      distribution to which this section
                                              Amount), as applicable, with respect to                 hypothetical Controlled in a                          applies unless Distributing would,
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                                              each such corporation, subject to the                   Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization                  absent the making of a section 336(e)
                                              limitations in paragraph (e)(2) of this                 equal the basis and fair market value,                election (as defined in § 1.336–1(b)(11)),
                                              section (relating to the Planned 50-                    respectively, of such stock in the hands              recognize the Statutory Recognition
                                              percent Acquisition of a Predecessor of                 of Distributing immediately before the                Amount with respect to a distribution of
                                              Distributing) and paragraph (e)(3) of this              distribution of Controlled stock.                     Controlled stock under paragraph (e)(2),
                                              section (relating to the Planned 50-                       (C) Anti-duplication rule. A                       (e)(3), and (e)(4) (without regard to the
                                              percent Acquisition of Distributing), if                Predecessor of Distributing’s Separated               final two sentences thereof) of this


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                              91751

                                              section. See §§ 1.336–1 through 1.336–                  Unless the facts indicate otherwise,                  described in section 361(c)(2). However,
                                              5 for additional requirements with                      assume throughout these examples that:                under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D’s
                                              regard to a section 336(e) election.                    Distributing (D) owns all the stock of                gain recognized by reason of the deemed
                                                 (f) Predecessor or Successor as a                                                                          acquisition of P stock will not exceed $60x,
                                                                                                      Controlled (C), and none of the shares
                                                                                                                                                            an amount equal to the amount of gain D
                                              member of the affiliated group. For                     of C held by D has a built-in loss; D                 would have recognized had D transferred
                                              purposes of section 355(e)(2)(C), if a                  distributes the stock of C in a                       Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a newly-
                                              corporation transfers its assets to a                   distribution to which section 355                     formed corporation (C1) solely for C1 stock
                                              member of the same affiliated group (as                 applies, but to which section 355(d)                  and distributed the C1 stock to D’s
                                              defined in section 1504 without regard                  does not apply; X, Y, and Z are                       shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e)
                                              to section 1504(b)) in a section 381                    individuals; each of D, D1, D2, C, P, P1,             Reorganization. For purposes of this
                                              transaction, the transferor will be                     P2, and R is a corporation having one                 computation, the basis and fair market value
                                              treated as continuing in existence                                                                            of Asset 1 equal the basis and fair market
                                                                                                      class of stock outstanding, and none is
                                              within the same affiliated group.                                                                             value of Asset 1 in the hands of C
                                                                                                      a member of a consolidated group; and                 immediately before the distribution of C
                                                 (g) Inapplicability of section 355(f) to             each transaction that is part of a Plan               stock. Under section 361(c)(2), D would
                                              certain intra-group distributions—(1) In                defined in this section is respected as a             recognize $60x of gain, an amount equal to
                                              general. Section 355(f) does not apply to               separate transaction under general                    the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock (excess
                                              a distribution if there is a Planned 50-                Federal income tax principles. No                     of the $110x fair market value over the $50x
                                              percent Acquisition of a Predecessor of                 inference should be drawn from any                    basis). Therefore, D recognizes $60x of gain.
                                              Distributing (but not of Distributing,                  example concerning whether any                           (iii) Plan not in existence at time of
                                              Controlled, or their Successors), except                                                                      acquisition of Potential Predecessor’s
                                                                                                      requirements of section 355 are satisfied
                                              as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this                                                                       Property. The facts are the same as in
                                                                                                      other than those of section 355(e):                   paragraph (i) of this Example 1 except that
                                              section. Therefore, except as provided
                                              in paragraph (g)(2) of this section,                      Example 1. Predecessor of Distributing—(i)          the merger of P into D occurred before the
                                                                                                      Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of P, which           existence of a Plan. Even though D
                                              section 355 (or so much of section 356
                                                                                                      holds multiple assets. Y owns 100% of the             transferred P property (Asset 1) to C, Asset
                                              as relates to section 355) and the                      stock of D. The following steps occur as part         1 was not Relevant Property of P because P
                                              regulations thereunder, including the                   of a Plan: P merges into D in a reorganization        did not hold Asset 1 during the Plan Period.
                                              gain limitation rules of paragraph (e)(2)               under section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after         See paragraphs (b)(2)(iv) and (a)(4)(iii) of this
                                              of this section, apply, without regard to               the merger, X and Y own 10% and 90%,                  section. Because Asset 1 is not Relevant
                                              section 355(f), to the distribution of                  respectively, of the stock of D. D then               Property, D did not receive C stock
                                              Controlled within an affiliated group if                contributes to C one of the assets (Asset 1)          distributed in the distribution in exchange
                                              the distribution and the Planned 50-                    acquired from P in the merger. At the time            for Relevant Property when it contributed
                                              percent Acquisition of the Predecessor                  of the contribution, Asset 1 has a basis of           Asset 1 to C, none of the distributed stock
                                              of Distributing are part of a Plan. For                 $40x and a fair market value of $110x. In             reflects the basis of Separated Property, and
                                                                                                      exchange for Asset 1, D receives additional           C does not hold Relevant Property
                                              purposes of this paragraph (g)(1),
                                                                                                      C stock and $10x. D distributes the stock of          immediately before the distribution. Further,
                                              references to the distribution (and                     C (but not the cash) to X and Y, pro rata. The        Relevant Property of P has not been divided.
                                              Distributing and Controlled) include                    contribution and distribution constitute a            Therefore, P is not a Predecessor of D.
                                              references to a distribution (and                       reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D),               Example 2. Planned acquisition of
                                              Distributing and Controlled) to which                   and D recognizes $10x of gain under section           Distributing, but not Predecessor of
                                              section 355 would apply but for the                     361(b) on the contribution. Immediately               Distributing—(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the
                                              application of section 355(f).                          before the distribution, taking into account          stock of P, which holds multiple assets. Y
                                                 (2) Alternative application of section               the $10x of gain recognized by D on the               owns 100% of the stock of D. The following
                                              355(f). Distributing may choose not to                  contribution, Asset 1 has an adjusted basis of        steps occur as part of a Plan: P merges into
                                              apply paragraph (g)(1) of this section to               $50x under section 362(b) and a fair market           D in a reorganization under section
                                              each distribution (that occurs under a                  value of $110x, and the stock of C held by            368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the merger, X
                                                                                                      D has a basis of $100x and a fair market value        and Y own 90% and 10%, respectively, of
                                              single Plan) to which section 355(f)                                                                          the stock of D. D then contributes to C one
                                                                                                      of $200x.
                                              would otherwise apply absent                              (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under                of the assets (Asset 1) acquired from P in the
                                              paragraph (g)(1) of this section and may                paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a              merger. In exchange for Asset 1, D receives
                                              instead apply section 355(f) to all such                Predecessor of D. Immediately before the              additional C stock. D distributes the stock of
                                              distributions according to its terms, but               distribution and as part of a Plan, C holds P         C to X and Y, pro rata. The contribution and
                                              only if all members of the same                         Relevant Property (Asset 1) the gain on               distribution constitute a reorganization under
                                              affiliated group (as defined in section                 which was not recognized in full as part of           section 368(a)(1)(D). Immediately before the
                                              1504(a) without regard to section                       a Plan. Further, some of the C stock                  distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $50x and
                                              1504(b)) report consistently the Federal                distributed in the distribution was acquired          a fair market value of $110x, and the stock
                                              income tax consequences of the                          by D in exchange for Asset 1, and it reflects         of C held by D has a basis of $120x and a
                                                                                                      the basis of Separated Property (Asset 1). In         fair market value of $200x.
                                              distributions that are part of the Plan                 addition, immediately after the distribution,            (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under
                                              (determined without regard to section                   D continues to hold Relevant Property of P.           paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a
                                              355(f)). In such a case, no gain                        Therefore, P’s Relevant Property has been             Predecessor of D. Immediately before the
                                              limitation under paragraph (e)(2) or (3)                divided between C and D.                              distribution and as part of a Plan, C holds P
                                              of this section is available with regard                  (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under         Relevant Property (Asset 1) the gain on
                                              to any applicable distribution.                         paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated        which was not recognized in full as part of
                                              Distributing indicates its choice to apply              as acquiring stock representing 90% of the            a Plan. Further, some of the C stock
                                              section 355(f) consistently to all                      voting power and value of P as a result of the        distributed in the distribution was acquired
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                                              applicable distributions by reporting the               merger of P into D. Accordingly, there has            by D in exchange for Asset 1, and it reflects
                                                                                                      been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of P.           the basis of Separated Property (Asset 1). In
                                              Federal income tax consequences of                        (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the             addition, immediately after the distribution,
                                              each distribution in accordance with                    limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D       D continues to hold Relevant Property of P.
                                              section 355(f) on its Federal income tax                would be required to recognize $100x of gain          Therefore, P’s Relevant Property has been
                                              return for the year of the distribution.                ($200x of aggregate fair market value minus           divided between C and D.
                                                 (h) Examples. The following examples                 $100x of aggregate basis of the C stock held             (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under
                                              illustrate the principles of this section.              by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount               paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated



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                                              91752            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              as acquiring stock representing 10% of the              section. Further, D continues to hold                 Because the gain on P’s R Stock (for which
                                              voting power and value of P as a result of the          Relevant Property of P immediately after the          C stock is substituted) was not recognized in
                                              merger of P into D. The 10% acquisition of              distribution. Therefore, P’s Relevant Property        full, this C stock reflects the basis of
                                              P stock does not cause section 355(e) gain              has been divided between C and D.                     Separated Property. See paragraph
                                              recognition or cause application of paragraph              (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under        (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section. Finally, under
                                              (e)(2) of this section because there has not            paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated        paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, C is
                                              been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of P.             as acquiring stock representing 90% of the            deemed to have received Relevant Property
                                              X acquires 90% of the voting power and                  voting power and value of P, as a result of           of P, and, immediately after the distribution,
                                              value of D as a result of the merger of P into          the merger of P into D. Accordingly, there has        D continues to hold Asset 2, which is
                                              D. The acquisition of greater than 50% of the           been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of P.           Relevant Property of P. Therefore, P’s
                                              D stock implicates section 355(e) and results              (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the            Relevant Property has been divided between
                                              in gain recognition, subject to the rules of            limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D       C and D.
                                              paragraph (e) of this section.                          would be required to recognize $60x of gain              (B) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under
                                                 (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the              ($110x of fair market value minus $50x of             paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated
                                              limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D         basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory        as acquiring stock representing 90% of the
                                              would be required to recognize $80x of gain             Recognition Amount under section 355(c)(2).           voting power and value of P, as a result of
                                              ($200x of fair market value minus $120x of              However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this               the P–D reorganization. Accordingly, there
                                              basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory          section, D’s gain recognized by reason of the         has been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of
                                              Recognition Amount described in section                 deemed acquisition of P stock will not                P.
                                              361(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(3) of           exceed $5x, an amount equal to the amount                (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the
                                              this section, D’s gain recognized by reason of          D would have recognized had it transferred            limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D
                                              X’s acquisition of D stock will not exceed              Block 1 of the C stock (Separated Property)           would be required to recognize $100x of gain
                                              $20x, the excess of the Statutory Recognition           to a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for         ($200x of fair market value minus $100x of
                                              Amount ($80x) over the amount of gain that              stock and distributed the C1 stock to D               basis of all C stock held by D), the Statutory
                                              D would have been required to recognize                 shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e)               Recognition Amount described in section
                                              under paragraph (e)(2) of this section if there         Reorganization. For purposes of this                  355(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(2) of
                                              had been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of            computation, the basis and fair market value          this section, D’s gain recognized by reason of
                                              the Predecessor of D but not D in the section           of the Block 1 C stock equal their basis and          the deemed acquisition of P stock will not
                                              381 transaction ($60x). The hypothetical gain           fair market value in the hands of D                   exceed $70x, an amount equal to the amount
                                              under paragraph (e)(2) of this section equals           immediately before the distribution of C              D would have recognized had it transferred
                                              the amount D would have recognized had it               stock. Under section 361(c)(2), D would               the C stock deemed received in the R–C
                                              transferred Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a           recognize $5x of gain, an amount equal to the         reorganization under section (b)(2)(x) of this
                                              newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for                gain in the hypothetical C1 stock                     section (Separated Property) to a newly-
                                              stock and distributed the C1 stock in a                 ($45x¥$40x). Therefore, D recognizes $5x of           formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and
                                              Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization. Under             gain.                                                 distributed the C1 stock to D shareholders in
                                              section 361(c)(2), D would recognize $60x of               Example 4. Controlled stock as Substitute          a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization.
                                              gain, an amount equal to the gain in the                Asset—(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the stock             Under section 361(c)(2), D would recognize
                                              hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $110x              of P, which owns multiple assets, including           $70x of gain, an amount equal to the gain in
                                              fair market value over the $50x basis).                 100% of the stock of R and Asset 2. Y owns            the hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the
                                              Therefore, D recognizes $20x of gain                    100% of the stock of D. The following steps           $110x fair market value over the $40x basis).
                                              ($80x¥$60x).                                            occur as part of a Plan: P merges into D in           Therefore, D recognizes $70x of gain.
                                                 Example 3. Predecessor of Distributing               a reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A)              Example 5. Predecessor of Distributing;
                                              owns Controlled stock; gain duplication—(i)             (the P–D reorganization). Immediately after           section 351 transaction—(i) Facts. X owns
                                              Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of P, which             the merger, X and Y own 10% and 90%,                  100% of the stock of P, which holds multiple
                                              holds multiple assets, including Asset 2. Y             respectively, of the stock of D. D then causes        assets, including Asset 1, Asset 2, and Asset
                                              owns 100% of the stock of D. P owns 35%                 R to transfer all of its assets to C in a             3. Y owns 100% of the stock of D. The
                                              of the stock of C (Block 1), and D owns the             reorganization under section 368(a)(1) (the           following steps occur as part of a Plan: P
                                              remaining 65% of the C stock (Block 2). The             R–C reorganization). At the time of the P–D           transfers Asset 1 and Asset 2 to D and Y
                                              following steps occur as part of a Plan: P              reorganization, the R stock has a basis of            transfers property to D in an exchange
                                              merges into D in a reorganization under                 $40x and a fair market value of $110x. D              qualifying under section 351. Immediately
                                              section 368(a)(1)(A), and D immediately                 distributes the stock of C to X and Y, pro rata.      after the exchange, P and Y own 10% and
                                              thereafter distributes all of the C stock to X          D continues to directly hold Asset 2.                 90%, respectively, of the stock of D. D then
                                              and Y pro rata. Immediately after the merger,           Immediately before the distribution, the C            contributes Asset 1 to C in exchange for
                                              X and Y own 10% and 90%, respectively, of               stock held by D that was deemed received in           additional C stock. D distributes all of the
                                              the D stock, and, prior to the distribution, D          the R–C reorganization has a basis of $40x            stock of C to P and Y, pro rata. D continues
                                              owns Block 1 with a basis of $40x and a fair            and a fair market value of $110x, and all of          to directly hold Asset 2, and P continues to
                                              market value of $45x, and Block 2 with a                the stock of C held by D has a basis of $100x         directly hold Asset 3. The contribution and
                                              basis of $10x and a fair market value of $65x.          and a fair market value of $200x.                     distribution constitute a reorganization under
                                              D continues to hold Asset 2.                               (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under               section 368(a)(1)(D). Immediately before the
                                                 (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under                 paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a              distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $40x and
                                              paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a                Predecessor of D. D is treated as acquiring a         a fair market value of $110x, and the stock
                                              Predecessor of D. Some of the Controlled                block of C stock in exchange for a direct or          of C held by D has a basis of $100x and a
                                              stock distributed in the distribution was               indirect interest in R stock (Relevant Stock)         fair market value of $200x. Following the
                                              Relevant Property of P, the gain on which               in the R–C reorganization because the basis           distribution, and as part of the same Plan, Z
                                              was not recognized in full as part of a Plan.           of D in that C stock reflects the basis of the        acquires 51% of the P stock.
                                              See paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this section.         R stock. See paragraph (b)(2)(x) of this                 (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under
                                              This Controlled stock is Separated Property.            section. Further, because the block of C stock        paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a
                                              See paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section.              is treated as received in exchange for R stock,       Predecessor of D. Immediately before the
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                                              Because the gain on the P Controlled stock              that block of C stock is a Substitute Asset,          distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds
                                              was not recognized in full, this stock reflects         which is treated as Relevant Property. See            P Relevant Property (Asset 1), the gain on
                                              the basis of Separated Property. See                    paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. Therefore,      which was not recognized in full as part of
                                              paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) of this section. Because        some of the C stock distributed in the                a Plan. Further, the C stock distributed in the
                                              some of the Controlled stock distributed in             distribution was Relevant Property of P, gain         distribution was acquired by D in exchange
                                              the distribution was Relevant Property of P,            on which was not recognized in full as part           for an interest in P Relevant Property
                                              C is deemed to have received Relevant                   of a Plan. This C stock is Separated Property.        transferred to C, and the basis of the C stock
                                              Property of P. See paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this        See paragraph (b)(2)(vii) of this section.            reflects the basis of Separated Property (Asset



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                            91753

                                              1). In addition, immediately after the                  Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D            this section, section 355(f) will not apply to
                                              distribution, each of P and D holds Relevant            would recognize $70x of gain, an amount               the First Distribution. As a result, section
                                              Property of P. Therefore, P’s Relevant                  equal to the gain in hypothetical C1 stock            355, including the gain limitation rules of
                                              Property has been divided between C, on the             (excess of the $110x aggregate fair market            paragraph (e)(2) of this section, will apply to
                                              one hand, and P and D on the other hand.                value of the Underlying Property of R over            the First Distribution. Under paragraph (e)(2)
                                                 (B) Gain limited. Without regard to the              the $40x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $70x         of this section, D1’s gain recognized by
                                              limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D         of gain.                                              reason of the deemed acquisition of P stock
                                              would be required to recognize $100x of gain              Example 7. Potential Predecessor in                 by D will not exceed $50x, an amount equal
                                              ($200x of fair market value minus $100x of              sequential distributions—(i) Facts. X owns            to the amount D1 would have recognized had
                                              basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory          100% of P, which owns multiple assets,                it transferred Asset 1 (Separated Property) to
                                              Recognition Amount described in section                 including Asset 1 and Asset 2. Y owns 100%            a newly-formed corporation (C1) solely for
                                              361(c)(2). However, under paragraph (e)(2) of           of the stock of D, D owns 100% of the stock           stock and distributed the C1 stock to D1
                                              this section, D’s gain recognized by reason of          of D1, and D1 owns 100% of the stock of C.            shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e)
                                              Z’s acquisition of P stock will not exceed              The following steps occur as part of a Plan:          Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D1
                                              $70x, an amount equal to the amount D                   P merges into D1 in a reorganization under            would recognize $50x of gain, an amount
                                              would have recognized had it transferred                section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the           equal to the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock
                                              Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a newly-                merger, X and D own 10% and 90%,                      (excess of the $60x fair market value over the
                                              formed corporation (C1) solely for voting               respectively, of the stock of D1. D1                  $10x basis). Therefore, D1 recognizes $50x of
                                              stock and distributed the C1 stock to D                 contributes Asset 1 to C in exchange for              gain. Under paragraph (g)(2) of this section,
                                              shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e)                 additional C stock, but D1 continues to hold          however, D1 may choose to apply section
                                              Reorganization. Under section 361(c)(2), D              Asset 2. D1 distributes the stock of C to D and       355(f) to the First Distribution, in which case
                                              would recognize $70x of gain, an amount                 X, pro rata in a distribution to which section        D1 would recognize $100x of gain under
                                              equal to the gain in the hypothetical C1 stock          355 applies (First Distribution), and D               section 311(b) and section 301 would apply
                                              (excess of the $110x fair market value over             distributes to Y all of the stock of C that it        to the distribution of C stock to D.
                                              the $40x basis). Therefore, D recognizes $70x           received from D1 in a distribution to which              Example 8. Sequential Predecessors—(i)
                                              of gain.                                                section 355 applies (Second Distribution).            Facts. X owns 100% of P1, which holds
                                                 Example 6. Predecessor of Distributing;              The contribution of Asset 1 by D1 to C and            multiple assets, including Asset 1 and Asset
                                              forward triangular merger—(i) Facts. X owns             the First Distribution constitute a                   2. Y owns 100% of P2, which holds Asset 3,
                                              100% of the stock of P, which owns multiple             reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D).            and Z owns 100% of D. The following steps
                                              assets, including 100% of the stock of R and            Immediately before the First Distribution and         occur as part of a Plan: P1 merges into P2 in
                                              Asset 2. Y owns 100% of the stock of D. The             the Second Distribution, Asset 1 has a basis          a reorganization under 368(a)(1)(A).
                                              following steps occur as part of a Plan: R              of $10x and a fair market value of $60x, and          Immediately after the merger, X and Y own
                                              merges into C in a reorganization under                 the stock of C has a fair market value of             10% and 90%, respectively, of the stock of
                                              section 368(a)(1)(A) and (2)(D). Immediately            $200x. Immediately before the First                   P2. P2 then transfers Asset 1 to D and Z
                                              after the merger P and Y own 10% and 90%,               Distribution, the stock of C held by D1 has           transfers property to D in an exchange
                                              respectively, of the stock of D. D distributes          a basis of $100x. The stock of C held by D            qualifying under section 351. As a result of
                                              the stock of C to P and Y pro rata.                     immediately before the Second Distribution            the exchange, P2 and Z own 10% and 90%,
                                              Immediately before the distribution, R’s                has a basis of $80x.                                  respectively, of the stock of D. D then
                                              directly-held assets have a basis of $40x and             (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor in First              contributes Asset 1 to C in exchange for
                                              a fair market value of $110x. Immediately               Distribution. Under paragraph (b)(1) of this          additional C stock, and P2 retains Asset 2
                                              before the distribution, D has a basis in the           section, P is a Predecessor of D1.                    and Asset 3. D distributes all of the stock of
                                              C stock of $60x and a fair market value of              Immediately before the First Distribution,            C to P2 and Z, pro rata. The contribution and
                                              $200x. Pursuant to the same Plan, Z acquires            and as part of a Plan, C holds P Relevant             distribution constitute a reorganization under
                                              51% of P stock. P continues to hold Asset 2.            Property (Asset 1), the gain on which was not         368(a)(1)(D), and D recognizes no gain under
                                                 (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under                 recognized in full as part of a Plan. Further,        section 361. Immediately before the
                                              paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is a                the C stock distributed in the First                  distribution, Asset 1 has a basis of $40x and
                                              Predecessor of D because immediately before             Distribution was directly acquired by D1 in           a fair market value of $100x, and the stock
                                              the distribution, and as part of a Plan, C              exchange for P Relevant Property, and it              of C held by D has a basis of $100x and a
                                              holds directly P Relevant Property                      reflects the basis of Separated Property (Asset       fair market value of $200x.
                                              (Underlying Property of R) the gain on which            1). In addition, immediately after the First             (ii) Analysis—(A) P2 as Predecessor of D.
                                              was not recognized in full as part of a Plan.           Distribution, each of C and D1 continues to           Under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P2 is
                                              Further, the C stock distributed in the                 hold Relevant Property of P. Therefore, P’s           a Predecessor of D. Immediately before the
                                              distribution was acquired by D, in part, in             Relevant Property has been divided between            distribution, and as part of a Plan, C holds
                                              deemed exchange for P Relevant Property                 C and D1.                                             P2 Relevant Property (Asset 1), the gain on
                                              (see paragraph (b)(2)(x) of this section), and            (B) Predecessor in Second Distribution.             which was not recognized in full as part of
                                              the C stock reflects the basis of Separated             Under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P is          a Plan. Further, the C stock distributed in the
                                              Property (Underlying Property of R). See                not a Predecessor of D. Immediately before            distribution was acquired by D in exchange
                                              § 1.358–6(c)(1). In addition, immediately               the Second Distribution, the stock of C               for a direct interest in P2 Relevant Property
                                              after the distribution, P’s Relevant Property           distributed does not reflect the basis of             (Asset 1), and it reflects the basis in
                                              has been divided between C, on the one                  Separated Property (Asset 1). Because there           Separated Property (Asset 1). In addition,
                                              hand, and P and D on the other hand.                    has been no Planned 50-percent Acquisition            immediately after the distribution, P2
                                                 (B) Gain limited. Without regard to the              of D, C, or a Predecessor of D, there is no           continues to hold P2 Relevant Property.
                                              limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D         application of section 355(e) to the Second           Therefore, P2’s Relevant Property has been
                                              would be required to recognize $140x of gain            Distribution.                                         divided between C and P2.
                                              ($200x of fair market value minus $60x of                 (C) Gain on First Distribution. By                     (B) P1 as Predecessor of D. Under
                                              basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory          application of section 355(f), section 355 and        paragraph (b)(1) of this section, P1 is a
                                              Recognition Amount under section 355(c)(2).             the regulations thereunder (including the             Predecessor of D. P1 transferred property to
                                              However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this                 gain limitation rules in paragraph (e) of this        P2 (a Predecessor of D) as part of a Plan.
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                                              section, D’s gain recognized by reason of the           section) would not apply to the First                 Immediately before the distribution, and as
                                              51% acquisition of P stock by Z will not                Distribution. Therefore, D1 would be                  part of a Plan, C holds P1 Relevant Property
                                              exceed $70x, an amount equal to the amount              required to recognize $100x of gain (excess           (Asset 1) the gain on which was not
                                              D would have recognized had it transferred              of the $200x fair market value over the $100x         recognized in full as part of a Plan. Further,
                                              the Underlying Property of R to a newly-                basis of C stock held by D1) under section            the C stock distributed in the distribution
                                              formed corporation (C1) solely in exchange              311(b), and D would be treated as receiving           was acquired by D in exchange for a direct
                                              for stock and distributed the C1 stock to D             a distribution of $180x to which section 301          interest in P1 Relevant Property, and it
                                              shareholders in a Hypothetical D/355(e)                 applied. However, under paragraph (g)(1) of           reflects the basis in Separated Property (Asset



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                                              91754            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              1). In addition, immediately after the                  immediately after the distribution, D                 into R in a reorganization under section
                                              distribution, P2 (a successor of P1 under               continues to hold Relevant Property of P1             368(a)(1)(A). Following the merger, R merges
                                              paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section) continues        and P2. Therefore, each of P1’s and P2’s              into S in a reorganization under section
                                              to hold Relevant Property of P1. Therefore,             Relevant Property has been divided between            368(a)(1)(A). As a result of the merger of R
                                              P1’s Relevant Property has been divided                 C and D.                                              into S, X and Y own 10% and 90%,
                                              between C and P2 (the successor of P1).                    (B) Acquisition of Predecessor stock. Under        respectively, of the S stock. Immediately
                                                 (C) Acquisition of predecessor stock. Under          paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Z is treated        before the distribution, D’s C stock has a
                                              paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is treated          as acquiring stock representing 80% of the            basis of $10x and a fair market value of $30x.
                                              as acquiring stock representing 90% of the              voting power and value of each of P1 and P2              (ii) Analysis—(A) Successor. Under
                                              voting power and value of P1 as a result of             as a result of the mergers of P1 and P2 into          paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, R is a
                                              the merger of P1 into P2. Accordingly, there            D. Accordingly, there has been a Planned 50-          successor of D because, after the distribution,
                                              has been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of            percent Acquisition of P1 and P2.                     D transfers property to R in a section 381
                                              P1. There is no acquisition of P2 stock.                   (C) Gain limited. Without regard to the            transaction. Under paragraph (c)(2)(ii), S is
                                                 (D) Gain limited. Without regard to the              limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D       also a successor of D because R (a successor
                                              limitations in paragraph (e) of this section, D         would be required to recognize $90x of gain           of D) transfers property to S in a section 381
                                              would be required to recognize $100x of gain            ($220x of fair market value minus $130x of            transaction.
                                              ($200x of aggregate fair market value minus             basis of the C stock held by D), the Statutory           (B) Acquisition of Successor Stock. Under
                                              $100x of aggregate basis of the C stock held            Recognition Amount under section 361(c)(2).           paragraph (d)(1) of this section, there is no
                                              by D), the Statutory Recognition Amount                 However, under paragraph (e)(2) of this               deemed acquisition of D stock as a result of
                                              described in section 361(c)(2), because there           section, D’s gain recognized by reason of the         the merger of D into R because X wholly
                                              has been a Planned 50-percent Acquisition of            deemed acquisition of P1 stock will not               owns the stock of D before the merger and
                                              P1, a Predecessor of D. However, under                  exceed $60x ($110x fair market value minus            wholly owns the stock of R after the merger.
                                              paragraph (e)(2) of this section, D’s gain              $50x basis), an amount equal to the amount            Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, Y is
                                              recognized by reason of the deemed                      D would have recognized had it transferred            treated as acquiring stock representing 90%
                                              acquisition of P1 stock will not exceed $60x,           Asset 1 (Separated Property) to a newly-              of the voting power and value of R (Successor
                                              an amount equal to the amount D would have              formed corporation (C1) solely for stock and          of D) as a result of the merger of R into S.
                                              recognized had it transferred Asset 1                   distributed that (C1) stock to D shareholders         Under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, an
                                              (Separated Property) to a newly-formed                  in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization.            acquisition of the R stock is also treated as
                                              corporation (C1) solely for stock and                   D’s gain recognized by reason of the deemed           an acquisition of the D stock.
                                              distributed the C1 stock to D shareholders in           acquisition of P2 stock will not exceed $20x             (C) Gain. The special gain limitation rules
                                              a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization.                 ($90x fair market value minus $70x basis), an         in paragraph (e)(2) or (3) of this section do
                                              Under section 361(c)(2), D would recognize              amount equal to the amount D would have               not apply because there is not an acquisition
                                              $60x, an amount equal to the gain in                    recognized had it transferred Asset 2                 of stock of D or a Predecessor of D. Therefore,
                                              hypothetical C1 stock (excess of the $100x              (Separated Property) to a second newly-               because there is a Planned 50-percent
                                              fair market over the $40x basis). The fact that         formed corporation (C2) solely for stock and          Acquisition of R (Successor of D), D is
                                              there is no Planned 50-percent Acquisition of           distributed the (C2) stock to D shareholders          required to recognize $20x of gain ($30x fair
                                              either P2 or D does not change this result.             in a Hypothetical D/355(e) Reorganization.            market value minus $10x basis of the C stock
                                              Therefore, D recognizes $60x of gain.                   Therefore, D will recognize $80x of gain              held by D), the Statutory Recognition
                                                 Example 9. Multiple Predecessors of                  ($60x + $20x).                                        Amount described in section 355(c)(2).
                                              Distributing—(i) Facts. X owns 100% of the                 Example 10. Successor of Controlled—(i)               (i) Effective/applicability date—(1) In
                                              stock of P1, which holds multiple assets,               Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of each of            general. Except as provided in
                                              including Asset 1 and Asset 3. Y owns 100%              D and R. The following steps occur as part            paragraph (i)(2) or (3) of this section,
                                              of the stock of P2, which holds multiple                of a Plan: D distributes all of its C stock to        this section applies to distributions
                                              assets, including Asset 2 and Asset 4. Z owns           X. Immediately before the Distribution, D’s C         occurring after January 18, 2017.
                                              100% of the stock of D. The following steps             stock has a basis of $10x and a fair market              (2) Transition rule—(i) In general.
                                              occur as part of a Plan: Each of P1 and P2              value of $30x. C then merges into R in a              Except as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of
                                              merges into D in a reorganization under                 reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D).
                                                                                                                                                            this section, this section does not apply
                                              section 368(a)(1)(A). Immediately after the             Immediately after the merger, X owns all of
                                              mergers, each of X and Y owns 10%, and Z                the R stock. As part of the same Plan, Z              to a distribution (as defined in
                                              owns 80%, of the stock of D. D then                     purchases 51% of the stock of R from X.               paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section) that
                                              contributes to C Asset 1 (acquired from P1),               (ii) Analysis—(A) Successor. Under                 is—
                                              and Asset 2 (acquired from P2). In exchange             paragraph (c)(2) of this section, R is a                 (A) Made pursuant to a binding
                                              for Asset 1 and Asset 2, D receives additional          Successor of C because after the distribution         agreement in effect on or before
                                              C stock. D distributes the stock of C to X, Y,          C transfers property to R in a section 381            December 16, 2016 and at all times
                                              and Z, pro rata. D’s contribution of Asset 1            transaction. Accordingly, under paragraph             thereafter;
                                              and Asset 2 and the distribution constitute a           (d)(2) of this section, Z’s acquisition of stock         (B) Described in a ruling request
                                              reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(D). D            of R is treated as an acquisition of stock of         submitted to the Internal Revenue
                                              continues to hold Asset 3 and Asset 4.                  C. Therefore, Z is treated as acquiring 51%           Service on or before December 16, 2016;
                                              Immediately before the distribution, Asset 1            of the stock of C.
                                              has a basis of $50x and a fair market value                (B) Gain not limited. The special gain
                                                                                                                                                            or
                                              of $110x, Asset 2 has a basis of $70x and a             limitation rules in paragraph (e)(2) or (3) of
                                                                                                                                                               (C) Described on or before December
                                              fair market value of $90x, and the stock of             this section do not apply because there is not        16, 2016 in a public announcement or
                                              C held by D has a basis of $130x and a fair             an acquisition of stock of D or a Predecessor         in a filing with the Securities and
                                              market value of $220x.                                  of D. Therefore, because the distribution and         Exchange Commission.
                                                 (ii) Analysis—(A) Predecessor. Under                 Z’s acquisition of a 51% interest in R are part          (ii) Definition of distribution. For
                                              paragraph (b)(1) of this section, each of P1            of a Plan, D is required to recognize gain in         purposes of paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (3)
                                              and P2 is a Predecessor of D. Immediately               the amount of $20x ($30x fair market value            of this section, references to a
                                              before the distribution and as part of a Plan,          minus $10x basis of the C stock held by D),           distribution include a reference to a
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                                              C holds P1 Relevant Property (Asset 1) and              the Statutory Recognition Amount under                distribution and other related pre-
                                              P2 Relevant Property (Asset 2), each of which           section 355(c)(2).
                                                                                                                                                            distribution transactions that together
                                              was transferred as part of a Plan without full             Example 11. Multiple Successors—(i)
                                              gain recognition. The C stock distributed in            Facts. X owns 100% of the stock of both D             effect a division of the assets of a
                                              the distribution was acquired by D in                   and R. Y owns 100% of the stock of S. The             Predecessor of Distributing. Therefore,
                                              exchange for Asset 1 and Asset 2, and that              following steps occur as part of a Plan: D            for example, if a corporation would
                                              stock reflects the basis in both Asset 1 and            distributes all of the C stock to X.                  qualify as a Predecessor of Distributing
                                              Asset 2 (Relevant Property). In addition,               Immediately after the distribution, D merges          under paragraph (b)(1) of this section,


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        91755

                                              Distributing may claim the benefit of the                 Applicability Date: For dates of                    78,974). On July 8, 2016, a notice of
                                              transition rule of paragraph (i)(2) of this             applicability, see §§ 1.36B–1(o), 1.36B–              proposed rulemaking (REG–109086–15)
                                              section only if all steps relevant to the               2(e), 1.36B–3(n), 1.36B–5(h), and                     was published in the Federal Register
                                              determination of Predecessor of                         1.6011–8(b).                                          (81 FR 44,557). Written comments
                                              Distributing status are described in the                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      responding to the proposed regulations
                                              binding agreement, ruling request,                      Steve Toomey at (202) 317–4735,                       were received. The comments have been
                                              announcement, or filing described in                    Shareen Pflanz at (202) 317–4727, or                  considered in connection with these
                                              paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section.                    Lisa Mojiri-Azad at (202) 317–4649 (not               final regulations and are available for
                                                 (3) Exception. Notwithstanding                       toll-free calls).                                     public inspection at
                                              paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this section,                                                                      www.regulations.gov or on request. No
                                                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              Distributing and any affiliated group                                                                         public hearing was requested or held.
                                              that it is a member of as of the beginning              Paperwork Reduction Act                               After consideration of all the comments,
                                              of the date on which a distribution (as                    The collection of information                      the proposed regulations are adopted, in
                                              defined in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this                 contained in these final regulations has              part, as amended by this Treasury
                                              section) may apply this section in its                  been reviewed and approved by the                     decision. The rules proposed under
                                              entirety to that distribution if it occurs                                                                    REG–109086–15 on the effect of opt-out
                                                                                                      Office of Management and Budget in
                                              after November 22, 2004. However,                                                                             arrangements on an employee’s required
                                                                                                      accordance with the Paperwork
                                              under this paragraph (i)(3), taxpayers                                                                        contribution for employer-sponsored
                                                                                                      Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
                                              must consistently apply this section in                                                                       coverage have been reserved and the
                                                                                                      3507(d)) under control number 1545–
                                              its entirety to all distributions occurring                                                                   Treasury Department and the IRS expect
                                                                                                      2232.
                                              after November 22, 2004, that are part of                                                                     to finalize those regulations separately
                                                                                                         The collection of information in these
                                              the same Plan.                                                                                                (see, section 1.d of this preamble).
                                                                                                      regulations is in § 1.36B–5. The
                                                 (j) Expiration date. The applicability               collection of information is necessary to             Summary of Comments and
                                              of this section expires on or before                    reconcile advance payments of the                     Explanation of Provisions
                                              December 16, 2019.                                      premium tax credit and determine the                  1. Eligibility
                                              John Dalrymple,                                         allowable premium tax credit. The
                                              Deputy Commissioner for Services and                    collection of information is required to              a. Applicable Taxpayers
                                              Enforcement.                                            comply with the provisions of section                    A taxpayer is eligible for a premium
                                                                                                      36B of the Internal Revenue Code                      tax credit only if the taxpayer is an
                                                 Approved: December 1, 2016.                          (Code). The likely respondents are                    applicable taxpayer. To be an applicable
                                              Mark J. Mazur,                                          Marketplaces that enroll individuals in               taxpayer, a taxpayer’s household
                                              Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax                qualified health plans.                               income generally must be between 100
                                              Policy).                                                   The burden for the collection of                   percent and 400 percent of the Federal
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–30160 Filed 12–16–16; 8:45 am]            information contained in these                        poverty line (FPL) for the taxpayer’s
                                              BILLING CODE 4830–01–P                                  regulations will be reflected in the                  family size. The existing regulations in
                                                                                                      burden estimate for Form 1095–A,                      § 1.36B–2(b)(6) allow a taxpayer whose
                                                                                                      Health Insurance Marketplace                          household income is below 100 percent
                                              DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              Statement, which is the form that the                 of the applicable FPL to be treated as an
                                                                                                      Marketplace will use to submit the                    applicable taxpayer if (1) the taxpayer or
                                              Internal Revenue Service                                information described in the final                    a family member enrolls in a qualified
                                                                                                      regulations.                                          health plan, (2) an Exchange estimates
                                              26 CFR Parts 1 and 301                                     An agency may not conduct or                       at the time of enrollment that the
                                                                                                      sponsor, and a person is not required to              taxpayer’s household income for the
                                              [TD 9804]                                               respond to, a collection of information               taxable year will be between 100 and
                                              RIN 1545–BN50                                           unless it displays a valid control                    400 percent of the applicable FPL, (3)
                                                                                                      number assigned by the Office of                      advance credit payments are authorized
                                              Premium Tax Credit Regulation VI                        Management and Budget.                                and paid for one or more months during
                                                                                                                                                            the taxable year, and (4) the taxpayer
                                              AGENCY:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS),                Background
                                                                                                                                                            would be an applicable taxpayer but for
                                              Treasury.                                                 This document contains final                        the fact that the taxpayer’s household
                                              ACTION: Final Regulations.                              regulations amending the Income Tax                   income for the taxable year is below 100
                                                                                                      Regulations (26 CFR part 1) under                     percent of the applicable FPL.
                                              SUMMARY:   This document contains final                 section 36B relating to the health                       An applicable taxpayer is allowed a
                                              regulations relating to the health                      insurance premium tax credit. Section                 premium tax credit for a month only if
                                              insurance premium tax credit (premium                   36B was enacted by the Patient                        one or more members of the applicable
                                              tax credit). These final regulations affect             Protection and Affordable Care Act,                   taxpayer’s family is enrolled in one or
                                              individuals who enroll in qualified                     Public Law 111–148 (124 Stat. 119                     more qualified health plans through an
                                              health plans through Health Insurance                   (2010)), and the Health Care and                      Exchange and is not eligible for
                                              Exchanges (Exchanges, also called                       Education Reconciliation Act of 2010,                 minimum essential coverage in that
                                              Marketplaces) and claim the premium                     Public Law 111–152 (124 Stat. 1029                    month. Section 36B(c)(2), § 1.36B–2(a).
                                              tax credit, and Exchanges that make                     (2010)) (collectively, the Affordable Care            In general, government-sponsored
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                                              qualified health plans available to                     Act). Final regulations under section                 programs are minimum essential
                                              individuals and employers. These final                  36B (TD 9590) were published on May                   coverage. Section 1.36B–2(c)(1). Under
                                              regulations also affect individuals who                 23, 2012 (77 FR 30,385). These                        § 1.36B–2(c)(2)(v), an individual is
                                              are eligible for employer-sponsored                     regulations were amended in 2014 by                   treated as not eligible for Medicaid, the
                                              health coverage.                                        TD 9663, published on May 7, 2014 (79                 Children’s Health Insurance Program
                                              DATES: Effective Date: These regulations                FR 26,117), and in 2015 by TD 9745,                   (CHIP), or a similar program for a period
                                              are effective December 19, 2016.                        published December 18, 2015 (80 FR                    of coverage under a qualified health


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Document Created: 2016-12-17 03:15:32
Document Modified: 2016-12-17 03:15:32
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary regulations.
ContactRichard K. Passales, (202) 317-5024 or Marie C. Milnes-Vasquez, (202) 317-7700 (not toll-free numbers).
FR Citation81 FR 91738 
RIN Number1545-BN18
CFR AssociatedIncome Taxes and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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