82_FR_43900 82 FR 43720 - Guidance on the Definition of Registered Form

82 FR 43720 - Guidance on the Definition of Registered Form

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 180 (September 19, 2017)

Page Range43720-43730
FR Document2017-19753

This document contains proposed regulations that provide guidance on the definitions of registration-required obligation and registered form, including guidance on the issuance of pass-through certificates and participation interests in registered form. This document also withdraws a portion of previously proposed regulations regarding the definition of a registration-required obligation. The proposed regulations generally are necessary to address changes in market practices as well as issues raised by the statutory repeal of the foreign-targeted bearer obligation exception to the registered form requirement. The proposed regulations will affect issuers and holders of obligations in registered form as well as issuers and holders of registration-required obligations that are not issued in registered form.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 180 (Tuesday, September 19, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43720-43730]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19753]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

26 CFR Parts 1, 5f, and 46

[REG-125374-16]
RIN 1545-BN60


Guidance on the Definition of Registered Form

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Partial withdrawal of notice of proposed rulemaking and notice 
of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This document contains proposed regulations that provide 
guidance on the definitions of registration-required obligation and 
registered form, including guidance on

[[Page 43721]]

the issuance of pass-through certificates and participation interests 
in registered form. This document also withdraws a portion of 
previously proposed regulations regarding the definition of a 
registration-required obligation. The proposed regulations generally 
are necessary to address changes in market practices as well as issues 
raised by the statutory repeal of the foreign-targeted bearer 
obligation exception to the registered form requirement. The proposed 
regulations will affect issuers and holders of obligations in 
registered form as well as issuers and holders of registration-required 
obligations that are not issued in registered form.

DATES: Comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by 
December 18, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send submissions to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-125374-16), Room 5203, 
Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, 
Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered Monday through 
Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-
125374-16), Courier's Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or sent electronically via the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov (IRS REG-125374-16).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the proposed regulations, 
Spence Hanemann at (202) 317-6980; concerning submissions of comments 
and requesting a hearing, Regina Johnson at (202) 317-6901 (not toll-
free numbers).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collection of information contained in this notice of proposed 
rulemaking has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
for review under control number 1545-0945 in accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). The collection of 
information in this proposed regulation is in Sec.  1.163-5(b), which 
permits issuers of registration-required obligations to satisfy the 
requirement for those obligations to be in registered form by 
maintaining a book entry system. Sections 163(f) and 149(a) require 
that certain obligations be in registered form and expressly permit 
issuers to satisfy that requirement through a book entry system. 
Accordingly, the proposed regulations permit issuers to satisfy the 
registration requirement through a book entry system and detail certain 
arrangements that qualify as book entry systems. The collection of 
information in proposed Sec.  1.163-5(b) is an increase in the total 
annual burden under control number 1545-0945. The respondents are 
businesses and other for-profit organizations, non-profit 
organizations, and state, local and tribal governments.
    Estimated total annual recordkeeping burden: 95,105 hours.
    Estimated average annual burden hours per respondent: 0.5 hours.
    Estimated number of respondents: 190,210.
    Estimated annual frequency of responses: 190,210.
    Comments on the collection of information should be sent to the 
Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department 
of the Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Washington, DC 20503, with copies to the Internal Revenue Service, 
Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, SE:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, Washington, DC 
20224. Comments on the collection of information should be received by 
November 20, 2017.
    Comments are specifically requested concerning:
    Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the Internal Revenue Service, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed 
collection of information;
    How the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected may be enhanced;
    How the burden of complying with the proposed collection of 
information may be minimized, including through the application of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology; and
    Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, 
maintenance, and purchase of service to provide information.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid 
control number assigned by the Office of Management and Budget.
    Books or records relating to a collection of information must be 
retained as long as their contents may become material in the 
administration of any internal revenue law. Generally tax returns and 
tax return information are confidential, as required by section 26 
U.S.C. 6103.

Background

    This document contains proposed amendments to 26 CFR parts 1, 5f, 
and 46 under sections 103, 149, 163, 165, 860D, 871, 881, 1287, 4701, 
6045, and 6049 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).

1. In General

    The classification of an obligation as in bearer or registered form 
has significant tax implications because a number of Code provisions 
impose sanctions on issuers and holders of registration-required 
obligations that are not issued in registered form. An obligation not 
issued in registered form is a bearer form obligation. Most of the Code 
provisions that pertain to registration-required obligations were 
enacted as part of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 
(TEFRA), Public Law 97-248, 96 Stat. 324, Sec.  310. Among these 
provisions, section 163(f) denies an issuer an interest deduction for 
interest on a registration-required obligation that is not in 
registered form. Section 4701 imposes an excise tax on the issuer of a 
registration-required obligation that is not in registered form. The 
excise tax is equal to 1 percent of the principal amount of the 
obligation multiplied by the number of calendar years (or portions 
thereof) between the issue date of the obligation and the date of 
maturity. Section 149(a) provides that interest on a registration-
required bond is not exempt from tax under section 103(a) unless the 
bond is in registered form. In addition, section 871(h) and section 
881(c) exempt from federal income tax portfolio interest from sources 
within the U.S. received by a nonresident alien or foreign corporation 
(portfolio interest exception) only if the obligation with respect to 
which the interest was paid is in registered form. Similar restrictions 
are found in sections 165(j) (generally denying the holder a deduction 
for a loss sustained on a registration-required obligation not in 
registered form), 312(m) (generally providing that the issuer's 
earnings and profits cannot be decreased by interest paid on a 
registration-required obligation not in registered form), and 1287 
(generally treating the holder's gain on sale of a registration-
required obligation not in registered form as ordinary income).
    Historically, the Code provisions referenced in the preceding 
paragraph generally did not apply to obligations that complied with the 
foreign-targeting rules of prior section 163(f)(2)(B) and Sec.  1.163-
5(c) (foreign-targeted bearer obligations). Under the foreign-targeting 
rules, an issuer could issue foreign-targeted bearer obligations 
without penalty provided the obligations were issued under arrangements 
reasonably designed to ensure that the obligations

[[Page 43722]]

were sold only to non-U.S. persons. The portfolio interest exception 
also applied to interest paid on foreign-targeted bearer obligations 
issued under such reasonably designed arrangements.
    The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (the HIRE Act), 
Public Law 111-147, 124 Stat. 71, section 502, repealed section 
163(f)(2)(B) and generally eliminated the special treatment of foreign-
targeted bearer obligations. Foreign-targeted bearer obligations issued 
after March 18, 2012, are subject to the sanctions on bearer form 
obligations under sections 149(a), 163(f), 165(j), 312(m), and 1287. 
The HIRE Act also revoked the portfolio interest exception for foreign-
targeted bearer obligations, thus requiring that obligations issued 
after March 18, 2012, be in registered form to qualify for that 
exception. The HIRE Act did not, however, repeal the foreign-targeted 
bearer obligation exception to the excise tax under section 4701. See 
section 4701(b)(1)(B)(i).

2. Registration-Required Obligations

A. In General
    Under section 163(f)(2)(A), as amended by the HIRE Act, the term 
registration-required obligation means any obligation other than an 
obligation that: (1) Is issued by a natural person; (2) is not of a 
type offered to the public; or (3) has a maturity at issue of not more 
than 1 year. For purposes of sections 165(j), 312(m), and 1287, 
registration-required obligation has the same meaning as when used in 
section 163(f). See also section 149(a) (providing a similar definition 
except for the exclusion for instruments issued by a natural person). 
For purposes of section 4701, that term also has the same meaning as 
when used in section 163(f), except that tax-exempt bonds and foreign-
targeted bearer obligations are excluded.
    Section 5f.163-1(b)(2) provides that the determination as to 
whether an obligation is of a type offered to the public is based on 
whether similar obligations are in fact publicly offered or traded. On 
January 21, 1993, the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the IRS 
published in the Federal Register (58 FR 5316) a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (INTL-0115-90) containing proposed regulations that 
elaborated upon the meaning of ``of a type offered to the public'' for 
purposes of section 163(f)(2)(A) (the 1993 proposed regulations). See 
Prop. Treas. Reg. Sec.  5f.163-1(b)(2). The preamble to the 1993 
proposed regulations cited the report of the Senate Finance Committee 
on TEFRA for the conclusion that an obligation that represents a 
``readily negotiable substitute for cash'' should be a registration-
required obligation. 58 FR 5316 (citing S. Rep. No. 97-494, at 242 
(1982)). Treasury and the IRS reasoned in the preamble to the 1993 
proposed regulations that, because the standards for determining if an 
obligation is ``readily tradable in an established securities market'' 
under section 453(f)(4)(B) and Sec.  15a.453-1(e)(4) address an 
analogous concern with negotiability, similar standards should apply 
for determining whether an obligation is ``of a type offered to the 
public'' under section 163(f)(2)(A).
B. Pass-Through Certificates
    Section 1.163-5T provides rules to address whether pass-through 
certificates are registration-required obligations. In their most 
common form, pass-through certificates are issued by an investment 
entity (typically a trust) that holds a pool of obligations, such as 
mortgage loans. Each pass-through certificate represents an interest in 
the investment entity.
    To accommodate these securitization transactions, Sec.  1.163-
5T(d)(1) generally provides that a pass-through certificate evidencing 
an interest in a pool of mortgage loans that is treated as a trust of 
which the grantor is the owner is considered to be a registration-
required obligation if, standing alone, the pass-through certificate 
meets the definition of a registration-required obligation. Section 
1.163-5T(d)(1) also applies to ``similar evidence of interest in a 
similar pooled fund or pooled trust treated as a grantor trust,'' 
although commenters have noted the ambiguity of the reference. 
Similarly, Sec.  1.871-14(d)(1) provides that interest received on a 
pass-through certificate qualifies for the portfolio interest exception 
if, standing alone, the pass-through certificate is in registered form.
    Commenters have asked that Treasury and the IRS describe the types 
of arrangements that qualify as pass-through certificates. 
Specifically, commenters have requested that Treasury and the IRS amend 
the definition of a pass-through certificate to clarify that the issuer 
of a pass-through certificate may be either a grantor trust or another 
type of entity, such as a partnership or a disregarded entity, so long 
as the obligations in the pool are held through an arrangement that 
meets the requirements to be in registered form. Commenters have also 
requested that Treasury and the IRS amend Sec.  1.871-14(d)(1) so that 
the definition of pass-through certificate for purposes of the 
portfolio interest exception is identical to the definition of pass-
through certificate under Sec.  1.163-5T(d)(1).

3. Definition of Registered Form

A. In General
    For purposes of determining whether an obligation is in registered 
form under section 163(f),\1\ the principles of section 149(a)(3) 
apply. See section 163(f)(3). Section 149(a)(3)(A) provides that a bond 
is treated as being in registered form if the right to the principal 
of, and stated interest on, the bond may be transferred only through a 
book entry consistent with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. 
Section 149(a)(3)(B) authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations 
to carry out the requirement that a bond be issued in registered form 
when there is one or more nominee. For purposes of section 149(a), the 
conditions for an obligation to be considered in registered form are 
described in Sec.  5f.103-1(c).\2\ The regulations under both section 
163(f) and section 871(h), specifically Sec. Sec.  5f.163-1(a) and 
1.871-14(c), refer to Sec.  5f.103-1(c) for a definition of registered 
form. Obligations that do not meet the conditions described in Sec.  
5f.103-1(c) are treated as issued in bearer form.
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    \1\ For purposes of sections 165(j), 312(m), 871(h)(7), 
881(c)(7), 1287, and 4701, the term registered form has the same 
meaning as when used in section 163(f).
    \2\ Section 5f.103-1 was originally published under section 
103(j) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, which was enacted as 
part of TEFRA and provided that obligations must be in registered 
form to be tax-exempt. Section 103(j) was recodified as section 
149(a) by section 1301 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Public Law 99-
514, 100 Stat. 2085.
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    Generally, under Sec.  5f.103-1(c), an obligation is in registered 
form if: (1) The obligation is registered as to both principal and any 
stated interest with the issuer (or its agent) and any transfer of the 
obligation may be effected only by surrender of the old obligation and 
reissuance to the new holder; (2) the right to principal and stated 
interest with respect to the obligation may be transferred only through 
a book entry system maintained by the issuer or its agent; or (3) the 
obligation is registered as to both principal and stated interest with 
the issuer or its agent and may be transferred both by surrender and 
reissuance and through a book entry system. An obligation is considered 
transferable through a book entry system if ownership of an interest in 
the obligation is required to be reflected in a book entry, whether or 
not physical securities are issued. An obligation that would otherwise 
be considered to be in registered form is not considered to be in 
registered form if the obligation may

[[Page 43723]]

be converted at any time in the future into an obligation that is not 
in registered form. See Sec.  5f.103-1(e).
B. Dematerialized Book Entry Systems
    Since the publication of Sec.  5f.103-1, market practices have 
changed with respect to how interests in obligations are recorded and 
transferred. For example, many obligations trade in fully 
dematerialized form. An obligation that is fully dematerialized is not 
represented by a physical (paper) certificate, and a clearing 
organization that is the registered holder of the obligation operates 
an electronic book entry system that identifies the clearing 
organization's member or members holding the obligation (or interests 
in the obligation). The clearing organization facilitates and records 
transfers of the obligation (or interests in the obligation) among the 
clearing organization's members. The members (typically, banks or 
broker-dealers), in turn, record their clients' ownership of the 
obligation (or interests in the obligation) in their book entry 
systems. Alternatively, an obligation may be represented by a physical 
global certificate that is nominally in bearer form but that is 
immobilized in a clearing organization, which handles the obligation 
thereafter exactly as it does an obligation that was fully 
dematerialized when issued. Commenters have requested additional 
guidance on how the registered form rules in Sec.  5f.103-1 apply to 
these arrangements.
    Treasury and the IRS provided guidance on how to apply the 
registered form rules to certain of these arrangements in Notice 2006-
99, 2006-2 CB 907. Notice 2006-99 addresses an arrangement in which no 
physical certificates are issued and under which ownership interests in 
bonds are required to be represented only by book entries in a 
dematerialized book entry system maintained by a clearing organization. 
Notice 2006-99 provides that an obligation issued under such an 
arrangement is treated as in registered form notwithstanding the 
ability of holders to obtain physical certificates in bearer form upon 
the termination of the business of the clearing organization without a 
successor.
    The HIRE Act also addressed dematerialized book entry systems. For 
obligations issued after March 18, 2012, section 163(f)(3), as amended 
by the HIRE Act, provides that, for purposes of section 163(f), a 
dematerialized book entry system or other book entry system specified 
by the Secretary will be treated as a book entry system described in 
section 149(a)(3). The Joint Committee on Taxation's technical 
explanation of the HIRE Act further explained that an obligation ``that 
is formally in bearer form is treated, for the purposes of section 
163(f), as held in a book entry system as long as the debt obligation 
may be transferred only through a dematerialized book entry system or 
other book entry system specified by the Secretary.'' J. Comm. on 
Tax'n, Technical Explanation of the Revenue Provisions Contained in 
Senate Amendment 3310, the ``Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment 
Act,'' Under Consideration by the Senate (JCX-4-10), Feb. 23, 2010, at 
53.
C. Notice 2012-20
    Commenters expressed concern that the explicit reference to a 
``dematerialized book entry system'' in section 163(f)(3), as amended 
by the HIRE Act, would create uncertainty about obligations issued in a 
manner not specifically described in Notice 2006-99. In particular, 
commenters requested guidance to address the treatment of obligations 
represented by a physical global certificate that is nominally in 
bearer form, but that is immobilized in a clearing system. In addition, 
commenters requested guidance regarding whether an obligation will be 
considered to be in registered form if holders may obtain physical 
certificates in bearer form under circumstances not described in Notice 
2006-99.
    In response to these comments, Treasury and the IRS published 
Notice 2012-20, 2012-13 IRB 574, on March 26, 2012. Notice 2012-20 
provides additional guidance on the definition of registered form and 
further states that Treasury and the IRS intend to publish regulations 
consistent with the guidance described in the notice. Under Notice 
2012-20, an obligation is considered to be in registered form if it is 
issued either through a dematerialized book entry system in which 
beneficial interests are transferable only through a book entry system 
maintained by a clearing organization (or by an agent of the clearing 
organization) or through a clearing system in which the obligation is 
effectively immobilized. Notice 2012-20 provides that an obligation is 
considered to be effectively immobilized if: (1) The obligation is 
represented by one or more global securities in physical form that are 
issued to and held by a clearing organization (or by a custodian or 
depository acting as an agent of the clearing organization) for the 
benefit of purchasers of interests in the obligation under arrangements 
that prohibit the transfer of the global securities except to a 
successor clearing organization subject to the same terms; and (2) 
beneficial interests in the underlying obligation are transferable only 
through a book entry system maintained by the clearing organization (or 
an agent of the clearing organization). Notice 2012-20 further states 
that an interest in an obligation is considered to be transferable only 
through a book entry system if the interest would be considered 
transferable through a book entry system under Sec.  5f.103-1(c)(2), 
except that holders may obtain physical certificates in bearer form in 
certain limited circumstances stated in the notice. Finally, Notice 
2012-20 states that, for purposes of determining when an obligation is 
a registration-required obligation under section 4701, rules identical 
to the foreign-targeting rules under section 163(f)(2)(B), prior to its 
amendment by the HIRE Act, and Sec.  1.163-5(c) will apply to 
obligations issued after March 18, 2012.

Explanation of Provisions

1. In General

    Consistent with Notice 2012-20, these proposed regulations amend 
the definition of registered form to take into account current market 
practices and changes made by the HIRE Act, including the repeal of the 
foreign-targeting rules in section 163(f)(2)(B). In addition, these 
proposed regulations amend the definition of a registration-required 
obligation in two ways. First, the proposed regulations specify the 
types of obligations that are treated as ``of a type offered to the 
public'' and withdraw the 1993 proposed regulations. Second, the 
proposed regulations take into account comments requesting 
clarification on the types of arrangements that qualify as pass-through 
certificates.
    Though the definitions of the terms registered form and 
registration-required obligation are generally consistent across the 
various provisions in which they are used, the rules are set forth in a 
number of existing regulations, including several promulgated under 
section 163(f). To the extent possible, these proposed regulations 
simplify the definitions of registered form and registration-required 
obligation by centralizing the rules in Sec.  1.163-5. Thus, the 
applicable rules have been relocated from Sec. Sec.  5f.103-1 
(definition of registered form), 1.163-5T (pass-through certificates 
and regular interests in REMICs), and 5f.163-1 (definition of 
registration-required obligation) to paragraphs (a) and (b) of proposed 
Sec.  1.163-5. Appropriate cross-references to Sec.  1.163-5 are 
proposed to be added to regulations that rely on one or both

[[Page 43724]]

definitions, including Sec. Sec.  1.149(a)-1, 1.165-12, 1.860D-
1(b)(5)(i)(A), 1.871-14, 1.1287-1, and 46.4701-1.

2. Registration-Required Obligations

A. Obligation of a Type Offered to the Public
    Consistent with the 1993 proposed regulations, Treasury and the IRS 
continue to believe that it is appropriate to determine whether an 
obligation is of a type offered to the public by reference to whether 
the obligation is ``traded on an established market.'' Although a 
number of Code and regulation sections refer to and define that phrase 
(for example, sections 453, 1092, 1273, and 7704, as well as the 
regulations promulgated under those Code sections), Treasury and the 
IRS have concluded that the definition provided in Sec.  1.1273-2(f) is 
most appropriate for purposes of defining a registration-required 
obligation. Thus, the proposed regulations generally treat an 
obligation as of a type offered to the public if the obligation is 
traded on an established market as determined under Sec.  1.1273-2(f). 
For this purpose, however, the proposed regulations do not take into 
account the exception for small debt issues in Sec.  1.1273-2(f)(6).
B. Pass-Through Certificates and Participation Interests
    Commenters indicated that an entity that issues pass-through 
certificates may hold a pool of debt instruments that is either fixed 
or that changes over time. For example, the issuing entity may have the 
right to acquire additional assets after formation, or the right to 
dispose of assets at any time. In those situations, the entity 
generally will not be classified as a grantor trust for federal tax 
purposes, but that does not preclude it from issuing pass-through 
certificates. To address these situations, the proposed regulations 
amend the definition of a pass-through certificate to provide that a 
pass-through certificate may be issued by a grantor trust or a similar 
fund, and specify that a similar fund includes entities that are 
partnerships or disregarded for federal tax purposes and funds that 
have the power to vary the assets they hold or the sequence of payments 
to holders. A similar fund, however, does not include a business entity 
classified as a corporation.
    In addition, Treasury and the IRS have concluded that an 
arrangement that satisfies the definition of a registration-required 
obligation and the registered form rules should be treated the same as 
a pass-through certificate even if the arrangement is with respect to 
only one underlying obligation or if the arrangement is treated as co-
ownership of one or more obligations (rather than, for purposes of 
TEFRA or otherwise, ownership of an entity that holds the underlying 
obligations). The proposed regulations eliminate the requirement that 
the fund hold a pool of loans and replace it with a requirement that 
the fund primarily hold debt instruments. Thus, a fund can hold one or 
more debt instruments, so long as the fund primarily holds debt 
instruments.
    In addition, the proposed regulations treat an interest that 
evidences co-ownership of one or more obligations (including a 
participation interest) as a registration-required obligation if, 
standing alone, the interest satisfies the definition of a 
registration-required obligation. The proposed regulations also propose 
to amend Sec.  1.871-14(d)(1) to include a cross-reference to the rules 
for pass-through certificates and participation interests in proposed 
Sec.  1.163-5(a)(3)(i) and (ii) such that similar rules apply for 
purposes of the portfolio interest exception.

3. Definition of Registered Form

    The proposed regulations amend the definition of registered form in 
a number of ways. First, the proposed regulations provide that an 
obligation is considered to be in registered form if it is transferable 
through a book entry system, including a dematerialized book entry 
system, maintained by the issuer of the obligation, an agent of the 
issuer, or a clearing organization. A clearing organization includes an 
entity that holds obligations for its members or maintains a system 
that reflects the ownership interests of members and transfers of 
obligations among members' accounts without the necessity of physical 
delivery of the obligation.
    Second, the proposed regulations provide that an obligation 
represented by a physical certificate in bearer form will be considered 
to be in registered form if the physical certificate is effectively 
immobilized. To be effectively immobilized, the physical certificate 
evidencing an obligation must be issued to and held by a clearing 
organization for the benefit of purchasers of interests in the 
obligation under arrangements that prohibit the transfer of the 
physical certificate except to a successor clearing organization and 
permit transfers of ownership interests in the underlying obligation 
only through a book entry system maintained by the clearing 
organization (or a successor clearing organization). As suggested in 
comments, the proposed regulations change the requirement in Notice 
2012-20 that a successor clearing organization hold the physical 
certificate subject to the same terms as the predecessor; Treasury and 
the IRS concluded that it is sufficient if the successor clearing 
organization has rules that effectively immobilize the physical 
certificate.
    Third, the proposed regulations permit holders of obligations (or 
interests in obligations) to have a right to obtain physical 
certificates evidencing the obligation (or interests in the obligation) 
in bearer form without causing the obligation to be treated as not in 
registered form in two circumstances: (1) A termination of the clearing 
organization's business without a successor; or (2) the issuance of 
physical securities at the issuer's request upon a change in tax law 
that would be adverse to the issuer but for the issuance of physical 
securities in bearer form. This exception from bearer form treatment is 
consistent with the guidance provided in Notice 2012-20, except that 
the proposed regulations do not permit a holder to have a right to 
obtain a physical bearer certificate if there is an issuer event of 
default (default exception). Treasury and the IRS understand that in 
certain situations holders may be required to obtain physical 
certificates to pursue claims against the issuer, but in such instances 
it would be appropriate to expect those physical certificates to be 
issued in registered form. Taxpayers may rely on the default exception 
in Notice 2012-20 for obligations issued prior to publication of a 
Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the 
Federal Register.
    After the occurrence of one of the two events described in the 
first sentence of the preceding paragraph, an obligation will no longer 
be in registered form if a holder, or a group of holders acting 
collectively, has a right to obtain a physical certificate in bearer 
form, regardless of whether any option to obtain a physical certificate 
in bearer form has actually been exercised.

4. Section 881

    Commenters requested that examples 10 and 19 set forth in Sec.  
1.881-3(e) be removed or revised to take into account the repeal of the 
foreign-targeted bearer obligation exception. Consistent with these 
comments, the proposed regulations propose to remove those examples.

5. Section 4701

    Commenters requested clarification on whether the foreign-targeting 
rules under Sec.  1.163-5(c) would apply to obligations issued after 
March 18, 2012, for purposes of section 4701. Consistent

[[Page 43725]]

with Notice 2012-20, proposed Sec.  46.4701-1 provides that, for 
purposes of determining whether an obligation is a foreign-targeted 
bearer obligation, the rules of Sec.  1.163-5(c) apply.

6. Applicability Dates

    Notice 2012-20 stated that regulations incorporating the guidance 
described in that notice will be effective for obligations issued after 
March 18, 2012. Accordingly, the proposed regulations will generally 
apply to obligations issued after March 18, 2012. However, taxpayers 
may apply the rules in section 3 of Notice 2012-20, including the 
default exception, for obligations issued prior to publication of a 
Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the 
Federal Register. The rules related to pass-through certificates, 
participation interests, and regular interests in REMICs and the rules 
related to obligations not of a type offered to the public are not 
described in Notice 2012-20 and, therefore, will apply only to 
obligations issued after the publication of a Treasury decision 
adopting these rules as final regulations in the Federal Register, 
except as otherwise provided in the next sentence. The existing 
regulations under Sec.  5f.103-1 will continue to apply to tax-exempt 
bonds issued prior to the date 90 days after publication of a Treasury 
decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the Federal 
Register.

Special Analyses

    Certain IRS regulations, including these, 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. It is hereby certified that these regulations will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Sections 163(f) and 149(a) require that certain obligations 
be in registered form which is satisfied if the obligations are 
transferable only through a book entry system. The existing regulations 
under these sections therefore permit issuers to satisfy the 
registration requirement through a book entry system and describe the 
arrangements that are necessary for a system to qualify as a book entry 
system. Certain systems that are now common, however, may not qualify 
as book entry systems under the existing regulations. Because the 
proposed regulations merely clarify that these systems are book entry 
systems, the proposed regulations would not impose a significant 
economic impact. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, this notice of 
proposed rulemaking will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy 
of the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small 
entities.

Comments and Requests for Public Hearing

    Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, 
consideration will be given to any comments that are submitted timely 
to the IRS as prescribed in this preamble under the ADDRESSES heading. 
Treasury and the IRS request comments on all aspects of the proposed 
rules. All comments will be available at www.regulations.gov or upon 
request. A public hearing will be scheduled if requested in writing by 
any person that timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is 
scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place for the hearing will be 
published in the Federal Register.

Drafting Information

    The principal authors of these regulations are Spence Hanemann and 
Diana Imholtz, Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial 
Institutions and Products), IRS. However, other personnel from Treasury 
and the IRS participated in their development.

Availability of IRS Documents

    The IRS notices cited in this preamble are published in the 
Internal Revenue Bulletin (or Cumulative Bulletin) and are available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402, or by visiting the IRS Web site at 
www.irs.gov.

List of Subjects

26 CFR Part 1

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

26 CFR Part 5f

    Income taxes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

26 CFR Part 46

    Excise taxes, Insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Partial Withdrawal of Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    Accordingly, under the authority of 26 U.S.C. 7805, 5f.163-1(b)(2) 
of the notice of proposed rulemaking (INTL-0115-90, subsequently 
converted to REG-208245-90) that was published in the Federal Register 
(58 FR 5316) on January 21, 1993, is withdrawn.

Proposed Amendments to the Regulations

    Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1, 5f, and 46 are proposed to be amended 
as follows:

PART 1--INCOME TAXES

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

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
    Section 1.149(a)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 149(a)(3).
* * * * *
    Section 1.163-5 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 163(f)(3).
* * * * *
0
Par. 2. Section 1.149(a)-1 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  1.149(a)-1  Obligations required to be in registered form.

    (a) General rule. Interest on a registration-required bond shall 
not be exempt from tax notwithstanding section 103(a) or any other 
provision of law, exclusive of any treaty obligation of the United 
States, unless the bond is issued in registered form (as defined in 
Sec.  1.163-5(b)). For this purpose, registration-required bond has the 
same meaning as registration-required obligation in Sec.  1.163-
5(a)(2).
    (b) Applicability date. This section applies to bonds issued on or 
after the date 90 days after the publication of the Treasury decision 
adopting these rules as final regulations in the Federal Register. For 
bonds issued before the date 90 days after the publication of the 
Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the 
Federal Register, see Sec.  5f.103-1 of this chapter.
0
Par. 3. Section 1.163-5 is amended by revising the section heading and 
adding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c)(3)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.163-5  Denial of interest deduction on certain obligations 
unless issued in registered form.

    (a) Denial of deduction--(1) In general. No deduction shall be 
allowed a taxpayer under section 163 for interest paid or accrued on a 
registration-required obligation (as defined in section 163(f) and 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section) unless such obligation is issued in 
registered form (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section). An 
obligation that is not in registered form under paragraph (b) of this 
section is an obligation in bearer form.
    (2) Registration-required obligation--(i) In general. The term 
registration-required obligation means any obligation (including a 
pass-through

[[Page 43726]]

certificate or participation interest described in paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section and a regular interest in a REMIC described in paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section) other than--
    (A) An obligation issued by a natural person;
    (B) An obligation not of a type offered to the public (as described 
in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section); or
    (C) An obligation that has a maturity at the date of issue of not 
more than 1 year.
    (ii) Obligation not of a type offered to the public. For purposes 
of section 163(f)(2)(A)(ii) and paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B) of this section, 
an obligation is not of a type offered to the public unless the 
obligation is traded on an established market as determined under Sec.  
1.1273-2(f) without regard to Sec.  1.1273-2(f)(6).
    (3) Pass-through certificates and participation interests--(i) 
Pass-through certificate--(A) In general. A pass-through certificate is 
considered to be a registration-required obligation if the pass-through 
certificate is described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section without 
regard to whether any obligation held by the entity to which the pass-
through certificate relates is described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this 
section.
    (B) Definition of pass-through certificate. For purposes of 
paragraph (a) of this section, a pass-through certificate is an 
instrument evidencing an interest in a grantor trust under Subpart E of 
Part I of Subchapter J of the Code, or a similar fund, that principally 
holds debt instruments. For purposes of this paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B), a 
similar fund includes an entity that, under Sec. Sec.  301.7701-1 
through 301.7701-3 of this chapter, is disregarded as an entity 
separate from its owner or classified as a partnership for federal tax 
purposes, without regard to whether the fund has the power to vary the 
assets in the fund or the sequence of payments made to holders. In 
addition, for purposes of this paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B), a similar fund 
does not include a business entity that is classified as a corporation 
under Sec.  301.7701-2 of this chapter.
    (ii) Participation interest. A participation interest that 
evidences ownership of some or all of one or more obligations and that 
is treated as conveying ownership of a specified portion of the 
obligation or obligations (and not ownership of an entity treated as 
created under Sec.  301.7701-1(a)(2) of this chapter) is considered to 
be a registration-required obligation if the participation interest is 
described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section without regard to 
whether any obligation to which the participation interest relates is 
described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
    (iii) Treatment of obligation held by a trust or fund. An 
obligation held by a trust or a fund in which ownership interests are 
represented by pass-through certificates is considered to be in 
registered form or to be a registration-required obligation if the 
obligation held by the trust or fund is in registered form (as defined 
in paragraph (b) of this section) or is a registration-required 
obligation described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, without 
regard to whether the pass-through certificates are so considered.
    (iv) Examples. The application of paragraph (a)(3) of this section 
may be illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. Fund, a partnership under the laws of the state in 
which it is organized, acquires a pool of student loans. The student 
loans are issued by natural persons and, therefore, are not 
registration-required obligations as described in paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of this section. Fund contributes the student loans to 
Trust, a business trust under the laws of the state in which Trust 
is organized. Trust has the power to vary the investments in Trust, 
and is not treated as a trust of which the grantor is the owner 
under Subpart E of Part I of Subchapter J of the Code. Trust issues 
certificates evidencing an interest in Trust. The certificates 
issued by Trust are offered to the public. The certificates issued 
by Trust are pass-through certificates (as described in paragraph 
(a)(3)(i)(B) of this section) and are described in paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of this section, and thus, are registration-required 
obligations described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, even 
though the student loans held by Trust are not registration-required 
obligations.
    Example 2. Partnership U purchases a building from Partnership 
V. Partnership U makes a cash down payment and issues a note secured 
by a mortgage in the building to Partnership V for the remaining 
purchase price of the building. The note is not a registration-
required obligation described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section 
because it is not an obligation of a type offered to the public. 
Partnership V offers participations in the underlying note to the 
public. Under the terms of the participation, each participant will 
own an interest in the note that will entitle the participant to a 
specified portion of the interest and principal generated by the 
note. The participation is a participation interest described in 
paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section and is described in paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) of this section, and, thus, is a registration-required 
obligation described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, even 
though the underlying note is not a registration-required 
obligation.

    (4) REMICs--(i) Regular interest in a REMIC. A regular interest in 
a REMIC, as defined in sections 860D and 860G and the regulations 
thereunder, is considered to be a registration-required obligation if 
the regular interest is described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this 
section, without regard to whether one or more of the obligations held 
by the REMIC to which the regular interest relates is described in 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.
    (ii) Treatment of obligation held by a REMIC. An obligation 
described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section and held by a REMIC is 
treated as a registration-required obligation regardless of whether the 
regular interests in the REMIC are so treated.
    (5) Applicability date--(i) In general. Except as otherwise 
provided in paragraphs (a)(5)(ii) and (iii) of this section, paragraph 
(a) of this section applies to obligations issued after March 18, 2012. 
For obligations issued on or before March 18, 2012, see Sec.  5f.163-1 
of this chapter.
    (ii) Obligations not of a type offered to the public. Paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii) of this section applies to obligations issued after the date 
of publication of a Treasury decision adopting these rules as final 
regulations in the Federal Register.
    (iii) Pass-through certificates, participation interests, and 
regular interests in REMICs. Paragraph (a) of this section applies to 
pass-through certificates, participation interests, and regular 
interests in REMICs issued after the date of publication of a Treasury 
decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the Federal 
Register. For pass-through certificates or regular interests in REMICs 
issued on or before the date of publication of a Treasury decision 
adopting these rules as final regulations in the Federal Register, see 
Sec.  1.163-5T.
    (b) Registered form--(1) General rule. Except as provided in 
paragraph (b)(4) of this section, an obligation is in registered form 
if a transfer of the right to receive both principal and any stated 
interest on the obligation may be effected only--
    (i) By surrender of the old obligation and either the reissuance of 
the old obligation to the new holder or the issuance of a new 
obligation to the new holder;
    (ii) Through a book entry system (as described in paragraph (b)(2) 
of this section) maintained by the issuer of the obligation (or its 
agent) or by a clearing organization (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of 
this section); or
    (iii) Through both of the methods described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) 
and (ii) of this section.
    (2) Book entry system--(i) In general. An obligation will be 
considered transferable through a book entry system, including a 
dematerialized book entry system, if ownership of the obligation or an 
interest in the

[[Page 43727]]

obligation is required to be recorded in an electronic or physical 
register maintained by the issuer of the obligation (or its agent) or 
by a clearing organization (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section).
    (ii) Book entry system maintained by clearing organization that 
effectively immobilizes a bearer form obligation. An obligation 
represented by one or more physical certificates in bearer form will be 
considered to be in registered form if the physical certificates are 
effectively immobilized. A physical certificate is effectively 
immobilized only if--
    (A) The physical certificate is issued to and held by a clearing 
organization (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this section) for the 
benefit of purchasers of interests in the obligation under arrangements 
that prohibit the transfer of the physical certificate except to a 
successor clearing organization subject to terms that effectively 
immobilize the physical certificate, as provided in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section, in the hands of the successor clearing 
organization; and
    (B) Ownership of the obligation or an interest in the obligation is 
transferable only through a book entry system (as described in 
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section) maintained by the clearing 
organization (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this section).
    (3) Definition of clearing organization. For purposes of paragraph 
(b) of this section, clearing organization means an entity that is in 
the business of holding obligations for or reflecting the ownership 
interests of member organizations and transferring obligations among 
such member organizations by credit or debit to the account of a member 
organization without the necessity of physical delivery of the 
obligation.
    (4) Temporal limitations on registered form--(i) In general. Except 
as provided in paragraphs (b)(4)(ii) and (iii) of this section, an 
obligation is not considered to be in registered form as of a 
particular time if the obligation may be transferred at that time or at 
a time or times on or before the maturity of the obligation by any 
means not described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (ii) Events that permit issuance of physical certificates in bearer 
form--(A) In general. An obligation transferrable through a 
dematerialized book entry system is not in bearer form pursuant to 
paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section solely because a holder of the 
obligation (or an interest therein) has a right to obtain a physical 
certificate in bearer form upon the occurrence of one or both of the 
following events--
    (1) A termination of business without a successor by the clearing 
organization that maintains the book entry system; or
    (2) The issuance of physical securities at the issuer's request 
upon a change in tax law that would be adverse to the issuer but for 
the issuance of physical securities in bearer form.
    (B) Treatment upon issuance of physical certificate in bearer form. 
Upon the occurrence of one or both of the events described in paragraph 
(b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, any obligation with respect to which a 
holder, or a group of holders acting collectively, may obtain a 
physical certificate in bearer form will no longer be in registered 
form, regardless of whether a physical certificate in bearer form has 
actually been issued.
    (iii) Obligations in registered form until maturity. An obligation 
that as of a particular time is not considered to be in registered form 
because the obligation may be transferred at a time or times before the 
maturity of the obligation by a means not described in paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section and that during the period beginning at a later time 
and ending at maturity may be transferred only by a means described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section is considered to be in registered form 
during the period beginning at that later time.
    (5) Examples. The application of paragraph (b) of this section may 
be illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. X issues an obligation that is a registration-
required obligation as described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this 
section. At issuance, X issues the obligation in the purchaser's 
name evidencing the purchaser's ownership of the principal and 
interest under the obligation. The purchaser may transfer the 
obligation only by surrendering the obligation to X and by X issuing 
a new instrument to the new holder. X's obligation is issued in 
registered form under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    Example 2. Corporation A issues US$500 million of debt (the 
Note) evidenced by a physical certificate that is registered in the 
name of ABC, a clearing organization (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section). Under the terms of the Note, Corporation A must 
maintain an electronic register identifying the owners of interests 
in the Note, and a transfer of the right to receive either principal 
or any stated interest on such ownership interests may be effected 
only through a change to the electronic register. Pursuant to an 
agreement with Corporation A, ABC takes custody of the physical 
certificate evidencing the Note and receives all principal and 
interest on the Note from Corporation A. Independently of its 
agreement with Corporation A, ABC maintains electronic records of 
its members' ownership interests in the Note and distributes 
principal and interest to members' accounts in accordance with those 
interests. ABC's members, in turn, maintain electronic records of 
their customers' ownership interests in the Note and similarly 
distribute principal and interest to their customers' accounts. 
Corporation A's electronic register identifies ABC as the sole owner 
of the Note. Corporation A does not record transfers of ownership 
interests in the Note to or among ABC's members, and ABC does not 
record transfers of ownership interests in the Note to or among its 
members' customers. Corporation A's electronic register is a book 
entry system as described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, 
and the Note is in registered form under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section.
    Example 3. The facts are the same as in Example 2 of paragraph 
(b)(5) of this section, except that, instead of maintaining an 
electronic register, Corporation A issues a global bearer 
certificate (Certificate) to ABC pursuant to an agreement that 
prohibits the transfer of Certificate except to a successor clearing 
organization subject to terms that effectively immobilize 
Certificate, as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, in 
the hands of the successor clearing organization. Further, holders 
of interests in Certificate may only obtain physical bearer 
certificates upon cessation of ABC's operations without a successor 
or, at Corporation A's request, upon a change in tax law that would 
be adverse to Corporation A but for the issuance of physical bearer 
certificates. Because ownership of interests in Certificate may be 
transferred only through a dematerialized book entry system 
maintained by ABC, and because the circumstances under which 
definitive bearer certificates may be issued to holders of interests 
in Certificate are limited to the circumstances described in 
paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, Certificate is an 
immobilized bearer form obligation described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) 
of this section and is accordingly in registered form under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section.
    Example 4. The facts are the same as in Example 3 of paragraph 
(b)(5) of this section, except that purchasers of interests in 
Certificate have the right to obtain definitive bearer certificates 
upon request at any time until maturity of Certificate. Because the 
circumstances under which definitive bearer obligations may be 
issued to holders of interests in Certificate are not limited to the 
circumstances described in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, 
Certificate is not considered to be issued in registered form under 
paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section.
    Example 5. Bank makes a loan to borrower secured by real 
property (Loan). Participations in Loan are traded on an established 
market. The participations are participation interests described in 
paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section and are accordingly 
registration-required obligations described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
of this section. Bank remains the registered owner of Loan and 
maintains an electronic book entry system that identifies 
participants. Participation interests may be transferred only by 
surrender of the old participation interest and reissuance of the 
participation interest in the name of the new participant, or by 
transfer of the participation interest from the name of the old 
participant to the name of

[[Page 43728]]

the new participant in the book entry system of Bank. Bank's book 
entry system is described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, 
and, accordingly, under paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the 
participation interests are in registered form.

    (6) Applicability date. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to 
obligations issued after March 18, 2012. Taxpayers may apply the rules 
in section 3 of Notice 2012-20, 2012-13 IRB 574, for obligations issued 
prior to the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting 
these rules as final regulations in the Federal Register. For 
obligations issued on or before March 18, 2012, see Sec.  5f.103-1 of 
this chapter.
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Applicability to obligations issued after March 18, 2012. For 
purposes of section 163(f), paragraph (c) of this section does not 
apply to obligations issued after March 18, 2012. However, for purposes 
of determining whether an obligation is described in section 
4701(b)(1)(B) or whether the exception in section 6049 from information 
reporting of interest or original discount with respect to obligations 
that have an original term of 183 days or less applies, paragraph (c) 
of this section continues to apply to obligations issued after March 
18, 2012. See Sec. Sec.  1.4701-1(b)(3) and 1.6049-5(b)(10).
0
Par. 4. Section 1.163-5T is amended by adding paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.163-5T  Denial of interest deduction on certain obligations 
issued after December 31, 1982, unless issued in registered form 
(temporary).

* * * * *
    (f) Applicability date. This section applies to obligations to 
which Sec.  5f.163-1 of this chapter applies. See Sec.  5f.163-1(d) of 
this chapter.
0
Par. 5. Section 1.165-12 is amended by:
0
1. Revising paragraph (a).
0
2. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) as (b)(2) and (3), 
respectively.
0
3. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1).
0
4. Revising the paragraph heading and first sentence of newly 
redesignated paragraph (b)(2).
0
5. Redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (d)(1).
0
6. Revising the paragraph heading and the first sentence of newly 
redesignated paragraph (d)(1).
0
7. Adding a new paragraph heading for paragraph (d).
0
8. Adding paragraph (d)(2).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.165-12  Denial of deduction for losses on registration-required 
obligations not in registered form.

    (a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 
section, nothing in section 165(a) and the regulations thereunder, or 
in any other provision of law, shall be construed to provide a 
deduction for any loss sustained on any registration-required 
obligation held after December 31, 1982, unless the obligation is in 
registered form or the issuance of the obligation was subject to tax 
under section 4701. The term registration-required obligation has the 
meaning given to that term in section 163(f)(2) and Sec.  1.163-
5(a)(2)(i). For purposes of this section, the term holder means the 
person that would be denied a loss deduction under section 165(j)(1) or 
denied capital gain treatment under section 1287(a). For purposes of 
this section, the term United States means the United States and its 
possessions within the meaning of Sec.  1.163-5(c)(2)(iv).
    (b) Registered form--(1) Obligations issued after March 18, 2012. 
With respect to obligations issued after March 18, 2012, the term 
registered form has the meaning given that term in Sec.  1.163-5(b).
    (2) Obligations issued after September 21, 1984 and on or before 
March 18, 2012. With respect to any obligation originally issued after 
September 21, 1984, and on or before March 18, 2012, the term 
registered form has the meaning given that term in Sec.  5f.103-1 of 
this chapter. * * *
* * * * *
    (d) Applicability date--(1) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section, these regulations apply generally to 
obligations issued after January 20, 1987. * * *
    (2) Obligations issued after March 18, 2012. Paragraph (a) of this 
section applies to obligations issued after March 18, 2012. For the 
rules that apply to obligations issued on or before March 18, 2012, see 
Sec.  1.165-12 as contained in 26 CFR part 1, revised as of the date of 
the most recent annual revision.


Sec.  1.860D-1   [Amended]

0
Par. 6. Section 1.860D-1(b)(5)(i)(A) is amended by removing the 
language ``Sec.  5f.103-1(c)'' and adding in its place the language 
``Sec.  1.163-5(b).''
0
Par. 7. Section 1.871-14 is amended by:
0
1. Revising the heading for paragraph (c).
0
2. Revising paragraph (c)(1)(i).
0
3. Revising the heading for paragraph (d).
0
4. Revising paragraphs (d)(1) and (2).
0
5. Adding paragraphs (j)(4) and (5).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.871-14  Rules relating to repeal of tax on interest of 
nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations received from 
certain portfolio debt investments.

* * * * *
    (c) Obligations in registered form--(1) In general--(i) Registered 
form. For purposes of this section, the rules of Sec.  1.163-5(b) apply 
to determine when an obligation is in registered form.
* * * * *
    (d) Application of repeal of 30-percent withholding to pass-through 
certificates or participation interests--(1) In general--(i) Pass-
through certificates. Interest received on a pass-through certificate 
(as defined in Sec.  1.163-5(a)(3)(i)(B)) qualifies as portfolio 
interest under section 871(h)(2) or 881(c)(2) if the interest satisfies 
the conditions described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the 
conditions described in paragraph (e) of this section, without regard 
to whether any obligation held by the grantor trust, or similar fund, 
to which the pass-through certificate relates is described in paragraph 
(c)(1)(ii) or (e) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph 
(d)(1)(i), a similar fund includes an entity that, under Sec. Sec.  
301.7701-1 through 301.7701-3 of this chapter, is disregarded as an 
entity separate from its owner or classified as a partnership for 
federal tax purposes, without regard to the fund has the power to vary 
the assets in the fund or the sequence of payments made to holders. In 
addition, for purposes of this paragraph (d)(1)(i), a similar fund does 
not include a business entity that is classified as a corporation under 
Sec.  301.7701-2 of this chapter.
    (ii) Participation interests. Interest received on a participation 
interest described in Sec.  1.163-5(a)(3)(ii) qualifies as portfolio 
interest under section 871(h)(2) or 881(c)(2) if the interest satisfies 
the conditions described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the 
conditions described in paragraph (e) of this section, without regard 
to whether the obligation to which the participation interest relates 
is described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) or (e) of this section.
    (2) Interest in REMICs. Interest received on a regular or residual 
interest in a REMIC, as defined in sections 860D and 860G and the 
regulations thereunder, qualifies as portfolio interest under section 
871(h)(2) or 881(c)(2) if the interest satisfies the conditions 
described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the conditions 
described in paragraph (e) of this section. For purposes of paragraphs 
(c)(1)(ii) and (e) of this section, interest

[[Page 43729]]

on a regular interest in a REMIC is not considered interest on any 
mortgage obligations held by the REMIC. The rule in the preceding 
sentence, however, applies only to payments made to the holder of the 
regular interest in the REMIC from the REMIC and does not apply to 
payments made to the REMIC. For purposes of paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and 
(e) of this section, interest on a residual interest in a REMIC is 
considered to be interest on or with respect to the obligations held by 
the REMIC, and not on or with respect to the residual interest.
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (4) Registered form. Paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section applies to 
obligations issued after March 18, 2012. For the rules that apply to 
obligations issued on or before March 18, 2012, see Sec.  1.871-14 as 
contained in 26 CFR part 1, revised as of the date of the most recent 
annual revision.
    (5) Pass-through certificates, participation interests, and 
interests in REMICs. Paragraph (d) of this section applies to pass-
through certificates, participation interests, or interests in REMICs 
issued after the date of publication of a Treasury decision adopting 
these rules as final regulations in the Federal Register.


Sec.  1.881-3   [Amended]

0
Par. 8. Section 1.881-3(e) is amended by:
0
1. Removing Examples 10 and 19.
0
2. Redesignating Examples 11 through 18 as Examples 10 through 17 and 
Examples 20 through 26 as Examples 18 through 24.
0
Par. 9. Section 1.1287-1 is amended by:
0
1. Revising paragraph (a).
0
2. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) as (b)(2) and (3), 
respectively.
0
3. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1).
0
4. Revising the paragraph heading and first sentence of newly 
redesignated paragraph (b)(2).
0
5. Redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (d)(1).
0
6. Revising the paragraph heading and the first sentence of newly 
redesignated paragraph (d)(1).
0
7. Adding a new paragraph heading for paragraph (d).
0
8. Adding paragraph (d)(2).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1.1287-1  Denial of capital gains treatment for gains on 
registration-required obligations not in registered form.

    (a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this 
section, any gain on the sale or other disposition of a registration-
required obligation held after December 31, 1982, that is not in 
registered form shall be treated as ordinary income unless the issuance 
of the obligation was subject to tax under section 4701. The term 
registration-required obligation has the meaning given to that term in 
section 163(f)(2) and Sec.  1.163-5(a)(2)(i). The term holder means the 
person that would be denied a loss deduction under section 165(j)(1) or 
denied capital gain treatment under section 1287(a).
    (b) Registered form--(1) Obligations issued after March 18, 2012. 
With respect to obligations issued after March 18, 2012, the term 
registered form has the meaning given that term in Sec.  1.163-5(b).
    (2) Obligations issued after September 21, 1984 and on or before 
March 18, 2012. With respect to any obligation originally issued after 
September 21, 1984, and on or before March 18, 2012, the term 
registered form has the meaning given that term in Sec.  5f.103-1 of 
this chapter. * * *
* * * * *
    (d) Applicability date--(1) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section, these regulations apply generally to 
obligations issued after January 20, 1987. * * *
    (2) Obligations issued after March 18, 2012. Paragraph (a) of this 
section applies to obligations issued after March 18, 2012.


Sec.  1.6045-1   [Amended]

0
Par. 10. Section 1.6045-1(n)(2)(ii)(J) is amended by removing the 
language ``Sec.  1.1471-1(b)(18)'' and adding in its place the language 
``Sec.  1.1471-1(b)(21)''.


Sec.  1.6049-5   [Amended]

0
Par. 11. Section 1.6049-5 is amended by:
0
1. Removing ``Sec.  5f.103-1(c)),'' and adding in its place ``Sec.  
1.163-5(b));'' in paragraph (a)(1)(i).
0
2. Removing the language ``Sec.  5f.163-1'' and adding in its place the 
language ``Sec.  1.163-5(a)(2)'' in paragraph (a)(1)(ii).

PART 5f--TEMPORARY INCOME TAX REGULATIONS UNDER THE TAX EQUITY AND 
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1982

0
Par. 12. The authority citation for part 5f continues to read in part 
as follows:

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

0
Par. 13. Section 5f.103-1(d) is amended by revising the paragraph 
heading and adding two sentences at the end of the paragraph to read as 
follows:


Sec.  5f.103-1  Obligations issued after December 31, 1982, required to 
be in registered form.

* * * * *
    (d) Applicability date. * * * For the purpose of determining 
whether bonds satisfy the requirements of section 149(a), this section 
applies to bonds issued prior to the date 90 days after the publication 
of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in 
the Federal Register, and Sec.  1.149(a)-1 of this chapter applies to 
bonds issued on or after the date 90 days after the publication of the 
Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the 
Federal Register. For all other purposes, see Sec.  1.163-5(a)(2) and 
(b) of this chapter for obligations issued after March 18, 2012.
* * * * *
0
Par. 14. Section 5f.163-1(d) is amended by revising the paragraph 
heading and adding a sentence at the end of the paragraph to read as 
follows:


Sec.  5f.163-1  Denial of interest deduction on certain obligations 
issued after December 31, 1982, unless issued in registered form.

* * * * *
    (d) Applicability date. * * * For obligations issued after March 
18, 2012, see Sec.  1.163-5 of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 46--EXCISE TAX ON POLICIES ISSUED BY FOREIGN INSURERS AND 
OBLIGATIONS NOT IN REGISTERED FORM

0
Par. 15. The authority citation for part 46 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 7805.

0
Par. 16. Section 46.4701-1 is amended by:
0
1. Revising paragraphs (b)(3), (4), and (5).
0
2. Redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (e)(1).
0
3. Revising the paragraph heading of newly redesignated paragraph 
(e)(1).
0
4. Adding a new paragraph heading for paragraph (e).
0
5. Adding paragraph (e)(2).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  46.4701-1  Tax on issuer of registration-required obligation not 
in registered form.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Registration-required obligation. The term registration-
required obligation has the same meaning as in section 163(f) and Sec.  
1.163-5(a)(2)(i) of this chapter, except that the term does not include 
an obligation described in section 4701(b)(1)(B) or any obligation that 
is required to be registered under

[[Page 43730]]

section 149(a), such as bonds that are tax-exempt under section 103. 
For purposes of determining whether an obligation is described in 
section 4701(b)(1)(B), the rules of Sec.  1.163-5(c) of this chapter 
apply.
    (4) Registered form. The term registered form has the same meaning 
as in Sec.  1.163-5(b) of this chapter.
    (5) Issuer--(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(5)(ii) of this section, the term issuer is the person whose 
interest deduction would be disallowed solely by reason of section 
163(f)(1).
    (ii) Sponsor treated as issuer. A pass-through certificate (as 
defined in Sec.  1.163-5(a)(3)(i)(B) of this chapter), a participation 
interest described in Sec.  1.163-5(a)(3)(ii) of this chapter, or a 
regular interest in a REMIC, as defined in sections 860D and 860G and 
the regulations thereunder, is considered to be issued solely by the 
recipient of the proceeds from the issuance of the certificate or 
interest (the sponsor). The sponsor is therefore liable for any excise 
tax under section 4701 that may be imposed with reference to the 
principal amount of the pass-through certificate, participation 
interest, or regular interest.
* * * * *
    (e) Applicability date--(1) In general. * * *
    (2) Exception. Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(1) of this section, 
paragraphs (b)(3), (4), and (5) of this section apply to obligations 
issued after March 18, 2012. For the rules that apply to obligations 
issued on or before March 18, 2012, see Sec.  46.4701-1 as contained in 
26 CFR part 46, revised as of the date of the most recent annual 
revision.

Kirsten Wielobob,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2017-19753 Filed 9-15-17; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 4830-01-P



                                                      43720                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                                                 TABLE 3 TO PARAGRAPH (i) OF THIS AD —COMPLIANCE TIME LOWER THRESHOLD
                                                             Airbus Service Bulletin                              Applicability                                                Modification not before:
                                                                 (modification)

                                                      A330–53–3222, R1 .........................   Groups 32A, 32E, 33A, 33C, 33D                     10,000 total flight cycles.
                                                                                                     and 33E.
                                                                                                   Group 33B .....................................    12,000 total flight cycles.
                                                                                                   A330–200F ....................................     8,900 total flight cycles and 26,600 total flight hours.
                                                      A330–53–3224, R1 .........................   Group 33A .....................................    10,000 total flight cycles and 6,600 total flight hours.
                                                      A330–53–3225, R2 .........................   Group 33A .....................................    3,900 total flight cycles and 10,200 total flight hours.
                                                      A330–53–3237, R1 .........................   Groups 32A, 33A, 33B, 33C, and                     3,900 total flight cycles.
                                                                                                     33D.
                                                      A330–53–3238, R1 .........................   Groups 32A, 33A, 33B, 33C, and                     9,000 total flight cycles.
                                                                                                     33D.



                                                      (j) Additional Work for Certain Airplanes                    (18) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                       2016–0207, dated October 19, 2016, for
                                                         For airplanes that have been modified                   3259, Revision 01, dated February 26, 2016.                   related information. This MCAI may be
                                                      before the effective date of this AD, in                     (19) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                       found in the AD docket on the Internet at
                                                      accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin                    3263, Revision 00, dated July 21, 2015.                       http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                      A330–53–3144, Revision 00, dated August                                                                                  and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0812.
                                                                                                                 (l) Other FAA AD Provisions
                                                      23, 2005; Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                                                                                 (2) For more information about this AD,
                                                                                                                    The following provisions also apply to this                contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
                                                      3222, Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015; or
                                                                                                                 AD:                                                           Engineer, International Section, Transport
                                                      Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3237,
                                                                                                                    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance                      Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                      Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015, as
                                                                                                                 (AMOCs): The Manager, International                           SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone
                                                      applicable: Within 12 months after the
                                                                                                                 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,                     425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149.
                                                      effective date of this AD, accomplish the
                                                                                                                 has the authority to approve AMOCs for this                     (3) For service information identified in
                                                      additional work specified in the
                                                                                                                 AD, if requested using the procedures found                   this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
                                                      Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
                                                                                                                 in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR                    Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
                                                      Service Bulletin A330–53–3144, Revision 01,
                                                                                                                 39.19, send your request to your principal                    31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
                                                      dated July 25, 2006; A330–53–3222, R1; and
                                                                                                                 inspector or local Flight Standards District                  5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
                                                      A330–53–3237, R1; as applicable.
                                                                                                                 Office, as appropriate. If sending information                airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com;
                                                      (k) Credit for Previous Actions                            directly to the International Section, send it                Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may
                                                                                                                 to the attention of the person identified in                  view this service information at the FAA,
                                                        This paragraph provides credit for
                                                                                                                 paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Information may                  Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
                                                      applicable actions required by paragraph (g)
                                                                                                                 be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-                                Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
                                                      of this AD, if those actions were performed
                                                                                                                 REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                            on the availability of this material at the
                                                      before the effective date of this AD using the
                                                                                                                 approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                        FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                      applicable service information specified in
                                                                                                                 principal inspector, or lacking a principal
                                                      paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(19) of this AD.                                                                              Issued in Renton, Washington, on
                                                                                                                 inspector, the manager of the local flight
                                                        (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3144,                                                                              September 7, 2017.
                                                                                                                 standards district office/certificate holding
                                                      Revision 01, dated July 25, 2006.
                                                                                                                 district office.                                              Jeffrey E. Duven,
                                                        (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3144,                   (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
                                                      Revision 02, dated April 20, 2011.                                                                                       Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
                                                                                                                 requirement in this AD to obtain corrective                   Certification Service.
                                                        (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3144,                actions from a manufacturer, the action must
                                                      Revision 03, dated January 15, 2015.                       be accomplished using a method approved                       [FR Doc. 2017–19760 Filed 9–18–17; 8:45 am]
                                                        (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3224,                by the Manager, International Section,                        BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                      Revision 00, dated January 16, 2015.                       Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
                                                        (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3225,                European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
                                                      Revision 00, dated January 16, 2015.                       Airbus’s EASA Design Organization
                                                        (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3225,                                                                              DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                                                                                                                 Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
                                                      Revision 01, dated February 26, 2016.                      the approval must include the DOA-
                                                        (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3226,                                                                              Internal Revenue Service
                                                                                                                 authorized signature.
                                                      Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015.                          (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
                                                        (8) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3226,                as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: If any               26 CFR Parts 1, 5f, and 46
                                                      Revision 01, dated March 3, 2016.                          service information contains procedures or                    [REG–125374–16]
                                                        (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–3236,                tests that are identified as RC, those
                                                      Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015.                       procedures and tests must be done to comply                   RIN 1545–BN60
                                                        (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                    with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
                                                      3236, Revision 01, dated August 24, 2015.                  not identified as RC are recommended. Those                   Guidance on the Definition of
                                                        (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                    procedures and tests that are not identified                  Registered Form
                                                      3238, Revision 00, dated January 15, 2015.                 as RC may be deviated from using accepted
                                                        (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                    methods in accordance with the operator’s                     AGENCY:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
                                                      3239, Revision 00, dated April 20, 2015.                                                                                 Treasury.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                 maintenance or inspection program without
                                                        (13) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                    obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided                       ACTION: Partial withdrawal of notice of
                                                      3244, Revision 00, dated April 7, 2015.                    the procedures and tests identified as RC can
                                                        (14) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–
                                                                                                                                                                               proposed rulemaking and notice of
                                                                                                                 be done and the airplane can be put back in
                                                      3251, Revision 00, dated May 13, 2015.                                                                                   proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                                 an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
                                                        (15) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                    changes to procedures or tests identified as
                                                      3252, Revision 00, dated April 10, 2015.                                                                                 SUMMARY:   This document contains
                                                                                                                 RC require approval of an AMOC.
                                                        (16) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                                                                                  proposed regulations that provide
                                                      3257, Revision 00, dated July 21, 2015.                    (m) Related Information                                       guidance on the definitions of
                                                        (17) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–53–                      (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                           registration-required obligation and
                                                      3259, Revision 00, dated May 11, 2015.                     Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD                      registered form, including guidance on


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          43721

                                                      the issuance of pass-through certificates               systems. The collection of information                860D, 871, 881, 1287, 4701, 6045, and
                                                      and participation interests in registered               in proposed § 1.163–5(b) is an increase               6049 of the Internal Revenue Code
                                                      form. This document also withdraws a                    in the total annual burden under control              (Code).
                                                      portion of previously proposed                          number 1545–0945. The respondents
                                                                                                                                                                    1. In General
                                                      regulations regarding the definition of a               are businesses and other for-profit
                                                      registration-required obligation. The                   organizations, non-profit organizations,                 The classification of an obligation as
                                                      proposed regulations generally are                      and state, local and tribal governments.              in bearer or registered form has
                                                      necessary to address changes in market                    Estimated total annual recordkeeping                significant tax implications because a
                                                      practices as well as issues raised by the               burden: 95,105 hours.                                 number of Code provisions impose
                                                      statutory repeal of the foreign-targeted                  Estimated average annual burden                     sanctions on issuers and holders of
                                                      bearer obligation exception to the                      hours per respondent: 0.5 hours.                      registration-required obligations that are
                                                      registered form requirement. The                          Estimated number of respondents:                    not issued in registered form. An
                                                      proposed regulations will affect issuers                190,210.                                              obligation not issued in registered form
                                                      and holders of obligations in registered                  Estimated annual frequency of                       is a bearer form obligation. Most of the
                                                      form as well as issuers and holders of                  responses: 190,210.                                   Code provisions that pertain to
                                                      registration-required obligations that are                Comments on the collection of                       registration-required obligations were
                                                      not issued in registered form.                          information should be sent to the Office              enacted as part of the Tax Equity and
                                                      DATES: Comments and requests for a                      of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk                  Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982
                                                      public hearing must be received by                      Officer for the Department of the                     (TEFRA), Public Law 97–248, 96 Stat.
                                                      December 18, 2017.                                      Treasury, Office of Information and                   324, § 310. Among these provisions,
                                                                                                              Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC                    section 163(f) denies an issuer an
                                                      ADDRESSES: Send submissions to
                                                                                                              20503, with copies to the Internal                    interest deduction for interest on a
                                                      CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–125374–16), Room                                                                            registration-required obligation that is
                                                      5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O.                    Revenue Service, Attn: IRS Reports
                                                                                                              Clearance Officer, SE:CAR:MP:T:T:SP,                  not in registered form. Section 4701
                                                      Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station,                                                                               imposes an excise tax on the issuer of
                                                      Washington, DC 20044. Submissions                       Washington, DC 20224. Comments on
                                                                                                              the collection of information should be               a registration-required obligation that is
                                                      may be hand-delivered Monday through                                                                          not in registered form. The excise tax is
                                                      Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and                  received by November 20, 2017.
                                                                                                                Comments are specifically requested                 equal to 1 percent of the principal
                                                      4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–125374–                                                                           amount of the obligation multiplied by
                                                                                                              concerning:
                                                      16), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue                                                                         the number of calendar years (or
                                                                                                                Whether the proposed collection of
                                                      Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW.,                                                                        portions thereof) between the issue date
                                                                                                              information is necessary for the proper
                                                      Washington, DC 20224, or sent                                                                                 of the obligation and the date of
                                                                                                              performance of the Internal Revenue
                                                      electronically via the Federal                                                                                maturity. Section 149(a) provides that
                                                                                                              Service, including whether the
                                                      eRulemaking Portal at                                                                                         interest on a registration-required bond
                                                                                                              information will have practical utility;
                                                      www.regulations.gov (IRS REG–125374–                      The accuracy of the estimated burden                is not exempt from tax under section
                                                      16).                                                    associated with the proposed collection               103(a) unless the bond is in registered
                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        of information;                                       form. In addition, section 871(h) and
                                                      Concerning the proposed regulations,                      How the quality, utility, and clarity of            section 881(c) exempt from federal
                                                      Spence Hanemann at (202) 317–6980;                      the information to be collected may be                income tax portfolio interest from
                                                      concerning submissions of comments                      enhanced;                                             sources within the U.S. received by a
                                                      and requesting a hearing, Regina                          How the burden of complying with                    nonresident alien or foreign corporation
                                                      Johnson at (202) 317–6901 (not toll-free                the proposed collection of information                (portfolio interest exception) only if the
                                                      numbers).                                               may be minimized, including through                   obligation with respect to which the
                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              the application of automated collection               interest was paid is in registered form.
                                                                                                              techniques or other forms of information              Similar restrictions are found in
                                                      Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                                                                              technology; and                                       sections 165(j) (generally denying the
                                                        The collection of information                           Estimates of capital or start-up costs              holder a deduction for a loss sustained
                                                      contained in this notice of proposed                    and costs of operation, maintenance,                  on a registration-required obligation not
                                                      rulemaking has been submitted to the                    and purchase of service to provide                    in registered form), 312(m) (generally
                                                      Office of Management and Budget for                     information.                                          providing that the issuer’s earnings and
                                                      review under control number 1545–                         An agency may not conduct or                        profits cannot be decreased by interest
                                                      0945 in accordance with the Paperwork                   sponsor, and a person is not required to              paid on a registration-required
                                                      Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.                        respond to, a collection of information               obligation not in registered form), and
                                                      3507(d)). The collection of information                 unless it displays a valid control                    1287 (generally treating the holder’s
                                                      in this proposed regulation is in                       number assigned by the Office of                      gain on sale of a registration-required
                                                      § 1.163–5(b), which permits issuers of                  Management and Budget.                                obligation not in registered form as
                                                      registration-required obligations to                      Books or records relating to a                      ordinary income).
                                                      satisfy the requirement for those                       collection of information must be                        Historically, the Code provisions
                                                      obligations to be in registered form by                 retained as long as their contents may                referenced in the preceding paragraph
                                                      maintaining a book entry system.                                                                              generally did not apply to obligations
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                              become material in the administration
                                                      Sections 163(f) and 149(a) require that                 of any internal revenue law. Generally                that complied with the foreign-targeting
                                                      certain obligations be in registered form               tax returns and tax return information                rules of prior section 163(f)(2)(B) and
                                                      and expressly permit issuers to satisfy                 are confidential, as required by section              § 1.163–5(c) (foreign-targeted bearer
                                                      that requirement through a book entry                   26 U.S.C. 6103.                                       obligations). Under the foreign-targeting
                                                      system. Accordingly, the proposed                                                                             rules, an issuer could issue foreign-
                                                      regulations permit issuers to satisfy the               Background                                            targeted bearer obligations without
                                                      registration requirement through a book                   This document contains proposed                     penalty provided the obligations were
                                                      entry system and detail certain                         amendments to 26 CFR parts 1, 5f, and                 issued under arrangements reasonably
                                                      arrangements that qualify as book entry                 46 under sections 103, 149, 163, 165,                 designed to ensure that the obligations


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                                                      43722               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      were sold only to non-U.S. persons. The                 obligation that represents a ‘‘readily                of pass-through certificate under
                                                      portfolio interest exception also applied               negotiable substitute for cash’’ should               § 1.163–5T(d)(1).
                                                      to interest paid on foreign-targeted                    be a registration-required obligation. 58
                                                                                                                                                                    3. Definition of Registered Form
                                                      bearer obligations issued under such                    FR 5316 (citing S. Rep. No. 97–494, at
                                                      reasonably designed arrangements.                       242 (1982)). Treasury and the IRS                     A. In General
                                                         The Hiring Incentives to Restore                     reasoned in the preamble to the 1993                     For purposes of determining whether
                                                      Employment Act (the HIRE Act), Public                   proposed regulations that, because the                an obligation is in registered form under
                                                      Law 111–147, 124 Stat. 71, section 502,                 standards for determining if an                       section 163(f),1 the principles of section
                                                      repealed section 163(f)(2)(B) and                       obligation is ‘‘readily tradable in an                149(a)(3) apply. See section 163(f)(3).
                                                      generally eliminated the special                        established securities market’’ under                 Section 149(a)(3)(A) provides that a
                                                      treatment of foreign-targeted bearer                    section 453(f)(4)(B) and § 15a.453–                   bond is treated as being in registered
                                                      obligations. Foreign-targeted bearer                    1(e)(4) address an analogous concern                  form if the right to the principal of, and
                                                      obligations issued after March 18, 2012,                with negotiability, similar standards                 stated interest on, the bond may be
                                                      are subject to the sanctions on bearer                  should apply for determining whether                  transferred only through a book entry
                                                      form obligations under sections 149(a),                 an obligation is ‘‘of a type offered to the           consistent with regulations prescribed
                                                      163(f), 165(j), 312(m), and 1287. The                   public’’ under section 163(f)(2)(A).                  by the Secretary. Section 149(a)(3)(B)
                                                      HIRE Act also revoked the portfolio                     B. Pass-Through Certificates                          authorizes the Secretary to prescribe
                                                      interest exception for foreign-targeted                                                                       regulations to carry out the requirement
                                                      bearer obligations, thus requiring that                    Section 1.163–5T provides rules to
                                                                                                              address whether pass-through                          that a bond be issued in registered form
                                                      obligations issued after March 18, 2012,                                                                      when there is one or more nominee. For
                                                      be in registered form to qualify for that               certificates are registration-required
                                                                                                              obligations. In their most common form,               purposes of section 149(a), the
                                                      exception. The HIRE Act did not,                                                                              conditions for an obligation to be
                                                      however, repeal the foreign-targeted                    pass-through certificates are issued by
                                                                                                              an investment entity (typically a trust)              considered in registered form are
                                                      bearer obligation exception to the excise                                                                     described in § 5f.103–1(c).2 The
                                                      tax under section 4701. See section                     that holds a pool of obligations, such as
                                                                                                              mortgage loans. Each pass-through                     regulations under both section 163(f)
                                                      4701(b)(1)(B)(i).                                                                                             and section 871(h), specifically
                                                                                                              certificate represents an interest in the
                                                      2. Registration-Required Obligations                    investment entity.                                    §§ 5f.163–1(a) and 1.871–14(c), refer to
                                                                                                                 To accommodate these securitization                § 5f.103–1(c) for a definition of
                                                      A. In General                                                                                                 registered form. Obligations that do not
                                                                                                              transactions, § 1.163–5T(d)(1) generally
                                                        Under section 163(f)(2)(A), as                        provides that a pass-through certificate              meet the conditions described in
                                                      amended by the HIRE Act, the term                       evidencing an interest in a pool of                   § 5f.103–1(c) are treated as issued in
                                                      registration-required obligation means                  mortgage loans that is treated as a trust             bearer form.
                                                      any obligation other than an obligation                 of which the grantor is the owner is                     Generally, under § 5f.103–1(c), an
                                                      that: (1) Is issued by a natural person;                considered to be a registration-required              obligation is in registered form if: (1)
                                                      (2) is not of a type offered to the public;             obligation if, standing alone, the pass-              The obligation is registered as to both
                                                      or (3) has a maturity at issue of not more              through certificate meets the definition              principal and any stated interest with
                                                      than 1 year. For purposes of sections                   of a registration-required obligation.                the issuer (or its agent) and any transfer
                                                      165(j), 312(m), and 1287, registration-                 Section 1.163–5T(d)(1) also applies to                of the obligation may be effected only by
                                                      required obligation has the same                        ‘‘similar evidence of interest in a similar           surrender of the old obligation and
                                                      meaning as when used in section 163(f).                 pooled fund or pooled trust treated as a              reissuance to the new holder; (2) the
                                                      See also section 149(a) (providing a                    grantor trust,’’ although commenters                  right to principal and stated interest
                                                      similar definition except for the                       have noted the ambiguity of the                       with respect to the obligation may be
                                                      exclusion for instruments issued by a                   reference. Similarly, § 1.871–14(d)(1)                transferred only through a book entry
                                                      natural person). For purposes of section                provides that interest received on a                  system maintained by the issuer or its
                                                      4701, that term also has the same                       pass-through certificate qualifies for the            agent; or (3) the obligation is registered
                                                      meaning as when used in section 163(f),                 portfolio interest exception if, standing             as to both principal and stated interest
                                                      except that tax-exempt bonds and                        alone, the pass-through certificate is in             with the issuer or its agent and may be
                                                      foreign-targeted bearer obligations are                 registered form.                                      transferred both by surrender and
                                                      excluded.                                                  Commenters have asked that Treasury                reissuance and through a book entry
                                                        Section 5f.163–1(b)(2) provides that                  and the IRS describe the types of                     system. An obligation is considered
                                                      the determination as to whether an                      arrangements that qualify as pass-                    transferable through a book entry system
                                                      obligation is of a type offered to the                  through certificates. Specifically,                   if ownership of an interest in the
                                                      public is based on whether similar                      commenters have requested that                        obligation is required to be reflected in
                                                      obligations are in fact publicly offered                Treasury and the IRS amend the                        a book entry, whether or not physical
                                                      or traded. On January 21, 1993, the                     definition of a pass-through certificate              securities are issued. An obligation that
                                                      Department of the Treasury (Treasury)                   to clarify that the issuer of a pass-                 would otherwise be considered to be in
                                                      and the IRS published in the Federal                    through certificate may be either a                   registered form is not considered to be
                                                      Register (58 FR 5316) a notice of                       grantor trust or another type of entity,              in registered form if the obligation may
                                                      proposed rulemaking (INTL–0115–90)                      such as a partnership or a disregarded
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      containing proposed regulations that                    entity, so long as the obligations in the               1 For purposes of sections 165(j), 312(m),

                                                      elaborated upon the meaning of ‘‘of a                   pool are held through an arrangement                  871(h)(7), 881(c)(7), 1287, and 4701, the term
                                                                                                                                                                    registered form has the same meaning as when used
                                                      type offered to the public’’ for purposes               that meets the requirements to be in                  in section 163(f).
                                                      of section 163(f)(2)(A) (the 1993                       registered form. Commenters have also                   2 Section 5f.103–1 was originally published under

                                                      proposed regulations). See Prop. Treas.                 requested that Treasury and the IRS                   section 103(j) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954,
                                                      Reg. § 5f.163–1(b)(2). The preamble to                  amend § 1.871–14(d)(1) so that the                    which was enacted as part of TEFRA and provided
                                                                                                                                                                    that obligations must be in registered form to be tax-
                                                      the 1993 proposed regulations cited the                 definition of pass-through certificate for            exempt. Section 103(j) was recodified as section
                                                      report of the Senate Finance Committee                  purposes of the portfolio interest                    149(a) by section 1301 of the Tax Reform Act of
                                                      on TEFRA for the conclusion that an                     exception is identical to the definition              1986, Public Law 99–514, 100 Stat. 2085.



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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                           43723

                                                      be converted at any time in the future                  Committee on Taxation’s technical                     to the same terms; and (2) beneficial
                                                      into an obligation that is not in                       explanation of the HIRE Act further                   interests in the underlying obligation
                                                      registered form. See § 5f.103–1(e).                     explained that an obligation ‘‘that is                are transferable only through a book
                                                                                                              formally in bearer form is treated, for               entry system maintained by the clearing
                                                      B. Dematerialized Book Entry Systems
                                                                                                              the purposes of section 163(f), as held               organization (or an agent of the clearing
                                                         Since the publication of § 5f.103–1,                 in a book entry system as long as the                 organization). Notice 2012–20 further
                                                      market practices have changed with                      debt obligation may be transferred only               states that an interest in an obligation is
                                                      respect to how interests in obligations                 through a dematerialized book entry                   considered to be transferable only
                                                      are recorded and transferred. For                       system or other book entry system                     through a book entry system if the
                                                      example, many obligations trade in fully                specified by the Secretary.’’ J. Comm. on             interest would be considered
                                                      dematerialized form. An obligation that                 Tax’n, Technical Explanation of the                   transferable through a book entry system
                                                      is fully dematerialized is not                          Revenue Provisions Contained in Senate                under § 5f.103–1(c)(2), except that
                                                      represented by a physical (paper)                       Amendment 3310, the ‘‘Hiring                          holders may obtain physical certificates
                                                      certificate, and a clearing organization                Incentives to Restore Employment Act,’’               in bearer form in certain limited
                                                      that is the registered holder of the                    Under Consideration by the Senate                     circumstances stated in the notice.
                                                      obligation operates an electronic book                  (JCX–4–10), Feb. 23, 2010, at 53.                     Finally, Notice 2012–20 states that, for
                                                      entry system that identifies the clearing                                                                     purposes of determining when an
                                                      organization’s member or members                        C. Notice 2012–20
                                                                                                                                                                    obligation is a registration-required
                                                      holding the obligation (or interests in                    Commenters expressed concern that                  obligation under section 4701, rules
                                                      the obligation). The clearing                           the explicit reference to a                           identical to the foreign-targeting rules
                                                      organization facilitates and records                    ‘‘dematerialized book entry system’’ in               under section 163(f)(2)(B), prior to its
                                                      transfers of the obligation (or interests in            section 163(f)(3), as amended by the                  amendment by the HIRE Act, and
                                                      the obligation) among the clearing                      HIRE Act, would create uncertainty                    § 1.163–5(c) will apply to obligations
                                                      organization’s members. The members                     about obligations issued in a manner not              issued after March 18, 2012.
                                                      (typically, banks or broker-dealers), in                specifically described in Notice 2006–
                                                      turn, record their clients’ ownership of                99. In particular, commenters requested               Explanation of Provisions
                                                      the obligation (or interests in the                     guidance to address the treatment of                  1. In General
                                                      obligation) in their book entry systems.                obligations represented by a physical
                                                      Alternatively, an obligation may be                     global certificate that is nominally in                  Consistent with Notice 2012–20, these
                                                      represented by a physical global                        bearer form, but that is immobilized in               proposed regulations amend the
                                                      certificate that is nominally in bearer                 a clearing system. In addition,                       definition of registered form to take into
                                                      form but that is immobilized in a                       commenters requested guidance                         account current market practices and
                                                      clearing organization, which handles                    regarding whether an obligation will be               changes made by the HIRE Act,
                                                      the obligation thereafter exactly as it                 considered to be in registered form if                including the repeal of the foreign-
                                                      does an obligation that was fully                       holders may obtain physical certificates              targeting rules in section 163(f)(2)(B). In
                                                      dematerialized when issued.                             in bearer form under circumstances not                addition, these proposed regulations
                                                      Commenters have requested additional                    described in Notice 2006–99.                          amend the definition of a registration-
                                                      guidance on how the registered form                        In response to these comments,                     required obligation in two ways. First,
                                                      rules in § 5f.103–1 apply to these                      Treasury and the IRS published Notice                 the proposed regulations specify the
                                                      arrangements.                                           2012–20, 2012–13 IRB 574, on March                    types of obligations that are treated as
                                                         Treasury and the IRS provided                        26, 2012. Notice 2012–20 provides                     ‘‘of a type offered to the public’’ and
                                                      guidance on how to apply the registered                 additional guidance on the definition of              withdraw the 1993 proposed
                                                      form rules to certain of these                          registered form and further states that               regulations. Second, the proposed
                                                      arrangements in Notice 2006–99, 2006–                   Treasury and the IRS intend to publish                regulations take into account comments
                                                      2 CB 907. Notice 2006–99 addresses an                   regulations consistent with the guidance              requesting clarification on the types of
                                                      arrangement in which no physical                        described in the notice. Under Notice                 arrangements that qualify as pass-
                                                      certificates are issued and under which                 2012–20, an obligation is considered to               through certificates.
                                                      ownership interests in bonds are                        be in registered form if it is issued either             Though the definitions of the terms
                                                      required to be represented only by book                 through a dematerialized book entry                   registered form and registration-required
                                                      entries in a dematerialized book entry                  system in which beneficial interests are              obligation are generally consistent
                                                      system maintained by a clearing                         transferable only through a book entry                across the various provisions in which
                                                      organization. Notice 2006–99 provides                   system maintained by a clearing                       they are used, the rules are set forth in
                                                      that an obligation issued under such an                 organization (or by an agent of the                   a number of existing regulations,
                                                      arrangement is treated as in registered                 clearing organization) or through a                   including several promulgated under
                                                      form notwithstanding the ability of                     clearing system in which the obligation               section 163(f). To the extent possible,
                                                      holders to obtain physical certificates in              is effectively immobilized. Notice 2012–              these proposed regulations simplify the
                                                      bearer form upon the termination of the                 20 provides that an obligation is                     definitions of registered form and
                                                      business of the clearing organization                   considered to be effectively                          registration-required obligation by
                                                      without a successor.                                    immobilized if: (1) The obligation is                 centralizing the rules in § 1.163–5.
                                                         The HIRE Act also addressed                          represented by one or more global                     Thus, the applicable rules have been
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                                                      dematerialized book entry systems. For                  securities in physical form that are                  relocated from §§ 5f.103–1 (definition of
                                                      obligations issued after March 18, 2012,                issued to and held by a clearing                      registered form), 1.163–5T (pass-through
                                                      section 163(f)(3), as amended by the                    organization (or by a custodian or                    certificates and regular interests in
                                                      HIRE Act, provides that, for purposes of                depository acting as an agent of the                  REMICs), and 5f.163–1 (definition of
                                                      section 163(f), a dematerialized book                   clearing organization) for the benefit of             registration-required obligation) to
                                                      entry system or other book entry system                 purchasers of interests in the obligation             paragraphs (a) and (b) of proposed
                                                      specified by the Secretary will be                      under arrangements that prohibit the                  § 1.163–5. Appropriate cross-references
                                                      treated as a book entry system described                transfer of the global securities except to           to § 1.163–5 are proposed to be added to
                                                      in section 149(a)(3). The Joint                         a successor clearing organization subject             regulations that rely on one or both


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                                                      43724               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      definitions, including §§ 1.149(a)–1,                   to only one underlying obligation or if               organization hold the physical
                                                      1.165–12, 1.860D–1(b)(5)(i)(A), 1.871–                  the arrangement is treated as co-                     certificate subject to the same terms as
                                                      14, 1.1287–1, and 46.4701–1.                            ownership of one or more obligations                  the predecessor; Treasury and the IRS
                                                                                                              (rather than, for purposes of TEFRA or                concluded that it is sufficient if the
                                                      2. Registration-Required Obligations
                                                                                                              otherwise, ownership of an entity that                successor clearing organization has
                                                      A. Obligation of a Type Offered to the                  holds the underlying obligations). The                rules that effectively immobilize the
                                                      Public                                                  proposed regulations eliminate the                    physical certificate.
                                                                                                              requirement that the fund hold a pool of                 Third, the proposed regulations
                                                         Consistent with the 1993 proposed
                                                                                                              loans and replace it with a requirement               permit holders of obligations (or
                                                      regulations, Treasury and the IRS
                                                                                                              that the fund primarily hold debt                     interests in obligations) to have a right
                                                      continue to believe that it is appropriate
                                                                                                              instruments. Thus, a fund can hold one                to obtain physical certificates
                                                      to determine whether an obligation is of
                                                                                                              or more debt instruments, so long as the              evidencing the obligation (or interests in
                                                      a type offered to the public by reference                                                                     the obligation) in bearer form without
                                                                                                              fund primarily holds debt instruments.
                                                      to whether the obligation is ‘‘traded on                   In addition, the proposed regulations              causing the obligation to be treated as
                                                      an established market.’’ Although a                     treat an interest that evidences co-                  not in registered form in two
                                                      number of Code and regulation sections                  ownership of one or more obligations                  circumstances: (1) A termination of the
                                                      refer to and define that phrase (for                    (including a participation interest) as a             clearing organization’s business without
                                                      example, sections 453, 1092, 1273, and                  registration-required obligation if,                  a successor; or (2) the issuance of
                                                      7704, as well as the regulations                        standing alone, the interest satisfies the            physical securities at the issuer’s
                                                      promulgated under those Code                            definition of a registration-required                 request upon a change in tax law that
                                                      sections), Treasury and the IRS have                    obligation. The proposed regulations                  would be adverse to the issuer but for
                                                      concluded that the definition provided                  also propose to amend § 1.871–14(d)(1)                the issuance of physical securities in
                                                      in § 1.1273–2(f) is most appropriate for                to include a cross-reference to the rules             bearer form. This exception from bearer
                                                      purposes of defining a registration-                    for pass-through certificates and                     form treatment is consistent with the
                                                      required obligation. Thus, the proposed                 participation interests in proposed                   guidance provided in Notice 2012–20,
                                                      regulations generally treat an obligation               § 1.163–5(a)(3)(i) and (ii) such that                 except that the proposed regulations do
                                                      as of a type offered to the public if the               similar rules apply for purposes of the               not permit a holder to have a right to
                                                      obligation is traded on an established                  portfolio interest exception.                         obtain a physical bearer certificate if
                                                      market as determined under § 1.1273–                                                                          there is an issuer event of default
                                                      2(f). For this purpose, however, the                    3. Definition of Registered Form
                                                                                                                                                                    (default exception). Treasury and the
                                                      proposed regulations do not take into                      The proposed regulations amend the                 IRS understand that in certain situations
                                                      account the exception for small debt                    definition of registered form in a                    holders may be required to obtain
                                                      issues in § 1.1273–2(f)(6).                             number of ways. First, the proposed                   physical certificates to pursue claims
                                                      B. Pass-Through Certificates and                        regulations provide that an obligation is             against the issuer, but in such instances
                                                      Participation Interests                                 considered to be in registered form if it             it would be appropriate to expect those
                                                                                                              is transferable through a book entry                  physical certificates to be issued in
                                                         Commenters indicated that an entity                  system, including a dematerialized book               registered form. Taxpayers may rely on
                                                      that issues pass-through certificates may               entry system, maintained by the issuer                the default exception in Notice 2012–20
                                                      hold a pool of debt instruments that is                 of the obligation, an agent of the issuer,            for obligations issued prior to
                                                      either fixed or that changes over time.                 or a clearing organization. A clearing                publication of a Treasury decision
                                                      For example, the issuing entity may                     organization includes an entity that                  adopting these rules as final regulations
                                                      have the right to acquire additional                    holds obligations for its members or                  in the Federal Register.
                                                      assets after formation, or the right to                 maintains a system that reflects the                     After the occurrence of one of the two
                                                      dispose of assets at any time. In those                 ownership interests of members and                    events described in the first sentence of
                                                      situations, the entity generally will not               transfers of obligations among members’               the preceding paragraph, an obligation
                                                      be classified as a grantor trust for federal            accounts without the necessity of                     will no longer be in registered form if
                                                      tax purposes, but that does not preclude                physical delivery of the obligation.                  a holder, or a group of holders acting
                                                      it from issuing pass-through certificates.                 Second, the proposed regulations                   collectively, has a right to obtain a
                                                      To address these situations, the                        provide that an obligation represented                physical certificate in bearer form,
                                                      proposed regulations amend the                          by a physical certificate in bearer form              regardless of whether any option to
                                                      definition of a pass-through certificate                will be considered to be in registered                obtain a physical certificate in bearer
                                                      to provide that a pass-through certificate              form if the physical certificate is                   form has actually been exercised.
                                                      may be issued by a grantor trust or a                   effectively immobilized. To be
                                                      similar fund, and specify that a similar                effectively immobilized, the physical                 4. Section 881
                                                      fund includes entities that are                         certificate evidencing an obligation                     Commenters requested that examples
                                                      partnerships or disregarded for federal                 must be issued to and held by a clearing              10 and 19 set forth in § 1.881–3(e) be
                                                      tax purposes and funds that have the                    organization for the benefit of                       removed or revised to take into account
                                                      power to vary the assets they hold or the               purchasers of interests in the obligation             the repeal of the foreign-targeted bearer
                                                      sequence of payments to holders. A                      under arrangements that prohibit the                  obligation exception. Consistent with
                                                      similar fund, however, does not include                 transfer of the physical certificate except
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                                    these comments, the proposed
                                                      a business entity classified as a                       to a successor clearing organization and              regulations propose to remove those
                                                      corporation.                                            permit transfers of ownership interests               examples.
                                                         In addition, Treasury and the IRS                    in the underlying obligation only
                                                      have concluded that an arrangement                      through a book entry system maintained                5. Section 4701
                                                      that satisfies the definition of a                      by the clearing organization (or a                       Commenters requested clarification
                                                      registration-required obligation and the                successor clearing organization). As                  on whether the foreign-targeting rules
                                                      registered form rules should be treated                 suggested in comments, the proposed                   under § 1.163–5(c) would apply to
                                                      the same as a pass-through certificate                  regulations change the requirement in                 obligations issued after March 18, 2012,
                                                      even if the arrangement is with respect                 Notice 2012–20 that a successor clearing              for purposes of section 4701. Consistent


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                            43725

                                                      with Notice 2012–20, proposed                           section 7805(f) of the Code, this notice              Proposed Amendments to the
                                                      § 46.4701–1 provides that, for purposes                 of proposed rulemaking will be                        Regulations
                                                      of determining whether an obligation is                 submitted to the Chief Counsel for                      Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1, 5f, and
                                                      a foreign-targeted bearer obligation, the               Advocacy of the Small Business                        46 are proposed to be amended as
                                                      rules of § 1.163–5(c) apply.                            Administration for comment on its                     follows:
                                                      6. Applicability Dates                                  impact on small entities.
                                                                                                              Comments and Requests for Public                      PART 1—INCOME TAXES
                                                         Notice 2012–20 stated that regulations
                                                      incorporating the guidance described in                 Hearing                                               ■ Paragraph 1. The authority citation
                                                      that notice will be effective for                         Before these proposed regulations are               for part 1 is amended by adding entries
                                                      obligations issued after March 18, 2012.                adopted as final regulations,                         in numerical order to read in part as
                                                      Accordingly, the proposed regulations                   consideration will be given to any                    follows:
                                                      will generally apply to obligations                     comments that are submitted timely to                   Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
                                                      issued after March 18, 2012. However,                   the IRS as prescribed in this preamble                  Section 1.149(a)–1 also issued under 26
                                                      taxpayers may apply the rules in section                under the ADDRESSES heading. Treasury                 U.S.C. 149(a)(3).
                                                      3 of Notice 2012–20, including the                      and the IRS request comments on all                   *        *   *    *     *
                                                      default exception, for obligations issued               aspects of the proposed rules. All                      Section 1.163–5 also issued under 26
                                                      prior to publication of a Treasury                      comments will be available at                         U.S.C. 163(f)(3).
                                                      decision adopting these rules as final                  www.regulations.gov or upon request. A
                                                      regulations in the Federal Register. The                                                                      *     *     *    *     *
                                                                                                              public hearing will be scheduled if                   ■ Par. 2. Section 1.149(a)–1 is added to
                                                      rules related to pass-through certificates,             requested in writing by any person that               read as follows:
                                                      participation interests, and regular                    timely submits written comments. If a
                                                      interests in REMICs and the rules                       public hearing is scheduled, notice of                § 1.149(a)–1 Obligations required to be in
                                                      related to obligations not of a type                    the date, time, and place for the hearing             registered form.
                                                      offered to the public are not described                 will be published in the Federal                         (a) General rule. Interest on a
                                                      in Notice 2012–20 and, therefore, will                  Register.                                             registration-required bond shall not be
                                                      apply only to obligations issued after                                                                        exempt from tax notwithstanding
                                                      the publication of a Treasury decision                  Drafting Information                                  section 103(a) or any other provision of
                                                      adopting these rules as final regulations                 The principal authors of these                      law, exclusive of any treaty obligation of
                                                      in the Federal Register, except as                      regulations are Spence Hanemann and                   the United States, unless the bond is
                                                      otherwise provided in the next                          Diana Imholtz, Office of Associate Chief              issued in registered form (as defined in
                                                      sentence. The existing regulations under                Counsel (Financial Institutions and                   § 1.163–5(b)). For this purpose,
                                                      § 5f.103–1 will continue to apply to tax-               Products), IRS. However, other                        registration-required bond has the same
                                                      exempt bonds issued prior to the date                   personnel from Treasury and the IRS                   meaning as registration-required
                                                      90 days after publication of a Treasury                 participated in their development.                    obligation in § 1.163–5(a)(2).
                                                      decision adopting these rules as final                                                                           (b) Applicability date. This section
                                                      regulations in the Federal Register.                    Availability of IRS Documents                         applies to bonds issued on or after the
                                                      Special Analyses                                           The IRS notices cited in this preamble             date 90 days after the publication of the
                                                                                                              are published in the Internal Revenue                 Treasury decision adopting these rules
                                                         Certain IRS regulations, including
                                                                                                              Bulletin (or Cumulative Bulletin) and                 as final regulations in the Federal
                                                      these, are exempt from the requirements
                                                                                                              are available from the Superintendent of              Register. For bonds issued before the
                                                      of Executive Order 12866, as
                                                                                                              Documents, U.S. Government                            date 90 days after the publication of the
                                                      supplemented and reaffirmed by
                                                                                                              Publishing Office, Washington, DC                     Treasury decision adopting these rules
                                                      Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a
                                                                                                              20402, or by visiting the IRS Web site                as final regulations in the Federal
                                                      regulatory impact assessment is not
                                                                                                              at www.irs.gov.                                       Register, see § 5f.103–1 of this chapter.
                                                      required. It is hereby certified that these
                                                                                                                                                                    ■ Par. 3. Section 1.163–5 is amended by
                                                      regulations will not have a significant                 List of Subjects                                      revising the section heading and adding
                                                      economic impact on a substantial
                                                                                                              26 CFR Part 1                                         paragraphs (a), (b), and (c)(3)(iii) to read
                                                      number of small entities. Sections 163(f)
                                                                                                                                                                    as follows:
                                                      and 149(a) require that certain                           Income taxes, Reporting and
                                                      obligations be in registered form which                 recordkeeping requirements.                           § 1.163–5 Denial of interest deduction on
                                                      is satisfied if the obligations are                                                                           certain obligations unless issued in
                                                      transferable only through a book entry                  26 CFR Part 5f                                        registered form.
                                                      system. The existing regulations under                    Income taxes, Reporting and                            (a) Denial of deduction—(1) In
                                                      these sections therefore permit issuers                 recordkeeping requirements.                           general. No deduction shall be allowed
                                                      to satisfy the registration requirement                                                                       a taxpayer under section 163 for interest
                                                      through a book entry system and                         26 CFR Part 46
                                                                                                                                                                    paid or accrued on a registration-
                                                      describe the arrangements that are                        Excise taxes, Insurance, Reporting and              required obligation (as defined in
                                                      necessary for a system to qualify as a                  recordkeeping requirements.                           section 163(f) and paragraph (a)(2) of
                                                      book entry system. Certain systems that                                                                       this section) unless such obligation is
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      are now common, however, may not                        Partial Withdrawal of Notice of
                                                                                                                                                                    issued in registered form (as defined in
                                                      qualify as book entry systems under the                 Proposed Rulemaking
                                                                                                                                                                    paragraph (b) of this section). An
                                                      existing regulations. Because the                         Accordingly, under the authority of                 obligation that is not in registered form
                                                      proposed regulations merely clarify that                26 U.S.C. 7805, 5f.163–1(b)(2) of the                 under paragraph (b) of this section is an
                                                      these systems are book entry systems,                   notice of proposed rulemaking (INTL–                  obligation in bearer form.
                                                      the proposed regulations would not                      0115–90, subsequently converted to                       (2) Registration-required obligation—
                                                      impose a significant economic impact.                   REG–208245–90) that was published in                  (i) In general. The term registration-
                                                      Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility                   the Federal Register (58 FR 5316) on                  required obligation means any
                                                      analysis is not required. Pursuant to                   January 21, 1993, is withdrawn.                       obligation (including a pass-through


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                                                      43726               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      certificate or participation interest                   interest relates is described in paragraph       section, without regard to whether one
                                                      described in paragraph (a)(3) of this                   (a)(2)(i) of this section.                       or more of the obligations held by the
                                                      section and a regular interest in a                        (iii) Treatment of obligation held by a       REMIC to which the regular interest
                                                      REMIC described in paragraph (a)(4) of                  trust or fund. An obligation held by a           relates is described in paragraph (a)(2)(i)
                                                      this section) other than—                               trust or a fund in which ownership               of this section.
                                                         (A) An obligation issued by a natural                interests are represented by pass-                  (ii) Treatment of obligation held by a
                                                      person;                                                 through certificates is considered to be         REMIC. An obligation described in
                                                         (B) An obligation not of a type offered              in registered form or to be a registration-      paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section and
                                                      to the public (as described in paragraph                required obligation if the obligation held       held by a REMIC is treated as a
                                                      (a)(2)(ii) of this section); or                         by the trust or fund is in registered form       registration-required obligation
                                                         (C) An obligation that has a maturity                (as defined in paragraph (b) of this             regardless of whether the regular
                                                      at the date of issue of not more than 1                 section) or is a registration-required           interests in the REMIC are so treated.
                                                      year.                                                   obligation described in paragraph                   (5) Applicability date—(i) In general.
                                                         (ii) Obligation not of a type offered to             (a)(2)(i) of this section, without regard to     Except as otherwise provided in
                                                      the public. For purposes of section                     whether the pass-through certificates are        paragraphs (a)(5)(ii) and (iii) of this
                                                      163(f)(2)(A)(ii) and paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B)             so considered.                                   section, paragraph (a) of this section
                                                      of this section, an obligation is not of a                 (iv) Examples. The application of             applies to obligations issued after March
                                                      type offered to the public unless the                   paragraph (a)(3) of this section may be          18, 2012. For obligations issued on or
                                                      obligation is traded on an established                  illustrated by the following examples:           before March 18, 2012, see § 5f.163–1 of
                                                      market as determined under § 1.1273–                                                                     this chapter.
                                                      2(f) without regard to § 1.1273–2(f)(6).                   Example 1. Fund, a partnership under the
                                                                                                              laws of the state in which it is organized,         (ii) Obligations not of a type offered
                                                         (3) Pass-through certificates and                    acquires a pool of student loans. The student to the public. Paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this
                                                      participation interests—(i) Pass-through                loans are issued by natural persons and,         section applies to obligations issued
                                                      certificate—(A) In general. A pass-                     therefore, are not registration-required         after the date of publication of a
                                                      through certificate is considered to be a               obligations as described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) Treasury decision adopting these rules
                                                      registration-required obligation if the                 of this section. Fund contributes the student    as final regulations in the Federal
                                                      pass-through certificate is described in                loans to Trust, a business trust under the       Register.
                                                      paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section                     laws of the state in which Trust is organized.
                                                                                                              Trust has the power to vary the investments
                                                                                                                                                                  (iii) Pass-through certificates,
                                                      without regard to whether any
                                                                                                              in Trust, and is not treated as a trust of which participation interests, and regular
                                                      obligation held by the entity to which                  the grantor is the owner under Subpart E of      interests in REMICs. Paragraph (a) of
                                                      the pass-through certificate relates is                 Part I of Subchapter J of the Code. Trust        this section applies to pass-through
                                                      described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this                issues certificates evidencing an interest in    certificates, participation interests, and
                                                      section.                                                Trust. The certificates issued by Trust are      regular interests in REMICs issued after
                                                         (B) Definition of pass-through                       offered to the public. The certificates issued   the date of publication of a Treasury
                                                      certificate. For purposes of paragraph (a)              by Trust are pass-through certificates (as       decision adopting these rules as final
                                                      of this section, a pass-through certificate             described in paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B) of this
                                                                                                              section) and are described in paragraph          regulations in the Federal Register. For
                                                      is an instrument evidencing an interest                                                                  pass-through certificates or regular
                                                                                                              (a)(2)(i) of this section, and thus, are
                                                      in a grantor trust under Subpart E of
                                                                                                              registration-required obligations described in interests in REMICs issued on or before
                                                      Part I of Subchapter J of the Code, or a                paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, even        the date of publication of a Treasury
                                                      similar fund, that principally holds debt               though the student loans held by Trust are       decision adopting these rules as final
                                                      instruments. For purposes of this                       not registration-required obligations.           regulations in the Federal Register, see
                                                      paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B), a similar fund                     Example 2. Partnership U purchases a          § 1.163–5T.
                                                      includes an entity that, under                          building from Partnership V. Partnership U          (b) Registered form—(1) General rule.
                                                      §§ 301.7701–1 through 301.7701–3 of                     makes a cash down payment and issues a
                                                                                                                                                               Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4)
                                                      this chapter, is disregarded as an entity               note secured by a mortgage in the building
                                                                                                              to Partnership V for the remaining purchase      of this section, an obligation is in
                                                      separate from its owner or classified as                                                                 registered form if a transfer of the right
                                                                                                              price of the building. The note is not a
                                                      a partnership for federal tax purposes,                 registration-required obligation described in    to receive both principal and any stated
                                                      without regard to whether the fund has                  paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section because it   interest on the obligation may be
                                                      the power to vary the assets in the fund                is not an obligation of a type offered to the    effected only—
                                                      or the sequence of payments made to                     public. Partnership V offers participations in      (i) By surrender of the old obligation
                                                      holders. In addition, for purposes of this              the underlying note to the public. Under the     and either the reissuance of the old
                                                      paragraph (a)(3)(i)(B), a similar fund                  terms of the participation, each participant     obligation to the new holder or the
                                                      does not include a business entity that                 will own an interest in the note that will
                                                                                                              entitle the participant to a specified portion
                                                                                                                                                               issuance of a new obligation to the new
                                                      is classified as a corporation under
                                                                                                              of the interest and principal generated by the holder;
                                                      § 301.7701–2 of this chapter.                           note. The participation is a participation          (ii) Through a book entry system (as
                                                         (ii) Participation interest. A                       interest described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of    described in paragraph (b)(2) of this
                                                      participation interest that evidences                   this section and is described in paragraph       section) maintained by the issuer of the
                                                      ownership of some or all of one or more                 (a)(2)(i) of this section, and, thus, is a       obligation (or its agent) or by a clearing
                                                      obligations and that is treated as                      registration-required obligation described in    organization (as defined in paragraph
                                                      conveying ownership of a specified                      paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, even
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                                                                                                                                                               (b)(3) of this section); or
                                                      portion of the obligation or obligations                though the underlying note is not a                 (iii) Through both of the methods
                                                      (and not ownership of an entity treated                 registration-required obligation.
                                                                                                                                                               described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii)
                                                      as created under § 301.7701–1(a)(2) of                     (4) REMICs—(i) Regular interest in a          of this section.
                                                      this chapter) is considered to be a                     REMIC. A regular interest in a REMIC,               (2) Book entry system—(i) In general.
                                                      registration-required obligation if the                 as defined in sections 860D and 860G             An obligation will be considered
                                                      participation interest is described in                  and the regulations thereunder, is               transferable through a book entry
                                                      paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section                     considered to be a registration-required         system, including a dematerialized book
                                                      without regard to whether any                           obligation if the regular interest is            entry system, if ownership of the
                                                      obligation to which the participation                   described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this         obligation or an interest in the


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                43727

                                                      obligation is required to be recorded in                   (1) A termination of business without              records of their customers’ ownership
                                                      an electronic or physical register                      a successor by the clearing organization              interests in the Note and similarly distribute
                                                      maintained by the issuer of the                         that maintains the book entry system; or              principal and interest to their customers’
                                                                                                                 (2) The issuance of physical securities            accounts. Corporation A’s electronic register
                                                      obligation (or its agent) or by a clearing
                                                                                                                                                                    identifies ABC as the sole owner of the Note.
                                                      organization (as defined in paragraph                   at the issuer’s request upon a change in              Corporation A does not record transfers of
                                                      (b)(3) of this section).                                tax law that would be adverse to the                  ownership interests in the Note to or among
                                                         (ii) Book entry system maintained by                 issuer but for the issuance of physical               ABC’s members, and ABC does not record
                                                      clearing organization that effectively                  securities in bearer form.                            transfers of ownership interests in the Note
                                                      immobilizes a bearer form obligation.                      (B) Treatment upon issuance of                     to or among its members’ customers.
                                                      An obligation represented by one or                     physical certificate in bearer form. Upon             Corporation A’s electronic register is a book
                                                      more physical certificates in bearer form               the occurrence of one or both of the                  entry system as described in paragraph
                                                      will be considered to be in registered                  events described in paragraph                         (b)(2)(i) of this section, and the Note is in
                                                      form if the physical certificates are                   (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, any                    registered form under paragraph (b)(1) of this
                                                                                                                                                                    section.
                                                      effectively immobilized. A physical                     obligation with respect to which a                       Example 3. The facts are the same as in
                                                      certificate is effectively immobilized                  holder, or a group of holders acting                  Example 2 of paragraph (b)(5) of this section,
                                                      only if—                                                collectively, may obtain a physical                   except that, instead of maintaining an
                                                         (A) The physical certificate is issued               certificate in bearer form will no longer             electronic register, Corporation A issues a
                                                      to and held by a clearing organization                  be in registered form, regardless of                  global bearer certificate (Certificate) to ABC
                                                      (as defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this                 whether a physical certificate in bearer              pursuant to an agreement that prohibits the
                                                      section) for the benefit of purchasers of               form has actually been issued.                        transfer of Certificate except to a successor
                                                      interests in the obligation under                          (iii) Obligations in registered form               clearing organization subject to terms that
                                                      arrangements that prohibit the transfer                 until maturity. An obligation that as of              effectively immobilize Certificate, as
                                                      of the physical certificate except to a                                                                       provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this
                                                                                                              a particular time is not considered to be             section, in the hands of the successor
                                                      successor clearing organization subject                 in registered form because the obligation             clearing organization. Further, holders of
                                                      to terms that effectively immobilize the                may be transferred at a time or times                 interests in Certificate may only obtain
                                                      physical certificate, as provided in                    before the maturity of the obligation by              physical bearer certificates upon cessation of
                                                      paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, in the            a means not described in paragraph                    ABC’s operations without a successor or, at
                                                      hands of the successor clearing                         (b)(1) of this section and that during the            Corporation A’s request, upon a change in tax
                                                      organization; and                                       period beginning at a later time and                  law that would be adverse to Corporation A
                                                         (B) Ownership of the obligation or an                ending at maturity may be transferred                 but for the issuance of physical bearer
                                                      interest in the obligation is transferable              only by a means described in paragraph                certificates. Because ownership of interests in
                                                      only through a book entry system (as                                                                          Certificate may be transferred only through a
                                                                                                              (b)(1) of this section is considered to be            dematerialized book entry system maintained
                                                      described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this                in registered form during the period
                                                      section) maintained by the clearing                                                                           by ABC, and because the circumstances
                                                                                                              beginning at that later time.                         under which definitive bearer certificates
                                                      organization (as defined in paragraph                      (5) Examples. The application of                   may be issued to holders of interests in
                                                      (b)(3) of this section).                                paragraph (b) of this section may be                  Certificate are limited to the circumstances
                                                         (3) Definition of clearing organization.             illustrated by the following examples:                described in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this
                                                      For purposes of paragraph (b) of this                                                                         section, Certificate is an immobilized bearer
                                                      section, clearing organization means an                    Example 1. X issues an obligation that is
                                                                                                              a registration-required obligation as                 form obligation described in paragraph
                                                      entity that is in the business of holding               described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this              (b)(2)(ii) of this section and is accordingly in
                                                      obligations for or reflecting the                       section. At issuance, X issues the obligation         registered form under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of
                                                      ownership interests of member                           in the purchaser’s name evidencing the                this section.
                                                      organizations and transferring                          purchaser’s ownership of the principal and               Example 4. The facts are the same as in
                                                      obligations among such member                           interest under the obligation. The purchaser          Example 3 of paragraph (b)(5) of this section,
                                                                                                              may transfer the obligation only by                   except that purchasers of interests in
                                                      organizations by credit or debit to the                                                                       Certificate have the right to obtain definitive
                                                      account of a member organization                        surrendering the obligation to X and by X
                                                                                                              issuing a new instrument to the new holder.           bearer certificates upon request at any time
                                                      without the necessity of physical                                                                             until maturity of Certificate. Because the
                                                                                                              X’s obligation is issued in registered form
                                                      delivery of the obligation.                             under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.               circumstances under which definitive bearer
                                                         (4) Temporal limitations on registered                  Example 2. Corporation A issues US$500             obligations may be issued to holders of
                                                      form—(i) In general. Except as provided                 million of debt (the Note) evidenced by a             interests in Certificate are not limited to the
                                                      in paragraphs (b)(4)(ii) and (iii) of this              physical certificate that is registered in the        circumstances described in paragraph
                                                      section, an obligation is not considered                name of ABC, a clearing organization (as              (b)(4)(ii)(A) of this section, Certificate is not
                                                      to be in registered form as of a particular             defined in paragraph (b)(3) of this section).         considered to be issued in registered form
                                                      time if the obligation may be transferred               Under the terms of the Note, Corporation A            under paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section.
                                                                                                              must maintain an electronic register                     Example 5. Bank makes a loan to borrower
                                                      at that time or at a time or times on or                                                                      secured by real property (Loan).
                                                                                                              identifying the owners of interests in the
                                                      before the maturity of the obligation by                                                                      Participations in Loan are traded on an
                                                                                                              Note, and a transfer of the right to receive
                                                      any means not described in paragraph                    either principal or any stated interest on such       established market. The participations are
                                                      (b)(1) of this section.                                 ownership interests may be effected only              participation interests described in paragraph
                                                         (ii) Events that permit issuance of                  through a change to the electronic register.          (a)(3)(ii) of this section and are accordingly
                                                      physical certificates in bearer form—(A)                                                                      registration-required obligations described in
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                                                                                                              Pursuant to an agreement with Corporation
                                                      In general. An obligation transferrable                 A, ABC takes custody of the physical                  paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. Bank
                                                      through a dematerialized book entry                     certificate evidencing the Note and receives          remains the registered owner of Loan and
                                                      system is not in bearer form pursuant to                all principal and interest on the Note from           maintains an electronic book entry system
                                                                                                              Corporation A. Independently of its                   that identifies participants. Participation
                                                      paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section solely
                                                                                                              agreement with Corporation A, ABC                     interests may be transferred only by
                                                      because a holder of the obligation (or an               maintains electronic records of its members’          surrender of the old participation interest
                                                      interest therein) has a right to obtain a               ownership interests in the Note and                   and reissuance of the participation interest in
                                                      physical certificate in bearer form upon                distributes principal and interest to members’        the name of the new participant, or by
                                                      the occurrence of one or both of the                    accounts in accordance with those interests.          transfer of the participation interest from the
                                                      following events—                                       ABC’s members, in turn, maintain electronic           name of the old participant to the name of



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                                                      43728               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      the new participant in the book entry system            § 1.165–12 Denial of deduction for losses               The revisions and additions read as
                                                      of Bank. Bank’s book entry system is                    on registration-required obligations not in           follows:
                                                      described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this                registered form.
                                                      section, and, accordingly, under paragraph                 (a) In general. Except as provided in              § 1.871–14 Rules relating to repeal of tax
                                                      (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the participation          paragraph (c) of this section, nothing in             on interest of nonresident alien individuals
                                                      interests are in registered form.                                                                             and foreign corporations received from
                                                                                                              section 165(a) and the regulations                    certain portfolio debt investments.
                                                         (6) Applicability date. Paragraph (b) of             thereunder, or in any other provision of
                                                                                                              law, shall be construed to provide a                  *       *     *     *      *
                                                      this section applies to obligations issued                                                                       (c) Obligations in registered form—(1)
                                                      after March 18, 2012. Taxpayers may                     deduction for any loss sustained on any
                                                                                                                                                                    In general—(i) Registered form. For
                                                      apply the rules in section 3 of Notice                  registration-required obligation held
                                                                                                                                                                    purposes of this section, the rules of
                                                      2012–20, 2012–13 IRB 574, for                           after December 31, 1982, unless the
                                                                                                                                                                    § 1.163–5(b) apply to determine when
                                                      obligations issued prior to the date of                 obligation is in registered form or the
                                                                                                                                                                    an obligation is in registered form.
                                                      publication of the Treasury decision                    issuance of the obligation was subject to
                                                      adopting these rules as final regulations               tax under section 4701. The term                      *       *     *     *      *
                                                                                                              registration-required obligation has the                 (d) Application of repeal of 30-percent
                                                      in the Federal Register. For obligations
                                                                                                              meaning given to that term in section                 withholding to pass-through certificates
                                                      issued on or before March 18, 2012, see
                                                                                                                                                                    or participation interests—(1) In
                                                      § 5f.103–1 of this chapter.                             163(f)(2) and § 1.163–5(a)(2)(i). For
                                                                                                                                                                    general—(i) Pass-through certificates.
                                                         (c) * * *                                            purposes of this section, the term holder
                                                                                                                                                                    Interest received on a pass-through
                                                         (3) * * *                                            means the person that would be denied
                                                                                                                                                                    certificate (as defined in § 1.163–
                                                         (iii) Applicability to obligations issued            a loss deduction under section 165(j)(1)
                                                                                                                                                                    5(a)(3)(i)(B)) qualifies as portfolio
                                                      after March 18, 2012. For purposes of                   or denied capital gain treatment under
                                                                                                                                                                    interest under section 871(h)(2) or
                                                      section 163(f), paragraph (c) of this                   section 1287(a). For purposes of this
                                                                                                                                                                    881(c)(2) if the interest satisfies the
                                                      section does not apply to obligations                   section, the term United States means
                                                                                                                                                                    conditions described in paragraph
                                                      issued after March 18, 2012. However,                   the United States and its possessions
                                                                                                                                                                    (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the conditions
                                                      for purposes of determining whether an                  within the meaning of § 1.163–
                                                                                                                                                                    described in paragraph (e) of this
                                                      obligation is described in section                      5(c)(2)(iv).
                                                                                                                 (b) Registered form—(1) Obligations                section, without regard to whether any
                                                      4701(b)(1)(B) or whether the exception                                                                        obligation held by the grantor trust, or
                                                                                                              issued after March 18, 2012. With
                                                      in section 6049 from information                                                                              similar fund, to which the pass-through
                                                                                                              respect to obligations issued after March
                                                      reporting of interest or original discount                                                                    certificate relates is described in
                                                                                                              18, 2012, the term registered form has
                                                      with respect to obligations that have an                                                                      paragraph (c)(1)(ii) or (e) of this section.
                                                                                                              the meaning given that term in § 1.163–
                                                      original term of 183 days or less applies,                                                                    For purposes of this paragraph (d)(1)(i),
                                                                                                              5(b).
                                                      paragraph (c) of this section continues                    (2) Obligations issued after September             a similar fund includes an entity that,
                                                      to apply to obligations issued after                    21, 1984 and on or before March 18,                   under §§ 301.7701–1 through 301.7701–
                                                      March 18, 2012. See §§ 1.4701–1(b)(3)                   2012. With respect to any obligation                  3 of this chapter, is disregarded as an
                                                      and 1.6049–5(b)(10).                                    originally issued after September 21,                 entity separate from its owner or
                                                      ■ Par. 4. Section 1.163–5T is amended                   1984, and on or before March 18, 2012,                classified as a partnership for federal tax
                                                      by adding paragraph (f) to read as                      the term registered form has the                      purposes, without regard to the fund has
                                                      follows:                                                meaning given that term in § 5f.103–1 of              the power to vary the assets in the fund
                                                                                                              this chapter. * * *                                   or the sequence of payments made to
                                                      § 1.163–5T Denial of interest deduction on                                                                    holders. In addition, for purposes of this
                                                      certain obligations issued after December               *      *     *     *    *                             paragraph (d)(1)(i), a similar fund does
                                                      31, 1982, unless issued in registered form                 (d) Applicability date—(1) In general.
                                                      (temporary).                                                                                                  not include a business entity that is
                                                                                                              Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)
                                                                                                                                                                    classified as a corporation under
                                                      *      *     *     *     *                              of this section, these regulations apply
                                                                                                                                                                    § 301.7701–2 of this chapter.
                                                         (f) Applicability date. This section                 generally to obligations issued after                    (ii) Participation interests. Interest
                                                      applies to obligations to which § 5f.163–               January 20, 1987. * * *                               received on a participation interest
                                                      1 of this chapter applies. See § 5f.163–                   (2) Obligations issued after March 18,
                                                                                                                                                                    described in § 1.163–5(a)(3)(ii) qualifies
                                                      1(d) of this chapter.                                   2012. Paragraph (a) of this section
                                                                                                                                                                    as portfolio interest under section
                                                      ■ Par. 5. Section 1.165–12 is amended                   applies to obligations issued after March
                                                                                                                                                                    871(h)(2) or 881(c)(2) if the interest
                                                      by:                                                     18, 2012. For the rules that apply to
                                                                                                                                                                    satisfies the conditions described in
                                                                                                              obligations issued on or before March
                                                      ■ 1. Revising paragraph (a).                                                                                  paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the
                                                                                                              18, 2012, see § 1.165–12 as contained in
                                                      ■ 2. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1) and                                                                      conditions described in paragraph (e) of
                                                                                                              26 CFR part 1, revised as of the date of
                                                      (2) as (b)(2) and (3), respectively.                                                                          this section, without regard to whether
                                                                                                              the most recent annual revision.
                                                      ■ 3. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1).                                                                           the obligation to which the participation
                                                      ■ 4. Revising the paragraph heading and                 § 1.860D–1    [Amended]                               interest relates is described in paragraph
                                                      first sentence of newly redesignated                    ■  Par. 6. Section 1.860D–1(b)(5)(i)(A) is            (c)(1)(ii) or (e) of this section.
                                                      paragraph (b)(2).                                       amended by removing the language                         (2) Interest in REMICs. Interest
                                                                                                              ‘‘§ 5f.103–1(c)’’ and adding in its place             received on a regular or residual interest
                                                      ■ 5. Redesignating paragraph (d) as
                                                                                                                                                                    in a REMIC, as defined in sections 860D
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                                                      paragraph (d)(1).                                       the language ‘‘§ 1.163–5(b).’’
                                                                                                              ■ Par. 7. Section 1.871–14 is amended                 and 860G and the regulations
                                                      ■ 6. Revising the paragraph heading and                                                                       thereunder, qualifies as portfolio
                                                      the first sentence of newly redesignated                by:
                                                                                                              ■ 1. Revising the heading for paragraph               interest under section 871(h)(2) or
                                                      paragraph (d)(1).                                                                                             881(c)(2) if the interest satisfies the
                                                                                                              (c).
                                                      ■ 7. Adding a new paragraph heading                                                                           conditions described in paragraph
                                                                                                              ■ 2. Revising paragraph (c)(1)(i).
                                                      for paragraph (d).                                      ■ 3. Revising the heading for paragraph               (c)(1)(ii) of this section or the conditions
                                                      ■ 8. Adding paragraph (d)(2).                           (d).                                                  described in paragraph (e) of this
                                                         The revisions and additions read as                  ■ 4. Revising paragraphs (d)(1) and (2).              section. For purposes of paragraphs
                                                      follows:                                                ■ 5. Adding paragraphs (j)(4) and (5).                (c)(1)(ii) and (e) of this section, interest


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                            43729

                                                      on a regular interest in a REMIC is not                 registration-required obligation held                 § 5f.103–1 Obligations issued after
                                                      considered interest on any mortgage                     after December 31, 1982, that is not in               December 31, 1982, required to be in
                                                      obligations held by the REMIC. The rule                 registered form shall be treated as                   registered form.
                                                      in the preceding sentence, however,                     ordinary income unless the issuance of                *      *    *     *    *
                                                      applies only to payments made to the                    the obligation was subject to tax under                  (d) Applicability date. * * * For the
                                                      holder of the regular interest in the                   section 4701. The term registration-                  purpose of determining whether bonds
                                                      REMIC from the REMIC and does not                       required obligation has the meaning                   satisfy the requirements of section
                                                      apply to payments made to the REMIC.                    given to that term in section 163(f)(2)               149(a), this section applies to bonds
                                                      For purposes of paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and               and § 1.163–5(a)(2)(i). The term holder               issued prior to the date 90 days after the
                                                      (e) of this section, interest on a residual             means the person that would be denied                 publication of the Treasury decision
                                                      interest in a REMIC is considered to be                 a loss deduction under section 165(j)(1)              adopting these rules as final regulations
                                                      interest on or with respect to the                      or denied capital gain treatment under                in the Federal Register, and § 1.149(a)–
                                                      obligations held by the REMIC, and not                  section 1287(a).                                      1 of this chapter applies to bonds issued
                                                      on or with respect to the residual                         (b) Registered form—(1) Obligations                on or after the date 90 days after the
                                                      interest.                                               issued after March 18, 2012. With                     publication of the Treasury decision
                                                      *       *    *     *     *                              respect to obligations issued after March             adopting these rules as final regulations
                                                         (j) * * *                                            18, 2012, the term registered form has                in the Federal Register. For all other
                                                         (4) Registered form. Paragraph (c)(1)(i)             the meaning given that term in § 1.163–               purposes, see § 1.163–5(a)(2) and (b) of
                                                      of this section applies to obligations                  5(b).                                                 this chapter for obligations issued after
                                                      issued after March 18, 2012. For the                                                                          March 18, 2012.
                                                                                                                 (2) Obligations issued after September
                                                      rules that apply to obligations issued on               21, 1984 and on or before March 18,                   *      *    *     *    *
                                                      or before March 18, 2012, see § 1.871–                                                                        ■ Par. 14. Section 5f.163–1(d) is
                                                                                                              2012. With respect to any obligation
                                                      14 as contained in 26 CFR part 1,                       originally issued after September 21,                 amended by revising the paragraph
                                                      revised as of the date of the most recent               1984, and on or before March 18, 2012,                heading and adding a sentence at the
                                                      annual revision.                                        the term registered form has the                      end of the paragraph to read as follows:
                                                         (5) Pass-through certificates,                       meaning given that term in § 5f.103–1 of              § 5f.163–1 Denial of interest deduction on
                                                      participation interests, and interests in               this chapter. * * *                                   certain obligations issued after December
                                                      REMICs. Paragraph (d) of this section                                                                         31, 1982, unless issued in registered form.
                                                                                                              *      *    *     *     *
                                                      applies to pass-through certificates,
                                                                                                                 (d) Applicability date—(1) In general.             *     *    *     *     *
                                                      participation interests, or interests in
                                                                                                              Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)                  (d) Applicability date. * * * For
                                                      REMICs issued after the date of
                                                                                                              of this section, these regulations apply              obligations issued after March 18, 2012,
                                                      publication of a Treasury decision
                                                                                                              generally to obligations issued after                 see § 1.163–5 of this chapter.
                                                      adopting these rules as final regulations
                                                      in the Federal Register.                                January 20, 1987. * * *                               *     *    *     *     *
                                                                                                                 (2) Obligations issued after March 18,
                                                      § 1.881–3   [Amended]                                                                                         PART 46—EXCISE TAX ON POLICIES
                                                                                                              2012. Paragraph (a) of this section
                                                      ■  Par. 8. Section 1.881–3(e) is amended                                                                      ISSUED BY FOREIGN INSURERS AND
                                                                                                              applies to obligations issued after March
                                                      by:                                                                                                           OBLIGATIONS NOT IN REGISTERED
                                                                                                              18, 2012.
                                                      ■ 1. Removing Examples 10 and 19.                                                                             FORM
                                                      ■ 2. Redesignating Examples 11 through                  § 1.6045–1    [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                                    ■ Par. 15. The authority citation for part
                                                      18 as Examples 10 through 17 and                        ■  Par. 10. Section 1.6045–1(n)(2)(ii)(J) is          46 continues to read as follows:
                                                      Examples 20 through 26 as Examples 18                   amended by removing the language
                                                      through 24.                                                                                                       Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805.
                                                                                                              ‘‘§ 1.1471–1(b)(18)’’ and adding in its
                                                      ■ Par. 9. Section 1.1287–1 is amended                   place the language ‘‘§ 1.1471–1(b)(21)’’.             ■ Par. 16. Section 46.4701–1 is
                                                      by:                                                                                                           amended by:
                                                      ■ 1. Revising paragraph (a).                            § 1.6049–5    [Amended]                               ■ 1. Revising paragraphs (b)(3), (4), and
                                                      ■ 2. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(1) and                                                                      (5).
                                                                                                              ■  Par. 11. Section 1.6049–5 is amended
                                                      (2) as (b)(2) and (3), respectively.                                                                          ■ 2. Redesignating paragraph (e) as
                                                                                                              by:
                                                      ■ 3. Adding a new paragraph (b)(1).                                                                           paragraph (e)(1).
                                                      ■ 4. Revising the paragraph heading and                 ■ 1. Removing ‘‘§ 5f.103–1(c)),’’ and                 ■ 3. Revising the paragraph heading of
                                                      first sentence of newly redesignated                    adding in its place ‘‘§ 1.163–5(b));’’ in             newly redesignated paragraph (e)(1).
                                                      paragraph (b)(2).                                       paragraph (a)(1)(i).                                  ■ 4. Adding a new paragraph heading
                                                      ■ 5. Redesignating paragraph (d) as                     ■ 2. Removing the language ‘‘§ 5f.163–                for paragraph (e).
                                                      paragraph (d)(1).                                       1’’ and adding in its place the language              ■ 5. Adding paragraph (e)(2).
                                                      ■ 6. Revising the paragraph heading and                 ‘‘§ 1.163–5(a)(2)’’ in paragraph (a)(1)(ii).            The revisions and additions read as
                                                      the first sentence of newly redesignated                                                                      follows:
                                                      paragraph (d)(1).                                       PART 5f—TEMPORARY INCOME TAX
                                                                                                              REGULATIONS UNDER THE TAX                             § 46.4701–1 Tax on issuer of registration-
                                                      ■ 7. Adding a new paragraph heading
                                                                                                              EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY                      required obligation not in registered form.
                                                      for paragraph (d).
                                                                                                                                                                    *     *     *     *     *
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                                                      ■ 8. Adding paragraph (d)(2).                           ACT OF 1982
                                                         The revisions and additions read as                                                                          (b) * * *
                                                      follows:                                                ■ Par. 12. The authority citation for part              (3) Registration-required obligation.
                                                                                                              5f continues to read in part as follows:              The term registration-required
                                                      § 1.1287–1 Denial of capital gains                          Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *                   obligation has the same meaning as in
                                                      treatment for gains on registration-required                                                                  section 163(f) and § 1.163–5(a)(2)(i) of
                                                      obligations not in registered form.                     ■ Par. 13. Section 5f.103–1(d) is                     this chapter, except that the term does
                                                        (a) In general. Except as provided in                 amended by revising the paragraph                     not include an obligation described in
                                                      paragraph (c) of this section, any gain on              heading and adding two sentences at the               section 4701(b)(1)(B) or any obligation
                                                      the sale or other disposition of a                      end of the paragraph to read as follows:              that is required to be registered under


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                                                      43730               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      section 149(a), such as bonds that are                  of the acceptance and processing of bent              submitters of required banking
                                                      tax-exempt under section 103. For                       and partial United States coins.                      information. Lastly, the revisions would
                                                      purposes of determining whether an                      DATES: Send comments on or before                     provide the United States Mint
                                                      obligation is described in section                      November 3, 2017.                                     discretion to cease processing
                                                      4701(b)(1)(B), the rules of § 1.163–5(c) of             ADDRESSES: The United States Mint                     submissions that appear to be part of an
                                                      this chapter apply.                                     invites comments on all aspects of this               illegal scheme, or contain material that
                                                        (4) Registered form. The term                         proposed revision. You may send                       is not identifiable as bent or partial
                                                      registered form has the same meaning as                 comments, identified by docket number                 United States coinage.
                                                      in § 1.163–5(b) of this chapter.                        and/or RIN number, by any of the
                                                        (5) Issuer—(i) In general. Except as                                                                           The second category of proposed
                                                                                                              following methods:                                    revisions, previously proposed in 79 FR
                                                      provided in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this                   • Federal eRulemaking Portal:
                                                      section, the term issuer is the person                                                                        41468, July 16, 2014, relates to the
                                                                                                              www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       redemption rates for uncurrent coins
                                                      whose interest deduction would be                       instructions for sending comments.
                                                      disallowed solely by reason of section                                                                        and bent and partial coins that have
                                                                                                                 • Mail: Submit all written comments
                                                      163(f)(1).                                                                                                    been withdrawn from circulation. For
                                                                                                              to Mutilated Coin Redemption Program;
                                                        (ii) Sponsor treated as issuer. A pass-                                                                     uncurrent coins, the revision would
                                                                                                              Financial Directorate; United States
                                                      through certificate (as defined in                      Mint; 801 9th Street NW., Washington,                 clarify the procedure for redemption by
                                                      § 1.163–5(a)(3)(i)(B) of this chapter), a               DC 20220.                                             instructing the public to deposit the
                                                      participation interest described in                        • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as                   uncurrent coins with a financial
                                                      § 1.163–5(a)(3)(ii) of this chapter, or a               mail address.                                         institution that will accept them, or
                                                      regular interest in a REMIC, as defined                    Instructions: All submissions received             with a depository institution that has a
                                                      in sections 860D and 860G and the                       must include the agency name and                      direct relationship with a Federal
                                                      regulations thereunder, is considered to                docket number or Regulatory                           Reserve Bank. The revision would make
                                                      be issued solely by the recipient of the                Information Number (RIN) for this                     clear that a Federal Reserve Bank will
                                                      proceeds from the issuance of the                       rulemaking. All comments received will                redeem uncurrent coins based on the
                                                      certificate or interest (the sponsor). The              be posted without change to                           policies described in the Federal
                                                      sponsor is therefore liable for any excise              regulations.gov, including any personal               Reserve’s Operating Circular 2.
                                                      tax under section 4701 that may be                      information provided. For additional                     For bent or partial coins, the proposed
                                                      imposed with reference to the principal                 information on the rulemaking process,                revision would update the redemption
                                                      amount of the pass-through certificate,                 see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading              rates of certain coins to reflect the
                                                      participation interest, or regular interest.            of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION                      current values and compositions of
                                                      *      *    *      *     *                              section of this document.                             coins being redeemed. For example, in
                                                        (e) Applicability date—(1) In general.                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      the existing regulation, the redemption
                                                      * * *                                                   Sheila Barnett, Legal Counsel, Office of
                                                        (2) Exception. Notwithstanding                                                                              rate for one-cent coins is $1.4585 per
                                                                                                              the Chief Counsel, United States Mint,                pound; this redemption rate was
                                                      paragraph (e)(1) of this section,                       at (202) 354–7624 or sbarnett@
                                                      paragraphs (b)(3), (4), and (5) of this                                                                       derived from the weight of brass one-
                                                                                                              usmint.treas.gov.                                     cent coins (3.11 grams or 0.1097 ounces
                                                      section apply to obligations issued after
                                                      March 18, 2012. For the rules that apply                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            each), which the United States Mint has
                                                      to obligations issued on or before March                                                                      not minted and issued since 1982. In
                                                                                                              I. Background
                                                      18, 2012, see § 46.4701–1 as contained                                                                        1983, the United States Mint began
                                                                                                                 The Treasury Regulations appearing                 minting and issuing only copper-plated
                                                      in 26 CFR part 46, revised as of the date
                                                                                                              at 31 CFR part 100, subpart C, are                    zinc one-cent coins, which weigh 2.50
                                                      of the most recent annual revision.
                                                                                                              promulgated under 31 U.S.C. 5120, and                 grams or 0.0882 ounces each. Due to the
                                                      Kirsten Wielobob,                                       relate to the exchange of uncurrent,                  weight difference, a pound (the
                                                      Deputy Commissioner for Services and                    bent, partial, fused, and mixed coins.                minimum weight for redemption) of
                                                      Enforcement.                                            The last amendment to 31 CFR part 100,                copper-plated zinc one-cent coins
                                                      [FR Doc. 2017–19753 Filed 9–15–17; 4:15 pm]             subpart C, was on August 23, 1999.                    contains a higher quantity of coins than
                                                      BILLING CODE 4830–01–P                                  Since then, the United States Mint has                a pound of brass one-cent coins. The
                                                                                                              identified portions of the regulations in             proposed revisions would make the
                                                                                                              need of revision to update redemption                 redemption rate $1.8100 for a pound
                                                      DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              rates and procedures, and to enhance
                                                                                                                                                                    consisting solely of copper-plated zinc
                                                                                                              the integrity of the acceptance and
                                                                                                                                                                    one-cent coins. For brass one-cent coins,
                                                      33 CFR 100                                              processing of bent and partial United
                                                                                                                                                                    or a mix of both brass and copper-plated
                                                                                                              States coins.
                                                                                                                 The first category of proposed                     zinc one-cent coins, the lower
                                                      United States Mint
                                                                                                              revisions would update and improve the                redemption rate of $1.4585 will apply.
                                                      Exchange of Coin                                        redemption process of bent and partial                A similar update would be made to the
                                                                                                              coins to enhance security and ensure                  redemption rate for $1 coins.
                                                      AGENCY: United States Mint, Treasury.
                                                                                                              the integrity of United States coinage.                  The third category of proposed
                                                      ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                              These revisions were not previously                   revisions, also previously proposed in
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      SUMMARY:   The United States Mint                       proposed. The revisions would establish               79 FR 41468, July 16, 2014, would
                                                      proposes to revise its regulations                      procedures for certifying participants                clarify that the United States Mint will
                                                      relating to the exchange of uncurrent,                  based on submission amounts and                       not accept fused coins. The United
                                                      bent, partial, fused, and mixed coins.                  frequency, sampling submissions to                    States Mint will also not accept mixed
                                                      The proposed revisions include updates                  authenticate material, conducting site                coins (coins of several alloy categories
                                                      to redemption rates and procedures                      visits for certain participants, and                  presented together) for redemption, with
                                                      previously proposed in the Federal                      requiring information on how the                      the exception of bent or partial one-cent
                                                      Register on July 16, 2014, as well as                   submission came to be bent or partial.                coins and $1 coins that are presented in
                                                      revisions that will enhance the integrity               The revisions will also inform                        mixed years.


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Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:19:15
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:19:15
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionPartial withdrawal of notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of proposed rulemaking.
DatesComments and requests for a public hearing must be received by December 18, 2017.
ContactConcerning the proposed regulations, Spence Hanemann at (202) 317-6980; concerning submissions of comments and requesting a hearing, Regina Johnson at (202) 317-6901 (not toll- free numbers).
FR Citation82 FR 43720 
RIN Number1545-BN60
CFR Citation26 CFR 1
26 CFR 5

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