Part I. Rulings — Internal Revenue Bulletin 1996-44

Section 1254.—Gain From Disposition of Interest in Oil, Gas, Geothermal, or Other Mineral Properties

26 CFR 1.1254–4: Special rules for S corpora- tions and their shareholders.

T.D. 8684

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1 and 602

Treatment of Gain From the Disposition of Interest in Certain Natural Resource Recapture Property by S Corporations and Their Shareholders

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Final regulations.

SUMMARY: This document contains final regulations relating to the tax treatment by S corporations and their shareholders of gain from the disposition by an S corporation (and a corporation that was formerly an S corporation) of certain natural resource recapture property (section 1254 property after enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and oil, gas, or geothermal property before enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986), and also rules relating to the disposition of stock in an S corporation that holds certain natural resource recapture property. Changes to the applicable tax law were made by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, and the Subchapter S Revision Act of 1982. The regulations provide the public with guidance in complying with the changed tax laws.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 10, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James A. Quinn, 202–622–3060 (not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Paperwork Reduction Act

The collection of information contained in these final regulations has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507) under control number 1545–1493. This information is required by the IRS to establish that a portion of

the gain recognized upon a sale or exchange of S corporation stock is not attributable to a shareholder’s section 1254 costs so as to qualify for the exception contained in § 1.1254– 4(c)(2)(i)(A). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid control number.

The estimated annual burden per respondent varies from .5 hours to 1.5 hours, depending on individual circumstances, with an estimated average of 1 hour.

Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggestions for reducing this burden should be sent to the Internal Revenue Service, Attn: IRS Reports Clearance Officer, T:FP, Washington, DC 20224, and to the Of- fice of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503. Books or records relating to this collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

Background

On December 21, 1995, the IRS published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (60 FR 66238) providing rules for applying the provisions of section 1254 to the disposition of natural resource recapture property by an S corporation (and a corporation that was formerly an S corporation) and the disposition of S corporation stock. No written comments responding to this notice were received. No public hearing was held because no hearing was requested. The proposed regulations are adopted without any substantive change by this Treasury decision. However, in the course of preparing the final regulations for publication, the IRS and Treasury Department have determined that §§ 1.1254–2 and 1.1254–3 are in need of minor technical clarifications. Accordingly, §§ 1.1254–2 and 1.1254–3 are clarified as discussed below.

Clarification of §§ 1.1254–2 and 1.1254–3

Section 1.1254–2(d)(1) is amended to state that § 1.1254– 2(d)(1) is applied without regard to § 1.1254–1(b)(2)(vii). This amendment clarifies that section 1254 costs must be recaptured in a like-kind exchange or involuntary conversion that involves the acquisition of property that is not natural resource recapture property. The amendment makes clear that the treatment of likekind exchanges and involuntary conversions involving natural resource recapture property is similar to the treatment of these transactions involving section 1245 property. See §§ 1.1245–3(a)(3), 1.1245–4(d)(1), 1.1245–4(d)(2), Ex- ample 2, and 1.1245–5(a)(2), Example.

Section 1.1254–3(b)(1) provides that if natural resource recapture property is transferred in certain transactions the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property in the hands of the transferee equals the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property in the hands of the transferor minus the amount of any gain taken into account as ordinary income under section 1254(a)(1) by the transferor upon the disposition. The intent of this rule is that in these transactions the section 1254 costs with respect to the property are to be transferred to the transferee but reduced by any gain taken into account as ordinary income. However, in the case of an S corporation or partnership transferor, the section 1254 costs have generally been allocated among the shareholders or partners. Consequently, § 1.1254–3(b)(1) is clarified to provide that in the case of an S corporation transferor the section 1254 costs include the section 1254 costs of the shareholders minus any gain taken into account by the shareholders as ordinary income. A similar clarification is added for partnership transferors.

Similarly, § 1.1254–3(d) is clarified for like-kind exchanges and involuntary conversions to provide that in the case of an S corporation the section 1254 costs include the section 1254 costs of the shareholders minus any gain taken into account by the shareholders as ordinary income. A similar clarification is added for a partnership.

Effective Date

Section 1.1254–4 applies to dispositions of natural resource recapture prop

erty by an S corporation (and a corporation that was formerly an S corporation) and dispositions of S corporation stock occurring on or after October 10, 1996. The clarifications to §§ 1.1254–2 and 1.1254–3 are effective for dispositions of property occurring on or after October 10, 1996.

Special Analyses

It has been determined that this Treasury decision is not a significant regulatory action as defined in EO 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and because the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding the regulations was issued prior to March 29, 1996, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations was submitted to the Small Business Administration for comment on its impact on small business.

Drafting Information

The principal author of these regulations is James A. Quinn of the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), IRS. However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development.

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Amendments to the Regulations

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

PART 1—INCOME TAXES

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

Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 - - Section 1.1254–4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 1254(b). - - Par. 2. Section 1.1254–0 is amended by revising the entry for § 1.1254–4 to read as follows:

§ 1.1254–0 Table of contents for sec- tion 1254 recapture rules.

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§ 1.1254–4 Special rules for S corpora- tions and their shareholders.

(a) In general.

(b) Determination of gain treated as ordinary income under section 1254 upon a disposition of natural resource recapture property by an S corporation.

(1) General rule. (2) Examples. (c) Character of gain recognized by a shareholder upon a sale or exchange of S corporation stock.

(1) General rule. (2) Exceptions. (3) Examples. (d) Section 1254 costs of a shareholder.

(e) Section 1254 costs of an acquiring shareholder after certain acquisitions.

(1) Basis determined under section 1012. (2) Basis determined under section 1014(a). (3) Basis determined under section 1014(b)(9). (4) Gifts and section 1041 transfers. (f) Special rules for a corporation that was formerly an S corporation or formerly a C corporation.

(1) Section 1254 costs of an S corporation that was formerly a C corporation.

(2) Examples. (3) Section 1254 costs of a C corporation that was formerly an S corporation.

(g) Determination of a shareholder’s section 1254 costs upon certain stock transactions

(1) Issuance of stock. (2) Natural resource recapture property acquired in exchange for stock.

(3) Treatment of nonvested stock. (4) Exception. (5) Aggregate of S corporation shareholders’ section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by the S corporation

(6) Examples.

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Par. 3. Section 1.1254–2 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1)(ii) to read as follows:

§ 1.1254–2 Exceptions and limitations.

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(d) - - - (1) - - (ii) The fair market value of property acquired that is not natural resource recapture property (determined without regard to § 1.1254–1(b)(2)(vii)) and is not taken into account under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section (that is, qualify

ing property under section 1031 or 1033 that is not natural resource recapture property).

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Par. 4. Section 1.1254–3 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) to read as follows:

§ 1.1254–3 Section 1254 costs immedi- ately after certain acquisitions.

(b) - - - (1) - - (i) The amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the natural resource recapture property in the hands of the transferor immediately before the disposition (and in the case of an S corporation or partnership transferor, the section 1254 costs of the shareholders or partners with respect to the natural resource recapture property); minus

(ii) The amount of any gain taken into account as ordinary income under section 1254(a)(1) by the transferor upon the disposition (and in the case of an S corporation or partnership transferor, any such gain taken into account as ordinary income by the shareholders or partners).

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(d) - - - (1) - - (i) The amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the natural resource recapture property disposed of (including the section 1254 costs of the shareholders of an S corporation or of the partners of a partnership with respect to the natural resource recapture property); minus

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Par. 5. Section 1.1254–4 is amended by adding text to read as follows:

§ 1.1254–4 Special rules for S corpora- tions and their shareholders.

(a) In general. This section provides rules for applying the provisions of section 1254 to S corporations and their shareholders upon the disposition by an S corporation (and a corporation that was formerly an S corporation) of natural resource recapture property and upon

the disposition by a shareholder of stock of an S corporation that holds natural resource recapture property.

(b) Determination of gain treated as ordinary income under section 1254 upon a disposition of natural resource recapture property by an S corpora- tion —(1) General rule . Upon a disposition of natural resource recapture property by an S corporation, the amount of gain treated as ordinary income under section 1254 is determined at the shareholder level. Each shareholder must recognize as ordinary income under section 1254 the lesser of— (i) The shareholder’s section 1254 costs with respect to the property disposed of; or

(ii) The shareholder’s share of the amount, if any, by which the amount realized on the sale, exchange, or involuntary conversion, or the fair market value of the property upon any other disposition (including a distribution), exceeds the adjusted basis of the property.

(2) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section:

Example 1. Disposition of natural resource recapture property other than oil and gas property. A and B are equal shareholders in X, an S corporation. On January 1, 1997, X acquires for $90,000 an undeveloped mineral property, its sole property. During 1997, X expends and deducts $100,000 in developing the property. On January 15, 1998, X sells the property for $250,000 when X’s basis in the property is $90,000. Thus, X recognizes gain of $160,000 on the sale. A and B’s share of the $160,000 gain recognized is $80,000 each. Each shareholder has $50,000 of section 1254 costs with respect to the property. Under these circumstances, A and B each are required to recognize $50,000 of the $80,000 of gain on the sale of the property as ordinary income under section 1254.

Example 2. Disposition of oil and gas property the adjusted basis of which is allocated to the shareholders under section 613A(c)(11). C and D are equal shareholders in Y, an S corporation. On January 1, 1997, Y acquires for $150,000 an undeveloped oil and gas property, its sole property. During 1997, Y expends in developing the property $40,000 in intangible drilling costs which it elects to expense under section 263(c). On January 15, 1998, Y sells the property for $200,000. C and D’s share of the $200,000 amount realized on the sale is $100,000 each. C and D each have a basis of $75,000 in the property and $20,000 of section 1254 costs with respect to the property. Under these circumstances, C and D each are required to recognize $20,000 of the $25,000 gain on the sale of the property as ordinary income under section 1254. (c) Character of gain recognized by a shareholder upon a sale or exchange of S corporation stock —(1) General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if an S corporation shareholder recognizes gain upon a sale or exchange of stock in the S corpora

tion (determined without regard to section 1254), the gain is treated as ordinary income under section 1254 to the extent of the shareholder’s section 1254 costs (with respect to the shares sold or exchanged).

(2) Exceptions —(i) Gain not attribut- able to section 1254 costs —(A) General rule. Paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply to any portion of the gain recognized on the sale or exchange of the stock that the taxpayer establishes is not attributable to section 1254 costs. The portion of the gain recognized that is not attributable to section 1254 costs is that portion of the gain recognized that exceeds the amount of ordinary income that the shareholder would have recognized under section 1254 (with respect to the shares sold or exchanged) if, immediately prior to the sale or exchange of the stock, the corporation had sold at fair market value all of the corporation’s property the disposition of which would result in the recognition by the shareholder of ordinary income under section 1254.

(B) Substantiation. To establish that a portion of the gain recognized is not attributable to a shareholder’s section 1254 costs so as to qualify for the exception contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) of this section, the shareholder must attach to the shareholder’s tax return a statement detailing the shareholder’s share of the fair market value and basis, and the shareholder’s section 1254 costs, for each of the S corporation’s natural resource recapture properties held immediately before the sale or exchange of stock.

(ii) Transactions entered into as part of a plan to avoid recognition of ordi- nary income under section 1254. In the case of a contribution of property prior to a sale or exchange of stock pursuant to a plan a principal purpose of which is to avoid recognition of ordinary income under section 1254, paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply. Instead, the amount recognized as ordinary income under section 1254 is the amount of ordinary income the selling or exchanging shareholder would have recognized under section 1254 (with respect to the shares sold or exchanged) had the S corporation sold its natural resource recapture property the disposition of which would have resulted in the recognition of ordinary income under section 1254. The amount recognized as ordinary income under the preceding sentence reduces the amount realized on the sale or exchange of the stock. This

reduced amount realized is used in determining any gain or loss on the sale or exchange.

(3) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of this paragraph (c):

Example 1. Application of general rule upon a sale of S corporation stock. C and D are equal shareholders in Y, an S corporation. As of January 1, 1997, Y holds two mining properties: Blackacre, with an adjusted basis of $5,000 and a fair market value of $35,000, and Whiteacre, with an adjusted basis of $20,000 and a fair market value of $15,000. Y also holds securities with a basis of $5,000 and a fair market value of $10,000. On January 1, 1997, D sells 50 percent of D’s Y stock to E for $15,000. As of the date of the sale, D’s adjusted basis in the Y stock sold is $7,500, and D has $18,000 of section 1254 costs with respect to Blackacre and $12,000 of section 1254 costs with respect to Whiteacre. Under this paragraph (c), the gain recognized by D upon the sale of Y stock is treated as ordinary income to the extent of D’s section 1254 costs with respect to the stock sold, unless D establishes that a portion of such excess is not attributable to D’s section 1254 costs. However, because D would recognize $7,500 in ordinary income under section 1254 with respect to the stock sold if Y sold Blackacre (the only asset the disposition of which would result in ordinary income to D under section 1254), the $7,500 of gain recognized by D upon the sale of D’s Y stock is attributable to D’s section 1254 costs. Therefore, upon the sale of stock to E, D recognizes $7,500 of ordinary income under this paragraph (c).

Example 2. Sale of S corporation stock where gain is not entirely attributable to section 1254 costs. Assume the same facts as in Example 1, except that Blackacre has a fair market value of $25,000, and the securities have a fair market value of $20,000. Immediately prior to the sale of stock to E, if Y had sold Blackacre (its only asset the disposition of which would result in the recognition of ordinary income to D under section 1254), D would recognize $5,000 in ordinary income with respect to the stock sold under section 1254. D attaches a statement to D’s tax return for 1997 detailing D’s share of the fair market values and bases, and D’s section 1254 costs with respect to Blackacre and Whiteacre. Therefore, upon the sale of stock to E, of the $7,500 gain recognized by D, $5,000 is ordinary income under this paragraph (c).

Example 3. Contribution of property prior to sale of S corporation stock as part of a plan to avoid recognition of ordinary income under sec- tion 1254. H owns all of the stock of Z, an S corporation. As of January 1, 1997, H has $3,000 of section 1254 costs with respect to property P, which is natural resource recapture property and Z’s only asset. Property P has an adjusted basis of $5,000 and a fair market value of $8,000. H has a basis of $5,000 in Z stock, which has a fair market value of $8,000. On January 1, 1997, H contributes securities to Z which have a basis of $7,000 and a fair market value of $4,000. On April 15, 1997, H sells all of the Z stock to J for $12,000. On that date, H’s adjusted basis in the Z stock is also $12,000. Based on all the facts and circumstances, the sale of stock is part of a plan (along with the contribution by H of the securities to Z) that has a principal purpose to avoid recognition of ordinary income under section 1254. Consequently, under paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, H must recognize $3,000 as ordinary

income under section 1254, the amount of ordinary income that H would recognize as ordinary income under section 1254 if property P were sold at fair market value. In addition, H reduces the amount realized on the sale of the stock ($12,000) by $3,000. As a result, H also recognizes a $3,000 capital loss on the sale of the stock ($9,000 amount realized less $12,000 adjusted basis).

(d) Section 1254 costs of a share- holder. An S corporation shareholder’s section 1254 costs with respect to any natural resource recapture property held by the corporation include all of the shareholder’s section 1254 costs with respect to the property in the hands of the S corporation. See § 1.1254–1(b)(1) for the definition of section 1254 costs.

(e) Section 1254 costs of an acquir- ing shareholder after certain acquisi- tions —(1) Basis determined under sec- tion 1012. If stock in an S corporation that holds natural resource recapture property is acquired and the acquiring shareholder’s basis for the stock is determined solely by reference to its cost (within the meaning of section 1012), the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property held by the corporation in the acquiring shareholder’s hands is zero on the acquisition date.

(2) Basis determined under section 1014(a). If stock in an S corporation that holds natural resource recapture property is acquired from a decedent and the acquiring shareholder’s basis is determined, by reason of the application of section 1014(a), solely by reference to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the decedent’s death or on the applicable date provided in section 2032 (relating to alternate valuation date), the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property held by the corporation in the acquiring shareholder’s hands is zero on the acquisition date.

(3) Basis determined under section 1014(b)(9). If stock in an S corporation that holds natural resource recapture property is acquired before the death of the decedent, the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property held by the corporation in the acquiring shareholder’s hands includes the amount, if any, of the section 1254 costs deducted by the acquiring shareholder before the decedent’s death, to the extent that the basis of the stock (determined under section 1014(a)) is required to be reduced under section 1014(b)(9) (relating to adjustments to basis when the property is acquired before the death of the decedent).

(4) Gifts and section 1041 transfers. If stock is acquired in a transfer that is a gift, in a transfer that is a part sale or exchange and part gift, or in a transfer that is described in section 1041(a), the amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property held by the corporation in the acquiring shareholder’s hands immediately after the transfer is an amount equal to—

(i) The amount of section 1254 costs with respect to the property held by the corporation in the hands of the transferor immediately before the transfer; minus

(ii) The amount of any gain recognized as ordinary income under section 1254 by the transferor upon the transfer. (f) Special rules for a corporation that was formerly an S corporation or formerly a C corporation —(1) Section 1254 costs of an S corporation that was formerly a C corporation. In the case of a C corporation that holds natural resource recapture property and that elects to be an S corporation, each shareholder’s section 1254 costs as of the beginning of the corporation’s first taxable year as an S corporation include a pro rata share of the section 1254 costs of the corporation as of the close of the last taxable year that the corporation was a C corporation.

(2) Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of the provisions of paragraph (f)(1) of this section:

Example 1. Sale of natural resource recapture property held by an S corporation that was formerly a C corporation— (i) Y is a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation effective January 1, 1997. On that date, Y owns Oil Well, which is natural resource recapture property and a capital asset. Y has section 1254 costs of $20,000 as of the close of the last taxable year that it was a C corporation. On January 1, 1997, Oil Well has a value of $200,000 and a basis of $100,000. Thus, under section 1374, Y’s net unrealized built-in gain is $100,000. Also on that date, Y’s basis in Oil Well is allocated to A, Y’s sole shareholder, under section 613A(c)(11) and the section 1254 costs are allocated to A under paragraph (f)(1) of this section. In addition, A has a basis in A’s Y stock of $100,000.

(ii) On November 1, 1997, Y sells Oil Well for $250,000. During 1997, Y has taxable income greater than $100,000, and no other transactions or items treated as recognized built-in gain or loss. Under section 1374, Y has net recognized built-in gain of $100,000. Assuming a tax rate of 35 percent on capital gain, Y has a tax of $35,000 under section 1374. The tax of $35,000 is treated as a capital loss under section 1366(f)(2). A has a realized gain on the sale of $150,000 ($250,000 minus $100,000) of which $20,000 is recognized as ordinary income under section 1254, and $130,000 is recognized as capital gain. Consequently, A recognizes ordinary income of $20,000 and net capital gain of $95,000 ($130,000 minus $35,000) on the sale.

Example 2. Sale of stock followed by sale of natural resource recapture property held by an S corporation that was formerly a C corporation (i) Assume the same facts as in Example 1 (i). On November 1, 1997, A sells all of A’s Y stock to P for $250,000. A has a realized gain on the sale of $150,000 ($250,000 minus $100,000) of which $20,000 is recognized as ordinary income under section 1254, and $130,000 is recognized as capital gain.

(ii) On November 2, 1997, Y sells Oil Well for $250,000. During 1997, Y has taxable income greater than $100,000, and no other transactions or items treated as recognized built-in gain or loss. Under section 1374, Y has net recognized built-in gain of $100,000. Assuming a tax rate of 35 percent on capital gain, Y has a tax of $35,000 under section 1374. The tax of $35,000 is treated as a capital loss under section 1366(f)(2). P has a realized gain on the sale of $150,000 ($250,000 minus $100,000), which is recognized as capital gain. Consequently, P recognizes net capital gain of $115,000 ($150,000 minus $35,000) on the sale.

(3) Section 1254 costs of a C corpo- ration that was formerly an S corpora- tion. In the case of an S corporation that becomes a C corporation, the C corporation’s section 1254 costs with respect to any natural resource recapture property held by the corporation as of the beginning of the corporation’s first taxable year as a C corporation include the sum of its shareholders’ section 1254 costs with respect to the property as of the close of the last taxable year that the corporation was an S corporation. In the case of an S termination year as defined in section 1362(e)(4), the shareholders’ section 1254 costs are determined as of the close of the S short year as defined in section 1362(e)(1)(A). See paragraph (g)(5) of this section for rules on determining the aggregate amount of the shareholders’ section 1254 costs.

(g) Determination of a shareholder’s section 1254 costs upon certain stock transactions —(1) Issuance of stock. Upon an issuance of stock (whether such stock is newly-issued or had been held as treasury stock) by an S corporation in a reorganization described in section 368 or otherwise—

(i) Each recipient of shares must be allocated a pro rata share (determined solely with respect to the shares issued in the transaction) of the aggregate of the S corporation shareholders’ section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by the S corporation immediately before the issuance (as determined pursuant to paragraph (g)(5) of this section); and

(ii) Each pre-existing shareholder must reduce his or her section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by the S corporation immediately before the issuance

by an amount equal to the pre-existing shareholder’s section 1254 costs immediately before the issuance multiplied by the percentage of stock of the corporation issued in the transaction.

(2) Natural resource recapture prop- erty acquired in exchange for stock. If natural resource recapture property is transferred to an S corporation in exchange for stock of the S corporation (for example, in a section 351 transaction, or in a reorganization described in section 368), the S corporation must allocate to its shareholders a pro rata share of the S corporation’s section 1254 costs with respect to the property immediately after the transaction (as determined under § 1.1254– 3(b)(1)).

(3) Treatment of nonvested stock. Stock issued in connection with the performance of services that is substantially nonvested (within the meaning of § 1.83–3(b)) is treated as issued for purposes of this section at the first time it is treated as outstanding stock of the S corporation for purposes of section 1361. (4) Exception. Paragraph (g)(1) of this section does not apply to stock issued in exchange for stock of the same S corporation (as for example, in a recapitalization described in section 368(a)(1)(E)). (5) Aggregate of S corporation share- holders’ section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by the S corporation —(i) In gen- eral. The aggregate of S corporation shareholders’ section 1254 costs is equal to the sum of each shareholder’s section 1254 costs. The S corporation must determine each shareholder’s section 1254 costs under either paragraph (g)(5)(ii) (written data) or paragraph (g)(5)(iii) (assumptions) of this section. The S corporation may determine the section 1254 costs of some shareholders under paragraph (g)(5)(ii) of this section and of others under paragraph (g)(5)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Written data. An S corporation may determine a shareholder’s section 1254 costs by using written data provided by a shareholder showing the shareholder’s section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by the S corporation unless the S corporation knows or has reason to know that the written data is inaccurate. If an S corporation does not receive written data upon which it may rely, the S corporation must use the assumptions provided in paragraph

(g)(5)(iii) of this section in determining a shareholder’s section 1254 costs.

(iii) Assumptions. An S corporation that does not use written data pursuant to paragraph (g)(5)(ii) of this section to determine a shareholder’s section 1254 costs must use the following assumptions to determine the shareholder’s section 1254 costs—

(A) The shareholder deducted his or her share of the amount of deductions under sections 263(c), 616, and 617 in the first year in which the shareholder could claim a deduction for such amounts, unless in the case of expenditures under sections 263(c) or 616 the S corporation elected to capitalize such amounts;

(B) The shareholder was not subject to the following limitations with respect to the shareholder’s depletion allowance under section 611, except to the extent a limitation applied at the corporate level: the taxable income limitation of section 613(a); the depletable quantity limitations of section 613A(c); or the limitations of sections 613A(d)(2), (3), and (4) (exclusion of retailers and refiners).

(6) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of this paragraph (g):

Example 1. Transfer of natural resource recap- ture property to an S corporation in a section 351 transaction. As of January 1, 1997, A owns all the stock (20 shares) in X, an S corporation. X holds property that is not natural resource recapture property that has a fair market value of $2,000 and an adjusted basis of $2,000. On January 1, 1997, B transfers natural resource recapture property, Property P, to X in exchange for 80 shares of X stock in a transaction that qualifies under section 351. Property P has a fair market value of $8,000 and an adjusted basis of $5,000. Pursuant to section 351, B does not recognize gain on the transaction. Immediately prior to the transaction, B’s section 1254 costs with respect to Property P equaled $6,000. Under § 1.1254–2(c)(1), B does not recognize any gain under section 1254 on the section 351 transaction and, under § 1.1254– 3(b)(1), X’s section 1254 costs with respect to Property P immediately after the contribution equal $6,000. Under paragraph (g)(2) of this section, each shareholder is allocated a pro rata share of X’s section 1254 costs. The pro rata share of X’s section 1254 costs that is allocated to A equals $1,200 (20 percent interest in X multiplied by X’s $6,000 of section 1254 costs). The pro rata share of X’s section 1254 costs that is allocated to B equals $4,800 (80 percent interest in X multiplied by X’s $6,000 of section 1254 costs).

Example 2. Contribution of money in exchange for stock of an S corporation holding natural resource recapture property. As of January 1, 1997, A and B each own 50 percent of the stock (50 shares each) in X, an S corporation. X holds natural resource recapture property, Property P, which has a fair market value of $20,000 and an adjusted basis of $14,000. A’s and B’s section 1254 costs with respect to Property P are $4,000 and $1,500, respectively. On January 1, 1997, C

contributes $20,000 to X in exchange for 100 shares of X’s stock. Under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, X must allocate to C a pro rata share of its shareholders’ section 1254 costs. Using the assumptions set forth in paragraph (g)(5)(iii) of this section, X determines that A’s section 1254 costs with respect to natural resource recapture property held by X equal $4,500. Using written data provided by B, X determines that B’s section 1254 costs with respect to Property P equal $1,500. Thus, the aggregate of X’s shareholders’ section 1254 costs equals $6,000. C’s pro rata share of the $6,000 of section 1254 costs equals $3,000 (C’s 50 percent interest in X multiplied by $6,000). Under paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, A’s section 1254 costs are reduced by $2,000 (A’s actual section 1254 costs ($4,000) multiplied by 50 percent). B’s section 1254 costs are reduced by $750 (B’s actual section 1254 costs ($1,500) multiplied by 50 percent).

Example 3. Merger involving an S corporation that holds natural resource recapture property. X, an S corporation with one shareholder, A, holds as its sole asset natural resource recapture property that has a fair market value of $120,000 and an adjusted basis of $40,000. A has section 1254 costs with respect to the property of $60,000. For valid business reasons, X merges into Y, an S corporation with one shareholder, B, in a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(A). Y holds property that is not natural resource recapture property that has a fair market value of $120,000 and basis of $120,000. Under paragraph (c) of this section, A does not recognize ordinary income under section 1254 upon the exchange of stock in the merger because A did not otherwise recognize gain on the merger. Under paragraph (g)(2) of this section, Y must allocate to A and B a pro rata share of its $60,000 of section 1254 costs. Thus, A and B are each allocated $30,000 of section 1254 costs (50 percent interest in X, each, multiplied by $60,000).

Par. 6. Section 1.1254–6 is amended by adding two sentences at the end of this section to read as follows:

§ 1.1254–6 Effective date of regula- tions.

- - Section 1.1254–4 applies to dispositions of natural resource recapture property by an S corporation (and a corporation that was formerly an S corporation) and dispositions of S corporation stock occurring on or after October 10, 1996. Sections 1.1254– 2(d)(1)(ii) and 1.1254–3(b)(1)(i) and (ii) and (d)(1)(i) and (ii) are effective for dispositions of property occurring on or after October 10, 1996.

PART 602—OMB CONTROL NUMBERS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

Par. 7. The authority citation for part 602 continues to read as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805. Par. 8. In § 602.101, paragraph (c) is amended by adding an entry in numerical order to the table to read as follows.

§ 602.101 OMB Control numbers.

- - - -

CFR part of section where identified and described

Current OMB control No.

readable form. The text of these temporary regulations also serves as the text of the proposed regulations set forth in REG–209803–95, page 14.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations are effective on January 1, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Welch, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20224; telephone (202) 622–4910 (not a toll-free call), if the inquiry relates to provisions of these regulations. For further information, see telephone numbers listed at the beginning of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For persons residing in the following locations, contact the following offices of the Social Security Administration (not a toll-free call), if the inquiry relates to magnetic media filing and magnetic media specifications for Form W–2, Form 499R–2/W–2PR, Form W–2VI, Form W–2GU, and Form W–2AS:

Alabama (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Alaska (206) 615–2125 (Seattle), American Samoa (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

Arizona (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

Arkansas (501) 324–5466 (Little Rock),

California (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

Colorado (303) 844–2364 (Denver), Connecticut (617) 565–2895 (Boston), Delaware (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

District of Columbia (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

Florida (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Georgia (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Guam (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

Hawaii (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

Idaho (206) 615–2125 (Seattle), Illinois (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), Indiana (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), Iowa (816) 426–2095 (Kansas City), Kansas (816) 426–2095 (Kansas City),

Kentucky (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Louisiana (504) 389–0426 (Baton Rouge),

Maine (617) 565–2895 (Boston), Maryland (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

Massachusetts (617) 565–2895 (Boston),

Michigan (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), Minnesota (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), Mississippi (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Missouri (816) 426–2095 (Kansas City),

Montana (303) 844–2364 (Denver), Nebraska (816) 426–2095 (Kansas City),

Nevada (415) 744–4559 (San Francisco),

New Hampshire (617) 565–2895 (Boston),

New Jersey (212) 264–0258 (New York),

New Mexico (505) 262–6048 (Albuquerque),

New York (212) 264–0258 (New York),

North Carolina (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta),

North Dakota (303) 844–2364 (Denver),

Ohio (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), Oklahoma (405) 951–3007 (Oklahoma City),

Oregon (206) 615–2125 (Seattle), Pennsylvania (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

Puerto Rico (809) 766–5574 (San Juan),

Rhode Island (617) 565–2895 (Boston),

South Carolina (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta),

South Dakota (303) 844–2364 (Denver),

Tennessee (404) 331–2587 (Atlanta), Texas-Central/South (210) 229–6433 (San Antonio),

Texas-Dallas County (214) 767–6777 (Dallas),

Texas-North (817) 334–3123 (Forth Worth),

Texas-Southeast (713) 653–4722 (Houston),

Texas-West (505) 262–6048 (Albuquerque),

Utah (303) 844–2364 (Denver), Vermont (617) 565–2895 (Boston), Virgin Islands (809) 766–5574 (San Juan),

Virginia (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

Washington (206) 615–2125 (Seattle), West Virginia (215) 597–4632 (Philadelphia),

Wisconsin (312) 353–6717 (Chicago), and

Wyoming (303) 844–2364 (Denver). Magnetic Media Reporting, Internal Revenue Service, Martinsburg Computing Center, P.O. Box 1359, Martinsburg,

- - - 1.1254–4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1545–1493

- - - -

Michael P. Dolan, Acting Commissioner of

Internal Revenue.

Approved September 10, 1996.

Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.

(Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on October 9, 1996, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for October 10, 1996, 61 F.R. 53062)

Section 6011.—General Requirement of Return, Statement, or List

26 CFR 301.6011–2T: Required use of magnetic media (temporary).

T.D. 8683

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1 and 301

Magnetic Media Filing Requirements for Information Returns

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Final and temporary regulations.

SUMMARY: This document contains regulations relating to the requirements for filing information returns on magnetic media or in other machinereadable form under section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). These regulations affect persons filing information returns. These regulations prescribe new magnetic media filing requirements for employers filing wage and tax statements for employees in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. In addition, these regulations provide taxpayers with the guidance to comply with the changes made to the Code and to the administrative practices with respect to filing on magnetic media or in other machine

West Virginia 25401–1359; telephone (304) 263–8700 (not a toll-free call), if the inquiry relates to either the waiver procedure for all forms described in these regulations or to the magnetic media specifications for Forms 1042–S, 1098, 1099 series, 5498, 8027, or W–2G.

Background

This document contains amendments to the Procedure and Administration Regulations (26 CFR Part 301) relating to the requirement under section 6011(e) to file information returns on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. Section 6011(e) authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations providing the standards for determining which returns must be filed on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. Section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) was added to the Code by section 319 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Public Law 97–248, 96 Stat. 610; and was amended by section 109 of the Interest and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of 1983, Public Law 98–67, 97 Stat. 383; and section 7713 of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989 (1989 Act), Public Law 101–239, 103 Stat. 2394.

This document also contains conforming amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (26 CFR Part 1) relating to returns of information of brokers and barter exchanges required under section 6045.

Explanation of Provisions

In order to reduce its administrative burden and increase accurate processing of information, the Social Security Administration (the SSA) requested that regulations be issued to require Forms 499R–2/W–2PR (Withholding Statement), Forms W–2VI (U.S. Virgin Islands Wage and Tax Statement), Forms W–2GU (Guam Wage and Tax Statement), and Forms W–2AS (American Samoa Wage and Tax Statement) to be filed on magnetic media. In Notice 95–64 (1995–2 C.B. 342), the IRS informed taxpayers of its intention to issue regulations requiring these forms to be filed on magnetic media with the SSA and invited public comment on the matter. The Notice stated that the requirement would be effective for wage and tax statements required to be filed after December 31, 1996. No comments were received in response to the Notice. These regulations expand the wage and

tax statements required to be filed on magnetic media with the SSA to include Form 499R–2/W–2PR, Form W–2VI, Form W–2GU, and Form W–2AS.

In addition, these regulations reflect the current provisions of section 6011(e). As amended by the 1989 Act, section 6011(e)(2)(A) provides that the Secretary shall not require any person to file returns on magnetic media unless the person is required to file at least 250 returns during the calendar year (250threshold). Consistent with the provisions of section 6011(e)(2)(A), these regulations provide that no person is required to file on magnetic media unless the person is required to file 250 or more returns during the calendar year. Further, these regulations clarify that each type of information return is considered a separate return, and the 250threshold applies separately to each type of form required to be filed.

In addition, these regulations reflect the current administrative practices with respect to filing information returns on magnetic media or in other machinereadable form. The IRS and the SSA now permit filing on tape cartridge but no longer permit filing on cassette. Further, the IRS currently permits electronic filing as an alternative method of filing, and the SSA is considering permitting electronic filing in the future. Thus, under these regulations, magnetic media generally include magnetic tape, tape cartridge, diskette, and other media (such as electronic filing) specifically permitted under the applicable regulations, procedures, or publications.

Further, these regulations reflect the current procedures for obtaining consent and authorization from the IRS before filing on magnetic media. These regulations refer to Form 4419 (Application for Filing Information Returns Magnetically/Electronically), which must be filed by a transmitter with the IRS before filing Forms 1042–S, 1098, 1099 series, 5498, 8027, and W–2G on magnetic media or electronically. These regulations also remove any reference to obtaining consent from the SSA because it no longer requires consent or authorization before filing on magnetic media.

Under the existing regulations, a taxpayer may request a hardship waiver from the magnetic media filing requirements. The principal factor for demonstrating hardship is the amount, if any, by which the cost of filing on magnetic media exceeds the cost of filing on paper. The existing regulations provide that, if an employer is required to make

a final return on Form 941, or a variation thereof, and expedited filing of Form W–2 is required, the unavailability of the specifications for magnetic media filing will be treated as creating a hardship, and a waiver of the magnetic media filing requirements for the expedited Forms W–2 may be granted. This document extends this waiver provision to expedited filing of Forms 499R–2/W– 2PR, Forms W–2VI, Forms W–2GU, and Forms W–2AS.

Special Analyses

It has been determined that this Treasury decision is not a significant regulatory action as defined in EO 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required.

It is hereby certified that the regulations in this document will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certification is based on a determination that these regulations impose no additional reporting or recordkeeping requirement and only prescribe the method of filing information returns that are already required to be filed. Further, these regulations are consistent with the requirements imposed by statute. Section 6011(e)(2)(A) provides that, in prescribing regulations providing standards for determining which returns must be filed on magnetic media or in other machinereadable form, the Secretary shall not require any person to file returns on magnetic media unless the person is required to file at least 250 returns during the calendar year. Consistent with the statutory provision, these regulations do not require information returns to be filed on magnetic media unless 250 or more returns are required to be filed. Further, the economic impact caused by filing on magnetic media should be minimal. If a taxpayer’s operations are computerized, reporting in accordance with the regulations should be less costly than filing on paper. If the taxpayer’s operations are not computerized, the incremental cost of magnetic media reporting should be minimal in most cases because of the availability of computer service bureaus. In addition, the existing regulations provide that the IRS may waive the magnetic media filing requirements upon a showing of hardship. It is anticipated that the waiver authority will be exercised so as not to unduly burden taxpayers lacking both the necessary data processing facilities and access at a reasonable cost to

computer service bureaus. Accordingly, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) is not required.

Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, these regulations will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on their impact on small business.

Drafting Information

The principal author of these regulations is Donna Welch, Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Department participated in the development of the regulations.

- - - -

Adoption of Amendments to the Regula- tions

Accordingly, 26 CFR parts 1 and 301 are amended as follows:

PART 1—INCOME TAXES

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

Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 - - Par. 2. Section 1.6045–1 is amended by adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (q) to read as follows:

§ 1.6045–1 Returns of information of brokers and barter exchanges.

- - - -

(q) - - - With regard to paragraph (l) of this section, see section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1989, and before January 1, 1997; and see § 1.6045–1T(l) for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1996.

Par. 3. Section 1.6045–1T is added to read as follows:

§ 1.6045–1T Returns of information of brokers and barter exchanges (tempo- rary).

(a) through (k) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 1.6045–1(a) through (k).

(l) Use of magnetic media. For information returns filed after December 31, 1996, see § 301.6011–2T of this chapter for rules relating to filing information returns on magnetic media and for rules relating to waivers granted for undue

hardship. For information returns filed prior to January 1, 1997, see § 1.6045– 1(l). Par. 4. Section 1.6045–2 is amended by adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (i) to read as follows:

§ 1.6045–2 Furnishing statement re- quired with respect to certain substitute payments.

- - - -

(i) - - - With regard to paragraph (g)(2) of this section, see section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1989, and before January 1, 1997; and see § 1.6045–2T(g)(2) for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1996.

Par. 5. Section 1.6045–2T is added to read as follows:

§ 1.6045–2T Furnishing statement re- quired with respect to certain substitute payments (temporary).

(a) through (g)(1) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 1.6045–2(a) through (g)(1).

(g)(2) Use of magnetic media. For information returns filed after December 31, 1996, see § 301.6011–2T of this chapter for rules relating to filing information returns on magnetic media and for rules relating to waivers granted for undue hardship. For information returns filed prior to January 1, 1997, see § 1.6045–2(g)(2).

PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION

Par. 4. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 - - Par. 5. Section 301.6011–2T is added to read as follows:

§ 301.6011–2T Required use of mag- netic media (temporary).

This section applies to information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1996. For information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1989, and before January 1, 1997, see section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code and § 301.6011–2.

(a) Meaning of terms. The following definitions apply for purposes of this section:

(1) Magnetic media. The term mag- netic media means any magnetic media permitted under applicable regulations,

revenue procedures, or, in the case of returns filed with the Social Security Administration, Social Security Administration publications. These generally include magnetic tape, tape cartridge, and diskette, as well as other media (such as electronic filing) specifically permitted under the applicable regulations, procedures, or publications.

(2) and (3) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 301.6011– 2(a)(2) and (3).

(b) Returns required on magnetic me- dia. (1) If the use of Form 1042–S, 1098, 1099 series, 5498, 8027, W–2G, or other form treated as a form specified in this paragraph (b)(1) is required by the applicable regulations or revenue procedures for the purpose of making an information return, the information required by the form must be submitted on magnetic media, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section. Returns on magnetic media must be made in accordance with applicable revenue procedures or publications. See § 601.601(d)(2)(ii)( b ) of this chapter. Pursuant to these procedures, the consent of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (or other authorized officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service) to a magnetic medium must be obtained by submitting Form 4419 (Application for Filing Information Returns Magnetically/Electronically) prior to submitting a return described in this paragraph (b)(1) on the magnetic medium.

(2) If the use of Form W–2 (Wage and Tax Statement), Form 499R–2/W– 2PR (Withholding Statement), Form W–2VI (U.S. Virgin Islands Wage and Tax Statement), Form W–2GU (Guam Wage and Tax Statement), Form W–2AS (American Samoa Wage and Tax Statement), or other form treated as a form specified in this paragraph (b)(2) is required for the purpose of making an information return, the information required by the form must be submitted on magnetic media, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section. Returns described in this paragraph (b)(2) must be made in accordance with applicable Social Security Administration procedures or publications (which may be obtained from the local office of the Social Security Administration).

(3) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 301.6011–2(b)(3).

(c) Exceptions —(1) Low-volume fil- ers/250-threshold —(i) In general. No person is required to file information returns on magnetic media unless the

person is required to file 250 or more returns during the calendar year. Persons filing fewer than 250 returns during the calendar year may make the returns on the prescribed paper form, or, alternatively, such persons may make returns on magnetic media in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

(ii) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 301.6011– 2(c)(1)(ii).

(iii) No aggregation. Each type of information return described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section is considered a separate return for purposes of this paragraph (c)(1). Therefore, the 250-threshold applies separately to each type of form required to be filed.

(iv) Examples. The provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section are illustrated by the following examples:

Example 1. For the calendar year ending December 31, 1996, Company X is required to file 200 returns on Form 1099–INT and 350 returns on Form 1099–MISC. Company X is not required to file Forms 1099–INT on magnetic media but is required to file Forms 1099–MISC on magnetic media.

Example 2. During the calendar year ending December 31, 1996, Company Y has 275 employees in Puerto Rico and 50 employees in American Samoa. Company Y is required to file Forms 499R–2/W–2PR on magnetic media but is not required to file Forms W–2AS on magnetic media.

Example 3. For the calendar year ending December 31, 1996, Company Z files 300 original returns on Form 1099–DIV and later files 70 corrected returns on Form 1099–DIV. Company Z is required to file the original returns on magnetic media. However, Company Z is not required to file the corrected returns on magnetic media because the corrected returns fall under the 250threshold. See § 301.6721–1(a)(2)(ii).

(2) Waiver. (i) The Commissioner may waive the requirements of this section if hardship is shown in a request

for waiver filed in accordance with this paragraph (c)(2)(i). The principal factor in determining hardship will be the amount, if any, by which the cost of filing the information returns in accordance with this section exceeds the cost of filing the returns on other media. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an employer is required to make a final return on Form 941, or a variation thereof, and expedited filing of Forms W–2, Forms 499R–2/W–2PR, Forms W–2VI, Forms W–2GU, or Form W–2AS is required, the unavailability of the specifications for magnetic media filing will be treated as creating a hardship. See § 31.6071(a)–1(a)(3)(ii). A request for waiver must be made in accordance with applicable revenue procedures or publications. See § 601.601(d)(2)(ii)( b ) of this chapter. Pursuant to these procedures, a request for waiver should be filed at least 45 days before the due date of the information return in order for the Service to have adequate time to respond to the request for waiver. The waiver will specify the type of information return and the period to which it applies and will be subject to such terms and conditions regarding the method of reporting as may be prescribed by the Commissioner.

(ii) The Commissioner may prescribe rules that supplement the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.

(c)(3) and (4) [Reserved]. For further guidance, see § 301.6011–2(c)(3) and (4).

(d) and (e) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 301.6011–2(d) and (e).

(f) Failure to file. If a person fails to

file an information return on magnetic media when required to do so by this section, the person is deemed to have failed to file the return. In addition, if a person making returns on a paper form under paragraph (c) of this section fails to file a return on machine-readable paper form when required to do so by this section, the person is deemed to have failed to file the return. See sections 6652, 6693, and 6721 for penalties for failure to file certain returns. See also section 6724 and the regulations under section 6721 for the specific rules and limitations regarding the penalty imposed under section 6721 for failure to file on magnetic media.

(g) Effective date. (1) [Reserved] For further guidance, see § 301.6011– 2(g)(1). (2) Paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1) and (2), (c)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv), (c)(2), and (f) of this section are effective for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1996. For information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1989, and before January 1, 1997, see section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code and § 301.6011–2.

Margaret Milner Richardson, Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

Approved September 10, 1996.

Donald C. Lubick, Acting Assistant Secretary

of the Treasury.

(Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on October 9, 1996, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for October 10, 1996, 61 F.R. 53058)