GIFT TAX

REG–110896–98, page 1226. Proposed regulations under section 664(b) of the Code concern the characterization of distributions from charitable remainder trusts. The proposed regulations reflect changes made to income tax rates, including the rates applicable to capital gains and certain dividends, by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. A public hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2004.