INCOME TAX

Rev. Rul. 2004–43, page 842. Partnership mergers. This ruling describes the application of sections 704(c)(1)(B) and 737 of the Code to assets-over partnership mergers. The ruling holds that section 704(c)(1)(B) applies to newly created section 704(c) gain or loss in property contributed by the transferor partnership to the continuing partnership in an assets-over partnership merger, but does not apply to newly created reverse section 704(c) gain or loss resulting from a revaluation of property in the continuing partnership. The ruling also holds that for purposes of section 737(b), net precontribution gain includes newly created section 704(c) gain or loss in property contributed by the transferor partnership to the continuing partnership in an assets-over partnership merger, but does not include newly created reverse section 704(c) gain or loss resulting from a revaluation of property in the continuing partnership.

REG–106681–02, page 852. Proposed regulations under section 856 of the Code clarify that an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner, a qualified REIT subsidiary, or a qualified subchapter S subsidiary is treated as an entity separate from its owner if the entity is liable for federal taxes. A public hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2004.