HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE

These synopses are intended only as aids to the reader in identifying the subject matter covered. They may not be relied upon as authoritative interpretations.

INCOME TAX

Rev. Proc. 2011–16, page 440. This procedure provides a safe harbor to real estate investment trusts (REITs) with respect to how interest on certain loans secured by real estate that have been modified in response to default or reasonably foreseeable default will be treated for purposes of the income tests under sections 856(c)(2) and (3) of the Code. This procedure also provides a safe harbor regarding the treatment of certain mortgage loans for purposes of the 75 percent asset test under section 856(c)(4)(A).

Rev. Proc. 2011–17, page 441. This procedure allows a retailer that issues gift cards in exchange for returned goods to treat the transactions as (1) the payment of a cash refund in the amount of the gift card, and (2) the sale of a gift card in the amount of the gift card. Rev. Proc. 2008–52 modified.

Rev. Proc. 2011–18, page 443. This procedure allows taxpayers to defer recognizing in gross income advance payments received from the sale of gift cards that are redeemable for goods or services of the taxpayer or a third party. Rev. Proc. 2004–34 modified and clarified.

EMPLOYEE PLANS

Notice 2011–7, page 437. Weighted average interest rate update; corporate bond indices; 30-year Treasury securities; segment rates. This notice contains updates for the corporate bond weighted average interest rate for plan years beginning in January 2011; the 24-month average segment rates; the funding transitional segment rates applicable for January 2011; and the minimum present value transitional rates for December 2010.

Finding Lists begin on page ii. Index for January begins on page iv.