Definition of Terms

Revenue rulings and revenue procedures (hereinafter referred to as “rulings”) that have an effect on previous rulings use the following defined terms to describe the ­effect:

Amplified describes a situation where no change is being made in a prior published position, but the prior position is being extended to apply to a variation of the fact situation set forth therein. Thus, if an earlier ruling held that a principle applied to A, and the new ruling holds that the same principle also applies to B, the earlier ruling is amplified. (Compare with modified, below).

Clarified is used in those instances where the language in a prior ruling is being made clear because the language has caused, or may cause, some confusion. It is not used where a position in a prior ruling is being changed.

Distinguished describes a situation where a ruling mentions a previously published ruling and points out an essential difference between them.

new ruling does more than restate the substance of a prior ruling, a combination of terms is used. For example, modified and superseded describes a situation where the substance of a previously published ruling is being changed in part and is continued without change in part and it is desired to restate the valid portion of the previously published ruling in a new ruling that is self contained. In this case, the previously published ruling is first modified and then, as modified, is superseded.

Supplemented is used in situations in which a list, such as a list of the names of countries, is published in a ruling and that list is expanded by adding further names in subsequent rulings. After the original ruling has been supplemented several times, a new ruling may be published that includes the list in the original ruling and the additions, and supersedes all prior rulings in the series.

where a ruling mentions a previously pub- the 1986 Code and regulations the same Suspended is used in rare situations lished ruling and points out an essential position published under the 1939 Code to show that the previous published ruldifference between them. and regulations. The term is also used ings will not be applied pending some

Modified is used where the substance when it is desired to republish in a single future action such as the issuance of new of a previously published position is being ruling a series of situations, names, etc., or amended regulations, the outcome of changed. Thus, if a prior ruling held that a that were previously published over a cases in litigation, or the outcome of a principle applied to A but not to B, and the period of time in separate rulings. If the Service study.