PLR 200302039: Late S corporation election granted reasonable cause relief

Plain-English summary

A corporation's shareholders intended S corporation treatment from the date it was incorporated, but the election was filed late. The IRS found reasonable cause for the missed deadline and granted relief under section 1362(b)(5). Subject to the corporation otherwise qualifying, it would be recognized as an S corporation from the intended effective date. The corporation had to send an original Form 2553 and a copy of the ruling to the Service Center within 60 days.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: May the corporation's late S election be treated as timely from its intended effective date?
• Outcome: Approved, subject to qualification and filing the required form and ruling copy.
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 1362(a), 1362(b), 1362(b)(5).

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury

Number: 200302039
Washington, DC 20224
Release Date: 01/10/2003
Index Number: 1362.01-03 Person to Contact:

Telephone Number:

Refer Reply To:
CC:PSI:B01-PLR-150567-02
Date:
Oct 4 2002

Legend:

X
=

State 1 =

Date 1 =

Dear

This private letter ruling responds to your request, dated July 26, 2002, on behalf of X, for a written determination granting relief under section 1362(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Facts

X was incorporated under the laws of State 1 on Date 1. The shareholders of X intended that X elect to be treated as a S corporation effective Date 1. However, the election to be treated as a S corporation was not timely filed.

Law and Analysis

Section 1362(a) of the Code provides that a small business corporation can elect to be treated as an S corporation.

Section 1362(b) of the Code provides guidance on when the S election becomes effective. If an S election is made within the first two and one-half months of a corporation’s taxable year, then that corporation will be treated as an S corporation for the year in which the election was made. If the corporation makes an election after the

2

first two and one-half months of a corporation’s taxable year, then the corporation will generally not be treated as an S corporation until the following taxable year.

Section 1362(b)(5) of the Code provides that if no election is made pursuant to section 1362(a), or if the election is made after the date prescribed for making such an election, and the Secretary determined reasonable cause existed for the failure to timely make the election, then the Secretary can treat such an election as being timely made for that taxable year and effective as of the first day of that taxable year.

X did not file a timely election to be treated as a S corporation under section 1362(a). X has, however, established reasonable cause for not making a timely S election. Therefore, X is entitled to relief under section 13623(b)(5).

Conclusion

Based solely on the facts submitted and representations made, and provided that X otherwise qualifies as a subchapter S corporation, we conclude that X will be recognized as an S corporation effective Date 1. An original Form 2553 along with a copy of this letter must be forwarded to the relevant Service Center within sixty (60) days from the date of this letter.

Except as expressly provided herein, no opinion is expressed or implied concerning the tax consequences of any aspect of any transaction or item discussed or referenced in this letter.

This ruling is directed only to the taxpayer(s) requesting it. Section 6110(k)(3) of the Code provides that it may not be used or cited as precedent.

Pursuant to the Power of Attorney on file with this office, we will send a copy of this ruling to the taxpayer.

Sincerely,

/s/ Dianna K. Miosi

Dianna K. Miosi Chief, Branch 1
Office of Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)

Enclosures (2)
Copy of this letter
Copy for section 6110 purposes