PLR 200628013: Corporate group gets more time to elect consolidated filing

Plain-English summary

A corporate group had filed returns as though it had elected consolidated filing, but had not made a valid election on time. The IRS found that the common parent reasonably relied on a qualified tax professional who failed to make or recommend the election, and that relief would not prejudice the government. It gave the group 60 days from the letter to file a consolidated return for the relevant year with the required consent forms. Relief depended on the group actually qualifying to file a consolidated return and on its aggregate tax liability not being lower than if it had elected on time. The IRS left the group's substantive eligibility and tax liability for examination.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Could the group make a late election to file a consolidated federal income tax return?
• Outcome: Approved, with 60 days to file and conditions on eligibility and tax liability.
• Key authorities: Treas. Reg. §§ 1.1502-75(a)(1) and 301.9100-3.

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224
Number: 200628013
Third Party Communication: None
Release Date: 7/14/2006
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
Index Number: 9100.20-00
Person To Contact:
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Telephone Number:
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Refer Reply To:
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CC:CORP:B05
PLR-160176-05
Date:
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March 27, 2006

LEGEND

Taxpayer = --------------------------------------------
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Date1 = -------

Date2 = ---------------------------

Tax Professional = --------------------------
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Company Official = -------------------
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Dear --------------:

This letter responds to a letter dated November 30, 2005, requesting on behalf of Taxpayer an extension of time under §§ 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations to file an election. The extension is being requested for Taxpayer to file an election under § 1.1502-75(a)(1) of the Income Tax Regulations to file a consolidated Federal income tax return with its includible

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subsidiaries (the “Election”) for the Date1 tax year. The material information submitted for consideration is summarized below.

Taxpayer was the common parent of an affiliated group (“Taxpayer Group”) for the entire Date1 tax year. An election for Taxpayer Group to file a consolidated return for the Date1 tax year was due not later than the last day prescribed by law (including extensions of time) for the filing of Taxpayer’s return. However, a valid election was not timely filed. Notwithstanding this failure, Taxpayer and the members of its affiliated group have filed tax returns for the Date1 tax year and all subsequent years as if a valid election had been filed. The period of assessments under § 6501(a) has not expired and will not expire until at least Date2 for Taxpayer or any member of Taxpayer Group for the Date1 tax year or any subsequent year.

Section 1.1502-75(a)(1) provides that a group which did not file a consolidated return for the immediately preceding tax year may file a consolidated return in lieu of separate returns for the tax year, provided that each corporation which has been a member of the group during any part of the of the tax year for which the consolidated return is to be filed consents to the regulations under § 1502. If a group wishes to exercise its privilege of filing a consolidated return, such consolidated return must be filed not later than the last day prescribed by law (including extensions of time) for filing the common parent’s return.

Under § 301.9100-1(c), the Commissioner has discretion to grant a reasonable extension of time to make a regulatory election, or a statutory election (but no more than six months except in the case of a taxpayer who is abroad), under all subtitles of the Code except subtitles E, G, H, and I.

Section 301.9100-1(b) defines the term “regulatory election” as including an election whose due date is prescribed by a regulation, revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or announcement. Sections 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 provide the standards the Commissioner will use to determine whether to grant an extension of time to make a regulatory election. Section 301.9100-1(a). Section 301.9100-2 provides automatic extensions of time for making certain elections. Section 301.9100-3 provides extensions of time for making regulatory elections that do not meet the requirements of § 301.9100-2. Requests for relief under § 301.9100-3 will be granted when the taxpayer provides evidence to establish that the taxpayer acted reasonably and in good faith, and that granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government. Section 301.9100-3(a).

In this case, the time for filing the Election is fixed by the regulations (i.e.
§1.1502-75(a)(1)). Therefore, the Commissioner has discretionary authority under
§ 301.9100-3 to grant an extension of time for Taxpayer Group to file the election, provided Taxpayer establishes that it acted reasonably and in good faith, the

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requirements of §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 are satisfied, and granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government.

Information, affidavits, and representations submitted by Taxpayer, Tax Professional, and Company Official explain the circumstances that resulted in the failure to timely file the Election. The information establishes that Taxpayer reasonably relied on a qualified tax professional who failed to make, or advise Taxpayer to make, the Election and that the interests of the Government will not be prejudiced if relief is granted. Also, the information submitted indicates that the present request for relief (dated November 30, 2005) was submitted before the failure to make the Election was discovered by the Service. See §§ 301.9100-3(b)(1)(i) and (v).

Based on the facts and information submitted, including the affidavits submitted and the representations that have been made, we conclude that Taxpayer has established that it acted reasonably and in good faith in failing to timely file the Election, the requirements of §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 are satisfied, and granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government. Accordingly, provided Taxpayer Group qualifies substantively to file a consolidated return for the applicable tax year, we grant an extension of time under § 301.9100-3, until sixty (60) days from the date on this letter, for Taxpayer Group to file the Election by filing a consolidated return for the tax year ending Date1 and attaching the required Forms 1122.

The above extension of time is conditioned on Taxpayer Group’s tax liability, if any, not being lower in the aggregate for all years to which the Election applies, than it would have been if the Election had been made timely (taking into account the time value of money). No opinion is expressed as to Taxpayer’s consolidated group’s tax liability for the year involved. A determination thereof will be made upon audit of the Federal income tax returns involved. Further, no opinion is expressed as to the Federal income tax effect, if any, if it is determined that Taxpayer’s consolidated group’s liability is lower. Section 301.9100-3(c).

We express no opinion with respect to whether Taxpayer Group qualifies substantively to file a consolidated return. In addition, no opinion is expressed as to the tax effects or consequences of filing the Election late under the provisions of any other section of the Code or regulations, or as to the tax treatment of any conditions existing at the time of, or resulting from filing the Election late that are not specifically set forth in the above ruling. For purposes of granting relief under § 301.9100-3, we relied on certain statements and representations made by Taxpayer and/or its representatives. However, all essential facts must be verified. In addition, notwithstanding that an extension is granted under § 301.9100-3 to file the Election, penalties and interest that would otherwise be applicable, if any, continue to apply.

This ruling letter is directed only to the taxpayer who requested it. Section 6110(k)(3) provides that that it may not be used or cited as precedent.

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A copy of this letter must be attached to any income tax return to which it is relevant. Alternatively, if Taxpayer Group files electronically, Taxpayer Group may satisfy this requirement by attaching a statement to the return that provides the date and control number of this letter ruling.

Pursuant to a power of attorney on file in this office, a copy of this letter is being sent to your authorized representative.

Sincerely,

_Kenneth E. Cohen___
Kenneth E. Cohen
Senior Technician Reviewer, Branch 3
Office of Associate Chief Counsel
(Corporate-)