PLR 200905021: Parent received more time to elect recognition of a subsidiary stock loss

Plain-English summary

A corporate parent represented that its investment in a consolidated subsidiary became entirely worthless. It failed to include the regulatory statement needed to elect recognition of some or all of the subsidiary stock loss because it reasonably relied on a qualified tax professional who did not make or recommend the election. The IRS found that the parent acted reasonably and in good faith and that relief would not prejudice the government. It granted 60 days from the ruling date to file the required section 1.337(d)-2T(c) statement. Relief was conditioned on the consolidated group's aggregate tax liability not being lower than it would have been with a timely election, and the IRS expressed no opinion on whether or when the stock became worthless.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Could the consolidated parent receive extra time to file the statement electing recognition of a loss on worthless subsidiary stock?
• Outcome: Approved, with 60 days from the ruling date to file the election, subject to an aggregate-tax-liability condition
• Key authorities: Treas. Reg. §§ 1.337(d)-2T(c) and (g), 301.9100-1, and 301.9100-3

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224

Number: 200905021
Third Party Communication: None
Release Date: 1/30/2009
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
Person To Contact:
Index Number: 337.16-02, 9100.29-00
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Telephone Number:
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Refer Reply To:
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PLR-133290-08
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Date:
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October 16, 2008
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Legend

Parent = ----------------------------
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Sub = ------------------------------------------------------
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State A = -------------

Date 1 = --------------------

Date 2 = --------------------------

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

This letter responds to a letter dated July 25, 2008, submitted on behalf of Parent, requesting an extension of time under §§ 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 of the

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Procedure and Administration Regulations to file an election. The extension is being requested in order to allow Parent to file a “§ 1.337(d)-2T(c) statement” under
§ 1.337(d)-2T(c)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Election”) to recognize some or all of a loss upon the disposition of stock of a subsidiary. Citations in this letter to regulation § 1.337(d)-2T are to the regulation in effect on Date 1. The material information submitted for consideration is summarized below.

Parent, a State A corporation, is the common parent of a consolidated group filing a consolidated Federal income tax return on a calendar year basis. Sub was included on Parent's consolidated return for the taxable year ended Date 2. On Date 1 (which is in the taxable year ended Date 2), Parent's investment in Sub became entirely worthless.

An election under § 1.337(d)-2T(c) to recognize some or all of a loss upon the disposition of the stock of a subsidiary was required to be filed with or as part of Parent's income tax return for the tax year ended the date of its disposition, Date 2. However, for various reasons, the Election was not filed. Subsequently, this request was submitted, under § 301.9100-3, for an extension of time to file a valid election.

Section 1.337(d)-2T(a)(1) provides that no deduction is allowed for any loss recognized by a member of a consolidated group with respect to the disposition of stock of a subsidiary.

Section 1.337(d)-2T(a)(2)(ii) provides that a disposition means any event in which gain or loss is recognized in whole or in part.

Section 1.337(d)-2T(c)(1) provides that § 1.337(d)-2T(c) applies with respect to stock of a subsidiary only if a separate statement entitled “§ 1.337(d)-2T(c) statement” is included with the return in accordance with § 1.337(d)-2T(c)(3).

Section 1.337(d)-2T(c)(2) provides that loss is not disallowed under § 1.337(d)-2T(a)(1) to the extent the taxpayer establishes that the loss is not attributable to the recognition of built-in gain on the disposition of an asset (including stock and securities).

Section 1.337(d)-2T(c)(3) provides that the statement required under § 1.337(d)- 2T(c)(1) must be included with or as part of the taxpayer's return for the year of the disposition.

In general, § 1.337(d)-2T applies with respect to dispositions and deconsolidations on or after March 7, 2002 and before March 3, 2005. If loss is recognized because stock of a subsidiary became worthless, the disposition with respect to the stock is treated as occurring on the date the stock became worthless. Section 1.337(d)-2T(g).

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

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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 an election whose due date is prescribed by a regulation published in the Federal Register, or a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or announcement published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. 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 it is established 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., § 1.337(d)- 2T(c)(3)). Therefore, the Commissioner has discretionary authority under § 301.9100-3 to grant an extension of time for Parent to file the Election, provided Parent establishes that it acted reasonably and in good faith, that the requirements of §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 are satisfied, and that granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government.

Information, affidavits, and representations submitted by Parent, Company Official, and Tax Professional explain the circumstances that resulted in the failure to timely file the Election. The information establishes that Parent reasonably relied on a qualified tax professional who failed to make, or advise Parent to make, the Election. See
§ 301.9100-3(b)(1)(v).

Based on the facts and information submitted, including the affidavits submitted and the representations that have been made, we conclude that Parent has shown that it acted reasonably and in good faith in failing to timely file the Election, that the requirements of
§§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 are satisfied, and that granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government. Accordingly, an extension of time is granted under
§ 301.9100-3, until 60 days from the date on this letter, for Parent to file the Election.

The Election statement should be entitled “§ 1.337(d)-2T(c) STATEMENT” and must include all the material specified by § 1.337(d)-2T(c)(3).

The Election is to be filed with the Director who has jurisdiction over Parent's return within the time period specified above. A copy of this letter must be attached to the Election.

The above extension of time is conditioned on Parent's consolidated group's tax liability, if any, being not lower, in the aggregate, for all years to which the Election applies, than

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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 Parent's consolidated group's tax liability for the years involved. A determination thereof will be made by the Director's office 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 the taxpayers' tax liability is lower. Section 301.9100-3(c).

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. In particular, we express no opinion as to whether or when Sub's stock did become worthless. In addition, we express no opinion 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 effects resulting from, filing the return or 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 information and affidavits provided by Parent, Company Official, and Tax Professional under penalties of perjury. However, the Director should verify all essential facts. Moreover, notwithstanding that an extension is granted under § 301.9100-3 to file the Election, any penalties and interest that would otherwise be applicable still apply.

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Ken Cohen
Senior Technician Reviewer, Branch 3
Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate)

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