PLR 200919018: Foreign entity received more time to elect disregarded status

Plain-English summary

A foreign entity wholly owned by a domestic entity intended to elect disregarded-entity treatment from a specified date, but it did not timely file the election. It asked for an extension under the section 301.9100 regulations. Based on the submitted information and representations, the IRS concluded that the entity acted reasonably and in good faith and that relief would not prejudice the government. It granted 60 days to file Form 8832 with the proper service center and make the election effective on the requested date.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Could the foreign entity receive additional time to elect disregarded-entity status?
• Outcome: Approved: the entity received a 60-day extension to file Form 8832.
• Key authorities: Treas. Reg. §§ 301.7701-2, 301.7701-3, 301.9100-1, 301.9100-3.

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224
Number: 200919018
Release Date: 5/8/2009

Third Party Communication: None
Index Number: 7701.00-00, 9100.00-00,
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
9100.31-00
Person To Contact:
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CC:PSI:B02
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PLR-137343-08
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Date:
December 17, 2008

Legend

X = -----------------------------------------
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Y = ------------------------------------------
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Country = ---------------------

State = -------------

Date1 =------------------------

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

Date3 = -----------------------

Dear ----------------:

This responds to a letter dated August 20, 2008, submitted on behalf of X, requesting an extension of time under § 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations for X to file an entity classification election.

The information submitted states that X was formed under the laws of Country on Date1. X is wholly owned by Y, which was formed under the laws of State on Date2. X represents that X is a foreign entity eligible to elect to be treated as a disregarded entity
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for federal tax purposes. X intended to elect to be treated as a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes, effective on Date3. The election, however, was not timely filed.

Section 301.7701-3(a) provides that a business entity that is not classified as a corporation under § 301.7701-2(b)(1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) (an eligible entity) can elect its classification for federal tax purposes. Elections are necessary only when an eligible entity does not want to be classified under the default classification or when an eligible entity chooses to change its classification.

Section 301.7701-3(b)(2)(i) provides that, except for certain existing entities described in § 301.7701-3(b)(3), unless a foreign eligible entity elects otherwise, the entity is: (A) a partnership if it has two or more members and at least one member does not have limited liability; (B) an association if all members have limited liability; or (C) disregarded as an entity separate from its owner if it has a single member that does not have limited liability.

Section 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i) provides that an eligible entity may elect to be classified other than as provided under § 301.7701-(3)(b) by filing Form 8832 with the appropriate service center. Under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(iii), this election will be effective on the date specified by the entity on Form 8832 or on the date filed if no such date is specified. The date specified on Form 8832 cannot be more than 75 days prior to the date on which the election is filed.

Section 301.9100-1(c) provides that the Commissioner may grant a reasonable extension of time to make a regulatory election, or a statutory election (but no more than 6 months except in the case of a taxpayer who is abroad), under all subtitles of the Internal Revenue Code except subtitles E, G, H, and I. Section 301.9100-1(b) provides that the term “regulatory election” includes an election whose due date is prescribed by a regulation published in the Federal Register.

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 the election. Section 301.9100-2 provides the rules governing automatic extensions of time for making certain elections. Section 301.9100-3 provides the standards the Commissioner will use to determine whether to grant an extension of time for regulatory elections that do not meet the requirements of § 301.9100-2. Under § 301.9100-3, a request for relief will be granted when the taxpayer provides evidence to establish to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that (1) the taxpayer acted reasonably and in good faith, and (2) granting relief will not prejudice the interests of the government.

Based solely on the information submitted and the representations made, we conclude that the requirements of §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 have been satisfied. As a result, X is granted an extension of time of 60 days from the date of this letter to file a Form 8832 with the appropriate service center and elect to be treated as a
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disregarded entity for federal tax purposes, effective Date3. A copy of this letter should be attached to the Form 8832. A copy is enclosed for that purpose.

Except as specifically set forth above, no opinion is expressed concerning the federal tax consequences of the facts described above under any other provision of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

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.

In accordance with the power of attorney on file with this office, a copy of this letter is being sent to X’s authorized representative.

Sincerely,

Curt G. Wilson
Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)

Enclosures (2):
Copy of this letter
Copy for § 6110 purposes

cc: