PLR 200921005: Foreign entity received relief after an unsigned partnership election

Plain-English summary

A foreign eligible entity intended to elect partnership classification from a specified date. It filed Form 8832, but the form lacked all required signatures. The IRS concluded from the submitted information and representations that the entity satisfied the standards for regulatory-election relief. It granted 60 days from the ruling date to file a complete Form 8832 and elect partnership treatment effective on the intended date. The ruling did not address any other federal tax consequences.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Could the foreign entity cure an entity-classification election that lacked required signatures?
• Outcome: Approved: the entity received 60 days to file a complete Form 8832.
• Key authorities: Treas. Reg. §§ 301.7701-2, 301.7701-3, 301.9100-1 through -3.

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224
Number: 200921005
Release Date: 5/22/2009

Third Party Communication: None
Index Number: 7701.02-00, 9100.00-00,
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
9100.31-00
Person To Contact:
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Telephone Number:
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Refer Reply To:
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CC:PSI:B02
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PLR-135176-08
Date:
January 29, 2009

Legend

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

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

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

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

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

This responds to a letter dated August 11, 2008, and subsequent correspondence, 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 represents that X is a foreign entity eligible to elect to be treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes. X intended to elect to be treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes, effective on Date2. On Date3, X filed a Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, electing to be treated as a partnership. The election, however, did not contain all of the required signatures.
PLR-135176-08
2

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 partnership for federal tax purposes, effective Date2. A copy of this letter should be attached to the Form 8832. A copy is enclosed for that purpose.
PLR-135176-08
3

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 your authorized representative.

Sincerely,

Curt G. Wilson
Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)
Enclosures (2):
Copy of this letter
Copy for § 6110 purposes

cc: