PLR 201133009: Taxpayer granted more time to elect deductions for drilling costs

Plain-English summary

The IRS granted a taxpayer an extension of time to make an election under section 263(c) to deduct intangible drilling and development costs. The taxpayer had not made the election on time and provided representations explaining the delay. The IRS concluded that the taxpayer acted reasonably and in good faith and that granting relief would not prejudice the government. The extension runs until 60 days after the date of the ruling.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: May the taxpayer make a late section 263(c) election after receiving relief under section 301.9100-3?
• Outcome: Approved
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 263(c), 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3, and 6110; Treas. Reg. § 1.612-4.

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224

Number: 201133009
Third Party Communication: None
Release Date: 8/19/2011
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
Index Number: 263.02-01, 9100.00-00
Person To Contact:
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------------------------, ID No. ----------
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Telephone Number:
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Refer Reply To:
CC:PSI:06
PLR-151172-10
Date:
May 18, 2011

LEGEND:

Taxpayer = -----------------------------
-------------------------
Date = --------------------------

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

This letter responds to a letter dated -------------------------, requesting an extension of time pursuant to § 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations for Taxpayer to make an election under § 263(c) of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxable year ending Date.

According to the information submitted, Taxpayer did not timely make the election under § 263(c) for the taxable year ending Date. Taxpayer has made representations explaining why the election under § 263(c) was not timely filed.

Section 263(c) allows a taxpayer an election, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to deduct intangible drilling and development costs (IDC). Those regulations are set forth in § 1.612-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

Under § 1.612-4(d), a taxpayer may exercise the election to expense IDC by claiming IDC as a deduction on the taxpayer's return for the first taxable year in which the taxpayer pays or incurs such costs. No formal statement is necessary, but if the taxpayer fails to deduct the IDC, the taxpayer is deemed to have elected to recover such costs through depletion to the extent that they are not represented by physical property and through depreciation to the extent that they are represented by physical property.

Under § 301.9100-1, the Commissioner has discretion to grant a reasonable extension of time under the rules set forth in §§ 301.9100-2 and 301.9100-3 to make a regulatory election or a statutory election (but not 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.

Sections 301.9100-2 and 301.9100-3 provide the standards the Commissioner will use to determine whether to grant an extension of time to make an election under § 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 elections that do not meet the requirements of § 301.9100-2.

Section 301.9100-3(a) provides that requests for relief under § 301.9100-3 will be granted when the taxpayer provides evidence to establish to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the taxpayer acted reasonably and in good faith, and the grant of relief will not prejudice the interests of the Government.

Based solely on the facts and representations submitted, we conclude that the requirements of § 301.9100-3 have been satisfied with respect to the taxable year ending Date. Accordingly, an extension of time is hereby granted, until 60 days from the date of this ruling, for Taxpayer to make an election under § 263(c) for the taxable year ending Date.

Except as specifically set forth above, we express or imply no opinion concerning the federal income tax consequences of any aspect of any transaction or item discussed or referenced in this letter. Specifically, we express or imply no opinion concerning whether Taxpayer owns working interests in oil and gas properties or whether any costs paid or incurred by Taxpayer qualify as IDC under § 263(c) and § 1.612-4.

The rulings contained in this letter are based upon information and representations submitted by the taxpayer and accompanied by a penalty of perjury statement executed by an appropriate party. While this office has not verified any of the material submitted in support of the request for rulings, it is subject to verification on examination.

In accordance with the power of attorney, we are sending copies of this letter to Taxpayer’s authorized representatives. We also are sending a copy of this letter to the appropriate Industry Director, LB&I. A copy of this ruling 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.

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

Sincerely,

Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)

By: ____
Brenda M. Stewart
Senior Counsel, Branch 6
Office of Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)

Enclosures (2):
copy of this letter
copy for section 6110 purposes