PLR 201231009: IRS grants more time to elect corporate tax classification

Plain-English summary

A business entity asked for more time to file Form 8832 and elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes. The IRS concluded that the entity acted reasonably and in good faith and that granting relief would not prejudice the government's interests. It granted the entity an additional 120 days from the date of the letter to make the election effective on a redacted date. The entity must file a properly executed Form 8832 with the appropriate service center and attach a copy of the ruling.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Should the entity receive an extension of time to make a federal entity-classification election?
• Outcome: Approved
• Key authorities: Treas. Reg. §§ 301.7701-3 and 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3.

Full text (IRS public release)

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224

Number: 201231009
Third Party Communication: None
Release Date: 8/3/2012
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
Index Numbers: 7701.00-00, 9100.31-00
Person To Contact:
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Refer Reply To:
CC:PSI:B01
PLR-148773-11
Date:
May 03, 2012

LEGEND

X = ---------------------------
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D = ----------------------

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

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

This responds to a letter dated November 23, 2011, submitted on behalf of X, requesting an extension of time under § 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations to file an election under § 301.7701-3(c) to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes.

FACTS

According to the information submitted, X was formed under the laws of State. X intended to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes effective D. However, X failed to timely file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, to be treated as a corporation for federal tax purposes.

LAW AND ANALYSIS

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. Section 301.7701-3(b)(1)(ii) provides that unless the entity elects otherwise, a domestic eligible entity with a single owner is
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disregarded as an entity separate from its owner.

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 service center designated on the form. Section 301.7701-3(c)(1)(iii) provides that an election made under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i) will be effective on the date specified by the entity on Form 8832, or on the date filed if no such date is specified on the election form. The effective date specified on Form 8832 can not be more than 75 days prior to the date on which the election is filed and can not be more than 12 months after the date on which the election is filed.

Section 301.7701-3(c)(2)(i) provides that such an election must be signed by either (A) each member of the electing entity who is an owner at the time the election is filed; or (B) any officer, manager, or member of the electing entity who is authorized (under local law or the entity’s organization documents) to make the election and who represents to having such authorization under penalties of perjury. Section 301.7701- 3(c)(2)(ii) provides that if an election is to have a retroactive effective date, each person who was an owner between the date the election is to be effective and the date the election is filed, and who is not an owner at the time the election is filed, must also sign the election.

Under § 301.9100-1(c), the Commissioner may 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 Internal Revenue 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 published in the Federal Register.

Sections 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 provide the standards that the Commissioner will use to determine whether to grant an extension of time to make an election. Section 301.9100-1(a). Section 301.9100-2 provides automatic extensions of time for making certain elections. Section 301.9100-3 provides rules for requesting extensions of time for 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 interest of the government. Section 301.9100- 3(a).

CONCLUSION

Based solely on the facts submitted and the representations made, we conclude that the requirements of § 301.9100-3 have been satisfied. As a result, X is granted an
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extension of time of 120 days from the date of this letter to make an election to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for federal tax purposes effective D. X should make the election by filing a properly executed Form 8832 with the appropriate service center. A copy of this letter should be attached to the form.

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.

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.

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,

Laura C. Fields _
Laura C. Fields
Senior Technician Reviewer
Branch 1
Office of Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs & Special Industries)

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