Assessment clock runs after waiver despite bankruptcy tolling

Plain-English summary

Chief Counsel addressed how section 6213(f) affects the assessment deadline in two bankruptcy situations. If a taxpayer waives assessment restrictions during the tolled period, the assessment clock begins running and the additional 60 days under section 6213(f) should not be added. Counsel also advised that section 6213(f) does not apply when no bankruptcy stay prevents a Tax Court petition. In that circumstance, the Tax Court retains jurisdiction because the debtor is not prohibited from filing.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: How does section 6213(f) affect the assessment deadline after a waiver or when no bankruptcy stay applies?
• Outcome: A waiver starts the assessment clock, and section 6213(f) does not apply when no stay bars a Tax Court petition
• Key authorities: IRC § 6213(f); Bankruptcy Code § 362(c)(4)

Full text (IRS public release)

ID: CCA_2015122909423547
UILC: 6213.09-00

Number: 201602011
Release Date: 1/8/2016
From:
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2015 9:42:35 AM
To:
Cc:
Bcc:
Subject: RE: Response Received IRC 6213(f) calculation question

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(1) Your first inquiry asks about the effect of 6213(f) on the ASED when a taxpayer has consented to
assessment during the 6213(f) tolled period.

When a taxpayer waives the restrictions on assessment during the 6213(f) period, it is no different than
when a taxpayer gets a notice of deficiency and then immediately signs a waiver and consents to
assessment and then files a petition. Once the assessment restriction period is waived, the clock to
assess starts to run despite the case being in Tax Court. Similarly, the clock to assess would start to run
when the taxpayer has consented to assessment during the 6213(f) tolled period and you should not
add the 60 days of 6213(f).

(2) Your second inquiry relates to the process for computing the ASED when there is no stay applicable
due to B.C. section 362(c)(4).

6213(f) only applies when the debtor is prohibited by reason of the bankruptcy case from filing a
petition in the Tax Court. In this situation, the Tax Court would have jurisdiction because there is no stay
and 6213(f) would not apply.

Are these inquiries general questions for the purpose of training materials or are they questions coming
as the result of actual cases?

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

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