9100 relief to make a late check-the-box election for a foreign entity to be a partnership
Plain-English summary
A foreign business entity wanted to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
tax purposes. To choose that classification, an eligible entity files a
"check-the-box" election on Form 8832 under Treasury Regulation 301.7701-3. The
company intended to be a partnership as of a specific date but did not file Form
8832 on time. It asked the IRS for an extension of time (9100 relief) under
Treasury Regulation 301.9100-3, which the IRS grants when a taxpayer acted
reasonably and in good faith and relief will not prejudice the government. Based
on the company's representations, the IRS granted 120 days from the date of the
letter to file Form 8832 effective the intended date. The relief is conditioned
on the company and its owners filing all consistent returns (including Forms
8865 for certain foreign partnerships). The IRS did not decide whether the
entity is otherwise eligible to make the election.
Ruling snapshot
- Question: Should the foreign entity get an extension of time under Treas. Reg. § 301.9100-3 to make a late Form 8832 election to be classified as a partnership?
- Outcome: Approved (120 days to file Form 8832, effective the intended date)
- Key authorities: Treas. Reg. § 301.7701-3(a), (b), (c); § 301.9100-1 through § 301.9100-3
Full text (IRS public release)
Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224
Number: 202628006
Release Date: 7/10/2026
Index Numbers: 7701.00-00, 9100.31-00
Third Party Communication: None
Date of Communication: Not Applicable
Person To Contact:
----------------------------, ID No. --------------
Telephone Number:
Refer Reply To:
CC:PTE:B03
PLR-119690-25
April 14, 2026
LEGEND
Company = ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Country = ----------------------
Date 1 = ------------------
Date 2 = ----------------------
Dear -----------:
This letter responds to a letter dated November 12, 2025, and subsequent correspondence, submitted by Company requesting an extension of time under §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations for Company to file an election under § 301.7701-3 to be classified as a partnership for federal tax purposes.
FACTS
According to the information submitted, Company was formed as an association under the laws of Country on Date 1. Company intended to be classified as a partnership for federal tax purposes effective Date 2. However, Company failed to timely file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, electing to be classified as a partnership for federal tax purposes effective Date 2.
Company represents that it acted reasonably and in good faith. Further, Company represents that the interests of the government will not be prejudiced for all taxable years affected by the election by granting the relief sought.
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. An eligible entity with at least two members can elect to be classified as either an association (and thus a corporation under § 301.7701-2(b)(2)) or a partnership, and an eligible entity with a single owner can elect to be classified as an association or to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner.
Section 301.7701-3(b)(2)(i) provides that, except as provided in § 301.7701-3(b)(3), unless the entity elects otherwise, a foreign eligible 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 owner that does not have limited liability.
Section 301.7701-3(b)(2)(ii) provides, in part, that for purposes of § 301.7701-3(b)(2)(i), a member of a foreign eligible entity has limited liability if the member has no personal liability for the debts of or claims against the entity by reason of being a member.
Section 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i) provides that except as provided in § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(iv) and (v), an eligible entity may elect to be classified other than as provided under § 301.7701-3(b), or to change its classification, by filing Form 8832 with the service center designated on Form 8832.
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 cannot be more than 75 days prior to the date on which the election is filed and no more than 12 months after the date the election is filed.
Section 301.9100-1(c) provides that the Commissioner may grant a reasonable extension of time under the rules in §§ 301.9100-2 and 301.9100-3 to make a regulatory 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 (Code) except subtitles E, G, H, and I. Section 301.9100-1(b) defines a "regulatory election" to include 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 an 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 the evidence (including affidavits described in § 301.9100-3(e)) 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.
CONCLUSION
Based solely on the facts submitted and representations made, we conclude that Company has satisfied the requirements of §§ 301.9100-1 and 301.9100-3. As a result, Company is granted an extension of time of 120 days from the date of this letter to file Form 8832 with the appropriate service center to be classified as a partnership for federal tax purposes effective Date 2. A copy of this letter should be attached to the Form 8832.
This ruling is contingent on Company and its owners filing, within 120 days from the date of this letter, to the extent necessary or appropriate, all required federal income tax returns and information returns (including amended returns) consistent with the requested relief granted in this letter. These returns include, but are not limited to, Forms 8865, Return of U.S. Persons with Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships, such that these forms reflect the consequences of the relief granted in this letter. A copy of this letter should be attached to any such returns.
We express or imply no opinion concerning the assessment of any interest, additions to tax, additional amounts, or penalties for failure to file a timely income tax or information return with respect to any taxable year that may be affected by this ruling. For example, we express or imply no opinion as to whether a taxpayer is entitled to relief from any penalty on the basis that the taxpayer had reasonable cause for failure to file timely any income tax or information returns.
Except as expressly provided herein, we express or imply no opinion concerning the federal tax consequences of any aspect of any transaction or item discussed or referenced in this letter. In addition, § 301.9100-1(a) provides that the granting of an extension of time for making an election is not a determination that the taxpayer is otherwise eligible to make the election.
The ruling contained in this letter is 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 requested ruling, it is subject to verification on examination.
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 a power of attorney on file with this office, we are sending a copy of this letter to Company's authorized representatives.
Sincerely,
Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs, Trusts, and Estates)
By: ______
Robert D. Alinsky
Branch Chief, Branch 3
Office of the Associate Chief Counsel
(Passthroughs, Trusts, and Estates)
Enclosure:
Copy of this letter for § 6110 purposes