Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2015-1

January 2, 2015


Highlights of This Issue

 

These synopses are intended only as aids to the reader in identifying the subject matter covered. They may not be relied upon as authoritative interpretations.

INCOME TAX

Rev. Proc. 2015–7 Rev. Proc. 2015–7

This procedure revises the list of those provisions of the Code under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) relating to matters where the Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters. Rev. Proc. 2014–7 superseded.

EMPLOYEE PLANS

Rev. Proc. 2015–6 Rev. Proc. 2015–6

Revised procedures are provided for issuing determination letters on the qualified status of employee plans under sections 401(a), 403(a), 409 and 4975 of the Code. Rev. Proc. 2014–6 superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2015–8 Rev. Proc. 2015–8

Current guidance for complying with the user fee program of the Service as it pertains to requests for letter rulings, determination letters, etc., on matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Division Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, is provided. Rev. Proc. 2014–8 superseded.

EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

Rev. Proc. 2015–5 Rev. Proc. 2015–5

This revenue procedure sets forth procedures for issuing determination letters on the exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to eligible organizations that submit Form 1023–EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Rev. Proc. 2015–8 Rev. Proc. 2015–8

Current guidance for complying with the user fee program of the Service as it pertains to requests for letter rulings, determination letters, etc., on matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Division Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, is provided. Rev. Proc. 2014–8 superseded.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Rev. Proc. 2015–1 Rev. Proc. 2015–1

This procedure contains revised procedures for letter rulings and information letters issued by the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), Associate Chief Counsel (International), Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). This procedure also contains revised procedures for determination letters issued by the Large Business and International Division, Small Business/Self Employed Division, Wage and Investment Division, and Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. Rev. Proc. 2014–1 superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2015–2 Rev. Proc. 2015–2

This procedure explains when and how the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), Associate Chief Counsel (International), Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) provide technical advice memoranda (TAMs) to a Director or an Appeals Area Director. It also explains the rights that a taxpayer has when a field office requests a TAM regarding a tax matter. Rev. Proc. 2014–2 superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2015–3 Rev. Proc. 2015–3

This revenue procedure provides a revised list of areas of the Code under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) relating to matters on which the Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters. Rev. Proc. 2014–3, 2014–1 I.R.B. 111 is superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2015–4 Rev. Proc. 2015–4

Rulings and information letters; issuance procedures. Revised procedures are provided for furnishing ruling letters, information letters, etc. on matters related to sections of the Code currently under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Division Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities. Rev. Proc. 2014–4 superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2015–7 Rev. Proc. 2015–7

This procedure revises the list of those provisions of the Code under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) relating to matters where the Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters. Rev. Proc. 2014–7 superseded.

Preface

The IRS Mission

Provide America’s taxpayers top-quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.

Introduction

The Internal Revenue Bulletin is the authoritative instrument of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for announcing official rulings and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service and for publishing Treasury Decisions, Executive Orders, Tax Conventions, legislation, court decisions, and other items of general interest. It is published weekly.

It is the policy of the Service to publish in the Bulletin all substantive rulings necessary to promote a uniform application of the tax laws, including all rulings that supersede, revoke, modify, or amend any of those previously published in the Bulletin. All published rulings apply retroactively unless otherwise indicated. Procedures relating solely to matters of internal management are not published; however, statements of internal practices and procedures that affect the rights and duties of taxpayers are published.

Revenue rulings represent the conclusions of the Service on the application of the law to the pivotal facts stated in the revenue ruling. In those based on positions taken in rulings to taxpayers or technical advice to Service field offices, identifying details and information of a confidential nature are deleted to prevent unwarranted invasions of privacy and to comply with statutory requirements.

Rulings and procedures reported in the Bulletin do not have the force and effect of Treasury Department Regulations, but they may be used as precedents. Unpublished rulings will not be relied on, used, or cited as precedents by Service personnel in the disposition of other cases. In applying published rulings and procedures, the effect of subsequent legislation, regulations, court decisions, rulings, and procedures must be considered, and Service personnel and others concerned are cautioned against reaching the same conclusions in other cases unless the facts and circumstances are substantially the same.

The Bulletin is divided into four parts as follows:

Part I.—1986 Code. This part includes rulings and decisions based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Part II.—Treaties and Tax Legislation. This part is divided into two subparts as follows: Subpart A, Tax Conventions and Other Related Items, and Subpart B, Legislation and Related Committee Reports.

Part III.—Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous. To the extent practicable, pertinent cross references to these subjects are contained in the other Parts and Subparts. Also included in this part are Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rulings. Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rulings are issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement).

Part IV.—Items of General Interest. This part includes notices of proposed rulemakings, disbarment and suspension lists, and announcements.

The last Bulletin for each month includes a cumulative index for the matters published during the preceding months. These monthly indexes are cumulated on a semiannual basis, and are published in the last Bulletin of each semiannual period.

Part III. Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous

Rev. Proc. 2015–1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE? 6        
.01 Description of terms used in this revenue procedure 6        
.02 Updated annually 7        
SECTION 2. WHAT ARE THE FORMS IN WHICH THE SERVICE PROVIDES ADVICE TO TAXPAYERS? 7        
.01 Letter ruling 7        
.02 Closing agreement 7        
.03 Determination letter 8        
.04 Information letter 8        
.05 Oral advice 8        
SECTION 3. ON WHAT ISSUES MAY TAXPAYERS REQUEST WRITTEN ADVICE UNDER THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE? 9        
.01 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) 9        
.02 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products) 9        
.03 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting) 10        
.04 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) 10        
.05 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) 10        
.06 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) 10        
.07 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) 10        
SECTION 4. ON WHAT ISSUES MUST WRITTEN ADVICE BE REQUESTED UNDER DIFFERENT PROCEDURES? 11        
.01 Issues involving alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes 11        
.02 Certain issues involving employee plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and exempt organizations 11        
SECTION 5. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DO THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES ISSUE LETTER RULINGS? 11        
.01 In income and gift tax matters 11        
.02 Special relief for late S corporation and related elections in lieu of letter ruling process 12        
.03 A § 301.9100 request for extension of time for making an election or for other relief 12        
.04 Determinations under § 999(d) 13        
.05 In matters involving § 367 13        
.06 In estate tax matters 13        
.07 In matters involving additional estate tax under § 2032A(c) 14        
.08 In matters involving qualified domestic trusts under § 2056A 14        
.09 In generation-skipping transfer tax matters 14        
.10 In employment and excise tax matters 14        
.11 In procedural and administrative matters 15        
.12 In Indian tribal government matters 15        
.13 On constructive sales price under § 4216(b) or § 4218(c) 15        
.14 In exempt organizations matters 15        
.15 In qualified retirement plan and IRA matters 16        
.16 Under some circumstances before the issuance of a regulation or other published guidance 16        
SECTION 6. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES THE SERVICE NOT ISSUE LETTER RULINGS OR DETERMINATION LETTERS? 17        
.01 Ordinarily not if the request involves an issue under examination or consideration or in litigation 17        
.02 Ordinarily not in certain areas because of factual nature of the problem or for other reasons 17        
.03 Ordinarily not on part of an integrated transaction 17        
.04 Ordinarily not on which of two entities is a common law employer 19        
.05 Ordinarily not to business associations or groups 19        
.06 Ordinarily not where the request does not address the tax status, liability, or reporting obligations of the requester 19        
.07 Ordinarily not to foreign governments 19        
.08 Ordinarily not on Federal tax consequences of proposed legislation 19        
.09 Ordinarily not before issuance of a regulation or other published guidance 20        
.10 Not on frivolous issues 20        
.11 No “comfort” letter rulings 21        
.12 Not on alternative plans or hypothetical situations 21        
.13 Not on property conversions after return filed 21        
.14 Circumstances under which determination letters are not issued by a Director 21        
SECTION 7. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS? 21        
.01 Documents and information required in all requests 22        
(1) Complete statement of facts and other information 22        
(2) Copies of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, other documents pertinent to the transaction, and foreign laws 22        
(3) Analysis of material facts 23        
(4) Statement regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return and additional information required for § 301.9100 requests 23        
(5) Statement regarding whether same or similar issue was previously ruled on or whether a request involving it was submitted or is currently pending 24        
(6) Statement regarding interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty 24        
(7) Letter from Bureau of Indian Affairs relating to a letter ruling request for recognition of Indian tribal government status or status as a political subdivision of an Indian tribal government. 24        
(8) Statement of supporting authorities 25        
(9) Statement of contrary authorities 25        
(10) Statement identifying pending legislation 25        
(11) Statement identifying information to be deleted from the public inspection copy of letter ruling or determination letter 25        
(12) Signature by taxpayer or authorized representative 27        
(13) Authorized representatives 27        
(14) Power of attorney and declaration of representative 29        
(15) Penalties of perjury statement 29        
(16) Number of copies of request to be submitted 30        
(17) Sample format for a letter ruling request 30        
(18) Checklist for letter ruling requests 30        
.02 Additional procedural information required with request 30        
(1) To request separate letter rulings for multiple issues in a single situation 30        
(2) Power of attorney used to indicate recipient of a copy or copies of a letter ruling or a determination letter 31        
(3) To request a particular conclusion on a proposed transaction 31        
(4) To request expedited handling 31        
(5) To request the receipt of any document related to letter ruling request by fax 32        
(6) To request a conference 33        
.03 Address to which to send request for letter ruling or determination letter 33        
(1) Request for letter ruling 33        
(2) Request for determination letter 34        
.04 Pending letter ruling requests 34        
(1) Circumstances under which the taxpayer with a pending letter ruling request must notify the Associate office 34        
(2) Taxpayer must notify the Associate office if a return is filed and must attach the request to the return 35        
.05 When to attach letter ruling or determination letter to return 35        
.06 How to check on status of request for letter ruling or determination letter 35        
.07 Request for letter ruling or determination letter may be withdrawn or Associate office may decline to issue letter ruling 35        
(1) In general 35        
(2) Notification of appropriate Service official 35        
(3) Refund of user fee 36        
SECTION 8. HOW DO THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES HANDLE LETTER RULING REQUESTS? 36        
.01 Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch receives, initially controls, and refers the requests to the appropriate Associate office 36        
.02 Branch representative of the Associate office contacts taxpayer within 21 calendar days 36        
.03 Determines if transaction can be modified to obtain favorable letter ruling 37        
.04 Not bound by informal opinion expressed 37        
.05 May request additional information 37        
(1) Additional information must be submitted within 21 calendar days 37        
(2) Extension of reply period if justified and approved 38        
(3) Letter ruling request closed if the taxpayer does not submit additional information 38        
(4) Penalties of perjury statement 38        
(5) Faxing request and additional information 38        
(6) Address to which to send additional information 38        
(7) Identifying information 39        
(8) Number of copies 39        
.06 Near the completion of the ruling process, advises the taxpayer of conclusions and, if the Associate offices will rule adversely, offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request 39        
.07 May request that taxpayer submit draft proposed letter ruling near the completion of the ruling process 39        
.08 Issues separate letter rulings for substantially identical letter rulings, but generally issues a single letter ruling for related § 301.9100 letter rulings 40        
(1) Substantially identical letter rulings 40        
(2) Related § 301.9100 letter rulings 40        
.09 Sends a copy of the letter ruling to appropriate Service official 40        
SECTION 9. WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC AND ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES FOR A REQUEST FOR A CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FROM THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES? 40        
.01 Automatic and non-automatic change in method of accounting requests 40        
(1) Automatic change in method of accounting 40        
(2) Non-automatic change in method of accounting 41        
.02 Ordinarily only one change in method of accounting on a Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, and a separate Form 3115 for each taxpayer and for each separate and distinct trade or business 41        
.03 Information required with a Form 3115 41        
(1) Facts and other information requested on Form 3115 and in applicable revenue procedures 41        
(2) Statement of contrary authorities 42        
(3) Copies of all contracts, agreements, and other documents 42        
(4) Analysis of material facts 42        
(5) Information regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return 42        
(6) Statement regarding prior requests for a change in method of accounting and other pending requests 43        
(7) Statement identifying pending legislation 43        
(8) Authorized representatives 43        
(9) Power of attorney and declaration of representative 43        
(10) Tax Information Authorization 44        
(11) Penalties of perjury statement 44        
.04 Additional procedural information required in certain circumstances 44        
(1) Recipients of original and copy of change in method of accounting correspondence 44        
(2) To request expedited handling 44        
(3) To receive the change in method of accounting letter ruling or any other correspondence related to Form 3115 by fax 44        
(4) To request a conference 45        
.05 Addresses to which to send Forms 3115 45        
.06 A Form 3115 must not be submitted by fax 47        
.07 Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch receives, initially controls, and refers the Form 3115 to the appropriate Associate office 47        
.08 Additional information 47        
(1) Reply period. 47        
(2) Request for extension of reply period. 47        
(3) Penalties of perjury statement for additional information 48        
(4) Identifying information included in additional information 48        
(5) Faxing information request and additional information 48        
(6) Address to which to send additional information to an Associate office 48        
(7) Failure to timely submit additional information to an Associate office 49        
.09 Circumstances in which the taxpayer must notify the Associate office 50        
.10 Determines if proposed method of accounting can be modified to obtain favorable letter ruling 50        
.11 Near the completion of processing the Form 3115, advises the taxpayer if the Associate office will rule adversely and offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw Form 3115 50        
.12 Non-automatic Form 3115 may be withdrawn or Associate office may decline to issue a change in method of accounting letter ruling 50        
(1) In general 50        
(2) Notification of appropriate Service official. 50        
(3) Refund of user fee. 51        
.13 How to check status of a pending non-automatic Form 3115 51        
.14 Service is not bound by informal opinion 51        
.15 Single letter ruling issued to a taxpayer or consolidated group for qualifying identical change in method of accounting 51        
.16 Letter ruling ordinarily not issued for one of two or more interrelated items or submethods 51        
.17 Consent Agreement 51        
.18 A copy of the change in method of accounting letter ruling is sent to appropriate Service official 52        
.19 Consent to change a method of accounting may be relied on subject to limitations 52        
.20 Change in method of accounting letter ruling does not apply to another taxpayer 52        
.21 Associate office discretion to permit requested change in method of accounting 52        
.22 List of automatic change in method of accounting request procedures 52        
.23 Other sections of this revenue procedure that are applicable to Form 3115 54        
SECTION 10. HOW ARE CONFERENCES FOR LETTER RULINGS SCHEDULED? 55        
.01 Schedules a conference if requested by taxpayer 55        
.02 Permits taxpayer one conference of right 56        
.03 Disallows verbatim recording of conferences 56        
.04 Makes tentative recommendations on substantive issues 56        
.05 May offer additional conferences 56        
.06 Requires written confirmation of information presented at conference 57        
.07 May schedule a pre-submission conference 57        
.08 May schedule a conference to be held by telephone 58        
SECTION 11. WHAT EFFECT WILL A LETTER RULING HAVE? 59        
.01 May be relied on subject to limitations 59        
.02 Will not apply to another taxpayer 59        
.03 Will be used by a Field office in examining the taxpayer’s return 59        
.04 May be revoked or modified if found to be in error or there has been a change in law 59        
.05 Letter ruling revoked or modified based on material change in facts applied retroactively 60        
.06 Not otherwise generally revoked or modified retroactively 60        
.07 Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a particular transaction 61        
.08 Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a continuing action or series of actions 61        
.09 Generally not retroactively revoked or modified if related to sale or lease subject to excise tax 61        
.10 May be retroactively revoked or modified when transaction is entered into before the issuance of the letter ruling 62        
.11 Taxpayer may request that retroactivity be limited 62        
SECTION 12. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DO DIRECTORS ISSUE DETERMINATION LETTERS? 63        
.01 In income and gift tax matters 63        
.02 In estate tax matters 63        
.03 In generation-skipping transfer tax matters 63        
.04 In employment and excise tax matters 63        
.05 Requests concerning income, estate, or gift tax returns 64        
.06 Review of determination letters 64        
SECTION 13. WHAT EFFECT WILL A DETERMINATION LETTER HAVE? 64        
.01 Has same effect as a letter ruling 64        
.02 Taxpayer may request that retroactive effect of revocation or modification be limited 64        
SECTION 14. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MATTERS REFERRED BETWEEN A DIRECTOR AND AN ASSOCIATE OFFICE? 65        
.01 Requests for determination letters 65        
.02 No-rule areas 65        
.03 Requests for letter rulings 65        
.04 Letter ruling request mistakenly sent to a Director 65        
SECTION 15. WHAT ARE THE USER FEE REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS FOR LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS? 66        
.01 Legislation authorizing user fees 66        
.02 Requests to which a user fee applies 66        
.03 Requests to which a user fee does not apply 66        
.04 Exemptions from the user fee requirements 67        
.05 Fee schedule 67        
.06 Applicable user fee for a request involving multiple offices, fee categories, issues, transactions, or entities 67        
.07 Applicable user fee for requests for substantially identical letter rulings or identical changes in method of accounting 68        
.08 Method of payment 70        
.09 Effect of nonpayment or payment of incorrect amount 70        
.10 Refunds of user fee 71        
.11 Request for reconsideration of user fee 72        
SECTION 16. WHAT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO REVENUE PROCEDURE 2014–1? 73        
SECTION 17. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE ON OTHER DOCUMENTS? 74        
SECTION 18. WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE? 74        
SECTION 19. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT 74        
DRAFTING INFORMATION 75        
INDEX 76        
APPENDIX A—SCHEDULE OF USER FEES 79        
APPENDIX B—SAMPLE FORMAT FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST 84        
APPENDIX C—CHECKLIST FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST 87        
APPENDIX D—ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST FOR GOVERNMENT PICK-UP PLAN RULING REQUESTS 91        
APPENDIX E—ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST FOR CHURCH PLAN RULING REQUESTS 92        
APPENDIX F—LIST OF SMALL BUSINESS/SELF-EMPLOYED OPERATING DIVISION (SB/SE) OFFICES TO WHICH TO SEND REQUESTS FOR DETERMINATION LETTERS 93        
APPENDIX G—CHECKLISTS, GUIDELINE REVENUE PROCEDURES, NOTICES, SAFE HARBOR REVENUE PROCEDURES, AND AUTOMATIC CHANGE REVENUE PROCEDURES 94        
.01 Checklists, guideline revenue procedures, and notices 94        
.02 Safe harbor revenue procedures 99        
.03 Automatic change in accounting period revenue procedures 103        

SECTION 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE?

This revenue procedure explains how the Service provides advice to taxpayers on issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). It explains the forms of advice and the manner in which advice is requested by taxpayers and provided by the Service. A sample format for a letter ruling request is provided in Appendix B. See section 4 of this revenue procedure for information on certain issues outside the scope of this revenue procedure on which advice may be requested under a different revenue procedure.

Description of terms used in this revenue procedure

.01 For purposes of this revenue procedure—

(1) the term “Service” includes the four operating divisions of the Internal Revenue Service and the Associate offices. The four operating divisions are:

(a) Large Business & International Division (LB&I), which generally serves corporations, including S corporations, and partnerships, with assets in excess of $10 million;

(b) Small Business/Self-Employed Division (SB/SE), which generally serves corporations, including S corporations, and partnerships, with assets less than or equal to $10 million; filers of gift, estate, excise, employment and fiduciary returns; individuals filing an individual Federal income tax return with accompanying Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)), Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss), Schedule F (Profit or Loss From Farming), Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses, or Form 2106–EZ, Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses;

(c) Wage and Investment Division (W&I), which generally serves individuals with wage and investment income only (and with no international tax returns) filing an individual Federal income tax return without accompanying Schedule C, E, or F, or Form 2106 or Form 2106–EZ; and

(d) Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (TE/GE), which serves three distinct taxpayer segments: employee plans (including IRAs), exempt organizations, and government entities.

(2) the term “Associate office” refers to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), as appropriate.

(3) the term “Director” refers to the Director, Field Operations, LB&I; Area Director, Field Examination, SB/SE; Chief, Estate & Gift Tax Operations, SB/SE; Chief, Employment Tax Operations, SB/SE; Chief, Excise Tax Operations, SB/SE; Director, Compliance, W&I; Director, Employee Plans; Director, Employee Plans, Rulings and Agreements; Director, Employee Plans Examinations; Director, Exempt Organizations; Director, Exempt Organizations, Rulings and Agreements; Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations; Director, Federal, State & Local Governments; Director, Tax Exempt Bonds; or Director, Indian Tribal Governments, as appropriate.

(4) the term “Field office” refers to the respective offices of the Directors, as appropriate.

(5) the term “taxpayer” includes all persons subject to any provision of the Internal Revenue Code and, when appropriate, their representatives. More specifically, the term includes tax-exempt organizations, as well as issuers of tax-exempt obligations, mortgage credit certificates, and tax credit bonds.

Updated annually

.02 This revenue procedure is updated annually as the first revenue procedure of the year, but it may be modified, amplified or clarified during the year.

SECTION 2. WHAT ARE THE FORMS IN WHICH THE SERVICE PROVIDES ADVICE TO TAXPAYERS?

The Service provides advice in the form of letter rulings, closing agreements, determination letters, information letters, and oral advice.

Letter ruling

.01 A “letter ruling” is a written determination issued to a taxpayer by an Associate office in response to the taxpayer’s written inquiry, filed prior to the filing of returns or reports that are required by the tax laws, about its status for tax purposes or the tax effects of its acts or transactions. A letter ruling interprets the tax laws and applies them to the taxpayer’s specific set of facts. A letter ruling is issued when appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration. One type of letter ruling is an Associate office’s response granting or denying a request for a change in a taxpayer’s method of accounting or accounting period. Once issued, a letter ruling may be revoked or modified for a number of reasons. See section 11 of this revenue procedure. A letter ruling may be issued with a closing agreement, however, and a closing agreement is final unless fraud, malfeasance, or misrepresentation of a material fact can be shown. See section 2.02 of this revenue procedure.

Closing agreement

.02 A “closing agreement” is a final agreement between the Service and a taxpayer on a specific issue or liability. It is entered into under the authority in § 7121, and it is final unless fraud, malfeasance, or misrepresentation of a material fact can be shown.

A taxpayer may request a closing agreement with a letter ruling or in lieu of a letter ruling, with respect to a transaction that would be eligible for a letter ruling. In such situations, the Associate Chief Counsel with subject matter jurisdiction signs the closing agreement on behalf of the Service.

A closing agreement may be entered into when it is advantageous to have the matter permanently and conclusively closed or when a taxpayer can show that there are good reasons for an agreement and that making the agreement will not prejudice the interests of the Government. In appropriate cases, a taxpayer may be asked to enter into a closing agreement as a condition for the issuance of a letter ruling.

If, in a single case, a closing agreement is requested for each person or entity in a class of taxpayers, separate agreements are entered into only if the class consists of 25 or fewer taxpayers. If the issue and holding are identical for the class and there are more than 25 taxpayers in the class, a “mass closing agreement” will be entered into with the taxpayer who is authorized by the others to represent the class.

Determination letter

.03 A “determination letter” is a written determination issued by a Director that applies the principles and precedents previously announced by the Service to a specific set of facts. It is issued only when a determination can be made based on clearly established rules in a statute, a tax treaty, the regulations, a conclusion in a revenue ruling, or an opinion or court decision that represents the position of the Service.

Information letter

.04 An “information letter” is a statement issued by an Associate office or Director that calls attention to a well-established interpretation or principle of tax law (including a tax treaty) without applying it to a specific set of facts. An information letter may be issued if the taxpayer’s inquiry indicates a need for general information or if the taxpayer’s request does not meet the requirements of this revenue procedure and the Service concludes that general information will help the taxpayer. An information letter is advisory only and has no binding effect on the Service. If the Associate office issues an information letter in response to a request for a letter ruling that does not meet the requirements of this revenue procedure, the information letter is not a substitute for a letter ruling. The taxpayer should provide a daytime telephone number with the taxpayer’s request for an information letter.

Information letters that are issued by the Associate offices to members of the public are made available to the public. Information letters that are issued by the Field offices are generally not made available to the public.

Because information letters do not constitute written determinations as defined in § 6110, they are not subject to public inspection under § 6110. The Service makes the information letters available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (the “FOIA”). Before any information letter is made available to the public, an Associate office will redact any information exempt from disclosure under the FOIA. See, e.g., 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6) (exemption for information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy); 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3) in conjunction with § 6103 (exemption for returns and return information as defined in § 6103(b)).

The following documents also will not be available for public inspection as part of this process:

(1) transmittal letters in which the Service furnishes publications or other publicly available material to taxpayers, without any significant legal discussion;

(2) responses to taxpayer or third party contacts that are inquiries with respect to a pending request for a letter ruling, technical advice memorandum, or Chief Counsel Advice (which are subject to public inspection under § 6110 after their issuance); and

(3) responses to taxpayer or third party communications with respect to any investigation, audit, litigation, or other enforcement action.

Oral Advice

.05

(1) No oral rulings and no written rulings in response to oral requests. The Service does not orally issue letter rulings or determination letters, nor does it issue letter rulings or determination letters in response to oral requests from taxpayers. Service employees ordinarily will discuss with taxpayers or their representatives inquiries about whether the Service will rule on particular issues and about procedural matters regarding the submission of requests for letter rulings or determination letters for a particular case.

(2) Discussion possible on substantive issues. At the discretion of the Service and as time permits, Service employees may also discuss substantive issues with taxpayers or their representatives. Such a discussion will not bind the Service or the Office of Chief Counsel, and it cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

Service employees who are not directly involved in the examination, appeal, or litigation of particular substantive tax issues will not discuss those issues with taxpayers or their representatives unless the discussion is coordinated with Service employees who are directly involved. The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative ordinarily will be asked whether an oral request for advice or information relates to a matter pending before another office of the Service or before a Federal court.

If a tax issue is not under examination, in appeals, or in litigation, the tax issue may be discussed even though the issue is affected by a nontax issue pending in litigation.

A taxpayer may seek oral technical guidance from a taxpayer service representative in a Field office or Service Center when preparing a return or report.

The Service does not respond to letters seeking to confirm the substance of oral discussions, and the absence of a response to such a letter is not a confirmation.

(3) Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound by it. Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound by it, for example, when examining the taxpayer’s return.

SECTION 3. ON WHAT ISSUES MAY TAXPAYERS REQUEST WRITTEN ADVICE UNDER THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE?

Taxpayers may request letter rulings, information letters, and closing agreements under this revenue procedure on issues within the jurisdiction of the Associate offices. Taxpayers uncertain as to whether an Associate office has jurisdiction with regard to a specific factual situation may call the telephone number for the Associate office listed in section 10.07(1) of this revenue procedure.

Except as provided in section 6.14 of this revenue procedure, taxpayers also may request determination letters from the Director in the appropriate operating division. See sections 7 and 12 of this revenue procedure. For determination letters from TE/GE, see Rev. Proc. 2015–4, Rev. Proc. 2015–5, and Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin; Rev. Proc. 2015–9 and Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate)

.01 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) include those that involve consolidated returns, corporate acquisitions, reorganizations, liquidations, redemptions, spinoffs, transfers to controlled corporations, distributions to shareholders, corporate bankruptcies, the effect of certain ownership changes on net operating loss carryovers and other tax attributes, debt vs. equity determinations, allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers, acquisitions made to evade or avoid income tax, and certain earnings and profits questions.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products)

.02 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products) include those that involve income taxes and changes in method of accounting of banks, savings and loan associations, real estate investment trusts (REITs), regulated investment companies (RICs), real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs), insurance companies and products, tax-exempt obligations, mortgage credit certificates, tax credit bonds (including specified tax credit bonds), build America bonds, and financial products.

For the procedures to obtain private letter rulings involving tax-exempt state and local obligations, see Rev. Proc. 96–16, 1996–1 C.B. 630.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting)

.03 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting) include those that involve recognition and timing of income and deductions of individuals and corporations, sales and exchanges, capital gains and losses, installment sales, equipment leasing, long-term contracts, inventories, amortization, depreciation, the alternative minimum tax, net operating losses generally, including changes in method of accounting for these issues, and accounting periods. (Note that certain issues involving individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. See section 4.02, this revenue procedure).

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International)

.04 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) include the tax treatment of nonresident aliens and foreign corporations, withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations, foreign tax credit, determination of sources of income, income from sources outside the United States, subpart F questions, domestic international sales corporations (DISCs), foreign sales corporations (FSCs), exclusions under § 114 for extraterritorial income (ETI), international boycott determinations, treatment of certain passive foreign investment companies, income affected by treaty, U.S. possessions, and other matters relating to the activities of non-U.S. persons within the United States or U.S.-related persons outside the United States, and changes in method of accounting for these persons.

For the procedures to obtain advance pricing agreements under § 482, see Rev. Proc. 2006–9, 2006–1 C.B. 278, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2008–31, 2008–1 C.B. 1133.

For competent authority procedures related to bilateral and multilateral advance pricing agreements, see Rev. Proc. 2006–54, 2006–2 C.B. 1035.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries)

.05 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) include those that involve income taxes of S corporations (except accounting periods and methods) and certain noncorporate taxpayers (including partnerships, common trust funds, and trusts), entity classification, estate (excluding § 6166), gift, generation-skipping transfer, and certain excise taxes, depletion, and other engineering issues, cooperative housing corporations, farmers’ cooperatives under § 521, the low-income housing, disabled access, and qualified electric vehicle credits, research and experimental expenditures, shipowners’ protection and indemnity associations under § 526, and certain homeowners associations under § 528.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration)

.06 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) include those that involve Federal tax procedure and administration, disclosure and privacy law, reporting and paying taxes (including payment of taxes under § 6166), assessing and collecting taxes (including interest and penalties), abating, crediting, or refunding overassessments or overpayments of tax, and filing information returns.

Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities)

.07 Issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) include those that involve the application of employment taxes and taxes on self-employment income, exemption requirements for tax-exempt organizations, tax treatment (including application of the unrelated business income tax) of tax-exempt organizations (including federal, state, local, and Indian tribal governments), political organizations described in § 527, qualified tuition programs described in § 529, and trusts described in § 4947(a), certain excise taxes, disclosure obligations and information return requirements of tax-exempt organizations, employee benefit programs (including executive compensation arrangements, qualified retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, and health and welfare benefit programs) and IRAs, issues integrally related to employee benefit programs and IRAs (such as, for example, the sale of stock to employee stock ownership plans or eligible worker-owned cooperatives under § 1042), and changes in method of accounting associated with employee benefit programs.

Note that certain issues involving exempt organizations, employee plans, and government entities fall under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division of the Internal Revenue Service. See Rev. Proc. 2015–4, Rev. Proc. 2015–5, and Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin; and Rev. Proc. 2015–9 and Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

SECTION 4. ON WHAT ISSUES MUST WRITTEN ADVICE BE REQUESTED UNDER DIFFERENT PROCEDURES?

Issues involving alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes

.01 The procedures for obtaining letter rulings, closing agreements, determination letters, information letters, and oral advice that apply to Federal alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes under subtitle E of the Code are under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the Department of the Treasury.

Certain issues involving qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and exempt organizations

.02 The procedures for obtaining certain letter rulings, closing agreements, determination letters, information letters, and oral advice on qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and exempt organizations that are under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division are provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–4, this Bulletin. See also Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin, for the procedures for issuing determination letters on the qualified status of pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, annuity, and employee stock ownership plans under §§ 401, 403(a), 409, and 4975(e)(7), and the status for exemption of any related trusts or custodial accounts under § 501(a). See also Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–9 and Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin, for the procedures for issuing determination letters on the tax-exempt status of organizations under § 501 and § 521, the foundation status of organizations described in § 501(c)(3) and the foundation status of nonexempt charitable trusts described in § 4947(a)(1).

For the user fee requirements applicable to requests under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, see Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin.

SECTION 5. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DO THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES ISSUE LETTER RULINGS?

 

In income and gift tax matters

.01 In income and gift tax matters, an Associate office generally issues a letter ruling on a proposed transaction or on a completed transaction if the letter ruling request is submitted before the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. An Associate office will not ordinarily issue a letter ruling on a completed transaction if the letter ruling request is submitted after the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. “Not ordinarily” means that unique and compelling reasons must be demonstrated to justify the issuance of a letter ruling submitted after the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. The taxpayer must contact the Field office having audit jurisdiction over their return and obtain the Field’s consent to the issuance of such a letter ruling.

Special relief for late S corporation and related elections in lieu of letter ruling process

.02 In lieu of requesting a letter ruling under this revenue procedure, a taxpayer may obtain relief for certain late S corporation and related elections by following the procedure in Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173. This procedure is in lieu of the letter ruling process and does not require payment of any user fee. See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2013–30, and section 15.03(3) of this revenue procedure.

A § 301.9100 request for extension of time for making an election or for other relief

.03 An Associate office will consider a request for an extension of time for making an election or other application for relief under § 301.9100–3 of the Treasury Regulations, even if submitted after the return covering the issue presented in the § 301.9100 request has been filed, an examination of the return has begun, or the issues in the return are being considered by Appeals or a Federal court. Except for certain requests pertaining to applications for recognition of tax exemption under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, a § 301.9100 request is a letter ruling request. Therefore, the § 301.9100 request should be submitted pursuant to this revenue procedure. However, a § 301.9100 request involving recharacterization of an IRA (see § 1.408A–5, Q&A–6) should be submitted pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2015–4. An election made pursuant to § 301.9100–2 for an automatic extension of time is not a letter ruling request and does not require payment of any user fee. See § 301.9100–2(d) and section 15.03(1) of this revenue procedure.

(1) Format of request. A § 301.9100 request (other than an election made pursuant to § 301.9100–2 and certain requests pertaining to applications for recognition of tax exemption under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division) must be in the general form of, and meet the general requirements for, a letter ruling request. These requirements are given in section 7 of this revenue procedure. A § 301.9100 request must include an affidavit and declaration from the taxpayer and other parties having knowledge or information about the events that led to the failure to make a valid regulatory election and to the discovery of the failure. See §§ 301.9100–3(e)(2) and (e)(3). In addition, a § 301.9100 request must include the information required by § 301.9100–3(e)(4).

(2) Period of limitation. The filing of a request for relief under § 301.9100 does not suspend the running of any applicable period of limitation. See § 301.9100–3(d)(2). The Associate office ordinarily will not issue a § 301.9100 ruling if the period of limitation on assessment under § 6501(a) for the taxable year in which an election should have been made, or for any taxable years that would have been affected by the election had it been timely made, will expire before receipt of a § 301.9100 letter ruling. See § 301.9100–3(c)(1)(ii). If, however, the taxpayer consents to extend the period of limitation on assessment under § 6501(c)(4) for the taxable year in which the election should have been made and for any taxable years that would have been affected by the election had it been timely made, the Associate office may issue the letter ruling. See § 301.9100–3(d)(2). Note that the filing of a claim for refund under § 6511 does not extend the period of limitation on assessment. If § 301.9100–3 relief is granted, the Associate office may require the taxpayer to consent to an extension of the period of limitation on assessment. See § 301.9100–3(d)(2).

(3) Taxpayer must notify the Associate office if examination of its return begins while the request is pending. The taxpayer must notify the Associate office if the Service begins an examination of the taxpayer’s return for the taxable year in which an election should have been made, or for any taxable years that would have been affected by the election had it been timely made, while a § 301.9100–3 request is pending. This notification must include the name and telephone number of the examining agent. See § 301.9100–3(e)(4)(i) and section 7.04(1)(b) of this revenue procedure.

(4) Associate office will notify examination agent, appeals officer, or attorney of a § 301.9100 request if the taxpayer’s return is being examined by a Field office or is being considered by an Appeals office or a Federal court. If the taxpayer’s return for the taxable year in which an election should have been made, or for any taxable years that would have been affected by the election had it been timely made, is being examined by a Field office or considered by an Appeals office or a Federal court, the Associate office will notify the appropriate examination agent, appeals officer, or attorney that a § 301.9100 request has been submitted to the Associate office. The examination agent, appeals officer, or attorney is not authorized to deny consideration of a § 301.9100 request. The letter ruling will be mailed to the taxpayer and a copy will be sent to the appeals officer, attorney, or appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s tax return.

(5) Inclusion of statement required by section 4.04 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41. Eligible entities requesting a letter ruling because they do not meet all of the eligibility requirements of section 4.01 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439, must include either the following representation as part of the entity’s request for a letter ruling or an explanation regarding why they do not qualify to do so: “All required U.S. tax and information returns of the entity (or, if the entity was not required to file any such returns under the desired classification, then all required U.S. tax and information returns of each affected person as defined in Section 4.02 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41) were filed timely or within 6 months of the due date of the respective return (excluding extensions) as if the entity classification election had been in effect on the requested date. No U.S. tax or information returns were filed inconsistently with those described in the prior sentence.”

(6) Relief for late initial classification election. In lieu of requesting a letter ruling under § 301.9100–1 through § 301.9100–3 and this revenue procedure, entities that satisfy the requirements set forth in section 4.01 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439, may apply for late classification election relief under Rev. Proc. 2009–41. Requests for such relief are not subject to user fees. See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41 and section 15.03(2) of this revenue procedure.

Determinations under § 999(d)

.04 As provided in Rev. Proc. 77–9, 1977–1 C.B. 542, the Associate Chief Counsel (International) issues determinations under § 999(d) that may deny certain benefits of the foreign tax credit and the deferral of earnings of foreign subsidiaries and domestic international sales corporations (DISCs) to a person if that person is a member of a controlled group (within the meaning of § 993(a)(3)) that includes the person, or a foreign corporation of which a member of the controlled group is a United States shareholder, that agrees to participate in, or cooperate with, an international boycott. The same principles shall apply with respect to exclusions under § 114 for exterritorial income (ETI). Requests for determinations under Rev. Proc. 77–9 are letter ruling requests and should be submitted to the Associate office pursuant to this revenue procedure.

In matters involving § 367

.05 Unless the issue is covered by section 6 of this revenue procedure, the Associate Chief Counsel (International) may issue a letter ruling under § 367 even if the taxpayer does not request a letter ruling as to the characterization of the transaction under the reorganization provisions of the Code. The Associate office will determine the § 367 consequences of a transaction based on the taxpayer’s characterization of the transaction but will indicate in the letter ruling that it expresses no opinion as to the characterization of the transaction under the reorganization. The Associate office may decline to issue a § 367 ruling in situations in which the taxpayer inappropriately characterizes the transaction under the reorganization provisions.

In estate tax matters

.06 In general, the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) issues letter rulings on transactions affecting the estate tax on the prospective estate of a living person. The Associate office will not issue letter rulings for prospective estates on computations of tax, actuarial factors, or factual matters. With respect to the transactions affecting the estate tax of the decedent’s estate, generally the Associate office issues letter rulings before the decedent’s estate tax return is filed.

If the taxpayer is requesting a letter ruling regarding a decedent’s estate tax and the estate tax return is due to be filed before the letter ruling is expected to be issued, the taxpayer should obtain an extension of time for filing the return and should notify the Associate office branch considering the letter ruling request that an extension has been obtained.

If the return is filed before the letter ruling is received from the Associate office, the taxpayer must disclose on the return that a letter ruling has been requested, attach a copy of the pending letter ruling request to the return, and notify the Associate office that the return has been filed. See section 7.04(2) of this revenue procedure. The Associate office will make every effort to issue the letter ruling within 3 months of the date the return was filed.

If the taxpayer requests a letter ruling after the return is filed, but before the return is examined, the taxpayer must notify the Field office having jurisdiction over the return that a letter ruling has been requested, attach a copy of the pending letter ruling request, and notify the Associate office that a return has been filed. See section 7.04(2) of this revenue procedure. The Associate office will make every effort to issue the letter ruling within 3 months of the date the return has been filed.

If the letter ruling cannot be issued within that 3-month period, the Associate office will notify the Field office having jurisdiction over the return, which may, by memorandum to the Associate office, grant an additional period for the issuance of the letter ruling.

In matters involving additional estate tax under § 2032A(c)

.07 In matters involving additional estate tax under § 2032A(c), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) issues letter rulings on proposed transactions and on completed transactions that occurred before the return is filed.

In matters involving qualified domestic trusts under § 2056A

.08 In matters involving qualified domestic trusts under § 2056A, the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) issues letter rulings on proposed transactions and on completed transactions that occurred before the return is filed.

In generation-skipping transfer tax matters

.09 In general, the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) issues letter rulings on proposed transactions that affect the generation-skipping transfer tax and on completed transactions that occurred before the return is filed. In the case of a generation-skipping trust or trust equivalent, letter rulings are issued either before or after the trust or trust equivalent has been established.

In employment and excise tax matters

.10 In employment and excise tax matters, the Associate offices issue letter rulings on proposed transactions and on completed transactions either before or after the return is filed for those transactions.

Letter ruling requests regarding employment status (employer/employee relationship) from Federal agencies and instrumentalities or their workers must be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service at the address set forth on the current Form SS–8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding. If the Federal agency or instrumentality service recipient (the firm) makes the request, the firm will receive any issued letter ruling. A copy will also be sent to any identified workers. If the worker makes the request and the firm has been contacted for information, both the worker and the firm will receive any issued letter ruling. The letter ruling will apply to any individuals engaged by the firm under substantially similar circumstances. See section 12.04 of this revenue procedure for requests regarding employment status made by taxpayers other than Federal agencies and instrumentalities or their workers.

In procedural and administrative matters

.11 The Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) issues letter rulings on matters arising under the Code and related statutes and regulations that involve the time, place, manner, and procedures for reporting and paying taxes; or the filing of information returns.

In Indian tribal government matters

.12 Pursuant to Rev. Proc. 84–37, 1984–1 C.B. 513, as modified by Rev. Proc. 86–17, 1986–1 C.B. 550, and this revenue procedure, the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) issues determinations recognizing a tribal entity as an Indian tribal government within the meaning of § 7701(a)(40) or as a political subdivision of an Indian tribal government under § 7871(d) if it determines, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, that the entity satisfies the statutory definition of an Indian tribal government or has been delegated governmental functions of an Indian tribal government. Requests for determinations under Rev. Proc. 84–37 are letter ruling requests, and, therefore, should be submitted to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) pursuant to this revenue procedure.

(1) Definition of Indian tribal government. The term “Indian tribal government” is defined under § 7701(a)(40) to mean the governing body of any tribe, band, community, village, or group of Indians, or (if applicable) Alaska Natives, which is determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to exercise governmental functions. Section 7871(d) provides that, for purposes of § 7871(a), a subdivision of an Indian tribal government shall be treated as a political subdivision of a state if the Secretary of the Treasury determines, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, that the subdivision has been delegated the right to exercise one or more of the substantial governmental functions of the Indian tribal government.

(2) Inclusion in list of tribal governments. Rev. Proc. 2008–55, 2008–2 C.B. 768, designates the Indian tribal entities that appear on the current or future lists of federally recognized Indian tribes published annually by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, as Indian tribal governments that are treated similarly to states for certain Federal tax purposes. Rev. Proc. 84–36, 1984–1 C.B. 510, as modified by Rev. Proc. 86–17, 1986–1 C.B. 550, provides a list of political subdivisions of Indian tribal governments that are treated as political subdivisions of states for certain Federal tax purposes. Under Rev. Proc. 84–37, as modified by Rev. Proc. 86–17, tribal governments or subdivisions recognized under § 7701(a)(40) or § 7871(d) will be included in the list of recognized tribal government entities in future lists of federally recognized Indian tribes published annually by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, or revised versions of Rev. Proc. 84–36.

On constructive sales price under § 4216(b) or § 4218(c)

.13 The Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) will issue letter rulings in all cases on the determination of a constructive sales price under § 4216(b) or § 4218(c) and in all other cases on prospective transactions if the law or regulations require a determination of the effect of a proposed transaction for Federal tax purposes. See section 6.14(5) of this revenue procedure.

In exempt organizations matters

.14 In exempt organizations matters, the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) generally issues letter rulings on proposed transactions or on completed transactions if the letter ruling request is submitted before the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. The Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) will not ordinarily issue a letter ruling on a completed transaction if the letter ruling request is submitted after the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. “Not ordinarily” means that unique and compelling reasons must be demonstrated to justify the issuance of a letter ruling submitted after the return is filed for the year in which the transaction is completed. The taxpayer must contact the Field office having audit jurisdiction over their return and obtain the Field’s consent to the issuance of such a letter ruling.

In qualified retirement plan and IRA matters

.15 In qualified retirement plan and IRA matters, (other than those listed in Rev. Proc. 2015–4), the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) will generally issue letter rulings on proposed transactions and on completed transactions either before or after the return is filed, including those involving:

(1) §§ 72 (other than the computation of the exclusion ratio), 219, 381(c)(11), 402, 403(b) (except with respect to whether the form of a plan satisfies the requirements of § 403(b) as noted in Ann. 2009–89), 404, 408, 408A, 412, 414(e), 511 through 514, 4971(b) and (g), 4972, 4973, 4974, 4978, 4979, and 4980;

(2) Waiver of the minimum funding standard (see Rev. Proc. 2004–15, 2004–1 C.B. 490);

(3) Waiver under § 4980F(c)(4) of all or part of the excise tax imposed for failure to satisfy the notice requirements described in § 4980F(e);

(4) Whether a plan amendment is reasonable and provides for only de minimis increases in plan liabilities in accordance with §§ 401(a)(33) and 412(c)(7)(B)(i) of the Code (see Rev. Proc. 79–62, 1979–2 C.B. 576);

(5) With respect to employee stock ownership plans and tax credit employee stock ownership plans, §§ 409(l), 409(n), and 4975(d)(3) (other subsections of §§ 409 and 4975(e)(7) involve qualification issues within the jurisdiction of Employee Plans Determinations);

(6) Abatement of first tier excise taxes under § 4962;

(7) Relief under § 301.9100–1 that is not related to Roth IRA recharacterizations; and

(8) Grants of extensions of time other than pursuant to § 301.9100–1.

Under some circumstances before the issuance of a regulation or other published guidance

.16 In general, the Service will not issue a letter ruling or determination letter on an issue that it cannot readily resolve before the promulgation of a regulation or other published guidance. See section 6.09 of this revenue procedure.

However, an Associate office may issue letter rulings under the following conditions:

(1) Answer is clear or is reasonably certain. If the letter ruling request presents an issue for which the answer seems clear by applying the statute, regulations, and applicable case law to the facts or for which the answer seems reasonably certain but not entirely free from doubt.

(2) Answer is not reasonably certain. If the letter ruling request presents an issue for which the answer does not seem reasonably certain, the Associate office may issue the letter ruling, using its best efforts to arrive at a determination, if it is in the best interest of tax administration.

SECTION 6. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES THE SERVICE NOT ISSUE LETTER RULINGS OR DETERMINATION LETTERS?

 

Ordinarily not if the request involves an issue under examination or consideration or in litigation

.01 The Service ordinarily does not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter if, at the time of the request, the identical issue is involved in the taxpayer’s return for an earlier period and that issue—

(1) is being examined by a Field office;

(2) is being considered by Appeals;

(3) is pending in litigation in a case involving the taxpayer or a related taxpayer;

(4) has been examined by a Field office or considered by Appeals and the statutory period of limitations on assessment or on filing a claim for refund or credit of tax has not expired; or

(5) has been examined by a Field office or considered by Appeals and a closing agreement covering the issue or liability has not been entered into by a Field office or by Appeals.

If a return dealing with an issue for a particular year is filed while a request for a letter ruling on that issue is pending, an Associate office will issue the letter ruling unless it is notified by the taxpayer or otherwise learns that an examination of that issue or the identical issue on an earlier year’s return has been started by a Field office. See section 7.04 of this revenue procedure. In income and gift tax matters, as well as in qualified retirement plan, IRA, and exempt organizations matters, even if an examination has begun, an Associate office ordinarily will issue the letter ruling if the Field office agrees by memorandum to the issuance of the letter ruling.

Ordinarily not in certain areas because of factual nature of the problem or for other reasons

.02 The Service ordinarily does not issue letter rulings or determination letters in certain areas because of the factual nature of the matter involved or for other reasons. Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–7, this Bulletin, provide a list of these areas. This list is not all-inclusive because the Service may decline to issue a letter ruling or a determination letter when appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration, including due to resource constraints, or on other grounds whenever warranted by the facts or circumstances of a particular case.

Instead of issuing a letter ruling or determination letter, the Service may, when it is considered appropriate and in the interest of sound tax administration, issue an information letter calling attention to well-established principles of tax law.

If the Service determines that it is not in the interest of sound tax administration to issue a letter ruling or determination letter due to resource constraints, it will adopt a consistent approach with respect to taxpayers that request a ruling on the same issue. The Service will also consider adding the issue to the no rule list at the first opportunity. See sections 2.01 and 3.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin.

Ordinarily not on part of an integrated transaction

.03 An Associate office ordinarily will not issue a letter ruling on only part of an integrated transaction. If a part of a transaction falls under a no-rule area, a letter ruling on other parts of the transaction may be issued. Before preparing the letter ruling request, a taxpayer should call a branch having jurisdiction for the matters on which the taxpayer is seeking a letter ruling to discuss whether the Associate office will issue a letter ruling on part of the transaction.

In addition, the Service will not rule on the qualification of any transaction under § 332, 351, 355, or 1036, or on whether a transaction constitutes a reorganization within the meaning of § 368, regardless of whether such transaction is part of an integrated transaction (see section 3.01(48) of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin). Instead, the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) will only issue a letter ruling on significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01(48) of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a transaction described in § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036. For example, the Service may rule on significant issues under § 1.368–1(d) (continuity of business enterprise) and § 1.368–1(e) (continuity of interest). Letter rulings requested under this section 6.03 are subject to the no-rule policies of Rev. Proc. 2015–3. In addition, the Service will not rule on the tax consequences that result from the application of § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036 (including nonrecognition and basis) except to the extent of a significant issue and only to the extent consistent with the no-rule policies of Rev. Proc. 2015–3.

Before preparing a letter ruling request under this section involving significant issues presented in a transaction described in § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036, a taxpayer is encouraged to call the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) at the telephone number provided in section 10.07(1)(a) of this revenue procedure to discuss whether the Service will entertain a letter ruling request under this section 6.03. The Service reserves the right to rule on any other aspect of the transaction (including ruling adversely) to the extent the Service believes it is in the best interests of tax administration. Cf. section 2.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3.

Taxpayers may request rulings on one or more significant issues in a single letter ruling request. Letter ruling requests under this section 6.03 must include the following for each significant issue:

(1) A narrative description of the transaction that puts the issue in context;

(2) A statement identifying the issue;

(3) An analysis of the relevant law, which should set forth the authorities most closely related to the issue and explain why these authorities do not resolve the issue, and an explanation concerning why the issue is significant within the meaning of section 3.01(48) of Rev. Proc. 2015–3;

(4) Information and representations relevant to the issue. Taxpayers should consult other published authorities (see, for example, Appendix G of this revenue procedure, which identifies certain checklist and guideline revenue procedures), including those modified by Rev. Proc. 2013–32, 2013–28 I.R.B. 55 (e.g., Rev. Proc. 96–30, 1996–1 C.B. 696), and other authorities (e.g., Rev. Rul. 73–234, 1973–1 C.B. 180 (applying § 355(b) to the activities performed by employees of a corporation engaged in a farming business)), to identify information or representations but only to the extent that they relate to the issue; and

(5) The precise ruling(s) requested.

If the Service issues a letter ruling on a significant issue under this revenue procedure, then the letter ruling will state that no opinion is expressed as to any issue or step not specifically addressed by the letter. In addition, letter rulings issued under this revenue procedure will contain the following (or similar) language:

This letter is issued pursuant to section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, 2015–1 I.R.B. 1, regarding one or more significant issues under sections 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036. The ruling[s] contained in this letter only address[es] one or more discrete legal issues involved in the transaction. This Office expresses no opinion as to the overall tax consequences of the transactions described in this letter or as to any issue not specifically addressed by the ruling[s] below.

Ordinarily not on which of two entities is a common law employer

.04 The Service ordinarily does not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter on which of two entities, under common law rules applicable in determining the employer-employee relationship, is the employer, when one entity is treating the worker as an employee.

Ordinarily not to business associations or groups

.05 The Service ordinarily does not issue letter rulings or determination letters to business, trade, or industrial associations or to similar groups concerning the application of the tax laws to members of the group. Groups and associations, however, may submit suggestions of generic issues that could be appropriately addressed in revenue rulings. See Rev. Proc. 89–14, 1989–1 C.B. 814, which states the objectives of, and standards for, the publication of revenue rulings and revenue procedures in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

The Service may issue letter rulings or determination letters to groups or associations on their own tax status or liability if the request meets the requirements of this revenue procedure.

Ordinarily not where the request does not address the tax status, liability, or reporting obligations of the requester

.06 The Service ordinarily does not issue letter rulings or determination letters regarding the tax consequences of a transaction for taxpayers who are not directly involved in the request if the requested letter ruling or determination letter would not address the tax status, liability, or reporting obligations of the requester. For example, a taxpayer may not request a letter ruling relating to the tax consequences of a transaction to a customer or client, if the tax status, liability, or reporting obligations of the taxpayer would not be addressed in the ruling, because the customer or client is not directly involved in the letter ruling request. The tax liability of each shareholder is, however, directly involved in a letter ruling on the reorganization of a corporation. Accordingly, a corporate taxpayer could request a letter ruling that solely addressed the tax consequences to its shareholders of a proposed reorganization.

Rev. Proc. 96–16, 1996–1 C.B. 630, sets forth rules for letter ruling requests involving tax-exempt state and local government obligations.

Ordinarily not to foreign governments

.07 The Service ordinarily does not issue letter rulings or determination letters to foreign governments or their political subdivisions about the U.S. tax effects of their laws. The Associate offices also do not issue letter rulings on the effect of a tax treaty on the tax laws of a treaty country for purposes of determining the tax of the treaty country. See section 13.02 of Rev. Proc. 2006–54, 2006–2 C.B. 1035. Treaty partners can continue to address matters such as these under the provisions of the applicable tax treaty. In addition, the Associate offices may issue letter rulings to foreign governments or their political subdivisions on their own tax status or liability under U.S. law if the request meets the requirements of this revenue procedure.

Ordinarily not on Federal tax consequences of proposed legislation

.08 The Associate offices ordinarily do not issue letter rulings on a matter involving the Federal tax consequences of any proposed Federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign legislation. The Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) may issue letter rulings regarding the effect of proposed state, local, or municipal legislation upon an eligible deferred compensation plan under § 457(b) provided that the letter ruling request relating to the plan complies with the other requirements of this revenue procedure. The Associate offices also may provide general information in response to an inquiry.

Ordinarily not before issuance of a regulation or other published guidance

.09 Generally, the Service will not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter if the request presents an issue that cannot be readily resolved before a regulation or any other published guidance is issued. When the Service has closed a regulation project or any other published guidance project that might have answered the issue or decided not to open a regulation project or any other published guidance project, the Associate offices may consider all letter ruling requests unless the issue is covered by section 6 of this revenue procedure, Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, or Rev. Proc. 2015–7, this Bulletin.

Not on frivolous issues

.10 The Service will not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter on frivolous issues. A “frivolous issue” is one without basis in fact or law or one that asserts a position that courts have held frivolous or groundless. Examples of frivolous or groundless issues include, but are not limited to:

(1) frivolous “constitutional” claims, such as claims that the requirement to file tax returns and pay taxes constitutes an unreasonable search barred by the Fourth Amendment, violates Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment protections of due process, violates Thirteenth Amendment protections against involuntary servitude, or is unenforceable because the Sixteenth Amendment does not authorize nonapportioned direct taxes or was never ratified;

(2) claims that income taxes are voluntary, that the term “income” is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code, or that preparation and filing of Federal income tax returns violates the Paperwork Reduction Act;

(3) claims that tax may be imposed only on coins minted under a gold or silver standard or that receipt of Federal Reserve Notes does not cause an accretion to wealth;

(4) claims that a person’s income is not taxable because he or she falls within a class entitled to “reparation claims” or an extra-statutory class of individuals exempt from tax, e.g., “free-born” individuals;

(5) claims that a taxpayer can refuse to pay taxes on the basis of opposition to certain Governmental expenditures;

(6) claims that taxes apply only to Federal employees; only to residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, or “Federal enclaves;” or that §§ 861 through 865 or any other provision of the Code imposes taxes on U.S. citizens and residents only on income derived from foreign based activities;

(7) claims that wages or personal service income are “not income,“ are ”nontaxable receipts,“ or are a “nontaxable exchange for labor;”

(8) claims that income tax withholding by an employer on wages is optional; or

(9) other claims that the courts have characterized as frivolous or groundless.

Additional examples of frivolous or groundless issues may be found in IRS publications and other guidance (including, but not limited to, Notice 2010–33, Frivolous Positions, and I.R.M. 4.10.12.1.1, Frivolous Arguments).

No “comfort” letter rulings

.11 A letter ruling will not be issued with respect to an issue that is clearly and adequately addressed by statute, regulations, decision of a court, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices, or other authority published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (Comfort Ruling). However, except with respect to issues under § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036 and the tax consequences resulting from the application of such Code sections (see generally section 6.03), the Associate office may, in its discretion, decide to issue a Comfort Ruling if the Associate office is otherwise issuing a letter ruling to the taxpayer on another issue arising in the same transaction.

Not on alternative plans or hypothetical situations

.12 The Service will not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter on alternative plans of proposed transactions or on hypothetical situations.

Not on property conversion after return filed

.13 An Associate office will not issue a letter ruling on the replacement of involuntarily converted property, whether or not the property has been replaced, if the taxpayer has already filed a Federal tax return for the taxable year in which the property was converted. A Director may issue a determination letter in this case. See section 12.01 of this revenue procedure.

Circumstances under which determination letters are not issued by a Director

.14 A Director will not issue a determination letter if—

(1) the taxpayer has directed a similar inquiry to an Associate office;

(2) the same issue, involving the same taxpayer or a related taxpayer, is pending in a case in litigation or before Appeals;

(3) the request involves an industry-wide problem;

(4) the specific employment tax question at issue in the request has been, or is being, considered by the Central Office of the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board for the same taxpayer or a related taxpayer; or

(5) the request is for a determination of constructive sales price under § 4216(b) or § 4218(c), which deal with special provisions applicable to the manufacturers excise tax. The Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) will, in certain circumstances, issue letter rulings in this area. See section 5.13 of this revenue procedure.

SECTION 7. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS?

This section provides the general instructions for requesting letter rulings and determination letters. See section 9 of this revenue procedure for the specific and additional procedures for requesting a change in method of accounting.

Requests for letter rulings, closing agreements, and determination letters require the payment of the applicable user fee listed in Appendix A of this revenue procedure. Certain changes in method of accounting under the automatic change request procedures (see section 9.01(1) of this revenue procedure) and certain changes in accounting periods made under automatic change request procedures do not require payment of a user fee (see Appendix G of this revenue procedure). For additional user fee requirements, see section 15 of this revenue procedure.

Specific and additional instructions also apply to requests for letter rulings and determination letters on certain matters. Those matters are listed in Appendix G of this revenue procedure with a reference (usually to another revenue procedure) where more information can be obtained.

Documents and information required in all requests

.01

Facts

(1) Complete statement of facts and other information. Each request for a letter ruling or a determination letter must contain a complete statement of all facts relating to the transaction. These facts include—

(a) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers of all interested parties (the term “all interested parties” does not mean all shareholders of a widely held corporation requesting a letter ruling relating to a reorganization or all employees where a large number may be involved);

(b) the annual accounting period, and the overall method of accounting (cash or accrual) for maintaining the accounting books and filing the Federal income tax return, of all interested parties;

(c) a description of the taxpayer’s business operations;

(d) a complete statement of the business reasons for the transaction;

(e) a detailed description of the transaction; and

(f) all other facts relating to the transaction or to the taxpayer’s requested tax treatment thereof.

Documents and foreign laws

(2) Copies of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, other documents pertinent to the transaction, and foreign laws.

(a) Documents. True copies of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, trust documents, proposed disclaimers, and other documents pertinent to the transaction must be submitted with the request.

If the request concerns a corporate distribution, reorganization, or similar transaction, the corporate balance sheet and profit and loss statement should also be submitted. If the request relates to a prospective transaction, the most recent balance sheet and profit and loss statement should be submitted.

If any document, including any balance sheet and profit and loss statement, is in a language other than English, the taxpayer must also submit a certified English translation of the document, along with a true copy of the document. For guidelines on the acceptability of such documents, see paragraph (c) of this section 7.01(2).

Each document other than the request should be labeled and attached to the request in alphabetical sequence. Original documents such as contracts, wills, etc., should not be submitted because they become part of the Service’s file and will not be returned.

(b) Foreign laws. The taxpayer must submit with the request a copy of the relevant parts of all foreign laws, including statutes, regulations, administrative pronouncements, and any other relevant legal authority. The documents submitted must be in the official language of the country involved and must be copied from an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available and generally accepted publication. If English is not the official language of the country involved, the taxpayer must also submit a copy of an English language version of the relevant parts of all foreign laws. This translation must be: (i) from an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available, generally accepted publication; or (ii) a certified English translation submitted in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section 7.01(2).

The taxpayer must identify the title and date of publication, including updates, of any widely available and generally accepted publication that the taxpayer (or the taxpayer’s qualified translator) uses as a source for the relevant parts of the foreign law.

(c) Standards for acceptability of submissions of documents in a language other than English and certified English translations of laws in a language other than English. The taxpayer must submit with the request an accurate and complete certified English translation of the relevant parts of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, trust documents, proposed disclaimers, and other documents pertinent to the transaction that are in a language other than English. If the taxpayer chooses to submit certified English translations of foreign laws, those translations must be based on an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available and generally accepted publication. In either case, the translation must be that of a qualified translator and must be attested to by the translator. The attestation must contain: (i) a statement that the translation submitted is a true and accurate translation of the foreign language document or law; (ii) a statement as to the attestant’s qualifications as a translator and as to that attestant’s qualifications and knowledge regarding tax matters or foreign law if the law is not a tax law; and (iii) the attestant’s name and address.

Analysis of material facts

(3) Analysis of material facts. The request must be accompanied by an analysis of facts and their bearing on the issue or issues. If documents attached to a request contain material facts, they must be included in the taxpayer’s analysis of facts in the request rather than merely incorporated by reference.

Same issue in an earlier return under Examination, before Appeals, before a Federal Court, or being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, by the Department of Labor, or by the Department of Health and Human Services

(4) Statement regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return and additional information required for § 301.9100 requests. The request must state whether, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives, the same issue is addressed in any return of the taxpayer, a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267, or of a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504, or any predecessor that-

(a) is currently under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court;

(b) was previously under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court;

(c) in qualified retirement plan matters, is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or the Department of Labor; or

(d) in health care matters, is being considered by the Department of Labor or the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Service will not ordinarily issue a letter ruling or determination letter if, at the time of the request, the identical issue is under examination or consideration or in litigation. See section 6.01 in this revenue procedure. A limited exception to the above rule is made for a § 301.9100 request. See section 5.03 in this revenue procedure.

If a § 301.9100 request involves a tax year that is currently under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court, the taxpayer must notify the Service, as outlined above. This notification must include the name and telephone number of the examining agent or appeals officer.

Same or similar issue in a request previously submitted or currently pending

(5) Statement regarding whether same or similar issue was previously ruled on or whether a request involving it was submitted or is currently pending. The request must state whether, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives—

(a) the Service previously ruled on the same or a similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267, or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504, or a predecessor;

(b) the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, a predecessor, or any of their representatives previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or a similar issue but no letter ruling or determination letter was issued;

(c) the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or a similar issue that is currently pending with the Service; or

(d) at the same time as this request, the taxpayer or a related taxpayer is presently submitting another request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or a similar issue.

If the statement is affirmative for (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section 7.01(5), the statement must give the date the request was submitted, the date the request was withdrawn or ruled on, if applicable, and other details of the Service’s consideration of the issue.

Interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty

(6) Statement regarding interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty. If the request involves the interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty, the request must state whether—

(a) the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction has issued a ruling on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267, or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504, or any predecessor;

(b) the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or any predecessor is being examined or has been settled by the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction or is otherwise the subject of a closing agreement in that jurisdiction; and

(c) the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or any predecessor is being considered by the competent authority of the treaty jurisdiction.

Letter from Bureau of Indian Affairs relating to certain letter ruling requests

(7) Letter from Bureau of Indian Affairs relating to a letter ruling request for recognition of Indian tribal government status or status as a political subdivision of an Indian tribal government. To facilitate prompt action on a letter ruling request for recognition of Indian tribal government status or status as a political subdivision of an Indian tribal government, the taxpayer must submit with the letter ruling request a letter from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), verifying that the tribe is recognized by BIA as an Indian tribe and that the tribal government exercises governmental functions or that the political subdivision of the Indian tribal government has been delegated substantial governmental functions. A letter ruling request that does not contain this letter from BIA cannot be resolved until the Service obtains a letter from BIA regarding the tribe’s status.

The taxpayer should send a request to verify tribal status to the following address:

Branch of General Indian Legal Activity

Division of Indian Affairs

Office of the Solicitor

U.S. Department of the Interior

1849 C Street, NW

Washington, DC 20240

Statement of authorities supporting taxpayer’s views

(8) Statement of supporting authorities. If the taxpayer advocates a particular conclusion, the taxpayer must include an explanation of the grounds for that conclusion and the relevant authorities to support it. Even if the taxpayer is not advocating a particular tax treatment of a proposed transaction, the taxpayer must furnish views on the tax results of the proposed transaction and a statement of relevant authorities to support those views.

In all events, the request must include a statement of whether the law in connection with the request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities.

Statement of authorities contrary to taxpayer’s views

(9) Statement of contrary authorities. To avoid a delay in the ruling process, contrary authorities should be brought to the attention of the Service at the earliest possible opportunity. If there are significant contrary authorities, it is usually helpful to discuss them in a pre-submission conference prior to submitting the ruling request. See section 10.07 of this revenue procedure regarding pre-submission conferences. The taxpayer is strongly encouraged to inform the Service about, and discuss the implications of, any authority believed to be contrary to the position advanced, such as legislation, tax treaties, court decisions, regulations, notices, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, or announcements. If the taxpayer determines that there are no contrary authorities, a statement in the request to this effect should be included. If the taxpayer does not furnish either contrary authorities or a statement that none exist, the Service in complex cases or those presenting difficult or novel issues may request submission of contrary authorities or a statement that none exist. Failure to comply with this request may result in the Service’s refusal to issue a letter ruling or determination letter.

The taxpayer’s identification of and discussion of contrary authorities will generally enable Service personnel to more quickly understand the issue and relevant authorities. Having this information should make research more efficient and lead to earlier action by the Service. If the taxpayer does not disclose and distinguish significant contrary authorities, the Service may need to request additional information, which will delay action on the request.

Statement identifying pending legislation

(10) Statement identifying pending legislation. When filing the request, the taxpayer must identify any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction. In addition, the taxpayer must notify the Service if any such legislation is introduced after the request is filed but before a letter ruling or determination letter is issued.

Deletion statement required by § 6110

(11) Statement identifying information to be deleted from the public inspection copy of letter ruling or determination letter. The text of letter rulings and determination letters is open to public inspection under § 6110. The Service makes deletions from the text before it is made available for inspection. To help the Service make the deletions required by § 6110(c), a request for a letter ruling or determination letter must be accompanied by a statement indicating the deletions desired, except where a letter ruling or determination letter is open to public inspection under § 6104. If the deletion statement is not submitted with the request, a Service representative will tell the taxpayer that the request will be closed if the Service does not receive the deletion statement within 21 calendar days. See section 8.05 of this revenue procedure.

Section 6110(l)(1) provides that § 6110 disclosure provisions do not apply to any matter to which § 6104 applies. Therefore, letter rulings, determination letters, technical advice memoranda, and related background file documents dealing with the following matters (covered by § 6104) are not subject to § 6110 disclosure provisions—

(i) An approved application for exemption under § 501(a) as an organization described in § 501(c) or (d), or notice of status as a political organization under § 527, together with any papers submitted in support of such application or notice;

(ii) An application for exemption under § 501(a) with respect to the qualification of a pension, profit sharing or stock bonus plan, or an individual retirement account described in § 408 or § 408A, or any application for exemption under § 501(a) by an organization forming part of such a plan or account;

(iii) Any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service in which the qualification or exempt status of a plan or account is granted, denied, or revoked or the portion of any document in which technical advice with respect thereto is given;

(iv) Any application filed and any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the qualification or status of master and prototype retirement plans; and

(v) The portion of any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the qualification or exempt status of a retirement plan or account of a proposed transaction by such plan or account.

(a) Format of deletion statement. A taxpayer who wants only names, addresses, and identifying numbers to be deleted should state this in the deletion statement. If the taxpayer wants more information deleted, the deletion statement must be accompanied by a copy of the request and supporting documents on which the taxpayer should bracket the material to be deleted. The deletion statement must include the statutory basis under § 6110(c) for each proposed deletion.

If the taxpayer decides to ask for additional deletions before the letter ruling or determination letter is issued, additional deletion statements may be submitted.

(b) Location of deletion statement. The deletion statement must be made in a separate document from the request for a letter ruling or determination letter and must be placed on top of the request.

(c) Signature. The deletion statement must be signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. A stamped signature or faxed signature is not permitted.

(d) Additional information. The taxpayer should follow the same procedures of this section 7.01(11) to propose deletions from any additional information submitted after the initial request. An additional deletion statement is not required with each submission of additional information if the taxpayer’s initial deletion statement requests that only names, addresses, and identifying numbers are to be deleted and the taxpayer wants only the same information deleted from the additional information.

(e) Taxpayer may protest deletions not made. After receiving from the Service the notice under § 6110(f)(1) of intention to disclose the letter ruling or determination letter (including a copy of the version proposed to be open to public inspection and notation of third-party communications under § 6110(d)), the taxpayer may protest the disclosure of certain information in the letter ruling or determination letter. The taxpayer must send a written statement to the Service office indicated on the notice of intention to disclose, within 20 calendar days of the date the notice of intention to disclose is mailed to the taxpayer. The statement must identify those deletions that the Service has not made and that the taxpayer believes should have been made. The taxpayer must also submit a copy of the version of the letter ruling or determination letter and bracket the proposed deletions that have not been made by the Service. Generally, the Service will not consider deleting any material that the taxpayer did not propose to be deleted before the letter ruling or determination letter was issued.

Within 20 calendar days after the Service receives the response to the notice under § 6110(f)(1), the Service will mail to the taxpayer its final administrative conclusion regarding the deletions to be made. The taxpayer does not have the right to a conference to resolve any disagreements concerning material to be deleted from the text of the letter ruling or determination letter. These matters may, however, be taken up at any conference that is otherwise scheduled regarding the request.

(f) Taxpayer may request delay of public inspection. After receiving the notice of intention to disclose under § 6110(f)(1), but no later than 60 calendar days after the date of the notice, the taxpayer may send a written request for delay of public inspection under either § 6110(g)(3) or (4). The request for delay must be sent to the Service office indicated on the notice of intention to disclose. A request for delay under § 6110(g)(3) must contain the date on which it is expected that the underlying transaction will be completed. The request for delay under § 6110(g)(4) must contain a statement from which the Commissioner of Internal Revenue may determine whether there are good reasons for the continued delay.

Signature on request

(12) Signature by taxpayer or authorized representative. The request for a letter ruling or determination letter must be signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. A stamped signature or faxed signature is not permitted.

Authorized representatives

(13) Authorized representatives.

(a) To sign the request or to appear before the Service in connection with the request, the taxpayer’s authorized representative must be (for rules on who may practice before the Service, see Treasury Department Circular No. 230, 31 C.F.R. part 10):

(1) An attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as an attorney and current authorization to represent the taxpayer;

(2) A certified public accountant who is duly qualified to practice in any state, possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as a certified public accountant and current authorization to represent the taxpayer;

(3) An enrolled agent is a person who is currently enrolled as an agent to practice before the Service and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current enrollment and authorization to represent the taxpayer. The enrollment number must be included in the declaration;

(4) An enrolled actuary is an individual currently enrolled as an actuary by the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 1242 and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as an enrolled actuary and current authorization to represent the taxpayer. Practice before the Service as an enrolled actuary is limited to representation with respect to issues involving §§ 401, 403(a), 404, 412, 413, 414, 419, 419A, 420, 430, 431, 432, 436, 4971, 4972, 4976, 4980, 6057, 6058, 6059, 6652(e), 6652(f), 6692, and 7805(b); former § 405; and 29 U.S.C. § 1083;

(5) An enrolled retirement plan agent is an individual currently enrolled as a retirement plan agent who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration as an enrolled retirement plan agent and current authorization to represent the taxpayer. Practice before the Service as an enrolled retirement plan agent is limited to representation with respect to issues involving the following programs: Employee Plans Determination Letter program; Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System; and Employee Plans Master and Prototype and Volume Submitter program. Enrolled retirement plan agents also are generally permitted to represent taxpayers with respect to IRS forms under 5300 and 5500 series, which are filed by retirement plans and plans sponsors, but not with respect to actuarial forms and schedules; or

(6) Any other person, including a foreign representative, who has received a “Letter of Authorization” from the Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility under section 10.7(d) of Treasury Department Circular No. 230. A person may make a written request for a “Letter of Authorization” to: Office of Professional Responsibility, SE:OPR, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20224. Section 10.7(d) of Circular No. 230 authorizes the Commissioner to allow an individual who is not otherwise eligible to practice before the Service to represent another person in a particular matter.

(b) A regular full-time employee representing his or her employer; a general partner representing his or her partnership; a bona fide officer representing his or her corporation, association, or organized group; a trustee, receiver, guardian, personal representative, administrator, executor, or regular full-time employee representing a trust, receivership, guardianship, or estate; or an individual representing an immediate family member may sign the request or appear before the Service in connection with the request if the individual provides current authorization to represent the taxpayer. See section 7.01(14) of this revenue procedure.

A taxpayer may be required to file a Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, for certain employees not authorized to represent the taxpayer to receive taxpayer information from the Service.

(c) Tax return preparers, including registered tax return preparers, that are not described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section may not sign the request, appear before the Service, or represent a taxpayer in connection with a request for a letter ruling or a determination letter. See section 10.3(f)(3) of Treasury Department Circular No. 230.

(d) A foreign representative, other than a person referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, is not authorized to practice before the Service within the United States and must withdraw from representing a taxpayer in a request for a letter ruling or a determination letter. In this situation, the nonresident alien or foreign entity must submit the request for a letter ruling or a determination letter on the individual’s or the entity’s own behalf or through a person referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

Power of attorney and declaration of representative

(14) Power of attorney and declaration of representative. Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, should be used to provide the representative’s authority (Part I of Form 2848, Power of Attorney) and the representative’s qualification (Part II of Form 2848, Declaration of Representative). The name of the person signing Part I of Form 2848 should also be typed or printed on this form. A stamped signature is not permitted. An original, a copy, or fax of the power of attorney is acceptable so long as its authenticity is not reasonably disputed. For additional information regarding the power of attorney form, see section 7.02(2) of this revenue procedure.

The taxpayer’s authorized representative, whether or not enrolled, must comply with Treasury Department Circular No. 230, which provides the rules for practice before the Service. In situations where the Service believes that the taxpayer’s representative is not in compliance with Circular 230, the Service will bring the matter to the attention of the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Penalties of perjury statement

(15) Penalties of perjury statement.

(a) Format of penalties of perjury statement. A request for a letter ruling or determination letter and any change in the request submitted at a later time must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined [Insert, as appropriate: this request or this modification to the request], including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, [Insert, as appropriate: the request or the modification] contains all the relevant facts relating to the request, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.”

See section 8.05(4) of this revenue procedure for the penalties of perjury statement applicable for submissions of additional information.

(b) Signature by taxpayer. The declaration must be signed and dated by the taxpayer, not the taxpayer’s representative. A stamped signature or faxed signature is not permitted.

The person who signs for a corporate taxpayer must be an officer of the corporate taxpayer who has personal knowledge of the facts and whose duties are not limited to obtaining a letter ruling or determination letter from the Service. If the corporate taxpayer is a member of an affiliated group filing consolidated returns, a penalties of perjury statement must also be signed and submitted by an officer of the common parent of the group.

The person signing for a trust, a state law partnership, or a limited liability company must be, respectively, a trustee, general partner, or member-manager who has personal knowledge of the facts.

Number of copies of request to be submitted

(16) Number of copies of request to be submitted. Generally, a taxpayer needs to submit the original and one copy of the request for a letter ruling or determination letter. If more than one issue is presented in the letter ruling request, the taxpayer is encouraged to submit additional copies of the request.

Further, the original and two copies of the request for a letter ruling or determination letter are required if—

(a) the taxpayer is requesting separate letter rulings or determination letters on multiple issues as explained later under section 7.02(1) of this revenue procedure;

(b) the taxpayer is requesting deletions other than names, addresses, and identifying numbers, as explained in section 7.01(11)(a) of this revenue procedure (one copy is the request for the letter ruling or determination letter and the second copy is the deleted version of such request); or

(c) a closing agreement (as defined in section 2.02 of this revenue procedure) is being requested on the issue presented.

Sample format for a letter ruling request

(17) Sample format for a letter ruling request. To assist a taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative in preparing a letter ruling request, a sample format for a letter ruling request is provided in Appendix B of this revenue procedure. This format is not required to be used.

Checklist

(18) Checklist for letter ruling requests. An Associate office will be able to respond more quickly to a taxpayer’s letter ruling request if the request is carefully prepared and complete. The checklist in Appendix C of this revenue procedure is designed to assist taxpayers in preparing a request by reminding them of the essential information and documents to be furnished with the request. The checklist in Appendix C must be completed to the extent required by the instructions in the checklist, signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative, and placed on top of the letter ruling request. If the checklist in Appendix C is not received, a branch representative will ask the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative to submit the checklist; this may delay action on the letter ruling request.

For letter ruling requests on certain matters, specific checklists supplement the checklist in Appendix C. These checklists are in appendix D, appendix E, or are listed in section 1 of Appendix G of this revenue procedure and must also be completed and placed on top of the letter ruling request along with the checklist in Appendix C.

Taxpayers can obtain copies of the checklist in Appendix C by calling (202) 317-5221 (not a toll-free call) or by accessing this revenue procedure in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2015–1 on the IRS web site at www.irs.gov. Taxpayers can access this revenue procedure on the website by following the “News” link, the “IRS Guidance” link, and the “Internal Revenue Bulletins (after June 2003)” link to obtain Internal Revenue Bulletin 2015–1. A copy of this checklist may be used.

Additional procedural information required with request

.02

Multiple issues

(1) To request separate letter rulings for multiple issues in a single situation. If more than one issue is presented in a request for a letter ruling, the Associate office generally will issue a single letter ruling covering all the issues. If the taxpayer requests separate letter rulings on any of the issues (because, for example, one letter ruling is needed sooner than another), the Associate office usually will comply with the request unless doing so is not feasible or not in the best interest of the Service. A taxpayer who wants separate letter rulings on multiple issues should make this clear in the request and submit the original and two copies of the request. See section 15.06(3) regarding whether a single user fee will be charged.

In issuing each letter ruling, the Associate office will state that it has issued separate letter rulings or that requests for other letter rulings are pending.

Power of attorney used to indicate recipient of a copy or copies of a letter ruling or a determination letter

(2) Power of attorney used to indicate recipient or recipients of a copy or copies of a letter ruling or a determination letter. Once the Service signs the letter ruling or determination letter, it will send the original to the taxpayer. The Service will not send the original letter ruling or determination letter to the taxpayer’s representative.

At the taxpayer’s request, the Service will send one copy of the letter ruling or determination letter to up to two authorized representatives. At the discretion of the Service, the Service may provide a copy of the letter ruling or determination letter to up to two authorized representatives, even though the taxpayer did not request that the Service send a copy of notices and communications to the taxpayer’s representatives. Taxpayers that use Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, to designate representatives, may request that copies of notices and communications be sent to the representatives listed at Line 2 by checking the corresponding box on Line 2. Taxpayers may use Line 5 of Form 2848 to advise the Service that a copy of the letter ruling or determination letter should not be sent to the taxpayer’s representative(s). If no box is checked on Line 2 and the taxpayer does not indicate otherwise on Line 5, the Service may in its discretion provide a copy of the letter ruling or determination letter to up to two authorized representatives.

“Two-part” letter ruling requests

(3) To request a particular conclusion on a proposed transaction. A taxpayer who requests a particular conclusion on a proposed transaction may make the request for a letter ruling in two parts. This type of request is referred to as a “two-part” letter ruling request. The first part must include the complete statement of facts and related documents described in section 7.01 of this revenue procedure. The second part must include a summary statement of the facts the taxpayer believes to be controlling in reaching the conclusion requested.

If the Associate office accepts the taxpayer’s statement of controlling facts, it will base its letter ruling on these facts. Ordinarily, this statement will be incorporated into the letter ruling. The Associate office reserves the right to rule on the basis of a more complete statement of the facts and to seek more information in developing the facts and restating them.

A taxpayer who chooses this two-part procedure has all the rights and responsibilities provided in this revenue procedure.

Taxpayers may not use the two-part procedure if it is inconsistent with other procedures, such as those dealing with requests for permission to change accounting methods or periods, applications for recognition of exempt status under § 501(a) or § 521, or requests for rulings on employment tax status.

After the Associate office has resolved the issues presented by a letter ruling request, the Associate office representative may request that the taxpayer submit a proposed draft of the letter ruling to expedite the issuance of the ruling. See section 8.07 of this revenue procedure.

Expedited handling

(4) To request expedited handling. The Service ordinarily processes requests for letter rulings and determination letters in order of the date received. Expedited handling means that a request is processed ahead of requests received before it. Expedited handling is granted only in rare and unusual cases, both out of fairness to other taxpayers and because the Service seeks to process all requests as expeditiously as possible and to give appropriate deference to normal business exigencies in all cases not involving expedited handling.

A taxpayer with a compelling need to have a request processed ahead of requests received before it may request expedited handling. This request must explain in detail the need for expedited handling. The request for expedited handling must be made in writing, preferably in a separate letter included with the request for the letter ruling or determination letter or provided soon after its filing. If the request for expedited handling is contained in the letter requesting the letter ruling or determination letter, the letter should state at the top of the first page “Expedited Handling Is Requested. See page ___ of this letter.”

A request for expedited handling will not be forwarded to a branch for action until the check for the user fee is received.

Whether a request for expedited handling will be granted is within the Service’s discretion. The Service may grant the request when a factor outside a taxpayer’s control creates a real business need to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter before a certain date to avoid serious business consequences. Examples include situations in which a court or governmental agency has imposed a specific deadline for the completion of a transaction, or where a transaction must be completed expeditiously to avoid an imminent business emergency (such as the hostile takeover of a corporate taxpayer), provided that the taxpayer can demonstrate that the deadline or business emergency, and the need for expedited handling, resulted from circumstances that could not reasonably have been anticipated or controlled by the taxpayer. To qualify for expedited handling in such situations, the taxpayer must also demonstrate that the taxpayer submitted the request as promptly as possible after becoming aware of the deadline or emergency. The extent to which the letter ruling or determination letter request complies with all of the applicable requirements of this revenue procedure, and fully and clearly presents the issues, is a factor in determining whether expedited treatment will be granted. When the Service agrees to process a request out of order, it cannot give assurance that any letter ruling or determination letter will be processed by the date requested.

The scheduling of a closing date for a transaction or a meeting of the board of directors or shareholders of a corporation, without regard for the time it may take to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter, will not be considered a sufficient reason to process a request ahead of its regular order. Also, the possible effect of fluctuation in the market price of stocks on a transaction will not be considered a sufficient reason to process a request out of order.

Because most requests for letter rulings and determination letters cannot be processed out of order, the Service urges all taxpayers to submit their requests well in advance of the contemplated transaction. In addition, to facilitate prompt action on letter ruling requests, taxpayers are encouraged to ensure that their initial submissions comply with all of the requirements of this revenue procedure (including the requirements of other applicable guidelines set forth in Appendix G of this revenue procedure), to prepare “two-part” requests described in section 7.02(3) of this revenue procedure when possible, and to promptly provide any additional information requested by the Service.

Fax to taxpayer or taxpayer’s authorized representative of any document related to letter ruling request

(5) To request the receipt of any document related to letter ruling request by fax. If the taxpayer so requests, the Associate office may fax to the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative a copy of any document related to the letter ruling request (for example, the letter ruling itself or a request for additional information).

A request to fax to the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative a copy of any document related to the letter ruling request must be made in writing, preferably as part of the original request for the letter ruling. The request may be submitted at a later date, but such a request will only be respected prospectively with respect to documents generated after it is received, and must be received prior to the signing of the letter ruling. The request must contain the fax number of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative to whom the document is to be faxed.

A document other than the letter ruling will be faxed by a branch representative. The copy of the letter ruling may be faxed by either a branch representative or the Disclosure and Litigation Support Branch of the Legal Processing Division of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) (CC:PA:LPD:DLS). For purposes of § 301.6110–2(h), however, a letter ruling is not issued until the ruling is mailed.

Requesting a conference

(6) To request a conference. A taxpayer who wants to have a conference on the issues involved in a request for a letter ruling should indicate this in writing when filing the request or soon thereafter. See sections 10.01, 10.02, and 11.11(2) of this revenue procedure.

Address to which to send request for letter ruling or determination letter

.03

Request for letter ruling

(1) Request for letter ruling. Original letter ruling requests must be sent to the appropriate Associate office. The packages should be marked RULING REQUEST SUBMISSION.

(a) If a private delivery service is not used, requests for letter rulings should be sent to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU

P.O. Box 7604

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

If a private delivery service is used, the address is:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, Room 5336

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

(b) Requests for letter rulings may also be hand delivered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to the courier’s desk at the loading dock (behind the 12th Street security station) of 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. A receipt will be given at the courier’s desk. The package should be addressed to:

Courier’s Desk

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, Room 5336

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

(c) Requests for letter rulings must not be submitted by fax.

Request for determination letter

(2) Request for determination letter.

(a) Taxpayers under the jurisdiction of LB&I should send a request for a determination letter to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

Large Business and International Division

PreFiling and Technical Guidance

SE:LB:PFTG, Mint Building

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

(b) SB/SE and W&I taxpayers should send requests for determination letters to the appropriate SB/SE office listed in Appendix F of this revenue procedure.

(c) For a determination letter under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, see Rev. Proc. 2015–4, Rev. Proc. 2015–5, and Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin; Rev. Proc. 2015–9 and Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

Pending letter ruling requests

.04

Circumstances under which the taxpayer with a pending letter ruling request must notify the Associate office

(1) Circumstances under which the taxpayer with a pending letter ruling request must notify the Associate office. The taxpayer must notify the Associate office if, after the letter ruling request is filed but before a letter ruling is issued, the taxpayer knows that—

(a) a Field office has started an examination of the issue or the identical issue on an earlier year’s return;

(b) in the case of a § 301.9100 request, a Field office has started an examination of the return for the taxable year in which an election should have been made or any taxable year that would have been affected by the election had it been timely made. See § 301.9100–3(e)(4)(i) and section 5.03(3) of this revenue procedure;

(c) legislation that may affect the transaction has been introduced. See section 7.01(10) of this revenue procedure;

(d) another letter ruling request (including an application for change in method of accounting), involving the same or similar issue as that pending with the Service, has been submitted by the taxpayer or a related party within the meaning of § 267 or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504;

(e) in qualified retirement plan matters, the issue is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or the Department of Labor; or

(f) in health care matters, the issue is being considered by the Department of Labor or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Taxpayer must notify the Associate office if a return is filed and must attach the request to the return

(2) Taxpayer must notify the Associate office if a return is filed and must attach the request to the return. If the taxpayer files a return before a letter ruling is received from the Associate office concerning an issue in the return, the taxpayer must notify the Associate office that the return has been filed. The taxpayer must also attach a copy of the letter ruling request (Form 3115, if for a non-automatic change in method of accounting) to the return to alert the Field office and avoid premature field action on the issue. Taxpayers filing their returns electronically may satisfy this requirement by attaching to their return a statement providing the date of the letter ruling request and the control number of the letter ruling.

If, under the limited circumstances permitted in section 5 of this revenue procedure, the taxpayer requests a letter ruling after the return is filed, but before the return is examined, the taxpayer must notify the Associate office that the return has been filed. The taxpayer must also notify the Field office having jurisdiction over the return and attach a copy of the letter ruling request to the notification to alert the Field office and avoid premature field action on the issue.

This section 7.04 also applies to pending requests for a closing agreement on a transaction for which a letter ruling is not requested or issued.

For purposes of this section 7.04, the term “return” includes an original return, amended return, or claim for refund.

When to attach letter ruling or determination letter to return

.05 A taxpayer who, before filing a return, receives a letter ruling or determination letter about any transaction that has been consummated and that is relevant to the return being filed must attach to the return a copy of the letter ruling or determination letter. 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 or determination letter.

For purposes of this section 7.05, the term “return” includes an original return, amended return, or claim for refund.

How to check on status of request for letter ruling or determination letter

.06 The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative may obtain information regarding the status of a request for a letter ruling or determination letter by calling the person whose name and telephone number are shown on the acknowledgment of receipt of the request or, in the case of a request for a letter ruling, the appropriate branch representative who contacts the taxpayer as explained in section 8.02 of this revenue procedure.

Request for letter ruling or determination letter may be withdrawn or Associate office may decline to issue letter ruling

.07

In General

(1) In general. A taxpayer may withdraw a request for a letter ruling or determination letter at any time before the letter ruling or determination letter is signed by the Service. Correspondence and exhibits related to a request that is withdrawn or related to a letter ruling request for which an Associate office declines to issue a letter ruling will not be returned to the taxpayer. See section 7.01(2)(a) of this revenue procedure. In appropriate cases, an Associate office may publish its conclusions in a revenue ruling or revenue procedure.

Notification of appropriate Service official

(2) Notification of appropriate Service official.

(a) Letter ruling requests. If a taxpayer withdraws a letter ruling request or if the Associate office declines to issue a letter ruling, the Associate office generally will notify, by memorandum, the appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return. For taxpayers under the jurisdiction of the Division Counsel (Large Business & International), the Associate office will also send a copy of the memorandum to the Director of Pre-Filing & Technical Guidance. In doing so, the Associate office may give the Service official its views on the issues in the request for consideration in any later examination of the return. This section 7.07(2)(a) generally does not apply if the taxpayer withdraws the letter ruling request and submits a written statement that the transaction has been, or is being, abandoned and if the Associate office has not already formed an adverse opinion. See section 7.07(1) of this revenue procedure.

(b) Notification of Service official may constitute Chief Counsel Advice. If the memorandum to the Service official referred to in paragraph (a) of this section 7.07(2) provides more than the fact that the request was withdrawn and that the Associate office was tentatively adverse, or more than the fact that the Associate office declines to issue a letter ruling, the memorandum may constitute Chief Counsel Advice, as defined in § 6110(i)(1), and may be subject to disclosure under § 6110.

(3) Refund of user fee. Ordinarily, the user fee will not be returned for a letter ruling request that is withdrawn. If the Associate office declines to issue a letter ruling on all of the issues in the request, the user fee will be returned. If the Associate office issues a letter ruling on some, but not all, of the issues, the user fee will not be returned. See section 15.10 of this revenue procedure for additional information regarding the refund of user fees.

SECTION 8. HOW DO THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES HANDLE LETTER RULING REQUESTS?

The Associate offices will issue letter rulings on the matters and under the circumstances explained in sections 3 and 5 of this revenue procedure and in the manner explained in this section and section 11 of this revenue procedure. See section 9 of this revenue procedure for procedures for change in method of accounting requests.

Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch receives, initially controls, and refers the request to the appropriate Associate office

.01 All requests for letter rulings will be received and initially controlled by the Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch of the Legal Processing Division of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) (CC:PA:LPD:DRU). That office will process the incoming documents and the user fee, and it will forward the file to the appropriate Associate office for assignment to a branch that has jurisdiction over the specific issue involved in the request.

Branch representative of the Associate office contacts taxpayer within 21 calendar days

.02 Within 21 calendar days after a letter ruling request has been received in the branch of the Associate office that has jurisdiction over the issue, a representative of the branch will contact the taxpayer or, if the request includes a properly executed power of attorney, the authorized representative, unless the power of attorney provides otherwise. During such contact, the branch representative will discuss the procedural issues in the letter ruling request. If the case is complex or a number of issues are involved, it may not be possible for the branch representative to discuss the substantive issues during this initial contact. When possible, for each issue within the branch’s jurisdiction, the branch representative will tell the taxpayer—

(1) whether the branch representative will recommend that the Associate office rule as the taxpayer requested, rule adversely on the matter, or not rule;

(2) whether the taxpayer should submit additional information to enable the Associate office to rule on the matter;

(3) whether the letter ruling complies with all of the provisions of this revenue procedure, and if not, which requirements have not been met; or

(4) whether, because of the nature of the transaction or the issue presented, a tentative conclusion on the issue cannot be reached.

If the letter ruling request involves matters within the jurisdiction of more than one branch or Associate office, a representative of the branch that received the original request will tell the taxpayer within the initial 21 calendar days—

(1) that the matters within the jurisdiction of another branch or Associate office have been referred to that branch or Associate office for consideration, and the date the referral was made, and

(2) that a representative of that branch or Associate office will contact the taxpayer within 21 calendar days after receiving the referral to discuss informally the procedural and, to the extent possible, the substantive issues in the request.

This section 8.02 applies to all matters except for cases involving a request for change in method of accounting or accounting period and cases within the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products) concerning insurance issues requiring actuarial computations.

Determines if transaction can be modified to obtain favorable letter ruling

.03 If less than a fully favorable letter ruling is indicated, the branch representative will tell the taxpayer whether minor changes in the transaction or adherence to certain published positions would bring about a favorable ruling. The branch representative may also tell the taxpayer the facts that must be furnished in a document to comply with Service requirements. The branch representative will not suggest precise changes that would materially alter the form of the proposed transaction or materially alter a taxpayer’s proposed accounting period.

If, at the end of this discussion, the branch representative determines that a meeting in the Associate office would be more helpful to develop or exchange information, a meeting will be offered and an early meeting date arranged. When offered, this meeting is in addition to the taxpayer’s conference of right that is described in section 10.02 of this revenue procedure.

Not bound by informal opinion expressed

.04 The Service will not be bound by the informal opinion expressed by the branch representative or any other Service representative, and such an opinion cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

May request additional information

.05

Must be submitted within 21 calendar days

(1) Additional information must be submitted within 21 calendar days. If the request lacks essential information, which may include additional information needed to satisfy the procedural requirements of this revenue procedure as well as substantive changes to transactions or documents needed from the taxpayer, the branch representative will request such information during the initial or subsequent contacts with the taxpayer or its authorized representative. The representative will inform the taxpayer or its authorized representative that the request will be closed if the Associate office does not receive the requested information within 21 calendar days from the date of the request unless an extension of time is granted. To facilitate prompt action on letter ruling requests, taxpayers may request that the Associate office request additional information by fax. See section 7.02(5) of this revenue procedure.

Material facts furnished to the Associate office by telephone or fax, or orally at a conference, must be promptly confirmed by letter to the Associate office. This confirmation, and any additional information requested by the Associate office that is not part of the information requested during the initial contact, must be furnished within 21 calendar days from the date the Associate office makes the request.

Extension of reply period if justified and approved

(2) Extension of reply period if justified and approved. The Service will grant an extension of the 21-day period for providing additional information only if the extension is justified in writing by the taxpayer and approved by the branch reviewer. A request for an extension should be submitted before the end of the 21-day period. If unusual circumstances close to the end of the 21-day period make a written request impractical, the taxpayer should notify the Associate office within the 21-day period that there is a problem and that the written request for extension will be provided shortly. The taxpayer will be told promptly of the approval or denial of the requested extension. If the extension request is denied, there is no right of appeal.

Letter ruling request closed if the taxpayer does not submit additional information

(3) Letter ruling request closed if the taxpayer does not submit additional information. If the taxpayer does not submit the information requested during the initial or subsequent contacts within the time provided, the letter ruling request will be closed and the taxpayer will be notified in writing. If the information is received after the request is closed, the request will be reopened and treated as a new request as of the date the information is received. The taxpayer must pay another user fee before the case can be reopened.

Penalties of perjury statement for additional information

(4) Penalties of perjury statement. Additional information submitted to the Service must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this information, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contains all the relevant facts relating to the request for the information, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.” This declaration must be signed in accordance with the requirements in section 7.01(15)(b) of this revenue procedure.

Faxing request and additional information

(5) Faxing request and additional information. To facilitate prompt action on letter ruling requests, taxpayers may request that the Associate office request additional information by fax. See section 7.02(5) of this revenue procedure. Taxpayers may also submit additional information by fax as soon as the information is available. The Associate office representative who requests additional information can provide a fax number to which the information can be faxed. The original of the faxed material and a signed penalties of perjury statement must be mailed or delivered to the Associate office.

Address to which to send additional information

(6) Address to which to send additional information

(a) If a private delivery service is not used, the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attn: [Name, office symbols, and

room number of the Associate office representative who requested

the information]

P.O. Box 7604

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

For cases involving a request for change in method of accounting or period, see section 9.05 of this revenue procedure for the address to which to send additional information.

(b) If a private delivery service is used, the additional information for all cases should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attn: [Name, office symbols, and

room number of the Associate office representative who requested

the information]

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

Identifying information included in additional information

(7) Identifying information. For all cases, the additional information should include the taxpayer’s name and the case control number and the name, office symbols, and room number of the Associate office representative who requested the information. The Associate office representative can provide the latter information to the taxpayer.

Number of copies of additional information to be submitted

(8) Number of copies. A taxpayer only needs to submit one copy of the additional information unless the Associate office requests additional copies.

Near the completion of the ruling process, advises the taxpayer of conclusions and, if the Associate office will rule adversely, offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request

.06 Generally, after the conference of right is held but before the letter ruling is issued, the branch representative will orally notify the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative of the Associate office’s conclusions. See section 10 of this revenue procedure for a discussion of conferences of right. If the Associate office is going to rule adversely, the taxpayer will be offered the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request. If, within ten calendar days of the notification by the branch representative, the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative does not notify the branch representative that the taxpayer wishes to withdraw the ruling request, the adverse letter ruling will be issued unless an extension is granted. The user fee will not be refunded for a letter ruling request that is withdrawn. See section 15.10(1)(a) of this revenue procedure.

May request that taxpayer submit draft proposed letter ruling near the completion of the ruling process

.07 To accelerate the issuance of letter rulings, in appropriate cases near the completion of the ruling process, the Associate office representative may request that the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative submit a proposed draft of the letter ruling. Such draft would be based on the discussions of the issues between the representative and the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative. The taxpayer is not required to prepare a draft letter ruling to receive a letter ruling.

The format of the submission should be discussed with the Associate office representative who requests the draft letter ruling. The representative usually can provide a sample format of a letter ruling and will discuss with the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative the facts, analysis, and letter ruling language to be included.

Taxpayers are encouraged to submit this draft in a printed copy that is in a computer scannable format. The printed copy will become part of the permanent files of the Associate office. The printed copy should be sent to the same address as any additional information and should contain in the transmittal the information that should be included with any additional information (for example, a penalties of perjury statement is required). See section 8.05(4) of this revenue procedure.

Issues separate letter rulings for substantially identical letter rulings, but generally issues a single letter ruling for related § 301.9100 letter rulings

.08

Substantially identical letter rulings

(1) Substantially identical letter rulings. For letter ruling requests qualifying for the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(a) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure for substantially identical letter rulings, a separate letter ruling will generally be issued for each entity with a common member or sponsor, or for each member of a common entity.

Related § 301.9100 letter rulings

(2) Related § 301.9100 letter rulings.

(a) For a § 301.9100 letter ruling request for an extension of time to file a Form 3115 qualifying under section 15.07(4) for the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(d) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure for an identical change in method of accounting, the Associate office generally will issue a single letter on behalf of all applicants on Form 3115 that are the subject of the request.

(b) For a § 301.9100–3 letter ruling request for an extension of time to file an entity classification election for multiple entities qualifying under section 15.07(2) for the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(a) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure, the Associate office generally will issue a single letter on behalf of all entities that are the subject of the request. The taxpayer may request that separate letters be issued to each entity that are the subject of the request. See generally section 5.03 of this revenue procedure.

Sends a copy of the letter ruling to appropriate Service official

.09 The Associate office will send a copy of the letter ruling, whether favorable or adverse, to the appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return.

SECTION 9. WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC AND ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES FOR A REQUEST FOR A CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FROM THE ASSOCIATE OFFICES?

This section provides the specific and additional procedures applicable to a request for a change in method of accounting under Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or any successor), as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2012–39, 2012–41 I.R.B. 470, other automatic change request procedures, or Rev. Proc. 97–27, 1997–1 C.B. 680, as amplified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2002–19, 2002–1 C.B. 696; as amplified and clarified by Rev. Proc. 2002–54, 2002–2 C.B. 432; as modified by Rev. Proc. 2007–67, 2007–2 C.B. 1072, Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330; and Rev. Proc. 2012–39, 2012–41 I.R.B. 470, and as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2009–39, 2009–38 I.R.B. 371.

A request for a change in method of accounting under Rev. Proc. 2011–14, other automatic change request procedures, or Rev. Proc. 97–27 is a type of request for a letter ruling. See section 2.01 of this revenue procedure.

Automatic and non-automatic change in method of accounting requests

.01

Automatic change in method of accounting under Rev. Proc. 2011–14 (or any successor), or other automatic change request procedures

(1) Automatic change in method of accounting. Certain changes in methods of accounting may be made under automatic change request procedures. A change in method of accounting provided for in an automatic change request procedure must be made using that procedure if the taxpayer requesting the change is within the scope of the procedure, the change is an automatic change for the requested year of the change, and the taxpayer is eligible to make the change. The Commissioner’s consent to an otherwise qualifying automatic change in method of accounting is granted only if the taxpayer timely complies with the applicable automatic change request procedures. But see section 9.19 of this revenue procedure concerning review by an Associate office and a Field office. In general, a taxpayer requests an automatic change by filing a current Form 3115, Application for Change in Method of Accounting.

An application filed under Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330, (or any successor) or other automatic change request procedure and this revenue procedure is hereinafter referred to as an “automatic change request.” See section 9.22 of this revenue procedure for a list of automatic change request procedures. See section 9.23 for a list of the sections and Appendices of this revenue procedure in addition to this section 9 that apply to an automatic change request. No user fee is required for a change made under an automatic change request procedure.

Non-automatic change in method of accounting

(2) Non-automatic change in method of accounting. If a change in method of accounting may not be made under an automatic change request procedure, the taxpayer may request a non-automatic letter ruling by filing a current Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, under Rev. Proc. 97–27, 1997–1 C.B. 680, as amplified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2002–19, 2002–1 C.B. 696; as amplified and clarified by Rev. Proc. 2002–54, 2002–2 C.B. 432; as modified by Rev. Proc. 2007–67, 2007–2 C.B. 1072, Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330; and Rev. Proc. 2012–39, 2012–41 I.R.B. 470; and as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2009–39, 2009–38 I.R.B. 371 (or any successor); and this revenue procedure. A Form 3115 filed under Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or any successor) and this revenue procedure for a non-automatic change request is hereinafter referred to as a “non-automatic Form 3115.” A taxpayer filing a non-automatic Form 3115 must submit the required user fee with the completed Form 3115. See section 15 and Appendix A of this revenue procedure for information about user fees. See section 9.23 for a list of the sections and Appendices of this revenue procedure in addition to this section 9 that apply to a non-automatic Form 3115.

Ordinarily only one change in method of accounting on a Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, and a separate Form 3115 for each taxpayer and for each separate and distinct trade or business

.02 Ordinarily, a taxpayer may request only one change in method of accounting on a Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method. If the taxpayer wants to request a change in method of accounting for more than one unrelated item or submethod of accounting, the taxpayer must submit a separate Form 3115 for each unrelated item or submethod, except in certain situations in which the Service specifically permits certain unrelated changes to be included on a single Form 3115. For an example of such a situation, see section 14.03 in the Appendix of Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or its successor).

A separate Form 3115 (and, therefore, a separate user fee pursuant to section 15 and Appendix A of this revenue procedure) must be submitted for each taxpayer and each separate trade or business of a taxpayer, including a qualified subchapter S subsidiary (QSub) or a single-member limited liability company (single member LLC), requesting a change in method of accounting, except as specifically permitted or required in guidance published by the Service. See, for example, section 15.07(4) of this revenue procedure.

Information required with a Form 3115

.03

Facts and other information

(1) Facts and other information requested on Form 3115 and in applicable revenue procedures. In general, a taxpayer requesting a change in method of accounting must file a current Form 3115, unless the procedures applicable to the specific type of change in method of accounting do not require a Form 3115 to be submitted.

To be eligible for approval of the requested change in method of accounting, the taxpayer must provide all information requested on the Form 3115 and in its instructions and in either Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or any successor), or the applicable automatic change request procedure. In addition, the taxpayer must provide all information requested in the applicable sections of this revenue procedure, including a detailed and complete description of the item being changed, the taxpayer’s present and proposed method for the item being changed, information regarding whether the taxpayer is under examination, or before Appeals or a Federal court, and a summary of the computation of the net § 481(a) adjustment, along with an explanation of the methodology used to determine the adjustment, sufficient to demonstrate that the net § 481(a) adjustment is computed correctly.

For a non-automatic Form 3115, the taxpayer must also include a full explanation of the legal basis and relevant authorities supporting the proposed method, a detailed and complete description of the facts and explanation of how the law applies to the taxpayer’s situation, a discussion of whether the law related to the request is uncertain or inadequately addresses the issue, a statement of the applicant’s reasons for the proposed change, and copies of all documents related to the proposed change.

The applicant must provide the requested information to be eligible for approval of the requested change in method of accounting. The taxpayer may be required to provide information specific to the requested change in method of accounting, such as an attached statement. The taxpayer must provide all information relevant to the requested change in method of accounting, even if not specifically requested, including an explanation of all material facts relevant to the requested change in method of accounting.

See also sections 7.01(1) and 7.01(8) of this revenue procedure.

Statement of authorities contrary to taxpayer’s views

(2) Statement of contrary authorities. For a non-automatic Form 3115, the taxpayer is encouraged to inform the Associate office about, and discuss the implications of, any authority believed to be contrary to the proposed change in method of accounting, including legislation, court decisions, regulations, notices, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, or announcements.

If the taxpayer does not furnish either contrary authorities or a statement that none exist, the Associate office may request submission of contrary authorities or a statement that none exist. Failure to comply with this request may result in the Associate office’s refusal to issue a change in method of accounting letter ruling.

Documents

(3) Copies of all contracts, agreements, and other documents. True copies of all contracts, agreements, and other documents relevant to the requested change in method of accounting must be submitted with a non-automatic Form 3115. Original documents should not be submitted because they become part of the Associate office’s file and will not be returned.

Analysis of material facts

(4) Analysis of material facts. When submitting any document with a Form 3115 or in a supplemental letter, the taxpayer must explain and provide an analysis of all material facts in the document. The taxpayer may not merely incorporate the document by reference. The analysis of the facts must include their bearing on the requested change in method of accounting and must specify the provisions that apply.

Same issue in an earlier return

(5) Information regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return. A Form 3115 must state whether, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives, any return of the taxpayer (or any return of a current or former consolidated group in which the taxpayer is or was a member) in which the taxpayer used the method of accounting being changed is under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court. See Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or any successor), as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2012–39, 2012–41 I.R.B. 470, and Rev. Proc. 97–27, 1997–1 C.B. 680, as amplified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2002–19, 2002–1 C.B. 696; as amplified and clarified by Rev. Proc. 2002–54, 2002–2 C.B. 432; as modified by Rev. Proc. 2007–67, 2007–2 C.B. 1072, Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330, and Rev. Proc. 2012–39, 2012–41 I.R.B. 470; and as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2009–39.

Issue previously submitted or currently pending

(6) Statement regarding prior requests for a change in method of accounting and other pending requests.

(a) Other requests for a change in method of accounting within the past five years. A Form 3115 must state, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives, whether the taxpayer or a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267 or a member of a current or former affiliated group of which the taxpayer is or was a member within the meaning of § 1504 or a predecessor requested or made within the past five years (including the year of the requested change), or is currently filing, any request for a change in method of accounting.

If the statement is affirmative, for each separate and distinct trade or business, give a description of each request and the year of change and whether consent was obtained. If any application was withdrawn, not perfected, or denied, or if a Consent Agreement was sent to the taxpayer but was not signed and returned to the Associate office, or if the change was not made in the requested year of change, give an explanation.

(b) Any other pending request(s). A Form 3115 must state, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives, whether the taxpayer or a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267 or a member of a current or former affiliated group of which the taxpayer is or was a member within the meaning of § 1504 or a predecessor currently have pending any request (including any concurrently filed request) for a letter ruling, a change in method of accounting, or technical advice.

If the statement is affirmative, for each request, give the name(s) of the taxpayer, identification number(s), the type of request (letter ruling, request for change in method of accounting, or request for technical advice), and the specific issues in the request.

Statement identifying pending legislation

(7) Statement identifying pending legislation. At the time the taxpayer files a non-automatic Form 3115, the taxpayer must identify any pending legislation that may affect the proposed change in method of accounting. The taxpayer also must notify the Associate office if any such legislation is introduced after the request is filed but before a change in method of accounting letter ruling is issued.

Authorized representatives

(8) Authorized representatives. To appear before the Service in connection with a request for a change in method of accounting, the taxpayer’s authorized representative must be an attorney, a certified public accountant, an enrolled agent, an enrolled actuary, a person with a “Letter of Authorization,” an employee, general partner, bona fide officer, administrator, trustee, etc., as described in section 7.01(13) of this revenue procedure.

Power of attorney and declaration of representative

(9) Power of attorney and declaration of representative. Any authorized representative, whether or not enrolled to practice, must comply with Treasury Department Circular No. 230, which provides the rules for practice before the Service, and the conference and practice requirements of the Statement of Procedural Rules, which provide the rules for representing a taxpayer before the Service. See section 7.01(14) of this revenue procedure. A taxpayer should use Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, to provide the representative’s authority.

Tax Information Authorization

(10) Tax Information Authorization. A taxpayer may use Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, to authorize an individual to receive a copy of the taxpayer’s change in method of accounting letter ruling and other related correspondence. If the taxpayer wishes to authorize a corporation, firm, organization, or partnership to receive the correspondence, an individual, identified by either name or title, must be specified on the Form 8821. A Form 8821 does not authorize the taxpayer’s appointee to advocate the taxpayer’s position or to otherwise represent the taxpayer before the Service.

Penalties of perjury statement

(11) Penalties of perjury statement

(a) Format of penalties of perjury statement. A Form 3115, and any change to a Form 3115 submitted at a later time, must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this application, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, the application contains all the relevant facts relating to the application, and it is true, correct, and complete.

See section 9.08(3) of this revenue procedure for the penalties of perjury statement required for submissions of additional information.

(b) Signature by taxpayer. A Form 3115 must be signed by, or on behalf of, the taxpayer requesting the change by an individual with authority to bind the taxpayer in such matters. For example, an officer must sign on behalf of a corporation, a general partner on behalf of a state law partnership, a member-manager on behalf of a limited liability company, a trustee on behalf of a trust, or an individual taxpayer on behalf of a sole proprietorship. If the taxpayer is a member of a consolidated group, a Form 3115 should be submitted on behalf of the taxpayer by the common parent and must be signed by a duly authorized officer of the common parent. Refer to the signature requirements set forth in the instructions for the current Form 3115 regarding those who are to sign. See also section 8.08 of Rev. Proc. 97–27 and section 6.02(5) of Rev. Proc. 2011–14. A stamped signature or faxed signature is not permitted.

(c) Signature by preparer. A declaration of preparer (other than the taxpayer) is based on all information of which the preparer has any knowledge.

Additional procedural information required in certain circumstances

.04

Recipients of original and copy of correspondence

(1) Recipients of original and copy of change in method of accounting correspondence. The Service will send the signed original of the change in method of accounting letter ruling and other related correspondence to the taxpayer, and copies to the taxpayer’s representative, if so instructed on Form 2848. See section 7.02(2) of this revenue procedure for how to designate alternative routing of the copies of the letter ruling and other correspondence.

Expedited handling

(2) To request expedited handling. The Associate offices ordinarily process non-automatic Forms 3115 in order of the date received. A taxpayer with a compelling need to have a non-automatic Form 3115 processed on an expedited basis may request expedited handling. See section 7.02(4) of this revenue procedure for procedures regarding expedited handling.

Fax of any document to the taxpayer or taxpayer’s authorized representative

(3) To receive the change in method of accounting letter ruling or any other correspondence related to a Form 3115 by fax. If the taxpayer wants a copy of the change in method of accounting letter ruling or any other correspondence related to a Form 3115, such as a request for additional information, faxed to the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative, the taxpayer must submit a written request to fax the letter ruling or related correspondence, preferably as part of the Form 3115. The request may be submitted at a later date, but it must be received prior to the mailing of correspondence other than the letter ruling and prior to the signing of the change in method of accounting letter ruling.

The request to have correspondence relating to the Form 3115 faxed to the taxpayer or taxpayer’s authorized representative must contain the fax number of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative to whom the correspondence is to be faxed.

A document other than the change in method of accounting letter ruling will be faxed by a branch representative. The change in method of accounting letter ruling may be faxed by either a branch representative or the Disclosure and Litigation Support Branch of the Legal Processing Division of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) (CC:PA:LPD:DLS).

For purposes of § 301.6110–2(h), a change in method of accounting letter ruling is not issued until the change in method of accounting letter ruling is mailed.

Requesting a conference

(4) To request a conference. The taxpayer must complete the appropriate line on the Form 3115 to request a conference, or must request a conference in a later written communication, if an adverse response is contemplated by the Associate office. See section 8.10 of Rev. Proc. 97–27, section 10.03(1) of Rev. Proc. 2011–14, and sections 10.01, 10.02 of this revenue procedure.

Addresses to which to send Forms 3115

.05 Addresses to which to send Forms 3115. Submit the original Form 3115, in the case of a non-automatic change request, or the copy of the Form 3115, in the case of an automatic change request, as follows:

(1) Associate office mailing address if private delivery service is not used. If a private delivery service is not used, a taxpayer other than an exempt organization must send the original completed Form 3115 and the required user fee (in the case of a non-automatic change request) or the national office copy of the completed Form 3115 (in the case of an automatic change request for which the copy is required to be filed with the national office) to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: [insert either “CC:PA:LPD:DRU” for a non-automatic change request or “Automatic Change” for an automatic

change request]

P.O. Box 7604

Benjamin Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

An exempt organization must send the original completed Form 3115 and the required user fee (in the case of a non-automatic change request) or the national office copy of the completed Form 3115 (in the case of an automatic change request Form 3115 required to be filed with the national office) to:

Internal Revenue Service

Tax Exempt & Government Entities

P.O. Box 2508

Cincinnati, OH 45201

See Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin, for the applicable user fee for exempt organization Forms 3115.

(2) Mailing address if private delivery service is used. If a private delivery service is used, a taxpayer other than an exempt organization must send the original completed Form 3115 and the required user fee (in the case of a non-automatic change request) or the national office copy of the completed Form 3115 (in the case of an automatic change request for which the copy is required to be filed with the national office) to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: [insert either “CC:PA:LPD:DRU” for a non-automatic change request or

“Automatic Change” for an

automatic change request]

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

Room 5336

If a private delivery service is used, an exempt organization must send the original completed Form 3115 and the required user fee (in the case of a non-automatic change request) or the national office copy of the completed Form 3115 (in the case of an automatic change request required to be filed with the national office) to:

Internal Revenue Service

Tax Exempt & Government Entities

Attn: TEGE:EO

550 Main Street

Room 4024

Cincinnati, OH 45202

See Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin, for the applicable user fee for exempt organization Forms 3115.

(3) Address if hand-delivered to the IRS Courier’s desk. For taxpayers other than an exempt organization, the original completed Form 3115 and the required user fee (in the case of a non-automatic Form 3115) or the national office copy of the completed Form 3115 (in the case of an automatic change request required to be filed with the national office), may be hand delivered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to the courier’s desk at the loading dock (located behind the 12th Street security station) of 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. A receipt will be given at the courier’s desk. The package should be addressed to:

Courier’s Desk

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, Room 5336

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

(4) Ogden office mailing address if copy of Form 3115 for automatic change request is required to be filed with the Ogden office. If Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330, or other published guidance, requires a taxpayer to file a copy of the completed Form 3115 with the Ogden office, send the Ogden copy of the automatic change request Form 3115 to:

Internal Revenue Service

1973 North Rulon White Blvd.

Mail Stop 4917

Ogden, UT 84404

A Form 3115 must not be submitted by fax

.06 A completed Form 3115 must not be submitted by fax.

Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch receives, initially controls, and refers the Form 3115 to the appropriate Associate office

.07 A non-automatic Form 3115, is received and controlled by the Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch, Legal Processing Division of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) (CC:PA:LPD:DRU) if the required user fee is submitted with the Form 3115. Once controlled, the Form 3115 is forwarded to the appropriate Associate office for assignment and processing.

Additional information

.08

Reply period

(1) Reply period.

(a) Non-automatic change request–21 day rule. In general, for a non-automatic change request, additional information requested by the Associate office and additional information furnished to the Associate office by telephone must be furnished in writing within 21 calendar days from the date of the information request. The Associate office may impose a shorter reply period for a request for additional information made after an initial request. See section 10.06 of this revenue procedure for the 21-day rule for submitting information after any conference.

(b) Automatic change request–30 day rule. In general, for an automatic change request, additional information requested by the Associate office, and additional information furnished to the Associate office by telephone or fax, must be furnished in writing (other than a fax) within 30 calendar days from the date of the information request. The Associate office may impose a shorter reply period for a request for additional information made after an initial request. See section 10.06 of this revenue procedure for the 21-day rule for submitting information after any conference with the Associate office.

Extension of reply period

(2) Request for extension of reply period.

(a) Non-automatic change request. For a non-automatic change request, an additional period, not to exceed 15 calendar days, to furnish information may be granted to a taxpayer. Any request for an extension of time must be made in writing and submitted before the end of the original 21-day period. If unusual circumstances close to the end of the 21-day period make a written request impractical, the taxpayer should notify the Associate office within the 21-day period that there is a problem and that the written request for extension will be provided shortly. An extension of the 21-day period will be granted only if approved by a branch reviewer. An extension of the 21-day period ordinarily will not be granted to furnish information requested on Form 3115. The taxpayer will be told promptly, and later in writing, of the approval or denial of the requested extension. If the extension request is denied, there is no right of appeal.

(b) Automatic change request. For an automatic change request, an additional period, not to exceed 30 calendar days, to furnish information may be granted to a taxpayer. Any request for an extension of time must be made in writing and submitted before the end of the original 30-day period. If unusual circumstances close to the end of the 30-day period make a written request impractical, the taxpayer should notify the Associate office within the 30-day period that there is a problem and that the written request for extension will be coming soon. An extension of the 30-day period will be granted only if approved by a branch reviewer. An extension of the 30-day period ordinarily will not be granted to furnish information requested on Form 3115. The taxpayer will be told promptly of the approval or denial of the requested extension. If the extension request is denied, there is no right of appeal.

Penalties of perjury statement for additional information

(3) Penalties of perjury statement for additional information. Additional information submitted to the Associate office must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this information, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contains all the relevant facts relating to the request for the information, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.” This declaration must be signed in accordance with the requirements in section 9.03(11)(b) of this revenue procedure.

Identifying information included in additional information

(4) Identifying information included in additional information. The additional information should also include the taxpayer’s name and the case control number and the name, office symbols, and room number of the Associate office representative who requested the information. The Associate office representative can provide the latter information to the taxpayer.

Faxing information request and additional information

(5) Faxing information request and additional information. To facilitate prompt action on a change in method of accounting ruling request, taxpayers may request that the Associate office request additional information by fax. See section 9.04(3) of this revenue procedure.

Taxpayers may also submit additional information by fax as soon as the information is available. The Associate office representative who requests additional information can provide a telephone number to which the information can be faxed. A copy of the requested information and an original signed penalties of perjury statement also must be mailed or delivered to the Associate office.

Address to which to send additional information to an Associate office

(6) Address to which to send additional information to an Associate office.

(a) Address if private delivery service is not used. For a request for change in method of accounting under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), if a private delivery service is not used, the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attn: [Name, office symbols, and

room number of the Associate office

representative who requested

the information]

P.O. Box 14095

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

For a request for change in method of accounting for an exempt organization, if a private delivery service is not used, the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

Tax Exempt & Government Entities

P. O. Box 2508

McPherson Station

Washington, DC 20038

For any other request for change in method of accounting, if a private delivery service is not used, the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attn: [Name, office symbols, and

room number of the Associate office

representative who requested the information]

P.O. Box 7604

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

(b) Address if private delivery service is used. For a request for a change in method of accounting for other than an exempt organization, if a private delivery service is used, the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attn: [Name, office symbols, and

room number of the Associate office

representative who requested

the information]

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

For a request for change in method of accounting for an exempt organization, if a private delivery service is used the additional information should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012–0192

Failure to timely submit additional information to an Associate office

(7) If taxpayer does not timely submit additional information.

(a) Non-automatic change request. In the case of a non-automatic change request, if the required information is not furnished to the Associate office within the reply period, the Form 3115 will not be processed and the case will be closed. The taxpayer or authorized representative will be so notified in writing.

(b) Automatic change request. In the case of an automatic change request, if the required information is not furnished to the Associate office within the reply period, the request does not qualify for the automatic change request procedure. In such a case, the Associate office will notify the taxpayer that consent to make the change in method of accounting is not granted.

(c) Submitting the additional information at a later date. If the taxpayer wants to submit the additional information at a later date, the taxpayer must submit it with a new completed Form 3115 (and user fee, if applicable) for a year of change for which such new Form 3115 is timely filed under the applicable change in method of accounting procedure.

Circumstances in which the taxpayer must notify the Associate office

.09 For a non-automatic Form 3115, the taxpayer must promptly notify the Associate office if, after the Form 3115 is filed but before a change in method of accounting letter ruling is issued, the taxpayer knows that—

(1) a Field office has started an examination of the present or proposed accounting;

(2) a Field office has started an examination of the proposed year of change;

(3) legislation that may affect the change in method of accounting has been introduced, see section 9.03(7) of this revenue procedure; or

(4) another letter ruling request (including another Form 3115) has been submitted by the taxpayer or a related party within the meaning of § 267 or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is a member within the meaning of § 1504.

Determines if proposed method of accounting can be modified to obtain favorable letter ruling

.10 For a non-automatic Form 3115, if a less than fully favorable change in method of accounting letter ruling is indicated, the branch representative will tell the taxpayer whether minor changes in the proposed method of accounting would bring about a favorable ruling. The branch representative will not suggest precise changes that materially alter a taxpayer’s proposed method of accounting.

Near the completion of processing the Form 3115, advises the taxpayer if the Associate office will rule adversely and offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw Form 3115

.11 Generally, after the conference is held (or offered, in the event no conference is held) and before issuing any change in method of accounting letter ruling that is adverse to the requested change in method of accounting, the taxpayer will be offered the opportunity to withdraw the Form 3115. See section 9.12 of this revenue procedure. If, within 10 calendar days of the notification by the branch representative, the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative does not notify the branch representative of a decision to withdraw the Form 3115, the adverse change in method of accounting letter ruling will be issued unless an extension is granted. Ordinarily, the user fee required for a non-automatic Form 3115 will not be refunded for a Form 3115 that is withdrawn.

Non-automatic Form 3115 may be withdrawn or Associate office may decline to issue a change in method of accounting letter ruling

.12

In general

(1) In general. A taxpayer may withdraw a non-automatic Form 3115 at any time before the change in method of accounting letter ruling is signed by the Associate office. The Form 3115, correspondence, and any documents relating to the Form 3115 that is withdrawn or for which the Associate office declines to issue a letter ruling will not be returned to the taxpayer. See section 9.03(3) of this revenue procedure. In appropriate cases, the Service may publish its conclusions in a revenue ruling or revenue procedure.

Notification of appropriate Service official

(2) Notification of appropriate Service official. If a taxpayer withdraws, or the Associate office declines to grant (for any reason), a request to change from or to an improper method of accounting, the Associate office will notify, in writing, the appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return and the Coordinator of the Methods of Accounting and Timing Issue Practice Group, and may give its views on the issues in the request to the Service official to consider in any later examination of the return.

If the memorandum to the Service official provides more than the fact that the request was withdrawn and the Associate office was tentatively adverse, or that the Associate office declines to grant a change in method of accounting, the memorandum may constitute Chief Counsel Advice, as defined in § 6110(i)(1), and may be subject to disclosure under § 6110.

Refund of user fee

(3) Refund of user fee. Ordinarily, the user fee will not be returned for a non-automatic Form 3115 that is withdrawn. See section 15.10 of this revenue procedure for information regarding refunds of user fees.

How to check status of a pending non-automatic Form 3115

.13 The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative may obtain information regarding the status of a non-automatic Form 3115 by calling the person whose name and telephone number are shown on the acknowledgement of receipt of the Form 3115.

Service is not bound by informal opinion

.14 The Service will not be bound by any informal opinion expressed by the branch representative or any other Service representative, and such an opinion cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

Single letter ruling issued to a taxpayer or consolidated group for qualifying identical change in method of accounting

.15 For a non-automatic Form 3115 qualifying under section 15.07(4) for the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(b) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure for identical changes in method of accounting, the Associate office generally will issue a single letter ruling on behalf of all applicants on the Form 3115 that are the subject of the request.

Letter ruling ordinarily not issued for one of two or more interrelated items or submethods

.16 If two or more items or submethods of accounting are interrelated, the Associate office ordinarily will not issue a letter ruling on a change in method of accounting involving only one of the items or submethods.

Consent Agreement

.17 Ordinarily, for a non-automatic Form 3115, the Commissioner’s permission to change a taxpayer’s method of accounting is set forth in a letter ruling (original and a Consent Agreement copy). If the taxpayer agrees to the terms and conditions contained in the change in method of accounting letter ruling, the taxpayer must sign and date the Consent Agreement copy of the letter ruling in the appropriate space. The Consent Agreement must be signed by an individual with authority to bind the taxpayer in such matters. The Consent Agreement copy must not be signed by the taxpayer’s representative. The signed copy of the letter ruling will constitute an agreement (Consent Agreement) within the meaning of § 1.481–4(b) of the regulations. The signed Consent Agreement copy of the letter ruling must be returned to the Associate office within 45 calendar days. In addition, a copy of the signed Consent Agreement must be attached to the taxpayer’s income tax return for the year of change. See section 8.11 of Rev. Proc. 97–27. A taxpayer filing its return electronically should attach the Consent Agreement as a PDF file named “Form3115Consent.” If the taxpayer has filed its income tax return for the year of change before the ruling has been received and the Consent Agreement has been signed and returned, the copy of the signed Consent Agreement should be attached to the amended return for the year of change that the taxpayer files to implement the change in method of accounting.

A taxpayer must secure the consent of the Commissioner before changing a method of accounting for Federal income tax purposes. See Treas. Reg. § 1.446–1(e)(2)(i). For a change in method of accounting requested on a non-automatic Form 3115, a taxpayer has secured the consent of the Commissioner when the taxpayer timely signs and returns the Consent Agreement copy of the letter ruling from the Associate office granting permission to make the change in method of accounting and otherwise complies with Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or successor). A taxpayer that timely files a non-automatic Form 3115 and takes the requested change in method of accounting into account in its federal income tax return for the year of change (and any subsequent taxable year) prior to receiving a letter ruling granting consent for that change has made a change in method of accounting without obtaining the consent of the Commissioner as required by § 446(e) (an “unauthorized change”). As provided in section 11 of Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or successor), the Director may determine when a change is not made in compliance with all applicable provisions of Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or successor) and may deny the unauthorized change. However, the Commissioner’s consent, issued subsequent to the requested year of change, applies back to the year of change (and any subsequent taxable year) as of the date of a letter ruling granting consent for that change if the taxpayer timely signs and returns the Consent Agreement copy and implements the change in accordance with all applicable provisions of Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or successor) and section 11 of this revenue procedure. If the Commissioner does not grant consent under Rev. Proc. 97–27 (or successor) for the change in method of accounting taken into account by the taxpayer, the taxpayer is subject to any interest, penalties, or other adjustments resulting from improper implementation of the change. See § 446(f). A taxpayer who timely files a non-automatic Form 3115 and takes the requested change into account in the taxpayer’s Federal income tax return for the year of change (and any subsequent tax year), prior to receiving the letter ruling granting permission for the requested change, may nevertheless rely on the letter ruling received from the Associate office after it is received, as provided in section 9.19 of this revenue procedure. If, however, the requested change is modified or is withdrawn, denied, or similarly closed without the Associate office having granted consent, taxpayers are not relieved of any interest, penalties, or other adjustments resulting from improper implementation of the change.

A copy of the change in method of accounting letter ruling is sent to appropriate Service official

.18 The Associate office will send a copy of each change in method of accounting letter ruling, whether favorable or adverse, to the appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return.

Consent to change a method of accounting may be relied on subject to limitations

.19 A taxpayer may rely on a change in method of accounting letter ruling received from the Associate office, subject to certain conditions and limitations. See sections 9, 10, and 11 of Rev. Proc. 97–27, 1997–1 C.B 680.

A qualifying taxpayer complying timely with an automatic change request procedure may rely on the consent of the Commissioner as provided in the automatic change request procedure to change the taxpayer’s method of accounting, subject to certain conditions and limitations. See generally sections 6.01, 7, and 8 of Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or its successor). An Associate office may review a Form 3115 filed under an automatic change request procedure and will notify the taxpayer if additional information is needed or if consent is not granted to the taxpayer for the requested change. See section 10 of Rev. Proc. 2011–14 (or its successor). Further, the Field office that has jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s return may review the Form 3115. See section 9 of Rev. Proc. 2011–14.

Change in method of accounting letter ruling does not apply to another taxpayer

.20 A taxpayer may not rely on a change in method of accounting letter ruling issued to another taxpayer. See § 6110(k)(3).

Associate office discretion to permit requested change in method of accounting

.21 The Associate office reserves the right to decline to process any non-automatic Form 3115 in situations in which it would not be in the best interest of sound tax administration to permit the requested change. In this regard, the Associate office will consider whether the change in method of accounting would clearly and directly frustrate compliance efforts of the Service in administering the income tax laws. See section 8.01 of Rev. Proc. 97–27.

List of automatic change in method of accounting request procedures

.22 For procedures regarding requests for an automatic change in method of accounting, refer to the following published automatic change request procedures. The Commissioner’s consent to an otherwise qualifying automatic change in method of accounting is granted only if the taxpayer complies timely with the applicable automatic change request procedure.

The automatic change request procedures for obtaining a change in method of accounting include:

(1) Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or any successor). Rev. Proc. 2011–14 applies to the changes in method of accounting described in the Appendix of Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330.

(2) The following automatic change request procedures, which require a completed Form 3115, provide both the procedures under which a change may be made automatically and the procedures under which such change must be made:

Treas. Reg. § 1.166–2(d)(3) (bank conformity for bad debts);

Treas. Reg. § 1.448–1 (to an overall accrual method for the taxpayer’s first taxable year it is subject to § 448) (this change may also be subject to the procedures of Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330 (or any successor));

Treas. Reg. § 1.458–1 and –2 (exclusion for certain returned magazines, paperbacks, or records);

Rev. Proc. 97–43, 1997–2 C.B. 494 (§ 475–electing out of certain exemptions from securities dealer status); and

Rev. Proc. 91–51, 1991–2 C.B. 779 (§ 1286–certain taxpayers under examination that sell mortgages and retain rights to service the mortgages).

(3) The following automatic change request procedures, which do not require a completed Form 3115, provide the type of change in method of accounting that may be made automatically and also provide the procedures under which such change must be made:

Notice 96–30, 1996–1 C.B. 378 (§ 446–change to comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 116);

Rev. Proc. 92–29, 1992–1 C.B. 748 (§ 461–change in real estate developer’s method for including costs of common improvements in the basis of property sold);

Rev. Proc. 98–58, 1998–2 C.B. 712 (certain taxpayers seeking to change to the installment method of accounting under § 453 for alternative minimum tax purposes for certain deferred payment sales contracts relating to property used or produced in the trade or business of farming);

Treas. Reg. § 1.472–2 (taxpayers changing to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method);

Section 585(c) and Treas. Reg. §§ 1.585–6 and 1.585–7 (large bank changing from the reserve method of § 585); and

Rev. Proc. 92–67, 1992–2 C.B. 429 (election under § 1278(b) to include market discount in income currently or election under § 1276(b) to use constant interest rate to determine accrued market discount).

(4) See Appendix G for the list of revenue procedures for automatic changes in accounting period.

Other sections of this revenue procedure that are applicable to Form 3115

.23 In addition to this section 9, the following sections of this revenue procedure apply to automatic change requests and non-automatic change requests:

1 (purpose of Rev. Proc. 2015–1);

2.01 (definition of “letter ruling”);

2.02 (definition of “closing agreement”);

2.05 (oral guidance);

3.01 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate));

3.02 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products));

3.03 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting));

3.04 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International));

3.05 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries));

3.07 (issues under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities));

5.03(2) (period of limitation when filing a request for extensions of time for making an election or for other relief under § 301.9100);

6.02 (letter rulings ordinarily not issued in certain areas because of the factual nature of the problem);

6.05 (letter rulings ordinarily not issued to business associations or groups);

6.06 (letter rulings ordinarily not issued where the request does not address the tax status, liability, or reporting obligations of the requester);

6.08 (letter rulings ordinarily not issued on Federal tax consequences of proposed legislation);

6.10 (letter rulings not issued on frivolous issues);

6.12 (letter rulings not issued on alternative plans or hypothetical situation);

7.01(1) (statement of facts and other information);

7.01(8) (statement of supporting authorities);

7.01(13) (authorized representatives);

7.01(14) (power of attorney and declaration of representative);

7.02(2) (power of attorney used to indicate recipient of a copy or copies of a letter ruling or a determination letter);

7.02(4) (expedited handling);

7.04(2) (notify Associate office if a return, amended return, or claim for refund is filed while request is pending and attach request to the return);

8.01 (receipt and control of the request, and referral to the appropriate Associate office);

8.04 (not bound by informal opinion expressed);

10 (scheduling conferences);

15 (user fees);

16 (significant changes to Rev. Proc. 2014–1);

17 (effect of Rev. Proc. 2015–1 on other documents);

18 (effective date of this revenue procedure);

Appendix A (schedule of user fees); and

Appendix G (revenue procedures and notices regarding letter ruling requests relating to specific Code sections and subject matters).

SECTION 10. HOW ARE CONFERENCES FOR LETTER RULINGS SCHEDULED?

 

Schedules a conference if requested by taxpayer

.01 A taxpayer may request a conference regarding a letter ruling request. Normally, a conference is scheduled only when the Associate office considers it to be helpful in deciding the case or when an adverse decision is indicated. If conferences are being arranged for more than one request for a letter ruling involving the same taxpayer, they will be scheduled so as to cause the least inconvenience to the taxpayer. As stated in sections 7.02(6) and 9.04(4) of this revenue procedure, a taxpayer who wants to have a conference on the issue or issues involved should indicate this in writing when, or soon after, filing the request.

If a conference has been requested, the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative will be notified by telephone, if possible, of the time and place of the conference, which must then be held within 21 calendar days after this contact. Instructions for requesting an extension of the 21–day period and notifying the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative of the Associate office’s approval or denial of the request for extension are the same as those explained in section 8.05(2) (section 9.08(2)(a) for a change in method of accounting request) of this revenue procedure regarding providing additional information.

Permits taxpayer one conference of right

.02 A taxpayer is entitled, as a matter of right, to only one conference in the Associate office, except as explained under section 10.05 of this revenue procedure. This conference is normally held at the branch level and is attended by a person who has the authority to sign the letter ruling in his or her own name or for the branch chief.

When more than one branch has taken an adverse position on an issue in a letter ruling request or when the position ultimately adopted by one branch will affect that adopted by another, a representative from each branch with the authority to sign in his or her own name or for the branch chief will attend the conference. If more than one subject is to be discussed at the conference, the discussion will constitute a conference on each subject.

To have a thorough and informed discussion of the issues, the conference usually will be held after the branch has had an opportunity to study the case. At the request of the taxpayer, the conference of right may be held earlier.

No taxpayer has a right to appeal the action of a branch to an Associate Chief Counsel or to any other official of the Service. But see section 10.05 of this revenue procedure for situations in which the Associate office may offer additional conferences.

In employment tax matters, if the service recipient (the firm) requests the letter ruling, the firm is entitled to a conference. If the worker requests the letter ruling, both the worker and the firm are entitled to a conference. See section 5.10 of this revenue procedure.

Disallows verbatim recording of conferences

.03 Because conference procedures are informal, no tape, stenographic, or other verbatim recording of a conference may be made by any party.

Makes tentative recommendations on substantive issues

.04 The senior Associate office representative present at the conference ensures that the taxpayer has the opportunity to present views on all the issues in question. An Associate office representative explains the Associate office’s tentative decision on the substantive issues and the reasons for that decision. If the taxpayer asks the Associate office to limit the retroactive effect of any letter ruling or limit the revocation or modification of a prior letter ruling, an Associate office representative will discuss the recommendation concerning this issue and the reasons for the recommendation. The Associate office representatives will not make a commitment regarding the conclusion that the Associate office will finally adopt.

May offer additional conferences

.05 The Associate office will offer the taxpayer an additional conference if, after the conference of right, an adverse holding is proposed, but on a new issue, or on the same issue but on different grounds from those discussed at the first conference. There is no right to another conference when a proposed holding is reversed at a higher level with a result less favorable to the taxpayer, if the grounds or arguments on which the reversal is based were discussed at the conference of right.

The limit on the number of conferences to which a taxpayer is entitled does not prevent the Associate office from offering additional conferences, including conferences with an official higher than the branch level, if the Associate office decides they are needed. These conferences are not offered as a matter of course simply because the branch has reached an adverse decision. In general, conferences with higher level officials are offered only if the Associate office determines that the case presents significant issues of tax policy or tax administration and that the consideration of these issues would be enhanced by additional conferences with the taxpayer.

Requires written confirmation of information presented at conference

.06 The taxpayer should furnish to the Associate office any additional data, reasoning, precedents, etc. that were proposed by the taxpayer and discussed at the conference but not previously or adequately presented in writing. The taxpayer must furnish the additional information within 21 calendar days from the date of the conference. If the additional information is not received within that time, a letter ruling will be issued on the basis of the information on hand or, if appropriate, no ruling will be issued. See section 8.05 of this revenue procedure for instructions on submission of additional information for a letter ruling request other than a change in method of accounting request. See section 9.08 of this revenue procedure for instructions on submitting additional information for a change in method of accounting request.

May schedule a pre-submission conference

.07 Sometimes it will be advantageous to both the Associate office and the taxpayer to hold a conference before the taxpayer submits the letter ruling request to discuss substantive or procedural issues relating to a proposed transaction. These conferences are held only if the identity of the taxpayer is provided to the Associate office, only if the taxpayer actually intends to make a request, only if the request involves a matter on which a letter ruling is ordinarily issued, and only at the discretion of the Associate office and as time permits. For example, a pre-submission conference will not be held on an income tax issue if, at the time the pre-submission conference is requested, the identical issue is involved in the taxpayer’s return for an earlier period and that issue is being examined by a Field office. See section 6.01(1) of this revenue procedure. A letter ruling request submitted following a pre-submission conference will not necessarily be assigned to the branch that held the pre-submission conference. Also, when a letter ruling request is not submitted following a pre-submission conference, the Associate office may notify, by memorandum, the appropriate Service official in the operating division that has examination jurisdiction of the taxpayer’s tax return and may give its views on the issues raised during the pre-submission conference. For LB&I taxpayers, a copy of the memorandum will be sent to the Director of Pre-Filing & Technical Guidance. This memorandum may constitute Chief Counsel Advice, as defined in § 6110(i), and may be subject to disclosure under § 6110.

(1) Taxpayer may request a pre-submission conference in writing or by telephone. A taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative may request a pre-submission conference in writing or by telephone. If the taxpayer’s representative is requesting the pre-submission conference, a power of attorney is required. A taxpayer should use Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, to provide the representative’s authority. If multiple taxpayers and/or their authorized representatives will attend or participate in the pre-submission conference, cross powers of attorney (or, as appropriate, tax information authorizations) are required. If the taxpayer’s representative is requesting the pre-submission conference by telephone, the Associate office’s representative (see list of phone numbers below) will provide the fax number to send the power of attorney (or, as appropriate, tax information authorizations) prior to scheduling the pre-submission conference.

The request must identify the taxpayer and briefly explain the primary issue so it can be assigned to the appropriate branch. If submitted in writing, the request should also identify the Associate office expected to have jurisdiction over the request for a letter ruling. A written request for a pre-submission conference should be sent to the appropriate address listed in section 7.03 of this revenue procedure.

To request a pre-submission conference by telephone, call:

(a) (202) 317-7700 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate);

(b) (202) 317-3900 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products);

(c) (202) 317-7002 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting);

(d) (202) 317-3800 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International);

(e) (202) 317-3100 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries);

(f) (202) 317-3400 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration); or

(g) (202) 317-6000 (not a toll-free call) for matters under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).

(2) Pre-submission conferences held in person or by telephone. Depending on the circumstances, pre-submission conferences may be held in person at the Associate office or may be conducted by telephone.

(3) Certain information required to be submitted to the Associate office prior to the pre-submission conference. Generally, the taxpayer will be asked to provide, at least three business days before the scheduled pre-submission conference, a statement of whether the issue is an issue on which a letter ruling is ordinarily issued, a draft of the letter ruling request or other detailed written statement of the proposed transaction, issue, and legal analysis. If the taxpayer’s authorized representative will attend or participate in the pre-submission conference, a power of attorney is required.

(4) Discussion of substantive issues is not binding on the Service. Any discussion of substantive issues at a pre-submission conference is advisory only, is not binding on the Service in general or on the Office of Chief Counsel in particular, and cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

May schedule a conference to be held by telephone

.08 Depending on the circumstances, conferences, including conferences of right and pre-submission conferences, may be held by telephone. This may occur, for example, when a taxpayer wants a conference of right but believes that the issue involved does not warrant incurring the expense of traveling to Washington, DC, or if it is believed that scheduling an in-person conference of right will substantially delay the ruling process. If a taxpayer makes such a request, the branch reviewer will decide if it is appropriate in the particular case to hold a conference by telephone. If the request is approved, the taxpayer will be advised when to call the Associate office representatives (not a toll-free call).

SECTION 11. WHAT EFFECT WILL A LETTER RULING HAVE?

 

May be relied on subject to limitations

.01 A taxpayer ordinarily may rely on a letter ruling received from the Associate office subject to the conditions and limitations described in this section.

Will not apply to another taxpayer

.02 A taxpayer may not rely on a letter ruling issued to another taxpayer. See § 6110(k)(3). However, shareholders and security holders of a corporation may rely on a letter ruling issued to the corporation for the limited purpose of determining the proper treatment of directly related tax items. For example, a letter ruling issued to a corporation with respect to the reorganization of that corporation may be relied upon by the corporation’s shareholders in determining their basis in the stock of the corporation following the reorganization. See also section 11.06(3) of this revenue procedure.

Will be used by a Field office in examining the taxpayer’s return

.03 When determining a taxpayer’s liability, the Field office must ascertain whether—

(1) the conclusions stated in the letter ruling are properly reflected in the return;

(2) the representations upon which the letter ruling was based reflect an accurate statement of the controlling facts;

(3) the transaction was carried out substantially as proposed; and

(4) there has been any change in the law that applies to the period during which the transaction or continuing series of transactions were consummated.

If, when determining the liability, the Field office finds that a letter ruling should be revoked or modified, the findings and recommendations of the Field office will be forwarded through the appropriate Director to the Associate office for consideration before further action is taken by the Field office. Such a referral to the Associate office will be treated as a request for technical advice and the provisions of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin, relating to requests for technical advice will be followed. See section 13.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin. Otherwise, the Field office should apply the letter ruling in determining the taxpayer’s liability. If a Field office having jurisdiction over a return or other matter proposes to reach a conclusion contrary to a letter ruling previously issued to the taxpayer, it should coordinate the matter with the Associate office.

May be revoked or modified if found to be in error or there has been a change in law

.04 Unless it was part of a closing agreement as described in section 2.02 of this revenue procedure, a letter ruling found to be in error or not in accord with the current views of the Service may be revoked or modified. If a letter ruling is revoked or modified, the revocation or modification applies to all years open under the period of limitation unless the Service uses its discretionary authority under § 7805(b) to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification.

A letter ruling may be revoked or modified by—

(1) a letter giving notice of revocation or modification to the taxpayer to whom the letter ruling was issued;

(2) the enactment of legislation or ratification of a tax treaty;

(3) a decision of the United States Supreme Court;

(4) the issuance of temporary or final regulations; or

(5) the issuance of a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other statement published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

Consistent with these provisions, if a letter ruling relates to a continuing action or a series of actions, it ordinarily will be applied until any one of the events described above occurs or until it is specifically withdrawn.

Publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking will not affect the application of any letter ruling issued under this revenue procedure.

Where a letter ruling is revoked or modified by a letter to the taxpayer, the letter will state whether the revocation or modification is retroactive. Where a letter ruling is revoked or modified by the issuance of final or temporary regulations or by the publication of a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other statement in the Internal Revenue Bulletin, the document may contain a statement as to its retroactive effect on letter rulings.

Letter ruling revoked or modified based on material change in facts applied retroactively

.05 An Associate office will revoke or modify a letter ruling and apply the revocation retroactively to the taxpayer for whom the letter ruling was issued or to a taxpayer whose tax liability was directly involved in the letter ruling if—

(1) there has been a misstatement or omission of controlling facts;

(2) the facts at the time of the transaction are materially different from the controlling facts on which the letter ruling was based; or

(3) the transaction involves a continuing action or series of actions and the controlling facts change during the course of the transaction.

Not otherwise generally revoked or modified retroactively

.06 Where the revocation or modification of a letter ruling is for reasons other than a change in facts as described in section 11.05 of this revenue procedure, it will generally not be applied retroactively to the taxpayer for whom the letter ruling was issued or to a taxpayer whose tax liability was directly involved in the letter ruling provided that—

(1) there has been no change in the applicable law;

(2) the letter ruling was originally issued for a proposed transaction; and

(3) the taxpayer directly involved in the letter ruling acted in good faith in relying on the letter ruling, and revoking or modifying the letter ruling retroactively would be to the taxpayer’s detriment. For example, the tax liability of each shareholder is directly involved in a letter ruling on the reorganization of a corporation. Depending on all facts and circumstances, the shareholders’ reliance on the letter ruling may be in good faith. The tax liability of a member of an industry, however, is not directly involved in a letter ruling issued to another member of the same industry. Therefore, a nonretroactive revocation or modification of a letter ruling to one member of an industry will not extend to other members of the industry who have not received letter rulings. By the same reasoning, a tax practitioner may not extend to one client the non-retroactive application of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling previously issued to another client.

If a letter ruling is revoked or modified by a letter with retroactive effect, the letter will, except in fraud cases, state the grounds on which the letter ruling is being revoked or modified and explain the reasons why it is being revoked or modified retroactively.

Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a particular transaction

.07 A letter ruling issued on a particular transaction represents a holding of the Service on that transaction only. It will not apply to a similar transaction in the same year or any other year. Except in unusual circumstances, the application of that letter ruling to the transaction will not be affected by the later issuance of regulations (either temporary or final) if conditions (1) through (3) in section 11.06 of this revenue procedure are met.

If a letter ruling on a transaction is later found to be in error or no longer in accord with the position of the Service, it will not protect a similar transaction of the taxpayer in the same year or later year.

Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a continuing action or series of actions

.08 If a letter ruling is issued covering a continuing action or series of actions and the letter ruling is later found to be in error or no longer in accord with the position of the Service, the appropriate Associate Chief Counsel ordinarily will limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification to a date that is not earlier than that on which the letter ruling is revoked or modified. For example, the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification of a letter ruling covering a continuing action or series of actions ordinarily would be limited in the following situations when the letter ruling is in error or no longer in accord with the position of the Service:

(1) A taxpayer received a letter ruling that certain payments are excludable from gross income for Federal income tax purposes. The taxpayer ordinarily would be protected only for the payment received after the letter ruling was issued and before the revocation or modification of the letter ruling.

(2) A taxpayer rendered a service or provided a facility that is subject to the excise tax on services or facilities and, in relying on a letter ruling received, it did not pass the tax on to the user of the service or the facility.

(3) An employer incurred liability under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act but, in relying on a letter ruling received, neither collected the employee tax nor paid the employee and employer taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. The retroactive effect would be limited for both the employer and employee tax. The limitation would be conditioned on the employer furnishing wage data, as may be required by § 31.6011(a)–1 of the Treasury Regulations.

Generally not retroactively revoked or modified if related to sale or lease subject to excise tax

.09 A letter ruling holding that the sale or lease of a particular article is subject to the manufacturer’s excise tax or the retailer’s excise tax may not retroactively revoke or modify an earlier letter ruling holding that the sale or lease of such an article was not taxable if the taxpayer to whom the letter ruling was issued, in relying on the earlier letter ruling, gave up possession or ownership of the article without passing the tax on to the customer. See § 1108(b), Revenue Act of 1926.

May be retroactively revoked or modified when transaction is entered into before the issuance of the letter ruling

.10 A taxpayer is not protected against retroactive revocation or modification of a letter ruling involving a transaction completed before the issuance of the letter ruling or involving a continuing action or series of actions occurring before the issuance of the letter ruling, because the taxpayer did not enter into the transaction relying on a letter ruling.

Taxpayer may request that retroactivity be limited

.11 Under § 7805(b), the Service may prescribe any extent to which a revocation or modification of a letter ruling will be applied without retroactive effect.

A taxpayer to whom a letter ruling has been issued may request that the appropriate Associate Chief Counsel limit the retroactive effect of any revocation or modification of the letter ruling.

A taxpayer to whom a letter ruling has been issued by the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities may request that the Office of Associate Chief Counsel, Tax Exempt and Government Entities limit the retroactive effect of any revocation or modification of the letter ruling. See Rev. Proc. 2015–4, §13.10, this bulletin.

Format of request

(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format. A request to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification of a letter ruling must be in the general form of, and meet the general requirements for, a letter ruling request. These requirements are given in section 7 of this revenue procedure. Specifically, the request must also

(a) state that it is being made under

§ 7805(b);

(b) state the relief sought;

(c) explain the reasons and arguments in support of the relief requested (including a discussion of section 11.05 of this revenue procedure, the three items listed in section 11.06 of this revenue procedure, and any other factors as they relate to the taxpayer’s particular situation); and

(d) include any documents bearing on the request.

A request that the Service limit the retroactive effect of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling may be made in the form of a separate request for a letter ruling when, for example, a revenue ruling has the effect of modifying or revoking a letter ruling previously issued to the taxpayer or when the Service notifies the taxpayer of a change in position that will have the effect of revoking or modifying the letter ruling.

When notice is given by the Field office during an examination of the taxpayer’s return or by Appeals, during consideration of the taxpayer’s return before Appeals, a request to limit retroactive effect must be made in the form of a request for technical advice as explained in section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

When germane to a pending letter ruling request, a request to limit the retroactive effect of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling may be made as part of the request for the letter ruling, either initially or at any time before the letter ruling is issued. When a letter ruling that concerns a continuing transaction is revoked or modified by, for example, a subsequent revenue ruling, a request to limit retroactive effect must be made before the examination of the return that contains the transaction that is the subject of the letter ruling request.

Request for conference

(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b). A taxpayer who requests the application of § 7805(b) in a separate letter ruling request has the right to a conference in the Associate office as explained in sections 10.02, 10.04, and 10.05 of this revenue procedure. If the request is made initially as part of a pending letter ruling request or is made before the conference of right is held on the substantive issues, the § 7805(b) issue will be discussed at the taxpayer’s one conference of right as explained in section 10.02 of this revenue procedure. If the request for the application of § 7805(b) relief is made as part of a pending letter ruling request after a conference has been held on the substantive issue and the Associate office determines that there is justification for having delayed the request, the taxpayer is entitled to one conference of right concerning the application of § 7805(b), with the conference limited to discussion of this issue only.

SECTION 12. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DO DIRECTORS ISSUE DETERMINATION LETTERS?

Directors issue determination letters only if the question presented is specifically answered by a statute, tax treaty, or regulations, a conclusion stated in a revenue ruling, or an opinion or court decision that represents the position of the Service.

Under no circumstances will a Director issue a determination letter unless it is clearly shown that the request concerns a return that has been filed or is required to be filed and over which the Director has, or will have, examination jurisdiction.

A determination letter does not include assistance provided by the U.S. competent authority pursuant to the mutual agreement procedure in tax treaties as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2006–54, 2006–2 C.B. 1035.

In income and gift tax matters

.01 In income and gift tax matters, Directors issue determination letters in response to taxpayers’ written requests on completed transactions that affect returns over which they have examination jurisdiction. A determination letter usually is not issued for a question concerning a return to be filed by the taxpayer if the same question is involved in a return already filed.

Normally, Directors do not issue determination letters on the tax consequences of proposed transactions. A Director may issue a determination letter on the replacement of involuntarily converted property under § 1033, even if the replacement has not yet been made, if the taxpayer has filed an income tax return for the year in which the property was involuntarily converted.

In estate tax matters

.02 In estate tax matters, Directors issue determination letters in response to written requests affecting the estate tax returns over which they have examination jurisdiction. They do not issue determination letters on matters concerning the application of the estate tax to the prospective estate of a living person.

In generation-skipping transfer tax matters

.03 In generation-skipping transfer tax matters, Directors issue determination letters in response to written requests affecting the generation-skipping transfer tax returns over which they have examination jurisdiction. They do not issue determination letters on matters concerning the application of the generation-skipping transfer tax before the distribution or termination takes place.

In employment and excise tax matters

.04 In employment and excise tax matters, Directors issue determination letters in response to taxpayers’ written requests on completed transactions over which they have examination jurisdiction.

All determination letter requests regarding employment status (employer/employee relationship) made by taxpayers that are not Federal agencies and instrumentalities or their workers, must be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service at the address set forth on the current Form SS–8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding.

If the service recipient (the firm) requests the determination regarding employment status, the firm will receive any determination letter issued. A copy will also be sent to any workers identified in the request. If the worker makes the request and the firm has been contacted for information, both the worker and the firm will receive any issued determination letter. The determination letter will apply to any individuals engaged by the firm under substantially similar circumstances. See section 5.10 of this revenue procedure for requests regarding employment status made by Federal agencies and instrumentalities or their workers.

Requests concerning income, estate, or gift tax returns

.05 A request received by a Director on a question concerning an income, estate, or gift tax return already filed generally will be considered in connection with the examination of the return. If a response is made to the request before the return is examined, it will be considered a tentative finding in any later examination of that return.

Review of determination letters

.06 Determination letters issued under sections 12.01 through 12.04 of this revenue procedure are not reviewed by the Associate offices before they are issued. If a taxpayer believes that a determination letter of this type is in error, the taxpayer may ask the Director to reconsider the matter or to request technical advice from an Associate office as explained in Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

The preceding paragraph does not apply to SS–8 requests under section 12.04. If a taxpayer disagrees with a determination of employment status made in response to an SS–8 request, the taxpayer may request that the SS–8 Program reconsider the determination letter if the taxpayer has additional information concerning the relationship that was not part of the original submission or the taxpayer can identify facts that were part of the original submission that the taxpayer thinks were not fully considered.

SECTION 13. WHAT EFFECT WILL A DETERMINATION LETTER HAVE?

 

Has same effect as a letter ruling

.01 A determination letter issued by a Director has the same effect as a letter ruling issued to a taxpayer under section 11 of this revenue procedure.

If a Field office proposes to reach a conclusion contrary to that expressed in a determination letter, that office need not refer the matter to the Associate office as is required for a letter ruling found to be in error. The Field office must, however, refer the matter to the Associate office through the appropriate Director if it desires to have the revocation or modification of the determination letter limited under § 7805(b).

Taxpayer may request that retroactive effect of revocation or modification be limited

.02 Under § 7805(b), the Service may prescribe the extent to which a revocation or modification of a determination letter will be applied without retroactive effect. A Director does not have authority under § 7805(b) to limit the revocation or modification of the determination letter. Therefore, if the Field office proposes to revoke or modify a determination letter, the taxpayer may request limitation of the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification by asking the Director that issued the determination letter to seek technical advice from the Associate office. See section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

Format of request

(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format. A taxpayer’s request to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification of the determination letter must be in the form of, and meet the general requirements for, a technical advice request. See section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin. The request must also—

(a) state that it is being made under § 7805(b);

(b) state the relief sought;

(c) explain the reasons and arguments in support of the relief sought (including a discussion of section 11.05 of this revenue procedure, the three items listed in section 11.06 of this revenue procedure, and any other factors as they relate to the taxpayer’s particular situation); and

(d) include any documents bearing on the request.

Request for conference

(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b). When technical advice is requested regarding the application of § 7805(b), the taxpayer has the right to a conference with the Associate office to the same extent as does any taxpayer who is the subject of a technical advice request. See section 14.04 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

SECTION 14. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MATTERS REFERRED BETWEEN A DIRECTOR AND AN ASSOCIATE OFFICE?

 

Requests for determination letters

.01 If a Director receives a request for a determination letter, but it may not issue one under the provisions of this revenue procedure, the Director will forward the request to the appropriate Associate office for reply. The Field office will notify the taxpayer that the matter has been referred.

Directors will also refer to the appropriate Associate office any request for a determination letter that in their judgment should have the attention of the Associate office. The Field office will notify the taxpayer that the matter has been referred.

No-rule areas

.02 If the request involves an issue on which the Service will not issue a letter ruling or determination letter, the request will not be forwarded to an Associate office. The Director will notify the taxpayer that the Service will not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter on the issue. See section 6 of this revenue procedure for a description of no-rule areas.

Requests for letter rulings

.03 If an Associate office receives a request for a letter ruling that it may not act upon under section 6 of this revenue procedure, the Associate office may, in its discretion, forward the request to the Field office that has examination jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s return. The taxpayer will be notified of this action. If the request is on an issue or in an area of the type discussed in section 6 of this revenue procedure and the Service decides not to issue a letter ruling or a determination letter, the Associate office will notify the taxpayer and will then forward the request to the appropriate Field office for association with the related return.

Letter ruling request mistakenly sent to a Director

.04 If a request for a letter ruling is mistakenly sent to a Director, the Director will return it to the taxpayer so that the taxpayer can send it to an Associate office.

SECTION 15. WHAT ARE THE USER FEE REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS FOR LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS?

 

Legislation authorizing user fees

.01 Section 7528 was added to the Internal Revenue Code by section 202 of the Extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant Program, Pub. L. No. 108–89, amended by section 891(a) of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Pub. L. 108–357, and was made permanent by section 8244 of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, Pub. L. No. 110–28.

Section 7528 provides that the Secretary of the Treasury or delegate (the “Secretary”) shall establish a program requiring the payment of user fees for requests to the Service for letter rulings, opinion letters, determination letters, and other similar requests. The fees charged under the program are to: (1) vary according to categories or subcategories established by the Secretary; (2) be determined after taking into account the average time for, and difficulty of, complying with requests in each category or subcategory; and (3) be payable in advance. The Secretary is to provide for exemptions and reduced fees under the program as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, but the average fee applicable to each category or subcategory must not be less than the amount specified in § 7528(b)(3).

Requests to which a user fee applies

.02 In general, user fees apply to all requests for—

(1) letter rulings (including non-automatic Forms 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method), determination letters, and advance pricing agreements;

(2) closing agreements described in paragraph (A)(3)(d) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure and pre-filing agreements described in Rev. Proc. 2009–14, 2009–3 I.R.B. 324 (or its successor);

(3) renewal of advance pricing agreements; and

(4) reconsideration of letter rulings or determination letters.

Requests to which a user fee applies must be accompanied by the appropriate fee as determined from the fee schedule provided in Appendix A of this revenue procedure. The fee may be refunded as provided in section 15.10 of this revenue procedure.

Requests to which a user fee does not apply

.03 User fees do not apply to—

(1) elections made pursuant to § 301.9100–2, pertaining to automatic extensions of time (see section 5.03 of this revenue procedure);

(2) late initial classification elections made pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–2 C.B. 439 (see section 5.03(6) of this revenue procedure);

(3) late S corporation and related elections made pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173 (see section 5.02 of this revenue procedure);

(4) requests for a change in accounting period or method of accounting permitted to be made by a published automatic change request revenue procedure (see section 9.01(1) of this revenue procedure);

(5) requests for harassment campaign letter rulings under Section 6104(d)(4);

(6) request for Neighborhood Land Use Rule letter rulings under Section 514(b)(3);

(7) information letters; or

(8) late elections under § 338 that qualify under the automatic provisions in sections 3, 4, and 5 of Rev. Proc. 2003–33, 2003–1 C.B. 803.

Exemptions from the user fee requirements

.04 The user fee requirements do not apply to—

(1) departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States if they certify that they are seeking a letter ruling or determination letter on behalf of a program or activity funded by Federal appropriations. The fact that a user fee is not charged does not have any bearing on whether an applicant is treated as an agency or instrumentality of the United States for purposes of any provision of the Code; or

(2) requests as to whether a worker is an employee for Federal employment taxes and income tax withholding purposes (Subtitle C of the Code) submitted on Form SS–8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding, or its equivalent.

Fee schedule

.05 The schedule of user fees is provided in Appendix A of this revenue procedure. For the user fee requirements applicable to—

(1) requests for advance pricing agreements or renewals of advance pricing agreements, see section 4.12 of Rev. Proc. 2006–9, 2006–1 C.B. 278; or section 5.14 of Rev. Proc. 96–53, 1996–2 C.B. 375; or

(2) requests for letter rulings, determination letters, etc. under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, see Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin.

Applicable user fee for a request involving multiple offices, fee categories, issues, transactions, or entities

.06

(1) Requests involving several offices. If a request dealing with only one transaction involves more than one office within the Service (for example, one issue is under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) and another issue is under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division), only one fee applies, namely the highest fee that otherwise would apply to each of the offices involved. See Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin, for the user fees applicable to issues under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division.

(2) Requests involving several fee categories. If a request dealing with only one transaction involves more than one fee category, only one fee applies, the highest fee that otherwise would apply to each of the categories involved.

(3) Requests involving several issues. If a request dealing with only one transaction involves several issues, a request for a change in method of accounting dealing with only one item or submethod of accounting involves several issues, or a request for a change in accounting period dealing with only one item involves several issues, the request is treated as one request. Therefore, only one fee applies, i.e., the fee that applies to the particular category or subcategory involved. The addition of a new issue relating to the same transaction, item, or submethod will not result in an additional fee unless the issue places the transaction, item, or submethod in a higher fee category. So long as the issues all relate to a single transaction, a request that the Service address one or more of the issues in a separate ruling will not result in an additional fee.

(4) Requests involving several unrelated transactions. If a request involves several unrelated transactions, a request for a change in method of accounting involves several unrelated items or submethods of accounting, or a request for a change in accounting period involves several unrelated items, each transaction or item is treated as a separate request. As a result, a separate fee will apply for each unrelated transaction, item, or submethod. An additional fee will apply if the request is changed by the addition of an unrelated transaction, item, or submethod not contained in the initial request. An example of a request involving unrelated transactions is a request involving relief under § 301.9100–3 and the underlying issue.

(5) Requests involving several entities. Each entity involved in a transaction (for example, a reorganization) that desires a separate letter ruling in its own name must pay a separate fee regardless of whether the transaction or transactions may be viewed as related. But see section 15.07 of this revenue procedure.

(6) Requests made by married taxpayers who file jointly. A married couple filing a joint return may jointly request a single letter ruling and pay a single user fee if the issues arise from a joint activity or if the spouses would otherwise qualify for substantially identical letter rulings. If a spouse desires a ruling to be individually issued to him or her, a separate fee must be paid for each individual request. But see section 15.07 of this revenue procedure (providing a reduced user fee for substantially identical letter rulings or substantially identical changes in method of accounting).

Applicable user fee for requests for substantially identical letter rulings or identical changes in method of accounting

.07

(1) In general. The user fees provided in paragraph (A)(5) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure apply to the situations described in sections 15.07(2) and 15.07(4) of this revenue procedure. To assist in the processing of these user fee requests, all letter ruling requests submitted under this section 15.07 should—

(a) except for non-automatic Forms 3115, include the following typed or printed language at the top of the letter ruling request: “REQUEST FOR USER FEE UNDER SECTION 15.07 OF Rev. Proc. 2015–1”;

(b) list on the first page of the submission all taxpayers and entities, and separate and distinct trades or businesses, including qualified subchapter S subsidiaries (QSubs) or single member limited liability companies (single member LLCs), requesting a letter ruling (including the taxpayer identification number and the amount of user fee submitted for each taxpayer, entity, or separate and distinct trade or business); and

(c) submit one check to cover all user fees.

If the Service determines that the letter ruling requests do not qualify for the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure, the Service will request the proper fee. See section 15.09 of this revenue procedure.

(2) Substantially identical letter rulings. The user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(a) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure applies to a taxpayer who requests substantially identical letter rulings (including accounting period, method of accounting, and earnings and profits requests other than those submitted on Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year, Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, and Form 5452, Corporate Report of Nondividend Distributions) for either multiple entities with a common member or sponsor, or multiple members of a common entity. To qualify for this user fee, all information and underlying documents must be substantially identical and all letter ruling requests must be submitted at the same time. In addition, the letter ruling requests must—

(a) state that the letter ruling requests and all information and underlying documents are substantially identical; and

(b) specifically identify the extent to which the letter ruling requests, information, and underlying documents are not identical.

The reduced fee for substantially identical letter rulings is applicable to taxpayers requesting closing agreements as described in section 2.02 of this revenue procedure, assuming they meet the requirements described above for letter rulings.

(3) Substantially identical plans under § 25(c)(2)(B). The user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(b) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure shall apply to a taxpayer who submits substantially identical plans for administering the 95-percent requirement of § 143(d)(1) following the submission and approval of an initial plan for administering the requirement. The request for subsequent approvals of substantially identical plans must (1) state that a prior plan was submitted and approved and include a copy of the prior plan and approval; (2) state that the subsequent plan is substantially identical to the approved plan; and (3) describe any differences between the approved plan and the subsequent plan.

(4) Identical changes in method of accounting and related § 301.9100 letter rulings. A common parent of a consolidated group, or other taxpayer, is eligible for the user fees provided in paragraphs (A)(5)(b) and (d) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure when requesting an identical change in method of accounting on a single Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, or an extension of time to file Form 3115 under § 301.9100–3 for the identical change in method of accounting, for two or more of the following in any combination—

(a) members of that consolidated group;

(b) separate and distinct trades or businesses (for purposes of § 1.446–1(d)) of that taxpayer or member(s) of that consolidated group. Separate and distinct trades or businesses, include QSubs and single member LLCs;

(c) partnerships that are wholly-owned within that consolidated group; or

(d) controlled foreign corporations (CFCs) and noncontrolled § 902 corporations (10/50 corporations) that do not engage in a trade or business within the United States where (i) all controlling U.S. shareholders of the CFCs and all majority domestic corporate shareholders of the 10/50 corporations, as applicable, are members of that consolidated group; or (ii) the taxpayer is the sole controlling U.S. shareholder of the CFCs or the sole domestic corporate shareholder of that 10/50 corporation.

To qualify as an identical change in method of accounting, the multiple entities wholly owned or controlled by a consolidated group or other taxpayer, or separate and distinct trades or businesses (that is, the applicants) must request to change from an identical present method of accounting to an identical proposed method of accounting. All aspects of the requested change in method of accounting must be identical, including the year of change, the present and proposed methods, the underlying facts and the authority for the request, except for the § 481(a) adjustments. If the Associate office determines that the requested changes in method of accounting are not identical, additional user fees will be required before any letter ruling is issued.

The taxpayer or common parent must, for each applicant for which the change in method of accounting is being requested, attach to the Form 3115 a schedule providing the name, employer identification number (where applicable), and § 481(a) adjustment. If the request is on behalf of eligible CFCs or 10/50 corporations, the taxpayer or common parent must attach a statement that “[a]ll controlling U.S. shareholders (as defined in § 1.964–1(c)(5)(i)) of all the CFCs to which the request relates are members of the common parent’s consolidated group,” “[a]ll majority domestic corporate shareholders (as defined in § 1.964–1(c)(5)(ii)) of all the 10/50 corporations to which the request relates are members of the common parent’s consolidated group,” that “ the taxpayer filing the request is the sole domestic corporate shareholder (as defined in § 1.964–1(c)(5)) of the 10/50 corporations to which the request relates,” as applicable. If the request is on behalf of eligible partnerships, the common parent must attach a statement that “[a]ll partnerships to which the request relates are wholly-owned by members of the common parent’s consolidated group.”

In the case of a § 301.9100 request for an extension of time to file a Form 3115 requesting an identical change in method of accounting for multiple members of a consolidated group and/or multiple separate and distinct trades or businesses of a taxpayer or member(s) of the consolidated group, or multiple eligible CFCs or 10/50 corporations (applicants), the taxpayer or common parent must submit the information required in the preceding paragraph in addition to the information required by section 5.03 of this revenue procedure.

Method of payment

.08 Each request to the Service for a letter ruling, determination letter, advance pricing agreement, closing agreement described in paragraph (A)(3)(d) of Appendix A of this revenue procedure, or reconsideration of a letter ruling or determination letter must be accompanied by a check or money order in U.S. dollars, payable to the Internal Revenue Service, in the appropriate amount. The user fee check or money order should not be attached to the Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, when it is filed at the Service Center. If on the Form 2553, an electing S corporation requests a ruling to use a fiscal year under section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2002–39, 2002–1 C.B. 1046, the Service Center will forward the request to the Associate office. When the Associate office receives the Form 2553 from the Service Center, it will notify the taxpayer that the fee is due. Taxpayers must not send cash.

Effect of nonpayment or payment of incorrect amount

.09 If a request is not accompanied by a properly completed check or money order or is accompanied by a check or money order for less than the correct amount, the office within the Service that is responsible for issuing the letter ruling, determination letter, information letter, advance pricing agreement, closing agreement, or reconsideration of a letter ruling or determination letter generally will exercise discretion in deciding whether to immediately return the request. If a request is not immediately returned, the taxpayer will be contacted and given a reasonable amount of time to submit the proper fee. If the proper fee is not received within a reasonable amount of time, the entire request will then be returned. The Service will usually defer substantive consideration of a request until proper payment has been received. The return of a request to the taxpayer may adversely affect substantive rights if the request is not perfected and resubmitted to the Service within 30 calendar days of the date of the cover letter returning the request.

If a request is accompanied by a check or money order for more than the correct amount, the request will be accepted and the amount of the excess payment will be returned to the taxpayer.

Refunds of user fee

.10 In general, the user fee will not be refunded unless the Service declines to rule on all issues for which a ruling is requested.

(1) The following situations are examples of situations in which the user fee will not be refunded:

(a) The request for a letter ruling, determination letter, etc. is withdrawn at any time subsequent to its receipt by the Service, unless the only reason for withdrawal is that the Service has advised the taxpayer that a higher user fee than was sent with the request is applicable and the taxpayer is unwilling to pay the higher fee.

(b) The request is procedurally deficient, although accompanied by the proper fee or an overpayment, and is not timely perfected. When there is a failure to timely perfect the request, the case will be considered closed and the failure to perfect will be treated as a withdrawal for purposes of this revenue procedure. See section 8.05(3) of this revenue procedure.

(c) The Associate office notifies the taxpayer that the Associate office will not issue the letter ruling and has closed the case as a result of the taxpayer’s failure to submit timely the additional information requested by the Associate office. The failure to submit the additional information will be treated as a withdrawal for purposes of this revenue procedure. See section 8.05(3) of this revenue procedure (section 9.08(7) for a request for a change in method of accounting).

(d) A letter ruling, determination letter, etc. is revoked in whole or in part at the initiative of the Service. The fee paid at the time the original letter ruling, determination letter, etc. was requested will not be refunded.

(e) The request contains several issues, and the Service rules on some, but not all, of the issues. The highest fee applicable to the issues on which the Service rules will not be refunded.

(f) The taxpayer asserts that a letter ruling the taxpayer received covering a single issue is erroneous or not responsive (other than an issue on which the Associate office has declined to rule) and requests reconsideration. The Associate office, upon reconsideration, does not agree that the letter ruling is erroneous or is not responsive. The fee accompanying the request for reconsideration will not be refunded.

(g) The situation is the same as described in paragraph (f) of this section 15.10(1) except that the letter ruling covered several unrelated transactions. The Associate office, upon reconsideration, does not agree with the taxpayer that the letter ruling is erroneous or is not responsive for all of the transactions, but does agree that it is erroneous as to one transaction. The fee accompanying the request for reconsideration will not be refunded except to the extent applicable to the transaction for which the Associate office agrees the letter ruling was in error.

(h) The request is for a supplemental letter ruling, determination letter, etc. concerning a change in facts (whether significant or not) relating to the transaction on which the Service ruled.

(i) The request is for reconsideration of an adverse or partially adverse letter ruling or a final adverse determination letter, and the taxpayer submits arguments and authorities not submitted before the original letter ruling or determination letter was issued.

(2) The following situations are examples of situations in which the user fee will be refunded:

(a) In a situation to which section 15.10(1)(i) of this revenue procedure does not apply, the taxpayer asserts that a letter ruling the taxpayer received covering a single issue is erroneous or is not responsive (other than an issue on which the Associate office declined to rule) and requests reconsideration. Upon reconsideration, the Associate office agrees that the letter ruling is erroneous or is not responsive. The fee accompanying the taxpayer’s request for reconsideration will be refunded.

(b) In a situation to which section 15.10(1)(i) of this revenue procedure does not apply, the taxpayer requests a supplemental letter ruling, determination letter, etc. to correct a mistake that the Service agrees it made in the original letter ruling, determination letter, etc. such as a mistake in the statement of facts or in the citation of a Code section. Once the Service agrees that it made a mistake, the fee accompanying the request for the supplemental letter ruling, determination letter, etc. will be refunded.

(c) The taxpayer requests and is granted relief under § 7805(b) in connection with the revocation in whole or in part, of a previously issued letter ruling, determination letter, etc. The fee accompanying the request for relief will be refunded.

(d) In a situation to which section 15.10(1)(e) of this revenue procedure applies, the taxpayer requests reconsideration of the Service’s decision not to rule on an issue. Once the Service agrees to rule on the issue, the fee accompanying the request for reconsideration will be refunded.

(e) The letter ruling is not issued and taking into account all the facts and circumstances, including the Service’s resources devoted to the request, the responsible Associate Chief Counsel determines a refund is appropriate. This determination is at the sole discretion of the Associate Chief Counsel.

(f) Refunds based on grounds listed in section 15.10(2)(a) through (d) of this revenue procedure are approved at the branch level by a reviewer or branch chief. Refunds based on the ground listed in section 15.10(2)(e) of this revenue procedure must be approved by the Associate Chief Counsel.

Request for reconsideration of user fee

.11 A taxpayer who believes the user fee charged by the Service for its request for a letter ruling, determination letter, advance pricing agreement, or closing agreement is either inapplicable or incorrect and wishes to receive a refund of all or part of the amount paid (see section 15.10 of this revenue procedure) may request reconsideration and, if desired, the opportunity for an oral discussion by sending a letter to the Service at the appropriate address given in section 7.03 in this revenue procedure. Both the incoming envelope and the letter requesting such reconsideration should be prominently marked “USER FEE RECONSIDERATION REQUEST.” No user fee is required for these requests. The request should be marked for the attention of:

If the matter involves primarily:

Mark for the attention of:

Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate)

Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products)

Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting)

Associate Chief Counsel (International) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (International)

Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries)

Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) letter ruling requests

Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration)

Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) letter ruling requests

Deputy Associate Chief Counsel ( )

(Complete parenthetical by using the applicable designation “Employee Benefits” or “Exempt Organizations/Employment Tax/Government Entities”)

Determination letter requests submitted pursuant to this revenue procedure by taxpayers under the jurisdiction of LB&I

Manager, Office of Pre-Filing and Technical Services

Determination letter requests submitted pursuant to this revenue procedure by taxpayers under the jurisdiction of SB/SE, W&I

The appropriate SB/SE official listed in Appendix F

Determination letter requests submitted pursuant to this revenue procedure by taxpayers under the jurisdiction of TE/GE

Director, Employee Plans Examinations

Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations

Director, Federal, State & Local Governments

Director, Tax Exempt Bonds

Director, Indian Tribal Governments

(Add name of Field office handling the request)

SECTION 16. WHAT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO REV. PROC. 2014–1?

A new schedule of user fees, effective February 2, 2015, is provided in Appendix A. Editorial changes have been made throughout.

Sections 1.01, 3.07, 4.02, 5.03, 7.01(4), 7.01(11), 11.11, and 15.03 were updated to reflect that jurisdiction over letter rulings, formerly with the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities, has been delegated to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), except with respect to changes in accounting methods and certain rulings described in Rev. Proc. 2015–4, this Bulletin. New sections 5.14 and 5.15 address letter rulings issued by the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) in exempt organizations, qualified retirement plan and IRA matters, including rulings that were previously issued by the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. Section 15.03 was updated to add harassment campaign and Neighborhood Land Use letter rulings to the list of no user fee letter rulings. Additional checklists for government pick-up plan and church plan letter ruling requests, which were previously in Rev. Proc. 2014–4, 2014–1 I.R.B. 125, were added as Appendix D and E, respectively.

Section 11.02 was amended to clarify that a shareholder of a corporation may rely on a letter ruling issued to that corporation for purposes of determining the proper tax treatment of directly related tax items (as was previously implied by section 11.06(3)). Section 15.06(6) was added to clarify that a married couple who files jointly may choose to request a letter ruling jointly, and pay a single fee, or individually and pay separate fees. The phrase “advance consent” in the context of requests for change in method of accounting, Form 3115, has been replaced with the phrase “non-automatic.”

SECTION 17. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE ON OTHER DOCUMENTS?

Rev. Proc. 2014–1, 2014–1 I.R.B. 1 is superseded.

SECTION 18. WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE?

This revenue procedure is effective January 2, 2015.

SECTION 19. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

The collections of information contained in this revenue procedure have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. § 3507) under control number 1545-1522.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid control number.

The collections of information in this revenue procedure are in sections 5.06, 6.03, 7.01, 7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.07, 8.02. 8.05, 8.07, 10.01, 10.06, 10.07, 11.11, 13.02, 15.02, 15.07, 15.08, 15.09, 15.11, paragraph (B)(1) of Appendix A, Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix E, and Appendix G (subject matter—rate orders; regulatory agency; normalization). This information is required to evaluate and process the request for a letter ruling or determination letter. In addition, this information will be used to help the Service delete certain information from the text of the letter ruling or determination letter before it is made available for public inspection as required by § 6110. The collections of information are required to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter. The likely respondents are businesses or other for-profit institutions and tax exempt organizations.

The estimated total annual reporting and/or recordkeeping burden is 305,540 hours.

The estimated annual burden per respondent/recordkeeper varies from 1 to 200 hours, depending on individual circumstances, with an estimated average burden of 80 hours. The estimated number of respondents and/or recordkeepers is 3,825.

The estimated annual frequency of responses is on occasion.

Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by § 6103.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Larry Pounders of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration). For further information regarding this revenue procedure for matters under the jurisdiction of—

(1) the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), contact Ken Cohen or Jean R. Broderick at (202) 317-7700 (not a toll-free call),

(2) the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), contact K. Scott Brown at (202) 317-4423 (not a toll-free call),

(3) the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), contact R. Matthew Kelley at (202) 317-7002 (not a toll-free call),

(4) the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), contact Leta Wolf at (202) 317-5260 (not a toll-free call),

(5) the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), contact Mark Cottrell at (202) 317-3400 (not a toll-free call),

(6) the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), contact Shoshanna Tanner at (202) 317-5500 (not a toll-free call), or

(7) the Associate Chief Counsel (International), contact Jeffrey Vinnik at (202) 317-3800 (not a toll-free call).

For further information regarding user fees, contact the Docket, Records, and User Fee Branch at (202) 317-5221 (not a toll-free call).

For further information regarding determination letters:

SBSE and WI taxpayers should contact the offices listed in Appendix F of this Revenue Procedure;

LB&I taxpayers should contact the Office of Pre-Filing and Technical Services, LB&I;

TEGE taxpayers should also refer to Revenue Procedures 2015–4, 2015–5 and 2015–6, this bulletin, and 2015–9 and 2015–10, next bulletin.

INDEX
References are to sections in Rev. Proc. 2015–1
Additional Information  
– penalties of perjury statement required 8.05(4)
– proposed deletions under § 6110 7.01(11)
– information requested during initial and subsequent contacts 8.05
failure to submit 8.05(3)
subsequent information after conference 10.06
– where to send 8.05(6)
Changes in Method of Accounting or Accounting Period  
– applicable sections of Rev. Proc. 2015–1 for changes in method of accounting 9
– applicable sections of Rev. Proc. 2015–1 for accounting period Appendix G
– automatic change request procedures 9.01, 9.22, Appendix G
– identical changes in method of accounting 9.15, 15.07, Appendix A
– user fees Appendix A
Checklist Required 7.01(18), Appendix C
Conferences  
– offered 10.02
after conference of right 10.05
application of § 6110 7.01(11)(e)
– requesting a conference 7.02(6)
– scheduling 10.01, 10.02
application of § 7805(b) 11.11(2), 13.02(2)
pre-submission conferences 10.07
telephone conferences 10.08
Definitions  
– Associate office 1.01(2)
– closing agreement 2.02
– determination letter 2.03
– Director 1.01(3)
– Field office 1.01(4)
– taxpayer 1.01(5)
– information letter 2.04
– letter ruling 2.01
– Service 1.01(1)
Determinations Under § 999(d) 5.04
Discussions Not Binding on Service  
– at pre-submission conference 10.07(4)
– informal opinion expressed 8.04
– oral advice to taxpayers 2.05(2)
Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations  
– jurisdiction of Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division 4.02
– user fees 4.02
Estate Tax Matters  
– issuance of determination letters 12.02, 12.05
– issuance of letter rulings 5.06
under § 2032A(c) 5.07
Expedited Handling of Letter Ruling and Determination Letter Requests 7.02(4)
Extension of Time  
– to schedule conference 10.01
– to submit additional information 8.05(2)
Fax Transmission  
– to receive letter ruling 7.02(5)
– to receive request for additional information 7.02(5)
– to submit additional information 8.05(5)
– letter ruling requests must not be submitted by fax 7.03(1)(c)
Hand Delivery of Letter Ruling Requests 7.03(1)
No-Rule Areas 6
Oral Advice to Taxpayers 2.05
Penalties of Perjury Statement  
– form for letter ruling request 7.01(15)(a)
– form for submission of additional information 8.05(4)
– required with draft letter ruling 8.07
– signature requirements 7.01(15)(b)
Pending Letter Ruling Requests  
– when to attach a copy to return 7.04(2)
estate tax matters 5.06
– when to notify Associate office 7.04
estate tax matters 5.06
Power of Attorney  
– Form 2848 7.01(14), 7.02(2)
original sent to the taxpayer 7.02(2)
copy sent to a representative 7.02(2)
copies sent to multiple representatives 7.02(2)
no copy sent to representatives 7.02(2)
– signature requirements 7.01(14)
Public Disclosure of Information Letters 2.04
Public Inspection Under § 6110 7.01(11)
– signature requirements 7.01(11)(c)
Representatives  
– compliance with Treasury Department Circular No. 230 7.01(13)
– power of attorney required 7.01(14)
– requirements 7.01(13)
authorized representatives 7.01(13)(a)
authorized based on relationship 7.01(13)(b)
return preparer 7.01(13)(c)
foreign representative 7.01(13)(d)
Retroactive Revocation or Modification  
– of determination letter 13
request to limit retroactive effect 13.02
– of letter ruling 11.05 – 11.10
request to limit retroactive effect 11.11
Revenue Rulings  
– effect on a letter ruling 11.04
– request to limit retroactive effect 11.11
Sample of a Letter Ruling Request 7.01(17), Appendix B
Section 301.9100 Relief 5.03
Section 367 Rulings 5.05
Status of Letter Ruling and Determination Letter Requests 7.06
Substantially Identical Letter Rulings 15.07(2), Appendix A
Tax Exempt and Government Entities  
– jurisdiction of Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division 4.02
– user fees 4.02
User Fees  
– schedule of user fees Appendix A
– user fee requirements 15
to reopen case 8.05(3)
Where to Send  
– determination letter request 7.03
– letter ruling request 7.03, 9.05
additional information 8.05(6), 9.08(6)
hand delivery 7.03(1)
Withdrawal of Letter Ruling and Determination Letter Requests 7.07
APPENDIX A    
SCHEDULE OF USER FEES    
NOTE: Checks or money orders must be in U.S. dollars.    
(A) FEE SCHEDULE    
CATEGORY USER FEE FOR REQUESTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2, 2015 USER FEE FOR REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2015
(1) User fee for a request for a determination letter from a Director. The user fee for each determination letter request governed by Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure $275 $275
(2) User fee for a request for an advance pricing agreement or a renewal of an advance pricing agreement. See section 4.12 of Rev. Proc. 2006–9, 2006–1 C.B. 278 See section 4.12 of Rev. Proc. 2006–9, 2006–1 C.B. 278
(3) User fee for a request for a letter ruling or closing agreement. Except for the user fees for advance pricing agreements and renewals, the reduced fees provided in paragraph (A)(4) of this appendix, the user fees provided in paragraph (A)(5) of this appendix, and the exemptions provided in section 15.04 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, the user fee for each request for a letter ruling or closing agreement under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), or the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) is as follows:    
(a) Accounting periods    
(i) Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year, (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix) $2,700 $4,200
(ii) Requests made on Part II of Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to use a fiscal year based on a business purpose (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix) $2,700 $4,200
(iii) Letter ruling requests for extensions of time to file Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year, Form 8716, Election To Have a Tax Year Other Than a Required Tax Year, or Part II of Form 2553 under § 301.9100–3 (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix) $2,000 $3,700
(b) Changes in Methods of Accounting    
(i) Non-automatic Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) or (b), or (5)(b) of this appendix) $7,000 $8,600
(ii) Letter ruling requests for extensions of time to file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, under § 301.9100–3 (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) or (b), or (5)(c) of this appendix) $9,000 $9,100
NOTE: No user fee is required if the change in accounting period or method of accounting is permitted to be made pursuant to a published automatic change request procedure. See section 9.22 and Appendix G of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, for the list of automatic change request procedures published and/or in effect as of December 31, 2014.    
(c) (i) Letter ruling request for relief under § 301.9100–3 $6,900 $9,800
(ii) All other letter ruling requests (including accounting period and method of accounting requests other than those properly submitted on Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year, Part II of Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, or Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method) (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) or (b), or (5)(a) of this appendix) $19,000 $28,300
(d) Requests for closing agreements on a proposed transaction or on a completed transaction before a return for the transaction has been filed in which a letter ruling on that transaction is not requested or issued (except as provided in paragraph (A)(4)(a) or (b) of this appendix) $18,000 $28,300
(e) A request for a Foreign Insurance Excise Tax Waiver Agreement $8,000 $8,000
NOTE: A taxpayer who receives relief under § 301.9100–3 (for example, an extension of time to file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method) will be charged a separate user fee for the letter ruling request on the underlying issue (for example, the accounting period or method of accounting application).    
(4) Reduced user fee for a request for a letter ruling, method or period change, or closing agreement. A reduced user fee for a request involving a personal, exempt organization, governmental entity, or business tax issue is provided in the following situations if the person provides the certification described in paragraph (B)(1) of this appendix:    
(a) Request involves a tax issue from a person with gross income (as determined under paragraphs (B)(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this appendix) of less than $250,000 $2,000 $2,200
(b) Request involves a tax issue from a person with gross income (as determined under paragraphs (B)(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this appendix) of less than $1 million and $250,000 or more $5,000 $6,500
(5) User fee for substantially identical letter ruling requests, identical changes in method of accounting, or plans from issuing authorities under § 25(c)(2)(B). If the requirements of section 15.07 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, are satisfied, the user fee for the following situations is as follows:    
(a) Substantially identical letter rulings requested (other than changes in methods of accounting requested on Form 3115)    
Situations in which a taxpayer requests substantially identical letter rulings for multiple entities with a common member or sponsor, or for multiple members of a common entity, or for two or more identical trusts or for multiple beneficiaries of a trust or a trust divided into identical subtrusts or for husband and wife making split gifts, for each additional letter ruling request after the $28,300 fee or reduced fee, as applicable, has been paid for the first letter ruling request $1,800 $2,700
NOTE: Each entity or member that is entitled to the user fee under paragraph (A)(5)(a) of this appendix, that receives relief under § 301.9100–3 (for example, an extension of time to file an election) will be charged a separate user fee for the letter ruling request on the underlying issue.    
NOTE: The fee charged for the first letter ruling is the highest fee applicable to any of the entities.    
(b) Identical change in method of accounting requested on a single Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, as provided in section 15.07(4). Fee for each additional applicant seeking the identical change in method of accounting on the same Form 3115 after the $8,600 fee or reduced fee, as applicable, has been paid for the first applicant. $150 $180
(c) Substantially identical plans under § 25(c)(2)(B) $1,500 $1,500
Situations where an issuing authority under § 25 submits substantially identical plans for administering the 95-percent requirement of § 143(d)(1) following the submission of an initial plan that was approved.    
NOTE: The fee charged for the first letter ruling is the highest fee applicable to any of the entities.    
(d) Extension of time requested to file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, for an identical change in method of accounting as provided in section 15.07(4). Fee for each additional or each additional applicant seeking the identical extension of time under § 301.9100–3 to file a single Form 3115 for the identical change in method of accounting after the $9,100 fee or reduced fee, as applicable, has been paid for the first applicant. $150 $180
NOTE: When an extension of time to file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, is granted under § 301.9100–3 for multiple applicants, a separate user fee will be charged for the change in method of accounting application, Form 3115.    
  $0 $0
(6) User fee for information letter requests    
(7) User fee for pre-filing agreements $50,000 $50,000
(8) Tax treaty limitation of benefits. See Rev. Proc. 2006–54 for procedures for requesting competent authority assistance under tax treaties $27,500 $27,500
(9) Statement of Value. See Rev. Proc. 96–15 for procedures for requesting a statement of value    
(a) Effective February 2, 2015:    
(i) User fee for a case with 1–3 items $5,400 $5,400
(ii) Cost per each additional item beyond 3 $270 $270

 

(B) PROCEDURAL MATTERS

(1) Required certification. A person seeking a reduced user fee under paragraph (A)(4) of this appendix must provide the following certification in order to obtain the reduced user fee:

(a) If a person is seeking a reduced user fee under paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix, the person must certify in the request that his, her, or its gross income, as defined under paragraphs (B)(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this appendix, as applicable, is less than $250,000 as reported on their last federal income tax return (as amended) filed for a full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed.

(b) If a person is seeking a reduced user fee under paragraph (A)(4)(b) of this appendix, the person must certify in the request that his, her, or its gross income, as defined under paragraphs (B)(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this appendix, as applicable, is less than $1 million and more than $250,000 for the last full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed.

The certification must be attached as part of the ruling request.

(2) Gross income for a request involving a personal tax issue. For purposes of the reduced user fees provided in paragraphs (A)(4)(a) and (b) of this appendix of—

(a) U.S. citizens and resident alien individuals, domestic trusts, and domestic estates, “gross income” is equal to “total income” as reported on their last federal income tax return (as amended) filed for a full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed, plus any interest income not subject to tax under § 103 (interest on state and local bonds) for that period. “Total income” is a line item on Federal tax returns. For example, if the 2013 Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the most recent 12-month taxable year return filed by a U.S. citizen, “total income” on the Form 1040 is the amount entered on line 22.

In the case of a request for a letter ruling or closing agreement from a domestic estate or trust that, at the time the request is filed, has not filed a Federal income tax return for a full taxable year, the reduced user fee in paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix will apply if the decedent’s or (in the case of an individual grantor) the grantor’s total income as reported on the last Federal income tax return filed for a full taxable year ending before the date of death or the date of the transfer, taking into account any additions required to be made to total income described in this paragraph (B)(2)(a), is less than $250,000 (or less than $1,000,000 for the paragraph (A)(4)(b) fee to apply). In this case, the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate or the grantor must provide the certification required under paragraph (B)(1) of this appendix.

(b) Nonresident alien individuals, foreign trusts, and foreign estates, “gross income” is equal to “total effectively connected income” as reported on their last Federal income tax return (as amended) filed for a full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed, plus any income for the period from United States or foreign sources that is not taxable by the United States, whether by reason of § 103, an income tax treaty, § 871(h) (regarding portfolio interest), or otherwise, plus the total amount of any fixed or determinable annual or periodical income from United States sources, the United States tax liability for which is satisfied by withholding at the source. “Total effectively connected income” is a line item on Federal tax returns. For example, if the 2013 Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, is the most recent 12-month taxable year return filed by a nonresident alien individual, “total effectively connected income” on the Form 1040NR is the amount entered on line 23.

In the case of a request for a letter ruling or closing agreement from a foreign estate or trust that, at the time the request is filed, has not filed a Federal income tax return for a full taxable year, the reduced user fee in paragraph (A)(4)(a) of this appendix will apply if the decedent’s or (in the case of an individual grantor) the grantor’s total income or total effectively connected income, as relevant, as reported on the last Federal income tax return filed for a full taxable year ending before the date of death or the date of the transfer, taking into account any additions required to be made to total income or total effectively connected income described respectively in paragraph (B)(2)(a) of this appendix or in this paragraph (B)(2)(b), is less than $250,000 (or less than $1,000,000 for the paragraph (A)(4)(b) fee to apply). In this case, the executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate or the grantor must provide the certification required under paragraph (B)(1) of this appendix.

(3) Gross income for a request involving a business-related tax issue. For purposes of the reduced user fees provided in paragraphs (A)(4)(a) and (b) of this appendix of—

(a) U.S. citizens and resident alien individuals, domestic trusts, and domestic estates, “gross income” is equal to gross income as defined under paragraph (B)(2)(a) of this appendix, plus “cost of goods sold” as reported on the same Federal income tax return.

(b) Nonresident alien individuals, foreign trusts, and foreign estates, “gross income” is equal to gross income as defined under paragraph (B)(2)(b) of this appendix, plus “cost of goods sold” as reported on the same Federal income tax return.

(c) Partnerships with a Form 1065 filing requirement and corporations (foreign and domestic), “gross income” is equal to “total income” as reported on their last Federal tax return (as amended) filed for a full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed, plus “cost of goods sold” as reported on the same Federal tax return, plus any interest income not subject to tax under § 103 (interest on state and local bonds) for that period. Partnerships with a Form 1065 filing requirement should also include “gross rents” reported on Form 8825 at line 2, as well as the income amounts reported on Schedule K Form 1065 at lines 3a, 5, 6a, 7, 8, 9a, 10, and 11 from the same Federal tax return described in the preceding sentence to calculate “gross income” for the purpose of applying the reduced user fee in paragraph (A)(4) of this Appendix. If a partnership is not required to file or a corporation is not subject to tax, “total income” and “cost of goods sold” are the amounts that the partnership or corporation would have reported on the Federal tax return if the partnership had been required to file or the corporation had been subject to tax.

“Cost of goods sold” and “total income” are line items on Federal tax returns. For example, if the 2013 Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income, is the most recent 12-month taxable year return filed by a partnership, “cost of goods sold” and “total income” on the Form 1065 are the amounts entered on lines 2 and 8, respectively, and if the 2013 Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, is the most recent 12-month taxable year return filed by a domestic corporation, “cost of goods sold” and “total income” on the Form 1120 are the amounts entered on lines 2 and 11, respectively.

If, at the time the request is filed, a partnership or corporation subject to tax has not filed a Federal tax return for a full taxable year, the reduced user fee in paragraph (A)(4)(a) or (b) of this appendix will apply if, in the aggregate, the partners’ or the shareholders’ gross income (as defined in paragraph (B)(3)(a), (b), or (c), of this appendix, as applicable) is less than $250,000 for purposes of paragraph (A)(4)(a) or $1 million for purposes of paragraph (A)(4)(b) for the last full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request is filed. In this case, the partners or the shareholders must provide the certification required under paragraph (B)(1) of this appendix.

(4) Gross income for a request involving an exempt organization or governmental entity. For purposes of the reduced user fees provided in paragraphs (A)(4)(a) and (b) of this appendix of—

(a) Organizations exempt from income tax under “Subchapter F-Exempt Organizations” of the Code, “gross income” is equal to the amount of gross receipts for the last full (12 months) taxable year ending before the date the request for a letter ruling or closing agreement is filed.

(b) State, local, and Indian tribal government entities, “gross income” is equal to the annual operating revenue of the government requesting the ruling for its last fiscal year ending before the date of the ruling request. The annual operating revenue is to be determined at the government level and not at the level of the government entity or agency making the request.

(5) Special rules for determining gross income. For purposes of paragraphs (B)(2), (3) and (4) of this appendix, the following rules apply for determining gross income.

(a) Gross income of individuals, trusts, and estates.

(1) In the case of a request from a married individual, the gross incomes (as defined in paragraph (B)(2) or (3) of this appendix, as applicable) of the applicant and the applicant’s spouse must be combined. This rule does not apply to an individual: (1) who is legally separated from his or her spouse and (2) who did not file a joint income tax return; and

(2) If there are two or more applicants filing the request, the gross incomes (as defined in paragraph (B)(2) or (3) of this appendix, as applicable) of the applicants must be combined.

(b) Gross income of domestic partnerships and corporations.

(1) In the case of a request from a domestic corporation, the gross income (as defined in paragraph (B)(3) of this appendix) of (i) all members of the applicant’s controlled group (as defined in § 1563(a)), and (ii) any taxpayer who is involved in the transaction on which the letter ruling or closing agreement is requested, must be combined; and

(2) In the case of a request from a domestic partnership, the gross income (as defined in paragraph (B)(3) of this appendix) of (i) the partnership, and (ii) any partner who owns, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more of the capital interest or profits interest in the partnership, must be combined.

(c) Gross income of exempt organizations. If there are two or more organizations exempt from income tax under Subchapter F filing the request, the gross receipts (as defined in paragraph (B)(4)(a) of this appendix) of the applicants must be combined.

APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMAT FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST

 

INSTRUCTIONS

To assist you in preparing a letter ruling request, the Service is providing this sample format. You are not required to use this sample format. If your request is not identical or similar to the sample format, the different format will not defer consideration of your request.

(Insert the date of request)

Internal Revenue Service

Insert either: Associate Chief Counsel (Insert one of the following: Corporate, Financial Institutions and Products, Income Tax and Accounting, International, Passthroughs and Special Industries, Procedure and Administration, or Tax Exempt and Government Entities)

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU

P.O. Box 7604

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

Dear Sir or Madam:

(Insert the name of the taxpayer) requests a ruling on the proper treatment of (insert the subject matter of the letter ruling request) under section (insert the number) of the Internal Revenue Code.

[If the taxpayer is requesting expedited handling, a statement to that effect must be attached to, or contained in, the letter ruling request. The statement must explain the need for expedited handling. See section 7.02(4) of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure. Hereafter, all references are to Rev. Proc. 2015–1 unless otherwise noted.]

A. STATEMENT OF FACTS

1. Taxpayer Information

[Provide the statements required by sections 7.01(1)(a) and (b).]

2. Description of Taxpayer’s Business Operations

[Provide the statement required by section 7.01(1)(c).]

3. Facts Relating to Transaction

[The ruling request must contain a complete statement of the facts relating to the transaction that is the subject of the letter ruling request. This statement must include a detailed description of the transaction, including material facts in any accompanying documents, and the business reasons for the transaction. See sections 7.01(1)(d), 7.01(1)(e), and 7.01(2).]

B. RULING REQUESTED

[The ruling request should contain a concise statement of the ruling requested by the taxpayer. The Service prefers that the language of the requested ruling be exactly the same as the language the taxpayer wishes to receive.]

C. STATEMENT OF LAW

[The ruling request must contain a statement of the law in support of the taxpayer’s views or conclusion and identify any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction. The taxpayer also is strongly encouraged to identify and discuss any authorities believed to be contrary to the position advanced in the ruling request. See sections 7.01(6), 7.01(8), 7.01(9), and 7.01(10).]

D. ANALYSIS

[The ruling request must contain a discussion of the facts and an analysis of the law. The taxpayer also is strongly encouraged to identify and discuss any authorities believed to be contrary to the position advanced in the ruling request. See sections 7.01(3), 7.01(6), 7.01(8), 7.01(9), and 7.01(10).]

E. CONCLUSION

[The ruling request should contain a statement of the taxpayer’s conclusion on the ruling requested.]

F. PROCEDURAL MATTERS

1. Revenue Procedure 2015–1 Statements

a. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(4) regarding whether any return of the taxpayer, a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267 or of a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504 which would be affected by the requested letter ruling or determination letter, is currently under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court, or was previously under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court.]

b. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(5)(a) regarding whether the Service previously ruled on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor. Please further note that if a reduced user fee is being submitted, a certification of eligibility for the reduced fee must be included with the ruling request.]

c. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(5)(b) regarding whether the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, a predecessor, or any representatives previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or similar issue but withdrew the request before a letter ruling or determination letter was issued.]

d. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(5)(c) regarding whether the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or a similar issue that is currently pending with the Service.]

e. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(5)(d) regarding whether, at the same time as this request, the taxpayer or a related taxpayer is presently submitting another request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or similar issue to the Service.]

f. [If the letter ruling request involves the interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty, provide the statement required by section 7.01(6) regarding whether the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction has issued a ruling on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor; whether the same or similar issue is being examined, or has been settled, by the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction or is otherwise the subject of a closing agreement in that jurisdiction; and whether the same or similar issue is being considered by the competent authority of the treaty jurisdiction.]

g. [Provide the statement required by section 7.01(8) regarding whether the law in connection with the letter ruling request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities.]

h. [If the taxpayer determines that there are no contrary authorities, a statement in the request to this effect should be included. See section 7.01(9).]

i. [If the taxpayer wants to have a conference on the issues involved in the letter ruling request, the ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 7.02(6).]

j. [If the taxpayer is requesting a copy of any document related to the letter ruling request to be sent by facsimile (fax) transmission, the ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 7.02(5).]

k. [If the taxpayer is requesting separate letter rulings on multiple issues, the letter ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 7.02(1).]

l. [If the taxpayer is seeking to obtain the user fee provided in paragraph (A)(5)(a) of Appendix A for substantially identical letter rulings, the letter ruling request must contain the statements required by section 15.07.]

2. Administrative

a. [The ruling request should state: “The deletion statement and checklist required by Rev. Proc. 2015–1 are enclosed.” See sections 7.01(11) and 7.01(18).]

b. [The ruling request should state: “The required user fee of $ (Insert the amount of the fee) is enclosed.” Please note that the check or money order must be in U.S. dollars and made payable to the Internal Revenue Service. See section 15 and Appendix A.]

c. [If the taxpayer’s authorized representative is to sign the letter ruling request or is to appear before the Service in connection with the request, the ruling request should state: “A Power of Attorney is enclosed.” See sections 7.01(13), 7.01(14), and 7.02(2).]

Sincerely yours,

(Insert the name of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative)

By:

Signature Date

Typed or printed name of

person signing request

DECLARATION: [See section 7.01(15).]

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this request, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the request contains all the relevant facts relating to the request, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.

(Insert the name of the taxpayer)

By:

_____________

Signature Title Date

(must be signed by taxpayer, not by taxpayer’s representative, see section 7.01(15)(b) of this revenue procedure)

Typed or printed name of

person signing declaration

[If the taxpayer is a corporation that is a member of an affiliated group filing consolidated returns, the above declaration must also be signed and dated by an officer of the common parent of the group. See section 7.01(15).]

APPENDIX C CHECKLIST IS YOUR LETTER RULING REQUEST COMPLETE?

 

INSTRUCTIONS

The Service will be able to respond more quickly to your letter ruling request if it is carefully prepared and complete. Use this checklist to ensure that your request is in order. Complete the four items of information requested before the checklist. Answer each question by circling “Yes,” “No,” or “N/A.” When a question contains a place for a page number, insert the page number (or numbers) of the request that gives the information called for by a “Yes” answer to a question. Sign and date the checklist (as taxpayer or authorized representative) and place it on top of your request.

If you are an authorized representative submitting a request for a taxpayer, you must include a completed checklist with the request or the request will either be returned to you or substantive consideration of it will be deferred until a completed checklist is submitted. If you are a taxpayer preparing your own request without professional assistance, an incomplete checklist will not cause the return of your request or defer substantive consideration of your request. You should still complete as much of the checklist as possible and submit it with your request.

TAXPAYER’S NAME

TAXPAYER’S I.D. NO.

ATTORNEY/P.O.A.

PRIMARY CODE SECTION

CIRCLE ONE ITEM
Yes No 1. Does your request involve an issue under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), or the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities)? See section 3 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure. For issues under the jurisdiction of other offices, see section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. (Hereafter, all references are to Rev. Proc. 2015–1 unless otherwise noted.)
Yes No 2. Have you read Rev. Proc. 2015–3, 2015–1 and Rev. Proc. 2015–7, 2015–1, this bulletin, to see if part or all of the request involves a matter on which letter rulings are not issued or are ordinarily not issued?
Yes No N/A 3. If your request involves a matter on which letter rulings are not ordinarily issued, have you given compelling reasons to justify the issuance of a letter ruling? Before preparing your request, you may want to call the branch in the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) responsible for substantive interpretations of the principal Internal Revenue Code section on which you are seeking a letter ruling to discuss the likelihood of an exception. For matters under the jurisdiction of—
  (a) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), the appropriate branch to call may be obtained by calling (202) 317-5221 (not a toll-free call);
  (b) the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the appropriate branch to call may be obtained by calling (202) 317-6888 (not a toll-free call).
Yes No N/A Page__ 4. If the request involves a retirement plan qualification matter under § 401(a), § 409, or § 4975(e)(7), have you demonstrated that the request satisfies the three criteria in section 4.02(12) of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, for a ruling?
Yes No N/A Page__ 5. If the request deals with a completed transaction, have you filed the return for the year in which the transaction was completed? See section 5.01.
Yes No 6. Are you requesting the letter ruling on a hypothetical situation or question? See section 6.12.
Yes No 7. Are you requesting the letter ruling on alternative plans of a proposed transaction? See section 6.12.
Yes No 8. Are you requesting the letter ruling for only part of an integrated transaction?
Yes No Page __ 9. Are you requesting a letter ruling under the jurisdiction of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) on a significant issue (within the meaning of section 3.01(48) of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin) with respect to a transaction described in § 332, 351, 355, or 1036 or a reorganization within the meaning of § 368? See section 6.03.
Yes No 10. Are you requesting the letter ruling for a business, trade, industrial association, or similar group concerning the application of tax law to its members? See section 6.05.
Yes No 11. Are you requesting the letter ruling for a foreign government or its political subdivision? See section 6.07.
Yes No Page __ 12. Have you included a complete statement of all the facts relevant to the transaction? See section 7.01(1).
Yes No N/A 13. Have you submitted with the request true copies of all wills, deeds, and other documents relevant to the transaction, and labeled and attached them in alphabetical sequence? See section 7.01(2).
Yes No N/A 14. Have you submitted with the request a copy of all applicable foreign laws, and certified English translations of documents that are in a language other than English or of foreign laws in cases where English is not the official language of the foreign country involved? See section 7.01(2).
Yes No 15. Have you included an analysis of facts and their bearing on the issues? Have you included, rather than merely incorporated by reference, all material facts from the documents in the request? See section 7.01(3).
Yes No Page__ 16. Have you included the required statement regarding whether any return of the taxpayer (or any return of a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267 or of a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504) who would be affected by the requested letter ruling or determination letter is currently or was previously under examination, before Appeals, or before a Federal court? See section 7.01(4).
Yes No Page__ 17. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the Service previously ruled on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor? See section 7.01(5)(a).
Yes No Page__ 18. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, a predecessor, or any representatives previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or similar issue but withdrew the request before the letter ruling or determination letter was issued? See section 7.01(5)(b).
Yes No Page__ 19. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor previously submitted a request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or similar issue that is currently pending with the Service? See section 7.01(5)(c).
Yes No Page__ 20. Have you included the required statement regarding whether, at the same time as this request, the taxpayer or a related taxpayer is presently submitting another request (including an application for change in method of accounting) involving the same or similar issue to the Service? See section 7.01(5)(d).
Yes No N/A Page__ 21. If your request involves the interpretation of a substantive provision of an income or estate tax treaty, have you included the required statement regarding whether the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction has issued a ruling on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor; whether the same or similar issue is being examined, or has been settled, by the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction or is otherwise the subject of a closing agreement in that jurisdiction; and whether the same or similar issue is being considered by the competent authority of the treaty jurisdiction? See section 7.01(6).
Yes No N/A Page__ 22. If your request is for recognition of Indian tribal government status or status as a political subdivision of an Indian tribal government, does your request contain a letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding the tribe’s status? See section 7.01(7), which states that taxpayers are encouraged to submit this letter with the request and provides the address for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Yes No Page__ 23. Have you included the required statement of relevant authorities in support of your views? See section 7.01(8).
Yes No Page__ 24. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the law in connection with the request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities? See section 7.01(8).
Yes No Pages__ 25. Does your request discuss the implications of any legislation, tax treaties, court decisions, regulations, notices, revenue rulings, or revenue procedures that you determined to be contrary to the position advanced? See section 7.01(9), which states that taxpayers are encouraged to inform the Service of such authorities.
Yes No N/A Page__ 26. If you determined that there are no contrary authorities, have you included a statement to this effect in your request? See section 7.01(9).
Yes No N/A Page__ 27. Have you included in your request a statement identifying any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction? See section 7.01(10).
Yes No 28. Have you included the deletion statement required by § 6110 and placed it on the top of the letter ruling request as required by section 7.01(11)(b).
Yes No Page__ 29. Have you (or your authorized representative) signed and dated the request? See section 7.01(12).
Yes No N/A 30. If the request is signed by your representative or if your representative will appear before the Service in connection with the request, is the request accompanied by a properly prepared and signed power of attorney with the signatory’s name typed or printed? See section 7.01(14).
Yes No Page__ 31. Have you signed, dated, and included the penalties of perjury statement in the format required by section 7.01(15)?
Yes No N/A 32. Are you submitting your request in duplicate if necessary? See section 7.01(16).
Yes No N/A Page__ 33. If you are requesting separate letter rulings on different issues involving one factual situation, have you included a statement to that effect in each request? See section 7.02(1).
Yes No N/A 34. If you want copies of the letter ruling sent to a representative, does the power of attorney contain a statement to that effect? See section 7.02(2).
Yes No N/A 35. If you do not want a copy of the letter ruling to be sent to any representative, does the power of attorney contain a statement to that effect? See section 7.02(2).
Yes No N/A 36. If you are making a two-part letter ruling request, have you included a summary statement of the facts you believe to be controlling? See section 7.02(3).
Yes No N/A Page__ 37. If you want your letter ruling request to be processed ahead of the regular order or by a specific date, have you requested expedited handling in the manner required by section 7.02(4) and stated a compelling need for such action in the request? See section 7.02(4) of this revenue procedure.
Yes No N/A Page__ 38. If you are requesting a copy of any document related to the letter ruling request to be sent by facsimile (fax) transmission, have you included a statement to that effect? See section 7.02(5).
Yes No N/A Page__ 39. If you want to have a conference on the issues involved in the request, have you included a request for conference in the letter ruling request? See section 7.02(6).
Yes No 40. Have you included the correct user fee with the request and is your check or money order in U.S. dollars and payable to the Internal Revenue Service? See section 15 and Appendix A to determine the correct amount.
Yes No N/A Page__ 41. If your request involves a personal, exempt organization, governmental entity, or business-related tax issue and you qualify for the reduced user fee because your gross income is less than $250,000, have you included the required certification? See paragraphs (A)(4)(a) and (B)(1) of Appendix A.
Yes No N/A Page__ 42. If your request involves a personal, exempt organization, governmental entity, or business-related tax issue and you qualify for the reduced user fee because your gross income is less than $1 million, have you included the required certification? See paragraphs (A)(4)(b) and (B)(1) of Appendix A.
Yes No N/A Page__ 43. If you qualify for the user fee for substantially identical letter rulings, have you included the required information? See section 15.07(2) and paragraph (A)(5)(a) of Appendix A.
Yes No N/A Page__ 44. If you qualify for the user fee for a § 301.9100 request to extend the time for filing an identical change in method of accounting on a single Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, have you included the required information? See section 15.07(4) and paragraph (A)(5)(d) of Appendix A.
Yes No N/A 45. If your request is covered by any of the checklists, guideline revenue procedures, notices, safe harbor revenue procedures, or other special requirements listed in Appendix G, have you complied with all of the requirements of the applicable revenue procedure or notice?
Rev. Proc.____ List other applicable revenue procedures or notices, including checklists, used or relied upon in the preparation of this letter ruling request (Cumulative Bulletin or Internal Revenue Bulletin citation not required).
Yes No N/A Page__ 46. If you are requesting relief under § 7805(b) (regarding retroactive effect), have you complied with all of the requirements in section 11.11?
Yes No N/A Page__ 47. If you are requesting relief under § 301.9100 for a late entity classification election, have you included a statement that complies with section 4.04 of Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439? See section 5.03(5) of this revenue procedure.
Yes No N/A Page__ 48. If you are requesting relief under § 301.9100, and your request involves a year that is currently under examination or with appeals, have you included the required notification, which also provides the name and telephone number of the examining agent or appeals officer? See section 7.01(4) of this revenue procedure.
Yes No 49. If you are requesting relief under § 301.9100, have you included the affidavit(s) and declaration(s) required by § 301-9100-3(e)? See § 5.03(1) of this revenue procedure.
Yes No 50. If you are requesting relief under § 301.9100–3, and the period of limitations on assessment under § 6501(a) will expire for any year affected by the requested relief before the anticipated receipt of a letter ruling, have you secured consent under § 6501(c)(4) to extend the period of limitations on assessment for the year(s) at issue? See § 5.03(2) of this revenue procedure.
Yes No 51. Have you addressed your request to the attention of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), or the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), as appropriate? The mailing address is:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU

P.O. Box 7604

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044

If a private delivery service is used, the address is:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, Room 5336

1111 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20224

The package should be marked: RULING REQUEST SUBMISSION. Improperly addressed requests may be delayed (sometimes for over a week) in reaching CC:PA:LPD:DRU for initial processing.

Signature Title or Authority Date

Typed or printed name of

person signing checklist

APPENDIX D ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST FOR GOVERNMENT PICK-UP PLAN RULING REQUESTS

In order to assist Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) in processing a ruling request involving government pick-up plans, in addition to the items in Appendix C please check the following list.

Yes No N/A Page ___ 1. Is the plan qualified under § 401(a) of the Code? (Evidence of qualification or representation that the plan is qualified.)
Yes No N/A Page ___ 2. Is the organization that established the plan a State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of the foregoing? An example of this would be a representation that the organization that has established the plan is a political subdivision or municipality of the State.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 3. Is there specific information regarding who are the eligible participants?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 4. Are the contributions that are the subject of the ruling request mandatory employee contributions? These contributions must be for a specified dollar amount or a specific percentage of the participant’s compensation and the dollar amount or percentage of compensation cannot be subject to change.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 5. Does the plan provide that the participants do not have the election to opt in and/or out of the plan?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 6. Are copies of the enacting legislation providing that the contributions although designated as employee contributions are being paid by the employer in lieu of contributions by the employee included?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 7. Are copies of the specific enabling authorization that provides the employee must not have the option of choosing to receive the contributed amounts directly instead of having them paid by the employer to the plan included? For example, a resolution, ordinance, plan provision, or collective bargaining agreement could specify this information.

APPENDIX E ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST FOR CHURCH PLAN RULING REQUESTS

In order to assist Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) in processing a church plan ruling request, in addition to the items in Appendix C, please check the following list.

Yes No N/A Page ___ 1. Is there specific information showing that the submission is on behalf of a plan established by a named church or convention or association of churches? The information must show how the sponsoring organization, if not a church or convention or association of churches, is controlled by, or associated with, the named church or convention or association of churches. For example, the board of directors of the sponsoring organization may be made up of members of the named church, or the sponsoring organization might be listed in the church’s official directory of related organizations whose mission is to further the objectives of the church. In order to be considered associated with a church or convention or association of churches, the organization must share common religious bonds and convictions with that church or convention or association of churches.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 2. Is there specific information showing that the organization that has established the plan is a tax-exempt organization as described in § 501 of the Code?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 3. Is there a representation that the plan for which the ruling is being requested is qualified under § 401(a) of the Code or meets the requirements of § 403(b) of the Code?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 4. Does the ruling request clearly state who are the eligible participants and the name of the employer of these eligible participants?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 5. Is there a representation that none of the eligible participants are or can be considered employed in connection with one or more unrelated trades or businesses within the meaning of § 513 of the Code?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 6. Is there a representation that all of the eligible participants are or will be employed by the named church or convention or association of churches, and will not include employees of for-profit entities? An example of an eligible employee includes a duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed minister of a church in the exercise of his or her ministry.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 7. Is there specific information showing an existing plan committee whose principal purpose or function is the administration or funding of the plan? This committee must be controlled by or associated with the named church or convention or association of churches.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 8. Is the composition of the committee stated?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 9. Did the plan sponsor provide a written notice to interested persons that a letter ruling under § 414(e) of the Code on behalf of a church plan will be submitted to the IRS? (See Rev. Proc. 2011–44).
Yes No N/A Page ___ 10. Does the ruling request include a copy of the notice?

APPENDIX F LIST OF SMALL BUSINESS/SELF-EMPLOYED OPERATING DIVISION (SB/SE) OFFICES TO WHICH TO SEND REQUESTS FOR DETERMINATION LETTERS

SB/SE and W&I taxpayers should send requests for determination letters under this Rev. Proc. 2015–1 to the appropriate SB/SE office listed below. Both the request and its envelope should be marked “DETERMINATION LETTER REQUEST.”

INCOME TAX

Requests for determination letters regarding income tax (including requests from international taxpayers) should be sent to:

Office of the Director, Technical Services

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: SE:S:E:TS

Mail Stop 5000

24000 Avila Road

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES

Requests for determination letters regarding estate and gift tax should be sent to:

Estate & Gift Tax

Internal Revenue Service

SE:S:SP:E&G

6340 Variel

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

EMPLOYMENT TAXES

Requests for determination letters regarding employment tax (except for requests for determination of worker status made on Form SS–8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding, which should be sent to the address in the Form instructions) should be sent to:

Chief, Employment Tax Operations

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: SE:S:SP:ET

5000 Ellin Road

Room C9–202

Lanham, MD 20706

EXCISE TAXES

Requests for determination letters regarding excise taxes should be sent to:

Chief, Excise Tax Operations

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: SE:S:SP:EX

80 Daniel Street

PO Box 9502

Portsmouth, NH 03802

APPENDIX G CHECKLISTS, GUIDELINE REVENUE PROCEDURES, NOTICES, SAFE HARBOR REVENUE PROCEDURES, AND AUTOMATIC CHANGE REVENUE PROCEDURES

 

CHECKLISTS, GUIDELINE REVENUE PROCEDURES, NOTICES, SAFE HARBOR REVENUE PROCEDURES, AND AUTOMATIV CHANGE REVENUE PROCEDURES

 

  Specific revenue procedures and notices supplement the general instructions for requests explained in section 7 of this revenue procedure and apply to requests for letter rulings or determination letters regarding the Code sections and matters listed in this section.      
Checklists, guideline revenue procedures, and notices .01 For requests relating to the following Code sections and subject matters, refer to the following checklists, guideline revenue procedures, and notices.      
CODE OR REGULATION SECTION REVENUE PROCEDURE AND NOTICE      
103, 141–150, 1394, 1400L(d), 1400N(a), 1400U–1, 1400U–3, 7478, and 7871 Issuance of state or local obligations Rev. Proc. 96–16, 1996–1 C.B. 630 (for a reviewable ruling under § 7478 and a nonreviewable ruling); Rev. Proc. 88–31, 1988–1 C.B. 832 (for approval of areas of chronic economic distress); and Rev. Proc. 82–26, 1982–1 C.B. 476 (for “on behalf of” and similar issuers). For approval of areas of chronic economic distress, Rev. Proc. 88–31 explains how this request for approval must be submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.      
1.166–2(d)(3) Uniform express determination letter for making election Rev. Proc. 92–84, 1992–2 C.B. 489.      
Subchapter C-Corporate Distributions, Adjustments, Transfers, and Reorganizations Rev. Proc. 77–37, 1977–2 C.B. 568, as modified by Rev. Proc. 89–30, 1989–1 C.B. 895, and as amplified by Rev. Proc. 77–41, 1977–2 C.B. 574, Rev. Proc. 83–81, 1983–2 C.B. 598 (see also Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this bulletin), Rev. Proc. 84–42, 1984–1 C.B. 521 (superseded, in part, as to no-rule areas by Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this bulletin), Rev. Proc. 86–42, 1986–2 C.B. 722, and Rev. Proc. 89–50, 1989–2 C.B. 631. But see section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, which states that the Service will not issue a letter ruling as to whether a transaction constitutes a reorganization within the meaning of § 368. However, the Service will issue a letter ruling addressing significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a reorganization within the meaning of § 368. The information and representations described in these revenue procedures should be included in a letter ruling request only to the extent that they relate to the significant issues with respect to which the letter ruling is requested. See section 6.03(4).      
301 Nonapplicability on sales of stock of employer to defined contribution plan Rev. Proc. 87–22, 1987–1 C.B. 718.      
302, 311 Checklist questionnaire Rev. Proc. 86–18, 1986–1 C.B. 551; and Rev. Proc. 77–41, 1977–2 C.B. 574.      
302(b)(4) Checklist questionnaire Rev. Proc. 81–42, 1981–2 C.B. 611.      
311 Checklist questionnaire Rev. Proc. 86–16, 1986–1 C.B. 546.      
332 Checklist questionnaire See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, which states that the Service will not issue a letter ruling on whether a corporate distribution qualifies for nonrecognition treatment under section§ 332. However, the Service will issue a letter ruling addressing significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a transaction described in § 332. The information and representations described in Rev. Proc. 90–52, 1990–2 C.B. 626, should be included in a letter ruling request only to the extent that they relate to the significant issues with respect to which the letter ruling is requested. See section 6.03(4).      
338 Extension of time to make elections Rev. Proc. 2003–33, 2003–1 C.B. 803, provides guidance as to how an automatic extension of time under § 301.9100–3 of the Treasury Regulations may be obtained to file elections under § 338. This revenue procedure also informs taxpayers who do not qualify for the automatic extension of the information necessary to obtain a letter ruling.      
351 Checklist questionnaire See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, which states that the Service will not issue a letter ruling on whether certain transfers to controlled corporations qualify for nonrecognition treatment under § 351. However, the Service will issue a letter ruling addressing significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a transaction described in § 351. The information and representations described in Rev. Proc. 83–59, 1983–2 C.B. 575, should be included in a letter ruling request only to the extent that they relate to the significant issues with respect to which the letter ruling is requested. See section 6.03(4).      
355 Checklist questionnaire See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, which states that the Service will not issue a letter ruling on whether certain distributions of controlled corporation stock qualify for nonrecognition treatment under § 355. However, the Service will issue a letter ruling addressing significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a transaction described in § 355. The information and representations described in Rev. Proc. 96–30, 1996–1 C.B. 696, should be included in a letter ruling request only to the extent that they relate to the significant issues with respect to which the letter ruling is requested. See section 6.03(4).      
368(a)(1)(E) Checklist questionnaire See section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, which states that the Service will not issue a letter ruling as to whether a transaction constitutes a reorganization, including a recapitalization within the meaning of § 368(a)(1)(E) (or a transaction that qualifies under § 1036). However, the Service will issue a letter ruling addressing significant issues (within the meaning of section 3.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–3) presented in a transaction described in § 368(a)(1)(E) (or in a transaction described in § 1036). The information and representations described in Rev. Proc. 81–60, 1981–2 C.B. 680, should be included in a letter ruling request only to the extent that they relate to the significant issues. See section 6.03(4).      
412, 4971(b) Additional tax (on failure to meet minimum funding standards) Rev. Proc. 81–44, 1981–2 C.B. 618, provides guidance for requesting a waiver of the 100 percent tax imposed under § 4971(b) on a pension plan that fails to meet the minimum funding standards of § 412.      
412(d) Minimum funding standards Rev. Proc. 2004–15, 2004–1 C.B. 490, provides guidance for requesting a waiver of the minimum funding standards.      
412(c)(7)(B) Minimum funding standards–restrictions on plan amendments Rev. Proc. 79–62, 1979–2 C.B. 576 provides guidance for requesting a determination that a plan amendment is reasonable and provides for only de minimis increases in plan liabilities in accordance with former § 412(f)(2)(A) (now § 412(c)(7)(B)(i)).      
412(d)(2) Minimum funding standards–certain retroactive plan amendments Rev. Proc. 94–42, 1994–1 C.B. 717, sets forth procedures under which a plan sponsor may file notice with and obtain approval for a retroactive amendment described in § 412(d)(2) (formerly § 412(c)(8)) and § 302(d)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) that reduces prior accrued benefits.      
414(e) Church plans Rev. Proc. 2011–44, 2011–39 I.R.B. 445 provides supplemental procedures for requesting a ruling relating to church plans under section 414(e). This revenue procedure provides that plan participants and other interested persons must receive a notice when a letter ruling is requested and a copy of the notice must be submitted as part of the ruling request. It also provides procedures for the Service to receive and consider comments about the ruling request from interested persons. See Appendix E.      
414(r) Qualified separate lines of business–administrative scrutiny Rev. Proc. 93–41, 1993–2 C.B. 536, sets forth procedures relating to the issuance of an administrative scrutiny determination, which is a determination by the Service as to whether a separate line of business satisfies the requirement of administrative scrutiny, within the meaning of § 1.414(r)–6, for the testing year.      
461(h) Alternative method for the inclusion of common improvement costs in basis Rev. Proc. 92–29, 1992–1 C.B. 748.      
482 Advance pricing agreements Rev. Proc. 2006–9, 2006–1 C.B. 278, as amplified by Rev. Proc. 2006–54, 2006–2 C.B. 1035, and modified by Rev. Proc. 2008–31, 2008–1 C.B. 1133.      
521 Appeal procedure with regard to adverse determination letters and revocation or modification of exemption letter rulings and determination letters Rev. Proc. 90–27, 1990–1 C.B. 514.      
817(h) Closing agreement for inadvertent failures of variable contracts Rev. Proc. 2008–41, 2008–2 C.B. 155.      
860 Self Determination of Deficiency Dividend Rev. Proc. 2009–28, 2009–20 I.R.B. 1011.      
877, 2107, and 2501(a)(3) Individuals who lose U.S. citizenship or cease to be taxed as long-term U.S. residents with a principal purpose to avoid U.S. taxes Notice 97–19, 1997–1 C.B. 394, as modified by Notice 98–34, 1998–2 C.B. 29, and as obsoleted in part by Notice 2005–36, 2005–1 C.B. 1007.      
1362(b)(5) and 1362(f) Relief for late S corporation and related elections under certain circumstances Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173.      
1362(b)(5) and 301.7701–3 Automatic extensions of time for late S corporation election and late corporate entity classification Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173.      
1.1502–13(e)(3) Consent to treat intercompany transactions on a separate entity basis and revocation of this consent Rev. Proc. 2009–31, 2009–27 I.R.B. 107.      
1.1502–75(b) Consent to Be Included in a Consolidated Income Tax Return Rev. Proc. 2014–24, 2014–13 I.R.B. 879, provides a determination that certain subsidiary corporations are treated as if they had filed a Form 1122, Authorization and Consent of Subsidiary Corporation To Be Included in a Consolidated Income Tax Return, even though they failed to do so. This revenue procedure also informs taxpayers who do not qualify for the automatic determination of the procedure for requesting such determination.      
1.1502–76(a)(1) Consent to file a consolidated return where member(s) of the affiliated group use a 52–53 week taxable year Rev. Proc. 89–56, 1989–2 C.B. 643, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21, 2006–1 C.B. 1050.      
1504(a)(3)(A) and (B) Waiver of application of § 1504(a)(3)(A) for certain corporations Rev. Proc. 2002–32, 2002–1 C.B. 959, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21, 2006–1 C.B. 1050.      
1552 Consent to elect or change method of allocating affiliated group’s consolidated federal income tax liability Rev. Proc. 90–39, 1990–2 C.B. 365, as clarified by Rev. Proc. 90–39A, 1990–2 C.B. 367, and as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21, 2006–1 C.B. 1050.      
2642 Allocations of generation-skipping transfer tax exemption Rev. Proc. 2004–46, 2004–2 C.B. 142, provides an alternative method for requesting relief to make a late allocation of the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption. This revenue procedure also informs taxpayers who are denied relief or who are outside the scope of the revenue procedure of the information necessary for obtaining a letter ruling.      
2652(a)(3) Reverse qualified terminable interest property elections Rev. Proc. 2004–47, 2004–2, C.B. 169, provides an alternative method for certain taxpayers to obtain an extension of time to make a late reverse qualified terminable interest property election under § 2652(a)(3). This revenue procedure also informs taxpayers who are denied relief or who are outside the scope of the revenue procedure of the information necessary to obtain a letter ruling.      
4980B Failure to satisfy continuation coverage requirements of group health plans Rev. Proc. 87–28, 1987–1 C.B. 770 (treating references to former § 162(k) as if they were references to § 4980B).      
7701 Relief for a late initial classification election for a newly formed entity Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439.      
7701(a)(40) and 7871(d) Indian tribal governments and subdivision of Indian tribal governments Rev. Proc. 84–37, 1984–1 C.B. 513, as modified by Rev. Proc. 86–17, 1986–1 C.B. 550, and Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, (provides guidelines for obtaining letter rulings recognizing Indian tribal government or tribal government subdivision status; also provides for inclusion in list of federally recognized Indian tribes published annually by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, or in list of recognized subdivisions of Indian tribal governments in revised versions of Rev. Proc. 84–36, 1984–1 C.B. 510, as modified and made permanent by Rev. Proc. 86–17).      
301.7701–2(a) Classification of undivided fractional interests in rental real estate Rev. Proc. 2002–22, 2002–1 C.B. 733 (specifies the conditions under which the Service will consider a letter ruling request that an undivided fractional interest in rental real property (other than a mineral property as defined in § 614) is not an interest in a business entity).      
301.7701–3 Automatic extensions of time for late S corporation election and late corporate entity classification Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173.      
301.9100–3 Extension of time to make entity classification election Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439.      
7702 Closing agreement for failure to account for charges for qualified additional benefits Rev. Proc. 2010–26, 2010–30 I.R.B. 91.      
7702 Closing agreement for failed life insurance contracts Rev. Proc. 2008–40, 2008–2 C.B. 151.      
7702A Closing agreement for inadvertent non-egregious failure to comply with modified endowment contract rules Rev. Proc. 2008–39, 2008–2 C.B. 143.      
7704(g) Revocation of election Notice 98–3, 1998–1 C.B. 333.      
SUBJECT MATTERS REVENUE PROCEDURE      
Accounting periods; changes in period Rev. Proc. 2002–39, 2002–1 C.B. 1046, as clarified and modified by Notice 2002–72, 2002–2 C.B. 843, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2003–34, 2003–1 C.B. 856, and modified by Rev. Proc. 2003–79, 2003–2 C.B. 1036; and Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, for which sections 1, 2.01, 2.02, 2.05, 3.03, 5.02, 6.03, 6.05, 6.07, 6.11, 7.01(1), 7.01(2), 7.01(3), 7.01(4), 7.01(5), 7.01(6), 7.01(8), 7.01(9), 7.01(10), 7.01(13), 7.01(14), 7.01(15), 7.02(2), 7.02(4), 7.02(5), 7.02(6), 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.07, 8.01, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05, 8.06, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, Appendix A, and Appendix G are applicable.      
Classification of liquidating trusts Rev. Proc. 82–58, 1982–2 C.B. 847, as modified and amplified by Rev. Proc. 94–45, 1994–2 C.B. 684, and as amplified by Rev. Proc. 91–15, 1991–1 C.B. 484 (checklist questionnaire), as modified and amplified by Rev. Proc. 94–45.      
Earnings and profits determinations Rev. Proc. 75–17, 1975–1 C.B. 677; Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this revenue procedure, sections 2.05, 3.03, 7, 8, and 10.05; and Rev. Proc. 2015–3, this Bulletin, section 3.01.      
Estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues Rev. Proc. 91–14, 1991–1 C.B. 482 (checklist questionnaire).      
Intercompany transactions; election not to defer gain or loss Rev. Proc. 2009–31, 2009–27 I.R.B. 107.      
Leveraged leasing Rev. Proc. 2001–28, 2001–1 C.B. 1156, and Rev. Proc. 2001–29, 2001–1 C.B. 1160.      
Rate orders; regulatory agency; normalization A letter ruling request that involves a question of whether a rate order that is proposed or issued by a regulatory agency will meet the normalization requirements of § 168(f)(2) (pre-Tax Reform Act of 1986, § 168(e)(3)) and former §§ 46(f) and 167(l) ordinarily will not be considered unless the taxpayer states in the letter ruling request whether—      
  (1) the regulatory authority responsible for establishing or approving the taxpayer’s rates has reviewed the request and believes that the request is adequate and complete; and      
  (2) the taxpayer will permit the regulatory authority to participate in any Associate office conference concerning the request.      
  If the taxpayer or the regulatory authority informs a consumer advocate of the request for a letter ruling and the advocate wishes to communicate with the Service regarding the request, any such communication should be sent to: Internal Revenue Service, Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044 (or, if a private delivery service is used: Internal Revenue Service, Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), Attn: CC:PA:LPD:DRU, Room 5336, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20224). These communications will be treated as third party contacts for purposes of § 6110.      
Unfunded deferred compensation Rev. Proc. 71–19, 1971–1 C.B. 698, as amplified by Rev. Proc. 92–65, 1992–2 C.B. 428. See Rev. Proc. 92–64, 1992–2 C.B. 422, as modified by Notice 2000–56, 2000–2 C.B. 393, for the model trust for use in Rabbi Trust Arrangements.      
Safe harbor revenue procedures .02 For requests relating to the following Code sections and subject matters, refer to the following safe harbor revenue procedures.      
CODE OR REGULATION SECTION REVENUE PROCEDURE      
23 and 36C Adoption credit for foreign adoptions Rev. Proc. 2010–31, 2010–40 I.R.B. 413.      
103 and 141–150 Issuance of state or local obligations Rev. Proc. 93–17, 1993–1 C.B. 507 (change of use of proceeds); Rev. Proc. 97–13, 1997–1 C.B. 632, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2001–39, 2001–2 C.B. 38 (management contracts); and Rev. Proc. 2007–47, 2007–2 C.B. 108 (research agreements).      
61 Utility Cost Recovery Securitization Transactions Rev. Proc. 2005–62, 2005–2 C.B. 507.      
137 Exclusion for Employer Reimbursements Rev. Proc. 2010–31, 2010–40 I.R.B. 413.      
162 Restaurant Small Wares Costs Rev. Proc. 2002–12, 2002–1 C.B. 374.      
165 Losses from corrosive drywall Rev. Proc. 2010–36, 2010–42 I.R.B. 439.      
165 Theft losses from fraudulent investment arrangements Rev. Proc. 2009–20, 2009–14 I.R.B. 749; Rev. Proc. 2011–58, 2011–50 I.R.B. 849 (modifies Rev. Proc. 2009–20).      
168 Depreciation of original and replacement tires for certain vehicles Rev. Proc. 2002–27, 2002–1 C.B. 802.      
168 Depreciation of fiber optic node and trunk line of a cable television distribution system Rev. Proc. 2003–63, 2003–2 C.B. 304.      
168 Recovery periods of certain tangible assets used by wireless telecommunication carriers Rev. Proc. 2011–22, 2011–18 I.R.B. 737      
263, 471 Treatment of rotable spare parts as inventory or depreciable property Rev. Proc. 2007–48, 2007–2 C.B. 110      
263 Safe harbor methods for track structure expenditures Rev. Proc. 2002–65, 2002–2 C.B. 700; Rev. Proc. 2001–46, 2001–2 C.B. 263.      
263 Determination whether expenditures to maintain, replace or improve wireline network assets must be capitalized Rev. Proc. 2011–27, 2011–18 I.R.B. 740.      
263 Determination whether expenditures to maintain, replace or improve wireless network assets must be capitalized Rev. Proc. 2011–28, 2011–18 I.R.B. 743.      
263 Allocating success-based fees paid in business acquisitions or reorganizations Rev. Proc. 2011–29, 2011–18 I.R.B. 746.      
263 Electric trade and distribution property assets Rev. Proc. 2011–43, 2011–37 I.R.B. 326.      
263A Safe harbor methods for certain motor vehicle dealerships Rev. Proc. 2010–44, 2010–49 I.R.B. 811.      
280A Safe harbor method to determine the amount of deductible expenses attributable to certain business use of a residence Rev. Proc. 2013–13, 2013–6 I.R.B. 478.      
280B Certain structural modifications to a building not treated as a demolition Rev. Proc. 95–27, 1995–1 C.B. 704.      
446 Film producer’s treatment of certain creative property costs Rev. Proc. 2004–36, 2004–1 C.B. 1063.      
446 Bank’s treatment of uncollected interest Rev. Proc. 2007–33, 2007–1 C.B. 1289.      
448 Nonaccrual-experience method–book safe harbor method Rev. Proc. 2011–46, 2011–42 I.R.B. 518.      
451 Safe harbor for capital cost reduction payments Rev. Proc. 2002–36, 2002–1 C.B. 993      
451 Treatment of gift cards issued to customers in exchange for returned merchandise Rev. Proc. 2011–17, 2011–5 I.R.B. 441.      
451 Safe harbor for certain minors’ trusts established under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (U.S.C. §§ 2701–2721) Rev. Proc. 2011–56, 2011–49 I.R.B. 834.      
461 Safe harbor method for payroll tax liabilities for compensation Rev. Proc. 2008–25, 2008–1 C.B. 686.      
471 Estimating inventory shrinkage Rev. Proc. 98–29, 1998–1 C.B. 857.      
471 Valuation of automobile dealer vehicle parts inventory Rev. Proc. 2002–17, 2002–1 C.B. 676.      
471 Valuation of remanufactured cores Rev. Proc. 2003–20, 2003–1 C.B. 445.      
471 Valuation of heavy equipment dealer parts inventory Rev. Proc. 2006–14, 2006–1 C.B. 350.      
471 Rolling-average method of accounting for inventories Rev. Proc. 2008–43, 2008–2 C.B. 186.      
475 Eligible positions Rev. Proc. 2007–41, 2007–1 C.B. 1492.      
584(a) Qualification of a proposed common trust fund plan Rev. Proc. 92–51, 1992–1 C.B. 988.      
642(c)(5) Qualification of trusts as pooled income funds Rev. Proc. 88–53, 1988–2 C.B. 712.      
664 Charitable remainder trusts Rev. Proc. 2005–24, 2005–1 C.B. 909, as modified by Notice 2006–15, 2006–1 C.B. 501.      
664(d)(1) Qualification of trusts as charitable remainder annuity trusts Rev. Proc. 2003–53, 2003–2 C.B. 230; Rev. Proc. 2003–54, 2003–2 C.B. 236; Rev. Proc. 2003–55, 2003–2 C.B. 242; Rev. Proc. 2003–56, 2003–2 C.B. 249; Rev. Proc. 2003–57, 2003–2 C.B. 257; Rev. Proc. 2003–58, 2003–2 C.B. 262; Rev. Proc. 2003–59, 2003–2 C.B. 268; Rev. Proc. 2003–60, 2003–2 C.B. 274.      
664(d)(2) and (3) Qualification of trusts as charitable remainder unitrusts Rev. Proc. 2005–52, 2005–2 C.B. 326; Rev. Proc. 2005–53, 2005–2 C.B. 339; Rev. Proc. 2005–54, 2005–2 C.B. 353; Rev. Proc. 2005–55, 2005–2 C.B. 367; Rev. Proc. 2005–56, 2005–2 C.B. 383; Rev. Proc. 2005–57, 2005–2 C.B. 392; Rev. Proc. 2005–58, 2005–2 C.B. 402; Rev. Proc. 2005–59, 2005–2 C.B. 412.      
832 Insurance company premium acquisition expenses Rev. Proc. 2002–46, 2002–2 C.B. 105.      
856(c) Certain loans treated as real estate assets Rev. Proc. 2003–65, 2003–2 C.B. 336.      
860H Transfers of ownership interests in Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trusts Rev. Proc. 2001–12, 2001–1 C.B. 335.      
1031(a) Qualification as a qualified exchange accommodation arrangement Rev. Proc. 2000–37, 2000–2 C.B. 308, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2004–51, 2004–2 C.B. 294.      
1031 Safe harbor with respect to exchanges of residential real property Rev. Proc. 2008–16, 2008–1 C.B. 547.      
1031 Safe harbor for reporting gain or loss on failed exchanges Rev. Proc. 2010–14, 2010–12 I.R.B. 456.      
1272(a)(6) Proportional method of accounting for original issue discount on pools of credit card receivables Rev. Proc. 2013–26, 2013–22 I.R.B. 1160.      
1286 Determination of reasonable compensation under mortgage servicing contracts Rev. Proc. 91–50, 1991–2 C.B. 778.      
1362(f) Automatic inadvertent termination relief to certain corporations Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173.      
2056A Qualified Domestic Trust Rev. Proc. 96–54, 1996–2 C.B. 386.      
2702(a)(3)(A) and 25.2702–5(c) Qualified Personal Residence Trust Rev. Proc. 2003–42, 2003–1 C.B. 993.      
4051(a)(2) Imposition of tax on heavy trucks and trailers sold at retail Rev. Proc. 2005–19, 2005–1 C.B. 832.      
1.7704–2(d) New business activity of existing partnership is closely related to pre–existing business Rev. Proc. 92–101, 1992–2 C.B. 579.      
SUBJECT MATTERS REVENUE PROCEDURE      
Certain rent-to-own contracts treated as leases Rev. Proc. 95–38, 1995–2 C.B. 397.      
Automatic change in accounting period revenue procedures .03 For requests for an automatic change in accounting period, refer to the following automatic change revenue procedures.      
  Rev. Proc. 2006–45, 2006–2 C.B. 851, as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2007–64, 2007–2 C.B. 818 (certain corporations); Rev. Proc. 2006–46, 2006–2 C.B. 859 (certain partnerships, subchapter S corporations, personal service corporations, and trusts); and Rev. Proc. 2003–62, 2003–2 C.B. 299 (individuals seeking a calendar year);      
  The Commissioner’s consent to an otherwise qualifying automatic change in accounting period is granted only if the taxpayer timely complies with the applicable automatic change revenue procedure.      

Rev. Proc. 2015–2

 

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY 107
.01 Description of purpose 107
.02 Updated annually 107
.03 Delegation authority 107
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS 107
.01 Operating division 107
.02 Director 107
.03 Territory Manager 108
.04 Appeals officer 108
.05 Taxpayer 108
.06 Associate office 108
.07 Field office 108
.08 Field counsel 108
SECTION 3. THE NATURE OF TECHNICAL ADVICE 108
.01 When advice furnished 108
.02 TAM may be requested even if previous TAM on same matter was issued 109
.03 Taxpayer participation 109
.04 Areas of mandatory technical advice on employee plans or exempt organizations matters 109
.05 Basis for requests by Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements 109
SECTION 4. TYPES OF ISSUES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE 109
.01 Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes 109
.02 Employment status determinations 109
.03 Issues under § 301.9100 109
.04 Frivolous issues 110
.05 Issues in a docketed case 110
.06 Collection issues 110
SECTION 5. INITIATING A REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE 110
.01 Initiating a request for technical advice 110
.02 Taxpayer may request technical advice 111
.03 Appeal of field office denial of TAM request 111
.04 The decision of the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations may be reviewed but not appealed 111
SECTION 6. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCES 112
.01 Purpose 112
.02 Pre-submission conferences are mandatory 112
.03 Actions before a pre-submission conference 112
.04 Initiating a pre-submission conference 112
.05 Manner of transmitting pre-submission materials 113
.06 Scheduling the pre-submission conference 113
.07 Pre-submission conferences may be conducted in person 113
.08 Pre-submission conference may not be taped 113
.09 Discussion of substantive issues is not binding on the Service 113
.10 New issues may be raised at pre-submission conference 113
SECTION 7. SUBMITTING THE REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE 113
.01 Memorandum of issues, facts, law, and arguments 113
.02 Transaction involving multiple taxpayers 114
.03 Foreign laws and documents: submission of relevant foreign laws and documents in the official language and in English 114
.04 Statement regarding interpretation of relevant income tax or estate tax treaty 115
.05 Statement recommending information to be deleted from public inspection 115
.06 Preparation of the memorandum; resolution of disagreements 115
.07 Transmittal Form 4463, Request for Technical Advice 116
.08 All supporting and additional documents 116
.09 Number of copies of request to be submitted 117
.10 Power of attorney 117
SECTION 8. INITIAL PROCESSING OF THE REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE BY THE ASSOCIATE OFFICE 117
.01 Assignment and initial review by Associate office attorney 117
.02 Other forms of guidance 117
.03 Initial acknowledgment and processing 117
.04 Deficiencies in request leading to return 117
.05 Initial discussion 118
.06 If additional information requested 118
.07 Taxpayer request for extension of time to submit additional information 118
.08 Where to send additional information 118
.09 Tentative conclusions 119
SECTION 9. TAXPAYER CONFERENCES 119
.01 Notification of conference 119
.02 Scheduling conference 119
.03 Taxpayer may request extensions 119
.04 One conference of right 119
.05 Additional conferences may be offered 120
.06 Additional information submitted after the conference 120
.07 Normally conducted in person 120
.08 Service makes only tentative recommendations 120
.09 Conference may not be taped 120
SECTION 10. PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL ADVICE 120
.01 Reply consists of two parts 120
.02 Status of a request 121
.03 Section 6110 121
.04 Opportunity for field counsel review 121
.05 Copy of preliminary TAM to field office and field counsel 121
.06 Routing of reply 121
.07 Copy of final TAM to field counsel and Division Counsel 122
.08 Reconsideration 122
.09 Discussing contents with the taxpayer 122
.10 TAM takes effect when taxpayer receives a copy 122
.11 Taxpayer may protest deletions not made 122
.12 Public inspection in civil fraud or criminal investigation cases 122
SECTION 11. WITHDRAWAL OF REQUESTS FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE 123
.01 Taxpayer notified 123
.02 Acknowledgment of withdrawal 123
.03 Associate office may decide not to provide a TAM 123
.04 Associate office may provide views 123
SECTION 12. USE OF THE TECHNICAL ADVICE 123
.01 Service generally applies advice in processing taxpayer’s case 123
SECTION 13. RETROACTIVITY AND RELIANCE 124
.01 Usually applies retroactively 124
.02 Revocation or modification of an earlier letter ruling or TAM 124
.03 Continuing action or series of actions 124
.04 Other taxpayers 124
SECTION 14. HOW MAY RETROACTIVE EFFECT BE LIMITED? 124
.01 Request for relief under § 7805(b) 124
.02 Form of request for relief—in general 125
.03 Form of request for relief—continuing transaction before examination of return 125
.04 Taxpayer’s right to a conference 125
.05 Reconsideration of request for relief under § 7805(b) 125
SECTION 15. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES MADE TO REV. PROC. 2014–2 125
SECTION 16. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS 125
SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE 125
DRAFTING INFORMATION 125
INDEX 127

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

 

Description of purpose

.01 Technical advice. This revenue

procedure explains when and how the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (International), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) provide technical advice memoranda (TAMs) to a Director or an Appeals Area Director. It also explains the rights that a taxpayer has when a field office requests a TAM regarding a tax matter. Rev. Proc. 2014–2 superseded.

Updated annually

.02 This revenue procedure is updated

annually as the second revenue procedure of the year, but may be modified during the year.

Delegation authority

.03 The provisions of this revenue procedure apply if the authority normally exercised by the Director has been properly delegated to another official.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

 

Operating division

.01 The term “operating division” means the (1) Large Business & International Division (LB&I); (2) the Small Business/Self-Employed Division (SB/SE); (3) the Wage and Investment Division (W&I); and (4) the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (TE/GE).

Director

.02 The term “Director” means (1) the Director, Field Operations (LB&I) for the taxpayer’s industry; (2) a Territory Manager, Field Compliance (SB/SE); (3) the Director, Compliance (W&I); (4) the Director, International Compliance, Strategy and Policy; (5) the Director, Employee Plans Examinations; (6) the Director, Employee Plans Rulings & Agreements; (7) the Director, Exempt Organizations Examinations; (8) the Director, Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements; (9) the Director, Federal, State & Local Governments; (10) the Director, Tax Exempt Bonds; (11) the Director, Indian Tribal Governments; (12) the Appeals Area Director; (13) the Appeals Director, Domestic Operations, (14) the Appeals Director, International Operations; or (15) any official to whom the authority normally exercised by a Director has properly been delegated.

Territory Manager

.03 The term “Territory Manager” means (1) a Territory Manager (LB&I); (2) a Territory Manager, Examination (SB/SE); (3) a Territory Manager, Specialty (SB/SE); (4) the Director, Compliance (W&I); (5) the Employee Plans Examinations Area Manager; (6) the Exempt Organizations Examinations Area Manager; (7) the Employee Plans Determinations Manager; (8) the Exempt Organizations Determinations Manager; (9) the Group Manager, Federal, State & Local Governments; (10) program managers within Tax Exempt Bonds; (11) the Manager, Field Operations, Tax Exempt Bonds; or (12) the Group Manager, Indian Tribal Governments.

Appeals officer

.04 The term “Appeals officer” means the Appeals officer assigned to the taxpayer’s case and includes an Appeals Team Case Leader or settlement officer.

Taxpayer

.05 The term “taxpayer” means any person subject to any provision of the Internal Revenue Code, including an issuer of obligations the interest on which is excluded from gross income under § 103, issuers of other bonds that provided a tax subsidy, and the taxpayer’s representatives.

Associate office

.06 The term “Associate office” means (1) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate); (2) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products); (3) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting); (4) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International); (5) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries); (6) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration); or (7) the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).

Field office

.07 The term “field office” means personnel in any examination or Appeals office. For qualified retirement plan and exempt organizations matters, the term “field office” also means personnel in any Rulings & Agreements office.

Field counsel

.08 The term “field counsel” means any attorney assigned to the Division Counsel for an operating division who is not a member of Division Counsel Headquarters.

SECTION 3. THE NATURE OF TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

When advice furnished

.01 Technical advice is advice furnished by an Associate office in a memorandum that responds to any request, submitted under this revenue procedure, for assistance on any technical or procedural question that develops during any proceeding before the IRS. The field office may request a TAM when the application of the law to the facts involved is unclear. The question must be on the interpretation and proper application of tax laws, tax treaties, regulations, revenue rulings, notices, or other precedents to a specific set of facts that concerns the treatment of an item in a period under examination or appeal. A TAM may not be requested for prospective or hypothetical transactions (except for TAMs in connection with a taxpayer’s request for a determination letter on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2015–4, 2015–5, 2015–6, 2015–9, or 2015–10). Proceedings before the IRS include: (1) the examination of a taxpayer’s return; (2) the consideration of a taxpayer’s claim for credit or refund; (3) any matter under examination or in Appeals pertaining to tax-exempt bonds, tax credit bonds, or mortgage credit certificates; and (4) any other matter involving a specific taxpayer under the jurisdiction of a Director. Technical advice does not include any oral legal advice or any written legal advice furnished to the field office that is not submitted and processed under this revenue procedure.

TAM may be requested even if previous TAM on same matter was issued

.02 A Director may raise an issue in any tax period, even if a TAM was requested and furnished for the same or similar issue for another tax period. The field office may also request a TAM on an issue even if Appeals disposed of the same or similar issue for another tax period of the same taxpayer.

Taxpayer participation

.03 Taxpayers will be afforded an opportunity to participate in the TAM process. Taxpayer participation is preferred but not required in order to process a request for technical advice. A taxpayer’s failure to participate in stages identified as “material,” however, will constitute waiver of the right to the conference described in Section 9.

Under no circumstances will a taxpayer be treated as having waived its right to see the issued TAM or having waived its rights regarding disclosure and deletions described in Section 10.

Areas of mandatory technical advice on employee plans or exempt organizations matters

.04 Regarding qualified retirement plan matters, a request for a TAM is required in cases concerning (1) proposed adverse or proposed revocation letters on collectively bargained plans, (2) plans for which the Service is proposing to issue a revocation letter because of certain fiduciary actions that violate the exclusive benefit rule of § 401(a) of the Code and are subject to Part 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. No. 93–406, 1974–3 C.B. 1, 43, or (3) amendments to defined contribution plans pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2004–15, 2004–1 C.B. 490, in connection with a waiver of the minimum funding standard and a request for a determination letter. See section 15 of Rev. Proc. 2015–6 of this Bulletin, and section 3.04 of Rev. Proc. 2004–15, 2004–1 C.B. 490.

Basis for requests by Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements

.05 The circumstances in which the Director, Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements should seek Technical Advice in the course of processing applications for tax exemption are described in Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, section 5 and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin, section 5. Technical Advice may also be requested by EO Determinations in connection with requests for determination letters where no pending application for tax exemption is involved. A request for a TAM is not required if the Director, EO Examinations proposes to revoke or modify a letter recognizing tax-exempt status issued by the Service.

SECTION 4. TYPES OF ISSUES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE

 

Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes

.01 The procedures for obtaining technical advice specifically applicable to federal alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes under subtitle E of the Code are currently under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the Treasury Department.

Employment status determinations

.02 Employment status determination letters issued pursuant to section 12.06 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, of this Bulletin, are not subject to technical advice procedures.

Issues under § 301.9100

.03 A request for an extension of time for making an election or other application for relief under § 301.9100–3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations is not submitted as a request for technical advice. Instead, the request must be submitted as a request for a letter ruling, even if submitted after the examination of the taxpayer’s return has begun or after the issues in the return are being considered in Appeals or a federal court. Therefore, a request under § 301.9100 should be submitted under Rev. Proc. 2015–1, of this Bulletin, and the payment of the applicable user fee is determined under Appendix A of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. However, a request under § 301.9100 related to recharacterization of a Roth IRA should be submitted under Rev. Proc. 2015–4 of this Bulletin (including payment of the applicable user fee listed in section 6 of Rev. Proc. 2015–8). Requests for relief pertaining to exemption application matters involving §§ 505(c) and 508 are considered in the determination letter process under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division.

Frivolous issues

.04 Associate offices will not issue a TAM on frivolous issues. The field office will deny a taxpayer’s request for a TAM if it involves frivolous issues. For purposes of this revenue procedure, a “frivolous issue” is one without basis in fact or law or one asserting a position held by revenue ruling, case law, or any court to be frivolous or groundless. Examples of frivolous or groundless issues include but are not limited to: (1) positions that espouse frivolous “constitutional” claims, such as claims that the requirement to file tax returns and pay taxes constitutes an unreasonable search barred by the Fourth Amendment, violates Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment protections of due process, violates Thirteenth Amendment protections against involuntary servitude, or is unenforceable because the Sixteenth Amendment does not authorize nonapportioned direct taxes or because it was never ratified; and (2) positions asserting that income taxes are voluntary, that the term “income” is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code, or that the preparation and filing of income tax returns violates the Paperwork Reduction Act. Additional examples of frivolous or groundless issues may be found in IRS publications and other guidance (including, but not limited to, section 6.10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, Notice 2010–33, and I.R.M. Section 4.10.12.1.1).

Issues in a docketed case

.05 A field office may not request technical advice on an issue if the same issue of the same taxpayer (or of a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267 or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504) is in a docketed case for any taxable year. If a case is docketed for an estate tax issue of a taxpayer while a request for technical advice on the same issue of the same taxpayer is pending, the Associate office may issue the TAM only if the appropriate Appeals officer and field counsel agree, by memorandum, to the issuance of the TAM.

Collection issues

.06 The Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) does not provide technical advice on matters arising under the Internal Revenue Code and related statutes and regulations that involve the collection of taxes (including interest and penalties). With respect to such matters, the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration) may issue alternative forms of advice.

SECTION 5. INITIATING A REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE

Initiating a request for technical advice

.01 Because technical advice is issued to assist field offices, it is the field office that determines whether to request it. In determining whether to request technical advice, the field office should consider whether other forms of guidance, e.g., published guidance, generic advice, or some other form of advice, would be more appropriate. Before requesting technical advice, however, the field office must request assistance and a recommendation from field counsel. If the field office disagrees with that recommendation, the field office must seek reconciliation with field counsel through their respective supervisors. Any request for technical advice must be approved in writing by a Director. If technical advice is requested from the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) for a case with either an unagreed prohibited transaction, as defined in § 4975(c)(1) and ERISA § 406(a), or a violation of the exclusive benefit rule of § 401(a)(2) or ERISA § 404(a)(1)(A), a Form 6212–B must be submitted to the Department of Labor prior to submitting the request for technical advice. The mandatory technical advice described in section 3.04 of this revenue procedure, for cases concerning amendments to defined contribution plans in connection with a waiver of the minimum funding standard and a request for a determination letter, is treated as if it had been a request for technical advice submitted by the Director.

Taxpayer may request technical advice

.02 While a case is under the jurisdiction of a Director, a taxpayer may request that an issue be referred to the Associate office for technical advice. The request may be oral or written and should be directed to the field office. If the field office decides that a taxpayer’s request for referral of an issue to the Associate office for a TAM is unwarranted, the field office will notify the taxpayer. A taxpayer’s request for referral of an issue for technical advice will not be denied merely because the Associate office has already provided legal advice other than a TAM to the field office on the matter.

Appeal of field office denial of TAM request

.03 The taxpayer may appeal the field office’s denial of the taxpayer’s TAM request by submitting to the field office, within 30 calendar days after notification that the request was denied, a written statement of the reasons why the matter should be referred to the Associate office. The statement should include a description of all pertinent facts (including any facts in dispute); a statement of the issue that the taxpayer would like to have addressed; a discussion of any relevant statutory, regulatory, or administrative provisions, tax treaties, case law, or other authority; and an explanation of the taxpayer’s position and the need for technical advice. Any extensions of the 30-day period must be requested in writing and must be approved by the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations. Decisions on any extensions by the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations are final and may not be appealed.

Upon receipt, the field office will refer the taxpayer’s written statement, along with the field office’s statement of why the issue should not be referred to the Associate office for technical advice, to the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations for decision. The Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations will determine whether the issue should be referred for technical advice on the basis of the statements of the field office and the taxpayer. No conference will be held with the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative. If the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations determines that a TAM is not warranted, the taxpayer will be informed in writing of the proposed denial of the request and the reasons for the denial (unless doing so would prejudice the Government’s interests).

The decision of the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations may be reviewed but not appealed

.04 The taxpayer may not appeal the decision of the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations not to request a TAM. If the taxpayer does not agree with the proposed denial, all data on the issue for which a TAM has been sought, including the taxpayer’s written request and statements, will be submitted for review to the Director, LB&I; the Director, Examination, SB/SE; the Director, Specialty Tax, SB/SE; the Director, Compliance, W&I; the Director, Federal, State & Local Governments; the Director, Tax Exempt Bonds; the Director, Indian Tribal Governments; the Appeals Director, Tax Policy and Procedure (Exam); or the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (who will review the proposed denial through the Director, Employee Plans; the Director, Exempt Organizations; or, if appropriate, the Appeals Director, Tax Policy and Procedure (Exam)). Review of the proposed denial will be based solely on the written record. No conference will be held with the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative. The person responsible for review may consult with the Associate office, if appropriate, and will notify the field office whether the proposed denial of the taxpayer’s request is approved or denied within 45 days of receiving all information. The field office will then notify the taxpayer. While the matter is under review, the field office will suspend any final decision on the issue (except when the delay would prejudice the Government’s interests). If the request for technical advice has been denied because the issue is frivolous as described in 4.04 above, this review process is not available.

SECTION 6. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCES

 

Purpose

.01 A pre-submission conference helps the field office, field counsel, the taxpayer, and the Associate office agree on the appropriate scope of the request for technical advice and the factual information and documents that must be included in the request. A pre-submission conference is not an alternative procedure for addressing the merits of the substantive positions advanced by the field office or by the taxpayer. During the pre-submission conference, the parties should discuss the framing of the issues and the background information and documents that should be included in the formal submission of the request for technical advice.

Pre-submission conferences are mandatory

.02 Pre-submission conferences include the taxpayer and representatives from the field office, field counsel, and the Associate office. These conferences are mandatory because they promote expeditious processing of requests for technical advice. If a request for technical advice is submitted without first holding a pre-submission conference, the Associate office will return the request for advice. Requests for technical advice can proceed even if a taxpayer declines to participate in a pre-submission conference.

Actions before a pre-submission conference

.03 Before requesting a pre-submission conference, the field office and the taxpayer must exchange proposed statements of the pertinent facts and issues. The proposed statements should include any facts in dispute, the issues that the parties intend to discuss, any legal analysis and supporting authorities, and any other background information that the parties believe would facilitate the Associate office’s understanding of the issues to be discussed during the conference. Prior to the scheduled pre-submission conference, the field office and the taxpayer must submit to the Associate office their respective statements of pertinent facts and issues. The legal analysis provided in the parties’ statements should be sufficient to enable the Associate office to be reasonably informed about the subject matter. Failure of the taxpayer to provide a statement of pertinent issues and facts shall not be allowed to unduly delay the scheduling of the pre-submission conference. If it is not provided within a reasonable period of time, the conference may be scheduled without the statements.

The field office or the taxpayer must ensure that the Associate office receives a copy of any required power of attorney. Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Rev. July 2014), should be used. See Conference and Practice Requirements of the Statement of Procedural Rules (26 C.F.R. §§ 601.501–601.509 (2012)). The assigned branch of the Associate office must receive the pre-submission materials at least 10 business days before the conference is to be held.

Initiating a pre-submission conference

.04 A request for a pre-submission conference must be submitted in writing by the field office, with the assistance of field counsel. The request should identify the Associate office expected to have jurisdiction over the request for a TAM and should include a brief explanation of the primary issue so that an assignment to the appropriate branch of an Associate office can be made. If the request is submitted by Appeals, field counsel assignments will be subject to the ex parte rules set forth in section 1001(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105–206, and Rev. Proc. 2012–18, 2012–10 I.R.B. 455. If the request involves an issue under the office of the Director, Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions (ATAT) Examination, SB/SE, an issue under the office of the Director, Office of Tax Shelter Analysis (OTSA), LB&I, or an industry issue under the Office of Pre-Filing and Technical Guidance, LB&I, then the field office and field counsel should coordinate with the technical advisor and field counsel contact. If the request is from Appeals and involves a coordinated issue or emerging issue under the Appeals Domestic or International Operations or Appeals Coordinated Issue (ACI) Program, the Appeals officer must coordinate with the Appeals Domestic Operations or International Operations Technical Specialist.

Manner of transmitting pre-submission materials

.05 To obtain the protection of taxpayer information offered by the Chief Counsel Intranet firewall, the pre-submission materials must be electronically transmitted by field counsel to the Technical Services Support Branch (TSS4510). TSS4510 will ensure delivery of the pre-submission materials to the appropriate Associate office. The TSS4510 email box cannot accept encrypted mail.

If documents are not electronically available, or if documents cannot reasonably be transmitted electronically, the request may be sent by fax to TSS4510 at 202-317-6718. If the documents are sent by fax, the Director must also confirm the request in writing. Email or fax may be used to confirm the request. The Associate office will confirm receipt of the fax within one business day after receipt by the Associate office.

Copies of the taxpayer’s statement of deletions and power of attorney (Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Rev. July 2014)), should be transmitted by fax to the Associate office attorney assigned to the case.

The field office should send the original of the materials sent by fax, and any supporting materials, to the Associate office attorney assigned to the case by express mail or private delivery service in order to avoid any delays in regular mail.

Scheduling the pre-submission conference

.06 After the materials have been received, the branch of the Associate office responsible for conducting the pre-submission conference will contact the taxpayer, the field office, and field counsel to arrange a mutually convenient time for the parties to participate in the conference. The conference generally should be held within 15, but not more than 30, calendar days after the field office is contacted.

Pre-submission conferences may be conducted in person

.07 Although pre-submission conferences are generally conducted by telephone, the parties may choose to conduct the conference in person.

Pre-submission conference may not be taped

.08 No tape, stenographic, or other verbatim recording of a conference may be made by any party.

Discussion of substantive issues is not binding on the Service

.09 Any discussion of substantive issues at a pre-submission conference is advisory only, is not binding on the Service or on the Office of Chief Counsel, and cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

New issues may be raised at pre-submission conference

.10 During the pre-submission conference, the Office of Chief Counsel may raise new issues in addition to those submitted by the field office and the taxpayer.

SECTION 7. SUBMITTING THE REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

Memorandum of issues, facts, law, and arguments

.01 Every request for technical advice must include a memorandum that describes the facts, issues, applicable law, and arguments supporting the taxpayer’s position on the issues and the field office’s position on the issues. The field office will prepare this statement with the assistance of field counsel. The memorandum must include a statement of all the facts and the issues. If the taxpayer and the field office disagree about ultimate findings of fact or about the relevance of facts, all of the facts should be included with an explanation that highlights the areas of disagreement. The memorandum must include an explanation of the taxpayer’s position. This explanation must include a discussion of any relevant statutory provisions, tax treaties, court decisions, regulations, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices, and any other authority supporting the taxpayer’s position. The memorandum must also include a similar explanation of the field office’s position. Both the field office and the taxpayer should comment on any existing or pending legislation, tax treaties, regulations, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, or court decisions contrary to their respective positions. If either party determines that there are no authorities contrary to its position, that statement should be noted in the memorandum. The field office submits the request for technical advice.

When the taxpayer initiates the request for technical advice, the taxpayer must submit a written statement that incorporates the information provided above and the reasons for requesting technical advice. When the Service initiates the request for technical advice, the field office should notify the taxpayer that the Service is requesting technical advice and provide the taxpayer with a copy of the arguments supporting the Service’s position. The taxpayer has 5 calendar days to state, in writing, any factual disagreement. The field office will make every effort to reach agreement on the facts and specific points at issue. The taxpayer is encouraged to submit a written statement with an explanation of the taxpayer’s position and a discussion of the statutory provisions that support the taxpayer’s position.

Transaction involving multiple taxpayers

.02 If the subject matter of the request involves a transaction among multiple taxpayers, the Associate office may provide a single TAM, but only if each taxpayer agrees to participate in the process, including the furnishing of Forms 8821, or other written taxpayer consent.

Foreign laws and documents: submission of relevant foreign laws and documents in the official language and in English

.03 If applicable, the request for technical advice must include a copy of the relevant parts of all foreign laws, including statutes, regulations, administrative pronouncements, and any other relevant legal authority. This copy must be in the official language of the country involved and must be produced from an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available, generally accepted publication. If English is not the official language of the country involved, the submission must also include a copy of an English translation of the relevant parts of all foreign laws. The translation must be from an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available, generally accepted publication or from a certified English translation submitted in accordance with Section 7.03(2) of this revenue procedure. The taxpayer or the field office must identify the title and date of publication, including updates, of any widely available, generally accepted publication used by the taxpayer or its qualified translator as a source for the relevant parts of the foreign law. The taxpayer and the field office must inform the Associate office of the implications of any authority believed to interpret the foreign law, such as pending legislation, treaties, court decisions, notices, and administrative decisions.

(1) If the interpretation of a foreign law or foreign document is a material fact, the Associate office, at its discretion, may refuse to provide a TAM. This section applies whether or not the field office and the taxpayer dispute the interpretation of a foreign law or foreign document. The interpretation of a foreign law or foreign document means making a judgment about the import or effect of the foreign law or document that goes beyond its plain meaning.

(2) If applicable, a request for technical advice must include an accurate and complete certified English translation of the relevant parts of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, trust documents, proposed disclaimers, or other documents in a language other than English. If the taxpayer or the field office chooses to submit certified English translations of foreign laws, those translations are to be based on an official publication of the foreign government or another widely available, generally accepted publication. In either case, the translations must be that of a qualified translator and are to be attested to by the translator. The attestation must contain: (1) the attestant’s name and address; (2) a statement that the translation submitted is a true and accurate translation of the foreign language document or law; and (3) a statement about the attestant’s qualifications as a translator and that attestant’s qualifications and knowledge regarding tax matters or any foreign law translated if the law is not a tax law.

Statement regarding interpretation of relevant income tax or estate tax treaty

.04 A request for technical advice involving the interpretation of a substantive provision of a relevant income tax or estate tax treaty must include a written statement addressing whether: (1) the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction has issued a ruling on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer (within the meaning of § 267 or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504 (related taxpayer)), or any predecessor; (2) the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or any predecessor, is being examined, or has been settled, by the tax authority of the treaty jurisdiction or is otherwise the subject of a closing agreement in that jurisdiction; and (3) the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or any predecessor, is being considered by the competent authority of the treaty jurisdiction.

Statement recommending information to be deleted from public inspection

.05 Except as provided below, every request for technical advice must include a statement of proposed deletions from public inspection. The text of TAMs are open to public inspection under § 6110(a). The Service deletes certain information from the text before it is made available to the public in order to protect the privacy of taxpayers. To help the Service make the necessary deletions, the taxpayer must provide a statement indicating the deletions desired. A taxpayer who wants only names, addresses, and identifying numbers deleted should state this in the deletion statement. A taxpayer who wants more information deleted must provide a copy of the TAM request and supporting documents on which the taxpayer has placed brackets around the material to be deleted plus a statement indicating the statutory basis under § 6110(c) for each proposed deletion. The deletion statement must not appear in the memorandum described in Section 7.01 of this revenue procedure. Instead, the deletion statement is to be made in a separate document that is signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. A stamped signature or faxed signature is not permitted. If the deletion statement is not submitted, the taxpayer will be notified and advised by the field office that the statement is required. If the deletion statement is not received within 10 calendar days after the notification, the field office will use its best effort to provide the Associate office with an appropriate deletion statement. The taxpayer should follow this same process to propose deletions from any additional information submitted after the initial request for a TAM. An additional deletion statement is not required with each submission of additional information if the taxpayer’s initial deletion statement requests that only names, addresses, and identifying numbers are to be deleted and the taxpayer wants only the same information deleted from the additional information. The requirements for submitting statements and other materials or proposed deletions in TAMs before public inspection is allowed do not apply to requests for any documents to the extent that the TAM is open to public inspection under § 6104. Section 6104(a)(1)(A) generally provides that if an organization described in § 501(c) or § 501(d) is exempt from taxation under § 501(a) or a political organization is exempt from taxation under § 527, the application for exemption under § 501(a) that the organization filed or the notice of status filed by a political organization pursuant to § 527(i) is open for public inspection as prescribed by regulations. Generally, § 6104(a)(1)(B) provides that an application filed with respect to: (1) the qualification of a pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan under § 401(a) or § 403(a) or an individual retirement arrangement under § 408(a) or § 408(b) will be open to public inspection pursuant to regulations, as will (2) any application filed for an exemption from tax under § 501(a) of an organization forming part of a plan or account described above.

Preparation of the memorandum; resolution of disagreements

.06 The field office prepares the memorandum described in Section 7.01 of this revenue procedure with the assistance of field counsel and sends it to the taxpayer by mail or fax transmission. The taxpayer then will have 5 calendar days from the date of mailing or fax transmission to respond by providing a written statement specifying any disagreement on the facts and issues. A taxpayer who needs more than 5 calendar days must submit a written request for an extension of time, subject to the approval of the field office. The field office will make a determination on the request for extension as soon as reasonably possible. The request for extension will be considered denied unless the field office informs the taxpayer otherwise. The decision of the field office on whether to approve an extension, and the length of any extension granted, is final and may not be appealed. After the taxpayer’s response is received by the field office, the parties will have 10 calendar days to resolve remaining disagreements. If all disagreements about the statement of facts and issues are resolved, then the field office will prepare a single statement of those agreed facts and issues. If disagreements continue, both the taxpayer’s set of facts and issues and the field’s sets of facts and issues will be forwarded to the Associate office. The field office, with the assistance of field counsel, will prepare a memorandum for the Associate office highlighting the material factual differences, and provide a copy to the taxpayer for review. The taxpayer may respond in writing to the memorandum highlighting material factual differences. Examination (or Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements) may revise the memorandum described in Section 7.01 of this revenue procedure in response to the taxpayer’s comments. This memorandum will be forwarded with the initial request for technical advice. The taxpayer’s statement of facts and issues must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this information, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contains all the relevant facts relating to the request for technical advice, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.” This declaration must be signed in accordance with the requirements in section 7.01(15)(b) of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. The field office must submit this declaration with the initial request for technical advice. If no agreement regarding the facts is reached, the Associate office may rely on the facts presented by the field office.

The field office will offer the taxpayer an opportunity to participate in the development of the TAM. If the taxpayer participates in the process, the field office will continue to offer the taxpayer the opportunity to participate. If the taxpayer does not participate in a material stage of the process after being offered an opportunity, the Associate office will nonetheless process the request, and the taxpayer will have waived the right to participate in the development and issuance of the TAM, including the right to the conference described in section 9. A taxpayer’s failure to participate in the development of the memorandum will be considered a failure to participate in a material stage of the TAM process.

Under no circumstances will a taxpayer be treated as having waived its right to see the issued TAM or having waived its rights regarding disclosure and deletions described in Section 10.

Transmittal Form 4463, Request for Technical Advice

.07 The field counsel, with whom the TAM request was coordinated, must use Form 4463, Request for Technical Advice, for submitting a request for a TAM through TSS4510 to the Associate office. While the field office is responsible for preparing Form 4463, field counsel must submit the Form 4463 for a TAM request to the TSS4510 email address. To the extent feasible, the accompanying documents should also be submitted to the TSS4510 email address, followed by hard copy upon the request of the assigned branch of the Associate office.

All supporting and additional documents

.08 Field counsel should send additional or supporting documents that are not available in electronic form by fax to TSS4510 at 202-317-6718 or by express mail or private delivery service to the following address to avoid any delays in regular mail:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: CC:PA:LPD:TSS, Room 5336

1111 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20224

Whenever possible, all documents should contain the case number and name of the Associate office attorney assigned to the pre-submission conference for the TAM request.

The field office must indicate on the Form 4463 the proper mailing address of the Director to whom the Associate office should mail a copy of its reply to the TAM request under Section 10.06 of this revenue procedure.

Number of copies of request to be submitted

.09 The field office must submit one paper copy of the request for a TAM to the address in Section 7.08 of this revenue procedure. If the TAM relates to a SB/SE, W&I, or TE/GE taxpayer, the field office must send one paper copy to the Division Counsel of the operating division that has jurisdiction over the taxpayer’s tax return. If the TAM relates to a LB&I taxpayer, an electronic copy (no paper copy to follow) to “&LB&I HQ” email address should be sent. If the request is from an Appeals office, the field office must send an electronic copy (no paper copy to follow) to the “*AP Tax Policy & Procedure” email address, with “Attention: TAM Coordinator” in the subject line.

Power of attorney

.10 Any authorized representative, as described in section 7.01(13) of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, whether or not enrolled to practice, must comply with Treasury Department Circular No. 230 (31 C.F.R. part 10 (2014)) and with the Conference and Practice Requirements of the Statement of Procedural Rules (26 C.F.R. §§ 601.501–601.509 (2012)). Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Rev. July 2014), should be used. An original, a copy, or a fax transmission of the power of attorney is acceptable, if its authenticity is not reasonably disputed.

SECTION 8. INITIAL PROCESSING OF THE REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE BY THE ASSOCIATE OFFICE

 

Assignment and initial review by Associate office attorney

.01 After a request for technical advice has been received by the appropriate Associate office, it will be assigned to an Associate office attorney within a branch. The Associate office attorney determines whether the request meets all procedural requirements of sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this revenue procedure and whether it raises issues that may be appropriately addressed in a TAM.

Other forms of guidance

.02 If the assigned reviewer in the Associate office determines that guidance other than a TAM should be provided, the reviewer will immediately notify the Associate Chief Counsel. This other form of guidance may be published guidance, generic advice, or case-specific advice. Although the reviewer should make this determination as soon as possible, it may be made at any time during the processing of the request for advice. To make this determination, the reviewer should consider whether the issue has a broad application to similarly situated taxpayers or an industry and whether resolution of the issue is important to a clear understanding of the tax laws. The Associate Chief Counsel, after consultation with Division Counsel Headquarters and the Operating Division, will decide whether to provide the TAM or issue guidance in another form. The Associate Chief Counsel may decide to provide the TAM as well as another type of guidance, if doing so would promote sound tax administration.

Initial acknowledgment and processing

.03 Upon receipt of a request for technical advice, the Associate office attorney who is assigned as the primary attorney on the request should immediately contact the field office. The purpose of this contact is only to acknowledge receipt of the request. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this section to the Associate office or Associate office attorney are to the Associate office and attorney with primary responsibility for the TAM request.

Deficiencies in request leading to return

.04 Within 7 calendar days after assignment, the Associate office attorney will contact the field office and field counsel to discuss any deficiencies in the request and will work with the field office and field counsel to correct them. If the deficiencies cannot be corrected over the next 7 calendar days, the request will be closed and returned to the field office. The request may be resubmitted when the deficiencies are corrected.

If only minor procedural deficiencies exist, the Associate office attorney will request the additional information without returning the case. If substantial additional information is required to resolve an issue or if major procedural problems cannot be resolved, the Associate office attorney will inform the field office and field counsel that the request for technical advice will be returned. If a request is returned, the field office should promptly notify the taxpayer of that decision and the reasons for the decision.

Initial discussion

.05 Within 21 calendar days of receipt, the Associate office attorney should contact the field office to discuss any procedural and substantive issues in the request. The Associate office attorney should also inform the field office about any matters referred to another Associate office or branch for assistance and provide points of contact for the other Associate offices or branches.

If additional information requested

.06 If additional information is needed, the Associate office attorney will obtain that information from the taxpayer, the field office, the Director, or the Appeals Area Director in the most expeditious manner possible. Any additional information requested from the taxpayer by the Associate office must be submitted by letter, accompanied by a penalties of perjury statement that conforms with the penalties of perjury statement set forth in Section 7.06 of this revenue procedure, within 10 calendar days after the request for information is made. To facilitate prompt action, the Service and taxpayers are encouraged to exchange information by fax or express mail service whenever feasible. A taxpayer’s failure to submit the additional information requested is considered a failure to participate in a material stage of the TAM process and results in a waiver of the right to the conference discussed in Section 9.

Request for additional information by fax

To facilitate prompt action on TAM requests, the Service may request any additional information from the taxpayer by fax.

Because of the unsecured nature of a fax transmission, the Service will take certain precautions to protect confidential information. For example, the Service will use a cover sheet that identifies the intended recipient of the fax and the number of pages transmitted, that does not identify the taxpayer by name or tax identifying number and that contains a statement prohibiting unauthorized disclosure of the document if a recipient of the faxed document is not the intended recipient of the fax. Also, for example, the cover sheet should be faxed in an order in which it will become the first page covering the faxed document.

Taxpayer request for extension of time to submit additional information

.07 A taxpayer’s request for an extension of time to submit additional information must be made in writing and received by the Associate office within the 10-day period. It must provide compelling facts and circumstances to justify an extension. Only the Associate Chief Counsel of the primary office to which the case is assigned may determine whether to grant or deny the request for an extension. Except in rare and unusual circumstances, the Associate office will not agree to an extension of more than 10 calendar days beyond the end of the 10-day period. There is no right to appeal the denial of a request for an extension.

Where to send additional information

.08 Any additional information submitted by the taxpayer should be sent to the attention of the assigned Associate office attorney. Generally, only the original of the additional information is necessary. In appropriate cases, however, the Associate office may request additional copies of the information. The taxpayer must also send a copy of the additional information to the field office and field attorney for comment. Any comments by the field office or field attorney must be furnished within an agreed period of time to the Associate office with primary responsibility for the TAM request. If there are no comments, the Associate office attorney should be notified promptly. When the field office receives a copy of the additional information from the taxpayer, the field office must provide field counsel with a copy unless such copies have already been provided.

Tentative conclusions

.09 The Associate office attorney will inform the field office and field counsel when all necessary substantive and procedural information has been received. If possible, the Associate office attorney will provide a tentative conclusion. If no tentative conclusion can be reached, the Associate office is encouraged to discuss the underlying complexities with the field office and field counsel. Because the Associate office attorney’s tentative conclusion may change during the preparation and review of the TAM, the tentative conclusion is not considered final. If the tentative conclusion is changed, the Associate office attorney will inform the field office and field counsel. Neither the Associate office, nor the field office or the field counsel, should discuss the tentative conclusion and its underlying rationale with the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative until the Associate office is ready to provide a TAM that agrees with the taxpayer’s position or is ready to hold an adverse conference. To afford taxpayers an appropriate opportunity to prepare and present their position at a conference of right, however, the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative is to be told (by the Associate office attorney) the tentative conclusion when scheduling the conference of right. Field counsel should be notified of, and given the opportunity to participate in, the notification to the taxpayer of the tentative conclusions and scheduling of the conference of right.

SECTION 9. TAXPAYER CONFERENCES

 

Notification of conference

.01 If the Associate office proposes to provide a TAM that will be adverse to the taxpayer, and if the taxpayer has not waived its right to a conference, the taxpayer will be informed of the time and place of the conference.

Scheduling conference

.02 The conference for a TAM must occur within 10 calendar days after the taxpayer is informed that an adverse TAM is proposed. The Associate office will notify the field office and field counsel of the scheduled conference and will offer the field office and field counsel the opportunity to participate in the conference.

Taxpayer may request extensions

.03 Only an Associate Chief Counsel may approve an extension of the 10-day period for holding a conference. Although extensions are granted in appropriate circumstances at the discretion of the Associate Chief Counsel, taxpayers should not expect extensions to be routinely granted. The taxpayer must submit a request for an extension in writing to the Associate Chief Counsel of the primary office to which the case is assigned, and must immediately notify the field office and field counsel of the request. The request must contain a detailed justification for the extension and must be submitted sufficiently before the end of the 10-day period to allow the Associate Chief Counsel to consider, and either approve or deny, the request before the end of the 10-day period. If unusual circumstances near the end of the 10-day period make a timely written request impracticable, the taxpayer may orally inform the assigned Associate office attorney or reviewer before the end of the 10-day period about the need for an extension and then promptly submit the written request. The Associate office attorney will inform the taxpayer by telephone of the approval or denial of a requested extension. There is no right to appeal the denial of a request for extension.

One conference of right

.04 In general, a taxpayer who has not waived the right to a conference is entitled by right to only one conference with the Associate office. The conference is normally held at the branch level. A person who has authority to sign the transmittal memorandum in his or her own name, or on behalf of the branch chief, will participate. When more than one branch of an Associate office has taken an adverse position on issues in the request or when the position ultimately adopted by one branch will affect another branch’s determination, a representative from each branch with authority to sign in his or her own name, or for the branch chief, will participate in the conference. The conference is the conference of right for each subject discussed.

Additional conferences may be offered

.05 After the conference of right, the Service will offer the taxpayer an additional conference of right only if an adverse holding is proposed on a new issue or on the same issue but on grounds different from those discussed at the first conference. If a tentative position is changed at a higher level with a result less favorable to the taxpayer, the taxpayer has no right to another conference if the grounds or arguments on which the change is based were discussed at the conference of right. The limitation on the number of conferences to which a taxpayer is entitled does not prevent the Associate office from inviting a taxpayer to participate in additional conferences if that office determines that additional conferences would be useful. These additional conferences are not to be offered routinely following an adverse decision.

Additional information submitted after the conference

.06 In order to ensure that the conference of right is productive, the taxpayer should make a reasonable effort to supply all information, documents, and arguments in writing well before the conference. Sometimes, however, it becomes apparent that new information may be helpful in resolving issues discussed at the conference. If the Associate office and the taxpayer agree that such information would be helpful, all such materials must be submitted and received within 10 calendar days after the conference. Any extension of the 10-day period must be requested by the taxpayer in writing and must be approved by the branch chief of the Associate office attorney. Extensions will not be routinely granted. Taxpayers have no right to submit additional materials after the conference, and are discouraged from providing additional copies or versions of materials already submitted. If the additional information is not received from the taxpayer within 10 calendar days plus any extensions granted by the branch chief, the TAM will be issued on the basis of the existing record.

The taxpayer must also send a copy of the additional information to the field office and field counsel for comment. If the additional information has a significant impact on the facts in the request, the Associate office will ask the field office and field counsel for comments, both of which will respond within the agreed upon period of time. If there are no comments, the Associate office attorney will be promptly notified.

Normally conducted in person

.07 Conferences under this section are generally conducted in person, but may be conducted by telephone.

Service makes only tentative recommendations

.08 At the conclusion of the conference, no commitment will be made about the conclusion that the Service will finally adopt for any issue, including the outcome of a request for relief under § 7805(b).

Conference may not be taped

.09 No tape, stenographic, or other verbatim recording of a conference may be made by any party.

SECTION 10. PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

Reply consists of two parts

.01 The Associate office attorney prepares replies to requests for technical advice in two parts. Each part identifies the taxpayer by name, address, identification number, and year or years involved. The first part of the reply is a transmittal memorandum (Form M–6000). If the transmittal memorandum provides information not in the TAM, or the case is returned for further development, the transmittal memorandum may be Chief Counsel Advice, as defined in § 6110(i)(1), subject to public inspection under § 6110. The second part is the TAM, which contains: (1) a statement of the issues; (2) the conclusions of the Associate office; (3) a statement of the facts pertinent to the issues; (4) a statement of the pertinent law, tax treaties, regulations, revenue rulings, and other precedents published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin, and court decisions; and (5) a discussion of the rationale supporting the conclusions reached by the Associate office. The conclusions give direct answers, whenever possible, to the specific issues raised by the field office. The Associate office is not bound by the issues as submitted by the taxpayer or by the field office and may reframe the issues to be answered in a TAM after consultation with the field office and field counsel. The discussion of the issues in a TAM will be in sufficient detail so that the field or Appeals officials will understand the reasoning underlying the conclusion.

Status of a request

.02 The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative may obtain information on the status of the request by contacting the field office that requested the advice. The Associate office attorney or reviewer assigned to the TAM request will give frequent status updates to the field office and field counsel.

Section 6110

.03 For TAMs subject to § 6110, accompanying the TAM is a notice under § 6110(f)(1) of intention to disclose a TAM, including a copy of the version proposed to be open to public inspection and notations of third party communications under § 6110(d). Before the TAM is issued, the Associate office will inform the taxpayer in writing of the material likely to appear in the TAM that the taxpayer proposed for deletion but that the Service has determined should not be deleted. If so informed, the taxpayer may submit within 10 calendar days any further information or arguments supporting the taxpayer’s proposed deletions. The Service will attempt to resolve all disagreements about proposed deletions before the TAM is issued. The taxpayer does not have the right to a conference to resolve any disagreements about material to be deleted from the text of the TAM. These procedures do not apply to TAMs to the extent that § 6104 applies. See section 7.05 of this revenue procedure and § 6110(l)(1).

Opportunity for field counsel review

.04 The Associate office attorney will inform the field counsel regarding the Associate office’s final conclusions before the TAM is sent to the field office, or the Director, Tax Exempt Bonds. The field counsel will be offered a reasonable opportunity to review and informally discuss these conclusions before the final TAM is sent.

Copy of preliminary TAM to field office and field counsel

.05 After the field counsel is given a reasonable opportunity to review the Associate office’s final conclusions, the Associate office attorney will provide a draft of the proposed final version of the TAM to the field office and field counsel. If the field office or field counsel disagrees with the proposed final conclusions, normal reconciliation and reconsideration procedures will be followed to resolve the disagreement.

Routing of reply

.06 A TAM is generally addressed to the field office that requested it. In the case of issues arising within the jurisdiction of the Director, Tax Exempt Bonds, the Director, Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Examinations, or the Director, Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements, the TAM is addressed to that Director with a copy sent to the field office and the field counsel attorney. A copy of the reply to a request from LB&I should be mailed simultaneously to the appropriate Industry Director. A reply to a request from Appeals should be addressed to the appropriate field office, and an electronic copy sent to the TAM Coordinator at the “*AP Tax Policy & Procedure” email address, with “Attention: TAM Coordinator” in the subject line.

Copy of final TAM to field counsel and Division Counsel

.07 The Associate office will provide a copy of the final TAM to the individual field counsel attorney who assisted the field office in submitting the request and to that attorney’s Associate Area Counsel. The Associate office also will provide a copy of the final TAM to the Division Counsel for the operating division from which the request originated or that has jurisdiction over the particular matter in the TAM. The reply may be transmitted electronically if it is in .pdf format, or may be sent by mail or fax transmission.

Reconsideration

.08 Requests for reconsideration may be submitted by the field office, or in the case of bonds under the jurisdiction of the Director of Tax Exempt Bonds, by that Director after the Associate Office has provided a final copy of the TAM to field counsel and Division Counsel. Requests for reconsideration must describe with specificity the errors in the analysis and conclusions. Requests should focus on points that the TAM overlooked or misconstrued rather than simply re-argue points raised in the initial request. The Associate office will give priority consideration to the request and should act on the request as expeditiously as possible. The Associate office may request further submissions from the field or the taxpayer, but the parties should otherwise make no additional submissions. If a request for reconsideration fails to follow the procedures set forth in this section of this revenue procedure, or the request fails to raise issues or arguments different from those asserted in the initial request for technical advice, the Associate office may return the request for reconsideration without ruling on the request for reconsideration. The taxpayer is not entitled to be informed that a request for reconsideration is being considered.

Discussing contents with the taxpayer

.09 The Associate office will not discuss the specific contents of the TAM with the taxpayer until after the field office has given a copy of the TAM to the taxpayer.

TAM takes effect when taxpayer receives a copy

.10 After a TAM is sent to the field (or, for Tax Exempt Bonds, Employee Plans, and Exempt Organizations, to the Director, Tax Exempt Bonds; the Director, Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Examinations; or the Director, Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Rulings & Agreements), the field or Director adopts and issues the TAM within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 301.6110–2(h) and then gives the taxpayer a copy of the TAM, the notice of intention to disclose under § 6110(f)(1), as applicable, and a copy of the version proposed to be open to public inspection, which includes notations of third party communications under § 6110, as applicable. If a request for technical advice pertains to more than one taxpayer, the field or Director, Tax Exempt Bonds will provide each pertinent taxpayer with a copy of the TAM and will notify the Associate office when this occurs. The requirement to give a taxpayer a copy of the TAM does not apply to a TAM involving civil fraud or a criminal investigation, or to a TAM involving a jeopardy or termination assessment.

Taxpayer may protest deletions not made

.11 Generally, the Associate office considers only the deletion of material that the taxpayer has proposed for deletion or other deletions as required under § 6110(c) before the TAM is sent to the Director. After receiving the notice of intention to disclose under § 6110(f)(1), the taxpayer may protest the disclosure of certain information in it by submitting a written statement within 20 calendar days that identifies those deletions not made by the Service that the taxpayer believes should have been made. The taxpayer must also submit a copy of the version of the TAM proposed to be open to public inspection with brackets around the deletions proposed by the taxpayer that have not been made by the Associate office plus a statement indicating the statutory basis under § 6110(c) for each proposed deletion. Within 20 calendar days after it receives the taxpayer’s response to the notice under § 6110(f)(1), the Associate office must mail to the taxpayer its final administrative conclusion about the deletions to be made.

Public inspection in civil fraud or criminal investigation cases

.12 The provisions of this section about referring issues upon the taxpayer’s request, telling the taxpayer about the referral of issues, giving the taxpayer a copy of the arguments submitted, submitting proposed deletions, granting conferences in the Associate office, or providing a copy of the TAM to the taxpayer do not apply to a TAM described in § 6110(g)(5)(A), which involves any matter that is the subject of a civil fraud or criminal investigation, or that involves a jeopardy or termination assessment. In these cases, a copy of the TAM may be given to the taxpayer only after all proceedings in the investigations or assessments are complete, but before the Commissioner mails the notice of intention to disclose under § 6110(f)(1). The taxpayer may then provide the statement of proposed deletions to the Associate office.

SECTION 11. WITHDRAWAL OF REQUESTS FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE

Taxpayer notified

.01 Once a request for a TAM has been sent to the Associate office, only a Director may withdraw the request, and this must be done before the responding transmittal memorandum for the TAM is signed. To withdraw the request, the Director must first notify the taxpayer of the intent to withdraw unless: (1) the period of limitation on assessment is about to expire and the taxpayer has declined to give written consent to extend the period; or (2) the notification would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Government. If the taxpayer does not agree that the request should be withdrawn and wishes to request review of the decision, the procedures in Section 5.04 of this revenue procedure for review must be followed.

Acknowledgment of withdrawal

.02 Acknowledgment of the withdrawal of a request submitted by a Director or Appeals should be sent to the appropriate Director or Appeals office, with a copy to the TAM coordinator. For a withdrawal of a request submitted by Appeals, send an electronic copy to the “*AP Tax Policy & Procedure” email address, with “Attention: TAM Coordinator” in the subject line.

Associate office may decide not to provide a TAM

.03 If the Associate office determines that a TAM will not be provided, it may return the request for technical advice unanswered. This determination must be made on the basis of sound tax administration and must be approved by the Associate Chief Counsel. The decision not to provide a TAM should be an infrequent occurrence and be made only after consultation with field counsel and the requesting field office. If field counsel disagrees with this determination, they may request reconsideration through existing reconciliation procedures.

Associate office may provide views

.04 If a request for technical advice is withdrawn or an Associate office decides not to provide a TAM, the Associate office may address the substantive issues through published guidance, such as a regulation or revenue ruling. The Associate office may, in the alternative, address the substantive issues through legal advice, either generic or case-specific. The decision to address the issues through these other forms of guidance will be based on the general standards for issuing those types of guidance.

SECTION 12. USE OF THE TECHNICAL ADVICE

 

Service generally applies advice in processing the taxpayer’s case

.01 After a TAM is issued, the field office must process the taxpayer’s case on the basis of the conclusions in the TAM. In the case of a TAM unfavorable to the taxpayer, the Appeals Area Director may decide to settle the issue under existing settlement authority. If a TAM provides conclusions involving a § 103 obligation and the issuer of this obligation, the field office must apply the conclusions to the issuer and any holder of the obligation, unless the holder also initiates a request for a TAM on the same issue addressed in the TAM involving the issuer, and the Associate office issues a TAM involving that issue and that holder.

SECTION 13. RETROACTIVITY AND RELIANCE

 

Usually applies retroactively

.01 The holdings in a TAM are applied retroactively, whether they are initial holdings or they are later holdings that modify or revoke holdings in a prior TAM. The Associate Chief Counsel with jurisdiction over the TAM, however, may exercise the discretionary authority under § 7805(b) to limit the retroactive effect of any holding. This authority is exercised in rare and unusual circumstances.

Revocation or modification of an earlier letter ruling or TAM

.02 A TAM may be used to seek revocation or modification of an earlier TAM or revocation or modification of a private letter ruling (PLR). See Rev. Proc. 2015–1 § 11.03 with respect to revocation or modification of PLRs. Generally, a TAM that revokes or modifies a letter ruling or an earlier TAM will not be applied retroactively if: (1) the applicable law has not changed; (2) the taxpayer directly involved in the letter ruling or earlier TAM relied in good faith on it; and (3) revocation or modification would be detrimental to the taxpayer. The new TAM will be applied retroactively to the taxpayer whose tax liability was directly involved in the letter ruling or TAM if: (1) controlling facts have been misstated or omitted; or (2) the facts at the time of the transaction are materially different from the controlling facts on which the letter ruling or earlier TAM was based. If a letter ruling or a TAM is modified or revoked with retroactive effect, the notice to the taxpayer, except in fraud cases, should set forth the grounds on which the modification or revocation is being made and the reason why the modification or revocation is being applied retroactively.

Continuing action or series of actions

.03 If an issue addressed in the TAM relates to a continuing action or a series of actions, it is generally applied until it is withdrawn or until the conclusion is modified or revoked by a final decision in favor of the taxpayer with respect to that issue, the enactment of legislation, the ratification of a tax treaty, a decision of the United States Supreme Court, or the issuance of temporary regulations, final regulations, a revenue ruling, or other statement published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking does not affect the application of a TAM. If a new holding in a TAM is less favorable to the taxpayer than the holding in an earlier TAM, the new holding is generally not applied to the period when the taxpayer relied on the earlier holding. It will be applied to that period, however, if material facts on which the earlier TAM was based have changed.

Other taxpayers

.04 Under § 6110(k)(3), a taxpayer may not rely on a TAM issued by the Service for another taxpayer. In addition, retroactive or non-retroactive treatment to one member of an industry directly involved in a letter ruling or TAM does not extend to another member of that same industry, and retroactive or non-retroactive treatment to one client of a tax practitioner does not extend to another client of that same practitioner. The tax liability of each employee covered by a letter ruling or TAM relating to a pension plan of an employer is directly involved in the letter ruling or TAM.

SECTION 14. HOW MAY RETROACTIVE EFFECT BE LIMITED?

 

Requests for relief under § 7805(b)

.01 A taxpayer with respect to whom a TAM is issued or for whom a TAM request is pending may request that the appropriate Associate Chief Counsel limit the retroactive effect of any holding in the TAM or of any subsequent modification or revocation of the TAM. For a pending request for technical advice, the taxpayer should make the request for relief under § 7805(b) as part of the initial request for advice. The Associate office will consider a request for relief under § 7805(b) made at a later time if the Director determines that there is justification for the delay in the making of the request. The Director’s determination that the delayed request for § 7805 is not justified cannot be appealed.

Form of request for relief – in general

.02 During the course of an examination of a taxpayer’s return by the field office or during consideration of the taxpayer’s return by the Appeals Area Director, a taxpayer’s request to limit retroactivity must be made in the form of a request for a TAM. This includes recommendations by a Director that an earlier letter ruling or TAM be modified or revoked. The request must meet the general requirements of a request for technical advice. It must also: (1) state that it is being made under § 7805(b); (2) state the relief sought; (3) explain the reasons and arguments in support of the relief sought; and (4) include any documents bearing on the request. The taxpayer’s request must be submitted to the Director, who should then forward the request to the Associate office for consideration. If taxpayer submits a request for relief after the initial TAM request, the taxpayer must provide justification for having delayed the request.

Form of request for relief – continuing transaction before examination of return

.03 A request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in the form of a request for a letter ruling if: (1) a TAM addressing a continuing transaction is modified or revoked by later published guidance; and (2) the request for relief is submitted before an examination has begun covering those years for which relief is sought. The requirements for a letter ruling request are given in Rev. Proc. 2015–1 (this Bulletin).

Taxpayer’s right to a conference

.04 When a request for a TAM concerns only the application of § 7805(b), the taxpayer has the right to a conference with the Associate office in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of this revenue procedure. If the request for application of § 7805(b) is included in the request for a TAM on the substantive issues or is made before the conference of right on the substantive issues, the § 7805(b) issues will be discussed at the taxpayer’s one conference of right. If the request for the application of § 7805(b) is made as part of a pending TAM request after a conference has been held on the substantive issues and the Director determines that there is justification for having delayed the request, then the taxpayer will have the right to one conference of right concerning the application of § 7805(b), with the conference limited to discussion of this issue only.

Reconsideration of request for relief under § 7805(b)

.05 When a TAM grants a taxpayer relief under § 7805(b), the Director may not request reconsideration of the § 7805(b) issue unless the Director determines there has been a misstatement or omission of controlling facts by the taxpayer in its request for § 7805(b) relief.

SECTION 15. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES MADE TO REV. PROC. 2014–2

The general procedures for technical advice requests for matters within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division were previously contained in Rev. Proc. 2014–5. The authority to issue TAMs on these matters has been delegated to the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). Rev. Proc. 2015–2 reflects this change.

SECTION 16. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS

Rev. Proc. 2014–2, 2014–1 I.R.B. 90, is superseded.

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE

This revenue procedure is effective January 2, 2015.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Laura Leigh Bates of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration). For further information regarding this revenue procedure for matters under the jurisdiction of:

(1) the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), contact Ken Cohen at (202) 317-7700 or Jean Broderick at (202) 317-6848 (not a toll-free call);

(2) the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), contact Scott Brown at (202) 317-4423 (not a toll-free call);

(3) the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), contact Brinton T. Warren at (202) 317-7002 (not a toll-free call);

(4) the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), contact Leta Wolfe at (202) 317-5260 (not a toll-free call);

(5) the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), contact Mark Cottrell at (202) 317-3400 (not a toll-free call);

(6) the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), contact Shoshanna Tanner at (202) 317-5500 (not a toll-free call);

(7) the Associate Chief Counsel (International), contact Jeffrey L. Vinnik at (202) 317-3800 (not a toll-free call);

(8) the Commissioner (Large Business & International Division), contact Shirley S. Lee at (202) 317-3152 (not a toll-free call);

(9) the Commissioner (Small Business/Self-Employed Division), contact Samuel Berman at (240) 613-6368 (not a toll-free call);

(10) the Commissioner (Wage and Investment Division), contact Geoffrey Gerbore at (631) 447-4428 (not a toll-free call); or

(11) the Office of Appeals, contact Gary T. Easley at (702) 868-5152 (not a toll-free call).

INDEX

 

References are to sections in Rev. Proc. 2015–2  
Additional Information  
—for pre-submission conference 6.05
—initial processing of TAM request 8.06
—after conference of right 9.06
—proposed deletions under § 6110 7.05, 10.03
—Service will request additional information from the taxpayer by express mail services or fax 8.06
Appeal of decision to seek or not seek TAM 5.03
—The decision of the Director, the LB&I Territory Manager, or the Tax Exempt Bonds Manager, Field Operations may be reviewed but not appealed 5.04
Civil fraud or criminal investigation cases 10.12
Conferences  
—offered 6, 9, 14.04
—after conference of right 9.05
—scheduling 6.06, 9.02
request to limit retroactivity 14.04
telephone conferences 6.07, 9.07
Definitions  
—Appeals officer 2.04
—Director 2.02
—field office 2.07
—field counsel 2.08
—frivolous issue 4.04
—taxpayer 2.05
—technical advice 1.01
—Territory Manager 2.03
Discussions with Taxpayers  
—contents of TAM 10.09
—substantive issues at pre-submission conference 6.09
—tentative conclusion in TAM 8.09
Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations  
—application of § 6104 7.05
Extension of Time  
—to appeal decision not to request a TAM 5.03
—to disagree with statement of facts in technical advice request 7.06
—to schedule conference 9.03
—to submit additional information requested by Associate office in initial processing of TAM 8.07
—to submit additional information after conference 9.06
Foreign laws and documents  
—certified English translations 7.03(2)
—effect if interpretation is a material fact 7.03(1)
—when required 7.03
Issues Eligible for TAMs 3
Issues Not Eligible for TAMs 4
Penalties of Perjury Statement  
—form 7.06
—required when no factual agreement 7.06
—required with additional information 8.06
—signature requirement for deletion statement 7.05
Power of Attorney 7.10
Pre-submission Conferences 6
Public Inspection Under § 6110  
—deletion statement required 7.05
exception when § 6104 applies 7.05
—notice of intention to disclose 10.03
protesting deletions not made 10.11
Responsibility for Requesting Advice 5.01
Retroactive Effect  
—request to limit retroactivity 14.01
format of request 14.02, 14.03
—right to conference 14.04
Section 301.9100 Relief 4.03
Status of TAM 10.02
Taxpayer Participation 3.03
—consequences of failure to participate in material stage 7.06, 8.06
What to Include in the Request for Advice  
—Memorandum of issues, facts, law, and arguments 7.01
—Statement proposing information to be deleted from public inspection 7.05
—Transmittal Form 4463 7.07
—Number of copies 7.09
—Power of attorney 7.10
Where to Send  
—information required prior to pre-submission conference 6.05
—request for a TAM 5.02
Withdrawal of TAM Requests 11

Rev. Proc. 2015–3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND NATURE OF CHANGES 129
SECTION 2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE 130
SECTION 3. AREAS IN WHICH RULINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED 130
SECTION 4. AREAS IN WHICH RULINGS WILL NOT ORDINARILY BE ISSUED 136
SECTION 5. AREAS UNDER STUDY IN WHICH RULINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED 141
SECTION 6. AREAS COVERED BY AUTOMATIC APPROVAL PROCEDURES 142
SECTION 7. EFFECT ON OTHER REVENUE PROCEDURES 142
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE 142
SECTION 9. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT 142
DRAFTING INFORMATION 143

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND NATURE OF CHANGES

.01 The purpose of this revenue procedure is to update Rev. Proc. 2014–3, 2014–1 I.R.B. 111, by providing a revised list of those areas of the Internal Revenue Code under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate), the Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Products), the Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting), the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries), the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration), and the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) relating to issues on which the Internal Revenue Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters. For a list of areas under the jurisdiction of the Associate Chief Counsel (International) relating to international issues on which the Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters, see Rev. Proc. 2015–7, this Bulletin. For a list of areas under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division relating to issues, plans, or plan amendments on which the Service will not issue letter rulings or determination letters, see, respectively, section 8 of Rev. Proc. 2015–4, this Bulletin, and section 3.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin.

.02 Changes.

(1) Section 1.01 has been modified.

(2) Section 2.01 has been modified.

(3) Section 3.01(4), regarding §§ 45 and 48.

(4) Section 3.01(33), regarding § 216, has been added.

(5) Section 3.01(55), regarding § 403(b), has been added.

(6) Section 3.01(57), regarding § 411(d)(3), has been added.

(7) Section 3.01(58), regarding § 414(d), has been added.

(8) Section 3.01(66), regarding § 457A, has been added.

(9) Section 3.01(67), regarding §§ 501, 511, 512, 513, and 514, has been added.

(10) Section 3.01(68), regarding §§ 507, 664, 4941, and 4945, has been added.

(11) Section 3.01(69), regarding §§ 511, 512, 513 and 514, has been added.

(12) Section 3.01(71), regarding § 529, has been added.

(13) Section 3.01(72), regarding §§ 542, 543, and 544, has been added.

(14) Section 3.01(82), regarding § 1001, has been added.

(15) Section 3.01(87), regarding § 1221, has been added.

(16) Sections 3.01(89) and 6.07 have been modified to reflect the provisions of Rev. Proc. 2014–24, 2014–13 I.R.B. 879 (automatic determinations under § 1.1502–75(b)).

(17) Section 3.01(101), regarding §§ 4375, 4376, and 4377, has been added.

(18) Section 3.01(102), regarding § 4941, has been added.

(19) Section 3.01(105), regarding § 4958, has been added.

(20) Section 3.01(106), regarding § 4975(d), has been added.

(21) Section 3.01(108), regarding § 4980H, has been added.

(22) Section 3.01(112), regarding § 7701, has been added.

(23) Section 3.01(115), regarding § 9815, has been added.

(24) Old section 3.02(9), regarding whether, under common law rules applicable in determining the employer-employee relationship, a professional staffing corporation (loan-out corporation) or the subscriber is the employer of individuals, has been deleted.

(25) Section 3.02(9), regarding the income tax or excise tax consequences of the contribution of stock options to, or their subsequent exercise from, plans described in Part I of Subchapter D of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Code, has been added.

(26) Section 4.01(31), regarding § 451, has been modified.

(27) Old section 4.01(37), regarding § 664, has been deleted.

(28) Section 4.01(38), regarding §§ 671 to 679, has been modified.

(29) Old section 4.01(42), regarding § 1001, has been deleted.

(30) Old section 4.01(44), regarding § 1221, has been deleted.

(31) Section 4.02(8) has been modified.

(32) Section 4.02(12), regarding whether a tax-qualified plan satisfies the requirements for qualification under §§ 401 through 420 and § 4975(e)(7), has been added.

(33) Section 4.02(13), regarding issues that are being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) or the Department of Labor (DOL), and involve the same taxpayer, has been added.

(34) Old section 5.01(14), regarding § 451, has been deleted.

(35) Old section 5.01(17), regarding §§ 671 to 679, has been deleted.

(36) Section 5.01(22), regarding §§ 4966 and 4967, has been added.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND, SCOPE OF APPLICATION, AND NO-RULE ISSUES PART OF INTEGRATED TRANSACTION

 

.01 Background.

Whenever appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration, it is the policy of the Service to answer inquiries of individuals and organizations regarding their status for tax purposes and the tax effects of their acts or transactions, prior to the filing of returns or reports that are required by the revenue laws. In employee plans matters described in section 5.15 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin, the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) may issue letter rulings after the filing of returns or reports that are required by the revenue laws.

There are, however, certain areas in which, because of the inherently factual nature of the problems involved, or for other reasons, the Service will not issue rulings or determination letters. These areas are set forth in four sections of this revenue procedure. Section 3 reflects those areas in which rulings or determination letters will not be issued. Section 4 sets forth those areas in which rulings or determination letters will not ordinarily be issued. “Not ordinarily” means that unique and compelling reasons must be demonstrated to justify the issuance of a ruling or determination letter. Section 5 sets forth those areas in which the Service is temporarily not issuing rulings or determination letters because those matters are under study. Finally, section 6 of this revenue procedure lists specific areas in which the Service will not ordinarily issue rulings because the Service has provided automatic approval procedures for these matters.

See Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin, particularly section 6 captioned “Under What Circumstances Does The Service Not Issue Letter Rulings Or Determination Letters?” for general instructions and other situations in which the Service will not or ordinarily will not issue letter rulings or determination letters.

With respect to the items listed, revenue rulings or revenue procedures may be published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin from time to time to provide general guidelines regarding the position of the Service.

Additions or deletions to this revenue procedure as well as restatements of items listed will be made by modification of this revenue procedure. Changes will be published as they occur throughout the year and will be incorporated annually in a new revenue procedure published as the third revenue procedure of the year. These lists should not be considered all-inclusive because the Service may decline to issue a letter ruling or a determination letter when appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration (including due to resource constraints) or on other grounds whenever warranted by the facts or circumstances of a particular case. Decisions not to rule on individual cases (as contrasted with those that present significant pattern issues) are not reported in this revenue procedure and will not be added to subsequent revisions.

If the Service determines that it is not in the interest of sound tax administration to issue a letter ruling or determination letter due to resource constraints, it will adopt a consistent approach with respect to taxpayers that request a ruling on the same issue. The Service will also consider adding the issue to the no rule list at the first opportunity. See section 6.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

.02 Scope of Application.

This revenue procedure does not preclude the submission of requests for technical advice to the National Office from other offices of the Service.

.03 No-Rule Issues Part of Integrated Transaction.

If it is impossible for the Service to determine the tax consequences of an integrated transaction without knowing the resolution of an issue on which the Service will not issue rulings or determination letters under this revenue procedure involving a part of the transaction or a related transaction, the taxpayer must state in the request to the best of the taxpayer’s knowledge and belief the tax consequences of the no-rule issue. The Service’s ruling or determination letter will state that the Service did not consider, and no opinion is expressed upon, that issue. In appropriate cases the Service may decline to issue rulings or determination letters on such integrated transactions due to the relevance of the no-rule issue, despite the taxpayer’s representation. See also section 4.02(2) of this revenue procedure.

SECTION 3. AREAS IN WHICH RULINGS OR DETERMINATION LETTERS WILL NOT BE ISSUED

 

.01 Specific Questions and Problems.

(1) Section 42.—Low-Income Housing Credit.—Whether under § 42(j)(4)(E) a casualty loss has been restored by reconstruction or replacement within a reasonable period of time. The Service may issue a determination letter in this case. See section 12 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

(2) Section 45.—Electricity Produced from Certain Renewable Resources, Etc.—Determination as to who is the producer of refined coal for purposes of claiming the renewable electricity production credit.

(3) Section 45.—Electricity Produced from Certain Renewable Resources, Etc.—The allocation by a partnership of the § 45 credit, the validity of the partnership, or whether any taxpayer is a valid partner in the partnership.

(4) Sections 45 and 48.—Electricity Produced from Certain Renewable Resources, Etc.; Energy Credit.—The application of the beginning of construction requirement under § 45(d) and § 48(a)(5).

(5) Section 47.—Rehabilitation Credit.—The allocation by a partnership of the § 47 rehabilitation credit, the validity of the partnership, or whether any taxpayer is a valid partner in the partnership.

(6) Section 48.—See section 3.01(4), above.

(7) Section 61.—Gross Income Defined.—Whether amounts voluntarily deferred by a taxpayer under a deferred-compensation plan maintained by an organization described in § 501 (other than an eligible plan maintained by an eligible employer pursuant to the provisions of § 457(b)) are currently includible in the taxpayer’s gross income.

(8) Section 61.—Gross Income Defined.—Whether a split-dollar life insurance arrangement is “materially modified” within the meaning of § 1.61–22(j)(2) of the Income Tax Regulations. (Also §§ 83, 301, 1401, 2501, 3121, 3231, 3306, 3401, and 7872.)

(9) Sections 61, 451, and 1001.—Gross Income Defined; General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion; Determination of Amount of and Recognition of Gain or Loss.—Whether, under authorization by an appropriate state agency to recover certain costs pursuant to state specified cost recovery legislations, any investor-owned utility company realizes income upon: (i) the creation of an intangible property right; (ii) the transfer of that intangible property right; or (iii) the securitization of the intangible property right.

(10) Section 79.—Group-Term Life Insurance Purchased for Employees.—Whether a group insurance plan for 10 or more employees qualifies as group-term insurance, if the amount of insurance is not computed under a formula that would meet the requirements of § 1.79–1(c)(2)(ii) of the Income Tax Regulations had the group consisted of fewer than 10 employees.

(11) Section 83.—Property Transferred in Connection with Performance of Services.—Whether a restriction constitutes a substantial risk of forfeiture, if the employee is a controlling shareholder. Also, whether a transfer has occurred, if the amount paid for the property involves a nonrecourse obligation.

(12) Section 83.—Property Transferred in Connection with Performance of Services.—Which corporation is entitled to the deduction under § 83(h) in cases in which a corporation undergoes a corporate division, if the facts are not similar to those described in Rev. Rul. 2002–1, 2002–1 C.B. 268.

(13) Section 101.—Certain Death Benefits.—Whether there has been a transfer for value for purposes of § 101(a) in situations involving a grantor and a trust when (i) substantially all of the trust corpus consists or will consist of insurance policies on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (ii) the trustee or any other person has a power to apply the trust’s income or corpus to the payment of premiums on policies of insurance on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (iii) the trustee or any other person has a power to use the trust’s assets to make loans to the grantor’s estate or to purchase assets from the grantor’s estate, and (iv) there is a right or power in any person that would cause the grantor to be treated as the owner of all or a portion of the trust under §§ 673 to 677.

(14) Sections 101, 761, and 7701.—Certain Death Benefits; Terms Defined; Definitions.—Whether, in connection with the transfer of a life insurance policy to an unincorporated organization, (i) the organization will be treated as a partnership under §§ 761 and 7701, or (ii) the transfer of the life insurance policy to the organization will be exempt from the transfer for value rules of § 101, when substantially all of the organization’s assets consist or will consist of life insurance policies on the lives of the members.

(15) Section 102.—Gifts and Inheritances.—Whether a transfer is a gift within the meaning of § 102(a).

(16) Section 105(h).—Amount Paid to Highly Compensated Individuals Under a Discriminatory Self-Insured Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan.—Whether a self-insured medical reimbursement plan satisfies the requirements of § 105(h) for a plan year.

(17) Section 107.—Rental Value of Parsonages.—Whether amounts distributed to a retired minister from a pension or annuity plan should be excludible from the minister’s gross income as a parsonage allowance under § 107.

(18) Section 107.—Rental Value of Parsonages.—Whether an individual is a “minister of the gospel” for Federal tax purposes. (Also §§ 1402(a)(8), (c)(4), and (e), 3121(b)(8)(A), and 3401(a)(9).)

(19) Section 115.—Income of States, Municipalities, Etc.—The results of transactions pursuant to a plan or arrangement created by state statute a primary objective of which is to enable participants to pay for the costs of a post-secondary education for themselves or a designated beneficiary, including: (i) whether the plan or arrangement, itself, is an entity separate from a state and, if so, how the plan or arrangement is treated for Federal tax purposes; and (ii) whether any contract under the plan or arrangement is a debt instrument and, if so, how interest or original issue discount attributable to the contract is treated for Federal tax purposes. (Also §§ 61, 163, 1275, 2501, and 7701.)

(20) Section 115.—Income of States, Municipalities, Etc.—Whether the income of membership organizations established by states exclusively to reimburse members for losses arising from workmen’s compensation claims is excluded from gross income under § 115.

(21) Section 117.—Qualified Scholarships.—Whether amounts paid to research fellows and research associates are scholarships or fellowships excluded from wages for FICA tax purposes.

(22) Section 117.—Qualified Scholarships.—Whether an employer-related scholarship or fellowship grant is excludible from the employee’s gross income, if there is no intermediary private foundation distributing the grants, as described in Rev. Proc. 76–47, 1976–2 C.B. 670.

(23) Section 119.—Meals or Lodging Furnished for the Convenience of the Employer.—Whether the value of meals or lodging is excludible from gross income by an employee who is a controlling shareholder of the employer.

(24) Section 121.—Exclusion of Gain from Sale of Principal Residence.—Whether property qualifies as the taxpayer’s principal residence.

(25) Section 125.—Cafeteria Plans.—Whether amounts used to provide group-term life insurance under § 79, accident and health benefits under §§ 105 and 106, and dependent care assistance programs under § 129 are includible in the gross income of participants and considered “wages” for purposes of §§ 3401, 3121, and 3306 when the benefits are offered through a cafeteria plan.

(26) Section 162.—Trade or Business Expenses.—Whether compensation is reasonable in amount.

(27) Section 163.—Interest.—The income tax consequences of transactions involving “shared appreciation mortgage” (SAM) loans in which a taxpayer, borrowing money to purchase real property, pays a fixed rate of interest on the mortgage loan below the prevailing market rate and will also pay the lender a percentage of the appreciation in value of the real property upon termination of the mortgage. This applies to all SAM arrangements in which the loan proceeds are used for commercial or business activities, or to finance a personal residence, if the facts are not similar to those described in Rev. Rul. 83–51, 1983–1 C.B. 48. (Also §§ 61, 451, 461, 856, 1001, and 7701.)

(28) Section 170.—Charitable, Etc., Contributions and Gifts.—Whether a charitable contribution deduction under § 170 is allowed for a transfer of an interest in a limited partnership or a limited liability company taxed as a partnership to an organization described in § 170(c).

(29) Section 170.—Charitable, Etc., Contributions and Gifts.—Whether a taxpayer who advances funds to a charitable organization and receives therefor a promissory note may deduct as contributions, in one taxable year or in each of several years, amounts forgiven by the taxpayer in each of several years by endorsement on the note.

(30) Section 181.—Treatment of Certain Qualified Film and Television Productions.—The determination under § 1.181–1(a)(1) and (2) as to who is the owner of a qualified film or television production.

(31) Section 199.—Income Attributable to Domestic Production Activities.—The determination under § 1.199–3(f)(1) as to who is the taxpayer that has the benefits and burdens of ownership under Federal income tax principles of any qualifying production property (as defined in § 1.199–3(j)(1)), qualified film (as defined in § 1.199–3(k)), or utilities (as defined in § 1.199–3(l)) during the period in which a qualifying activity under § 199 occurs.

(32) Section 213.—Medical, Dental, Etc., Expenses.—Whether a capital expenditure for an item that is ordinarily used for personal, living, or family purposes, such as a swimming pool, has as its primary purpose the medical care of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse or dependent, or is related directly to such medical care.

(33) Section 216.—Deduction of Taxes, Interest, and Business Depreciation by Cooperative Housing Corporation Tenant-Stockholder.—Whether a unit constitutes an “apartment in a building” under § 216(b)(1)(B).

(34) Section 264.—Certain Amounts Paid in Connection with Insurance Contracts.—Whether § 264(d)(1) applies.

(35) Section 264(c)(1).—Contracts Treated as Single Premium Contracts.—Whether “substantially all” the premiums of a contract of insurance are paid within a period of 4 years from the date on which the contract is purchased. Also, whether an amount deposited is in payment of a “substantial number” of future premiums on such a contract.

(36) Sections 267, 304, 331, 332, 351, and 1502.—Losses, Expenses, and Interest with Respect to Transactions Between Related Taxpayers; Redemption Through Use of Related Corporations; Gain or Loss to Shareholders in Corporate Liquidations; Complete Liquidations of Subsidiaries; Transfer to Corporation Controlled by Transferor; Regulations.—The treatment of transactions in which stock of a corporation is transferred with a plan or intention that the corporation be liquidated in a transaction intended to qualify under § 331.

(37) Section 269.—Acquisitions Made to Evade or Avoid Income Tax.—Whether an acquisition is within the meaning of § 269.

(38) Section 274.—Disallowance of Certain Entertainment, Etc., Expenses.—Whether a taxpayer who is traveling away from home on business may, in lieu of substantiating the actual cost of meals, deduct a fixed per-day amount for meal expenses that differs from the amount authorized by the revenue procedure providing optional rules for substantiating the amount of travel expenses for the period in which the expense was paid or incurred.

(39) Section 302.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock.—Whether § 302(b) applies when the consideration given in redemption by a corporation consists entirely or partly of its notes payable, and the shareholder’s stock is held in escrow or as security for payment of the notes with the possibility that the stock may or will be returned to the shareholder in the future, upon the happening of specific defaults by the corporation.

(40) Section 302.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock.—Whether § 302(b) applies when the consideration given in redemption by a corporation in exchange for a shareholder’s stock consists entirely or partly of the corporation’s promise to pay an amount based on, or contingent on, future earnings of the corporation, when the promise to pay is contingent on working capital being maintained at a certain level, or any other similar contingency.

(41) Section 302.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock.—Whether § 302(b) applies to a redemption of stock, if, after the redemption, the distributing corporation uses property that is owned by the shareholder from whom the stock is redeemed and the payments by the corporation for the use of the property are dependent upon the corporation’s future earnings or are subordinate to the claims of the corporation’s general creditors. Payments for the use of property will not be considered to be dependent upon future earnings merely because they are based on a fixed percentage of receipts or sales.

(42) Section 302.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock.—Whether the acquisition or disposition of stock described in § 302(c)(2)(B) has, or does not have, as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of Federal income taxes within the meaning of that section, unless the facts and circumstances are materially identical to those set forth in Rev. Rul. 85–19, 1985–1 C.B. 94; Rev. Rul. 79–67, 1979–1 C.B. 128; Rev. Rul. 77–293, 1977–2 C.B. 91; Rev. Rul. 57–387, 1957–2 C.B. 225; Rev. Rul. 56–584, 1956–2 C.B. 179; or Rev. Rul. 56–556, 1956–2 C.B. 177.

(43) Section 302(b)(4) and (e).—Redemption from Noncorporate Shareholder in Partial Liquidation; Partial Liquidation Defined.—The amount of working capital attributable to a business or portion of a business terminated that may be distributed in partial liquidation.

(44) Section 304.—See section 3.01(36), above.

(45) Section 312.—Effect on Earnings and Profits.—The determination of the amount of earnings and profits of a corporation.

(46) Sections 331, 453, and 1239.—Gain or Loss to Shareholders in Corporate Liquidations; Installment Method; Gain from Sale of Depreciable Property Between Certain Related Taxpayers.—The tax effects of a transaction in which there is a transfer of property by a corporation to a partnership or other noncorporate entity (or the transfer of stock to such entity followed by a liquidation of the corporation) when more than a nominal amount of the stock of such corporation and the capital or beneficial interests in the purchasing entity (that is, more than 20 percent in value) is owned by the same persons, and the consideration to be received by the selling corporation or the selling shareholders includes an installment obligation of the purchasing entity.

(47) Section 331.—See section 3.01(36), above.

(48) Sections 332, 351, 355, 368, and 1036.—Complete Liquidations of Subsidiaries; Transfer to Corporation Controlled by Transferor; Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation; Definitions Relating to Corporate Reorganizations; Stock for Stock of Same Corporation.—Whether a transaction qualifies under § 332, 351, 355, or 1036 for nonrecognition treatment or whether it constitutes a corporate reorganization within the meaning of § 368, and whether various tax consequences (such as nonrecognition and basis) result from the application of that section. The Service will instead rule only on significant issues presented in a transaction described in § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036. Additionally, the Service will rule on one or more significant issues under the Code sections that address the tax consequences (such as nonrecognition and basis) that result from the qualification of a transaction under § 332, 351, 355, 368, or 1036. See section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUE: A significant issue is an issue of law the resolution of which is not essentially free from doubt and that is germane to determining the tax consequences of the transaction. A change of circumstances arising after a transaction ordinarily does not present a significant issue with respect to the transaction.

OBTAINING A LETTER RULING: To obtain a letter ruling on a significant issue presented in a transaction, the taxpayer in its letter ruling request must comply with all the requirements set forth in section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, as well as Rev. Proc. 2015–1, in general.

(49) Section 332.—See section 3.01(36) and (48), above.

(50) Section 351.—See section 3.01(36) and (48), above.

(51) Section 355.—Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation.—Whether the distribution of the stock of a controlled corporation is being carried out for one or more corporate business purposes, whether the transaction is used principally as a device, and whether the distribution and an acquisition are part of a plan under § 355(e). See Rev. Proc. 2003–48, 2003–2 C.B. 86. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Service may issue a ruling regarding the effect of redemptions under § 355(e) pending the issuance of temporary or final regulations regarding redemptions under § 355(e) if an adverse ruling on such question would result in there being a direct or indirect acquisition by one or more persons of stock representing a 50-percent or greater interest in the distributing corporation or the controlled corporation that is part of a plan under § 355(e).

(52) Section 355.—See section 3.01(48), above.

(53) Section 358.—Basis to Distributees.—The acceptability of an estimation procedure or the acceptability of a specific sampling procedure to determine the basis of stock acquired by an acquiring corporation in a reorganization described in § 368(a)(1)(B).

(54) Section 368.—See section 3.01(48), above.

(55) Section 403(b).—Taxability of Beneficiary Under Annuity Purchased by Section 501(c)(3) Organization or Public School.—Whether the form of a plan satisfies the requirements of § 403(b) as noted in Announcement 2009–89, 2009–52 I.R.B. 1009.

(56) Section 409A.—Inclusion in Gross Income of Deferred Compensation Under Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans.—The income tax consequences of establishing, operating, or participating in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan within the meaning of § 1.409A–1(a); whether a plan is described in § 1.409A–1(a)(3)(iv) or (v); whether a plan is a bona fide vacation leave, sick leave, or compensatory time plan described in § 1.409A–1(a)(5); and whether a plan provides for the deferral of compensation under § 1.409A–1(b).

(57) Section 411(d)(3).—Termination or Partial Termination; Discontinuance of Contributions.—Whether there has been a partial termination of an employee plan. The Service may issue a determination letter involving the partial termination of an employee plan. See Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin.

(58) Section 414(d).—Governmental Plan.—Whether a plan is a governmental plan under § 414(d).

(59) Section 424.—Definitions and Special Rules.—Whether the substitution of a new Incentive Stock Option (ISO) for an old ISO, or the assumption of an old ISO, by an employer by reason of a corporate transaction constitutes a modification which results in the issuance of a new option by reason of failing to satisfy the spread test requirement of § 424(a)(1) or the ratio test requirement of § 1.425–1(a)(4). The Service will continue to rule on the issue of whether the new ISO or the assumption of the old ISO gives the employee additional benefits not present under the old option within the meaning of § 424(a)(2).

(60) Section 451.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion.—The tax consequences of a nonqualified unfunded deferred-compensation arrangement with respect to a controlling shareholder-employee eligible to participate in the arrangement.

(61) Section 451.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion.—The tax consequences of nonqualified unfunded deferred-compensation arrangements in which the arrangements fail to meet the requirements of Rev. Proc. 92–65, 1992–2 C.B. 428, and Rev. Proc. 71–19, 1971–1 C.B. 698.

(62) Sections 451 and 457.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion; Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans of State and Local Governments and Tax-Exempt Organizations.—The tax consequences to unidentified independent contractors in nonqualified unfunded deferred compensation plans. This applies to plans established under § 451 by employers in the private sector and to plans of state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations under § 457. However, a ruling with respect to a specific independent contractor’s participation in such a plan may be issued.

(63) Section 451.—See section 3.01(9), above.

(64) Section 453.—See section 3.01(46), above.

(65) Section 457.—See section 3.01(62), above.

(66) Section 457A.—Nonqualified Deferred Compensation from Certain Tax Indifferent Parties.—The income tax consequences of establishing, operating, or participating in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan within the meaning of § 457A(d)(3).

(67) Sections 501, 511, 512, 513, and 514.—Exemption from Tax on Corporations, Certain Trusts, Etc.; Imposition of Tax on Unrelated Business Income of Charitable, Etc., Organizations; Unrelated Business Taxable Income; Unrelated Trade or Business; Unrelated Debt-Financed Income.—Whether a joint venture between a tax-exempt organization and a for-profit organization affects an organization’s exempt status or results in unrelated business income.

(68) Sections 507, 664, 4941, and 4945.—Termination of Private Foundation Status; Charitable Remainder Trusts; Taxes on Self-Dealing; Taxes on Taxable Expenditures.—Issues pertaining to the tax consequences of the termination of a charitable remainder trust (as defined in § 664) before the end of the trust term as defined in the trust’s governing instrument in a transaction in which the trust beneficiaries receive their actuarial shares of the value of the trust assets.

(69) Sections 511, 512, 513, and 514.—Imposition of Tax on Unrelated Business Income of Charitable, Etc., Organizations; Unrelated Business Taxable Income; Unrelated Trade or Business; Unrelated Debt-Financed Income.—Whether unrelated business income tax issues arise when charitable lead trust assets are invested with charitable organizations.

(70) Sections 511, 512, 513, and 514.—See section 3.01(67), above.

(71) Section 529.—Qualified Tuition Programs.—Whether a state-run tuition program qualifies under § 529.

(72) Sections 542, 543, and 544.—Definition of Personal Holding Company; Personal Holding Company Income; Rules for Determining Stock Ownership.—Whether the application of § 544(a) causes a corporation to meet the stock ownership requirements under § 542(a)(2), § 543(a)(7), § 543(a)(6), or § 543(a)(4).

(73) Section 641.—Imposition of Tax.—Whether the period of administration or settlement of an estate or a trust (other than a trust described in § 664) is reasonable or unduly prolonged.

(74) Section 642(c).—Deduction for Amounts Paid or Permanently Set Aside for a Charitable Purpose.—Allowance of an unlimited deduction for amounts set aside by a trust or estate for charitable purposes when there is a possibility that the corpus of the trust or estate may be invaded.

(75) Section 664.—Charitable Remainder Trusts.—Whether the settlement of a charitable remainder trust upon the termination of the noncharitable interest is made within a reasonable period of time.

(76) Section 664.—See section 3.01(68), above.

(77) Section 671.—Trust Income, Deductions, and Credits Attributable to Grantors and Others as Substantial Owners.—Whether the grantor will be considered the owner of any portion of a trust when (i) substantially all of the trust corpus consists or will consist of insurance policies on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (ii) the trustee or any other person has a power to apply the trust’s income or corpus to the payment of premiums on policies of insurance on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (iii) the trustee or any other person has a power to use the trust’s assets to make loans to the grantor’s estate or to purchase assets from the grantor’s estate, and (iv) there is a right or power in any person that would cause the grantor to be treated as the owner of all or a portion of the trust under §§ 673 to 677.

(78) Section 704(b).—Determination of Distributive Share.—Whether the allocation to a partner under the partnership agreement of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit (or an item thereof) has substantial economic effect or is in accordance with the partner’s interest in the partnership.

(79) Section 704(e).—Family Partnerships.—Matters relating to the validity of a family partnership when capital is not a material income producing factor.

(80) Section 761.—See section 3.01(14), above.

(81) Section 856.—Definition of Real Estate Investment Trust.—Whether a corporation whose stock is “paired” with or “stapled” to stock of another corporation will qualify as a real estate investment trust under § 856, if the activities of the corporations are integrated.

(82) Section 1001.—Determination of Amount of and Recognition of Gain or Loss.—Whether the termination of a charitable remainder trust before the end of the trust term as defined in the trust’s governing instrument, in a transaction in which the trust beneficiaries receive their actuarial shares of the value of the trust assets, is treated as a sale or other disposition by the beneficiaries of their interests in the trust.

(83) Section 1001.—See section 3.01(9), above.

(84) Section 1033.—Involuntary Conversions.—Whether the replacement or proposed replacement of compulsorily or involuntarily converted property does or does not qualify under § 1033(a), if the taxpayer has already filed a Federal tax return for the taxable year in which the property was converted. The Service may issue a determination letter in this case. See section 12.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

(85) Section 1036.—See section 3.01(48), above.

(86) Section 1221.—Capital Asset Defined.—Whether specialty stock allocated to an investment account by a registered specialist on a national securities exchange is a capital asset.

(87) Section 1221.—Capital Asset Defined.—Whether the termination of a charitable remainder trust before the end of the trust term as defined in the trust’s governing instrument, in a transaction in which the trust beneficiaries receive their actuarial shares of the value of the trust assets, is treated as a sale or exchange of a capital asset by the beneficiaries.

(88) Section 1239.—See section 3.01(46), above.

(89) Section 1502.—Regulations.—If a member of an affiliated group fails to file Form 1122 or fails to join in the making of a consolidated return due to a mistake of law or fact, or inadvertence, whether such member will be treated as if it had filed a Form 1122. The Service may issue a determination letter in this case. See section 12.01 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin. But see also section 6.07 of this revenue procedure.

(90) Section 1502.—See section 3.01(36), above.

(91) Section 1551.—Disallowance of the Benefits of the Graduated Corporate Rates and Accumulated Earnings Credit.—Whether a transfer is within § 1551.

(92) Section 2031.—Definition of Gross Estate.—Actuarial factors for valuing interests in the prospective gross estate of a living person.

(93) Section 2055.—Transfers for Public, Charitable, and Religious Uses.—Whether a charitable contribution deduction under § 2055 is allowed for the transfer of an interest in a limited partnership or a limited liability company taxed as a partnership to an organization described in § 2055(a).

(94) Section 2512.—Valuation of Gifts.—Actuarial factors for valuing prospective or hypothetical gifts of a donor.

(95) Section 2522.—Charitable and Similar Gifts.—Whether a charitable contribution deduction under § 2522 is allowable for a transfer of an interest in a limited partnership or a limited liability company taxed as a partnership to an organization described in § 2522(a).

(96) Section 2601.—Tax Imposed.—Whether a trust exempt from generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax under § 26.2601–1(b)(1), (2), or (3) of the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Regulations will retain its GST exempt status when there is a modification of a trust, change in the administration of a trust, or a distribution from a trust in a factual scenario that is similar to a factual scenario set forth in one or more of the examples contained in § 26.2601–1(b)(4)(i)(E).

(97) Sections 3121, 3306, and 3401.—Definitions.—For purposes of determining prospective employment status, whether an individual will be an employee or an independent contractor. A ruling with regard to prior employment status may be issued.

(98) Sections 3121, 3306, and 3401.—Definitions.—Who is the employer of an “employee-owner” as defined in § 269A(b)(2).

(99) Sections 3121, 3306, and 3401.—Definitions.—For purposes of determining employment classification pursuant to the filing of Form SS–8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding, whether a worker is a bona fide partner and, therefore, not an employee of the business.

(100) Section 4191.—Medical Devices.—Whether a device (as defined in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) intended for humans is not a “taxable medical device” within the meaning of § 4191(b)(1) due to the application of the exemption provided in § 4191(b)(2) for eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and any other medical device determined by the Secretary to be of a type which is generally purchased by the general public at retail for individual use.

(101) Sections 4375, 4376, and 4377.—Health Insurance; Self-Insured Health Plans; Definitions and Special Rules.—Whether an arrangement is a specified health insurance policy or an applicable self-insured health plan that is subject to the fee applicable to such arrangements.

(102) Section 4941.—Taxes on Self-Dealing.—Whether transactions during the administration of an estate or trust meet the requirements of the exception to § 4941 set forth in § 53.4941(d)–1(b)(3) of the Private Foundation Excise Tax Regulations, in cases in which a disqualified person issues a promissory note in exchange for property of an estate or trust.

(103) Section 4941.—See section 3.01(68), above.

(104) Section 4945.—See section 3.01(68), above.

(105) Section 4958.—Taxes on Excess Benefit Transactions.—Whether a compensation or property transaction satisfies the rebuttable presumption that the transaction is not an excess benefit transaction as described in § 53.4958–6 of the Excess Benefit Transactions Excise Tax Regulations.

(106) Section 4975(d).—Exemptions.—Whether the renewal, extension, or refinancing of an exempt loan satisfies the requirements of § 4975(d)(3). Also, whether the pre-payment of employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) loans satisfies the requirements of § 4975(d)(3) other than with respect to plan termination.

(107) Section 4980B.—Failure to Satisfy Continuation Coverage Requirements of Group Health Plans.—Whether an action is “gross misconduct” within the meaning of § 4980B(f)(3)(B). (See section 3.05 of Rev. Proc. 87–28, 1987–1 C.B. 770, 771.)

(108) Section 4980H.—Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage.—Whether an employer is required to make an assessable payment under § 4980(H)(a) or (b).

(109) Section 6166.—Extension of Time for Payment of Estate Tax Where Estate Consists Largely of Interest in Closely Held Business.—Requests involving § 6166 if there is no decedent.

(110) Section 6901.—Transferred Assets.—Whether a taxpayer is liable for tax as a transferee.

(111) Section 7701.—Definitions.—The classification of an instrument that has certain voting and liquidation rights in an issuing corporation but whose dividend rights are determined by reference to the earnings of a segregated portion of the issuing corporation’s assets, including assets held by a subsidiary.

(112) Section 7701.—Definitions.—The classification for Federal tax purposes of a fideicomiso or other land trust created under local law, applying the principles of Rev. Rul. 2013–14, 2013–26 I.R.B. 1267, or Rev. Rul. 92–105, 1992–2 C.B. 204.

(113) Section 7701.—See section 3.01(14), above.

(114) Section 7704.—Certain Publicly Traded Partnerships Treated as Corporations.—Whether interests in a partnership that are not traded on an established securities market (within the meaning of § 7704(b) and § 1.7704–1(b) of the Procedure and Administration Regulations) are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof under § 1.7704–1(c)(1).

(115) Section 9815.—Additional Market Reforms.—Whether an insured group health plan satisfies the requirements of § 2716 of the Public Health Service Act, Prohibition on Discrimination in Favor of Highly Compensated Individuals, as incorporated into the Code by § 9815.

.02 General Areas.

(1) Whether the economic substance doctrine is relevant to any transaction or whether any transaction complies with the requirements of § 7701(o).

(2) The results of transactions that lack a bona fide business purpose or have as their principal purpose the reduction of Federal taxes.

(3) A matter upon which a court decision adverse to the Government has been handed down and the question of following the decision or litigating further has not yet been resolved.

(4) A matter involving alternate plans of proposed transactions or involving hypothetical situations.

(5) Whether under Subtitle F (Procedure and Administration) reasonable cause, due diligence, good faith, clear and convincing evidence, or other similar terms that require a factual determination exist.

(6) A matter involving the regulations governing practice before the Service under 31 CFR Part 10 (reprinted as Treasury Department Circular No. 230).

(7) Whether a proposed transaction would subject the taxpayer to a criminal penalty.

(8) Whether a completed transaction can be rescinded for Federal income tax purposes.

(9) The income tax (including unrelated business income tax) or excise tax consequences of the contribution of stock options to, or their subsequent exercise from, plans described in Part 1 of Subchapter D of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Code.

(10) Questions that the Service determines, in its discretion, should not be answered in the general interests of sound tax administration, including due to resource constraints.

(11) Any frivolous issue, as that term is defined in section 6.10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

(12) A request that does not comply with the provisions of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

SECTION 4. AREAS IN WHICH RULINGS OR DETERMINATION LETTERS WILL NOT ORDINARILY BE ISSUED

 

.01 Specific Questions and Problems.

(1) Sections 38, 39, 46, and 48.—General Business Credit; Carryback and Carryforward of Unused Credits; Amount of Credit; Energy Credit.—Application of these sections if the formal ownership of property is in a party other than the taxpayer, except when title is held merely as security.

(2) Section 61.—Gross Income Defined.—Determination as to who is the true owner of property in cases involving the sale of securities, or participation interests therein, if the purchaser has the contractual right to cause the securities, or participation interests therein, to be purchased by either the seller or a third party.

(3) Sections 61 and 163.—Gross Income Defined; Interest.—Determinations as to who is the true owner of property or the true borrower of money in cases in which the formal ownership of the property, or the liability for the indebtedness, is in another party.

(4) Sections 83 and 451.—Property Transferred in Connection with Performance of Services; General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion.—When compensation is realized by a person who, in connection with the performance of services, is granted a nonstatutory option without a readily ascertainable fair market value to purchase stock at a price that is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is granted.

(5) Section 103.—Interest on State and Local Bonds.—Whether the interest on state or local bonds will be excludible from gross income under § 103(a), if the proceeds of issues of bonds (other than advance refunding issues) are placed in escrow or otherwise not expended for a governmental purpose for an extended period of time even though the proceeds are invested at a yield that will not exceed the yield on the state or local bonds prior to their expenditure.

(6) Section 103.—Interest on State and Local Bonds.—Whether a state or local governmental obligation that does not meet the criteria of section 5 of Rev. Proc. 89–5, 1989–1 C.B. 774, is an “arbitrage bond” within the meaning of former § 103(c)(2) solely by reason of the investment of the bond proceeds in acquired nonpurpose obligations at a materially higher yield more than 3 years after issuance of the bonds or 5 years after issuance of the bonds in the case of construction issues described in former § 1.103–13(a)(2)(ii)(E) or § 1.148–2(e)(2)(ii).

(7) Section 141.—Private Activity Bond; Qualified Bond.—Whether state or local bonds will meet the “private business use test” and the “private security or payment test” under §141(b)(1) and (2) in situations in which the proceeds are used to finance certain output facilities and, pursuant to a contract to take, or take or pay for, a nongovernmental person purchases 30 percent or more of the actual output of the facility but 10 percent or less of the: (i) subparagraph (5) output of the facility as defined in § 1.103–7(b)(5)(ii)(b) (issued under former § 103(b)), or (ii) available output of the facility as defined in § 1.141–7(b)(1). In similar situations, the Service will not ordinarily issue rulings or determination letters concerning questions arising under paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of § 141(b).

(8) Sections 142 and 144(a).—Exempt Facility Bond; Qualified Small Issue Bond.—Whether an issue of private activity bonds meets the requirements of § 142 or § 144(a), if the sum of—

(i) the portion of the proceeds used to finance a facility in which an owner (or related person) or a lessee (or a related person) is a user of the facility both after the bonds are issued and at any time before the bonds were issued, and

(ii) the portion used to pay issuance costs and nonqualified costs equals more than 5 percent of the net proceeds, as defined in § 150(a)(3).

(9) Section 148.—Arbitrage.—Whether amounts received as proceeds from the sale of municipal bond financed property and pledged to the payment of debt service or pledged as collateral for the municipal bond issue are sinking fund proceeds within the meaning of former § 1.103–13(g) (issued under former § 103(c)) or replaced proceeds described in § 148(a)(2) (or former § 103(c)(2)(B)).

(10) Sections 162 and 262.—Trade or Business Expenses; Personal, Living, and Family Expenses.—Whether expenses are nondeductible commuting expenses, except for situations governed by Rev. Rul. 99–7, 1999–1 C.B. 361.

(11) Section 163.—See section 4.01(3), above.

(12) Section 165.—Losses.—Whether stock in a corporation has been abandoned.

(13) Section 167.—Depreciation.

(i) Useful lives of assets.

(ii) Depreciation rates.

(iii) Salvage value of assets.

(14) Sections 167 and 168.—Depreciation; Accelerated Cost Recovery System.—Application of those sections in which the formal ownership of property is in a party other than the taxpayer except when title is held merely as security.

(15) Section 170.—Charitable, Etc., Contributions and Gifts.—Whether a transfer to a pooled income fund described in § 642(c)(5) qualifies for a charitable contribution deduction under § 170(f)(2)(A).

(16) Section 170.—Charitable, Etc., Contributions and Gifts.—Whether a transfer to a charitable remainder trust described in § 664 that provides for annuity or unitrust payments for one or two measuring lives qualifies for a charitable deduction under § 170(f)(2)(A).

(17) Section 170.—Charitable, Etc., Contributions and Gifts.—Whether a taxpayer who transfers property to a charitable organization and thereafter leases back all or a portion of the transferred property may deduct the fair market value of the property transferred and leased back as a charitable contribution.

(18) Section 216.—Deduction of Taxes, Interest, and Business Depreciation by Cooperative Housing Corporation Tenant-Stockholder.—If a cooperative housing corporation (CHC), as defined in § 216(b)(1), transfers an interest in real property to a corporation (not a CHC) in exchange for stock or securities of the transferee corporation, which engages in commercial activity with respect to the real property interest transferred, whether (i) the income of the transferee corporation derived from the commercial activity, and (ii) any cash or property (attributable to the real property interest transferred) distributed by the transferee corporation to the CHC will be considered as gross income of the CHC for the purpose of determining whether 80 percent or more of the gross income of the CHC is derived from tenant-stockholders within the meaning of § 216(b)(1)(D).

(19) Section 262.—See section 4.01(10), above.

(20) Section 265(a)(2).—Interest.—Whether indebtedness is incurred or continued to purchase or carry obligations the interest on which is wholly exempt from the taxes imposed by Subtitle A.

(21) Section 302.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock.—The tax effect of the redemption of stock for notes, when the payments on the notes are to be made over a period in excess of 15 years from the date of issuance of such notes.

(22) Section 302(b)(4) and (e).—Redemption from Noncorporate Shareholder in Partial Liquidation; Partial Liquidation Defined.—Whether a distribution will qualify as a distribution in partial liquidation under § 302(b)(4) and (e)(1)(A), unless it results in a 20 percent or greater reduction in (i) gross revenue, (ii) net fair market value of assets, and (iii) employees. (Partial liquidations that qualify as § 302(e)(2) business terminations are not subject to this provision.)

(23) Section 306.—Dispositions of Certain Stock.—Whether the distribution, disposition, or redemption of “section 306 stock” in a closely held corporation is in pursuance of a plan having as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of Federal income taxes within the meaning of § 306(b)(4).

(24) Sections 331 and 346(a).—Gain or Loss to Shareholders in Corporate Liquidations; Complete Liquidation.—The tax effect of the liquidation of a corporation by a series of distributions, when the distributions in liquidation are to be made over a period in excess of 3 years from the adoption of the plan of liquidation.

(25) Section 351.—Transfer to Corporation Controlled by Transferor.—Whether § 351 applies to the transfer of an interest in real property by a cooperative housing corporation (as described in § 216(b)(1)) to a corporation in exchange for stock or securities of the transferee corporation, if the transferee engages in commercial activity with respect to the real property interest transferred.

(26) Section 355.—Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation.—Whether the active business requirement of § 355(b) is met when, within the 5-year period described in § 355(b)(2)(B), a distributing corporation acquired control of a controlled corporation as a result of the distributing corporation transferring cash or other liquid or inactive assets to the controlled corporation in a transaction in which gain or loss was not recognized as a result of the transfer meeting the requirements of § 351(a) or § 368(a)(1)(D).

(27) Section 355.—Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation.—Any issue under § 355(e) other than whether a distribution and an acquisition are part of a plan (i.e., any non-plan issue). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Service generally will rule on a non-plan issue or issues (e.g., whether a corporation constitutes a predecessor of distributing) if an adverse ruling on such non-plan issue or issues would result in there being a direct or indirect acquisition by one or more persons of stock representing a 50-percent or greater interest in the distributing corporation or the controlled corporation that is part of a plan under § 355(e).

(28) Section 441(i).—Taxable Year of Personal Service Corporations.—Whether the principal activity of the taxpayer during the testing period for the taxable year is the performance of personal services within the meaning of § 1.441–3(c)(1)(iii).

(29) Section 448(d)(2)(A).—Limitation on Use of Cash Method of Accounting; Qualified Personal Service Corporation.—Whether 95 percent or more of the time spent by employees of the corporation, serving in their capacity as such, is devoted to the performance of services within the meaning of § 1.448–1T(e)(4)(i).

(30) Section 451.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion.—The tax consequences of a nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement using a grantor trust if the trust fails to meet the requirements of Rev. Proc. 92–64, 1992–2 C.B. 422.

(31) Section 451.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Inclusion.—The income tax consequences as a result of being a beneficiary of a trust that an Indian tribe (as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 2703(5)) establishes to receive and invest per capita payments for its members under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 2701 through 2721).

(32) Section 451.—See section 4.01(4), above.

(33) Section 584.—Common Trust Funds.—Whether a common trust fund plan meets the requirements of § 584. (For § 584 plan drafting guidance, see Rev. Proc. 92–51, 1992–1 C.B. 988.)

(34) Section 642.—Special Rules for Credits and Deductions.—Whether a pooled income fund satisfies the requirements described in § 642(c)(5).

(35) Section 664.—Charitable Remainder Trusts.—Whether a charitable remainder trust that provides for annuity or unitrust payments for one or two measuring lives or for annuity or unitrust payments for a term of years satisfies the requirements described in § 664.

(36) Section 664.—Charitable Remainder Trusts.—Whether a trust that will

calculate the unitrust amount under § 664(d)(3) qualifies as a § 664 charitable remainder trust when a grantor, a trustee, a beneficiary, or a person related or subordinate to a grantor, a trustee, or a beneficiary can control the timing of the trust’s receipt of trust income from a partnership or a deferred annuity contract to take advantage of the difference between trust income under § 643(b) and income for Federal income tax purposes for the benefit of the unitrust recipient.

(37) Sections 671 to 679.—Grantors and Others Treated as Substantial Owners.—In a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation arrangement described in Rev. Proc. 92–64, 1992–2 C.B. 422, the tax consequences of the use of a trust, other than the model trust described in that revenue procedure.

(38) Sections 671 to 679.—Grantors and Others Treated as Substantial Owners.—Whether an Indian tribe (as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 2703(5)) that establishes a trust to receive and invest per capita payments for its members under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 2701–2721) is the grantor and owner of the trust.

(39) Section 678.—Person Other than Grantor Treated as Substantial Owner.— Whether a person will be treated as the owner of any portion of a trust over which that person has a power to withdraw the trust property (or had such power prior to a release or modification, but retains other powers which would cause that person to be the owner of the trust under § 671 if the person were the grantor), other than a power which would constitute a general power of appointment within the meaning of § 2041, if the trust purchases the property from that person with a note and the value of the assets with which the trust was funded by the grantor is nominal compared to the value of the property purchased.

(40) Section 856.—Definition of Real Estate Investment Trust.—Whether an outdoor advertising display constitutes real property for purposes of § 856. However, if the real estate investment trust has made an election under §1.1033(g)–1(b), the Service may rule on whether an asset that is not within the scope of the election, but is related to the outdoor advertising display, constitutes real property for purposes of § 856.

(41) Section 1031(f).—Special Rules for Exchanges Between Related Persons.—Except in the case of (i) a transaction involving an exchange of undivided interests in different properties that results in each taxpayer holding either the entire interest in a single property or a larger undivided interest in any of the properties or (ii) a disposition of property in a nonrecognition transaction, whether an exchange described in § 1031(f) involving related parties, or a subsequent disposition of property involved in the exchange, has as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of Federal income tax, or is part of a transaction (or series of transactions) structured to avoid the purposes of § 1031(f).

(42) Section 1362.—Election; Revocation; Termination.—All situations in which the Service has provided an automatic approval procedure or administrative procedure for an S corporation to obtain relief for late S corporation, qualified subchapter S subsidiary, qualified subchapter S trust, or electing small business trust elections. See Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173. (For instructions on how to seek this relief, see the preceding revenue procedure.)

(43) Section 1502.—Regulations.—Whether a parent cooperative housing corporation (as defined in § 216(b)(1)) will be permitted to file a consolidated income tax return with its transferee subsidiary, if the transferee engages in commercial activity with respect to the real property interest transferred to it by the parent.

(44) Sections 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, and 2042.—Adjustments for Certain Gifts Made Within Three Years of Decedent’s Death; Transfers with Retained Life Estate; Transfers Taking Effect at Death; Revocable Transfers; Proceeds of Life Insurance.—Whether trust assets are includible in a trust beneficiary’s gross estate under § 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, or 2042 if the beneficiary sells property (including insurance policies) to the trust or dies within 3 years of selling such property to the trust, and (i) the beneficiary has a power to withdraw the trust property (or had such power prior to a release or modification, but retains other powers which would cause that person to be the owner if the person were the grantor), other than a power which would constitute a general power of appointment within the meaning of § 2041, (ii) the trust purchases the property with a note, and (iii) the value of the assets with which the trust was funded by the grantor is nominal compared to the value of the property purchased.

(45) Section 2055.—Transfers for Public, Charitable, and Religious Uses.—Whether a transfer to a pooled income fund described in § 642(c)(5) qualifies for a charitable deduction under § 2055(e)(2)(A).

(46) Section 2055.—Transfers for Public, Charitable, and Religious Uses.—Whether a transfer to a charitable remainder trust described in § 664 that provides for annuity or unitrust payments for one or two measuring lives or a term of years qualifies for a charitable deduction under § 2055(e)(2)(A).

(47) Section 2501.—Imposition of Tax.—Whether the sale of property (including insurance policies) to a trust by a trust beneficiary will be treated as a gift for purposes of § 2501 if (i) the beneficiary has a power to withdraw the trust property (or had such power prior to a release or modification, but retains other powers which would cause that person to be the owner if the person were the grantor), other than a power which would constitute a general power of appointment within the meaning of § 2041, (ii) the trust purchases the property with a note, and (iii) the value of the assets with which the trust was funded by the grantor is nominal compared to the value of the property purchased.

(48) Section 2503.—Taxable Gifts.—Whether the transfer of property to a trust will be a gift of a present interest in property when (i) the trust corpus consists or will consist substantially of insurance policies on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (ii) the trustee or any other person has a power to apply the trust’s income or corpus to the payment of premiums on policies of insurance on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (iii) the trustee or any other person has a power to use the trust’s assets to make loans to the grantor’s estate or to purchase assets from the grantor’s estate, (iv) the trust beneficiaries have the power to withdraw, on demand, any additional transfers made to the trust, and (v) there is a right or power in any person that would cause the grantor to be treated as the owner of all or a portion of the trust under §§ 673 to 677.

(49) Section 2514.—Powers of Appointment.—If the beneficiaries of a trust permit a power of withdrawal to lapse, whether § 2514(e) will be applicable to each beneficiary in regard to the power when (i) the trust corpus consists or will consist substantially of insurance policies on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (ii) the trustee or any other person has a power to apply the trust’s income or corpus to the payment of premiums on policies of insurance on the life of the grantor or the grantor’s spouse, (iii) the trustee or any other person has a power to use the trust’s assets to make loans to the grantor’s estate or to purchase assets from the grantor’s estate, (iv) the trust beneficiaries have the power to withdraw, on demand, any additional transfers made to the trust, and (v) there is a right or power in any person that would cause the grantor to be treated as the owner of all or a portion of the trust under §§ 673 to 677.

(50) Section 2522.—Charitable and Similar Gifts.—Whether a transfer to a pooled income fund described in § 642(c)(5) qualifies for a charitable deduction under § 2522(c)(2)(A).

(51) Section 2522.—Charitable and Similar Gifts.—Whether a transfer to a charitable remainder trust described in § 664 that provides for annuity or unitrust payments for one or two measuring lives or a term of years qualifies for a charitable deduction under § 2522(c)(2)(A).

(52) Section 2601.—Tax Imposed.—Whether a trust that is exempt from the application of the generation-skipping transfer tax because it was irrevocable on September 25, 1985, will lose its exempt status if the situs of the trust is changed from the United States to a situs outside of the United States.

(53) Section 2702.—Special Valuation Rules in Case of Transfers of Interests in Trusts.—Whether annuity interests are qualified annuity interests under § 2702 if the amount of the annuity payable annually is more than 50 percent of the initial net fair market value of the property transferred to the trust, or if the value of the remainder interest is less than 10 percent of the initial net fair market value of the property transferred to the trust. For purposes of the 10 percent test, the value of the remainder interest is the present value determined under § 7520 of the right to receive the trust corpus at the expiration of the term of the trust. The possibility that the grantor may die prior to the expiration of the specified term is not taken into account, nor is the value of any reversion retained by the grantor or the grantor’s estate.

(54) Section 2702.—Special Valuation Rules in Case of Transfers of Interests in Trusts.—Whether a trust with one term holder satisfies the requirements of § 2702(a)(3)(A) and § 25.2702–5(c) to be a qualified personal residence trust.

(55) Section 2702.—Special Valuation Rules in Case of Transfers of Interests in Trusts.—Whether the sale of property (including insurance policies) to a trust by a trust beneficiary is subject to § 2702 if (i) the beneficiary has a power to withdraw the trust property (or had such power prior to a release or modification, but retains other powers which would cause that person to be the owner if the person were the grantor), other than a power which would constitute a general power of appointment within the meaning of § 2041, (ii) the trust purchases the property with a note, and (iii) the value of the assets with which the trust was funded by the grantor is nominal compared to the value of the property purchased.

(56) Section 3121.—Definitions.—Determinations as to which of two entities, under common law rules applicable in determining the employer-employee relationship, is the employer, when one entity is treating the worker as an employee.

.02 General Areas.

(1) Any matter in which the determination requested is primarily one of fact, e.g., market value of property, or whether an interest in a corporation is to be treated as stock or indebtedness. Although it is generally inappropriate for the Service to issue a letter ruling on whether an interest in a corporation is stock or indebtedness, there may be instances in which the Service may issue a letter ruling. For example, the Service may issue a letter ruling with respect to an instrument issued by a domestic corporation if (i) the taxpayer believes that the facts strongly support the classification of the instrument as stock and (ii) the taxpayer can demonstrate that there are unique and compelling reasons to justify the issuance of a letter ruling. Before preparing the letter ruling request, a taxpayer should call the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel having jurisdiction for the matters on which the taxpayer is seeking a letter ruling to discuss whether the Service will consider issuing a letter ruling for a particular factual situation. To determine which associate office has jurisdiction over a particular issue see section 3 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin. For a list of telephone numbers for the different associate offices, see section 10.07 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

(2) Situations in which the requested ruling deals with only part of an integrated transaction. Generally, a letter ruling will not be issued on only part of an integrated transaction. If, however, a part of a transaction falls under a no-rule area, a letter ruling on other parts of the transaction may be issued. Before preparing the letter ruling request, a taxpayer should call the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel having jurisdiction for the matters on which the taxpayer is seeking a letter ruling to discuss whether a letter ruling will be issued on part of the transaction. To determine which associate office has jurisdiction over a particular issue, see section 3 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin. For a list of telephone numbers for the different associate offices, see section 10.07 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, in connection with transactions described in § 332, 351, 355, or 1036 and reorganizations within the meaning of § 368, the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate) may issue a letter ruling on part of an integrated transaction if and to the extent that the transaction presents a significant issue (within the meaning of section 3.01(48)). See section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

(3) Situations in which two or more items or sub-methods of accounting are interrelated. If two or more items or sub-methods of accounting are interrelated, ordinarily a letter ruling will not be issued on a change in accounting method involving only one of the items or sub-methods.

(4) The tax effect of any transaction to be consummated at some indefinite future time.

(5) Any matter dealing with the question of whether property is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

(6) The tax effect of a transaction if any part of the transaction is involved in litigation among the parties affected by the transaction, except for transactions involving bankruptcy reorganizations.

(7) (a) Situations in which the taxpayer or a related party is domiciled or organized in a foreign jurisdiction with which the United States does not have an effective mechanism for obtaining tax information with respect to civil tax examinations and criminal tax investigations, which would preclude the Service from obtaining information located in such jurisdiction that is relevant to the analysis or examination of the tax issues involved in the ruling request.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) above shall not apply if the taxpayer or affected related party (i) consents to the disclosure of all relevant information requested by the Service in processing the ruling request or in the course of an examination in order to verify the accuracy of the representations made and to otherwise analyze or examine the tax issues involved in the ruling request, and (ii) waives all claims to protection of bank or commercial secrecy laws in the foreign jurisdiction with respect to the information requested by the Service. In the event the taxpayer’s or related party’s consent to disclose relevant information or to waive protection of bank or commercial secrecy is determined by the Service to be ineffective or of no force and effect, then the Service may retroactively rescind any ruling rendered in reliance on such consent.

(8) A matter involving the Federal tax consequences of any proposed Federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign legislation. The Service may provide general information in response to an inquiry. However, the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) may issue letter rulings regarding the effect of proposed state, local, or municipal legislation upon an eligible deferred compensation plan under § 457(b) provided that the letter ruling request relating to the plan complies with the other requirements of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

(9) A letter ruling will not be issued with respect to an issue that is clearly and adequately addressed by statute, regulations, decision of a court, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices, or other authority published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (Comfort Ruling). However, except with respect to issues under §§ 332, 351, 355, 368, and 1036 and the tax consequences resulting from the application of such Code sections (see generally section 6.03 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin), an Associate office may in its discretion issue a Comfort Ruling if the Associate office is otherwise ruling on another issue arising in the same transaction.

(10) Whether an amount received (in periodic payments or as a lump sum) in connection with a legal action or a settlement of a legal action is properly allocated (including an allocation of all payments to one category) to recovery of capital, compensatory damages, punitive damages, dividends, interest, back pay, etc., for Federal tax purposes.

(11) The treatment or effects of hook equity, including as a result of its issuance, ownership, or redemption. This paragraph ordinarily shall not apply if (i) an interest’s status as hook equity is only transitory, such as in a triangular reorganization, or (ii) the treatment of the hook equity is not relevant to the treatment of the overall transaction and issue presented. For this purpose, “hook equity” means an ownership interest in a business entity (such as stock in a corporation) that is held by another business entity in which at least 50 percent of the interests (by vote or value) in such latter entity are held directly or indirectly by the former entity. However, if an entity directly or indirectly owns all of the equity interests in another entity, the equity interests in the latter entity are not hook equity.

(12) Whether a tax-qualified plan satisfies the requirements for qualification under §§ 401 through 420 and § 4975(e)(7). These matters are generally handled through the Employee Plans Determinations program as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin, Rev. Proc. 93–10, 1993–1 C.B. 476, and Rev. Proc. 93–12, 1993–1 C.B. 479. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) may issue a ruling where (i) the taxpayer has demonstrated to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel’s (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) satisfaction that the qualification issue involved is unique and requires immediate guidance, (ii) as a practical matter, it is not likely that such issue will be addressed through the determination letter process, and (iii) the Office determines that it is in the interest of good tax administration to provide guidance to the taxpayer with respect to such qualification issue.

(13) Any issue that is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) or the Department of Labor (DOL), and involves the same taxpayer, shall be issued at the discretion of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).

SECTION 5. AREAS UNDER STUDY IN WHICH RULINGS OR DETERMINATION LETTERS WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL THE SERVICE RESOLVES THE ISSUE THROUGH PUBLICATION OF A REVENUE RULING, A REVENUE PROCEDURE, REGULATIONS, OR OTHERWISE

 

.01 Specific Questions and Problems.

(1) Section 62(c).—Certain Arrangements Not Treated as Reimbursement Arrangements.—Whether amounts related to a salary reduction and paid under a purported reimbursement or other expense allowance arrangement will be treated as paid under an “accountable plan” in accordance with § 1.62–2(c)(2).

(2) Sections 101 and 7702.—Certain Death Benefits; Life Insurance Contract Defined.—Whether amounts received under an arrangement that is not regulated as an insurance company may be treated as received under a “life insurance contract” within the meaning of §§ 101(a) and 7702.

(3) Section 148.—Arbitrage.—Whether a taxpayer has permission to use a single yield for two or more issues of qualified mortgage bonds or qualified student loan bonds under § 1.148–4(a).

(4) Sections 162 and 1502.—Trade or Business Expenses; Regulations.—Treatment of manufacturer incentive payments under the intercompany transaction regulations of § 1.1502–13. See T.D. 9261, 2006–1 C.B. 919.

(5) Section 162(m).—Certain Excessive Employee Remuneration.—Whether the deduction limit under § 162(m) applies to compensation attributable to services performed for a related partnership.

(6) Sections 302 and 304.—Distributions in Redemption of Stock; Redemptions Through Use of Related Corporations.—Treatment of basis in a §§ 302/304 redemption. See Announcement 2006–30, 2006–1 C.B. 879.

(7) Sections 351, 358, and 362.—Transfer to Corporation Controlled by Transferor; Basis to Distributees; Basis to Corporations.—The issues described as being under study in Rev. Rul. 2006–2, 2006–1 C.B. 261.

(8) Section 355.—Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation.—Whether a corporation is a “controlled corporation” within the meaning of § 355(a)(1)(A) if, in anticipation of a distribution of the stock of the corporation, a distributing corporation acquires putative control of the controlled corporation (directly or through one or more corporations) in any transaction (including a recapitalization) in which stock or securities were exchanged for stock having a greater voting power than the stock or securities relinquished in the exchange, or if, in anticipation of a distribution of the stock of the putative controlled corporation, such corporation issues stock to another person having different voting power per share than the stock held by the distributing corporation.

(9) Sections 355 and 361.—Distribution of Stock and Securities of a Controlled Corporation; Nonrecognition of Gain or Loss to Corporations; Treatment of Distributions.—Whether either § 355 or § 361 applies to a distributing corporation’s distribution of stock or securities of a controlled corporation in exchange for, and in retirement of, any putative debt of the distributing corporation if such distributing corporation debt is issued in anticipation of the distribution.

(10) Section 358.—See section 5.01(7), above.

(11) Section 361.—See section 5.01(9), above.

(12) Section 362.—See section 5.01(7), above.

(13) Section 613A.—Limitations on Percentage Depletion in Case of Oil and Gas Wells.—Whether the sale of oil or gas, or any product derived from oil or gas, is a bulk sale for purposes of § 613A(d)(2).

(14) Sections 661 and 662.—Deduction for Estates and Trusts Accumulating Income or Distributing Corpus; Inclusion of Amounts in Gross Income of Beneficiaries of Estates and Trusts Accumulating Income or Distributing Corpus.—Whether the distribution of property by a trustee from an irrevocable trust to another irrevocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “decanting”) resulting in a change in beneficial interests is a distribution for which a deduction is allowable under § 661 or which requires an amount to be included in the gross income of any person under § 662.

(15) Section 1361.—S Corporation Defined.—Whether a state law limited partnership electing under § 301.7701–3 to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation has more than one class of stock for purposes of § 1361(b)(1)(D). The Service will treat any request for a ruling on whether a state law limited partnership is eligible to elect S corporation status as a request for a ruling on whether the partnership complies with § 1361(b)(1)(D).

(16) Section 1502.—See section 5.01(4), above.

(17) Section 2036.—Transfers with Retained Life Estate.—Whether the corpus of a trust will be included in a grantor’s estate when the trustee of the trust is a private trust company owned partially or entirely by members of the grantor’s family.

(18) Section 2038.—Revocable Transfers.—Whether the corpus of a trust will be included in a grantor’s estate when the trustee of the trust is a private trust company owned partially or entirely by members of the grantor’s family.

(19) Section 2041.—Powers of Appointment.—Whether the corpus of a trust will be included in an individual’s estate when the trustee of the trust is a private trust company owned partially or entirely by members of the individual’s family.

(20) Section 2501.—Imposition of Tax.—Whether the distribution of property by a trustee from an irrevocable trust to another irrevocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “decanting”) resulting in a change in beneficial interests is a gift under § 2501.

(21) Sections 2601 and 2663.—Tax Imposed; Regulations.—Whether the distribution of property by a trustee from an irrevocable generation-skipping transfer tax (GST) exempt trust to another irrevocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “decanting”) resulting in a change in beneficial interests is the loss of GST exempt status or constitutes a taxable termination or taxable distribution under § 2612.

(22) Sections 4966 and 4967.—Taxes on Taxable Distributions; Taxes on Prohibited Benefits.—Issues involving interpretation of §§ 4966 and 4967 regarding distributions from donor advised funds.

(23) Section 6050P.—Returns Relating to the Cancellation of Indebtedness by Certain Entities.—Whether amounts reduced pursuant to the terms of a debt instrument are reportable under § 6050P and the regulations.

(24) Section 6109.—Identifying Numbers.—The proper assignment or retention of an employer identification number (EIN) in the case of a reorganization within the meaning of § 368(a)(1)(F) if the transferor corporation becomes disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under § 301.7701–3.

(25) Section 7702.—See section 5.01(2), above.

.02 General Areas.

Whether transfers of stock, money, or other property by a person to a corporation and transfers of stock, money, or property by that corporation to that person (or a person related to such person) in what are ostensibly two separate transactions (so-called “north–south” transactions), at least one of which is a distribution with respect to the corporation’s stock, a contribution to the corporation’s capital, or an acquisition of stock, are respected as separate transactions for Federal income tax purposes.

SECTION 6. AREAS COVERED BY AUTOMATIC APPROVAL PROCEDURES IN WHICH RULINGS WILL NOT ORDINARILY BE ISSUED

.01 Section 338.—Certain Stock Purchases Treated as Asset Acquisitions.—All requests for an extension of time under § 301.9100–3 within which to make an election under § 338(g) or (h)(10) where the Service has provided an administrative procedure to seek such an extension. See Rev. Proc. 2003–33, 2003–1 C.B. 803 (extension automatically granted to certain persons required to file Form 8023 to make a valid section 338 election that have not filed Form 8023 by its due date).

.02 Section 442.—Change of Annual Accounting Period.—All requests for a change in annual accounting period where the Service has provided an automatic change procedure for obtaining such a change in annual accounting period. See Rev. Proc. 2002–39, 2002–1 C.B. 1046 (general procedures for prior approval), as clarified and modified by Notice 2002–72, 2002–2 C.B. 843, and modified by Rev. Proc. 2003–34, 2003–1 C.B. 856; Rev. Proc. 2006–45, 2006–2 C.B. 851 (certain corporations), as clarified and modified by Rev. Proc. 2007–64, 2007–2 C.B. 818; Rev. Proc. 2006–46, 2006–2 C.B. 859 (partnership, S corporation, personal service corporation, or trust); and Rev. Proc. 2003–62, 2003–2 C.B. 299 (individual seeking a calendar year).

.03 Section 446.—General Rule for Methods of Accounting.—Except as otherwise specifically provided in applicable procedures published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin, all requests for a change in method of accounting where the Service has provided an automatic change request procedure for obtaining such a change in method of accounting. See the automatic change request procedures listed in section 9.22 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

.04 Section 461.—General Rule for Taxable Year of Deduction.—All requests for making or revoking an election under § 461 where the Service has provided an administrative procedure for making or revoking such an election under § 461. See Rev. Proc. 92–29, 1992–1 C.B. 748 (dealing with the use of an alternative method for including in basis the estimated cost of certain common improvements in a real estate development).

.05 Section 704(c).—Contributed Property.—Requests from Qualified Master Feeder Structures, as described in section 4.02 of Rev. Proc. 2001–36, 2001–1 C.B. 1326, for permission to aggregate built-in gains and losses from contributed qualified financial assets for purposes of making § 704(c) and reverse § 704(c) allocations.

.06 Section 1362.—Election; Revocation; Termination.—All situations in which an S corporation qualifies for automatic late S corporation relief under Rev. Proc. 2013–30, 2013–36 I.R.B. 173.

.07 Sections 1502, 1504, and 1552.—Regulations; Definitions; Earnings and Profits.—All requests for waivers or consents on consolidated return issues where the Service has provided an administrative procedure for obtaining such waivers or consents on consolidated return issues. See Rev. Proc. 2014–24, 2014–13 I.R.B. 879 (certain subsidiary members treated as if they filed a Form 1122 even though they failed to do so); Rev. Proc. 2002–32, 2002–1 C.B. 959, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21, 2006–1 C.B. 1050 (certain corporations seeking reconsolidation within the 5-year period specified in § 1504(a)(3)(A)); Rev. Proc. 90–39, 1990–2 C.B. 365, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21, and as clarified by Rev. Proc. 90–39A, 1990–2 C.B. 367 (certain affiliated groups of corporations seeking, for earnings and profits determinations, to make an election or a change in their method of allocating the group’s consolidated Federal income tax liability); and Rev. Proc. 89–56, 1989–2 C.B. 643, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2006–21 (certain affiliated groups of corporations seeking to file a consolidated return in which member(s) of the group use a 52–53 week taxable year).

.08 Section 7701.—Definitions.—All requests for an extension of time under § 301.9100–3 within which to make an entity classification election under § 301.7701–3 where the Service has provided an administrative procedure to seek such an extension. See Rev. Proc. 2009–41, 2009–39 I.R.B. 439 (extension automatically granted to certain persons required to file Form 8832 to make a valid entity classification election that have not filed Form 8832 by its due date).

SECTION 7. EFFECT ON OTHER REVENUE PROCEDURES

Rev. Proc. 2014–3, 2014–1 I.R.B. 111 is superseded.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE

This revenue procedure is effective January 2, 2015.

SECTION 9. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

The collections of information contained in this revenue procedure have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. § 3507) under control number 1545-1522.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid control number.

The collections of information in this revenue procedure are in sections 2.03 and 3.01(48).

This information is required to evaluate whether the request for a letter ruling or determination letter is not covered by the provisions of this revenue procedure. The collections of information are required to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter. The likely respondents are businesses or other for-profit institutions.

The estimated total annual reporting and/or recordkeeping burden of this revenue procedure, and Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin is 305,540 hours.

The estimated annual burden per respondent/recordkeeper varies from 1 hour to 200 hours, depending on individual circumstances, with an estimated average burden of 80 hours. The estimated number of respondents and/or record keepers is 3,825.

The estimated annual frequency of responses is on occasion.

Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. § 6103.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Jean Broderick of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Corporate). For further information about this revenue procedure, please contact Ms. Broderick at (202) 317-6848 (not a toll-free call), or call the associate office contacts listed in section 10.07 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin. See section 3 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1 to determine which associate office has jurisdiction over a particular issue.

Rev. Proc. 2015–4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE? 147
SECTION 2. WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO REV. PROC. 2014–4? 147
SECTION 3. IN WHAT FORM IS GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE SERVICE? 149
.01 In general 149
.02 Letter ruling 149
.03 Closing agreement 149
.04 Determination letter 149
.05 Opinion letter 150
.06 Information letter 150
.07 Revenue ruling 150
.08 Oral advice 150
(1) No oral rulings and no written rulings in response to oral requests 150
(2) Discussion possible on substantive issues 150
(3) Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound by it 151
.09 Nonbank trustee requests 151
.10 Compliance Statement 151
.11 Advisory letter 152
SECTION 4. ON WHAT ISSUES MAY TAXPAYERS REQUEST WRITTEN GUIDANCE UNDER THIS PROCEDURE? 152
SECTION 5. ON WHAT ISSUES MUST WRITTEN GUIDANCE BE REQUESTED UNDER DIFFERENT PROCEDURES? 152
.01 Determination letter 152
.02 Master and prototype plans, volume submitter plans and prototype plans 152
.03 Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System 152
.04 Chief Counsel 152
.05 Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes 153
SECTION 6. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES TE/GE ISSUE LETTER RULINGS? 153
.01 In employee plans matters 153
.02 In exempt organizations matters 153
.03 In employee plans qualifications matters 153
.04 Request for extension of time for making an election or for other relief under § 301.9100–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations 154
.05 Issuance of an employee plans letter ruling before the issuance of a regulation or other published guidance 154
.06 Issues in prior return 154
.07 Generally not to business associations or groups 155
.08 Generally not to foreign governments 155
.09 Generally not on federal tax consequences of proposed legislation 155
SECTION 7. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES EP OR EO DETERMINATIONS ISSUE DETERMINATION LETTERS? 155
.01 Circumstances under which determination letters are issued 155
.02 In general 155
.03 In employee plans matters 155
.04 In exempt organizations matters 155
.05 Circumstances under which determination letters are not issued 156
.06 Requests involving returns already filed 157
.07 Attach a copy of determination letter to taxpayer's return 157
.08 Review of determination letters 157
SECTION 8. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES THE SERVICE HAVE DISCRETION TO ISSUE LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS? 157
.01 Ordinarily not in certain areas because of factual nature of the problem 157
.02 No “comfort” letter rulings 157
.03 Not on alternative plans or hypothetical situations 157
.04 Ordinarily not on part of an integrated transaction 157
.05 Not on partial terminations of employee plans 157
.06 Law requires letter ruling 157
.07 Issues under consideration by PBGC or DOL 158
.08 Determination letters 158
.09 Domicile in a foreign jurisdiction 158
SECTION 9. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS? 158
.01 In general 158
.02 Certain information required in all requests 158
(1) Complete statement of facts and other information 158
(2) Copies of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, plan documents, and other documents 159
(3) Analysis of material facts 159
(4) Statement regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return 159
(5) Statement regarding whether same or similar issue was previously ruled on or requested, or is currently pending 160
(6) Statement of supporting authorities 160
(7) Statement of contrary authorities 160
(8) Statement identifying pending legislation 160
(9) Statement identifying information to be deleted from copy of letter ruling or determination letter for public inspection 160
(10) Signature by taxpayer or authorized representative 162
(11) Authorized representatives 162
(12) Power of attorney and declaration of representative 163
(13) Penalties of perjury statement 164
(14) Applicable user fee 164
(15) Number of copies of request to be submitted 164
(16) Sample format for a letter ruling request 165
(17) Checklist for letter ruling requests 165
.03 Additional information required in certain circumstances 165
(1) To request separate letter rulings for multiple issues in a single situation 165
(2) Recipient of original of letter ruling or determination letter 165
(3) To request expedited handling 165
(4) To receive a letter ruling or submit a request for a letter ruling by facsimile transmission (fax) 166
(5) To request a conference 167
.04 Address to send the request 167
(1) Requests for letter rulings 167
(2) Requests for information letters 167
(3) Requests for determination letters 167
.05 Pending letter ruling requests 168
.06 When to attach letter ruling to return 168
.07 How to check on status of request 168
.08 Request may be withdrawn or EP or EO Rulings and Agreements may decline to issue letter ruling 168
.09 Compliance with Treasury Department Circular No. 230 168
SECTION 10. WHAT SPECIFIC, ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES APPLY TO CERTAIN REQUESTS? 169
.01 In general 169
.02 Exempt Organizations 169
.03 Employee Plans 169
SECTION 11. HOW DOES EP RULINGS AND AGREEMENTS HANDLE LETTER RULING REQUESTS? 169
.01 In general 169
.02 Is not bound by informal opinion expressed 169
.03 Tells taxpayer if request lacks essential information during initial contact 170
.04 Requires prompt submission of additional information requested after initial contact 170
.05 Near the completion of the ruling process, advises taxpayer of conclusions and, if the Service will rule adversely, offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request 171
.06 May request draft of proposed letter ruling near the completion of the ruling process 171
SECTION 12. HOW ARE CONFERENCES SCHEDULED? 171
.01 Schedules a conference if requested by taxpayer 171
.02 Permits taxpayer one conference of right 171
.03 Disallows verbatim recording of conferences 172
.04 Makes tentative recommendations on substantive issues 172
.05 May offer additional conferences 172
.06 Requires written confirmation of information presented at conference 172
.07 May schedule a pre-submission conference 172
.08 Under limited circumstances, may schedule a conference to be held by telephone 173
.09 Conference rules for EO determination letters not subject to § 7428 or § 501 or § 521 173
SECTION 13. WHAT EFFECT WILL A LETTER RULING HAVE? 173
.01 May be relied on subject to limitations 173
.02 Will not apply to another taxpayer 173
.03 Will be used by the Director, EP or EO Examinations in examining the taxpayer's return 173
.04 May be revoked or modified if found to be in error 174
.05 Letter ruling revoked or modified based on material change in facts applied retroactively 174
.06 Not otherwise generally revoked or modified retroactively 174
.07 Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a particular transaction 175
.08 Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a continuing action or series of actions 175
.09 May be retroactively revoked or modified when transaction is completed without reliance on the letter ruling 175
.10 Taxpayer may request that retroactivity be limited 175
(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format 175
(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b) 176
SECTION 14. WHAT EFFECT WILL A DETERMINATION LETTER HAVE? 176
.01 Has same effect as a letter ruling 176
.02 Taxpayer may request that retroactive effect of revocation or modification be limited 177
(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format 177
(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b) 177
(3) Taxpayer steps in exhausting administrative remedies 177
SECTION 15. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MATTERS REFERRED? 177
.01 Requests for determination letters 177
.02 No-rule areas 178
.03 Requests for letter rulings 178
SECTION 16. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO INFORMATION LETTERS ISSUED BY THE SERVICE? 178
.01 Will be made available to the public 178
.02 Deletions made under the Freedom of Information Act 178
.03 Effect of information letters 178
SECTION 17. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE ON OTHER DOCUMENTS? 178
SECTION 18. EFFECTIVE DATE 178
SECTION 19. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT 179
DRAFTING INFORMATION 179
APPENDIX A—SAMPLE FORMAT FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST 180
APPENDIX B—CHECKLIST FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST 182
APPENDIX C—ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST FOR ROTH IRA RECHARACTERIZATIONS 185

SECTION 1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE?

This revenue procedure explains how the Internal Revenue Service gives guidance to taxpayers on issues under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. It explains the kinds of guidance and the manner in which guidance is requested by taxpayers and provided by the Service. A sample format of a request for a letter ruling is provided in Appendix A.

SECTION 2. WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO REV. PROC. 2014–4?

.01 This revenue procedure is a general update of Rev. Proc. 2014–4, 2014–1 I.R.B. 125, which contains the Service’s general procedures for employee plans and exempt organizations letter ruling requests. As a result of the realignment of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (TE/GE), the technical responsibility for issuing technical advice and letter rulings shifted from EO Technical to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). EP Rulings and Agreements will continue to issue letter rulings only on certain matters specified in Rev. Proc. 2015–4. Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin, sets forth procedures for obtaining letter rulings from the Office of Associate Chief Counsel, including letter rulings relating to tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, and IRAs. Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin, sets forth procedures for requesting technical advice from the Office of Associate Chief Counsel.

.02 In addition to minor revisions, such as updating citations to other revenue procedures, the following changes have been made:

(1) References to Rev. Proc. 2014–5 have been replaced with references to Rev. Proc. 2015–2 to reflect that technical advice memoranda will be issued by the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(2) Section 3 has been modified to change the headline from “Commissioner” to “Service;”

(3) Section 3.03 has been modified to clarify the definition of a closing agreement;

(4) Section 3.04 has been modified to clarify which offices may issue determination letters for exempt organizations;

(5) Section 3.06 has been modified to state that EO will no longer issue information letters;

(6) Section 3.09 has been modified to update the address for Nonbank trustee requests;

(7) Section 4 has been modified to include references to Rev. Procs. 2015–1, 2015–5, 2015–9, and 2015–10;

(8) Section 5.01 has been modified to include cross references for requests for determination letters for exempt organizations;

(9) Section 5.03 has been deleted due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(10) Section 6.01 has been modified to reflect the subject matters that EP Rulings and Agreements will issue rulings on due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(11) Section 6.02 has been modified to state that Exempt Organizations no longer issues letter rulings;

(12) Section 6.03 has been modified to clarify the subject matters that are subject to a determination letter that is issued by Employee Plans;

(13) Section 6.04 has been modified to remove the reference to applications for recognition of exemption;

(14) Sections 6.05 to 6.09 have been modified to reflect that Exempt Organizations will no longer issue letter rulings due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(15) Section 6.10 to 6.18 have been deleted due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(16) Sections 7.05 and 7.08 have been modified by changing EP or EO Technical to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(17) Sections 8.08, 8.11 through 8.17 have been deleted to reflect the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(18) Sections 9.02(5)(c) and (d) have been modified by the addition of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(19) Section 9.02(10) has been modified to refer to Form 1023–EZ;

(20) Section 9.03(3) has been modified to state that certain EO Determination Letter requests are not eligible for expedited handling;

(21) Section 9.04 has been modified to change the mailing addresses and to delete the addresses for EO letter ruling requests;

(22) Section 9.05 has been modified to expand the circumstances under which a taxpayer must notify the Service about the examination of an issue in prior year’s return;

(23) Sections 9.05 to 9.10 have been modified to delete references to EO Technical and EO Examination;

(24) Section 10.02 has been modified by adding a reference to Rev. Proc. 2014–11;

(25) Section 10.03 has been modified by deleting references to Rev. Procs. 94–42, 2004–15; 79–62, and 2011–44 due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(26) Section 11.03 has been modified by deleting the reference to EO Technical;

(27) Section 13.03 has been modified to reflect that the Office of Associate Chief Counsel will handle a request for technical advice pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2015–2;

(28) Sections 13.04 to 13.10 have been modified to clarify the procedures for revoking or modifying a letter ruling, and to further provide that a request for relief under § 7805(b) are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities);

(29) Sections 14.01 and 14.02 have been modified to clarify the procedures for revoking or modifying a determination letter, and to further provide that a request for technical advice and a request for relief under § 7805(b) are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel;

(30) Sections 15.01 to 15.03 have been modified by deleting the references to EO Determinations and EO Technical;

(31) Appendix A has been modified by updating the mailing address; and

(32) Appendices D and E have been deleted due to the transfer of technical work from TE/GE to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).

SECTION 3. IN WHAT FORM IS GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE SERVICE?

 

In general

.01 The Service provides guidance in the form of letter rulings, closing agreements, compliance statements, determination letters, opinion letters, advisory letters, information letters, revenue rulings, and oral advice.

Letter ruling

.02 A “letter ruling” is a written statement issued to a taxpayer by the Service’s Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements office that interprets and applies the tax laws or any nontax laws applicable to employee benefit plans to the taxpayer’s specific set of facts. Once issued, a letter ruling may be revoked or modified for any number of reasons, as explained in section 13 of this revenue procedure, unless it is accompanied by a “closing agreement.”

Closing agreement

.03 A “closing agreement” is a final agreement between the Service and a taxpayer on a specific issue or liability. It is entered into under the authority in § 7121 and is final unless fraud, malfeasance, or misrepresentation of a material fact can be shown.

A closing agreement may be entered into when it is advantageous to have the matter permanently and conclusively closed, or when a taxpayer can show that there are good reasons for an agreement and that making the agreement will not prejudice the interests of the Government. In appropriate cases, taxpayers may be asked to enter into a closing agreement as a condition to the issuance of a letter ruling.

If, in a single case, a closing agreement is requested for each person in a class of taxpayers, separate agreements are entered into only if the class consists of 25 or fewer taxpayers. However, if the issue and holding are identical for the class and there are more than 25 taxpayers in the class, a “mass closing agreement” will be entered into with the taxpayer who is authorized by the others to represent the class.

In appropriate cases, a closing agreement may be made with sponsors of master and prototype plans.

A closing agreement may also be entered into with respect to retirement plan failures corrected under the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS), as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2013–12, 2013–4 I.R.B. 313, as updated.

Determination letter

.04 A “determination letter” is a written statement issued to a taxpayer by the Service’s EO Determinations or EP Determinations office that applies the principles and precedents previously announced to a specific set of facts. It is issued only when a determination can be made based on clearly established rules in the statute, a tax treaty, or the regulations, or based on a conclusion in a revenue ruling, opinion, or court decision published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin that specifically answers the questions presented.

The Manager, EP Determinations, issues determination letters involving §§ 401, 403(a), 409, and 4975(e)(7) as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin.

The Director, EO Rulings and Agreements, or an Appeals Office issues determination letters involving §§ 501 and 521 as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin. The Director, EO Rulings and Agreements, or an Appeals Office issues determination letters involving §§ 509(a), 4940(d)(2), and 4942(j)(3), as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

Opinion letter

.05 An “opinion letter” is a written statement issued by the Service to a sponsor or M&P mass submitter as to the acceptability of the form of an M&P plan under § 401(a) or § 403(a), and, in the case of a master plan, the acceptability of the master trust under § 501(a), or as to the conformance of a prototype trust, custodial account, or individual annuity with the requirements of § 408(a), (b), (k) or (p) or 408A, as applicable. An opinion letter will also be issued as to the acceptability of the form of a prototype plan under § 403(b). See Rev. Proc. 2011–49, 2011–44 I.R.B. 608, and Rev. Proc. 2013–22, 2013–18 I.R.B. 985. See also Rev. Proc. 87–50, 1987–2 C.B. 647; Rev. Proc. 91–44, 1991–2 C.B. 733; Rev. Proc. 92–38, 1992–1 C.B. 859; Rev. Proc. 97–29, 1997–1 C.B. 689; Rev. Proc. 98–59, 1998–2 C.B. 727; Rev. Proc. 2002–10, 2002–1 C.B. 401, Rev. Proc. 2010–48, 2010–50, I.R.B. 828, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin.

Information letter

.06 An “information letter” is a statement issued by the Director, Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements. It calls attention to a well-established interpretation or principle of tax law (including a tax treaty) without applying it to a specific set of facts. To the extent resources permit, an information letter may be issued if the taxpayer’s inquiry indicates a need for general information or if the taxpayer’s request does not meet the requirements of this revenue procedure and the Service thinks general information will help the taxpayer. The taxpayer should provide a daytime telephone number with the taxpayer’s request for an information letter. Requests for information letters should be sent to the address stated in section 9.04(2) of this revenue procedure. The requirements of section 9.02 of this revenue procedure are not applicable to information letters. An information letter is advisory only and has no binding effect on the Service.

Revenue ruling

.07 A “revenue ruling” is an interpretation by the Service that has been published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. It is the conclusion of the Service on how the law is applied to a specific set of facts. Revenue rulings are published for the information and guidance of taxpayers, Service personnel, and other interested parties.

Because each revenue ruling represents the conclusion of the Service regarding the application of law to the entire statement of facts involved, taxpayers, Service personnel, and other concerned parties are cautioned against reaching the same conclusion in other cases unless the facts and circumstances are substantially the same. They should consider the effect of subsequent legislation, regulations, court decisions, revenue rulings, notices, and announcements. See Rev. Proc. 89–14, 1989–1 C.B. 814, as amended by Announcement 89–36, 1989–11 I.R.B. 32, which states the objectives of and standards for the publication of revenue rulings and revenue procedures in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

Oral advice

.08 Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound to recognize it.

(1) No oral rulings and no written rulings in response to oral requests.

The Service does not orally issue letter rulings or determination letters, nor does it issue letter rulings or determination letters in response to oral requests from taxpayers. Service employees ordinarily will discuss with taxpayers or their representatives inquiries about whether the Service will rule on particular issues and about procedural matters regarding the submission of requests for letter rulings or determination letters, or requests for recognition of exempt status for a particular organization.

(2) Discussion possible on substantive issues.

At the discretion of the Service and as time permits, Service employees may also discuss substantive issues with taxpayers or their representatives. Such a discussion will not bind the Service or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel, and it cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

Service employees who are not directly involved in the examination, appeal, or litigation of particular substantive tax issues will not discuss those issues with taxpayers or their representatives unless the discussion is coordinated with Service employees who are directly involved. The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative ordinarily will be asked whether an oral request for advice or information relates to a matter pending before another office of the Service or before a Federal court.

If a tax issue is not under examination, in appeals, or in litigation, the tax issue may be discussed even though the issue is affected by a nontax issue pending in litigation.

A taxpayer may seek oral technical guidance from a taxpayer service representative in a Field office or Service Center when preparing a return or report.

The Service does not respond to letters seeking to confirm the substance of oral discussions, and the absence of a response to such a letter is not a confirmation

(3) Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound by it.

Oral guidance is advisory only, and the Service is not bound by it, for example, when examining the taxpayer’s return.

Nonbank trustee requests

.09 In order to receive approval to act as a nonbank custodian of plans qualified under § 401(a) or accounts described in § 403(b)(7), and as a nonbank trustee or nonbank custodian for individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) established under § 408(a), (b), or (h), or for a Coverdell educational savings account established under § 530, or an Archer medical savings account established under § 220, or a Health Savings Account under § 223, a written application must be filed that demonstrates how the applicant complies with the requirements of § 1.408–2(e)(2) through (5) of the Income Tax Regulations.

The Service must have clear and convincing proof in its files that the requirements of the regulations are met. If there is a requirement that the applicant feels is not applicable, the application must provide clear and convincing proof that such requirement is not germane to the manner in which the applicant will administer any trust or custodial account. See § 1.408–2(e)(6).

The completed application must be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

Commissioner, TE/GE

Attn: Nonbank Trustee

Stop 31

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012–0192

Section 6.01(7) of Rev. Proc. 2015–8 imposes a user fee for anyone applying for approval to become a nonbank trustee or custodian.

Compliance Statement

.10 A “compliance statement” is a binding written agreement between the Service and a taxpayer with respect to certain retirement plan failures identified by a taxpayer in a voluntary submission under the Voluntary Correction Program of the EPCRS (see Rev. Proc. 2013–12, as updated). The compliance statement addresses the failures identified in the VCP submission, the terms of correction, including any revision of administrative procedures, and the time period within which proposed corrections must be implemented. A compliance statement is conditioned on (i) there being no misstatement or omission of material facts in connection with the submission, and (ii) the implementation of the specific corrections and satisfaction of any other conditions in the compliance statement. See Rev. Proc. 2013–12, as updated.

Advisory Letter

.11 An “advisory letter” is a written statement issued by the Service’s EP Determinations office to a VS practitioner or VS mass submitter as to the acceptability of the form of a specimen plan and any related trust or custodial account under § 401(a) or § 403(a), or the form of a specimen plan under § 403(b). See Rev. Proc. 2011–49, 2011–44 I.R.B. 608, and Rev. Proc. 2013–22, 2013–18 I.R.B. 985.

SECTION 4. ON WHAT ISSUES MAY TAXPAYERS REQUEST WRITTEN GUIDANCE UNDER THIS PROCEDURE?

Taxpayers may request letter rulings, information letters and closing agreements on issues within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division under this revenue procedure. The Service issues letter rulings to answer written inquiries of individuals and organizations about their status for tax purposes and the tax effects of their acts or transactions when appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration.

Taxpayers also may request determination letters that relate to Code sections under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. See Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin. See also Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, Rev. Proc. 2015–9 and Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

Note that issues involving exempt organizations and certain issues involving employee plans and government entities fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). See section 5.04 below and Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin.

SECTION 5. ON WHAT ISSUES MUST WRITTEN GUIDANCE BE REQUESTED UNDER DIFFERENT PROCEDURES?

 

Determination letters

.01 The procedures for obtaining determination letters involving §§ 401, 403(a), 409, and 4975(e)(7), and the status for exemption of any related trusts or custodial accounts under § 501(a) are contained in Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin. The procedures for obtaining determination letters involving the initial qualification for exempt status of organizations described in §§ 501 and 521 are contained in Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin. The procedures for obtaining determination letters involving classification and reclassification of private foundation status are contained in Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin.

Master and prototype plans, volume submitter plans, and prototype plans

.02 The procedures for obtaining opinion letters for master and prototype plans and any related trusts or custodial accounts under §§ 401(a), 403(a) and 501(a) and advisory letters for volume submitter plans are contained in Rev. Proc. 2011–49. The procedures for obtaining opinion letters for prototype trusts, custodial accounts or annuities under § 408(a), (b), (k) or (p) or 408A, are contained in Rev. Proc. 87–50; Rev. Proc. 91–44; Rev. Proc. 92–38; Rev. Proc. 97–29; Rev. Proc. 98–59; Rev. Proc. 2002–10, and Rev. Proc. 2010–48, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2015–8. The procedures for obtaining opinion and advisory letters for prototype plans and volume submitter plans under § 403(b) are contained in Rev. Proc. 2013–22.

Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System

.03 The procedures for obtaining compliance statements, etc., for certain failures of plans qualified under § 401(a), § 403(b) plans, SEPs and § 457 plans under the EPCRS are contained in Rev. Proc. 2013–12, as updated.

Chief Counsel

.04 The procedures for obtaining letter rulings, closing agreements, and information letters on issues within the jurisdiction of the Chief Counsel are contained in Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin, including tax issues involving interpreting or applying the federal tax laws and income tax treaties relating to international transactions.

Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes

.05 The procedures for obtaining letter rulings, etc., that apply to federal alcohol, tobacco, and firearms taxes under subtitle E of the Internal Revenue Code are under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau within the Treasury Department.

SECTION 6. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES TE/GE ISSUE LETTER RULINGS?

 

In employee plans matters

.01 In employee plans matters, the Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements office issues letter rulings on proposed transactions and on completed transactions either before or after the return is filed. Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements issues letter rulings involving:

(1) § 72 (involving computation of the exclusion ratio only);

(2) Changes in funding methods and actuarial assumptions under §§ 412, 430 431, or 433;

(3) Waiver of the liquidity shortfall (as that term is defined in § 430(j)(4)) excise tax under § 4971(f)(4);

(4) Waiver of the 60-day rollover requirement under sections 402(c)(3) and 408(d)(3) (See Rev. Proc. 2003–16, 2003–4 I.R.B. 359);

(5) A change in the plan year of an employee retirement plan and the trust year of a tax-exempt employees’ trust (See Rev. Proc. 87–27, 1987–1 C.B. 769);

(6) The tax consequences of prohibited transactions under §§ 503 and 4975;

(7) Whether individual retirement accounts established by employers or associations of employees meet the requirements of § 408(c). (See Rev. Proc. 87–50; Rev. Proc. 92–38; Rev. Proc. 98–59; Rev. Proc. 2002–10, and Rev. Proc. 2010–48, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2015–8);

(8) Requests for relief under § 301.9100 to recharacterize a Roth IRA (See section 6.04 below with respect to elections under § 301.9100–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations);

(9) Requests by the plan sponsor of a multiemployer pension plan for approval of an extension of an amortization period in accordance with § 431(d) of the Code (See Rev. Proc. 2010–52, 2010–52 I.R.B. 927.);

(10) Requests for the return to the employer of certain nondeductible contributions (See Rev. Proc. 90–49, 1990–2 C.B. 620, as modified by Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin); and

(11) Requests for approval of the use of a substitute mortality table in accordance with § 430(h)(3)(C) (See Rev. Proc. 2008–62, 2008–42 I.R.B. 935).

Procedures for requesting letter rulings under the jurisdiction of the Chief Counsel are contained in Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin,

In exempt organizations matters

.02 Except as otherwise provided, in exempt organizations matters, the Exempt Organizations office issues no letter rulings. All letter rulings formerly issued by the Exempt Organizations Office are issued by the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). See Rev. Proc. 2015–1, this Bulletin. The Exempt Organizations office, however, does respond to requests for a change in method of accounting involving exempt organizations. See Rev. Proc. 97–27, 1997–1 C.B. 680 and Rev. Proc. 2011–14, 2011–4 I.R.B. 330.

In employee plans qualification matters

.03 The Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements office ordinarily will not issue letter rulings on matters involving a plan’s qualified status under §§ 401 through 420 and § 4975(e)(7). These matters are generally handled by the Employee Plans Determinations program as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin, Rev. Proc. 93–10 and Rev. Proc. 93–12.

Request to Employee Plans for extension of time for making an election or for other relief under § 301.9100–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations

.04 With respect to recharacterization of a Roth IRA, Employee Plans Rulings and Agreements will consider a request for an extension of time for making an election or other application for relief under § 301.9100–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations even if submitted after the return covering the issue presented in the § 301.9100–1 request has been filed and even if submitted after an examination of the return has begun or after the issues in the return are being considered by an appeals office or a federal court. In such a case, EP Rulings and Agreements will notify the Director, EP Examinations.

Section 301.9100–1 requests, even those submitted after the examination of the taxpayer’s return has begun, are letter ruling requests and therefore should be submitted pursuant to this revenue procedure, and require payment of the applicable user fee, referenced in section 9.02(14) of this revenue procedure. In addition, the taxpayer must include the information required by § 301.9100–3(e).

However, an election made pursuant to § 301.9100–2 is not a letter ruling and does not require payment of any user fee. See § 301.9100–2(d). Such an election pertains to an automatic extension of time under § 301.9100–1.

Issuance of an employee plans letter ruling before the issuance of a regulation or other published guidance

.05 Unless the issue is covered by section 8 of this procedure, a letter ruling may be issued before the issuance of a temporary or final regulation or other published guidance that interprets the provisions of any act under the following conditions:

(1) Answer is clear or is reasonably certain. If the letter ruling request presents an issue for which the answer seems clear by applying the statute to the facts or for which the answer seems reasonably certain but not entirely free from doubt, a letter ruling will be issued.

(2) Answer is not reasonably certain. The Service will consider all letter ruling requests and use its best efforts to issue a letter ruling even if the answer does not seem reasonably certain where the issuance of a letter ruling is in the best interest of tax administration.

(3) Issue cannot be readily resolved before a regulation or any other published guidance is issued. A letter ruling will not be issued if the letter ruling request presents an issue that cannot be readily resolved before a regulation or any other published guidance is issued.

Issues in prior return

.06 The Service ordinarily does not issue letter rulings if, at the time the ruling is requested, the identical issue is involved in the taxpayer’s return for an earlier period, and that issue:

(1) is being examined by the Director, EP Examinations;

(2) is being considered by an appeals office;

(3) is pending in litigation in a case involving the taxpayer or related taxpayer; or

(4) has been examined by the Director, EP Examinations or considered by an appeals office, and the statutory period of limitation has not expired for either assessment or filing a claim for a refund or a closing agreement covering the issue of liability has not been entered into by the Director, EP Rulings and Agreements or by an appeals office.

If a return dealing with an issue for a particular year is filed while a request for a ruling on that issue is pending, EP Rulings and Agreements will issue the ruling unless it is notified by the taxpayer that an examination of that issue or the identical issue on an earlier year’s return has been started by the Director, EP Examinations. See section 9.05. However, even if an examination has begun, EP Rulings and Agreements ordinarily will issue the letter ruling if the Director, EP Examinations agrees, by memorandum, to permit the ruling to be issued.

Generally not to business associations or groups

.07 EP Rulings and Agreements does not issue letter rulings to business, trade, or industrial associations or to similar groups concerning the application of the tax laws to members of the group. But groups and associations may submit suggestions of generic issues that would be appropriately addressed in revenue rulings. See Rev. Proc. 89–14, 1989–1 C.B. 814, as amended by Announcement 89–36, 1989–11 I.R.B. 32, which states objectives of and standards for, the publication of revenue rulings and revenue procedures in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

EP Rulings and Agreements, however, may issue letter rulings to groups or associations on their own tax status or liability if the request meets the requirements of this revenue procedure.

Generally not to foreign governments

.08 EP Rulings and Agreements does not issue letter rulings to foreign governments or their political subdivisions about the U.S. tax effects of their laws. However, EP Rulings and Agreements may issue letter rulings to foreign governments or their political subdivisions on their own tax status or liability under U.S. law if the request meets the requirements of this revenue procedure.

Generally not on federal tax consequences of proposed legislation

.09 EP Rulings and Agreements does not issue letter rulings on a matter involving the federal tax consequences of any proposed federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign legislation.

SECTION 7. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES EP OR EO DETERMINATIONS ISSUE DETERMINATION LETTERS?

 

Circumstances under which determination letters are issued

.01 Employee Plans or Exempt Organizations Determinations issues determination letters only if the question presented is specifically answered by a statute, tax treaty, or regulation, or by a conclusion stated in a revenue ruling, opinion, or court decision published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

In general

.02 In employee plans matters, the EP Determinations office issues determination letters in response to taxpayers’ written requests on completed transactions. However, see section 13.09 of this revenue procedure. A determination letter usually is not issued for a question concerning a return to be filed by the taxpayer if the same question is involved in a return under examination.

In situations involving continuing transactions, EP Rulings and Agreements or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel would issue a ruling covering future tax periods and periods for which a return had not yet been filed.

EP Determinations does not issue determination letters on the tax consequences of proposed transactions, except as provided in sections 7.03 and 7.04 below.

EP Determinations does not issue determination letters on plans under § 403(b).

Under no circumstances will EP Determinations issue a determination letter unless it is clearly shown that the request concerns a return that has been filed or is required to be filed.

In employee plans matters

.03 In employee plans matters, the Employee Plans Determinations office issues determination letters on the qualified status of employee plans under §§ 401, 403(a), 409 and 4975(e)(7), and the exempt status of any related trust under § 501. See Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin.

In exempt organizations matters

.04 In exempt organizations matters, the Exempt Organizations Determinations office issues determination letters involving:

(1) Initial qualification for exempt status of organizations described in §§ 501 and 521 to the extent provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, the next Bulletin (including reinstatement of organizations that have been automatically revoked pursuant to § 6033(j) and subordinate organizations included in a group exemption letter that have been revoked pursuant to that provision);

(2) Updated exempt status letter to reflect changes to an organization’s name or address, or to replace a lost exempt status letter, but not to approve or disapprove any completed transaction or the effect of changes in activities on exempt status, except in the situations specifically listed in paragraphs (3) through (14) below;

(3) Classification of private foundation status as provided in 2015–10, the next Bulletin;

(4) Reclassification of private foundation status, including operating foundation status described in § 4942(j)(3) and exempt operating foundation status described in § 4940(d), as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–10, the next Bulletin;

(5) Recognition of unusual grants to certain organizations under §§ 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 509(a)(2);

(6) Requests for relief under § 301.9100–1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations in connection with applications for recognition of exemption;

(7) Terminations of private foundation status under § 507(b)(1)(B);

(8) Request for a determination that a public charity described in § 509(a)(3) is described in § 509(a)(3)(i), (ii), or (iii), including whether or not a Type III supporting organization is functionally integrated. See Rev. Proc. 2015–10, the next Bulletin;

(9) Advance approval of certain set-asides described in § 4942(g)(2);

(10) Advance approval under § 4945(g) of organizations’ grant making procedures;

(11) Advance approval of voter registration activities described in § 4945(f);

(12) Whether an organization is exempt from filing annual information returns under § 6033 as provided in Treas. Reg. § 1.6033–2(g)(1) and Rev. Procs. 95–48, 1995–2 C.B. 418, and 96–10, 1996–1 C.B. 577 (an organization that claims exemption from filing but is not on record with the Service as having established such exemption, by way of a determination letter under this section 7.04(12) or otherwise, may have its tax exempt status or determination letter revoked pursuant to § 6033(j) if it fails to file annual information returns);

(13) Determination of foundation status under § 509(a)(3) of non-exempt charitable trusts described in § 4947(a)(1), as provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin; and

(14) Government entity voluntary termination of § 501(c)(3) recognition (must include documentation of tax-exempt status other than under § 501(a)).

Circumstances under which determination letters are not issued

.05 EP or EO Determinations will not issue a determination letter in response to any request if—

(1) it appears that the taxpayer has directed a similar inquiry to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel;

(2) the same issue involving the same taxpayer or a related taxpayer is pending in a case in litigation or before an appeals office;

(3) the determination letter is requested by an industry, trade association, or similar group on behalf of individual taxpayers within the group (other than subordinate organizations covered by a group exemption letter); or

(4) the request involves an industry-wide problem.

Requests involving returns already filed

.06 A request received by the Service on a question concerning a return that is under examination will be, in general, considered in connection with the examination of the return. If a response is made to the request before the return is examined, it will be considered a tentative finding in any later examination of that return.

Attach a copy of determination letter to taxpayer’s return

.07 A taxpayer who, before filing a return, receives a determination letter about any transaction that has been consummated and that is relevant to the return being filed should attach a copy of the determination letter to the return when it is filed.

Review of determination letters

.08 Determination letters issued under sections 7.02 through 7.04 of this revenue procedure are not generally reviewed by any other office of Employee Plans before they are issued. If a taxpayer believes that a determination letter of this type is in error, the taxpayer may ask EP or EO Determinations to reconsider the matter or to request technical advice from the Office of Associate Chief Counsel as explained in Rev. Proc. 2015–2, page XXX, this Bulletin.

(1) In employee plans matters, the procedures for review of determination letters relating to the qualification of employee plans involving §§ 401 and 403(a) are provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–6.

(2) In exempt organizations matters, the procedures for the review of determination letters relating to the exemption from federal income tax of certain organizations under §§ 501 and 521 are provided in Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin.

SECTION 8. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES THE SERVICE HAVE DISCRETION TO ISSUE LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS?

 

Ordinarily not in certain areas because of factual nature of the problem

.01 The Service ordinarily will not issue a letter ruling or determination letter in certain areas because of the factual nature of the problem involved or because of other reasons. The Service may decline to issue a letter ruling or a determination letter when appropriate in the interest of sound tax administration or on other grounds whenever warranted by the facts or circumstances of a particular case.

No “comfort” letter rulings

.02 No letter ruling will be issued with respect to an issue that is clearly and adequately addressed by statute, regulations, decision of a court of appropriate jurisdiction, revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice or other authority published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Instead of issuing a letter ruling, the Service may, when it is considered appropriate and in the best interests of the Service, issue an information letter calling attention to well-established principles of tax law.

Not on alternative plans or hypothetical situations

.03 A letter ruling or a determination letter will not be issued on alternative plans of proposed transactions or on hypothetical situations.

Ordinarily not on part of an integrated transaction

.04 The Service ordinarily will not issue a letter ruling on only part of an integrated transaction. If, however, a part of a transaction falls under a no-rule area, a letter ruling on other parts of the transaction may be issued.

Before preparing the letter ruling request, a taxpayer should call the office having jurisdiction for the matters on which the taxpayer is seeking a letter ruling to discuss whether the Service will issue a letter ruling on part of the transaction.

Not on partial terminations of employee plans

.05 The Service will not issue a letter ruling on the partial termination of an employee plan. Determination letters involving the partial termination of an employee plan may be issued.

Law requires a letter ruling

.06 The Service will issue a letter ruling on prospective or future transactions if the law or regulations require a determination of the effect of a proposed transaction for tax purposes.

Issues under consideration by PBGC or DOL

.07 A letter ruling or determination letter relating to an issue that is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) or the Department of Labor (DOL), and involves the same taxpayer, shall be issued at the discretion of the Service.

Determination letters

.08 See section 3.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–6 for employee plans matters on which determination letters will not be issued.

Domicile in a foreign jurisdiction

.09

(1) The Service is ordinarily unwilling to rule in situations where a taxpayer or a related party is domiciled or organized in a foreign jurisdiction with which the United States does not have an effective mechanism for obtaining tax information with respect to civil tax examinations and criminal investigations, which would preclude the Service from obtaining information located in such jurisdiction that is relevant to the analysis or examination of the tax issues involved in the ruling request.

(2) The provisions of subsection 8.10(1) above shall not apply if the taxpayer or affected related party (a) consents to the disclosure of all relevant information requested by the Service in processing the ruling request or in the course of an examination to verify the accuracy of the representations made and to otherwise analyze or examine the tax issues involved in the ruling request, and (b) waives all claims to protection of bank and commercial secrecy laws in the foreign jurisdiction with respect to the information requested by the Service.

In the event the taxpayer’s or related party’s consent to disclose relevant information or to waive protection of bank or commercial secrecy is determined by the Service to be ineffective or of no force and effect, then the Service may retroactively rescind any ruling rendered in reliance on such consent.

SECTION 9. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING LETTER RULINGS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS?

 

In general

.01 This section explains the general instructions for requesting letter rulings and determination letters on all matters, except for organizations filing under Revenue Procedure 2015–5, this Bulletin. Requests for letter rulings and determination letters require the payment of the applicable user fee discussed in section 9.02(14) of this revenue procedure. In addition to payment of the applicable user fee, exempt organizations determinations requests described in section 7.04(3), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13) of this revenue procedure must be accompanied by Form 8940.

Specific and additional instructions also apply to requests for letter rulings and determination letters on certain matters, except for organizations filing under revenue procedure 2015–5, this Bulletin. Those matters are listed in section 10 of this revenue procedure followed by a reference (usually to another revenue procedure) where more information can be obtained.

All requests must be submitted in English. All documents submitted in support of such requests must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation. For EO submissions only, see Forms 1023 and 1024 Instructions.

Certain information required in all requests

.02

Facts

(1) Complete statement of facts and other information.

Each request for a letter ruling or a determination letter must contain a complete statement of all facts relating to the transaction. These facts include—

(a) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers of all interested parties. (The term “all interested parties” does not mean all shareholders of a widely held corporation requesting a letter ruling relating to a reorganization, or all employees where a large number may be involved.);

(b) a complete statement of the business reasons for the transaction; and

(c) a detailed description of the transaction.

The Service will usually not rule on only one step of a larger integrated transaction. See section 8.04 of this revenue procedure. However, if such a letter ruling is requested, the facts, circumstances, true copies of relevant documents, etc., relating to the entire transaction must be submitted.

Documents

(2) Copies of all contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, plan documents, and other documents. All documents that are pertinent to the transaction (including contracts, wills, deeds, agreements, instruments, plan documents, trust documents, and proposed disclaimers) must be submitted with the request.

Original documents should not be submitted because they become part of the Service’s file and will not be returned to the taxpayer. Instead, true copies of all such documents should be submitted with the request. Each document, other than the request, should be labeled alphabetically and attached to the request in alphabetical order.

Analysis of material facts

(3) Analysis of material facts. All material facts in documents must be included, rather than merely incorporated by reference, in the taxpayer’s initial request or in supplemental letters. These facts must be accompanied by an analysis of their bearing on the issue or issues, specifying the provisions that apply.

Same issue in an earlier return

(4) Statement regarding whether same issue is in an earlier return. The request must state whether, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives, the same issue is in an earlier return of the taxpayer (or in a return for any year of a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267, or of a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504).

If the statement is affirmative, it must specify whether the issue—

(a) is being examined by the Service;

(b) has been examined and if so, whether or not the statutory period of limitations has expired for either assessing tax or filing a claim for refund or credit of tax;

(c) has been examined and if so, whether or not a closing agreement covering the issue or liability has been entered into by the Service;

(d) is being considered by an appeals office in connection with a return from an earlier period;

(e) has been considered by an appeals office in connection with a return from an earlier period and if so, whether or not the statutory period of limitations has expired for either assessing tax or filing a claim for refund or credit of tax;

(f) has been considered by an appeals office in connection with a return from an earlier period and whether or not a closing agreement covering the issue or liability has been entered into by an appeals office;

(g) is pending in litigation in a case involving the taxpayer or a related taxpayer; or

(h) in employee plans matters, is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or the Department of Labor.

Same or similar issue previously submitted or currently pending

(5) Statement regarding whether same or similar issue was previously ruled on or requested, or is currently pending. The request must also state whether, to the best of the knowledge of both the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s representatives—

(a) the Service previously ruled on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer (or a related taxpayer within the meaning of § 267, or a member of an affiliated group of which the taxpayer is also a member within the meaning of § 1504) or a predecessor;

(b) the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, a predecessor, or any representatives previously submitted the same or similar issue to the Service but withdrew the request before a letter ruling or determination letter was issued;

(c) the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor previously submitted a request involving the same or a similar issue that is currently pending with the Service or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel; or

(d) at the same time as this request, the taxpayer or a related taxpayer is presently submitting another request involving the same or a similar issue to the Service or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel.

If the statement is affirmative for (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section 9.02(5), the statement must give the date the request was submitted, the date the request was withdrawn or ruled on, if applicable, and other details of the Service’s or Office of Associate Chief Counsel’s consideration of the issue.

Statement of authorities supporting taxpayer’s views

(6) Statement of supporting authorities. If the taxpayer advocates a particular conclusion, an explanation of the grounds for that conclusion and the relevant authorities to support it must also be included. Even if not advocating a particular tax treatment of a proposed transaction, the taxpayer must still furnish views on the tax results of the proposed transaction and a statement of relevant authorities to support those views.

In all events, the request must include a statement of whether the law in connection with the request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities.

Statement of authorities contrary to taxpayer’s views

(7) Statement of contrary authorities. The taxpayer is also encouraged to inform the Service about, and discuss the implications of, any authority believed to be contrary to the position advanced, such as legislation (or pending legislation), tax treaties, court decisions, regulations, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, notices or announcements. If the taxpayer determines that there are no contrary authorities, a statement in the request to this effect would be helpful. If the taxpayer does not furnish either contrary authorities or a statement that none exists, the Service in complex cases or those presenting difficult or novel issues may request submission of contrary authorities or a statement that none exists. Failure to comply with this request may result in the Service’s refusal to issue a letter ruling or determination letter.

Identifying and discussing contrary authorities will generally enable Service personnel to understand the issue and relevant authorities more quickly. When Service personnel receive the request, they will have before them the taxpayer’s thinking on the effect and applicability of contrary authorities. This information should make research easier and lead to earlier action by the Service. If the taxpayer does not disclose and distinguish significant contrary authorities, the Service may need to request additional information, which will delay action on the request.

Statement identifying pending legislation

(8) Statement identifying pending legislation. At the time of filing the request, the taxpayer must identify any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction. In addition, if applicable legislation is introduced after the request is filed but before a letter ruling or determination letter is issued, the taxpayer must notify the Service.

Deletions statement required by § 6110

(9) Statement identifying information to be deleted from copy of letter ruling or determination letter for public inspection. The text of certain letter rulings and determination letters is open to public inspection under § 6110. The Service makes deletions from the text before it is made available for inspection. To help the Service make the deletions required by § 6110(c), a request for a letter ruling or determination letter must be accompanied by a statement indicating the deletions desired (“deletions statement”). If the deletions statement is not submitted with the request, a Service representative will tell the taxpayer that the request will be closed if the Service does not receive the deletions statement within 30 calendar days. See section 11.03 of this revenue procedure.

(a) Format of deletions statement. A taxpayer who wants only names, addresses, and identifying numbers to be deleted should state this in the deletions statement. If the taxpayer wants more information deleted, the deletions statement must be accompanied by a copy of the request and supporting documents on which the taxpayer should bracket the material to be deleted. The deletions statement must indicate the statutory basis under § 6110(c) for each proposed deletion.

If the taxpayer decides to ask for additional deletions before the letter ruling or determination letter is issued, additional deletions statements may be submitted.

(b) Location of deletions statement. The deletions statement must not appear in the request, but instead must be made in a separate document and placed on top of the request for a letter ruling or determination letter.

(c) Signature. The deletions statement must be signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. A stamped or faxed signature is not permitted.

(d) Additional information. The taxpayer should follow the same procedures above to propose deletions from any additional information submitted after the initial request. An additional deletions statement, however, is not required with each submission of additional information if the taxpayer’s initial deletions statement requests that only names, addresses, and identifying numbers are to be deleted and the taxpayer wants only the same information deleted from the additional information.

(e) Taxpayer may protest deletions not made. After receiving from the Service the notice under § 6110(f)(1) of intention to disclose the letter ruling or determination letter (including a copy of the version proposed to be open to public inspection and notation of third-party communications under § 6110(d)), the taxpayer may protest the disclosure of certain information in the letter ruling or determination letter. The taxpayer must send a written statement within 20 calendar days to the Service office indicated on the notice of intention to disclose. The statement must identify those deletions that the Service has not made and that the taxpayer believes should have been made. The taxpayer must also submit a copy of the version of the letter ruling or determination letter and bracket the deletions proposed that have not been made by the Service. Generally, the Service will not consider deleting any material that the taxpayer did not propose to be deleted before the letter ruling or determination letter was issued.

Within 20 calendar days after the Service receives the response to the notice under § 6110(f)(1), the Service will mail to the taxpayer its final administrative conclusion regarding the deletions to be made. The taxpayer does not have the right to a conference to resolve any disagreements concerning material to be deleted from the text of the letter ruling or determination letter. However, these matters may be taken up at any conference that is otherwise scheduled regarding the request.

(f) Taxpayer may request delay of public inspection. After receiving the notice under § 6110(f)(1) of intention to disclose, but within 60 calendar days after the date of notice, the taxpayer may send a request for delay of public inspection under either § 6110(g)(3) or (4). The request for delay must be sent to the Service office indicated on the notice of intention to disclose. A request for delay under § 6110(g)(3) must contain the date on which it is expected that the underlying transaction will be completed. The request for delay under § 6110(g)(4) must contain a statement from which the Commissioner of Internal Revenue may determine that there are good reasons for the delay.

Section 6110(l)(1) states that § 6110 disclosure provisions do not apply to any matter to which § 6104 applies. Therefore, letter rulings, determination letters, technical advice memoranda, and related background file documents dealing with the following matters (covered by § 6104) are not subject to § 6110 disclosure provisions—

(i) An approved application for exemption under § 501(a) as an organization described in § 501(c) or (d), or notice of status as a political organization under § 527, together with any papers submitted in support of such application or notice;

(ii) An application for exemption under § 501(a) with respect to the qualification of a pension, profit-sharing or stock bonus plan, or an individual retirement account described in § 408 or § 408A, or any application for exemption under § 501(a) by an organization forming part of such a plan or an account;

(iii) Any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service in which the qualification or exempt status of a plan or account is granted, denied, or revoked or the portion of any document in which technical advice with respect thereto is given;

(iv) Any application filed and any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the qualification or status of EP master and prototype plans; and

(v) The portion of any document issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the qualification or exempt status of a plan or account of a proposed transaction by such plan or account.

Signature on request

(10) Signature by taxpayer or authorized representative. The request for a letter ruling or determination letter must be signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. Neither a stamped signature nor a faxed signature is permitted. Special rules apply in the case of a request for a determination letter made by filing Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ; please see the instructions to that Form for who may sign the application on behalf of an organization.

Authorized representatives

(11) Authorized representatives. To sign the request or to appear before the Service in connection with the request, the representative must be:

Attorney

(a) An attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as an attorney and current authorization to represent the taxpayer;

Certified public accountant

(b) A certified public accountant who is qualified to practice in any state, possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as a certified public accountant and current authorization to represent the taxpayer;

Enrolled agent

(c) An enrolled agent is a person, other than an attorney or certified public accountant that is currently enrolled to practice before the Service and is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service, including a person enrolled to practice only for employee plans matters. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current enrollment and authorization to represent the taxpayer. Either the enrollment number or the expiration date of the enrollment card must be included in the declaration. For the rules on who may practice before the Service, see Treasury Department Circular No. 230;

Enrolled actuary

(d) An enrolled actuary is a person enrolled as an actuary by the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 1242 and qualified to practice in any state, possession, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia and who is not currently under suspension or disbarment from practice before the Service. He or she must file a written declaration with the Service showing current qualification as an enrolled actuary and current authorization to represent the taxpayer. Practice as an enrolled actuary is limited to representation with respect to issues involving the following statutory provisions: §§ 401, 403(a), 404, 412, 413, 414, 419, 419A, 420, 430, 431, 432, 436, 4971, 4972, 6057, 6058, 6059, 6652(d), 6652(e), 6692, 7805(b), former § 405 and 29 U.S.C. 1083;

Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent

(e) An enrolled retirement plan agent (ERPA) is an individual who has earned the privilege to practice before the Service. The ERPA program is established under Circular 230 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and is administered by the Office of Professional Responsibility (the “OPR”). The Director of the OPR may grant enrollment as an ERPA to an applicant who demonstrates special competence in qualified retirement plan matters (by either passing a written examination or by virtue of past service and technical experience with the Service) and who has not engaged in any conduct that would justify the censure, suspension or disbarment of the practitioner. An ERPA must apply for enrollment with the Service, have been issued an enrollment card and satisfy renewal and continuing education requirements.

Practice as an ERPA is limited to representation with respect to issues involving the following programs: Employee Plans Determination Letter program; Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System; and Employee Plans Master and Prototype and Volume Submitter program. In addition, ERPAs are generally permitted to represent taxpayers with respect to Form 5300 series and Form 5500 filings, but not with respect to actuarial forms or schedules. For eligibility, application and enrollment information, see §§ 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 of Circular 230;

A person with a “Letter of Authorization”

(f) Any other person, including a foreign representative, who has received a “Letter of Authorization” from the Director, Office of Professional Responsibility under section 10.7(d) of Treasury Department Circular No. 230. A person may make a written request for a “Letter of Authorization” to: Office of Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20224. Section 10.7(d) of Circular No. 230 authorizes the Commissioner to allow an individual who is not otherwise eligible to practice before the Service to represent another person in a particular matter. For additional information, see section 9.02(12) below;

Employee, general partner, bona fide officer, administrator, trustee, etc.

(g) The above requirements do not apply to a regular full-time employee representing his or her employer, to a general partner representing his or her partnership, to a bona fide officer representing his or her corporation, association, or organized group, to a trustee, receiver, guardian, personal representative, administrator, or executor representing a trust, receivership, guardianship, or estate, or to an individual representing his or her immediate family. A preparer of a return (other than a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of this section 9.02(11)) who is not a full-time employee, general partner, a bona fide officer, an administrator, trustee, etc., or an individual representing his or her immediate family may not represent a taxpayer in connection with a letter ruling, determination letter or a technical advice request. See section 10.7(c) of Treasury Department Circular No. 230; or

Foreign representative

(h) A foreign representative (other than a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of this section 9.02(11)) is not authorized to practice before the Service and, therefore, must withdraw from representing a taxpayer in a request for a letter ruling or a determination letter. In this situation, the nonresident alien or foreign entity must submit the request for a letter ruling or a determination letter on the individual’s or entity’s own behalf or through a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of this section 9.02(11).

Power of attorney and declaration of representative

(12) Power of attorney and declaration of representative. Any authorized representative, whether or not enrolled to practice, must also comply with the conference and practice requirements of the Statement of Procedural Rules (26 C.F.R. § 601.501–601.509), which provide the rules for representing a taxpayer before the Service. In addition, an unenrolled preparer must file a Form 8821 (Rev. August 2008), Tax Information Authorization, for certain limited employee plans matters.

Form 2848 (Rev. March 2012), Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, must be used to provide the representative’s authorization (Part I of Form 2848, Power of Attorney) and the representative’s qualification (Part II of Form 2848, Declaration of Representative). The name of the person signing Part I of Form 2848 should also be typed or printed on this form. A stamped signature is not permitted. An original, a copy, or a facsimile transmission (fax) of the power of attorney is acceptable so long as its authenticity is not reasonably disputed. For additional information regarding the power of attorney form, see section 9.03(2) of this revenue procedure.

For the requirement regarding compliance with Treasury Department Circular No. 230, see section 9.09 of this revenue procedure.

Penalties of perjury statement

(13) Penalties of perjury statement.

(a) Format of penalties of perjury statement. A request for a letter ruling or determination letter and any change in the request submitted at a later time must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this request, or this modification to the request, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the request or the modification contains all the relevant facts relating to the request, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.” See section 11.04 of this revenue procedure for the penalties of perjury statement applicable for submissions of additional information.

(b) Signature by taxpayer. The declaration must be signed and dated by the taxpayer, not the taxpayer’s representative. Neither a stamped signature nor a faxed signature is permitted.

The person who signs for a corporate taxpayer must be an officer of the corporate taxpayer who has personal knowledge of the facts, and whose duties are not limited to obtaining a letter ruling or determination letter from the Service. If the corporate taxpayer is a member of an affiliated group filing consolidated returns, a penalties of perjury statement must also be signed and submitted by an officer of the common parent of the group.

The person signing for a trust, a state law partnership, or a limited liability company must be, respectively, a trustee, general partner, or member-manager who has personal knowledge of the facts.

Applicable user fee

(14) Applicable user fee. Section 7528 of the Code requires taxpayers to pay user fees for requests for letter rulings, opinion letters, determination letters, and similar requests. Rev. Proc. 2015–8 contains the schedule of fees for each type of request under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division and provides guidance for administering the user fee requirements. If two or more taxpayers are parties to a transaction and each requests a letter ruling, each taxpayer must satisfy the rules herein and additional user fees may apply.

Number of copies of request to be submitted

(15) Number of copies of request to be submitted. Generally a taxpayer needs only to submit one copy of the request for a letter ruling or determination letter. If, however, more than one issue is presented in the letter ruling request, the taxpayer is encouraged to submit additional copies of the request.

Further, two copies of the request for a letter ruling or determination letter are required if—

(a) the taxpayer is requesting separate letter rulings or determination letters on different issues as explained later under section 9.03(1) of this revenue procedure;

(b) the taxpayer is requesting deletions other than names, addresses, and identifying numbers, as explained in section 9.02(9) of this revenue procedure. (One copy is the request for the letter ruling or determination letter and the second copy is the deleted version of such request.); or

(c) a closing agreement (as defined in section 3.03 of this revenue procedure) is being requested on the issue presented.

Sample of a letter ruling request

(16) Sample format for a letter ruling request. To assist a taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative in preparing a letter ruling request, a sample format for a letter ruling request is provided in Appendix A. This format is not required to be used by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative. If the letter ruling request is not identical or similar to the format in Appendix A, the different format will neither defer consideration of the letter ruling request nor be cause for returning the request to the taxpayer or taxpayer’s representative.

Checklist

(17) Checklist for letter ruling requests. The Service will be able to respond more quickly to a taxpayer’s letter ruling request if it is carefully prepared and complete. The checklist in Appendix B of this revenue procedure is designed to assist taxpayers in preparing a request by reminding them of the essential information and documents to be furnished with the request. The checklist in Appendix B must be completed to the extent required by the instructions in the checklist, signed and dated by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative, and placed on top of the letter ruling request. If the checklist in Appendix B is not received, a group representative will ask the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative to submit the checklist, which may delay action on the letter ruling request. A photocopy of this checklist may be used.

Additional information required in certain circumstances

.03

Multiple issues

(1) To request a separate letter ruling for multiple issues in a single situation. If more than one issue is presented in a request for a letter ruling, the Service generally will issue a single letter ruling covering all the issues. However, if the taxpayer requests a separate letter ruling on any of the issues (because, for example, one letter ruling is needed sooner than another), the Service will usually comply with the request unless it is not feasible or not in the best interests of the Service to do so. A taxpayer who wants a separate letter ruling on multiple issues should make this clear in the request and submit two copies of the request. Additional checklists are solely for the specific issues designated.

In issuing each letter ruling, the Service will state that it has issued a separate letter ruling or that requests for other letter rulings are pending.

Power of attorney

(2) Recipient of original letter ruling or determination letter. The Service will send the original of the letter ruling or determination letter to the taxpayer and a copy of the letter ruling or determination letter to the taxpayer’s representative. In this case, the letter ruling or determination letter is addressed to the taxpayer. A Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Rev. March 2012), must be used to provide the representative’s authorization except in certain employee plans matters. See section 9.02(12) of this revenue procedure.

Copies of letter ruling or determination letter sent to multiple representatives

(a) To have copies sent to multiple representatives. When a taxpayer has more than one representative, the Service will send the copy of the letter ruling or determination letter to any representative with a check in the box in the name and address block on Form 2848 to indicate they are to receive notices and communications. Copies of the letter ruling or determination letter, however, will be sent to no more than two representatives.

Copy of letter ruling or determination letter sent to taxpayer’s representative

(b) To have copy sent to taxpayer’s representative. A copy of the letter ruling or determination letter will be sent to any representative with a check in the box in the name and address block on Form 2848 to indicate they are to receive notices and communications

Expedited handling

(3) To request expedited handling. The Service ordinarily processes requests for letter rulings and determination letters in order of the date received. EP Determination Letter requests under Rev. Proc. 2015–6, this Bulletin, and EO Determination Letter requests under Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, are not eligible for expedited handling. Expedited handling means that a request is processed ahead of the regular order. Expedited handling is granted only in rare and unusual cases, both out of fairness to other taxpayers and because the Service seeks to process all requests as expeditiously as possible and to give appropriate deference to normal business exigencies in all cases not involving expedited handling.

A taxpayer who has a compelling need to have a request processed ahead of the regular order may request expedited handling. This request must explain in detail the need for expedited handling. The request must be made in writing, preferably in a separate letter with, or soon after filing, the request for the letter ruling or determination letter. If the request is not made in a separate letter, then the letter in which the letter ruling or determination letter request is made should say, at the top of the first page: “Expedited Handling Is Requested. See page ___ of this letter.”

A request for expedited handling will not be forwarded to the appropriate group for action until the check or money order for the user fee in the correct amount is received.

Whether the request will be granted is within the Service’s discretion. The Service may grant a request when a factor outside a taxpayer’s control creates a real business need to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter before a certain time in order to avoid serious business consequences. Examples include situations in which a court or governmental agency has imposed a specific deadline for the completion of a transaction, or a transaction must be completed expeditiously to avoid an imminent business emergency (such as the hostile takeover of a corporate taxpayer), provided that the taxpayer can demonstrate that the deadline or business emergency, and the need for expedited handling, resulted from circumstances that could not reasonably have been anticipated or controlled by the taxpayer. To qualify for expedited handling in such situations, the taxpayer must also demonstrate that the taxpayer submitted the request as promptly as possible after becoming aware of the deadline or emergency. The extent to which the letter ruling or determination letter complies with all of the applicable requirements of this revenue procedure, and fully and clearly presents the issues, is a factor in determining whether expedited treatment will be granted. When the Service agrees to process a request out of order, it cannot give assurance that any letter ruling or determination letter will be processed by the time requested. The scheduling of a closing date for a transaction or a meeting of the board of directors or shareholders of a corporation, without regard for the time it may take to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter, will not be considered a sufficient reason to process a request ahead of its regular order. Also, the possible effect of fluctuation in the market price of stocks on a transaction will not be considered a sufficient reason to process a request out of order.

Because most requests for letter rulings and determination letters cannot be processed ahead of their regular order, the Service urges all taxpayers to submit their requests well in advance of the contemplated transaction. In addition, in order to facilitate prompt action on letter ruling requests taxpayers are encouraged to ensure that their initial submissions comply with all of the requirements of this revenue procedure (including the requirements of other applicable guidelines set forth in section 10 of this revenue procedure), and to provide any additional information requested by the Service promptly.

Facsimile transmission (fax)

(4) To receive a letter ruling or submit a request for a letter ruling by facsimile transmission (fax).

(a) To receive a letter ruling by fax. A letter ruling ordinarily is not sent by fax. However, if the taxpayer requests, a copy of a letter ruling may be faxed to the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. A letter ruling, however, is not issued until the ruling is mailed. See § 301.6110–2(h).

A request to fax a copy of the letter ruling to the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative must be made in writing, either as part of the original letter ruling request or prior to the approval of the letter ruling. The request must contain the fax number of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative to whom the letter ruling is to be faxed.

The Service will take certain precautions to protect confidential information. For example, the Service will use a cover sheet that identifies the intended recipient of the fax and the number of pages transmitted. The cover sheet, if possible, will not identify the specific taxpayer by name, and it will be the first page covering the letter ruling being faxed.

(b) To submit a request for a letter ruling by fax. Original letter ruling requests sent by fax are discouraged because such requests must be treated in the same manner as requests by letter. For example, the faxed letter ruling request will not be forwarded to the applicable office for action until the check for the user fee is received.

Requesting a conference

(5) To request a conference. A taxpayer who wants to have a conference on the issues involved should indicate this in writing when, or soon after, filing the request. See also sections 12.01, 12.02, and 13.10 of this revenue procedure.

Address to send the request

.04

Requests for letter rulings

(1) Requests for letter rulings are to be addressed to Employee Plans at the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EP Letter Rulings

Stop 31

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012-0192

Requests shipped by Express Mail or a delivery service should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EP Letter Rulings

Stop 31

201 West Rivercenter Blvd.

Covington, KY 41011

Letter ruling requests will not be accepted via fax.

Requests for information letters

(2) Requests for information letters on employee plans matters should be sent to Employee Plans:

Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities)

Attn: Request for Information Letter

1111 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 4300

Washington, D.C. 20224

Requests for determination letters

(3) Requests for either (i) all EP determination letters or (ii) EO determination letters that are subject to a user fee should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: EP/EO Determination Letters

Stop 31

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012-0192

Requests for EO determination letters that are not subject to a user fee should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 2508

Rm. 4024

Cincinnati, OH 45201

Requests for EO determination letters described in section 7.04(14) should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: Correspondence Unit

P.O. Box 2508

Cincinnati, OH 45201

For user fees required with determination letter requests, see section 6 of Rev. Proc. 2015–8.

Pending letter ruling requests

.05

(1) Circumstances under which the taxpayer must notify EP Rulings and Agreements. The taxpayer must notify EP Rulings and Agreements if, after the letter ruling request is filed but before a letter ruling is issued, the taxpayer knows that—

(a) an examination of the issue or the identical issue on an earlier year’s return has been started by an Examinations office of the Service;

(b) the issue is being considered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or the Department of Labor; or

(c) legislation that may affect the transaction has been introduced (see section 9.02(8) of this revenue procedure).

(2) Taxpayer must notify EP Rulings and Agreements if return is filed and must attach request to return. If the taxpayer files a return before a letter ruling is received from EP Rulings and Agreements concerning the issue, the taxpayer must notify EP Rulings and Agreements that the return has been filed. The taxpayer must also attach a copy of the letter ruling request to the return to alert the EP Examinations office and thereby avoid premature EP Examinations office action on the issue.

When to attach letter ruling to return

.06 A taxpayer who receives a letter ruling before filing a return about any transaction that is relevant to the return being filed must attach a copy of the letter ruling to the return when it is filed.

How to check on status of request

.07 The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative may obtain information regarding the status of a request by calling the person whose name and telephone number are shown on the acknowledgement of receipt of the request.

Request may be withdrawn or EP Rulings and Agreements may decline to issue letter ruling

.08

(1) In general. A taxpayer may withdraw a request for a letter ruling or determination letter at any time before the letter ruling or determination letter is signed by the Service. However, withdrawal of a request for a determination in exempt organization matters is limited by section 5 of Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, or section 6 of Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin. Correspondence and exhibits related to a request that is withdrawn or related to a letter ruling request for which the Service declines to issue a letter ruling will not be returned to the taxpayer. See section 9.02(2) of this revenue procedure. In appropriate cases, the Service may publish its conclusions in a revenue ruling or revenue procedure.

A request for a letter ruling will not be suspended in EP Rulings and Agreements at the request of a taxpayer.

(2) Notification of Director, EP Examinations. If a taxpayer withdraws a request for a letter ruling or if EP Rulings and Agreements declines to issue a letter ruling, EP Rulings and Agreements will notify the Director, EP Examinations and may give its views on the issues in the request to the Director, EP Examinations to consider in any later examination of the return.

(3) Refunds of user fee. The user fee will not be returned for a letter ruling request that is withdrawn. If the Service declines to issue a letter ruling on all of the issues in the request, the user fee will be returned. If the Service, however, issues a letter ruling on some, but not all, of the issues, the user fee will not be returned. See section 10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–8 for additional information regarding refunds of user fees.

Compliance with Treasury Department Circular No. 230

.09 The taxpayer’s authorized representative, whether or not enrolled, must comply with Treasury Department Circular No. 230, which provides the rules for practice before the Service. In those situations when EP Rulings and Agreements believes that the taxpayer’s representative is not in compliance with Circular No. 230, EP Rulings and Agreements will bring the matter to the attention of the Director, Office of Professional Responsibility.

For the requirement regarding compliance with the conference and practice requirements, see section 9.02(12) of this revenue procedure.

SECTION 10. WHAT SPECIFIC, ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES APPLY TO CERTAIN REQUESTS?

 

In general

.01 Specific revenue procedures and notices supplement the general instructions for requests explained in section 9 of this revenue procedure and apply to requests for a letter ruling or a determination letter regarding the Code sections and matters listed in this section.

Exempt Organizations

.02 If the request is for the qualification of an organization for exemption from federal income tax under § 501 or 521, see Rev. Proc. 72–5, 1972–1 C.B. 709, regarding religious and apostolic organizations; Rev. Proc. 80–27, 1980–1 C.B. 677, concerning group exemptions; Rev. Proc. 2015–5, this Bulletin, and Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next Bulletin, regarding applications for recognition of exemption, determinations for which § 7428 applies, and conference protest and appeal rights; Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next Bulletin, regarding determinations of private foundation status; and Rev. Proc. 2014–11, 2014–3 I.R.B. 411, regarding applications for reinstatement of tax-exempt status and requesting retroactive reinstatement under § 6033(j) of the Code.

Employee Plans

.03

(1) For requests by the plan sponsor of a multiemployer pension plan for approval of an extension of an amortization period in accordance with section 431(d) of the Code, see Rev. Proc. 2010–52, 2010–52 I.R.B. 927.

(2) For requests by administrators or sponsors of a defined benefit plan to obtain approval for a change in funding method, see Rev. Proc. 2000–41, 2000–2 C.B. 371.

(3) For requests for the return to the employer of certain nondeductible contributions, see Rev. Proc. 90–49, 1990–2 C.B. 620 (as modified by Rev. Proc. 2015–8).

(4) For requests for determination letters for plans under §§ 401, 403(a), 409, and 4975(e)(7), and for the exempt status of any related trust under § 501, see Rev. Proc. 2015–6, Rev. Proc. 93–10, 1993–1 C.B. 476 and Rev. Proc. 93–12, 1993–1 C.B. 479.

(5) For requests for approval of the use of a substitute mortality table in accordance with § 430(h)(3)(C), see Rev. Proc. 2008–62, 2008–42 I.R.B. 935.

.

SECTION 11. HOW DOES EP RULINGS AND AGREEMENTS HANDLE LETTER RULING REQUESTS?

 

In general

.01 The Service will issue letter rulings on the matters and under the circumstances explained in sections 4 and 6 of this revenue procedure and in the manner explained in this section and section 13 of this revenue procedure.

Is not bound by informal opinion expressed

.02 The Service will not be bound by the informal opinion expressed by the group representative or any other authorized Service representative under this procedure, and such an opinion cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b).

Tells taxpayer if request lacks essential information during initial contact

.03 If a request for a letter ruling does not comply with all the provisions of this revenue procedure, the request will be acknowledged and the Service representative will tell the taxpayer during the initial contact which requirements have not been met.

Information must be submitted within 30 calendar days

If the request lacks essential information, which may include additional information needed to satisfy the procedural requirements of this revenue procedure, as well as substantive changes to transactions or documents needed from the taxpayer, the Service representative will tell the taxpayer during the initial contact that the request will be closed if the Service does not receive the information within 30 calendar days unless an extension of time is granted. See section 11.04 of this revenue procedure for information on extension of time and instructions on submissions of additional information.

Letter ruling request mistakenly sent to EP Determinations Processing

A request for a letter ruling sent to EP Determinations Processing that does not comply with the provisions of this revenue procedure will be returned by EP Determinations Processing so that the taxpayer can make corrections before sending it to the appropriate office.

Requires prompt submission of additional information requested after initial contact

.04 Material facts furnished to the Service by telephone or fax, or orally at a conference, must be promptly confirmed by letter to the Service. This confirmation and any additional information requested by the Service that is not part of the information requested during the initial contact must be furnished within 21 calendar days to be considered part of the request.

Additional information submitted to the Service must be accompanied by the following declaration: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this information, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contains all the relevant facts relating to the request for the information, and such facts are true, correct, and complete.” This declaration must be signed in accordance with the requirements in section 9.02(13)(b) of this revenue procedure. A taxpayer who submits additional factual information on several occasions may provide one declaration subsequent to all submissions that refers to all submissions.

Encourage use of fax

(1) To facilitate prompt action on letter ruling requests, taxpayers are encouraged to submit additional information by fax as soon as the information is available. The Service representative who requests additional information can provide a telephone number to which the information can be faxed. A copy of this information and a signed penalties of perjury statement, however, must be mailed or delivered to the Service.

Address to send additional information

(2) Additional information should be sent to the same address as the original letter ruling request. See section 9.04. However, the additional information should include the name, office symbols, and room number of the Service representative who requested the information and the taxpayer’s name and the case control number (which the Service representative can provide).

Number of copies of additional information to be submitted

(3) Generally, a taxpayer needs only to submit one copy of the additional information. However, in appropriate cases, the Service may request additional copies of the information.

30-day or 21-day period may be extended if justified and approved

(4) An extension of the 30-day period under section 11.03 or the 21-day period under section 11.04 will be granted only if justified in writing by the taxpayer and approved by the manager of the group to which the case is assigned. A request for extension should be submitted before the end of the 30-day or 21-day period. If unusual circumstances close to the end of the 30-day or 21-day period make a written request impractical, the taxpayer should notify the Service within the 30-day or 21-day period that there is a problem and that the written request for extension will be coming soon. The taxpayer will be told promptly, and later in writing, of the approval or denial of the requested extension. If the extension request is denied, there is no right of appeal.

If taxpayer does not submit additional information

(5) If the taxpayer does not follow the instructions for submitting additional information or requesting an extension within the time provided, a letter ruling will be issued on the basis of the information on hand, or, if appropriate, no letter ruling will be issued. When the Service decides not to issue a letter ruling because essential information is lacking, the case will be closed and the taxpayer notified in writing. If the Service receives the information after the letter ruling request is closed, the request may be reopened and treated as a new request. However, the taxpayer may be required to pay another user fee before the case can be reopened.

Near the completion of the ruling process, advises taxpayer of conclusions and, if the Service will rule adversely, offers the taxpayer the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request

.05 Generally, after the conference of right is held before the letter ruling is issued, the Service representative will inform the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative of the Service’s final conclusions. If the Service is going to rule adversely, the taxpayer will be offered the opportunity to withdraw the letter ruling request. If the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative does not promptly notify the Service representative of a decision to withdraw the ruling request, the adverse letter will be issued. The user fee will not be refunded for a letter ruling request that is withdrawn. See section 10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–8.

May request draft of proposed letter ruling near the completion of the ruling process

.06 To accelerate issuance of letter rulings, in appropriate cases near the completion of the ruling process, the Service representative may request that the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative submit a proposed draft of the letter ruling on the basis of discussions of the issues. The taxpayer, however, is not required to prepare a draft letter ruling in order to receive a letter ruling.

The format of the submission should be discussed with the Service representative who requests the draft letter ruling. The representative usually can provide a sample format of a letter ruling and will discuss the facts, analysis, and letter ruling language to be included.

The typed draft will become part of the permanent files of the Service. If the Service representative requesting the draft letter ruling cannot answer specific questions about the format, the questions can be directed to Carlton Watkins at (202) 317-8631 (not a toll-free call).

The proposed letter ruling should be sent to the same address as any additional information and contain in the transmittal the information that should be included with any additional information (for example, a penalties of perjury statement is required). See section 11.04 of this revenue procedure.

SECTION 12. HOW ARE CONFERENCES SCHEDULED?

 

Schedules a conference if requested by taxpayer

.01 A taxpayer may request a conference regarding a letter ruling request. Normally, a conference is scheduled only when the Service considers it to be helpful in deciding the case or when an adverse decision is indicated. If conferences are being arranged for more than one request for a letter ruling involving the same taxpayer, they will be scheduled so as to cause the least inconvenience to the taxpayer. As stated in section 9.03(5) of this revenue procedure, a taxpayer who wants to have a conference on the issue or issues involved should indicate this in writing when, or soon after, filing the request.

If a conference has been requested, the taxpayer will be notified by telephone, if possible, of the time and place of the conference, which must then be held within 21 calendar days after this contact. Instructions for requesting an extension of the 21-day period and notifying the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative of the Service’s approval or denial of the request for extension are the same as those explained in section 11.04 of this revenue procedure regarding providing additional information.

Permits taxpayer one conference of right

.02 A taxpayer is entitled, as a matter of right, to only one conference, except as explained under section 12.05 of this revenue procedure. This conference normally will be held at the group level and will be attended by a person who, at the time of the conference, has the authority to sign the letter ruling in his or her own name or for the group manager.

When more than one group has taken an adverse position on an issue in a letter ruling request, or when the position ultimately adopted by one group will affect that adopted by another, a representative from each group with the authority to sign in his or her own name or for the group manager will attend the conference. If more than one subject is to be discussed at the conference, the discussion will constitute a conference on each subject.

To have a thorough and informed discussion of the issues, the conference usually will be held after the group has had an opportunity to study the case. However, at the request of the taxpayer, the conference of right may be held earlier.

No taxpayer has a right to appeal the action of a group to any other official of the Service. But see section 12.05 of this revenue procedure for situations in which the Service may offer additional conferences.

Disallows verbatim recording of conferences

.03 Because conference procedures are informal, no tape, stenographic, or other verbatim recording of a conference may be made by any party.

Makes tentative recommendations on substantive issues

.04 The senior Service representative present at the conference ensures that the taxpayer has the opportunity to present views on all the issues in question. A Service representative explains the Service’s tentative decision on the substantive issues and the reasons for that decision. If the taxpayer asks the Service to limit the retroactive effect of any letter ruling or limit the revocation or modification of a prior letter ruling, a Service representative will discuss the recommendation concerning this issue and the reasons for the recommendation. However, the representatives will not make a commitment regarding the conclusion that the Service intends to adopt.

May offer additional conferences

.05 The Service will offer the taxpayer an additional conference if, after the conference of right, an adverse holding is proposed, but on a new issue, or on the same issue but on different grounds from those discussed at the first conference. There is no right to another conference when a proposed holding is reversed at a higher level with a result less favorable to the taxpayer, if the grounds or arguments on which the reversal is based were discussed at the conference of right.

The limit on the number of conferences to which a taxpayer is entitled does not prevent the Service from offering additional conferences, including conferences with an official higher than the group level, if the Service decides they are needed. Such conferences are not offered as a matter of course simply because the group has reached an adverse decision. In general, conferences with higher level officials are offered only if the Service determines that the case presents significant issues of tax policy or tax administration and that the consideration of these issues would be enhanced by additional conferences with the taxpayer.

Requires written confirmation of information presented at conference

.06 The taxpayer should furnish to the Service any additional data, reasoning, precedents, etc., that were proposed by the taxpayer and discussed at the conference but not previously or adequately presented in writing. The taxpayer must furnish the additional information within 21 calendar days from the date of the conference. See section 11.04 of this revenue procedure for instructions on submission of additional information. If the additional information is not received within that time, a ruling will be issued on the basis of the information on hand or, if appropriate, no ruling will be issued.

Procedures for requesting an extension of the 21-day period and notifying the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative of the Service’s approval or denial of the requested extension are the same as those stated in section 11.04 of this revenue procedure regarding submitting additional information.

May schedule a pre-submission conference

.07 Sometimes it will be advantageous to both the Service and the taxpayer to hold a conference before the taxpayer submits the letter ruling request to discuss substantive or procedural issues relating to a proposed transaction. These conferences are held only if the identity of the taxpayer is provided to the Service, only if the taxpayer actually intends to make a request, only if the request involves a matter on which a letter ruling is ordinarily issued, and only at the discretion of the Service and as time permits. For example, a pre-submission conference will not be held on an income tax issue if, at the time the pre-submission conference is requested, the identical issue is involved in the taxpayer’s return for an earlier period and that issue is being examined. See section 6 of this revenue procedure. Generally, the taxpayer will be asked to provide before the pre-submission conference a statement of whether the issue is an issue on which a letter ruling is ordinarily issued and a draft of the letter ruling request or other detailed written statement of the proposed transaction, issue, and legal analysis. If the taxpayer’s representative will attend the pre-submission conference, a power of attorney form is required. A Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, must be used to provide the representative’s authorization.

Any discussion of substantive issues at a pre-submission conference is advisory only, is not binding on the Service, and cannot be relied upon as a basis for obtaining retroactive relief under the provisions of § 7805(b). See section 3.08(2) of this procedure. A letter ruling request submitted following a pre-submission conference will not necessarily be assigned to the group that held the pre-submission conference.

Under limited circumstances, may schedule a conference to be held by telephone

.08 A taxpayer may request that their conference of right be held by telephone. This request may occur, for example, when a taxpayer wants a conference of right but believes that the issue involved does not warrant incurring the expense of traveling to Washington, DC. If a taxpayer makes such a request, the group manager will decide if it is appropriate in the particular case to hold the conference of right by telephone. If the request is approved by the group manager, the taxpayer will be advised when to call the Service representatives (not a toll-free call).

Conference rules for EO determination letters not subject to § 7428 or § 501 or § 521

.09 The procedures for requesting a conference for determination letters that are not subject to § 7428 or § 501 or § 521 are the same as described in this section, except that generally conferences will be held by telephone

SECTION 13. WHAT EFFECT WILL A LETTER RULING HAVE?

 

May be relied on subject to limitations

.01 A taxpayer ordinarily may rely on a letter ruling received from the Service subject to the conditions and limitations described in this section.

Will not apply to another taxpayer

.02 A taxpayer may not rely on a letter ruling issued to another taxpayer. See § 6110(k)(3).

Will be used by the Director, EP or EO Examinations in examining the taxpayer’s return

.03 When determining a taxpayer’s liability, the Director, EP or EO Examinations must ascertain whether—

(1) the conclusions stated in the letter ruling are properly reflected in the return;

(2) the representations upon which the letter ruling was based reflected an accurate statement of the material facts;

(3) the transaction was carried out substantially as proposed; and

(4) there has been any change in the law that applies to the period during which the transaction or continuing series of transactions were consummated.

If, when determining the liability, the Director, EP Examinations finds that a letter ruling should be revoked or modified, unless a waiver is obtained from the Director, Employee Plans,, the findings and recommendations of the Director, EP Examinations will be forwarded to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel for consideration before further action is taken by the Director, EP Examinations. Such a referral to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel will be treated as a request for technical advice and the provisions of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin, relating to requests for technical advice will be followed. Otherwise, the letter ruling is to be applied by the Director, EP Examinations in determining the taxpayer’s liability. If an office having jurisdiction over a return or other matter proposes to reach a conclusion contrary to a letter ruling previously issued to the taxpayer, it should coordinate the matter with the Office of Associate Chief Counsel.

In addition, in the event of a letter ruling that is revoked or modified, the Office of Associate Chief Counsel has discretionary authority under § 7805(b) to limit the retroactive effect of a revocation or modification.

May be revoked or modified if found to be in error

.04 Unless it was part of a closing agreement as described in section 3.03 of this revenue procedure, a letter ruling found to be in error or not in accord with the current views of the Service may be revoked or modified. If a letter ruling is revoked or modified, the revocation or modification applies to all years open under the period of limitation unless the Service uses its discretionary authority under § 7805(b) to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification.

A letter ruling may be revoked or modified by—

(1) a letter giving notice of revocation or modification to the taxpayer to whom the letter ruling was issued;

(2) the enactment of legislation or ratification of a tax treaty;

(3) a decision of the United States Supreme Court;

(4) the issuance of temporary or final regulations; or

(5) the issuance of a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other statement published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.

Consistent with these provisions, if a letter ruling relates to a continuing action or a series of actions, it ordinarily will be applied until any one of the events described above occurs or until it is specifically withdrawn.

Publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking will not affect the application of any letter ruling issued under this revenue procedure.

Where a letter ruling is revoked or modified by a letter to the taxpayer, the letter will state whether the revocation or modification is retroactive. Where a letter ruling is revoked or modified by the issuance of final or temporary regulations or by the publication of a revenue ruling, revenue procedure, notice, or other statement in the Internal Revenue Bulletin, the document may contain a statement as to its retroactive effect on letter rulings.

Letter ruling revoked or modified based on material change in facts applied retroactively

.05 The revocation or modification of a letter ruling will be applied retroactively to the taxpayer for whom the letter ruling was issued or to a taxpayer whose tax liability was directly involved in the letter ruling if—

(1) there has been a misstatement or omission of controlling facts;

(2) the facts at the time of the transaction are materially different from the controlling facts on which the letter ruling was based; or

(3) the transaction involves a continuing action or series of actions and the controlling facts change during the course of the transaction.

See section 11.05 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

Not otherwise generally revoked or modified retroactively

.06 Where the revocation or modification of a letter ruling is, for reasons other than a change in facts as described in section 13.05 of this revenue procedure, the revocation or modification will generally not be applied retroactively to the taxpayer for whom the letter ruling was issued or to a taxpayer whose tax liability was directly involved in the letter ruling provided that—

(1) there has been no change in the applicable law;

(2) the letter ruling was originally issued for a proposed transaction; and

(3) the taxpayer directly involved in the letter ruling acted in good faith in relying on the letter ruling, and revoking or modifying the letter ruling retroactively would be to the taxpayer’s detriment. For example, the tax liability of each employee covered by a letter ruling relating to a qualified plan of an employer is directly involved in the ruling. However, the tax liability of a member of an industry is not directly involved in a letter ruling issued to another member and, therefore, the holding in a revocation or modification of a letter ruling to one member of an industry may be retroactively applied to other members of the industry. By the same reasoning, a tax practitioner may not extend to one client the non-retroactive application of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling previously issued to another client

If a letter ruling is revoked or modified by a letter with retroactive effect, the letter will, except in fraud cases, state the grounds on which the letter ruling is being revoked or modified and explain the reasons why it is being revoked or modified retroactively. See section 11.06 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a particular transaction

.07 A letter ruling issued on a particular transaction represents a holding of the Service on that transaction only. It will not apply to a similar transaction in the same year or any other year. Except in unusual circumstances, the application of that letter ruling to the transaction will not be affected by the later issuance of regulations (either temporary or final) if conditions (1) through (3) in section 13.06 of this revenue procedure are met.

If a letter ruling on a transaction is later found to be in error or no longer in accord with the position of the Service, it will not protect a similar transaction of the taxpayer in the same year or later year.

Retroactive effect of revocation or modification applied to a continuing action or series of actions

.08 If a letter ruling is issued covering a continuing action or series of actions and the letter ruling is later found to be in error or no longer in accord with the position of the Service, the Associate Chief Counsel ordinarily will limit the retroactive effect of revocation or modification to a date that is not earlier than that on which the letter ruling is revoked or modified. See section 11.08 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

May be retroactively revoked or modified when transaction is completed without reliance on the letter ruling

.09 A taxpayer is not protected against retroactive revocation or modification of a letter ruling involving a transaction completed before the issuance of the letter ruling or involving a continuing action or series of actions occurring before the issuance of the letter ruling, because the taxpayer did not enter into the transaction relying on a letter ruling. See section 11.10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1.

Taxpayer may request that retroactivity be limited

.10 Under § 7805(b), the Service may prescribe any extent to which a revocation or modification of a letter ruling or determination letter will be applied without retroactive effect.

The Director, EP Examinations does not have authority under § 7805(b) to limit the revocation or modification of a letter ruling. Therefore, if the Director, EP Examinations proposes to revoke or modify a letter ruling issued by the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities, the taxpayer may request that the Office of Associate Chief Counsel, Tax Exempt and Government Entities limit the retroactive effect of any revocation or modification of the letter ruling. See Rev. Proc. 2015–1 section 11.11, this Bulletin.

Format of request

(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format.

A request to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification of a letter ruling issued by the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division must be made to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) and must be in the general form of, and meet the general requirements for, a letter ruling request that is submitted to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel. These requirements are given in section 7 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. Specifically, the request must also

(a) state that it is being made under § 7805(b);

(b) state the relief sought;

(c) explain the reasons and arguments in support of the relief requested (including a discussion of section 13.05 of this revenue procedure, the three items listed in section 13.06 of this revenue procedure, and any other factors as they relate to the taxpayer’s particular situation); and

(d) include any documents bearing on the request.

A request that the Service limit the retroactive effect of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling may be made in the form of a separate request for a letter ruling when, for example, a revenue ruling has the effect of modifying or revoking a letter ruling previously issued to the taxpayer or when the Service notifies the taxpayer of a change in position that will have the effect of revoking or modifying the letter ruling.

When notice is given by the Director, EP or EO Examinations during an examination of the taxpayer’s return or by Appeals, during consideration of the taxpayer’s return before Appeals, a request to limit retroactive effect must be made in the form of a request for technical advice as explained in section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

When germane to a pending letter ruling request, a request to limit the retroactive effect of a revocation or modification of a letter ruling may be made as part of the request for the letter ruling, either initially or at any time before the letter ruling is issued. When a letter ruling that concerns a continuing transaction is revoked or modified by, for example, a subsequent revenue ruling, a request to limit retroactive effect must be made before the examination of the return that contains the transaction that is the subject of the letter ruling request.

Consideration of relief under § 7805(b) will be included as one of the taxpayer’s steps in exhausting administrative remedies only if the taxpayer has requested such relief in the manner described in this revenue procedure. If the taxpayer does not complete the applicable steps, the taxpayer will not have exhausted the taxpayer’s administrative remedies as required by § 7428(b)(2) and § 7476(b)(3) and will, thus, be precluded from seeking a declaratory judgment under § 7428 or § 7476. Where the taxpayer has requested § 7805(b) relief, the taxpayer’s administrative remedies will not be considered exhausted until the Service has had a reasonable time to act upon the request.

Request for conference

(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b).

A taxpayer who requests the application of § 7805(b) in a separate letter ruling request has the right to a conference with the Associate office as explained in sections 10.02, 10.04, and 10.05 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. If the request is made initially as part of a pending letter ruling request or is made before the conference of right is held on the substantive issues, the § 7805(b) issue will be discussed at the taxpayer’s one conference of right as explained in section 10.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–1. If the request for the application of § 7805(b) relief is made as part of a pending letter ruling request after a conference has been held on the substantive issue and the Associate office determines that there is justification for having delayed the request, the taxpayer is entitled to one conference of right concerning the application of § 7805(b), with the conference limited to discussion of this issue.

SECTION 14. WHAT EFFECT WILL A DETERMINATION LETTER HAVE?

 

Has same effect as a letter ruling

.01 A determination letter issued by EP or EO Determinations has the same effect as a letter ruling issued to a taxpayer under section 13 of this revenue procedure.

If the Director, EP or EO Examinations proposes to reach a conclusion contrary to that expressed in a determination letter, he or she need not refer the matter to the Director, Employee Plans or EO or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). However, the Director, EP or EO Examinations must refer the matter to the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities), if the Director, EP or EO Examinations desires to have the revocation or modification of the determination letter limited under § 7805(b).

Taxpayer may request that retroactive effect of revocation or modification be limited

.02 Under § 7805(b), the Service may prescribe the extent to which a revocation or modification of a determination letter will be applied without retroactive effect. The Director, EP or EO Examinations does not have authority under § 7805(b) to limit the revocation or modification of the determination letter. Therefore, if the Director, EP or EO Examinations proposes to revoke or modify a determination letter, the taxpayer may request limitation of the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification by asking the Director, EP or EO Rulings and Agreements, to seek technical advice from the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities). See section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2.

Format of request

(1) Request for relief under § 7805(b) must be made in required format.

A taxpayer’s request to limit the retroactive effect of the revocation or modification of the determination letter must be in the form of, and meet the general requirements for, a technical advice request. See section 14.02 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin. The request must also—

(a) state that it is being made under § 7805(b);

(b) state the relief sought;

(c) explain the reasons and arguments in support of the relief sought (including a discussion of section 13.05 of this revenue procedure, the three items listed in section 13.06 of this revenue procedure, and any other factors as they relate to the taxpayer’s particular situation); and

(d) include any documents bearing on the request.

Request for conference

(2) Taxpayer may request a conference on application of § 7805(b).

When technical advice is requested regarding the application of § 7805(b), the taxpayer has the right to a conference with the Office of Associate Chief Counsel to the same extent as does any taxpayer who is the subject of a technical advice request. See section 14.04 of Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this Bulletin.

Exhaustion of administrative remedies

(3) Taxpayer steps in exhausting administrative remedies.

Consideration of relief under § 7805(b) will be included as one of the taxpayer’s steps in exhausting administrative remedies only if the taxpayer has requested such relief in the manner described in this revenue procedure and in Rev. Proc. 2015–2. If the taxpayer does not complete the applicable steps, the taxpayer will not have exhausted the taxpayer’s administrative remedies as required by § 7428(b)(2) and § 7476(b)(3) and will, thus, be precluded from seeking a declaratory judgment under § 7428 or § 7476. Where the taxpayer has requested § 7805(b) relief, the taxpayer’s administrative remedies will not be considered exhausted until the Service has had a reasonable time to act upon the request.

SECTION 15. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MATTERS REFERRED?

 

Requests for determination letters

.01 Requests for determination letters received by EP Determinations that, under the provisions of this revenue procedure, may not be issued by EP Determinations, will be forwarded to EP Rulings and Agreements for reply. EP Determinations will notify the taxpayer that the matter has been referred.

EP Determinations will also refer to EP Rulings and Agreements any request for a determination letter that in its judgment should have the attention of EP Rulings and Agreements.

No-rule areas

.02 If the request involves an issue on which the Service will not issue a letter ruling or determination letter, the request will not be forwarded to EP Rulings and Agreements or the Office of Associate Chief Counsel. EP Determinations will notify the taxpayer that the Service will not issue a letter ruling or a determination letter on the issue. See sections 7 and 8 of this revenue procedure for a description of no-rule areas.

Requests for letter rulings

.03 Requests for letter rulings received by EP Rulings and Agreements that, under section 6 of this revenue procedure, may not be acted upon by EP Rulings and Agreements will be forwarded to the Director, EP Examinations. The taxpayer will be notified of this action. If the request is on an issue or in an area of the type discussed in section 8 of this revenue procedure, and the Service decides not to issue a letter ruling or an information letter, EP Rulings and Agreements will notify the taxpayer and will then forward the request to the Director, EP Examinations for association with the related return.

SECTION 16. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO INFORMATION LETTERS ISSUED BY THE SERVICE?

 

Will be made available to the public

.01 Information letters that are issued by the Service to members of the public will be made available to the public. These documents provide general statements of well-defined law without applying them to a specific set of facts. Information letters that are issued by the field, however, will not be made available to the public. See section 3.06 of this revenue procedure.

The following documents also will not be available for public inspection as part of this process:

(1) letters that merely transmit Service publications or other publicly available material, without significant legal discussion;

(2) responses to taxpayer or third party contacts that are inquiries with respect to a pending request for a letter ruling, technical advice memorandum, or Chief Counsel Advice (whose public inspection is subject to § 6110); and

(3) responses to taxpayer or third party communications with respect to any investigation, audit, litigation, or other enforcement action.

Deletions made under the Freedom of Information Act

.02 Before any information letter is made available to the public, the Service will delete any name, address, and other identifying information as appropriate under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) (for example, FOIA personal privacy exemption of 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6) and tax details exempt pursuant to § 6103, as incorporated into FOIA by 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3)). Because information letters do not constitute written determinations (including Chief Counsel Advice) as defined in § 6110, these documents are not subject to public inspection under § 6110.

Effect of information letters

.03 Information letters are advisory only and have no binding effect on the Service. See section 3.06 of this revenue procedure. If the Service issues an information letter in response to a request for a letter ruling that does not meet the requirements of this revenue procedure, the information letter is not a substitute for a letter ruling.

SECTION 17. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THIS REVENUE PROCEDURE ON OTHER DOCUMENTS?

Rev. Proc. 2014–4 is superseded.

SECTION 18. EFFECTIVE DATE

This revenue procedure is effective January 2, 2015.

SECTION 19. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

The collections of information contained in this revenue procedure have been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. § 3507) under control number 1545-1520.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number.

The collections of information in this revenue procedure are in sections 7.07, 9.02, 9.03, 9.04, 9.05, 9.06, 10.02, 10.03, 11.03, 11.04(1)–(5), 11.06, 12.01, 12.06, 12.07, 13.10(1), 14.02(1), and in Appendices B and C. This information is required to evaluate and process the request for a letter ruling or determination letter. In addition, this information will be used to help the Service delete certain information from the text of the letter ruling or determination letter before it is made available for public inspection, as required by § 6110. The collections of information are required to obtain a letter ruling or determination letter. The likely respondents are businesses or other for-profit institutions.

The estimated total annual reporting and/or recordkeeping burden is 1,569 hours.

The estimated annual burden per respondent/recordkeeper varies from 15 minutes to 16 hours, depending on individual circumstances and the type of request involved, with an estimated average burden of 6.01 hours. The estimated number of respondents and/or recordkeepers is 261.

The estimated annual frequency of responses is one request per applicant, except that a taxpayer requesting a letter ruling may also request a presubmission conference.

Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by § 6103.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Eric D. Slack of the Employee Plans, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. For further information regarding how this revenue procedure applies to employee plans matters, contact the Employee Plans Customer Assistance Center at 877-829-5500.

APPENDIX A

 

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR A LETTER RULING REQUEST

(Insert the date of request)

[for Employee Plans]

Internal Revenue Service

Attention: EP Letter Rulings

Stop 31

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012-0192

Dear Sir or Madam:

(Insert the name of the taxpayer) (the “Taxpayer”) requests a ruling on the proper treatment of (insert the subject matter of the letter ruling request) under § (insert the number) of the Internal Revenue Code.

[If the taxpayer is requesting expedited handling, the letter ruling request must contain a statement to that effect. This statement must explain the need for expeditious handling. See section 9.03(3).]

A. STATEMENT OF FACTS

1. Taxpayer Information

[Provide the statements required by sections 9.02(1)(a), (b), and (c) of Rev. Proc. 2015–4, 2015–1 I.R.B. (Hereafter, all references are to Rev. Proc. 2015–4 unless otherwise noted.)]

For example, a taxpayer that maintains a qualified employee retirement plan and files an annual Form 5500 series of returns may include the following statement to satisfy sections 9.02(1)(a), (b), and (c):

The Taxpayer is a construction company with principal offices located at 100 Whatever Drive, Wherever, Maryland 12345, and its telephone number is (123) 456-7890. The Taxpayer’s federal employer identification number is 00-1234567. The Taxpayer uses the Form 5500 series of returns on a calendar year basis to report its qualified employee retirement plan and trust.

2. Detailed Description of the Transaction.

[The ruling request must contain a complete statement of the facts relating to the transaction that is the subject of the letter ruling request. This statement must include a detailed description of the transaction, including material facts in any accompanying documents, and the business reasons for the transaction. See sections 9.02(1)(b), 9.02(1)(c), and 9.02(2).]

B. RULING REQUESTED

[The ruling request should contain a concise statement of the ruling requested by the taxpayer.]

C. STATEMENT OF LAW

[The ruling request must contain a statement of the law in support of the taxpayer’s views or conclusion, including any authorities believed to be contrary to the position advanced in the ruling request. This statement must also identify any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction. See sections 9.02(6), 9.02(7), and 9.02(8).]

D. ANALYSIS

[The ruling request must contain a discussion of the facts and an analysis of the law. See sections 9.02(3), 9.02(6), 9.02(7), and 9.02(8).]

E. CONCLUSION

[The ruling request should contain a statement of the taxpayer’s conclusion on the ruling requested.]

F. PROCEDURAL MATTERS

1. Rev. Proc. 2015–4 statements

a. [The statement required by section 9.02(4).]

b. [The statement required by section 9.02(5).]

c. [The statement required by section 9.02(6) regarding whether the law in connection with the letter ruling request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities.]

d. [The statement required by section 9.02(7) when the taxpayer determines that there are no contrary authorities.]

e. [If the taxpayer wants to have a conference on the issues involved in the letter ruling request, the ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 9.03(5).]

f. [If the taxpayer is requesting the letter ruling to be issued by fax, the ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 9.03(4).]

g. [If the taxpayer is requesting separate letter rulings on multiple issues, the letter ruling request should contain a statement to that effect. See section 9.03(1).]

2. Administrative

a. A Power of Attorney is enclosed. [See sections 9.02(12) and 9.03(2).]

b. The deletions statement and checklist required by Rev. Proc. 2015–4 are enclosed. [See sections 9.02(9) and 9.02(17).]

c. The required user fee is enclosed. [See section 9.02(14).]

Very truly yours,

(Insert the name of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative)

By:

_____

Signature Date

Typed or printed name

of person signing request

DECLARATION: [See section 9.02(13).]

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this request, including accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the request contains all the relevant facts relating to the request and such facts are true, correct, and complete.

(Insert the name of the taxpayer)

By:

Signature Title Date

_________

Typed or printed name of

person signing declaration

APPENDIX B

 

CHECKLIST

 

IS YOUR RULING REQUEST COMPLETE?

 

INSTRUCTIONS

The Service will be able to respond more quickly to your letter ruling request if it is carefully prepared and complete. To ensure that your request is in order, use this checklist. Complete the four items of information requested before the checklist. Answer each question by circling “Yes,” “No,” or “N/A.” When a question contains a place for a page number, insert the page number (or numbers) of the request that gives the information called for by a yes answer to a question. Sign and date the checklist (as taxpayer or authorized representative) and place it on top of your request.

If you are an authorized representative submitting a request for a taxpayer, you must include a completed checklist with the request, or the request will either be returned to you or substantive consideration of it will be deferred until a completed checklist is submitted. If you are a taxpayer preparing your own request without professional assistance, an incomplete checklist will not be cause for returning your request or deferring substantive consideration of the request. However, you should still complete as much of the checklist as possible and submit it with your request.

TAXPAYER’S NAME ________________________________________

TAXPAYER’S I.D. No. ______________________________________

ATTORNEY/P.O.A. __________________________________________

PRIMARY CODE SECTION _____________________________________

CIRCLE ONE ITEM
Yes No N/A 1. Does your request involve an issue under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division? See section 5 of Rev. Proc. 2015–4, 2015–1 I.R.B., for issues under the jurisdiction of other offices. (Hereafter, all references are to Rev. Proc. 2015–4 unless otherwise noted.)
Yes No N/A 2. If your request involves a matter on which letter rulings are not ordinarily issued, have you given compelling reasons to justify the issuance of a private letter ruling? Before preparing your request, you may want to call the office responsible for substantive interpretations of the principal Internal Revenue Code section on which you are seeking a letter ruling to discuss the likelihood of an exception. The appropriate office to call for this information may be obtained by calling (202) 317-8700 (Employee Plans matters) (not a toll-free call).
Yes No N/A Page ___ 3. If the request involves an employee plans qualification matter under § 401(a), § 409, or § 4975(e)(7), have you demonstrated that the request satisfies the three criteria in section 6.03 for a ruling?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 4. If the request deals with a completed transaction, have you filed the return for the year in which the transaction was completed? See sections 6.01 and 6.02.
Yes No 5. Are you requesting a letter ruling on a hypothetical situation or question? See section 8.03.
Yes No 6. Are you requesting a letter ruling on alternative plans of a proposed transaction? See section 8.03.
Yes No 7. Are you requesting the letter ruling for only part of an integrated transaction? See section 8.04.
Yes No 8. Have you submitted another letter ruling request for the transaction covered by this request?
Yes No 9. Are you requesting the letter ruling for a business, trade, industrial association, or similar group concerning the application of tax law to its members? See section 6.07.
Yes No Page ___ 10. Have you included a complete statement of all the facts relevant to the transaction? See section 9.02(1).
Yes No N/A 11. Have you submitted with the request true copies of all wills, deeds, plan documents, and other documents relevant to the transaction, and labeled and attached them in alphabetical sequence? See section 9.02(2).
Yes No Page ___ 12. Have you included, rather than merely by reference, all material facts from the documents in the request? Are they accompanied by an analysis of their bearing on the issues that specifies the document provisions that apply? See section 9.02(3).
Yes No Page___ 13. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the same in the letter ruling request is in an earlier return of the taxpayer or in a return for any year of a related taxpayer? See section 9.02(4).
Yes No Page___ 14. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the Service previously ruled on the same or similar issue for the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, or a predecessor? See section 9.02(5).
Yes No Page___ 15. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the taxpayer, a related taxpayer, a predecessor, or any representatives previously submitted the same or similar issue but withdrew it before the letter ruling was issued? See section 9.02(5).
Yes No Page___ 16. Have you included the required statement regarding whether the law in connection with the request is uncertain and whether the issue is adequately addressed by relevant authorities? See section 9.02(6).
Yes No Pages___ 17. Have you included the required statement of relevant authorities in support of your views? See section 9.02(6).
Yes No N/A Pages___ 18. Does your request discuss the implications of any legislation, tax treaties, court decisions, regulations, notices, revenue rulings, or revenue procedures you determined to be contrary to the position advanced? See section 9.02(7), which states that taxpayers are encouraged to inform the Service of such authorities.
Yes No N/A Page___ 19. If you determined that there are no contrary authorities, have you included a statement to this effect in your request? See section 9.02(7).
Yes No N/A Page___ 20. Have you included in your request a statement identifying any pending legislation that may affect the proposed transaction? See section 9.02(8).
Yes No 21. Is the request accompanied by the deletions statement required by § 6110? See section 9.02(9).
Yes No N/A Page___ 22. Have you (or your authorized representative) signed and dated the request? See section 9.02(10).
Yes No N/A 23. If the request is signed by your representative, or if your representative will appear before the Service in connection with the request, is the request accompanied by a properly prepared and signed power of attorney with the signatory’s name typed or printed? See section 9.02(12).
Yes No N/A 24. Have you included, signed and dated, the penalties of perjury statement in the form required by section 9.02(13)?
Yes No N/A 25. Have you included the correct user fee with the request and made your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury? See section 9.02(14) and Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this Bulletin, for the correct amount and additional information on user fees.
Yes No N/A 26. Are you submitting your request in duplicate if necessary? See section 9.02(15).
Yes No N/A Pages___ 27. If you are requesting separate letter rulings on different issues involving one factual situation, have you included a statement to that effect in each request? See section 9.03(1).
Yes No N/A Page___ 28. If you have more than one representative, have you designated whether the representatives listed on the power of attorney are to receive a copy of the letter ruling? See section 9.03(2).
Yes No N/A 29. If you want your letter ruling request to be processed ahead of the regular order or by a specific date, have you requested expedited handling in the form required by section 9.03(3) and stated a compelling need for such action in the request?
Yes No N/A Page___ 30. If you want to have a conference on the issues involved in the request, have you included a request for conference in the ruling request? See section 9.03(5).
Yes No N/A 31. If your request is covered by any of the guideline revenue procedures or other special requirements listed in section 10 of Rev. Proc. 2015–4, have you complied with all of the requirements of the applicable revenue procedure?
Yes No N/A Page___ 32. If you are requesting relief under § 7805(b) (regarding retroactive effect), have you complied with all of the requirements in section 13.10?
Yes No N/A 33. Have you addressed your request to the appropriate office listed in section 9.04? Improperly addressed requests may be delayed (sometimes for over a week) in reaching the appropriate office for initial processing.

Signature Title or authority Date

_________

Typed or printed name of

person signing checklist

APPENDIX C

 

Additional Checklist for Roth IRA Recharacterization Ruling Requests

In order to assist EP in processing a ruling request involving a Roth IRA recharacterization, in addition to the items in Appendix B, please check the following list.

Yes No N/A Page ___ 1. Did you include the name(s) of trustee and/or custodian of the traditional individual retirement account (IRA) (generally, a financial institution)?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 2. Is each IRA identification number present?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 3. If the ruling request involves Roth conversions of a married couple, is the necessary information with respect to each IRA of each party present? Note: as long as the parties file a joint federal Form 1040, the Service can issue one ruling covering both parties. Furthermore, if a joint federal income tax return has been filed for the year or years in question, the Service only requires one user fee even if each spouse had failed conversions.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 4. If there was one or more attempted conversions, are the applicable dates on which the attempted IRA conversion(s) occurred included?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 5. If the reason that a conversion failed is that the taxpayer or related taxpayers relied upon advice of a tax professional such as a CPA, or an attorney, is the name and occupation of that adviser included?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 6. Is certification that the taxpayer or taxpayers timely filed the relevant federal tax return(s) present?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 7. Is there a short statement of facts with respect to the conversion? For example, if the ruling request involves a conversion attempted in 1998, there should be a statement of the facts that includes a representation of why the due date(s) found in Announcement 99-57 and Announcement 99-104 were not met.
Yes No N/A Page ___ 8. If the taxpayer recharacterized his/her Roth IRA to a traditional IRA prior to submitting a request for § 9100 relief, are the date(s) of the recharacterization(s), name(s) of trustees and/or custodians, and the identification numbers of the traditional IRA(s) present?
Yes No N/A Page ___ 9. Does the request include the type of contribution (i.e., regular or conversion) and amount of the contribution being recharacterized?

Rev. Proc. 2015–5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1. PURPOSE 187
.01 Description of terms used in this revenue procedure 187
SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY 187
.01 Organizations eligible to submit Form 1023–EZ 187
.02 Organizations not eligible to submit Form 1023–EZ 187
.03 Terrorist organizations 188
SECTION 3. NATURE OF CHANGES AND RELATED REVENUE PROCEDURES 188
.01 Revenue Procedure 2014–40 is superseded 188
.02 Related revenue procedures 188
.03 Notable changes to Rev. Proc. 2014–40 that appear in this revenue procedure 188
SECTION 4. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING RECOGNITION OF EXEMPT STATUS UNDER § 501(c)(3) 189
.01 In general 189
.02 Application 189
.03 User fee 189
.04 Method of submission 189
.05 Requirements for a completed Form 1023–EZ 189
.06 Form 1023–EZ from an organization with a pending Form 1023 189
.07 No expedited handling 189
SECTION 5. STANDARDS FOR ISSUING A DETERMINATION LETTER ON EXEMPT STATUS UNDER § 501(c)(3) 189
.01 In general 189
.02 Non-acceptance of Forms 1023–EZ 189
.03 Additional information may be required 190
.04 Issuance of determination letter 190
.05 Adverse determination letters and appeal procedure 190
.06 Requests for technical advice 190
.07 Withdrawal of a Form 1023–EZ 190
SECTION 6. DECLARATORY JUDGMENT PROVISIONS OF § 7428 190
.01 General description 190
.02 Exhaustion of administrative remedies 190
.03 Exhaustion of administrative remedies no earlier than 270 days after seeking determination and taking all reasonable steps to secure a determination letter 190
.04 Service must have reasonable time to act on an appeal 191
.05 Final determination to which § 7428 applies 191
.06 Treatment of withdrawals and non-accepted applications 191
SECTION 7. DISCLOSURE OF APPLICATIONS AND DETERMINATION LETTERS 191
.01 Disclosure of favorable determinations 191
.02 Disclosure of adverse determinations 191
.03 Disclosure to state officials 191
SECTION 8. EFFECT OF DETERMINATION LETTER RECOGNIZING EXEMPTION 191
.01 Effective date of exemption 191
.02 Reliance on determination letter 192
.03 Automatic revocation 192
.04 Filing requirement 192
SECTION 9. REVOCATION OR MODIFICATION OF DETERMINATION LETTER RECOGNIZING EXEMPTION 192
.01 In general 192
.02 Retroactive revocation or modification 192
.03 Appeal and conference procedures 193
SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE 193
SECTION 11. DRAFTING INFORMATION 193
SECTION 12. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT 193

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

This revenue procedure sets forth procedures for applying for and for issuing determination letters on the exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) using Form 1023–EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This revenue procedure is generally available for certain U.S. organizations with assets of $250,000 or less and annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less.

Although the Service will release separate procedures for issuing determination letters on exempt status for organizations applying on Form 1023 with Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next bulletin, the Service is considering whether to merge the procedures in this revenue procedure into Rev. Proc. 2015–9 in the 2016 annual update.

The general procedures for technical advice requests for matters within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities were previously contained in Rev. Proc. 2014–5. The Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) now handles all TAMs pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2015–2, as updated.

.01 For purposes of this revenue procedure –

(1) The “Service” means the Internal Revenue Service.

(2) An “eligible organization” is an organization that is eligible to submit Form 1023–EZ, as described in section 2.01 of this revenue procedure.

(3) “EO Determinations” means the office of the Service that is primarily responsible for processing applications for tax-exempt status. It includes the main EO Determinations office located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and other field offices that are under the direction and control of the Director, EO Rulings and Agreements. Applications are generally processed in the centralized EO Determinations office in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, some applications may be processed in other EO Determinations offices.

(4) “Appeals Office” means any office under the direction and control of the Chief, Appeals. The purpose of the Appeals Office is to resolve tax controversies, without litigation, on a fair and impartial basis. The Appeals office is independent of EO Determinations.

(5) A “determination letter” means a written statement issued by EO Determinations or an Appeals Office in response to an application for recognition of exemption from Federal income tax under § 501. This includes a written statement issued by EO Determinations or an Appeals Office on the basis of technical advice pursuant to the procedures prescribed in Rev. Proc. 2015–2, this bulletin, 105.“Form 1023–EZ” means the Form 1023–EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which is the application used by eligible organizations to apply for recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3) pursuant to this revenue procedure.

(6) “Form 1023” means the Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which is the application used to apply for recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3) pursuant to Rev. Proc. 2015–9,next bulletin.

.02 This Revenue Procedure is updated annually, but may be modified or amplified during the year.

SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY

.01 Organizations meeting all three of the following criteria are eligible organizations and may use Form 1023–EZ to apply for recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3), unless the organization is designated in section 2.02 or 2.03 as an organization that is not eligible to submit Form 1023–EZ.

(1) Organizations with projected annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less in the current taxable year and the next 2 years.

(2) Organizations with annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less in each of the past 3 years for which the organization was in existence, and

(3) Organizations with total assets the fair market value of which does not exceed $250,000. For purposes of this eligibility requirement, a good faith estimate of the fair market value of the organization’s assets is sufficient.

.02 The following organizations are not eligible organizations and must use Form 1023 to apply for recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3):

(1) Organizations formed under the laws of a foreign country (United States territories and possessions are not considered foreign countries).

(2) Organizations that do not have a mailing address in the United States (territories and possessions are considered the United States for this purpose).

(3) Organizations that are successors to, or controlled by, an entity suspended under § 501(p) (suspension of tax-exempt status of terrorist organizations).

(4) Organizations that are not corporations, unincorporated associations, or trusts.

(5) Organizations that are successors to a for-profit entity.

(6) Organizations that were previously revoked or that are successors to a previously revoked organization (other than an organization the tax-exempt status of which was automatically revoked for failure to file a Form 990 series return or notice for three consecutive years).

(7) Churches or conventions or associations of churches described in § 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

(8) Schools, colleges, or universities described in § 170(b)(1)(A)(ii).

(9) Hospitals or medical research organizations described in § 170(b)(1)(A)(iii) or § 501(r)(2)(A)(i). Cooperative hospital service organizations described in § 501(e).

(10) Cooperative service organizations of operating educational organizations described in § 501(f).

(11) Qualified charitable risk pools described in § 501(n).

(12) Supporting organizations described in § 509(a)(3).

(13) Organizations that have as a substantial purpose providing assistance to individuals through credit counseling activities such as budgeting, personal finance, financial literacy, mortgage foreclosure assistance, or other consumer credit areas.

(14) Organizations that invest, or intend to invest, 5 percent or more of their total assets in securities or funds that are not publicly traded.

(15) Organizations that participate, or intend to participate, in partnerships (including entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for Federal tax purposes) in which they share profits and losses with partners other than § 501(c)(3) organizations.

(16) Organizations that sell, or intend to sell, carbon credits or carbon offsets.

(17) Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

(18) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), or organizations that engage in, or intend to engage in, ACO activities (such as participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) or in activities unrelated to the MSSP described in Notice 2011–20, 2011–16 I.R.B. 652).

(19) Organizations that maintain, or intend to maintain, one or more donor advised funds.

(20) Organizations that are organized and operated exclusively for testing for public safety and that are requesting a foundation classification under § 509(a)(4).

(21) Private operating foundations.

(22) Organizations that are applying for retroactive reinstatement of exemption under sections 5 or 6 of Rev. Proc. 2014–11, 2014–3 I.R.B. 411, after being automatically revoked.

Further information regarding these eligibility requirements may be provided in the Instructions for Form 1023–EZ.

.03 Terrorist organizations. An organization that is identified or designated as a terrorist organization within the meaning of § 501(p)(2) is not eligible to apply for recognition of exemption.

SECTION 3. NATURE OF CHANGES AND RELATED REVENUE PROCEDURES

Revenue Procedure 2014–40 is superseded

.01 This revenue procedure is a general update of Rev. Proc. 2014–40, 2014–30 I.R.B. 229, which is hereby superseded.

Related Revenue Procedures

.02 The following revenue procedures are related to Rev. Proc. 2015–5—

(1) Rev. Proc. 2015–9, next bulletin, sets forth procedures for issuing determination letters and rulings on the exempt status of organizations under §§ 501 and 521. Those procedures do not apply to determination letters issued under this revenue procedure except to the extent specifically noted herein. This revenue procedure amplifies Rev. Proc. 2015–9 by providing alternative application and processing procedures for Form 1023–EZ, which may be used by eligible organizations seeking recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3).

(2) Rev. Proc. 2015–10, next bulletin, sets forth procedures for issuing rulings and determination letters on private foundation status under § 509(a). This revenue procedure amplifies Rev. Proc. 2015–10 by providing that the private foundation status of an organization may be determined when an eligible organization submits a Form 1023–EZ.

(3) Rev. Proc. 2015–8, this bulletin, 235, sets forth user fees for requests for a determination letter, including requests made on a Form 1023–EZ under this revenue procedure.

(4) Rev. Proc. 2015–4, this bulletin, 144, sets forth procedures regarding the Service’s provision of guidance to taxpayers on issues under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. This revenue procedure amplifies Rev. Proc. 2015–4 by providing that EO Determinations may also issue determination letters on initial qualification for exempt status of organizations described in § 501(c)(3) that applied using Form 1023–EZ, in accordance with this revenue procedure.

(5) Rev. Proc. 2014–11, 2014–3 I.R.B. 411, sets forth procedures for reinstating the tax-exempt status of organizations that have had their tax-exempt status automatically revoked under § 6033(j)(1). This revenue procedure amplifies Rev. Proc. 2014–11 by providing that eligible organizations may apply for reinstatement under Rev. Proc. 2014–11 by submitting a Form 1023–EZ instead of a Form 1023. Form 1023–EZ is considered to be an “Application” within the meaning of section 2.01(1) of Rev. Proc. 2014–11.

.03 Notable changes to Rev. Proc. 2014–40 that appear in this revenue procedure include—

(1) Section 1. Language was added to reflect that technical advice memoranda that were previously issued by Commissioner (Tax Exempt and Government Entities) will now be issued by Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).

(2) Section 2.01 and 2.02. Language was added to section 2.01 to specify the organizations that are eligible to file a Form 1023–EZ, and the list of types of organizations that are not eligible to submit Form 1023–EZ was moved to section 2.02.

(3) Section 3.01. Language was added to supersede Revenue Procedure 2014–40.

(4) Section 4.03. Language was added to direct the reader to Revenue Procedure 2015–8 to determine the correct user fee submitted with Form 1023–EZ.

(5) Section 5.05. Language was added to further describe the process for appealing a proposed adverse determination letter as described in Revenue Procedure 2015–9.

(6) Section 8.02. Language was added to clarify the difference between reliance on determination letters by applicants for exempt status and general reliance by grantors or contributors.

(7) Dates, cross references, and names have been changed throughout to reflect the appropriate annual Revenue Procedures.

SECTION 4. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING RECOGNITION OF EXEMPT STATUS UNDER § 501(c)(3)

.01 In general. Unless subject to a specific exception, all organizations seeking tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) must, as a condition of exemption, apply for recognition of exempt status with the Service. An eligible organization may, but is not required to, seek recognition of tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) by submitting a Form 1023–EZ in accordance with this revenue procedure. Alternatively, an eligible organization may follow the procedures in Rev. Proc. 2015–9, to seek recognition of exemption under § 501(c)(3) by submitting a Form 1023.

.02 Application. An eligible organization seeking recognition of exempt status under § 501(c)(3) using this revenue procedure must submit a completed Form 1023–EZ. See section 4.05 for a definition of completed Form 1023–EZ. An incomplete Form 1023–EZ will not be accepted for processing by the Service even if it has been successfully submitted through www.pay.gov. See section 5.02(1).

.03 User fee.

An application must be submitted with the correct user fee, as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2015–8.

.04 Method of submission. An eligible organization seeking recognition of tax exempt status under § 501(c)(3) using this revenue procedure must submit the Form 1023–EZ and user fee online at www.pay.gov. Paper submissions will not be accepted and will be treated as incomplete Forms 1023–EZ as described in section 5.02(1).

.05 Requirements for a completed Form 1023–EZ. For purposes of this revenue procedure, a Form 1023–EZ submitted by an eligible organization is completed if it:

(1) includes responses for each required line item of the form, including an accurate date of organization and an attestation that the organization has completed the Form 1023–EZ eligibility worksheet, as in effect on the date of submission, is eligible to apply for exemption using Form 1023–EZ, and has read the Instructions for Form 1023–EZ and understands the requirements to be exempt under § 501(c)(3) as expressed therein;

(2) includes the organization’s correct Employer Identification Number (EIN);

(3) is electronically signed, under penalties of perjury, by an individual authorized to sign for the organization (as specified in the Instructions for Form 1023–EZ); and

(4) is accompanied by the correct user fee.

A Form 1023–EZ will not be considered completed if the organization’s name and EIN do not match the records in the Service’s Business Master File. Furthermore, a Form 1023–EZ submitted by an organization that is not an eligible organization will not be considered completed.

.06 Form 1023–EZ from an organization with a pending Form 1023.

(1) The Service will accept for processing a completed Form 1023–EZ from an eligible organization that has a Form 1023 pending with the Service, provided that the Form 1023 has not yet been assigned for review. The Form 1023–EZ will be treated as a written request for withdrawal of the pending Form 1023, and the Form 1023 will be treated as withdrawn as described in section 6 of Rev. Proc. 2015–9. The user fee paid for the Form 1023 will generally not be refunded. See section 6 of Rev. Proc. 2015–9. In addition, the filing date of the Form 1023–EZ (not the withdrawn Form 1023) will be treated as the date that the organization provided the notice required under § 508 to the Service. If the filing date of the Form 1023–EZ is within 27 months from the end of the month in which it was organized, the organization may be recognized as exempt from the date it was organized. If it is not, then the organization’s exemption, if recognized, will generally be effective from the date the Form 1023–EZ was filed. See section 8 below.

(2) The Service will not accept for processing a completed Form 1023–EZ from an eligible organization that has a Form 1023 pending with the Service if the Form 1023 has already been assigned for review. If this section 4.06(2) applies, an organization will be notified of the non-acceptance of the Form 1023–EZ and any user fee that was paid with the Form 1023–EZ will be refunded, as described in section 5.02(3).

.07 No expedited handling. An organization may not request expedited handling of a Form 1023–EZ submitted under this revenue procedure.

SECTION 5. STANDARDS FOR ISSUING A DETERMINATION LETTER ON EXEMPT STATUS UNDER § 501(c)(3)

.01 In general. This section sets forth procedures that the Service will use to process a Form 1023–EZ.

.02 Non-acceptance for processing of Forms 1023–EZ.

(1) A submitted Form 1023–EZ that is not completed within the meaning of section 4.05 will not be accepted for processing by the Service. The Service may, but is not required to, request additional information under section 5.03 to verify that a Form 1023–EZ is completed. If an organization’s Form 1023–EZ is not accepted for processing, it will be notified of the non-acceptance of its application and any user fee that was paid will be refunded. An eligible organization may then submit a properly completed Form 1023–EZ with a new user fee online at www.pay.gov. Alternatively, an eligible organization may apply on a Form 1023 under the procedures described in Rev. Proc. 2015–9.

(2) The Service will not accept for processing a Form 1023–EZ from an organization if the organization has an application for recognition of tax-exempt status other than a Form 1023 (e.g., Form 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(a)) pending with the Service. An organization will be notified of the non-acceptance of the Form 1023–EZ, and any user fee that was paid with the Form 1023–EZ will be refunded.

(3) The Service will not accept for processing a Form 1023–EZ from an eligible organization if the organization has a Form 1023 pending with the Service that has been assigned for review. See section 4.06. An organization will be notified of the non-acceptance of the Form 1023–EZ, and any user fee that was paid with the Form 1023–EZ will be refunded.

.03 Additional information may be required. The Service may request additional information from any organization before accepting a Form 1023–EZ for processing or making a determination of exempt status. Additionally, the Service will select a statistically valid random sample of Forms 1023–EZ for pre-determination reviews, which may also result in requests for additional information. If the Service requests information prior to accepting a Form 1023–EZ for processing and the organization fails to respond to a request for additional information, the application will not be accepted for processing. In the case of a Form 1023–EZ that has been accepted for processing by the Service, a failure to respond to a request for additional information will result in the closure of the application without a determination letter being issued and without a refund of the user fee.

.04 Issuance of determination letter. A favorable determination letter will be issued to an organization only if the attestations contained in the organization’s completed and accepted Form 1023–EZ (along with any additional information requested by the Service and provided by the organization) are consistent with requirements for exemption under section 501(c)(3). Exempt status may be recognized in advance of the organization’s operat