26 C.F.R. §§ 301.7701-1–301.7701-3

3 sections in range

§301.7701-1. Classification of organizations for federal tax purposes.

26 C.F.R. § 301.7701-1

(a)

Organizations for federal tax purposes—

(1)

In general. The Internal Revenue Code prescribes the classification of various organizations for federal tax purposes. Whether an organization is an entity separate from its owners for federal tax purposes is a matter of federal tax law and does not depend on whether the organization is recognized as an entity under local law.

(2)

Certain joint undertakings give rise to entities for federal tax purposes. A joint venture or other contractual arrangement may create a separate entity for federal tax purposes if the participants carry on a trade, business, financial operation, or venture and divide the profits therefrom. For example, a separate entity exists for federal tax purposes if co- owners of an apartment building lease space and in addition provide services to the occupants either directly or through an agent. Nevertheless, a joint undertaking merely to share expenses does not create a separate entity for federal tax purposes. For example, if two or more persons jointly construct a ditch merely to drain surface water from their properties, they have not created a separate entity for federal tax purposes. Similarly, mere co-ownership of property that is maintained, kept in repair, and rented or leased does not constitute a separate entity for federal tax purposes. For example, if an individual owner, or tenants in common, of farm property lease it to a farmer for a cash rental or a share of the crops, they do not necessarily create a separate entity for federal tax purposes.

(3)

Certain State and local law entities not recognized. An entity formed under State or local law is not always recognized as a separate entity for Federal tax purposes. For example, an organization wholly owned by a State is not recognized as a separate entity for Federal tax purposes if it is an integral part of the State.

(4)

Certain Tribal entities—

(i)

In general—

(A)

Rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(4)(ii) and (iii) of this section, section 17 corporations, section 3 corporations, and wholly owned Tribal entities (as defined, respectively, in paragraphs (a)(4)(i)(B) through (D) of this section) are not recognized as separate entities for Federal tax purposes and, therefore, are not subject to Federal income tax.

(B)

Definition of section 17 corporation. The term section 17 corporation means a federally chartered corporation incorporated under section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, as amended (25 U.S.C. 5124), by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as the authorized delegate of the Secretary of the Interior.

(C)

Definition of section 3 corporation. The term section 3 corporation means a federally chartered corporation incorporated under section 3 of the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act, as amended (25 U.S.C. 5203), by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as the authorized delegate of the Secretary of the Interior.

(D)

Definition of wholly owned Tribal entity. The term wholly owned Tribal entity means an entity wholly owned by one or more Indian Tribal governments (within the meaning of section 7701(a)(40) of the Code), directly or through other entities that are not recognized as separate entities for Federal income tax purposes, that is organized or incorporated exclusively under the laws of one or more of the owning Indian Tribal governments. Whether an entity is organized or incorporated under the laws of one or more Indian Tribal government(s) is determined without regard to any specified choice of law or forum.

(ii)

Elections under section 6417. See— § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter for the treatment of section 17 corporations, section 3 corporations, and wholly owned Tribal entities described in paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section for the purposes of making an elective payment election under section 6417 of the Code (section 6417 election), including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election.

(iii)

Federal employment taxes and excise taxes. Section 17 corporations, section 3 corporations, and wholly owned Tribal entities are treated as separate entities for Federal employment and certain Federal excise tax purposes in a manner identical to the treatment described in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iv) and (v).

(iv)

Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of paragraphs (a)(4)(i) through (iii) of this section. For purposes of these examples, all references to a Tribe are references to an Indian Tribal government within the meaning of section 7701(a)(40).

(A)

Example 1. Tribe B incorporates Corporation X pursuant to Tribe B's Corporations Ordinance, which governs the purpose, formation, and operation of commercial entities. Tribe B owns all the shares of Corporation X. Corporation X is therefore wholly owned by Tribe B and organized or incorporated under the laws of Tribe B. As a result, Corporation X is not recognized as a separate entity from Tribe B for Federal tax purposes, except for the purposes described in § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter and paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, Corporation X is not subject to Federal income tax. Under § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter, Corporation X is treated as an instrumentality of Tribe B for purposes of making a section 6417 election (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election). Thus, Corporation X, rather than Tribe B, would be the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit (as defined in section 6417(b)) relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporation X. Corporation X is treated as a corporation separate from its owner for Federal employment tax purposes governed under subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, and as separate from its owner for the Federal excise tax purposes identified in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v)(A). The analysis would be the same if Tribe B had organized its business as a single member limited liability company (LLC) pursuant to the Tribe's business code instead of incorporating Corporation X.

(B)

Example 2. The facts are the same as in paragraph (a)(4)(iv)(A) of this section (Example 1), except that the board of Corporation X, pursuant to Tribe B's Corporations Ordinance, organizes a subsidiary, Corporation Z, to pursue a limited line of new business. Corporation X owns all the shares of Corporation Z. Corporation Z is therefore wholly owned by Tribe B and organized or incorporated under the laws of Tribe B. As a result, neither Corporation X nor Corporation Z is recognized as an entity separate from Tribe B for Federal tax purposes, except for the purposes described in § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter and paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, Corporation Z is not subject to Federal income tax. Under § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter, Corporation X and Corporation Z are each treated as an instrumentality of Tribe B for the purposes of making a section 6417 election (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election). Thus, Corporation Z, rather than Corporation X or Tribe B, is the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporation Z. As in paragraph (a)(4)(iv)(A) of this section (Example 1), Corporation X would continue to be the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporation X. Both Corporation X and Corporation Z are treated as corporations separate from their owner for Federal employment tax purposes governed under subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, and as separate from their owner for the Federal excise tax purposes identified in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v)(A). The analysis would be the same if Tribe B had organized its businesses as single member LLCs pursuant to the Tribe's business code instead of incorporating Corporations X and Z.

(C)

Example 3. Tribe B incorporates a section 17 corporation. The section 17 corporation subsequently incorporates Corporation J pursuant to Tribe B's Corporations Ordinance, which governs the purpose, formation, and operation of commercial entities. The section 17 corporation owns all the shares of Corporation J. Corporation J is therefore treated as wholly owned by Tribe B and organized or incorporated under the laws of Tribe B. As a result, Corporation J is not recognized as a separate entity from Tribe B for Federal tax purposes, except for the purposes described in § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter and paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, neither the section 17 corporation nor Corporation J is subject to Federal income tax. Under § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter, the section 17 corporation and Corporation J are each treated as an instrumentality of Tribe B for the purposes of making a section 6417 election (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election). Thus, the section 17 corporation, rather than Tribe B, would be the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by the section 17 corporation. In addition, Corporation J, rather than Tribe B or the section 17 corporation, would be the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporation J. Both the section 17 corporation and Corporation J are treated as corporations separate from their owner for Federal employment tax purposes governed under subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, and as separate from their owner for the Federal excise tax purposes identified in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v)(A). The analysis would be the same if the section 17 corporation had organized its business as a single member LLC pursuant to the Tribe's business code instead of incorporating Corporation J.

(D)

Example 4. Tribe A, Tribe B, Tribe C, and Tribe D through resolutions approved by their respective Indian Tribal governments incorporate Corporation K which is chartered under the Corporations Ordinance of Tribe A. Each Tribe owns 25% of the shares of Corporation K. Corporation K is incorporated under the laws of one of its owners, Tribe A. As a result, Corporation K is a wholly owned Tribal entity and is not recognized as a separate entity from the Tribes for Federal tax purposes, except for the purposes described in § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter and paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, Corporation K is not subject to Federal income tax. Under § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter, Corporation K is treated as an instrumentality of Tribe A, Tribe B, Tribe C, and Tribe D for the purposes of making a section 6417 election (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election). Thus, Corporation K, rather than Tribe A, Tribe B, Tribe C, or Tribe D, would be the applicable entity for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporation K. Corporation K is treated as a corporation separate from its owners for Federal employment tax purposes governed under subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, and as separate from its owners for the Federal excise tax purposes identified in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v)(A). The analysis would be the same if Tribe A, Tribe B, Tribe C, and Tribe D had organized their business as an LLC pursuant to Tribe A's business code instead of incorporating Corporation K.

(E)

Example 5. Tribe A incorporates Corporation L pursuant to Tribe A's Corporations Ordinance, which governs the purpose, formation, and operation of commercial entities. Corporation L subsequently incorporates Corporation M pursuant to Tribe A's Corporations Ordinance. Tribe A owns all the shares of Corporation L, and Corporation L owns all the shares of Corporation M. Corporations L and M are therefore wholly owned by Tribe A and organized or incorporated under the laws of Tribe A. In a later year, Tribe B, in agreement with Tribe A, acquires some, but not all, shares of Corporation M. Corporations L and M continue to be considered as wholly owned by Indian Tribal governments and were incorporated under the laws of an Indian Tribal government that owns them. As a result, neither Corporation L nor Corporation M is recognized as a separate entity from the Tribes that own them for Federal tax purposes, except for the purposes described in § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter and paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, Corporations L and M are not subject to Federal income tax. Under § 1.6417-1(c)(7) of this chapter, Corporation L is treated as an instrumentality of Tribe A, and Corporation M is treated as an instrumentality of Tribe A and Tribe B, for the purposes of making a section 6417 election (including determining eligibility for and the consequences of such election). Thus, Corporations L and M, rather than Tribe A or Tribe B, would be the applicable entities for purposes of making a section 6417 election for any applicable credit relating to property held or activities conducted by Corporations L and M, respectively. Both Corporation L and Corporation M are treated as corporations separate from their owners for Federal employment tax purposes governed under subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, and as separate from their owners for the Federal excise tax purposes identified in § 301.7701-2(c)(2)(v)(A). The analysis would be the same if Tribe A had organized its businesses as LLCs pursuant to Tribe A's business code instead of incorporating Corporations L and M, and had Tribe B acquired a membership interest instead of stock.

(5)

Single owner organizations. Under §§ 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3, certain organizations that have a single owner can choose to be recognized or disregarded as entities separate from their owners.

(b)

Classification of organizations. The classification of organizations that are recognized as separate entities is determined under §§ 301.7701-2, 301.7701-3, and 301.7701-4 unless a provision of the Internal Revenue Code (such as section 860A addressing Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (REMICs)) provides for special treatment of that organization. For the classification of organizations as trusts, see § 301.7701-4. That section provides that trusts generally do not have associates or an objective to carry on business for profit. Sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3 provide rules for classifying organizations that are not classified as trusts.

(c)

Cost sharing arrangements. A cost sharing arrangement that is described in § 1.482-7 of this chapter, including any arrangement that the Commissioner treats as a CSA under § 1.482-7(b)(5) of this chapter, is not recognized as a separate entity for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. See § 1.482-7 of this chapter for the rules regarding CSAs.

(d)

Domestic and foreign business entities. See § 301.7701-5 for the rules that determine whether a business entity is domestic or foreign.

(e)

State. For purposes of this section and § 301.7701-2, the term State includes the District of Columbia.

(f)

Applicability dates—

(1)

In general. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the rules of this section are applicable as of January 1, 1997.

(2)

Exceptions—

(i)

Paragraph (a)(4) of this section. The rules of paragraph (a)(4) of this section apply to taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026. An entity may choose to apply paragraph (a)(4) of this section to taxable periods beginning before January 1, 2026, for which the applicable period of limitations is open.

(ii)

Paragraph (c) of this section. The rules of paragraph (c) of this section are applicable on January 5, 2009.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[T.D. 8697, 61 FR 66588, Dec. 18, 1996, as amended by T.D. 9153, 69 FR 49810, Aug. 12, 2004; T.D. 9246, 71 FR 4816, Jan. 30, 2006; T.D. 9441, 74 FR 390, Jan. 5, 2009; T.D. 9568, 76 FR 80136, Dec. 22, 2011; T.D. 10039, 90 FR 58161, Dec. 16, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805. Section 301.1474-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 1474(f). Section 301.6011-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011(e). Section 301.6011-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-5 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-6 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011(a). Section 301.6011-7 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011(e). Section 301.6011-10 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-11 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-12 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-13 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-14 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6011-15 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011. Section 301.6012-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6012. Section 301.6033-4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6033. Section 301.6036-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6036. Section 301.6037-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6037. Section 301.6039E-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6039E. Section 301.6050M-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6050M. Section 301.6057-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011 and 6057. Section 301.6058-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011 and 6058. Section 301.6059-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011 and 6059. Section 301.6061-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6061. Section 301.6081-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6081(a). Section 301.6103(c)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(c). Section 301.6103(h)(4)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(h)(4) and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). Section 301.6103(j)(1)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(j)(1) and 6103(q). Section 301.6103(j)(5)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(j)(5). Section 301.6103(k)(6)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(k)(6); Section 301.6103(k)(6)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(k)(6); Section 301.6103(k)(9)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(k)(9) and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). Section 301.6103(l)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). Section 301.6103(l)(14)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(l)(14). Section 301.6103(l)(21)-(1) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(l)(21) and 6103(q). Section 301.6103(m)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). Section 301.6103(n)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(n). Section 301.6103(n)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(n). Section 301.6103(n)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). Section 301.6103(p)(2)(B)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(p)(2). Section 301.6103(p)(2)(B)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(p)(2). Sections 301.6103(p)(4)-1 and 301.6103(p)(7)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(p)(4) and (7) and (q), Section 301.6104(a)-6(d) is also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Section 301.6104(b)-1(d)(4) is also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Section 301.6104(c)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6104(c). Section 301.6104(d)-1(d)(3)(i) is also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Section 301.6104(d)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6104(d)(3). Section 301.6104(d)-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6104(d)(3). Section 301.6104(d)-4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6104(e)(3). Section 301.6104(d)-5 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6104(e)(3). Section 301.6109-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6109 (a), (c), and (d). Section 301.6109-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6109. Section 301.6111-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6111. Section 301.6111-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6111(f)(4). Section 301.6111-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6111. Section 301.6111-3T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6111. Section 301.6112-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6112. Section 301.6114-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6114. Section 301.6213-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6213. Section 301.6221(a)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6221. Section 301.6221(b)-1 also issued under sections 6221 and 6241. Section 301.6222-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6222 and 6223. Section 301.6222(a)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6222(a)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6222(b)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6222(b)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6222(b)-3T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6223(a)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6223(a)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6223(b)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6223(b)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6223(c)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6223(c) and 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6223(e)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6223(e)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6223(f)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6223(g)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6223(g) and 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6223(h)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6224(a)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6224(b)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6224(c)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6224(c)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6224(c)-3T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6225-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6225. Section 301.6225-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6223 and 6225. Section 301.6225-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6225. Section 301.6226-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6223 and 6226. Section 301.6226-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6226. Section 301.6226-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6226. Section 301.6226(a)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6226(b)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6226(e)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6226(f)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. C. 6230(k). Section 301.6227-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6223 and 6227. Section 301.6227-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6227. Section 301.6227-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6227. Section 301.6229(c)(2)-1 is also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6229(c)(2)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. § 6230(k). Section 301.6231-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6231. Section 301.6231(a)(6)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6231(a)(7)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k). Section 301.6231(a)(12)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(a)(12). Section 301.6231(c)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6231(c)(1) and (3). Section 301.6231(c)-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6231(c)(1) and (3). Section 301.6231(c)-3T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(c)-4T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(c)-5T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(c)-6T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(c)-7T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(c)-8T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6231(c). Section 301.6231(d)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6231(e)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6231(e)-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6231(f)-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230 (i) and (k) and 6231(f). Section 301.6232-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6232. Section 301.6233-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k) and 6233. Section 301.6233(a)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6233. Section 301.6233(b)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6233. Section 301.6234-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6234. Section 301.6235-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6235. Section 301.6241-1 also issued under sections 48D(d), 6241, and 6417. Section 301.6241-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6241. Section 301.6241-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6241. Section 301.6241-4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6241. Section 301.6241-5 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6241. Section 301.6241-6 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6241. Section 301.6241-7 also issued under sections 48D(d), 6241, and 6417. Section 301.6311-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6311. Section 301.6323(f)-(1)(c) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6323(f)(3). Section 301.6325-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6326. Section 301.6335-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6335(e)(2). Section 301.6343-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6343. Section 301.6343-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6343. Section 301.6402-2(g) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6402(n). Section 301.6402-3 also issued under 95 Stat. 357 amending 88 Stat. 2351. Section 301.6402-7 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6402(i) and 6411(c). Section 301.6404-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6404. Section 301.6404-3 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6404(f)(3). Section 301.6621-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6230(k). Section 301.6689-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6689(a), 26 U.S.C. 6227(d), and 26 U.S.C. 6241(11). Section 301.6689-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6689(a). Section 301.6708-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6708 Section 301.6721-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6011 and 6721. Section 301.6751(b)-1(a)(4) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6751(b)(1). Section 301.7216-2, paragraphs (o) and (p) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7216(b)(3). Section 301.7502-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7502. Section 301.7502-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7502. Section 301.7507-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 597. Section 301.7507-9 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 597. Section 301.7508-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7508(a)(1)(K). Section 301.7508A-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7508(a)(1)(K) and 7508A(a). Section 301.7605-1 also issued under section 6228(b) of the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988. Sections 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7623. Section 301.7624-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7624. Section 301.7701-1(a)(4) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(40). Section 301.7701-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7701. Sections 301.7701(b)-1 through 301.7701(b)-9 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7701(b)(11). Section 301.7701(i)-1(g)(1) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7701(i)(2)(D). Section 301.7701(i)-4(b) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7701(i)(3). Section 301.7705-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7705(h). Section 301.7705-2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7705(h). Section 301.7803-2 is also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7803(e). Section 301.7803-3 is also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7803(e). Section 301.9000-1 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9000-2 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9000-3 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9000-4 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9000-5 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9000-6 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q) and 7804; Section 301.9100-1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6081. Section 301.9100-2T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6081. Section 301.9100-3T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6081. Section 301.9100-4T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 168(f)(8)(G). Section 301.9100-7T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 42, 48, 56, 83, 141, 142, 143, 145, 147, 165, 168, 216, 263, 263A, 448, 453C, 468B, 469, 474, 585, 616, 617, 1059, 2632, 2652, 3121, 4982, 7701; and under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, 100 Stat. 2746, sections 203, 204, 243, 311, 646, 801, 806, 905, 1704, 1801, 1802, and 1804. Section 301.9100-8 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 1(i)(7), 41(h), 42(b)(2)(A)(ii), 42(d)(3), 42(f)(1), 42(g)(3), 42(i)(2)(B), 42(j)(5)(B), 121(d)(9), 142(i)(2), 165(l), 168(b)(2), 219(g)(4), 245(a)(10), 263A(d)(1), 263A(d)(3)(B), 263A(h), 460(b)(3), 643(g)(2), 831(b)(2)(A), 835(a), 865(f), 865(g)(3), 865(h)(2), 904(g)(10), 2056(b)(7)(c)(ii), 2056A(d), 2523(f)(6)(B), 3127, and 7520(a); the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, 102 Stat. 3324, sections 1002(a)(23)(B), 1005(c)(11), 1006(d)(15), 1006(j)(1)(C), 1006(t)(18)(B), 1012(n)(3), 1014(c)(1), 1014(c)(2), 2004(j)(1), 2004(m)(5), 5012(e)(4), 6181(c)(2), and 6277; and under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, 100 Stat. 2746, section 905(a). Sections 301.9100-9T, 301.9100-10T and 301.9100-11T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 1103 (g) and (h) and 6158(a). Sections 301.9100-13T, 301.9100-14T and 301.9100-15T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 108(d)(8) and 1017(b)(3)(E). Section 301.9100-16T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 463(d). Section 301.9100-22T is also issued under section 1101(g)(4) of Public Law 114-74.

Source

Source: 32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

§301.7701-2. Business entities; definitions.

26 C.F.R. § 301.7701-2

(a)

Business entities. For purposes of this section and § 301.7701-3, a business entity is any entity recognized for federal tax purposes (including an entity with a single owner that may be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under § 301.7701-3) that is not properly classified as a trust under § 301.7701-4 or otherwise subject to special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. A business entity with two or more members is classified for federal tax purposes as either a corporation or a partnership. A business entity with only one owner is classified as a corporation or is disregarded; if the entity is disregarded, its activities are treated in the same manner as a sole proprietorship, branch, or division of the owner. But see paragraphs (c)(2)(iii) through (vii) of this section for special rules that apply to an eligible entity that is otherwise disregarded as an entity separate from its owner.

(b)

Corporations. For federal tax purposes, the term corporation means—

(1)

A business entity organized under a Federal or State statute, or under a statute of a federally recognized Indian tribe, if the statute describes or refers to the entity as incorporated or as a corporation, body corporate, or body politic;

(2)

An association (as determined under § 301.7701-3);

(3)

A business entity organized under a State statute, if the statute describes or refers to the entity as a joint-stock company or joint-stock association;

(4)

An insurance company;

(5)

A State-chartered business entity conducting banking activities, if any of its deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq., or a similar federal statute;

(6)

A business entity wholly owned by a State or any political subdivision thereof, or a business entity wholly owned by a foreign government or any other entity described in § 1.892-2T;

(7)

A business entity that is taxable as a corporation under a provision of the Internal Revenue Code other than section 7701(a)(3); and

(8)

Certain foreign entities—

(i)

In general. Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(8)(ii) and (d) of this section, the following business entities formed in the following jurisdictions:

(ii)

Clarification of list of corporations in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section—

(A)

Exceptions in certain cases. The following entities will not be treated as corporations under paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section:

(1) With regard to Canada, a Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Company (or any other company or corporation all of whose owners have unlimited liability pursuant to federal or provincial law).

(2) With regard to India, a company deemed to be a public limited company solely by operation of section 43A(1) (relating to corporate ownership of the company), section 43A(1A) (relating to annual average turnover), or section 43A(1B) (relating to ownership interests in other companies) of the Companies Act, 1956 (or any combination of these), provided that the organizational documents of such deemed public limited company continue to meet the requirements of section 3(1)(iii) of the Companies Act, 1956.

(3) With regard to Malaysia, a Sendirian Berhad.

(B)

Inclusions in certain cases. With regard to Mexico, the term Sociedad Anonima includes a Sociedad Anonima that chooses to apply the variable capital provision of Mexican corporate law (Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable).

(iii)

Public companies. For purposes of paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, with regard to Cyprus, Hong Kong, and Jamaica, the term Public Limited Company includes any Limited Company that is not defined as a private company under the corporate laws of those jurisdictions. In all other cases, where the term Public Limited Company is not defined, that term shall include any Limited Company defined as a public company under the corporate laws of the relevant jurisdiction.

(iv)

Limited companies. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(8), any reference to a Limited Company includes, as the case may be, companies limited by shares and companies limited by guarantee.

(v)

Multilingual countries. Different linguistic renderings of the name of an entity listed in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section shall be disregarded. For example, an entity formed under the laws of Switzerland as a Societe Anonyme will be a corporation and treated in the same manner as an Aktiengesellschaft.

(b)

(9)

Business entities with multiple charters.

(i)

An entity created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction if the rules of this section would treat it as a corporation with reference to any one of the jurisdictions in which it is created or organized. Such an entity may elect its classification under § 301.7701-3, subject to the limitations of those provisions, only if it is created or organized in each jurisdiction in a manner that meets the definition of an eligible entity in § 301.7701-3(a). The determination of a business entity's corporate or non-corporate classification is made independently from the determination of whether the entity is domestic or foreign. See § 301.7701-5 for the rules that determine whether a business entity is domestic or foreign.

(ii)

Examples. The following examples illustrate the rule of this paragraph (b)(9):

(c)

Other business entities. For federal tax purposes—

(1)

The term partnership means a business entity that is not a corporation under paragraph (b) of this section and that has at least two members.

(2)

Wholly owned entities—

(i)

In general. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (c), a business entity that has a single owner and is not a corporation under paragraph (b) of this section is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner.

(ii)

Special rule for certain business entities. If the single owner of a business entity is a bank (as defined in section 581, or, in the case of a foreign bank, as defined in section 585(a)(2)(B) without regard to the second sentence thereof), then the special rules applicable to banks under the Internal Revenue Code will continue to apply to the single owner as if the wholly owned entity were a separate entity. For this purpose, the special rules applicable to banks under the Internal Revenue Code do not include the rules under sections 864(c), 882(c), and 884.

(iii)

Tax liabilities of certain disregarded entities—

(A)

In general. An entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for any purpose under this section is treated as an entity separate from its owner for purposes of—

(1) Federal tax liabilities of the entity with respect to any taxable period for which the entity was not disregarded;

(2) Federal tax liabilities of any other entity for which the entity is liable; and

(3) Refunds or credits of Federal tax.

(B)

Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A) of this section:

(iv)

Special rule for employment tax purposes—

(A)

In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section (relating to certain wholly owned entities) does not apply to taxes imposed under Subtitle C—Employment Taxes and Collection of Income Tax (Chapters 21, 22, 23, 23A, 24, and 25 of the Internal Revenue Code).

(B)

Treatment of entity. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C) of this section, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section is treated as a corporation with respect to taxes imposed under Subtitle C—Employment Taxes and Collection of Income Tax (Chapters 21, 22, 23, 23A, 24, and 25 of the Internal Revenue Code). For special rules regarding the application of certain employment tax exceptions, see §§ 31.3121(b)(3)-1(d), 31.3127-1(b), and 31.3306(c)(5)-1(d) of this chapter.

(C)

Special rules. (1) Paragraphs (c)(2)(iv)(A) and (B) of this section do not apply to withholding requirements imposed by section 3406 (backup withholding). Thus, in the case of an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section, the owner is subject to the withholding requirements imposed by section 3406 (backup withholding).

(2) Paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section applies to taxes imposed under subtitle A of the Code, including Chapter 2—Tax on Self-Employment Income. Thus, an entity that is treated in the same manner as a sole proprietorship under paragraph (a) of this section is not treated as a corporation for purposes of employing its owner; instead, the entity is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for this purpose and is not the employer of its owner. The owner will be subject to self-employment tax on self-employment income with respect to the entity's activities. Also, if a partnership is the owner of an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section, the entity is not treated as a corporation for purposes of employing a partner of the partnership that owns the entity; instead, the entity is disregarded as an entity separate from the partnership for this purpose and is not the employer of any partner of the partnership that owns the entity. A partner of a partnership that owns an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section is subject to the same self-employment tax rules as a partner of a partnership that does not own an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section.

(D)

Example. The following example illustrates the application of paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section:

(v)

Special rule for certain excise tax purposes—

(A)

In general. Paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section (relating to certain wholly owned entities) does not apply for purposes of—

(1) Federal tax liabilities imposed by Chapters 31, 32 (other than section 4181), 33, 34, 35, 36 (other than section 4461), 38, and 49 of the Internal Revenue Code, or any floor stocks tax imposed on articles subject to any of these taxes;

(2) Collection of tax imposed by Chapters 33 and 49 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(3) Registration under sections 4101, 4222, 4412;

(4) Claims of a credit (other than a credit under section 34), refund, or payment related to a tax described in paragraph (c)(2)(v)(A)(1) of this section or under section 6426 or 6427; and

(5) Assessment and collection of an assessable payment imposed by section 4980H and reporting required by section 6056.

(B)

Treatment of entity. An entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section is treated as a corporation with respect to items described in paragraph (c)(2)(v)(A) of this section.

(C)

Example. The following example illustrates the provisions of this paragraph (c)(2)(v):

(vi)

Special rule for reporting under section 6038A—

(A)

In general. An entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section is treated as an entity separate from its owner and classified as a corporation for purposes of section 6038A if—

(1) The entity is a domestic entity; and

(2) One foreign person has direct or indirect sole ownership of the entity.

(B)

Definitions— (1) Indirect sole ownership. For purposes of paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(A)(2) of this section, indirect sole ownership means ownership by one person entirely through one or more other entities disregarded as entities separate from their owners or through one or more grantor trusts, regardless of whether any such disregarded entity or grantor trust is domestic or foreign.

(2) Entity disregarded as separate from its owner. For purposes of paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(B)(1) of this section, an entity disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is an entity described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.

(3) Grantor trust. For purposes of paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(B)(1) of this section, a grantor trust is any portion of a trust that is treated as owned by the grantor or another person under subpart E of subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code.

(C)

Taxable year. The taxable year of an entity classified as a corporation for section 6038A purposes pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(A) of this section is—

(1) The same as the taxable year of the foreign person described in paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(A)(2) of this section, if that foreign person has a U.S. income tax or information return filing obligation for its taxable year; or

(2) The calendar year, if paragraph (c)(2)(vi)(C)(1) of this section does not apply, unless otherwise provided in forms, instructions, or published guidance.

(vii)

Special rules for certain disregarded payments—

(A)

Disregarded payment loss rules. To the extent provided in § 1.1503(d)-1(d) of this chapter, certain payments involving a business entity that, under paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section is otherwise disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, are in effect taken into account as if the entity were regarded and the deduction was denied, and therefore give rise to an income inclusion, and corresponding suspended deduction, to the entity's owner.

(B)

Non-application of the sixty-month limitation. If an eligible entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner would become a disregarded payment entity (within the meaning of § 1.1503(d)-1(d)(5)(i)(A) of this chapter) when this paragraph (c)(2)(vii) applies, the sixty-month limitation under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(iv) does not apply with respect to an election by such eligible entity to change its classification to an association effective before January 1, 2026 (such that it would not become a disregarded payment entity).

(d)

Special rule for certain foreign business entities—

(1)

In general. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, a foreign business entity described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section will not be treated as a corporation under paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section if—

(i)

The entity was in existence on May 8, 1996;

(ii)

The entity's classification was relevant (as defined in § 301.7701-3(d)) on May 8, 1996;

(iii)

No person (including the entity) for whom the entity's classification was relevant on May 8, 1996, treats the entity as a corporation for purposes of filing such person's federal income tax returns, information returns, and withholding documents for the taxable year including May 8, 1996;

(iv)

Any change in the entity's claimed classification within the sixty months prior to May 8, 1996, occurred solely as a result of a change in the organizational documents of the entity, and the entity and all members of the entity recognized the federal tax consequences of any change in the entity's classification within the sixty months prior to May 8, 1996;

(v)

A reasonable basis (within the meaning of section 6662) existed on May 8, 1996, for treating the entity as other than a corporation; and

(vi)

Neither the entity nor any member was notified in writing on or before May 8, 1996, that the classification of the entity was under examination (in which case the entity's classification will be determined in the examination).

(2)

Binding contract rule. If a foreign business entity described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section is formed after May 8, 1996, pursuant to a written binding contract (including an accepted bid to develop a project) in effect on May 8, 1996, and all times thereafter, in which the parties agreed to engage (directly or indirectly) in an active and substantial business operation in the jurisdiction in which the entity is formed, paragraph (d)(1) of this section will be applied to that entity by substituting the date of the entity's formation for May 8, 1996.

(3)

Termination of grandfather status—

(i)

In general. An entity that is not treated as a corporation under paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section by reason of paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section will be treated permanently as a corporation under paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section from the earliest of:

(A)

The effective date of an election to be treated as an association under § 301.7701-3;

(B)

A termination of the partnership under section 708(b)(1)(B) (regarding sale or exchange of 50 percent or more of the total interest in an entity's capital or profits within a twelve month period);

(C)

A division of the partnership under section 708(b)(2)(B); or

(D)

The date any person or persons, who were not owners of the entity as of November 29, 1999, own in the aggregate a 50 percent or greater interest in the entity.

(ii)

Special rule for certain entities. For purposes of paragraph (d)(2) of this section, paragraph (d)(3)(i)(B) of this section shall not apply if the sale or exchange of interests in the entity is to a related person (within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)) and occurs no later than twelve months after the date of the formation of the entity.

(e)

Effective/applicability date.

(1)

Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (e), the rules of this section apply as of January 1, 1997, except that paragraph (b)(6) of this section applies on or after January 14, 2002, to a business entity wholly owned by a foreign government regardless of any prior entity classification, and paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section applies to taxable years beginning after January 12, 2001. The reference to the Finnish, Maltese, and Norwegian entities in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section is applicable on November 29, 1999. The reference to the Trinidadian entity in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section applies to entities formed on or after November 29, 1999. Any Maltese or Norwegian entity that becomes an eligible entity as a result of paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section in effect on November 29, 1999, may elect by February 14, 2000, to be classified for Federal tax purposes as an entity other than a corporation retroactive to any period from and including January 1, 1997. Any Finnish entity that becomes an eligible entity as a result of paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section in effect on November 29, 1999, may elect by February 14, 2000, to be classified for Federal tax purposes as an entity other than a corporation retroactive to any period from and including September 1, 1997. However, paragraph (d)(3)(i)(D) of this section applies on or after October 22, 2003.

(2)

Paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section applies on and after September 14, 2009. For rules that apply before September 14, 2009, see 26 CFR part 301, revised as of April 1, 2009.

(3)

(i)

General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section, the rules of paragraph (b)(9) of this section apply as of August 12, 2004, to all business entities existing on or after that date.

(ii)

Transition rule. For business entities created or organized under the laws of more than one jurisdiction as of August 12, 2004, the rules of paragraph (b)(9) of this section apply as of May 1, 2006. These entities, however, may rely on the rules of paragraph (b)(9) of this section as of August 12, 2004.

(4)

The reference to the Estonian, Latvian, Liechtenstein, Lithuanian, and Slovenian entities in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section applies to such entities formed on or after October 7, 2004, and to any such entity formed before such date from the date any person or persons, who were not owners of the entity as of October 7, 2004, own in the aggregate a 50 percent or greater interest in the entity. The reference to the European Economic Area/European Union entity in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section applies to such entities formed on or after October 8, 2004.

(5)

(i)

Except as provided in this paragraph (e)(5), paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section applies with respect to wages paid on or after January 1, 2009.

(ii)

Paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(B) applies with respect to wages paid on or after September 14, 2009. For rules that apply before September 14, 2009, see 26 CFR part 301 revised as of April 1, 2009.

(iii)

Paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C)(1) of this section applies with respect to wages paid on or after November 1, 2011. For rules that apply before November 1, 2011, see 26 CFR part 301, revised as of April 1, 2011. However, taxpayers may apply paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C)(1) of this section with respect to wages paid on or after January 1, 2009.

(6)

(i)

Except as provided in this paragraph (e)(6), paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section applies to liabilities imposed and actions first required or permitted in periods beginning on or after January 1, 2008.

(ii)

Paragraphs (c)(2)(v)(B) and (c)(2)(v)(C) Example (iv) of this section apply on and after September 14, 2009.

(iii)

Paragraph (c)(2)(v)(A)(5) of this section applies for periods after December 31, 2014.

(iv)

References to Chapter 49 in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section apply to taxes imposed on amounts paid on or after July 1, 2012.

(7)

The reference to the Bulgarian entity in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section applies to such entities formed on or after January 1, 2007, and to any such entity formed before such date from the date that, in the aggregate, a 50 percent or more interest in such entity is owned by any person or persons who were not owners of the entity as of January 1, 2007. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term interest means—

(i)

In the case of a partnership, a capital or profits interest; and

(ii)

In the case of a corporation, an equity interest measured by vote or value.

(8)

Paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C)(2) of this section applies on the later of—

(i)

August 1, 2016; or

(ii)

The first day of the latest-starting plan year beginning after May 4, 2016, and on or before May 4, 2017, of an affected plan (based on the plans adopted before, and the plan years in effect as of, May 4, 2016) sponsored by an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for any purpose under this section. For rules that apply before the applicability date of paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C)(2) of this section, see 26 CFR part 301 revised as of April 1, 2016. For the purposes of this paragraph (e)(8)—

(A)

An affected plan includes any qualified plan, health plan, or section 125 cafeteria plan if the plan benefits participants whose employment status is affected by paragraph (c)(2)(iv)(C)(2) of this section;

(B)

A qualified plan means a plan, contract, pension, or trust described in paragraph (A) or (B) of section 219(g)(5) (other than paragraph (A)(iii)); and

(C)

A health plan means an arrangement described under § 1.105-5 of this chapter.

(9)

Reporting required under section 6038A. Paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section applies to taxable years of entities beginning after December 31, 2016, and ending on or after December 13, 2017.

(10)

Paragraph (c)(2)(vii) of this section (special rules for certain disregarded payments) applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, except that paragraph (c)(2)(vii)(B) of this section (non-application of sixty-month limitation) applies as of August 6, 2024.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[T.D. 8697, 61 FR 66589, Dec. 18, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8844, 64 FR 66583, Nov. 29, 1999; T.D. 9012, 67 FR 49864, Aug. 1, 2002; T.D. 9093, 68 FR 60298, Oct. 22, 2003; T.D. 9153, 69 FR 49810, Aug. 12, 2004; T.D. 9183, 70 FR 9221, Feb. 25, 2005; T.D. 9197, 70 FR 19698, Apr. 14, 2005; T.D. 9235, 70 FR 74658, Dec. 16, 2005; T.D. 9246, 71 FR 4817, Jan. 30, 2006; T.D. 9356, 72 FR 45893, Aug. 16, 2007; T.D. 9388, 73 FR 15065, Mar. 21, 2008; T.D. 8697, 73 FR 18442, Apr. 4, 2008; 73 FR 21415, Apr. 21, 2008; T.D. 9433, 73 FR 72346, Nov. 28, 2008; T.D. 9462, 74 FR 46904, Sept. 14, 2009; T.D. 9553, 76 FR 66182, Oct. 26, 2011; T.D. 9554, 76 FR 67365, Nov. 1, 2011; T.D. 9596, 77 FR 37807, June 25, 2012; T.D. 9655, 79 FR 8601, Feb. 12, 2014; T.D. 9670, 79 FR 36206, June 26, 2014; T.D. 9766, 81 FR 26694, May 4, 2016; T.D. 9796, 81 FR 89851, Dec. 13, 2016; T.D. 9869, 84 FR 31479, July 2, 2019; T.D. 10026, 90 FR 3021, Jan. 14, 2025]

Authority

Source

Source: 32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

§301.7701-3. Classification of certain business entities.

26 C.F.R. § 301.7701-3

(a)

In general. A business entity that is not classified as a corporation under § 301.7701-2(b) (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) (an eligible entity) can elect its classification for federal tax purposes as provided in this section. An eligible entity with at least two members can elect to be classified as either an association (and thus a corporation under § 301.7701-2(b)(2)) or a partnership, and an eligible entity with a single owner can elect to be classified as an association or to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner. Paragraph (b) of this section provides a default classification for an eligible entity that does not make an election. Thus, elections are necessary only when an eligible entity chooses to be classified initially as other than the default classification or when an eligible entity chooses to change its classification. An entity whose classification is determined under the default classification retains that classification (regardless of any changes in the members' liability that occurs at any time during the time that the entity's classification is relevant as defined in paragraph (d) of this section) until the entity makes an election to change that classification under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Paragraph (c) of this section provides rules for making express elections, including a rule under which a domestic eligible entity that elects to be classified as an association consents to be subject to the dual consolidated loss rules of section 1503(d). Paragraph (d) of this section provides special rules for foreign eligible entities. Paragraph (e) of this section provides special rules for classifying entities resulting from partnership terminations and divisions under section 708(b). Paragraph (f) of this section sets forth the effective date of this section and a special rule relating to prior periods.

(b)

Classification of eligible entities that do not file an election—

(1)

Domestic eligible entities. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, unless the entity elects otherwise, a domestic eligible entity is—

(i)

A partnership if it has two or more members; or

(ii)

Disregarded as an entity separate from its owner if it has a single owner.

(2)

Foreign eligible entities—

(i)

In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, unless the entity elects otherwise, a foreign eligible entity is—

(A)

A partnership if it has two or more members and at least one member does not have limited liability;

(B)

An association if all members have limited liability; or

(C)

Disregarded as an entity separate from its owner if it has a single owner that does not have limited liability.

(ii)

Definition of limited liability. For purposes of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, a member of a foreign eligible entity has limited liability if the member has no personal liability for the debts of or claims against the entity by reason of being a member. This determination is based solely on the statute or law pursuant to which the entity is organized, except that if the underlying statute or law allows the entity to specify in its organizational documents whether the members will have limited liability, the organizational documents may also be relevant. For purposes of this section, a member has personal liability if the creditors of the entity may seek satisfaction of all or any portion of the debts or claims against the entity from the member as such. A member has personal liability for purposes of this paragraph even if the member makes an agreement under which another person (whether or not a member of the entity) assumes such liability or agrees to indemnify that member for any such liability.

(3)

Existing eligible entities—

(i)

In general. Unless the entity elects otherwise, an eligible entity in existence prior to the effective date of this section will have the same classification that the entity claimed under §§ 301.7701-1 through 301.7701-3 as in effect on the date prior to the effective date of this section; except that if an eligible entity with a single owner claimed to be a partnership under those regulations, the entity will be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under this paragraph (b)(3)(i). For special rules regarding the classification of such entities prior to the effective date of this section, see paragraph (h)(2) of this section.

(ii)

Special rules. For purposes of paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, a foreign eligible entity is treated as being in existence prior to the effective date of this section only if the entity's classification was relevant (as defined in paragraph (d) of this section) at any time during the sixty months prior to the effective date of this section. If an entity claimed different classifications prior to the effective date of this section, the entity's classification for purposes of paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section is the last classification claimed by the entity. If a foreign eligible entity's classification is relevant prior to the effective date of this section, but no federal tax or information return is filed or the federal tax or information return does not indicate the classification of the entity, the entity's classification for the period prior to the effective date of this section is determined under the regulations in effect on the date prior to the effective date of this section.

(c)

Elections—

(1)

Time and place for filing—

(i)

In general. Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(1) (iv) and (v) of this section, an eligible entity may elect to be classified other than as provided under paragraph (b) of this section, or to change its classification, by filing Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, with the service center designated on Form 8832. An election will not be accepted unless all of the information required by the form and instructions, including the taxpayer identifying number of the entity, is provided on Form 8832. See § 301.6109-1 for rules on applying for and displaying Employer Identification Numbers.

(ii)

Further notification of elections. An eligible entity required to file a Federal tax or information return for the taxable year for which an election is made under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i) must attach a copy of its Form 8832 to its Federal tax or information return for that year. If the entity is not required to file a return for that year, a copy of its Form 8832 (“Entity Classification Election”) must be attached to the Federal income tax or information return of any direct or indirect owner of the entity for the taxable year of the owner that includes the date on which the election was effective. An indirect owner of the entity does not have to attach a copy of the Form 8832 to its return if an entity in which it has an interest is already filing a copy of the Form 8832 with its return. If an entity, or one of its direct or indirect owners, fails to attach a copy of a Form 8832 to its return as directed in this section, an otherwise valid election under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i) will not be invalidated, but the non-filing party may be subject to penalties, including any applicable penalties if the Federal tax or information returns are inconsistent with the entity's election under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i). In the case of returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002, the copy of Form 8832 attached to a return pursuant to this paragraph (c)(1)(ii) is not required to be a signed copy.

(iii)

Effective date of election. An election made under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section will be effective on the date specified by the entity on Form 8832 or on the date filed if no such date is specified on the election form. The effective date specified on Form 8832 can not be more than 75 days prior to the date on which the election is filed and can not be more than 12 months after the date on which the election is filed. If an election specifies an effective date more than 75 days prior to the date on which the election is filed, it will be effective 75 days prior to the date it was filed. If an election specifies an effective date more than 12 months from the date on which the election is filed, it will be effective 12 months after the date it was filed. If an election specifies an effective date before January 1, 1997, it will be effective as of January 1, 1997. If a purchasing corporation makes an election under section 338 regarding an acquired subsidiary, an election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section for the acquired subsidiary can be effective no earlier than the day after the acquisition date (within the meaning of section 338(h)(2)).

(iv)

Limitation. If an eligible entity makes an election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to change its classification (other than an election made by an existing entity to change its classification as of the effective date of this section), the entity cannot change its classification by election again during the sixty months succeeding the effective date of the election. However, the Commissioner may permit the entity to change its classification by election within the sixty months if more than fifty percent of the ownership interests in the entity as of the effective date of the subsequent election are owned by persons that did not own any interests in the entity on the filing date or on the effective date of the entity's prior election. An election by a newly formed eligible entity that is effective on the date of formation is not considered a change for purposes of this paragraph (c)(1)(iv).

(v)

Deemed elections—

(A)

Exempt organizations. An eligible entity that has been determined to be, or claims to be, exempt from taxation under section 501(a) is treated as having made an election under this section to be classified as an association. Such election will be effective as of the first day for which exemption is claimed or determined to apply, regardless of when the claim or determination is made, and will remain in effect unless an election is made under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section after the date the claim for exempt status is withdrawn or rejected or the date the determination of exempt status is revoked.

(B)

Real estate investment trusts. An eligible entity that files an election under section 856(c)(1) to be treated as a real estate investment trust is treated as having made an election under this section to be classified as an association. Such election will be effective as of the first day the entity is treated as a real estate investment trust.

(C)

S corporations. An eligible entity that timely elects to be an S corporation under section 1362(a)(1) is treated as having made an election under this section to be classified as an association, provided that (as of the effective date of the election under section 1362(a)(1)) the entity meets all other requirements to qualify as a small business corporation under section 1361(b). Subject to § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(iv), the deemed election to be classified as an association will apply as of the effective date of the S corporation election and will remain in effect until the entity makes a valid election, under § 301.7701-3(c)(1)(i), to be classified as other than an association.

(vi)

Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (c)(1):

(2)

Authorized signatures—

(i)

In general. An election made under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section must be signed by—

(A)

Each member of the electing entity who is an owner at the time the election is filed; or

(B)

Any officer, manager, or member of the electing entity who is authorized (under local law or the entity's organizational documents) to make the election and who represents to having such authorization under penalties of perjury.

(ii)

Retroactive elections. For purposes of paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, if an election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section is to be effective for any period prior to the time that it is filed, each person who was an owner between the date the election is to be effective and the date the election is filed, and who is not an owner at the time the election is filed, must also sign the election.

(iii)

Changes in classification. For paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, if an election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section is made to change the classification of an entity, each person who was an owner on the date that any transactions under paragraph (g) of this section are deemed to occur, and who is not an owner at the time the election is filed, must also sign the election. This paragraph (c)(2)(iii) applies to elections filed on or after November 29, 1999.

(3)

Consent to be subject to section 1503(d)—

(i)

Rule. A domestic eligible entity that elects to be classified as an association consents to be treated as a dual resident corporation for purposes of section 1503(d) (such an entity, a domestic consenting corporation), for any taxable year for which it is classified as an association and the condition set forth in § 1.1503(d)-1(c)(1) of this chapter is satisfied.

(ii)

Transition rule—deemed consent. If, as a result of the applicability date (see paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section) relating to paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, a domestic eligible entity that is classified as an association has not consented to be treated as a domestic consenting corporation pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, then the domestic eligible entity is deemed to consent to be so treated as of its first taxable year beginning on or after December 20, 2019. The first sentence of this paragraph (c)(3)(ii) does not apply if the domestic eligible entity elects, on or after December 20, 2018 and effective before its first taxable year beginning on or after December 20, 2019, to be classified as a partnership or disregarded entity such that it ceases to be a domestic eligible entity that is classified as an association. For purposes of the election described in the second sentence of this paragraph (c)(3)(ii), the sixty month limitation under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section is waived.

(iii)

Applicability date. The sixth sentence of paragraph (a) of this section and paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section apply to a domestic eligible entity that on or after December 20, 2018 files an election to be classified as an association (regardless of whether the election is effective before December 20, 2018). Paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section applies as of December 20, 2018.

(d)

Special rules for foreign eligible entities—

(1)

Definition of relevance—

(i)

General rule. For purposes of this section, a foreign eligible entity's classification is relevant when its classification affects the liability of any person for federal tax or information purposes. For example, a foreign entity's classification would be relevant if U.S. income was paid to the entity and the determination by the withholding agent of the amount to be withheld under chapter 3 of the Internal Revenue Code (if any) would vary depending upon whether the entity is classified as a partnership or as an association. Thus, the classification might affect the documentation that the withholding agent must receive from the entity, the type of tax or information return to file, or how the return must be prepared. The date that the classification of a foreign eligible entity is relevant is the date an event occurs that creates an obligation to file a federal tax return, information return, or statement for which the classification of the entity must be determined. Thus, the classification of a foreign entity is relevant, for example, on the date that an interest in the entity is acquired which will require a U.S. person to file an information return on Form 5471.

(ii)

Deemed relevance—

(A)

General rule. For purposes of this section, except as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, the classification for Federal tax purposes of a foreign eligible entity that files Form 8832, “Entity Classification Election”, shall be deemed to be relevant only on the date the entity classification election is effective.

(B)

Exception. If the classification of a foreign eligible entity is relevant within the meaning of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, then the rule in paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall not apply.

(2)

Entities the classification of which has never been relevant. If the classification of a foreign eligible entity has never been relevant (as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section), then the entity's classification will initially be determined pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of this section when the classification of the entity first becomes relevant (as defined in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section).

(3)

Special rule when classification is no longer relevant. If the classification of a foreign eligible entity is not relevant (as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section) for 60 consecutive months, then the entity's classification will initially be determined pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of this section when the classification of the foreign eligible entity becomes relevant (as defined in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section). The date that the classification of a foreign entity is not relevant is the date an event occurs that causes the classification to no longer be relevant, or, if no event occurs in a taxable year that causes the classification to be relevant, then the date is the first day of that taxable year.

(4)

Effective date. Paragraphs (d)(1)(ii), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this section apply on or after October 22, 2003.

(e)

Coordination with section 708(b). Except as provided in § 301.7701-2(d)(3) (regarding termination of grandfather status for certain foreign business entities), an entity resulting from a transaction described in section 708(b)(1)(B) (partnership termination due to sales or exchanges) or section 708(b)(2)(B) (partnership division) is a partnership.

(f)

Changes in number of members of an entity—

(1)

Associations. The classification of an eligible entity as an association is not affected by any change in the number of members of the entity.

(2)

Partnerships and single member entities. An eligible entity classified as a partnership becomes disregarded as an entity separate from its owner when the entity's membership is reduced to one member. A single member entity disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is classified as a partnership when the entity has more than one member. If an elective classification change under paragraph (c) of this section is effective at the same time as a membership change described in this paragraph (f)(2), the deemed transactions in paragraph (g) of this section resulting from the elective change preempt the transactions that would result from the change in membership.

(3)

Effect on sixty month limitation. A change in the number of members of an entity does not result in the creation of a new entity for purposes of the sixty month limitation on elections under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section.

(4)

Examples. The following examples illustrate the application of this paragraph (f):

(5)

Effective date. This paragraph (f) applies as of November 29, 1999.

(g)

Elective changes in classification—

(1)

Deemed treatment of elective change—

(i)

Partnership to association. If an eligible entity classified as a partnership elects under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to be classified as an association, the following is deemed to occur: The partnership contributes all of its assets and liabilities to the association in exchange for stock in the association, and immediately thereafter, the partnership liquidates by distributing the stock of the association to its partners.

(ii)

Association to partnership. If an eligible entity classified as an association elects under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to be classified as a partnership, the following is deemed to occur: The association distributes all of its assets and liabilities to its shareholders in liquidation of the association, and immediately thereafter, the shareholders contribute all of the distributed assets and liabilities to a newly formed partnership.

(iii)

Association to disregarded entity. If an eligible entity classified as an association elects under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, the following is deemed to occur: The association distributes all of its assets and liabilities to its single owner in liquidation of the association.

(iv)

Disregarded entity to an association. If an eligible entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner elects under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to be classified as an association, the following is deemed to occur: The owner of the eligible entity contributes all of the assets and liabilities of the entity to the association in exchange for stock of the association.

(2)

Effect of elective changes—

(i)

In general. The tax treatment of a change in the classification of an entity for federal tax purposes by election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section is determined under all relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and general principles of tax law, including the step transaction doctrine.

(ii)

Adoption of plan of liquidation. For purposes of satisfying the requirement of adoption of a plan of liquidation under section 332, unless a formal plan of liquidation that contemplates the election to be classified as a partnership or to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is adopted on an earlier date, the making, by an association, of an election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section to be classified as a partnership or to be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is considered to be the adoption of a plan of liquidation immediately before the deemed liquidation described in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section. This paragraph (g)(2)(ii) applies to elections filed on or after December 17, 2001. Taxpayers may apply this paragraph (g)(2)(ii) retroactively to elections filed before December 17, 2001, if the corporate owner claiming treatment under section 332 and its subsidiary making the election take consistent positions with respect to the federal tax consequences of the election.

(3)

Timing of election—

(i)

In general. An election under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section that changes the classification of an eligible entity for federal tax purposes is treated as occurring at the start of the day for which the election is effective. Any transactions that are deemed to occur under this paragraph (g) as a result of a change in classification are treated as occurring immediately before the close of the day before the election is effective. For example, if an election is made to change the classification of an entity from an association to a partnership effective on January 1, the deemed transactions specified in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section (including the liquidation of the association) are treated as occurring immediately before the close of December 31 and must be reported by the owners of the entity on December 31. Thus, the last day of the association's taxable year will be December 31 and the first day of the partnership's taxable year will be January 1.

(ii)

Coordination with section 338 election. A purchasing corporation that makes a qualified stock purchase of an eligible entity taxed as a corporation may make an election under section 338 regarding the acquisition if it satisfies the requirements for the election, and may also make an election to change the classification of the target corporation. If a taxpayer makes an election under section 338 regarding its acquisition of another entity taxable as a corporation and makes an election under paragraph (c) of this section for the acquired corporation (effective at the earliest possible date as provided by paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section), the transactions under paragraph (g) of this section are deemed to occur immediately after the deemed asset purchase by the new target corporation under section 338.

(iii)

Application to successive elections in tiered situations. When elections under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section for a series of tiered entities are effective on the same date, the eligible entities may specify the order of the elections on Form 8832. If no order is specified for the elections, any transactions that are deemed to occur in this paragraph (g) as a result of the classification change will be treated as occurring first for the highest tier entity's classification change, then for the next highest tier entity's classification change, and so forth down the chain of entities until all the transactions under this paragraph (g) have occurred. For example, Parent, a corporation, wholly owns all of the interest of an eligible entity classified as an association (S1), which wholly owns another eligible entity classified as an association (S2), which wholly owns another eligible entity classified as an association (S3). Elections under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section are filed to classify S1, S2, and S3 each as disregarded as an entity separate from its owner effective on the same day. If no order is specified for the elections, the following transactions are deemed to occur under this paragraph (g) as a result of the elections, with each successive transaction occurring on the same day immediately after the preceding transaction S1 is treated as liquidating into Parent, then S2 is treated as liquidating into Parent, and finally S3 is treated as liquidating into Parent.

(4)

Effective date. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section, this paragraph (g) applies to elections that are filed on or after November 29, 1999. Taxpayers may apply this paragraph (g) retroactively to elections filed before November 29, 1999 if all taxpayers affected by the deemed transactions file consistently with this paragraph (g).

(h)

Effective date—

(1)

In general. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the rules of this section are applicable as of January 1, 1997.

(2)

Prior treatment of existing entities. In the case of a business entity that is not described in § 301.7701-2(b) (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7), and that was in existence prior to January 1, 1997, the entity's claimed classification(s) will be respected for all peri0ods prior to January 1, 1997, if—

(i)

The entity had a reasonable basis (within the meaning of section 6662) for its claimed classification;

(ii)

The entity and all members of the entity recognized the federal tax consequences of any change in the entity's classification within the sixty months prior to January 1, 1997; and

(iii)

(3)

Deemed elections for S corporations. Paragraph (c)(1)(v)(C) of this section applies to timely S corporation elections under section 1362(a) filed on or after July 20, 2004. Eligible entities that filed timely S elections before July 20, 2004 may also rely on the provisions of the regulation.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Source

Source: 32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, unless otherwise noted.

26 C.F.R. §§ 301.7701-1–301.7701-3

§301.7701-1. Classification of organizations for federal tax purposes.

Amendments

Authority

Source

Amendments

§301.7701-2. Business entities; definitions.

Amendments

Authority

Source

Amendments

§301.7701-3. Classification of certain business entities.

Authority

Source

Cite this provision

Incoming references