---
kind: "range"
citation: "26 C.F.R. §§ 53.4958-1–53.4958-8"
title: "26"
from: "53.4958-1"
to: "53.4958-8"
count: 8
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/26/53.4958-1..53.4958-8"
---

# §53.4958-1. Taxes on excess benefit transactions.

- (a) **In general.** [Section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) imposes excise taxes on each excess benefit transaction (as defined in [section 4958(c)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=c) and [§ 53.4958-4](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md)) between an applicable tax-exempt organization (as defined in [section 4958(e)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=e) and [§ 53.4958-2](/cfr/26/53.4958-2.md)) and a disqualified person (as defined in [section 4958(f)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-1) and [§ 53.4958-3](/cfr/26/53.4958-3.md)). A disqualified person who receives an excess benefit from an excess benefit transaction is liable for payment of a [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) excise tax equal to 25 percent of the excess benefit. If an initial tax is imposed by [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) on an excess benefit transaction and the transaction is not corrected (as defined in [section 4958(f)(6)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-6) and [§ 53.4958-7](/cfr/26/53.4958-7.md)) within the taxable period (as defined in [section 4958(f)(5)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-5) and [paragraph (c)(2)(ii)](#c-2-ii) of this section), then any disqualified person who received an excess benefit from the excess benefit transaction on which the initial tax was imposed is liable for an additional tax of 200 percent of the excess benefit. An organization manager (as defined in [section 4958(f)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-2) and [paragraph (d)](#d) of this section) who participates in an excess benefit transaction, knowing that it was such a transaction, is liable for payment of a [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) excise tax equal to 10 percent of the excess benefit, unless the participation was not willful and was due to reasonable cause. If an organization manager also receives an excess benefit from an excess benefit transaction, the manager may be liable for both taxes imposed by [section 4958(a)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a).
- (b) **Excess benefit defined.** An excess benefit is the amount by which the value of the economic benefit provided by an applicable tax-exempt organization directly or indirectly to or for the use of any disqualified person exceeds the value of the consideration (including the performance of services) received for providing such benefit.
- (c) **Taxes paid by disqualified person—**
  - (1) **Initial tax.** [Section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) imposes a tax equal to 25 percent of the excess benefit on each excess benefit transaction. The [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) tax shall be paid by any disqualified person who received an excess benefit from that excess benefit transaction. With respect to any excess benefit transaction, if more than one disqualified person is liable for the tax imposed by [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1), all such persons are jointly and severally liable for that tax.
  - (2) **Additional tax on disqualified person—**
    - (i) **In general.** [Section 4958(b)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=b) imposes a tax equal to 200 percent of the excess benefit in any case in which [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) imposes a 25-percent tax on an excess benefit transaction and the transaction is not corrected (as defined in [section 4958(f)(6)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-6) and [§ 53.4958-7](/cfr/26/53.4958-7.md)) within the taxable period (as defined in [section 4958(f)(5)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-5) and [paragraph (c)(2)(ii)](#c-2-ii) of this section). If a disqualified person makes a payment of less than the full correction amount under the rules of [§ 53.4958-7](/cfr/26/53.4958-7.md), the 200-percent tax is imposed only on the unpaid portion of the correction amount (as described in [§ 53.4958-7(c)](/cfr/26/53.4958-7.md?p=c)). The tax imposed by [section 4958(b)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=b) is payable by any disqualified person who received an excess benefit from the excess benefit transaction on which the initial tax was imposed by [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1). With respect to any excess benefit transaction, if more than one disqualified person is liable for the tax imposed by [section 4958(b)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=b), all such persons are jointly and severally liable for that tax.
    - (ii) **Taxable period. Taxable period—** means, with respect to any excess benefit transaction, the period beginning with the date on which the transaction occurs and ending on the earlier of—
      - (A) The date of mailing a notice of deficiency under [section 6212](/cfr/26/6212.md) with respect to the [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) tax; or
      - (B) **The date on which the tax imposed by section 4958(a)(1) is assessed.**
    - (iii) **Abatement if correction during the correction period.** For rules relating to abatement of taxes on excess benefit transactions that are corrected within the correction period, as defined in [section 4963(e)](/cfr/26/4963.md?p=e), see sections [4961(a)](/cfr/26/4961.md?p=a), [4962(a)](/cfr/26/4962.md?p=a), and the regulations thereunder. The abatement rules of [section 4961](/cfr/26/4961.md) specifically provide for a 90-day correction period after the date of mailing a notice of deficiency under [section 6212](/cfr/26/6212.md) with respect to the [section 4958(b)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=b) 200-percent tax. If the excess benefit is corrected during that correction period, the 200-percent tax imposed shall not be assessed, and if assessed the assessment shall be abated, and if collected shall be credited or refunded as an overpayment. For special rules relating to abatement of the 25-percent tax, see [section 4962](/cfr/26/4962.md).
- (d) **Tax paid by organization managers—**
  - (1) **In general.** In any case in which [section 4958(a)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-1) imposes a tax, [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) imposes a tax equal to 10 percent of the excess benefit on the participation of any organization manager who knowingly participated in the excess benefit transaction, unless such participation was not willful and was due to reasonable cause. Any organization manager who so participated in the excess benefit transaction must pay the tax.
  - (2) **Organization manager defined—**
    - (i) **In general.** An organization manager is, with respect to any applicable tax-exempt organization, any officer, director, or trustee of such organization, or any individual having powers or responsibilities similar to those of officers, directors, or trustees of the organization, regardless of title. A person is an officer of an organization if that person—
      - (A) Is specifically so designated under the certificate of incorporation, by-laws, or other constitutive documents of the organization; or
      - (B) Regularly exercises general authority to make administrative or policy decisions on behalf of the organization. A contractor who acts solely in a capacity as an attorney, accountant, or investment manager or advisor, is not an officer. For purposes of this [paragraph (d)(2)(i)(B)](#d-2-i-B), any person who has authority merely to recommend particular administrative or policy decisions, but not to implement them without approval of a superior, is not an officer.
    - (ii) **Special rule for certain committee members.** An individual who is not an officer, director, or trustee, yet serves on a committee of the governing body of an applicable tax-exempt organization (or as a designee of the governing body described in [§ 53.4958-6(c)(1)](/cfr/26/53.4958-6.md?p=c-1)) that is attempting to invoke the rebuttable presumption of reasonableness described in [§ 53.4958-6](/cfr/26/53.4958-6.md) based on the committee's (or designee's) actions, is an organization manager for purposes of the tax imposed by [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2).
  - (3) **Participation.** For purposes of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) and this [paragraph (d)](#d), participation includes silence or inaction on the part of an organization manager where the manager is under a duty to speak or act, as well as any affirmative action by such manager. An organization manager is not considered to have participated in an excess benefit transaction, however, where the manager has opposed the transaction in a manner consistent with the fulfillment of the manager's responsibilities to the applicable tax-exempt organization.
  - (4) **Knowing—**
    - (i) **In general.** For purposes of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) and this [paragraph (d)](#d), a manager participates in a transaction knowingly only if the person—
      - (A) Has actual knowledge of sufficient facts so that, based solely upon those facts, such transaction would be an excess benefit transaction;
      - (B) Is aware that such a transaction under these circumstances may violate the provisions of Federal tax law governing excess benefit transactions; and
      - (C) Negligently fails to make reasonable attempts to ascertain whether the transaction is an excess benefit transaction, or the manager is in fact aware that it is such a transaction.
    - (ii) **Amplification of general rule. Knowing—** does not mean having reason to know. However, evidence tending to show that a manager has reason to know of a particular fact or particular rule is relevant in determining whether the manager had actual knowledge of such a fact or rule. Thus, for example, evidence tending to show that a manager has reason to know of sufficient facts so that, based solely upon such facts, a transaction would be an excess benefit transaction is relevant in determining whether the manager has actual knowledge of such facts.
    - (iii) **Reliance on professional advice.** An organization manager's participation in a transaction is ordinarily not considered knowing within the meaning of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2), even though the transaction is subsequently held to be an excess benefit transaction, to the extent that, after full disclosure of the factual situation to an appropriate professional, the organization manager relies on a reasoned written opinion of that professional with respect to elements of the transaction within the professional's expertise. For purposes of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) and this [paragraph (d)](#d), a written opinion is reasoned even though it reaches a conclusion that is subsequently determined to be incorrect so long as the opinion addresses itself to the facts and the applicable standards. However, a written opinion is not reasoned if it does nothing more than recite the facts and express a conclusion. The absence of a written opinion of an appropriate professional with respect to a transaction shall not, by itself, however, give rise to any inference that an organization manager participated in the transaction knowingly. For purposes of this paragraph, appropriate professionals on whose written opinion an organization manager may rely, are limited to—
      - (A) Legal counsel, including in-house counsel;
      - (B) Certified public accountants or accounting firms with expertise regarding the relevant tax law matters; and
      - (C) **Independent valuation experts who—** (1) Hold themselves out to the public as appraisers or compensation consultants;

        (2) Perform the relevant valuations on a regular basis;

        (3) Are qualified to make valuations of the type of property or services involved; and

        (4) Include in the written opinion a certification that the requirements of [paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C)(1) through (3)](#d-4-iii-C-1..d-4-iii-C-3) of this section are met.

    - (iv) **Satisfaction of rebuttable presumption of reasonableness.** An organization manager's participation in a transaction is ordinarily not considered knowing within the meaning of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2), even though the transaction is subsequently held to be an excess benefit transaction, if the appropriate authorized body has met the requirements of [§ 53.4958-6(a)](/cfr/26/53.4958-6.md?p=a) with respect to the transaction.
  - (5) **Willful.** For purposes of [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) and this [paragraph (d)](#d), participation by an organization manager is willful if it is voluntary, conscious, and intentional. No motive to avoid the restrictions of the law or the incurrence of any tax is necessary to make the participation willful. However, participation by an organization manager is not willful if the manager does not know that the transaction in which the manager is participating is an excess benefit transaction.
  - (6) **Due to reasonable cause.** An organization manager's participation is due to reasonable cause if the manager has exercised responsibility on behalf of the organization with ordinary business care and prudence.
  - (7) **Limits on liability for management.** The maximum aggregate amount of tax collectible under [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) and this [paragraph (d)](#d) from organization managers with respect to any one excess benefit transaction is $10,000.
  - (8) **Joint and several liability.** In any case where more than one person is liable for a tax imposed by [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2), all such persons shall be jointly and severally liable for the taxes imposed under [section 4958(a)(2)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=a-2) with respect to that excess benefit transaction.
  - (9) **Burden of proof.** For provisions relating to the burden of proof in cases involving the issue of whether an organization manager has knowingly participated in an excess benefit transaction, see [section 7454(b)](/cfr/26/7454.md?p=b) and [§ 301.7454-2](/cfr/26/301.7454-2.md) of this chapter. In these cases, the Commissioner bears the burden of proof.
- (e) **Date of occurrence—**
  - (1) **In general.** Except as otherwise provided, an excess benefit transaction occurs on the date on which the disqualified person receives the economic benefit for Federal income tax purposes. When a single contractual arrangement provides for a series of compensation or other payments to (or for the use of) a disqualified person over the course of the disqualified person's taxable year (or part of a taxable year), any excess benefit transaction with respect to these aggregate payments is deemed to occur on the last day of the taxable year (or if the payments continue for part of the year, the date of the last payment in the series).
  - (2) **Special rules.** In the case of benefits provided pursuant to a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan, the transaction occurs on the date the benefit is vested. In the case of a transfer of property that is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or in the case of rights to future compensation or property (including benefits under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan), the transaction occurs on the date the property, or the rights to future compensation or property, is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. However, where the disqualified person elects to include an amount in gross income in the taxable year of transfer pursuant to [section 83(b)](/cfr/26/83.md?p=b), the general rule of [paragraph (e)(1)](#e-1) of this section applies to the property with respect to which the [section 83(b)](/cfr/26/83.md?p=b) election is made. Any excess benefit transaction with respect to benefits under a deferred compensation plan which vest during any taxable year of the disqualified person is deemed to occur on the last day of such taxable year. For the rules governing the timing of the reasonableness determination for deferred, contingent, and certain other noncash compensation, see [§ 53.4958-4(b)(2)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=b-2).
  - (3) **Statute of limitations rules.** See sections [6501(e)(3)](/cfr/26/6501.md?p=e-3) and [(l)](/cfr/26/6501.md?p=e-l) and the regulations thereunder for statute of limitations rules as they apply to [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) excise taxes.
- (f) **Effective date for imposition of taxes—**
  - (1) **In general.** The [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) taxes imposed on excess benefit transactions or on participation in excess benefit transactions apply to transactions occurring on or after September 14, 1995.
  - (2) **Existing binding contracts.** The [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) taxes do not apply to any transaction occurring pursuant to a written contract that was binding on September 13, 1995, and at all times thereafter before the transaction occurs. A written binding contract that is terminable or subject to cancellation by the applicable tax-exempt organization without the disqualified person's consent (including as the result of a breach of contract by the disqualified person) and without substantial penalty to the organization, is no longer treated as a binding contract as of the earliest date that any such termination or cancellation, if made, would be effective. If a binding written contract is materially changed, it is treated as a new contract entered into as of the date the material change is effective. A material change includes an extension or renewal of the contract (other than an extension or renewal that results from the person contracting with the applicable tax-exempt organization unilaterally exercising an option expressly granted by the contract), or a more than incidental change to any payment under the contract.

# §53.4958-2. Definition of applicable tax-exempt organization.

- (a) **Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) or (4) and exempt from tax under section 501(a)—**
  - (1) **In general.** An applicable tax-exempt organization is any organization that, without regard to any excess benefit, would be described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a). An applicable tax-exempt organization also includes any organization that was described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and was exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a) at any time during a five-year period ending on the date of an excess benefit transaction (the lookback period).
  - (2) **Exceptions from definition of applicable tax-exempt organization—**
    - (i) **Private foundation.** A private foundation as defined in [section 509(a)](/cfr/26/509.md?p=a) is not an applicable tax-exempt organization for [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) purposes.
    - (ii) **Governmental unit or affiliate.** A governmental unit or an affiliate of a governmental unit is not an applicable tax-exempt organization for [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) purposes if it is—
      - (A) Exempt from (or not subject to) taxation without regard to [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a); or
      - (B) Relieved from filing an annual return pursuant to the authority of [§ 1.6033-2(g)(6)](/cfr/26/1.6033-2.md?p=g-6).
  - (3) **Organizations described in section 501(c)(3).** An organization is described in [section 501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) only if the organization—
    - (i) Provides the notice described in [section 508](/cfr/26/508.md); or
    - (ii) Is described in [section 501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) and specifically is excluded from the requirements of [section 508](/cfr/26/508.md) by that section.
  - (4) **Organizations described in section 501(c)(4).** An organization is described in [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) only if the organization—
    - (i) Has applied for and received recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as an organization described in [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4); or
    - (ii) Has filed an application for recognition under [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) with the Internal Revenue Service, has filed an annual information return as a [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) organization under the Internal Revenue Code or regulations promulgated thereunder, or has otherwise held itself out as being described in [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a).
  - (5) **Effect of non-recognition or revocation of exempt status.** An organization is not described in paragraph [(a)(3)](#a-3) or [(4)](#a-4) of this section during any period covered by a final determination or adjudication that the organization is not exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a) as an organization described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4), so long as that determination or adjudication is not based upon participation in inurement or one or more excess benefit transactions. However, the organization may be an applicable tax-exempt organization for that period as a result of the five-year lookback period described in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section.
  - (6) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the principles of this section, which defines an applicable tax-exempt organization for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md):
- (b) **Special rules—**
  - (1) **Transition rule for lookback period.** In the case of any excess benefit transaction occurring before September 14, 2000, the lookback period described in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section begins on September 14, 1995, and ends on the date of the transaction.
  - (2) **Certain foreign organizations.** A foreign organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service or by treaty, that receives substantially all of its support (other than gross investment income) from sources outside of the United States is not an organization described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md).

# §53.4958-3. Definition of disqualified person.

- (a) **In general—**
  - (1) **Scope of definition.** [Section 4958(f)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-1) defines disqualified person, with respect to any transaction, as any person who was in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of an applicable tax-exempt organization at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the transaction (the lookback period). [Paragraph (b)](#b) of this section describes persons who are defined to be disqualified persons under the statute, including certain family members of an individual in a position to exercise substantial influence, and certain 35-percent controlled entities. [Paragraph (c)](#c) of this section describes persons in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of an applicable tax-exempt organization by virtue of their powers and responsibilities or certain interests they hold. [Paragraph (d)](#d) of this section describes persons deemed not to be in a position to exercise substantial influence. Whether any person who is not described in paragraph [(b)](#b), [(c)](#c) or [(d)](#d) of this section is a disqualified person with respect to a transaction for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) is based on all relevant facts and circumstances, as described in [paragraph (e)](#e) of this section. [Paragraph (f)](#f) of this section describes special rules for affiliated organizations. Examples in [paragraph (g)](#g) of this section illustrate these categories of persons.
  - (2) **Transition rule for lookback period.** In the case of any excess benefit transaction occurring before September 14, 2000, the lookback period described in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section begins on September 14, 1995, and ends on the date of the transaction.
- (b) **Statutory categories of disqualified persons—**
  - (1) **Family members.** A person is a disqualified person with respect to any transaction with an applicable tax-exempt organization if the person is a member of the family of a person who is a disqualified person described in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section (other than as a result of this paragraph) with respect to any transaction with the same organization. For purposes of the following sentence, a legally adopted child of an individual is treated as a child of such individual by blood. A person's family is limited to—
    - (i) Spouse;
    - (ii) Brothers or sisters (by whole or half blood);
    - (iii) Spouses of brothers or sisters (by whole or half blood);
    - (iv) Ancestors;
    - (v) Children;
    - (vi) Grandchildren;
    - (vii) Great grandchildren; and
    - (viii) **Spouses of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.**
  - (2) **Thirty-five percent controlled entities—**
    - (i) **In general.** A person is a disqualified person with respect to any transaction with an applicable tax-exempt organization if the person is a 35-percent controlled entity. A 35-percent controlled entity is—
      - (A) A corporation in which persons described in this section (except in paragraphs [(b)(2)](#b-2) and (d) of this section) own more than 35 percent of the combined voting power;
      - (B) A partnership in which persons described in this section (except in paragraphs [(b)(2)](#b-2) and (d) of this section) own more than 35 percent of the profits interest; or
      - (C) A trust or estate in which persons described in this section (except in paragraphs [(b)(2)](#b-2) and (d) of this section) own more than 35 percent of the beneficial interest.
    - (ii) **Combined voting power.** For purposes of this [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2), combined voting power includes voting power represented by holdings of voting stock, direct or indirect, but does not include voting rights held only as a director, trustee, or other fiduciary.
    - (iii) **Constructive ownership rules—**
      - (A) **Stockholdings.** For purposes of [section 4958(f)(3)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-3) and this [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2), indirect stockholdings are taken into account as under [section 267(c)](/cfr/26/267.md?p=c), except that in applying [section 267(c)(4)](/cfr/26/267.md?p=c-4), the family of an individual shall include the members of the family specified in [section 4958(f)(4)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-4) and [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section.
      - (B) **Profits or beneficial interest.** For purposes of [section 4958(f)(3)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-3) and this [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2), the ownership of profits or beneficial interests shall be determined in accordance with the rules for constructive ownership of stock provided in [section 267(c)](/cfr/26/267.md?p=c) (other than [section 267(c)(3)](/cfr/26/267.md?p=c-3)), except that in applying [section 267(c)(4)](/cfr/26/267.md?p=c-4), the family of an individual shall include the members of the family specified in [section 4958(f)(4)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-4) and [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section.
- (c) **Persons having substantial influence.** A person who holds any of the following powers, responsibilities, or interests is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of an applicable tax-exempt organization:
  - (1) **Voting members of the governing body.** This category includes any individual serving on the governing body of the organization who is entitled to vote on any matter over which the governing body has authority.
  - (2) **Presidents, chief executive officers, or chief operating officers.** This category includes any person who, regardless of title, has ultimate responsibility for implementing the decisions of the governing body or for supervising the management, administration, or operation of the organization. A person who serves as president, chief executive officer, or chief operating officer has this ultimate responsibility unless the person demonstrates otherwise. If this ultimate responsibility resides with two or more individuals (e.g., co-presidents), who may exercise such responsibility in concert or individually, then each individual is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of the organization.
  - (3) **Treasurers and chief financial officers.** This category includes any person who, regardless of title, has ultimate responsibility for managing the finances of the organization. A person who serves as treasurer or chief financial officer has this ultimate responsibility unless the person demonstrates otherwise. If this ultimate responsibility resides with two or more individuals who may exercise the responsibility in concert or individually, then each individual is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of the organization.
  - (4) **Persons with a material financial interest in a provider-sponsored organization.** For purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md), if a hospital that participates in a provider-sponsored organization (as defined in section 1855(e) of the Social Security Act, [42 U.S.C. 1395w-25](/usc/42/1395w-25.md)) is an applicable tax-exempt organization, then any person with a material financial interest (within the meaning of [section 501(o)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=o)) in the provider-sponsored organization has substantial influence with respect to the hospital.
- (d) **Persons deemed not to have substantial influence.** A person is deemed not to be in a position to exercise substantial influence over the affairs of an applicable tax-exempt organization if that person is described in one of the following categories:
  - (1) **Tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3).** This category includes any organization described in [section 501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a).
  - (2) **Certain section 501(c)(4) organizations.** Only with respect to an applicable tax-exempt organization described in [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and [§ 53.4958-2(a)(4)](/cfr/26/53.4958-2.md?p=a-4), this category includes any other organization so described.
  - (3) **Employees receiving economic benefits of less than a specified amount in a taxable year.** This category includes, for the taxable year in which benefits are provided, any full- or part-time employee of the applicable tax-exempt organization who—
    - (i) Receives economic benefits, directly or indirectly from the organization, of less than the amount referenced for a highly compensated employee in [section 414(q)(1)(B)(i)](/cfr/26/414.md?p=q-1-B-i);
    - (ii) Is not described in paragraph [(b)](#b) or [(c)](#c) of this section with respect to the organization; and
    - (iii) Is not a substantial contributor to the organization within the meaning of [section 507(d)(2)(A)](/cfr/26/507.md?p=d-2-A), taking into account only contributions received by the organization during its current taxable year and the four preceding taxable years.
- (e) **Facts and circumstances govern in all other cases—**
  - (1) **In general.** Whether a person who is not described in paragraph [(b)](#b), [(c)](#c) or [(d)](#d) of this section is a disqualified person depends upon all relevant facts and circumstances.
  - (2) **Facts and circumstances tending to show substantial influence.** Facts and circumstances tending to show that a person has substantial influence over the affairs of an organization include, but are not limited to, the following—
    - (i) The person founded the organization;
    - (ii) The person is a substantial contributor to the organization (within the meaning of [section 507(d)(2)(A)](/cfr/26/507.md?p=d-2-A)), taking into account only contributions received by the organization during its current taxable year and the four preceding taxable years;
    - (iii) The person's compensation is primarily based on revenues derived from activities of the organization, or of a particular department or function of the organization, that the person controls;
    - (iv) The person has or shares authority to control or determine a substantial portion of the organization's capital expenditures, operating budget, or compensation for employees;
    - (v) The person manages a discrete segment or activity of the organization that represents a substantial portion of the activities, assets, income, or expenses of the organization, as compared to the organization as a whole;
    - (vi) The person owns a controlling interest (measured by either vote or value) in a corporation, partnership, or trust that is a disqualified person; or
    - (vii) The person is a non-stock organization controlled, directly or indirectly, by one or more disqualified persons.
  - (3) **Facts and circumstances tending to show no substantial influence.** Facts and circumstances tending to show that a person does not have substantial influence over the affairs of an organization include, but are not limited to, the following—
    - (i) The person has taken a bona fide vow of poverty as an employee, agent, or on behalf, of a religious organization;
    - (ii) The person is a contractor (such as an attorney, accountant, or investment manager or advisor) whose sole relationship to the organization is providing professional advice (without having decision-making authority) with respect to transactions from which the contractor will not economically benefit either directly or indirectly (aside from customary fees received for the professional advice rendered);
    - (iii) The direct supervisor of the individual is not a disqualified person;
    - (iv) The person does not participate in any management decisions affecting the organization as a whole or a discrete segment or activity of the organization that represents a substantial portion of the activities, assets, income, or expenses of the organization, as compared to the organization as a whole; or
    - (v) Any preferential treatment a person receives based on the size of that person's contribution is also offered to all other donors making a comparable contribution as part of a solicitation intended to attract a substantial number of contributions.
- (f) **Affiliated organizations.** In the case of multiple organizations affiliated by common control or governing documents, the determination of whether a person does or does not have substantial influence shall be made separately for each applicable tax-exempt organization. A person may be a disqualified person with respect to transactions with more than one applicable tax-exempt organization.
- (g) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the principles of this section. A finding that a person is a disqualified person in the following examples does not indicate that an excess benefit transaction has occurred. If a person is a disqualified person, the rules of [section 4958(c)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=c) and [§ 53.4958-4](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md) apply to determine whether an excess benefit transaction has occurred. The examples are as follows:

# §53.4958-4. Excess benefit transaction.

- (a) **Definition of excess benefit transaction—**
  - (1) **In general.** An excess benefit transaction means any transaction in which an economic benefit is provided by an applicable tax-exempt organization directly or indirectly to or for the use of any disqualified person, and the value of the economic benefit provided exceeds the value of the consideration (including the performance of services) received for providing the benefit. Subject to the limitations of [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section (relating to the treatment of economic benefits as compensation for the performance of services), to determine whether an excess benefit transaction has occurred, all consideration and benefits (except disregarded benefits described in [paragraph (a)(4)](#a-4) of this section) exchanged between a disqualified person and the applicable tax-exempt organization and all entities the organization controls (within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(B)](#a-2-ii-B) of this section) are taken into account. For example, in determining the reasonableness of compensation that is paid (or vests, or is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture) in one year, services performed in prior years may be taken into account. The rules of this section apply to all transactions with disqualified persons, regardless of whether the amount of the benefit provided is determined, in whole or in part, by the revenues of one or more activities of the organization. For rules regarding valuation standards, see [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section. For the requirement that an applicable tax-exempt organization clearly indicate its intent to treat a benefit as compensation for services when paid, see [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section.
  - (2) **Economic benefit provided indirectly—**
    - (i) **In general.** A transaction that would be an excess benefit transaction if the applicable tax-exempt organization engaged in it directly with a disqualified person is likewise an excess benefit transaction when it is accomplished indirectly. An applicable tax-exempt organization may provide an excess benefit indirectly to a disqualified person through a controlled entity or through an intermediary, as described in paragraphs [(a)(2)(ii)](#a-2-ii) and [(iii)](#a-2-iii) of this section, respectively.
    - (ii) **Through a controlled entity—**
      - (A) **In general.** An applicable tax-exempt organization may provide an excess benefit indirectly through the use of one or more entities it controls. For purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md), economic benefits provided by a controlled entity will be treated as provided by the applicable tax-exempt organization.
      - (B) **Definition of control—** (1) In general. For purposes of this paragraph, control by an applicable tax-exempt organization means—

        (i) In the case of a stock corporation, ownership (by vote or value) of more than 50 percent of the stock in such corporation;

        (ii) In the case of a partnership, ownership of more than 50 percent of the profits interests or capital interests in the partnership;

        (iii) In the case of a nonstock organization (i.e., an entity in which no person holds a proprietary interest), that at least 50 percent of the directors or trustees of the organization are either representatives (including trustees, directors, agents, or employees) of, or directly or indirectly controlled by, an applicable tax-exempt organization; or

        (iv) In the case of any other entity, ownership of more than 50 percent of the beneficial interest in the entity.

        (2) Constructive ownership. [Section 318](/cfr/26/318.md) (relating to constructive ownership of stock) shall apply for purposes of determining ownership of stock in a corporation. Similar principles shall apply for purposes of determining ownership of interests in any other entity.

    - (iii) **Through an intermediary.** An applicable tax-exempt organization may provide an excess benefit indirectly through an intermediary. An intermediary is any person (including an individual or a taxable or tax-exempt entity) who participates in a transaction with one or more disqualified persons of an applicable tax-exempt organization. For purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md), economic benefits provided by an intermediary will be treated as provided by the applicable tax-exempt organization when—
      - (A) An applicable tax-exempt organization provides an economic benefit to an intermediary; and
      - (B) **In connection with the receipt of the benefit by the intermediary—** (1) There is evidence of an oral or written agreement or understanding that the intermediary will provide economic benefits to or for the use of a disqualified person; or

        (2) The intermediary provides economic benefits to or for the use of a disqualified person without a significant business purpose or exempt purpose of its own.

    - (iv) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate when economic benefits are provided indirectly under the rules of this [paragraph (a)(2)](#a-2):
  - (3) **Exception for fixed payments made pursuant to an initial contract—**
    - (i) **In general.** Except as provided in [paragraph (a)(3)(iv)](#a-3-iv) of this section, [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) does not apply to any fixed payment made to a person pursuant to an initial contract.
    - (ii) **Fixed payment—**
      - (A) **In general.** For purposes of [paragraph (a)(3)(i)](#a-3-i) of this section, fixed payment means an amount of cash or other property specified in the contract, or determined by a fixed formula specified in the contract, which is to be paid or transferred in exchange for the provision of specified services or property. A fixed formula may incorporate an amount that depends upon future specified events or contingencies, provided that no person exercises discretion when calculating the amount of a payment or deciding whether to make a payment (such as a bonus). A specified event or contingency may include the amount of revenues generated by (or other objective measure of) one or more activities of the applicable tax-exempt organization. A fixed payment does not include any amount paid to a person under a reimbursement (or similar) arrangement where discretion is exercised by any person with respect to the amount of expenses incurred or reimbursed.
      - (B) **Special rules.** Amounts payable pursuant to a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan under [section 401(a)](/cfr/26/401.md?p=a), or pursuant to an employee benefit program that is subject to and satisfies coverage and nondiscrimination rules under the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., sections [127](/cfr/26/127.md) and [137](/cfr/26/137.md)), other than nondiscrimination rules under [section 9802](/cfr/26/9802.md), are treated as fixed payments for purposes of this section, regardless of the applicable tax-exempt organization's discretion with respect to the plan or program. The fact that a person contracting with an applicable tax-exempt organization is expressly granted the choice whether to accept or reject any economic benefit is disregarded in determining whether the benefit constitutes a fixed payment for purposes of this paragraph.
    - (iii) **Initial contract.** For purposes of [paragraph (a)(3)(i)](#a-3-i) of this section, initial contract means a binding written contract between an applicable tax-exempt organization and a person who was not a disqualified person within the meaning of [section 4958(f)(1)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-1) and [§ 53.4958-3](/cfr/26/53.4958-3.md) immediately prior to entering into the contract.
    - (iv) **Substantial performance required.** [Paragraph (a)(3)(i)](#a-3-i) of this section does not apply to any fixed payment made pursuant to the initial contract during any taxable year of the person contracting with the applicable tax-exempt organization if the person fails to perform substantially the person's obligations under the initial contract during that year.
    - (v) **Treatment as a new contract.** A written binding contract that provides that the contract is terminable or subject to cancellation by the applicable tax-exempt organization (other than as a result of a lack of substantial performance by the disqualified person, as described in [paragraph (a)(3)(iv)](#a-3-iv) of this section) without the other party's consent and without substantial penalty to the organization is treated as a new contract as of the earliest date that any such termination or cancellation, if made, would be effective. Additionally, if the parties make a material change to a contract, it is treated as a new contract as of the date the material change is effective. A material change includes an extension or renewal of the contract (other than an extension or renewal that results from the person contracting with the applicable tax-exempt organization unilaterally exercising an option expressly granted by the contract), or a more than incidental change to any amount payable under the contract. The new contract is tested under [paragraph (a)(3)(iii)](#a-3-iii) of this section to determine whether it is an initial contract for purposes of this section.
    - (vi) **Evaluation of non-fixed payments.** Any payment that is not a fixed payment (within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(3)(ii)](#a-3-ii) of this section) is evaluated to determine whether it constitutes an excess benefit transaction under [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md). In making this determination, all payments and consideration exchanged between the parties are taken into account, including any fixed payments made pursuant to an initial contract with respect to which [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) does not apply.
    - (vii) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the rules governing fixed payments made pursuant to an initial contract. Unless otherwise stated, assume that the person contracting with the applicable tax-exempt organization has performed substantially the person's obligations under the contract with respect to the payment. The examples are as follows:
  - (4) **Certain economic benefits disregarded for purposes of section 4958.** The following economic benefits are disregarded for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md)—
    - (i) **Nontaxable fringe benefits.** An economic benefit that is excluded from income under [section 132](/cfr/26/132.md), except any liability insurance premium, payment, or reimbursement that must be taken into account under paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B)(2) of this section;
    - (ii) **Expense reimbursement payments pursuant to accountable plans.** Amounts paid under reimbursement arrangements that meet the requirements of [§ 1.62-2(c)](/cfr/26/1.62-2.md?p=c) of this chapter;
    - (iii) **Certain economic benefits provided to a volunteer for the organization.** An economic benefit provided to a volunteer for the organization if the benefit is provided to the general public in exchange for a membership fee or contribution of $75 or less per year;
    - (iv) **Certain economic benefits provided to a member of, or donor to, the organization.** An economic benefit provided to a member of an organization solely on account of the payment of a membership fee, or to a donor solely on account of a contribution for which a deduction is allowable under [section 170](/cfr/26/170.md) (charitable contribution), regardless of whether the donor is eligible to claim the deduction, if—
      - (A) Any non-disqualified person paying a membership fee or making a charitable contribution above a specified amount to the organization is given the option of receiving substantially the same economic benefit; and
      - (B) The disqualified person and a significant number of non-disqualified persons make a payment or charitable contribution of at least the specified amount;
    - (v) **Economic benefits provided to a charitable beneficiary.** An economic benefit provided to a person solely because the person is a member of a charitable class that the applicable tax-exempt organization intends to benefit as part of the accomplishment of the organization's exempt purpose; and
    - (vi) **Certain economic benefits provided to a governmental unit.** Any transfer of an economic benefit to or for the use of a governmental unit defined in [section 170(c)(1)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=c-1), if the transfer is for exclusively public purposes.
  - (5) **Exception for certain payments made pursuant to an exemption granted by the Department of Labor under ERISA.** [Section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) does not apply to any payment made pursuant to, and in accordance with, a final individual prohibited transaction exemption issued by the Department of Labor under section 408(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 854) (ERISA) with respect to a transaction involving a plan (as defined in [section 3(3)](/cfr/26/3.md?p=3) of ERISA) that is an applicable tax exempt organization.
- (b) **Valuation standards—**
  - (1) **In general.** This section provides rules for determining the value of economic benefits for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md).
    - (i) **Fair market value of property.** The value of property, including the right to use property, for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) is the fair market value (i.e., the price at which property or the right to use property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy, sell or transfer property or the right to use property, and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts).
    - (ii) **Reasonable compensation—**
      - (A) **In general.** The value of services is the amount that would ordinarily be paid for like services by like enterprises (whether taxable or tax-exempt) under like circumstances (i.e., reasonable compensation). [Section 162](/cfr/26/162.md) standards apply in determining reasonableness of compensation, taking into account the aggregate benefits (other than any benefits specifically disregarded under [paragraph (a)(4)](#a-4) of this section) provided to a person and the rate at which any deferred compensation accrues. The fact that a compensation arrangement is subject to a cap is a relevant factor in determining the reasonableness of compensation. The fact that a State or local legislative or agency body or court has authorized or approved a particular compensation package paid to a disqualified person is not determinative of the reasonableness of compensation for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md).
      - (B) **Items included in determining the value of compensation for purposes of determining reasonableness under section 4958.** Except for economic benefits that are disregarded for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) under [paragraph (a)(4)](#a-4) of this section, compensation for purposes of determining reasonableness under [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) includes all economic benefits provided by an applicable tax-exempt organization in exchange for the performance of services. These benefits include, but are not limited to—

        (1) All forms of cash and noncash compensation, including salary, fees, bonuses, severance payments, and deferred and noncash compensation described in [§ 53.4958-1(e)(2)](/cfr/26/53.4958-1.md?p=e-2);

        (2) Unless excludable from income as a de minimis fringe benefit pursuant to [section 132(a)(4)](/cfr/26/132.md?p=a-4), the payment of liability insurance premiums for, or the payment or reimbursement by the organization of—

        (i) Any penalty, tax, or expense of correction owed under [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md);

        (ii) Any expense not reasonably incurred by the person in connection with a civil judicial or civil administrative proceeding arising out of the person's performance of services on behalf of the applicable tax-exempt organization; or

        (iii) Any expense resulting from an act or failure to act with respect to which the person has acted willfully and without reasonable cause; and

        (3) All other compensatory benefits, whether or not included in gross income for income tax purposes, including payments to welfare benefit plans, such as plans providing medical, dental, life insurance, severance pay, and disability benefits, and both taxable and nontaxable fringe benefits (other than fringe benefits described in [section 132](/cfr/26/132.md)), including expense allowances or reimbursements (other than expense reimbursements pursuant to an accountable plan that meets the requirements of [§ 1.62-2(c)](/cfr/26/1.62-2.md?p=c)), and the economic benefit of a below-market loan (within the meaning of [section 7872(e)(1)](/cfr/26/7872.md?p=e-1)). (For this purpose, the economic benefit of a below-market loan is the amount deemed transferred to the disqualified person under section [7872(a)](/cfr/26/7872.md?p=a) or [(b)](/cfr/26/7872.md?p=b), regardless of whether [section 7872](/cfr/26/7872.md) otherwise applies to the loan).

      - (C) **Inclusion in compensation for reasonableness determination does not govern income tax treatment.** The determination of whether any item listed in [paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B)](#b-1-ii-B) of this section is included in the disqualified person's gross income for income tax purposes is made on the basis of the provisions of chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code, without regard to whether the item is taken into account for purposes of determining reasonableness of compensation under [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md).
  - (2) **Timing of reasonableness determination—**
    - (i) **In general.** The facts and circumstances to be taken into consideration in determining reasonableness of a fixed payment (within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(3)(ii)](#a-3-ii) of this section) are those existing on the date the parties enter into the contract pursuant to which the payment is made. However, in the event of substantial non-performance, reasonableness is determined based on all facts and circumstances, up to and including circumstances as of the date of payment. In the case of any payment that is not a fixed payment under a contract, reasonableness is determined based on all facts and circumstances, up to and including circumstances as of the date of payment. In no event shall circumstances existing at the date when the payment is questioned be considered in making a determination of the reasonableness of the payment. These general timing rules also apply to property subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Therefore, if the property subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture satisfies the definition of fixed payment (within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(3)(ii)](#a-3-ii) of this section), reasonableness is determined at the time the parties enter into the contract providing for the transfer of the property. If the property is not a fixed payment, then reasonableness is determined based on all facts and circumstances up to and including circumstances as of the date of payment.
    - (ii) **Treatment as a new contract.** For purposes of [paragraph (b)(2)(i)](#b-2-i) of this section, a written binding contract that provides that the contract is terminable or subject to cancellation by the applicable tax-exempt organization without the other party's consent and without substantial penalty to the organization is treated as a new contract as of the earliest date that any such termination or cancellation, if made, would be effective. Additionally, if the parties make a material change to a contract (within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(3)(v)](#a-3-v) of this section), it is treated as a new contract as of the date the material change is effective.
    - (iii) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the timing of the reasonableness determination under the rules of this [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2):
- (c) **Establishing intent to treat economic benefit as consideration for the performance of services—**
  - (1) **In general.** An economic benefit is not treated as consideration for the performance of services unless the organization providing the benefit clearly indicates its intent to treat the benefit as compensation when the benefit is paid. Except as provided in [paragraph (c)(2)](#c-2) of this section, an applicable tax-exempt organization (or entity controlled by an applicable tax-exempt organization, within the meaning of [paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(B)](#a-2-ii-B) of this section) is treated as clearly indicating its intent to provide an economic benefit as compensation for services only if the organization provides written substantiation that is contemporaneous with the transfer of the economic benefit at issue. If an organization fails to provide this contemporaneous substantiation, any services provided by the disqualified person will not be treated as provided in consideration for the economic benefit for purposes of determining the reasonableness of the transaction. In no event shall an economic benefit that a disqualified person obtains by theft or fraud be treated as consideration for the performance of services.
  - (2) **Nontaxable benefits.** For purposes of [section 4958(c)(1)(A)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=c-1-A) and this section, an applicable tax-exempt organization is not required to indicate its intent to provide an economic benefit as compensation for services if the economic benefit is excluded from the disqualified person's gross income for income tax purposes on the basis of the provisions of chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of these benefits include, but are not limited to, employer-provided health benefits and contributions to a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan under [section 401(a)](/cfr/26/401.md?p=a), and benefits described in sections [127](/cfr/26/127.md) and [137](/cfr/26/137.md). However, except for economic benefits that are disregarded for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) under [paragraph (a)(4)](#a-4) of this section, all compensatory benefits (regardless of the Federal income tax treatment) provided by an organization in exchange for the performance of services are taken into account in determining the reasonableness of a person's compensation for purposes of [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md).
  - (3) **Contemporaneous substantiation—**
    - (i) **Reporting of benefit—**
      - (A) **In general.** An applicable tax-exempt organization provides contemporaneous written substantiation of its intent to provide an economic benefit as compensation if—

        (1) The organization reports the economic benefit as compensation on an original Federal tax information return with respect to the payment (e.g., Form W-2, “Wage and Tax Statement”, or Form 1099, “Miscellaneous Income”) or with respect to the organization (e.g., Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax”), or on an amended Federal tax information return filed prior to the commencement of an Internal Revenue Service examination of the applicable tax-exempt organization or the disqualified person for the taxable year in which the transaction occurred (as determined under [§ 53.4958-1(e)](/cfr/26/53.4958-1.md?p=e)); or

        (2) The recipient disqualified person reports the benefit as income on the person's original Federal tax return (e.g., Form 1040, “U.S. Individual Income Tax Return”), or on the person's amended Federal tax return filed prior to the earlier of the following dates—

        (i) Commencement of an Internal Revenue Service examination described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A)(1) of this section; or

        (ii) The first documentation in writing by the Internal Revenue Service of a potential excess benefit transaction involving either the applicable tax-exempt organization or the disqualified person.

      - (B) **Failure to report due to reasonable cause.** If an applicable tax-exempt organization's failure to report an economic benefit as required under the Internal Revenue Code is due to reasonable cause (within the meaning of [§ 301.6724-1](/cfr/26/301.6724-1.md) of this chapter), then the organization will be treated as having clearly indicated its intent to provide an economic benefit as compensation for services. To show that its failure to report an economic benefit that should have been reported on an information return was due to reasonable cause, an applicable tax-exempt organization must establish that there were significant mitigating factors with respect to its failure to report (as described in [§ 301.6724-1(b)](/cfr/26/301.6724-1.md?p=b) of this chapter), or the failure arose from events beyond the organization's control (as described in [§ 301.6724-1(c)](/cfr/26/301.6724-1.md?p=c) of this chapter), and that the organization acted in a responsible manner both before and after the failure occurred (as described in [§ 301.6724-1(d)](/cfr/26/301.6724-1.md?p=d) of this chapter).
    - (ii) **Other written contemporaneous evidence.** In addition, other written contemporaneous evidence may be used to demonstrate that the appropriate decision-making body or an officer authorized to approve compensation approved a transfer as compensation for services in accordance with established procedures, including but not limited to—
      - (A) An approved written employment contract executed on or before the date of the transfer;
      - (B) Documentation satisfying the requirements of [§ 53.4958-6(a)(3)](/cfr/26/53.4958-6.md?p=a-3) indicating that an authorized body approved the transfer as compensation for services on or before the date of the transfer; or
      - (C) Written evidence that was in existence on or before the due date of the applicable Federal tax return described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A)(1) or (2) of this section (including extensions but not amendments), of a reasonable belief by the applicable tax-exempt organization that a benefit was a nontaxable benefit as defined in [paragraph (c)(2)](#c-2) of this section.
  - (4) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the requirement that an organization contemporaneously substantiate its intent to provide an economic benefit as compensation for services, as defined in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section:

# §53.4958-5. Transaction in which the amount of the economic benefit is determined in whole or in part by the revenues of one or more activities of the organization. [Reserved]



# §53.4958-6. Rebuttable presumption that a transaction is not an excess benefit transaction.

- (a) **In general.** Payments under a compensation arrangement are presumed to be reasonable, and a transfer of property, or the right to use property, is presumed to be at fair market value, if the following conditions are satisfied—
  - (1) The compensation arrangement or the terms of the property transfer are approved in advance by an authorized body of the applicable tax-exempt organization (or an entity controlled by the organization within the meaning of [§ 53.4958-4(a)(2)(ii)(B)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=a-2-ii-B)) composed entirely of individuals who do not have a conflict of interest (within the meaning of [paragraph (c)(1)(iii)](#c-1-iii) of this section) with respect to the compensation arrangement or property transfer, as described in [paragraph (c)(1)](#c-1) of this section;
  - (2) The authorized body obtained and relied upon appropriate data as to comparability prior to making its determination, as described in [paragraph (c)(2)](#c-2) of this section; and
  - (3) The authorized body adequately documented the basis for its determination concurrently with making that determination, as described in [paragraph (c)(3)](#c-3) of this section.
- (b) **Rebutting the presumption.** If the three requirements of [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section are satisfied, then the Internal Revenue Service may rebut the presumption that arises under [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section only if it develops sufficient contrary evidence to rebut the probative value of the comparability data relied upon by the authorized body. With respect to any fixed payment (within the meaning of [§ 53.4958-4(a)(3)(ii)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=a-3-ii)), rebuttal evidence is limited to evidence relating to facts and circumstances existing on the date the parties enter into the contract pursuant to which the payment is made (except in the event of substantial nonperformance). With respect to all other payments (including non-fixed payments subject to a cap, as described in [paragraph (d)(2)](#d-2) of this section), rebuttal evidence may include facts and circumstances up to and including the date of payment. See [§ 53.4958-4(b)(2)(i)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=b-2-i).
- (c) **Requirements for invoking rebuttable presumption—**
  - (1) **Approval by an authorized body—**
    - (i) **In general.** An authorized body means—
      - (A) The governing body (i.e., the board of directors, board of trustees, or equivalent controlling body) of the organization;
      - (B) A committee of the governing body, which may be composed of any individuals permitted under State law to serve on such a committee, to the extent that the committee is permitted by State law to act on behalf of the governing body; or
      - (C) To the extent permitted under State law, other parties authorized by the governing body of the organization to act on its behalf by following procedures specified by the governing body in approving compensation arrangements or property transfers.
    - (ii) **Individuals not included on authorized body.** For purposes of determining whether the requirements of [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section have been met with respect to a specific compensation arrangement or property transfer, an individual is not included on the authorized body when it is reviewing a transaction if that individual meets with other members only to answer questions, and otherwise recuses himself or herself from the meeting and is not present during debate and voting on the compensation arrangement or property transfer.
    - (iii) **Absence of conflict of interest.** A member of the authorized body does not have a conflict of interest with respect to a compensation arrangement or property transfer only if the member—
      - (A) Is not a disqualified person participating in or economically benefitting from the compensation arrangement or property transfer, and is not a member of the family of any such disqualified person, as described in [section 4958(f)(4)](/cfr/26/4958.md?p=f-4) or [§ 53.4958-3(b)(1)](/cfr/26/53.4958-3.md?p=b-1);
      - (B) Is not in an employment relationship subject to the direction or control of any disqualified person participating in or economically benefitting from the compensation arrangement or property transfer;
      - (C) Does not receive compensation or other payments subject to approval by any disqualified person participating in or economically benefitting from the compensation arrangement or property transfer;
      - (D) Has no material financial interest affected by the compensation arrangement or property transfer; and
      - (E) Does not approve a transaction providing economic benefits to any disqualified person participating in the compensation arrangement or property transfer, who in turn has approved or will approve a transaction providing economic benefits to the member.
  - (2) **Appropriate data as to comparability—**
    - (i) **In general.** An authorized body has appropriate data as to comparability if, given the knowledge and expertise of its members, it has information sufficient to determine whether, under the standards set forth in [§ 53.4958-4(b)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=b), the compensation arrangement in its entirety is reasonable or the property transfer is at fair market value. In the case of compensation, relevant information includes, but is not limited to, compensation levels paid by similarly situated organizations, both taxable and tax-exempt, for functionally comparable positions; the availability of similar services in the geographic area of the applicable tax-exempt organization; current compensation surveys compiled by independent firms; and actual written offers from similar institutions competing for the services of the disqualified person. In the case of property, relevant information includes, but is not limited to, current independent appraisals of the value of all property to be transferred; and offers received as part of an open and competitive bidding process.
    - (ii) **Special rule for compensation paid by small organizations.** For organizations with annual gross receipts (including contributions) of less than $1 million reviewing compensation arrangements, the authorized body will be considered to have appropriate data as to comparability if it has data on compensation paid by three comparable organizations in the same or similar communities for similar services. No inference is intended with respect to whether circumstances falling outside this safe harbor will meet the requirement with respect to the collection of appropriate data.
    - (iii) **Application of special rule for small organizations.** For purposes of determining whether the special rule for small organizations described in [paragraph (c)(2)(ii)](#c-2-ii) of this section applies, an organization may calculate its annual gross receipts based on an average of its gross receipts during the three prior taxable years. If any applicable tax-exempt organization is controlled by or controls another entity (as defined in [§ 53.4958-4(a)(2)(ii)(B)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=a-2-ii-B)), the annual gross receipts of such organizations must be aggregated to determine applicability of the special rule stated in [paragraph (c)(2)(ii)](#c-2-ii) of this section.
    - (iv) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the rules for appropriate data as to comparability for purposes of invoking the rebuttable presumption of reasonableness described in this section. In all examples, compensation refers to the aggregate value of all benefits provided in exchange for services. The examples are as follows:
  - (3) **Documentation—**
    - (i) For a decision to be documented adequately, the written or electronic records of the authorized body must note—
      - (A) The terms of the transaction that was approved and the date it was approved;
      - (B) The members of the authorized body who were present during debate on the transaction that was approved and those who voted on it;
      - (C) The comparability data obtained and relied upon by the authorized body and how the data was obtained; and
      - (D) Any actions taken with respect to consideration of the transaction by anyone who is otherwise a member of the authorized body but who had a conflict of interest with respect to the transaction.
    - (ii) If the authorized body determines that reasonable compensation for a specific arrangement or fair market value in a specific property transfer is higher or lower than the range of comparability data obtained, the authorized body must record the basis for its determination. For a decision to be documented concurrently, records must be prepared before the later of the next meeting of the authorized body or 60 days after the final action or actions of the authorized body are taken. Records must be reviewed and approved by the authorized body as reasonable, accurate and complete within a reasonable time period thereafter.
- (d) **No presumption with respect to non-fixed payments until amounts are determined—**
  - (1) **In general.** Except as provided in [paragraph (d)(2)](#d-2) of this section, in the case of a payment that is not a fixed payment (within the meaning of [§ 53.4958-4(a)(3)(ii)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=a-3-ii)), the rebuttable presumption of this section arises only after the exact amount of the payment is determined, or a fixed formula for calculating the payment is specified, and the three requirements for the presumption under [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section subsequently are satisfied. See [§ 53.4958-4(b)(2)(i)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=b-2-i).
  - (2) **Special rule for certain non-fixed payments subject to a cap.** If the authorized body approves an employment contract with a disqualified person that includes a non-fixed payment (such as a discretionary bonus) subject to a specified cap, the authorized body may establish a rebuttable presumption with respect to the non-fixed payment at the time the employment contract is entered into if—
    - (i) Prior to approving the contract, the authorized body obtains appropriate comparability data indicating that a fixed payment of up to a certain amount to the particular disqualified person would represent reasonable compensation;
    - (ii) The maximum amount payable under the contract (taking into account both fixed and non-fixed payments) does not exceed the amount referred to in [paragraph (d)(2)(i)](#d-2-i) of this section; and
    - (iii) The other requirements for the rebuttable presumption of reasonableness under [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section are satisfied.
- (e) **No inference from absence of presumption.** The fact that a transaction between an applicable tax-exempt organization and a disqualified person is not subject to the presumption described in this section neither creates any inference that the transaction is an excess benefit transaction, nor exempts or relieves any person from compliance with any Federal or state law imposing any obligation, duty, responsibility, or other standard of conduct with respect to the operation or administration of any applicable tax-exempt organization.
- (f) **Period of reliance on rebuttable presumption.** Except as provided in [paragraph (d)](#d) of this section with respect to non-fixed payments, the rebuttable presumption applies to all payments made or transactions completed in accordance with a contract, provided that the provisions of [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section were met at the time the parties entered into the contract.

# §53.4958-7. Correction.

- (a) **In general.** An excess benefit transaction is corrected by undoing the excess benefit to the extent possible, and taking any additional measures necessary to place the applicable tax-exempt organization involved in the excess benefit transaction in a financial position not worse than that in which it would be if the disqualified person were dealing under the highest fiduciary standards. [Paragraph (b)](#b) of this section describes the acceptable forms of correction. [Paragraph (c)](#c) of this section defines the correction amount. [Paragraph (d)](#d) of this section describes correction where a contract has been partially performed. [Paragraph (e)](#e) of this section describes correction where the applicable tax-exempt organization involved in the transaction has ceased to exist or is no longer tax-exempt. [Paragraph (f)](#f) of this section provides examples illustrating correction.
- (b) **Form of correction—**
  - (1) **Cash or cash equivalents.** Except as provided in paragraphs [(b)(3)](#b-3) and [(4)](#b-4) of this section, a disqualified person corrects an excess benefit only by making a payment in cash or cash equivalents, excluding payment by a promissory note, to the applicable tax-exempt organization equal to the correction amount, as defined in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section.
  - (2) **Anti-abuse rule.** A disqualified person will not satisfy the requirements of [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section if the Commissioner determines that the disqualified person engaged in one or more transactions with the applicable tax-exempt organization to circumvent the requirements of this correction section, and as a result, the disqualified person effectively transferred property other than cash or cash equivalents.
  - (3) **Special rule relating to nonqualified deferred compensation.** If an excess benefit transaction results, in whole or in part, from the vesting (as described in [§ 53.4958-1(e)(2)](/cfr/26/53.4958-1.md?p=e-2)) of benefits provided under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, then, to the extent that such benefits have not yet been distributed to the disqualified person, the disqualified person may correct the portion of the excess benefit resulting from the undistributed deferred compensation by relinquishing any right to receive the excess portion of the undistributed deferred compensation (including any earnings thereon).
  - (4) **Return of specific property—**
    - (i) **In general.** A disqualified person may, with the agreement of the applicable tax-exempt organization, make a payment by returning specific property previously transferred in the excess benefit transaction. In this case, the disqualified person is treated as making a payment equal to the lesser of—
      - (A) The fair market value of the property determined on the date the property is returned to the organization; or
      - (B) **The fair market value of the property on the date the excess benefit transaction occurred.**
    - (ii) **Payment not equal to correction amount.** If the payment described in [paragraph (b)(4)(i)](#b-4-i) of this section is less than the correction amount (as described in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section), the disqualified person must make an additional cash payment to the organization equal to the difference. Conversely, if the payment described in [paragraph (b)(4)(i)](#b-4-i) of this section exceeds the correction amount (as described in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section), the organization may make a cash payment to the disqualified person equal to the difference.
    - (iii) **Disqualified person may not participate in decision.** Any disqualified person who received an excess benefit from the excess benefit transaction may not participate in the applicable tax-exempt organization's decision whether to accept the return of specific property under [paragraph (b)(4)(i)](#b-4-i) of this section.
- (c) **Correction amount.** The correction amount with respect to an excess benefit transaction equals the sum of the excess benefit (as defined in [§ 53.4958-1(b)](/cfr/26/53.4958-1.md?p=b)) and interest on the excess benefit. The amount of the interest charge for purposes of this section is determined by multiplying the excess benefit by an interest rate, compounded annually, for the period from the date the excess benefit transaction occurred (as defined in [§ 53.4958-1(e)](/cfr/26/53.4958-1.md?p=e)) to the date of correction. The interest rate used for this purpose must be a rate that equals or exceeds the applicable Federal rate (AFR), compounded annually, for the month in which the transaction occurred. The period from the date the excess benefit transaction occurred to the date of correction is used to determine whether the appropriate AFR is the Federal short-term rate, the Federal mid-term rate, or the Federal long-term rate. See [section 1274(d)(1)(A)](/cfr/26/1274.md?p=d-1-A).
- (d) **Correction where contract has been partially performed.** If the excess benefit transaction arises under a contract that has been partially performed, termination of the contractual relationship between the organization and the disqualified person is not required in order to correct. However, the parties may need to modify the terms of any ongoing contract to avoid future excess benefit transactions.
- (e) **Correction in the case of an applicable tax-exempt organization that has ceased to exist, or is no longer tax-exempt—**
  - (1) **In general.** A disqualified person must correct an excess benefit transaction in accordance with this paragraph where the applicable tax-exempt organization that engaged in the transaction no longer exists or is no longer described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a).
  - (2) **Section 501(c)(3) organizations.** In the case of an excess benefit transaction with a [section 501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) applicable tax-exempt organization, the disqualified person must pay the correction amount, as defined in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section, to another organization described in [section 501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a) in accordance with the dissolution clause contained in the constitutive documents of the applicable tax-exempt organization involved in the excess benefit transaction, provided that—
    - (i) The organization receiving the correction amount is described in [section 170(b)(1)(A)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A) (other than in section [170(b)(1)(A)(vii)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A-vii) and [(viii)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A-viii)) and has been in existence and so described for a continuous period of at least 60 calendar months ending on the correction date;
    - (ii) The disqualified person is not also a disqualified person (as defined in [§ 53.4958-3](/cfr/26/53.4958-3.md)) with respect to the organization receiving the correction amount; and
    - (iii) The organization receiving the correction amount does not allow the disqualified person (or persons described in [§ 53.4958-3(b)](/cfr/26/53.4958-3.md?p=b) with respect to that person) to make or recommend any grants or distributions by the organization.
  - (3) **Section 501(c)(4) organizations.** In the case of an excess benefit transaction with a [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) applicable tax-exempt organization, the disqualified person must pay the correction amount, as defined in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section, to a successor [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) organization or, if no tax-exempt successor, to any organization described in section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4) and exempt from tax under [section 501(a)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=a), provided that the requirements of [paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (iii)](#e-2-i..e-2-iii) of this section are satisfied (except that the requirement that the organization receiving the correction amount is described in [section 170(b)(1)(A)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A) (other than in section [170(b)(1)(A)(vii)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A-vii) and [(viii)](/cfr/26/170.md?p=b-1-A-viii)) shall not apply if the organization is described in [section 501(c)(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4)).
- (f) **Examples.** The following examples illustrate the principles of this section describing the requirements of correction:

# §53.4958-8. Special rules.

- (a) **Substantive requirements for exemption still apply.** [Section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) does not affect the substantive standards for tax exemption under section [501(c)(3)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-3) or [(4)](/cfr/26/501.md?p=c-4), including the requirements that the organization be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes, and that no part of its net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Thus, regardless of whether a particular transaction is subject to excise taxes under [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md), existing principles and rules may be implicated, such as the limitation on private benefit. For example, transactions that are not subject to [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) because of the initial contract exception described in [§ 53.4958-4(a)(3)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=a-3) may, under certain circumstances, jeopardize the organization's tax-exempt status.
- (b) **Interaction between section 4958 and section 7611 rules for church tax inquiries and examinations.** The procedures of [section 7611](/cfr/26/7611.md) will be used in initiating and conducting any inquiry or examination into whether an excess benefit transaction has occurred between a church and a disqualified person. For purposes of this rule, the reasonable belief required to initiate a church tax inquiry is satisfied if there is a reasonable belief that a [section 4958](/cfr/26/4958.md) tax is due from a disqualified person with respect to a transaction involving a church. See [§ 301.7611-1](/cfr/26/301.7611-1.md) Q&A 19 of this chapter.
- (c) **Other substantiation requirements.** These regulations, in [§ 53.4958-4(c)(3)](/cfr/26/53.4958-4.md?p=c-3), set forth specific substantiation rules. Compliance with the specific substantiation rules of that section does not relieve applicable tax-exempt organizations of other rules and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, Revenue Rulings, and other guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (including the substantiation rules of sections [162](/cfr/26/162.md) and [274](/cfr/26/274.md), or § [1.6001-1(a)](/cfr/26/1.6001-1.md?p=a) and [(c)](/cfr/26/1.6001-1.md?p=c) of this chapter).