us-irs-revenue-rulings-irb-1998-31-pdf•Internal Revenue Bulletin 1998-31 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue Rulings
Internal Revenue Bulletin 1998-31 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue Rulings
us-irs-revenue-rulings-irb-1998-31-pdfInternal Revenue Bulletin 1998-31 (PDF rendition): IRS Revenue RulingsGuidance
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INCOME TAX Rev. Rul. 98–34, page 12. Below-market loans; exempted loans; second mort- gage loans under the MAHRA Act.A below-market sec- ond mortgage loan made under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Aff o rdability Act of 1997, by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the owner of a multifamily low-income rental property in connec- tion with re s t ructuring the existing first mortgage on the property, is exempted from section 7872 of the Code. Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Federal rates; adjusted federal rates; adjusted federal l o n g - t e rm rate, and the long-term exempt rate.F o r purposes of sections 1274, 1288, 382, and other sections of the Code, tables set forth the rates for August 1998. T.D. 8775, page 4. Final and temporary regulations under section 460 of the Code explain how a taxpayer elects not to apply the look- back method to long-term contracts in de minimiscases. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS Announcement 98–75, page 15. A list is given of organizations now classified as private foun- dations. EMPLOYMENT TAX T.D. 8772, page 8. Final and temporary regulations under section 6011 of the Code relate to the requirements for filing information returns on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. Page 7. Railroad retirement; rate determination; quarterly.The Railroad Retirement Board has determined that the rate of tax imposed by section 3221 of the Code shall be 35 cents for the quarter beginning April 1, 1998, and 35 cents for the quarter beginning July 1, 1998. ADMINISTRATIVE Announcement 98–72, page 14. Rev. Proc. 98–35, 1998–21 I.R.B. 6, relating to specifica- tions for the magnetic or electronic filing of 1998 Form s 1098, 1099, 5498, and W–2G, is corrected. Announcement 98–73, page 14. The Service will not assess penalties for missing or incor- rect taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) on Form 1099–R for 1996 and 1997. Listings of missing and incorrect TINs will be sent to filers of this form in early August of this year. Announcement 98–74, page 15. REG–106031–98, 1998–26 I.R.B. 38, relating to the treat- ment of foreign taxpayers trading in derivative financial in- struments for their own account, is corrected. Internal Revenue bulletin Bulletin No. 1998–31 August 3, 1998 HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE These synopses are intended only as aids to the reader in identifying the subject matter covered. They may not be relied upon as authoritative interpretations. Department of the Tr e a s u r y Internal Revenue Service Finding Lists begin on page 18. Index for January–July begins on page 20. Mission of the Service The purpose of the Internal Revenue Service is to collect the proper amount of tax revenue at the least cost; serv e the public by continually improving the quality of our prod- ucts and services; and perf o rm in a manner warr a n t i n g the highest degree of public confidence in our integrity, eff i- c i e n c y, and fairn e s s . 2 Statement of Principles of Internal Revenue Tax Administration The function of the Internal Revenue Service is to adm i n i s- ter the Internal Revenue Code. Tax policy for raising re v e n u e is determined by Congre s s . With this in mind, it is the duty of the Service to carry out that policy by correctly applying the laws enacted by Congress; to determine the reasonable meaning of various Code provi- sions in light of the Congressional purpose in enacting them; and to perform this work in a fair and impartial manner, with neither a government nor a taxpayer point of view. At the heart of administration is interpretation of the Code. It is the responsibility of each person in the Service, charged with the duty of interpreting the law, to try to find the true meaning of the statutory provision and not to adopt a strained construction in the belief that he or she is “protect- ing the revenue.” The revenue is properly protected only when we ascertain and apply the true meaning of the statute. The Service also has the responsibility of applying and administering the law in a reasonable, practical manner. Issues should only be raised by examining officers when they have merit, never arbitrarily or for trading purposes. At the same time, the examining officer should never hesi- tate to raise a meritorious issue. It is also important that c a re be exercised not to raise an issue or to ask a court to adopt a position inconsistent with an established Serv i c e p o s i t i o n . Administration should be both reasonable and vigorous. It should be conducted with as little delay as possible and with great courtesy and considerateness. It should never t ry to overreach, and should be reasonable within the bounds of law and sound administration. It should, howev- e r, be vigorous in requiring compliance with law and it should be relentless in its attack on unreal tax devices and f r a u d . The Internal Revenue Bulletin is the authoritative instrument of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for announcing offi- cial rulings and procedures of the Internal Revenue Service and for publishing Treasury Decisions, Executive Orders, Tax Conventions, legislation, court decisions, and other items of general interest. It is published weekly and may be obtained f rom the Superintendent of Documents on a subscription basis. Bulletin contents of a permanent nature are consoli- dated semiannually into Cumulative Bulletins, which are sold on a single-copy basis. It is the policy of the Service to publish in the Bulletin all sub- stantive rulings necessary to promote a uniform application of the tax laws, including all rulings that supersede, revoke, modify, or amend any of those previously published in the Bulletin. All published rulings apply retroactively unless other- wise indicated. Procedures relating solely to matters of in- ternal management are not published; however, statements of internal practices and pro c e d u res that affect the rights and duties of taxpayers are published. Revenue rulings represent the conclusions of the Service on the application of the law to the pivotal facts stated in the revenue ruling. In those based on positions taken in rulings to taxpayers or technical advice to Service field off i c e s , identifying details and information of a confidential nature are deleted to prevent unwarranted invasions of privacy and to comply with statutory requirements. Rulings and procedures reported in the Bulletin do not have the force and effect of Tre a s u ry Department Regulations, but they may be used as precedents. Unpublished ru l i n g s will not be relied on, used, or cited as precedents by Service personnel in the disposition of other cases. In applying pub- lished rulings and procedures, the effect of subsequent leg- islation, regulations, court decisions, rulings, and pro c e- dures must be considered, and Service personnel and oth- ers concerned are cautioned against reaching the same con- clusions in other cases unless the facts and circumstances are substantially the same. The Bulletin is divided into four parts as follows: Part I.—1986 Code. This part includes rulings and decisions based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Part II.—Treaties and Tax Legislation. This part is divided into two subparts as follows: Subpart A, Tax Conventions, and Subpart B, Legislation and Related Committee Reports. P a rt III.—Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous. To the extent practicable, pertinent cross re f e rences to these subjects are contained in the other Parts and Sub- parts. Also included in this part are Bank Secrecy Act Admin- istrative Rulings. Bank Secrecy Act Administrative Rulings are issued by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement). Part IV.—Items of General Interest. With the exception of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the disbarment and suspension list included in this part, none of these announcements are consolidated in the Cumu- lative Bulletins. The first Bulletin for each month includes a cumulative index for the matters published during the preceding months. These monthly indexes are cumulated on a semiannual basis and are published in the first Bulletin of the succeeding semi- annual period, re s p e c t i v e l y. 3 Introduction The contents of this publication are not copyrighted and may be reprinted freely.Acitation of the Internal Revenue Bulletin as the source would be appropriate. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. August 3, 199841998–31 I.R.B. Section 42.—Low-Income Housing Credit The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 280G.—Golden Parachute Payments Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 382.—Limitation on Net Operating Loss Carryforwards and Certain Built-In Losses Following Ownership Change The adjusted federal long-term rate is set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 412.—Minimum Funding Standards The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 460.—Special Rules for Long-Term Contracts 26 CFR 1.460–6: Look-back method. T.D. 8775 D E PA RTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1 and 602 Election Not to Apply Look-Back Method in De MinimisCases A G E N C Y: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final and temporary regula- tions. S U M M A RY: This document contains regulations explaining how a taxpayer elects under section 460(b)(6) not to apply the look-back method to long-term contracts in de minimis cases. The regula- tions reflect changes to the law made by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and af- fect manufacturers and construction con- tractors whose long-term contracts other- wise are subject to the look-back method. D ATES: Effective date:These regula- tions are effective July 2, 1998. Applicability date:These regulations apply to long-term contracts completed in taxable years ending after August 5, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TA C T: Leo F. Nolan II or John M. Aramburu at (202) 622-4960 (not a toll- free number). SUPPLEMENTARYINFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act The collection of information con- tained in these final regulations has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507) under control number 1545–1572. Responses to this collection of information are required for a taxpayer to elect not to apply the look-back method to long-term contracts in de minimis cases. An agency may not conduct or s p o n s o r, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information dis- plays a valid OMB control number.The estimated average burden per respondent is 0.2 hours. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate should be sent to the Internal Revenue Service,Attn: IRS Re- ports Clearance Officer, OP:FS:FP,Wash- ington, DC 20224, and to the O ffice of Management and Budget,Attn: Desk O fficer for the Department of the Tr e a- s u r y, Office of Information and Regula- tory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503. Books or records relating to a collec- tion of information must be retained as long as their contents may become mater- ial in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Background This document contains amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (26 CFR Part 1). Section 460(b)(6) of the Internal Rev- enue Code was added by section 1211 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105–34, 111 Stat. 788, 998, to pro- vide an election not to apply the look- back method of section 460(b)(2) to long- term contracts in de minimis cases. These regulations provide guidance concerning this new election. Anotice of proposed rulemaking was published in REG–120200–97, 1998–12 I.R.B. 32 for January 13, 1998 (63 F. R . 1932). No written comments were re- ceived, and no public hearing was re- quested or held. The proposed regulations under section 460 are adopted by this Treasury decision with one revision. T h e final regulations provide that for long- term contracts completed in taxable years ending after August 5, 1997, an election not to apply the look-back method under section 460(b)(6) automatically revokes an election under §1.460–6(e) to use the delayed reapplication method. Special Analyses It has been determined that this final regulation is not a significant regulatory action as defined in EO 12866. T h e r e- fore, a regulatory assessment is not re- quired. It also has been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Pro- cedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations. Moreover, it is hereby certified that the collection of in- formation in these regulations will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certification is based on the fact that the time required to prepare and file an elec- tion statement is minimal and will not have a significant impact on those small entities that choose to make the election. In addition, the election need only be made once by a taxpayer. Therefore, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations was submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Admin- istration for comment on the impact of the proposed regulations on small business. P a rt I. Rulings and Decisions Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tions is Leo F. Nolan II, Office of Assis- tant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Ac- counting). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in their development. ***** Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations A c c o r d i n g l y, 26 CFR parts 1 and 602 are amended as follows: PART1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 is amended by removing the entry for “§1.460–6T” to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * P a r. 2. In §1.460–0, the entry for §1.460–6 is amended by adding entries for paragraphs (i) and (j) and the entry for §1.460–6Tis removed to read as follows: §1.460–0 Outline of regulations under section 460. ***** §1.460–6 Look-back method. ***** (i) [Reserved]. (j) Election not to apply look-back method in de minimiscases. ***** P a r. 3. In §1.460–6, paragraph (i) is added and reserved and paragraph (j) is added to read as follows: §1.460–6 Look-back method. ***** (i) [Reserved]. (j) Election not to apply look-back method in de minimis cases. S e c t i o n 460(b)(6) provides taxpayers with an election not to apply the look-back method to long-term contracts in de min- imis cases, effective for contracts com- pleted in taxable years ending after A u- gust 5, 1997. To make an election, a taxpayer must attach a statement to its timely filed original federal income tax return (including extensions) for the tax- able year the election is to become effec- tive or to an amended return for that year, provided the amended return is filed on or before March 31, 1998. This statement must have the legend “NOTIFICAT I O N OF ELECTION UNDER SECTION 460(b)(6)”; provide the taxpayer’s name and identifying number and the effective date of the election; and identify the trades or businesses that involve long- term contracts. An election applies to all long-term contracts completed during and after the taxable year for which the elec- tion is effective. An election may not be revoked without the Commissioner’s con- sent. For taxpayers who elected to use the delayed reapplication method under para- graph (e) of this section, an election under this paragraph (j) automatically revokes the election to use the delayed reapplica- tion method for contracts subject to sec- tion 460(b)(6). Aconsolidated group of corporations, as defined in §1.1502–1(h), is subject to consistency rules analogous to those in paragraph (e)(2) of this section and in paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(C) of this sec- tion (concerning election to use simplified marginal impact method). §1.460–6T[Removed] Par. 4. Section 1.460–6Tis removed. PART602—OMB CONTROL NUMBERS UNDER THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT P a r. 5. The authority citation for part 602 continues to read as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805. P a r. 6. In §602.101, paragraph (c) is amended by: 1. Removing the following entry from the table: §602.101 OMB Control numbers. ***** (c) * * * CFR part or sectionCurrent OMB where identified andcontrol No. described * * * * * 1.460–6T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1545–1572 * * * * * 2. Revising the entry for §1.460–6 to read as follows: §602.101 OMB Control numbers. * * * * * (c) * * * CFR part or sectionCurrent OMB where identified andcontrol No. described * * * * * 1.460–6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1545–1031 1545–1572 * * * * * Michael P. Dolan, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Approved June 12, 1998. Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on July 1, 1998, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for July 2, 1998, 63 F.R. 36180) Section 467.—Certain Payments for the Use of Property or Services The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 468.—Special Rules for Mining and Solid Waste Reclamation and Closing Costs The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 482.—Allocation of Income and Deductions Among Taxpayers Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 483.—Interest on Certain Deferred Payments The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. 1998–31 I.R.B.5August 3, 1998 Section 642.—Special Rules for Credits and Deductions Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 807.—Rules for Certain Reserves The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 846.—Discounted Unpaid Losses Defined The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 1274.—Determination of Issue Price in the Case of Certain Debt Instruments Issued for Property (Also Sections 42, 280G, 382, 412, 467, 468, 482, 483, 642, 807, 846, 1288, 7520, 7872.) Federal rates; adjusted federal rates; adjusted federal long-term rate, and the long-term exempt rate. For purposes of sections 1274, 1288, 382, and other sections of the Code, tables set forth the rates for August 1998. Rev. Rul. 98–36 This revenue ruling provides various prescribed rates for federal income tax purposes for August 1998 (the current month.) Table 1 contains the short-term, mid-term, and long-term applicable fed- eral rates (AFR) for the current month for purposes of section 1274(d) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code. Table 2 contains the short-term, mid-term, and long-term ad- justed applicable federal rates (adjusted AFR) for the current month for purposes of section 1288(b). Table 3 sets forth the adjusted federal long-term rate and the long-term tax-exempt rate described in section 382(f). Table 4 contains the ap- propriate percentages for determining the low-income housing credit described in section 42(b)(2) for buildings placed in service during the current month. Finally, Table 5 contains the federal rate for deter- mining the present value of an annuity, an interest for life or for a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest for purposes of section 7520. August 3, 199861998–31 I.R.B. REV. RUL. 98–36 TABLE 1 Applicable Federal Rates (AFR) for August 1998 Period for Compounding AnnualSemiannualQuarterlyMonthly Short-Term AFR5.48%5.41%5.37%5.35% 110% AFR6.04%5.95%5.91%5.88% 120% AFR6.60%6.49%6.44%6.40% 130% AFR7.15%7.03%6.97%6.93% Mid-Term AFR5.57%5.49%5.45%5.43% 110% AFR6.13%6.04%6.00%5.97% 120% AFR6.70%6.59%6.54%6.50% 130% AFR7.27%7.14%7.08%7.04% 150% AFR8.41%8.24% 8.16% 8.10% 175% AFR9.84% 9.61% 9.50% 9.42% Long-Term AFR 5.72%5.64% 5.60%5.57% 110% AFR6.30%6.20% 6.15%6.12% 120% AFR6.88%6.77%6.71%6.68% 130% AFR7.46%7.33% 7.26%7.22% REV. RUL. 98–36 TABLE 4 Appropriate Percentages Under Section 42(b)(2) for August 1998 Appropriate percentage for the 70% present value low-income housing credit8.32% Appropriate percentage for the 30% present value low-income housing credit3.57% 1998–31 I.R.B.7August 3, 1998 REV. RUL. 98–36 TABLE 2 Adjusted AFR for August 1998 Period for Compounding AnnualSemiannualQuarterlyMonthly Short-term adjusted AFR 3.66%3.63%3.61%3.60% Mid-term adjusted AFR4.25%4.21% 4.19% 4.17% Long-term adjusted AFR5.01%4.95%4.92%4.90% REV. RUL. 98–36 TABLE 3 Rates Under Section 382 for August 1998 Adjusted federal long-term rate for the current month5.01% Long-term tax-exempt rate for ownership changes during the current month (the highest of the adjusted federal long-term rates for the current month and the prior two months.)5.15% REV. RUL. 98-36 TABLE 5 Rate Under Section 7520 for August 1998 Applicable federal rate for determining the present value of an annuity, an interest for life or a term of years, or a remainder or reversionary interest6.8% Section 1288.—Treatment of Original Issue Discount on Tax-Exempt Obligations The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 3221.—Rate of Tax Determination of Quarterly Rate of Excise Tax for Railroad Retirement Supplemental Annuity Program In accordance with directions in Sec- tion 3221(c) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (26 U.S.C., Section 3221(c)), the Railroad Retirement Board has deter- mined that the excise tax imposed by such Section 3221(c) on every employer, with respect to having individuals in his em- ploy, for each work-hour for which com- pensation is paid by such employer for services rendered to him during the quar- ter beginning April 1, 1998, shall be at the rate of 35 cents. In accordance with directions in Sec- tion 15(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, the Railroad Retirement Board has determined that for the quarter begin- ning April 1, 1998, 30.3 percent of the taxes collected under Sections 3211 ( b ) and 3221(c) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act shall be credited to the Railroad Retirement Account and 69.7 percent of the taxes collected under such Sections 3211(b) and 3221(c) plus 100 percent of the taxes collected under Section 3221(d) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act shall be credited to the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account. Dated: February 19, 1998. By Authority of the Board. Beatrice Ezerski, Secretary to the Board. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on February 25, 1998, at 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for February 26, 1998, 63 F.R. 9876) In accordance with directions in Sec- tion 3221(c) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (26 U.S.C., Section 3221(c)), the Railroad Retirement Board has deter- mined that the excise tax imposed by such Section 3221(c) on every employer, with respect to having individuals in his em- ploy, for each work-hour for which com- pensation is paid by such employer for services rendered to him during the quar- ter beginning July 1, 1998, shall be at the rate of 35 cents. In accordance with directions in Sec- tion 15(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, the Railroad Retirement Board has determined that for the quarter begin- ning July 1, 1998, 29.7 percent of the taxes collected under Sections 3211 ( b ) and 3221(c) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act shall be credited to the Railroad Retirement Account and 70.3 percent of the taxes collected under such Sections 3211(b) and 3221(c) plus 100 percent of the taxes collected under Section 3221(d) of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act shall be credited to the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account. Dated: June 2, 1998. By Authority of the Board. Beatrice Ezerski, Secretary to the Board. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on June 11, 1998, at 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for June 12, 1998, 63 F.R. 32259) Section 6011.—General Requirement of Return, Statement or List 26 CFR 301.6011–2: Required use of magnetic media. T.D. 8772 D E PA RTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Parts 1 and 301 Magnetic Media Filing Requirements for Information Returns A G E N C Y: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final and temporary regula- tions. S U M M A RY: This document contains final and temporary regulations relating to the requirements for filing information re- turns on magnetic media or in other ma- chine-readable form under section 6 0 11(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). These regulations affect persons filing information returns. These regula- tions prescribe magnetic media filing re- quirements for employers filing wage and tax statements for employees in Puerto Rico, U.S. Vi rgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. In addition, these regu- lations provide taxpayers with the guid- ance to comply with the changes made to the Code and to the administrative prac- tices with respect to filing on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. D ATES: Effective date:These regula- tions are effective June 30, 1998. Applicability date:These regulations apply to information returns required to be filed on or after January 1, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TA C T: Donna Joy Welch, (202) 622- 4910 (not a toll-free call), if the inquiry relates to provisions of these regulations. For further information, see the telephone numbers listed at the beginning of SUP- PLEMENTARYINFORMATION. S U P P L E M E N TA RYI N F O R M AT I O N : If the inquiry relates to magnetic media filing and magnetic media specifications for Form W–2, Form 499R–2/W–2PR, Form W–2VI, Form W–2GU, and Form W–2AS, persons residing in the following locations should contact the correspond- ing Social Security Administration office (not a toll-free call): Alabama (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Alaska (206) 615-2125 (Seattle), American Samoa (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), Arizona (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), Arkansas (501) 324-5466 (Little Rock), California (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), Colorado (303) 844-2364 (Denver), Connecticut (617) 565-2895 (Boston), Delaware (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), District of Columbia (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), Florida (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Georgia (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Guam (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), Hawaii (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), Idaho (206) 615-2125 (Seattle), Illinois (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), Indiana (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), Iowa (816) 936-5649 (Kansas City), Kansas (816) 936-5649 (Kansas City), Kentucky (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Louisiana (504) 389-0426 (Baton Rouge), Maine (617) 565-2895 (Boston), Maryland (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), Massachusetts (617) 565-2895 (Boston), Michigan (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), Minnesota (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), Mississippi (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Missouri (816) 936-5649 (Kansas City), Montana (303) 844-2364 (Denver), Nebraska (816) 936-5649 (Kansas City), Nevada (415) 744-4559 (San Francisco), August 3, 199881998–31 I.R.B. New Hampshire (617) 565-2895 (Boston), New Jersey (212) 264-5643 (New York), New Mexico (505) 262-6048 (Albuquerque), New York (212) 264-5643 (New York), North Carolina (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), North Dakota (303) 844-2364 (Denver), Ohio (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), Oklahoma (405) 951-3007 (Oklahoma City), Oregon (206) 615-2125 (Seattle), Pennsylvania (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), Puerto Rico (787) 766-5574 (San Juan), Rhode Island (617) 565-2895 (Boston), South Carolina (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), South Dakota (303) 844-2364 (Denver), Tennessee (404) 562-1314 (Atlanta), Texas-Central/South (210) 229-6433 (San Antonio), Texas-Dallas County (214) 767-6777 (Dallas), Texas-North (817) 978-3123 (Forth Worth), Texas-Southeast (713) 718-3015 (Houston), Texas-West (505) 262-6048 (Albuquerque), Utah (303) 844-2364 (Denver), Vermont (617) 565-2895 (Boston), Virgin Islands (787) 766-5574 (San Juan), Virginia (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), Washington (206) 615-2125 (Seattle), West Virginia (215) 597-4632 (Philadelphia), Wisconsin (312) 575-4244 (Chicago), and Wyoming (303) 844-2364 (Denver). If the inquiry relates to either the waiver procedure for all forms described in these regulations or the magnetic media specifications for Forms 1042–S, 1098, 1099 series, 5498, 8027, or W–2G, per- sons should contact the Internal Revenue Service, Martinsburg Computing Center, P.O. Box 1359, Martinsburg, West Vi r- ginia 25402-1359; telephone (304) 263- 8700 (not a toll-free call). Background Section 6011(e) authorizes the Secre- tary to prescribe regulations providing the standards for determining which returns must be filed on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. Section 6 0 11(e) was added to the Internal Rev- enue Code (Code) by section 319 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Public Law 97–248, 96 Stat. 610; and was amended by section 109 of the Interest and Dividend Tax Compli- ance Act of 1983, Public Law 98–67, 97 Stat. 383; and section 7713 of the Rev- enue Reconciliation Act of 1989 (1989 Act), Public Law 101–239, 103 Stat. 2394. As amended by the 1989 Act, sec- tion 6011(e)(2)(A) provides that the Sec- retary shall not require any person to file returns on magnetic media unless the per- son is required to file at least 250 returns during the calendar year. On October 10, 1996, final and tempo- rary regulations (T.D. 8683) amending the existing regulations relating to the re- quirements for filing information returns on magnetic media or in other machine- readable form under section 6011(e) were published in the Federal Register( 6 1 F.R. 53058 [T.D. 8683, 1996–2 C.B. 169]). Anotice of proposed rulemaking (REG–209803–95) cross-referencing the temporary regulations was published in the Federal Registerfor the same day (61 F.R. 53161 [REG–209803–95, 1996–2 C.B. 497]). These regulations were issued at the request of the Social Security Administration (the SSA) that regulations be issued to require employers required to file 250 or more Forms 499R–2/W–2PR (Withholding Statement (Puerto Rico)), Forms W–2VI (U.S. Vir- gin Islands Wage and Tax Statement), Forms W–2GU (Guam Wage and Ta x Statement), and Forms W–2AS (Ameri- can Samoa Wage and Tax Statement) to file these forms with the SSAon magnetic media. Filing these forms on magnetic media will reduce administrative burdens and will increase accurate processing of information. These regulations also re- flect the changes made to the Code and to the administrative practices with respect to filing on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form. One written comment responding to this notice was received. No public hear- ing was requested or held. After consid- eration of the comment, the proposed reg- ulations are adopted as modified and the corresponding temporary regulations are removed. The comment is discussed below. Summary of Comment The commentator suggests that the def- inition of magnetic mediais too restric- tive and that it does not encompass the use of additional technology that would facilitate the underlying reporting require- ments. The commentator suggests that the definition is not broad enough to in- clude the use of digital filing, specifically 2D barcode. Neither the IRS nor the SSA utilize digital filing technology at this time. However, the IRS and the SSAare committed to utilizing available technol- ogy that would facilitate the purpose of information reporting. Therefore, the reg- ulations make clear that the use of other media may be permitted in the future as provided in applicable regulations, rev- enue procedures, or publications. Relationship to Treasury Decision 8734 Treasury Decision 8734 was published in the Federal Registeron October 14, 1997 (62 F.R. 53387 [T.D. 8734, 1997–44 I.R.B. 5]) and removed §§1.6045–1Tand 1 . 6 0 4 5 – 2 Te ffective January 1, 1999. This document removes §§1.6045–1T amd 1.6045–2Te ffective June 30, 1998. Because this document removes these sections at an earlier date, a document will be published later to amend T. D . 8734 to take this into account. Special Analyses It is hereby certified that the regula- tions in this document will not have a sig- nificant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This certifica- tion is based on a determination that these regulations impose no additional report- ing or recordkeeping requirement and prescribe only the method of filing infor- mation returns that are already required to be filed. Further, these regulations are consistent with the requirements imposed by statute. Section 6011(e)(2)(A) pro- vides that, in prescribing regulations pro- viding standards for determining which returns must be filed on magnetic media or in other machine-readable form, the 1998–31 I.R.B.9August 3, 1998 Secretary shall not require any person to file returns on magnetic media unless the person is required to file at least 250 re- turns during the calendar year. Consistent with the statutory provision, these regula- tions do not require information returns to be filed on magnetic media unless 250 or more returns are required to be filed. Fur- t h e r, the economic impact caused by fil- ing on magnetic media should be mini- mal. If a taxpayer’s operations are computerized, reporting in accordance with the regulations should be less costly than filing on paper. If the taxpayer’s op- erations are not computerized, the incre- mental cost of magnetic media reporting should be minimal in most cases because of the availability of computer service bu- reaus. In addition, the regulations provide that the IRS may waive the magnetic media filing requirements upon a showing of hardship. It is anticipated that the waiver authority will be exercised so as not to unduly burden taxpayers lacking both the necessary data processing facili- ties and access at a reasonable cost to computer service bureaus. Accordingly, a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) is not required. It has been determined that this Tr e a- sury decision is not a significant regula- tory action as defined in EO 12866. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Inter- nal Revenue Code, the notice of proposed rulemaking preceding these regulations was submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Admin- istration for comment on its impact on small business. Drafting Information The principal author of these regula- tions is Donna Joy Welch, Office of As- sistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). However, other personnel from the IRS and the Treasury Depart- ment participated in the development of the regulations. ***** Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations A c c o r d i n g l y, 26 CFR parts 1 and 301 are amended as follows: PART1—INCOME TAXES Paragraph 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * §§1.6045–1Tand 1.6045–2T [Removed] P a r. 2. Sections 1.6045–1Ta n d 1 . 6 0 4 5 – 2 T, currently in effect, are re- moved. P a r. 3. Section 1.6045-1, currently in effect, is amended by: 1. Revising paragraph (l). 2. Removing the language “§1.6045– 1T(l)” and adding “paragraph (l) of this section” in its place in paragraph (q). The revision reads as follows: §1.6045–1 Returns of information of brokers and barter exchanges. * * * * * (l) Use of magnetic media.For infor- mation returns filed after December 31, 1996, see §301.6011–2 of this chapter for rules relating to filing information returns on magnetic media and for rules relating to waivers granted for undue hardship. A broker or barter exchange that fails to file a Form 1099 on magnetic media, when required, may be subject to a penalty under section 6721 for each such failure. See paragraph (j) of this section. * * * * * Par. 4. Section 1.6045–2, currently in effect, is amended by: 1. Revising paragraph (g)(2). 2. Removing the language “§1.6045– 2T(g)(2)” and adding “paragraph (g)(2) of this section” in its place in paragraph (i). The revision reads as follows: §1.6045–2 Furnishing statement required with respect to certain substitute payments. * * * * * (g) * * * (2) Use of magnetic media.For infor- mation returns filed after December 31, 1996, see §301.6011–2 of this chapter for rules relating to filing information returns on magnetic media and for rules relating to waivers granted for undue hardship. A broker or barter exchange that fails to file a Form 1099 on magnetic media, when required, may be subject to a penalty under section 6721 for each such failure. See paragraph (g)(4) of this section. * * * * * PART301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION P a r. 5. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read in part as follows: Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * * Par. 6. Section 301.6011-2 is amended by: 1. Revising paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1) heading, (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(iii), (c)(2), (d), (f), (g) heading, and (g)(2). 2. Adding paragraph (c)(1)(iv). 3. Removing paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) and the last sentence of paragraph (e). The revisions and addition read as fol- lows: §301.6011–2 Required use of magnetic media. (a) * * * (1) Magnetic media.The term m a g- netic mediameans any media permitted under applicable regulations, revenue procedures or publications, or, in the case of returns filed with the Social Security Administration, Social Security Adminis- tration publications. These generally in- clude magnetic tape, tape cartridge, and diskette, as well as other media (such as electronic filing) specifically permitted under the applicable regulations, proce- dures, or publications. * * * * * (b) Returns re q u i red on magnetic m e d i a .(1) If the use of Form 1042-S, 1098, 1099 series, 5498, 8027, W-2G, or other form treated as a form specified in this paragraph (b)(1) is required by the applicable regulations or revenue proce- dures for the purpose of making an infor- mation return, the information required by the form must be submitted on mag- netic media, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section. Returns on magnetic media must be made in ac- cordance with applicable revenue proce- dures or publications (see §601.601(d)- (2)(ii)(b) of this chapter). Pursuant to these procedures, the consent of the Com- missioner of Internal Revenue (or other authorized officer or employee of the In- August 3, 1998101998–31 I.R.B. ternal Revenue Service) to a magnetic medium must be obtained by submitting Form 4419 (Application for Filing Infor- mation Returns Magnetically/Electroni- cally) prior to submitting a return de- scribed in this paragraph (b)(1) on the magnetic medium. (2) If the use of Form W–2 (Wage and Tax Statement), Form 499R–2/W–2PR ( Withholding Statement (Puerto Rico)), Form W–2VI (U.S. Vi rgin Islands Wa g e and Tax Statement), Form W – 2 G U (Guam Wage and Tax Statement), Form W–2AS (American Samoa Wage and Tax Statement), or other form treated as a form specified in this paragraph (b)(2) is required for the purpose of making an in- formation return, the information required by the form must be submitted on mag- netic media, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section. Returns described in this paragraph (b)(2) must be made in accordance with applicable So- cial Security Administration procedures or publications (which may be obtained from the local office of the Social Secu- rity Administration). * * * * * (c) E x c e p t i o n s—(1) Low-volume fil- e r s / 2 5 0 - t h re s h o l d—(i) In general.N o person is required to file information re- turns on magnetic media unless the per- son is required to file 250 or more returns during the calendar year. Persons filing fewer than 250 returns during the calen- dar year may make the returns on the pre- scribed paper form, or, alternatively, such persons may make returns on magnetic media in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. * * * * * (iii) No aggregation.Each type of in- formation return described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section is considered a separate return for purposes of this para- graph (c)(1). Therefore, the 250-thresh- old applies separately to each type of form required to be filed. (iv) Examples.The provisions of para- graph (c)(1)(iii) of this section are illus- trated by the following examples: Example 1.For the calendar year ending Decem- ber 31, 1998, Company X is required to file 200 re- turns on Form 1099–INTand 350 returns on Form 1099–MISC. Company X is not required to file Forms 1099–INTon magnetic media but is required to file Forms 1099–MISC on magnetic media. Example 2.During the calendar year ending De- cember 31, 1998, Company Yhas 275 employees in Puerto Rico and 50 employees in American Samoa. Company Yis required to file Forms 499R–2/ W–2PR on magnetic media but is not required to file Forms W–2AS on magnetic media. Example 3.For the calendar year ending Decem- ber 31, 1998, Company Z files 300 original returns on Form 1099–DIVand later files 70 corrected re- turns on Form 1099–DIV. Company Z is required to file the original returns on magnetic media. How- ever, Company Z is not required to file the corrected returns on magnetic media because the corrected re- turns fall under the 250-threshold. See §301.6721– 1(a)(2)(ii). (2) Waiver.(i) The Commissioner may waive the requirements of this section if hardship is shown in a request for waiver filed in accordance with this paragraph (c)(2)(i). The principal factor in deter- mining hardship will be the amount, if any, by which the cost of filing the infor- mation returns in accordance with this section exceeds the cost of filing the re- turns on other media. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an employer is required to make a final return on Form 941, or a variation thereof, and expedited filing of Forms W–2, Forms 499R–2/W–2PR, Forms W–2VI, Forms W–2GU, or Form W–2AS is required, the unavailability of the specifications for magnetic media fil- ing will be treated as creating a hardship (see §31.6071(a)–1(a)(3)(ii) of this chap- ter). Arequest for waiver must be made in accordance with applicable revenue procedures or publications (see § 6 0 1 . 6 0 1 ( d ) ( 2 ) ( i i ) (b) of this chapter). Pursuant to these procedures, a request for waiver should be filed at least 45 days before the due date of the information re- turn in order for the Service to have ade- quate time to respond to the request for waiver.The waiver will specify the type of information return and the period to which it applies and will be subject to such terms and conditions regarding the method of reporting as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. (ii) The Commissioner may prescribe rules that supplement the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. (d) Paper form re t u r n s .Returns sub- mitted on paper forms (whether or not machine-readable) permitted under para- graph (c) of this section shall be in accor- dance with applicable Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration procedures. * * * * * (f) Failure to file. If a person fails to file an information return on magnetic media when required to do so by this sec- tion, the person is deemed to have failed to file the return. In addition, if a person making returns on a paper form under paragraph (c) of this section fails to file a return on machine-readable paper form when required to do so by this section, the person is deemed to have failed to file the return. See sections 6652, 6693, and 6721 for penalties for failure to file cer- tain returns. See also section 6724 and the regulations under section 6721 for the specific rules and limitations regarding the penalty imposed under section 6721 for failure to file on magnetic media. (g) Effective dates.* * * (2) Paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(iii), (c)(1)(iv), (c)(2), (d), (e), and (f) of this section are effective for information returns required to be filed after December 31, 1996. For informa- tion returns required to be filed after De- cember 31, 1989, and before January 1, 1997, see section 6011(e). §301.6011–2T[Removed]. P a r. 7. Section 301.6011 – 2 Tis re- moved. Michael P. Dolan, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Approved May 22, 1998. Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on June 29, 1998, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for June 30, 1998, 63 F.R. 35517) Section 7520.—Valuation Tables The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. Section 7872.—Treatment of Loans With Below-Market Interest Rates The adjusted applicable federal short-term, mid- term, and long-term rates are set forth for the month of August 1998. See Rev. Rul. 98–36, page 6. 1998–31 I.R.B.11August 3, 1998 26 CFR 1.7872–5T: Exempted Loans (temporary). Below-market loans; exempted loans; second mortgage loans underthe M A H R AA c t .Abelow-market second mortgage loan made under the Multifam- ily Assisted Housing Reform and Afford- ability Act of 1997, by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the owner of a multifamily low-income rental property in connection with restruc- turing the existing first mortgage on the p r o p e r t y, is exempted from section 7872 of the Code. Rev. Rul. 98–34 ISSUE If the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) makes a below-market second mortgage loan in accordance with the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997, 111 Stat. 1384 (“MAHRAAct”), is that loan exempt from § 7872 of the Inter- nal Revenue Code? FACTS Limited partnership PRSowns a multi- family low-income rental property subject to a first mortgage that secures a nonre- course first mortgage note with an out- standing principal balance of $100x( t h e “Existing Mortgage loan”). The Existing Mortgage loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”). P R S, as owner of the property, receives both rental payments from the property’s ten- ants and, under a project-based assistance contract, certain additional payments from HUD. (Collectively, the payments are referred to as “Contract Rents.”) The Contract Rents exceed the rents that would be received with respect to compa- rable unassisted rental properties in the same housing market (“Street Rents”). If the project-based assistance from HUD were reduced so that Contract Rents re- flected Street Rents, P R Swould not be able to satisfy its debt service obligation on the Existing Mortgage loan. Congress enacted the MAHRAAct to reduce the federal government’s cost of rental subsidies, to minimize FHAm o r t- gage insurance risks, and to ensure the continued viability of multifamily rental housing projects. S e e§ 511(b) of the MAHRAAct; H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 297, 105th Cong., 1st Sess. 137–39 (1997). To achieve these goals, the MAHRAAct permits owners of eligible multifamily housing projects with expiring project- based assistance contracts to enter into mortgage restructuring and rental assis- tance sufficiency plans with HUD or a participating administrative entity acting on behalf of HUD. In accordance with the MAHRAA c t , the following actions occur: (1) Project-based assistance payments to P R Sare reduced so that the Contract Rents received by P R Sreflect Street Rents. (2) HUD makes a $35xcash payment to the holder of the Existing Mortgage loan on behalf of PRSto reduce the out- standing principal balance of the Existing Mortgage loan to $65x. (3) The terms of the Existing Mortgage loan are modified, resulting in a new first mortgage loan with an outstanding princi- pal balance of $65x(“New First Mortgage loan”). The New First Mortgage loan provides for interest above the applicable Federal rate under § 1274(d) (“AFR”). Debt service on the New First Mortgage loan is supportable by the reduced Con- tract Rents. (4) In consideration for the payment in step (2), PRSexecutes a nonrecourse note to HUD (the “Second Mortgage loan”) se- cured by a second mortgage. The Second Mortgage loan has a principal balance of $ 3 5x, provides for interest below the AFR, and qualifies as indebtedness under general principles of federal income tax law.The Second Mortgage loan is made in accordance with § 517(a)(1)(B) of the MAHRAAct. LAWAND ANALYSIS In general, § 7872 defines a below- market loan as any loan on which the in- terest rate charged is less than the A F R . Section 7872(b) provides that the bor- rower of a below-market term loan is treated as having received from the lender, on the date the loan is made, cash in an amount equal to the excess of the amount loaned over the present value of all payments required under the loan (the “imputed transfer”). Section 7872(b) fur- ther provides that a below-market term loan is treated as having original issue discount (“OID”) in an amount equal to the imputed transfer, which is in addition to any other OID on the loan determined without regard to § 7872(b). Section 1.7872–5T(a)(1) of the tempo- rary Income Tax Regulations provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of § 7872 and the regulations thereunder, § 7872 does not apply to the loans listed in § 1.7872–5T(b) because the interest arrangements of those loans do not have a significant effect on the federal tax liabil- ity of the borrower or the lender. Section 1.7872–5T(a)(2) provides, however, that if a taxpayer structures a transaction as a loan exempt under § 1.7872–5T(b) and one of the principal purposes of so struc- turing the transaction is the avoidance of federal tax, then the transaction will be recharacterized as a tax avoidance loan under § 7872(c)(1)(D). Section 1.7872–5T(b)(5) provides an exemption for loans that are subsidized by a federal, state, or municipal government (or any agency or instrumentality thereof), and that are made available under a program of general application to the public. Under § 1.7872–5T(b)(15), other loans described in revenue rulings or revenue procedures may be exempted from § 7872 if the Commissioner finds that the factors justifying the exemption for those loans are sufficiently similar to the factors justi- fying the other exemptions listed in § 1.7872–5T. The legislative history of § 7872 indi- cates that most government-subsidized loans, such as government-insured resi- dential mortgage loans, were intended to be exempt from § 7872. S e e1 Senate Comm. on Finance, 98th Cong., 2d Sess., Deficit Reduction Act of 1984: Explana- tion of Provisions Approved by the Com- mittee on March 21, 1984, at 482 (S. Prt. 169). The factors justifying exemption of the Second Mortgage loan from § 7872 are similar to the factors justifying the ex- emption for government subsidized loans made available under a program of gen- eral application to the public, which are exempt from § 7872 under § 1.7872– 5T(b)(5). The MAHRAAct was enacted as a re- form measure to reduce HUD’s cost of re- newing project-based assistance contracts on multifamily low-income rental proper- ties while ensuring the continued viability of these multifamily rental housing pro- August 3, 1998121998–31 I.R.B. jects. The interest arrangements of the Second Mortgage loan to PRSare, there- fore, not structured with a principal pur- pose of avoiding federal tax. HOLDING The Second Mortgage loan is exempt from § 7872. DRAFTING INFORMATION The principal authors of this revenue ruling are David B. Silber and Tina Jan- notta of the Office of Assistant Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions and Prod- ucts). However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department partici- pated in its development. For further in- formation regarding this notice, contact Tina Jannotta on (202) 622–3940 (not a toll-free call). 1998–31 I.R.B.13August 3, 1998 August 3, 1998141998–31 I.R.B. 1998 Form Specifications; Correction Announcement 98–72 This announcement corrects Rev. Proc. 98–35, 1998–21 I.R.B. 6, relating to specifications for the magnetic or electronic filing of 1998 Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W–2G. On page 6 of the Bulletin, the bullet relating to Form 8809 is incorrectly stated as follows: Form 8809, 8027, – Request forExtension of Time to File Information Returns (ForForms W–2, W–2G, 1042–S, 1099, 1098, and 5498) The correct wording is as follows: Form 8809 – Request forExtension of Time to File Information Returns (ForForms W–2, W–2G, 1042–S, 1099, 1098, 5498, and 8027) On page 16, under Section 10, Due Dates, the date for Forms 5498 and 5498–MSAis incorrectly stated as follows: Forms 5498 and 5498–MSA Participant Copy – June 1, 1999 IRS Copy – June 1, 1999 The correct date to use is: Forms 5498 and 5498–MSA Participant Copy – May 31, 1999 IRS Copy – May 31, 1999 Penalty Relief for TIN Errors on 1996 & 1997 Forms 1099–R Announcement 98–73 In early August, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will send certain filers of Form 1099–R (payers of distributions from pensions, annuities, retirement or profit-sharing plans, individual retirement accounts, insurance contracts, etc.) lists of payees whose taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) on 1996 Forms 1099–R filed with the IRS have been identified as missing or incorrect based on the IRS matching process. Most of these listings will be included with the Notice 972CG, but some will be sent separately.The law provides a penalty of $50 per return for filing an information return with a miss- ing or incorrect TIN. For 1996 and 1997, for the Forms 1099–R only, the IRS will not assess this TIN penalty, merely be- cause the TIN has been identified as miss- ing or incorrect based on the IRS match- ing process. In certain cases this penalty may be assessed after an examination of a payer’s returns. Payers should use these listings to correct their records and per- form necessary solicitations to obtain cor- rect payee information to establish rea- sonable cause for any TIN penalties in future years. The IRS will still send out proposed penalty notices for the 1996 Form 1099- R, as well as for other information re- turns, in early August to those who filed late or failed to file on magnetic media when required to do so. Questions & Answers on the Form 1099–R TIN Listing Q1. Why is the IRS sending this listing? A1. The IRS is sending this listing so that the payer can compare the data on it to the information in its records and then take steps to secure correct payee information so that future in- formation returns may be filed accu- rately. Q2. What is contained in this listing? A2. This listing consists of the Forms 1099–R filed for Tax Year 1996 that have been identified as having miss- ing or incorrect TINs based on the records of the IRS and the Social Se- curity Administration (SSA). Q3. When does the IRS consider a TIN to be missing or incorrect? A3. ATIN is identified as missing if there is no entry in the TIN block of a Form 1099 or if the number is ob- viously incorrect. Anumber is obvi- ously incorrect if, for example, it does not have nine characters or it includes alpha characters. ATIN is identified as incorrect if the name/ TIN combination on a Form 1099 does not match the name/TIN com- bination found in IRS and SSAfiles. Q4. What should be done with the infor- mation in the listing? A4. The payer should compare the infor- mation in the listing with its records to identify accounts or records with the same name/TIN combination and account or other number (if pro- vided). The IRS recommends that the payer contact these payees and ask them for the correct name/TIN combination that can be used on fu- ture information returns. Although a certified TIN is not required from these payees, the payer may use Form W–9, “Request for Ta x p a y e r Identification Number and Certifica- tion,” for this purpose. The payer should also check its records for er- rors (such as transposition of digits) so that the correct name/TIN combi- nation can be used on any future in- formation returns. Q5. What should be done if the payer does not have a payee’s TIN? A5. The payer should comply with the TIN solicitation requirements in Regulations section 301.6724–1(e). In addition, Federal income taxes P a rt IV. Items of General Intere s t should be withheld from any pay- ments made to the payee that are designated distributions under Code section 3405. In the case of nonperi- odic payments, a flat rate of 10% should be withheld on non-eligible rollover distributions. On eligible rollover distributions, the withhold- ing rate of 20% should continue to be used. In the case of periodic pay- ments, the payer should withhold using the wage withholding rates for a single taxpayer claiming zero (0) allowances . Q6. What should be done if a payee re- fuses or neglects to provide a TIN? A6. The payer should withhold under the provisions of Code section 3405. See Q&A5. Q7. What should be done if a payee pro- vides the same name and TIN that was on the listing? A7. The payer should continue to use the name and TIN provided and keep a copy on file of the documentation re- ceived from the payee. Q8. What should be done if a TIN was actually on file but was left off the Form 1099 or reported incorrectly? A8. The payer should make the change to its records and use the correct infor- mation on future filings. Q9. Will the IRS impose a penalty under Code section 6721 with respect to the information returns merely be- cause a TIN is identified as missing or incorrect on this listing? A9. No. In August 1998 (for Tax Ye a r 1996), the IRS is providing this list- ing so that payers can obtain correct name/TIN information for use on any future Forms 1099–R filed. In- correct name/TIN combinations and missing TINs on future Forms 1099– R filed may result in a penalty. Q10. Is this listing a notification, under Code section 3405(e)(12)(B), that the TIN furnished by the payee is incorrect? A10. No. The informational listing pro- vided in August 1998 will not be treated as a notice under Code sec- tion 3405(e)(12)(B) that the T I N furnished by the payee is incorrect. In 1998 (for Tax Year 1996), the IRS is only providing this informa- tional listing so that payers can con- tact these payees and obtain correct name/TIN information for use on future Forms 1099–R filed. Q11. Where can I find additional infor- mation about the reasonable cause regulations and requirements for missing and incorrect name/TIN combinations? A11. See Publication 1586, “Reasonable Cause Regulations and Require- ments for Missing and Incorrect Name/TINs.” Q12. Since it is likely that Forms 1099–R for Tax Year 1997 have already been filed with the missing or in- correct information found on this listing, will penalty relief for 1997 also be granted? A12. Yes. For Tax Year 1997, this relief will be granted for the TIN penalty for Forms 1099–R only. Q13. Who should be called with any questions? A13. The Information Reporting Pro- gram Centralized Call Site may be called at (304) 263-8700 (not a toll- free number) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST). Payers may also access the Information Returns Program Bulletin Board using stan- dard personal computing equipment at (304) 264-7070 (not a toll-free number). Trading Safe Harbors; Correction Announcement 98–74 A G E N C Y: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Correction to notice of pro- posed rulemaking and notice of public hearing. S U M M A RY: This document contains corrections to REG–106031–98, which was published in the Federal Registeron F r i d a y, June 12, 1998 (63 F.R. 32164 [1998–26 I.R.B. 38]), relating to the treat- ment of foreign taxpayers trading in de- rivative financial instruments for their own account. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CON- TA C T: Milton Cahn, (202) 622-3870 (not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARYINFORMATION: Background The notice of proposed rulemaking that is the subject of this correction is under section 864(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Need for Correction As published, REG–106031–98 con- tains errors which may prove to be mis- leading and are in need of clarification. Correction of Publication Accordingly, the publication of the no- tice of proposed rulemaking (REG- 106031-98), which is the subject of FR Doc. 98-15452, is corrected as follows: 1. On page 32164, column 3, in the preamble under the paragraph heading “Background”, the second paragraph, line 3, the language “promulgated in 1972. Since the” is corrected to read “promul- gated in 1968. Since the”. 2. On page 32165, column 2, in the pre- amble under the paragraph heading “2. E l i- gible Nondealer”, the third paragraph, line 9, the language “securities in 475(c)(1)(B), including” is corrected to read “securities in section 475(c)(1)(B), including”. §1.864(b)–1 [Corrected] 3. On page 32166, columns 2 and 3, §1.864(b)–1(b) (1) introductory text, the last line in column 2 and the first line in column 3, the language “n o n d e a l e ris a person that is not a resident of the United States and is not,” is corrected to read “n o n d e a l e ris a foreign corporation or a person that is not a resident of the United States, and either of which is not,”. Cynthia E. Grigsby, Chief, Regulations Unit, Assistant Chief Counsel (Corporate). (Filed by the Office of the Federal Register on July 14, 1998, 8:45 a.m., and published in the issue of the Federal Register for July 15, 1998, 63 F.R. 38139) Foundations Status of Certain Organizations Announcement 98–75 The following organizations have failed to establish or have been unable to 1998–31 I.R.B.15August 3, 1998 maintain their status as public charities or as operating foundations. A c c o r d i n g l y, grantors and contributors may not, after this date, rely on previous rulings or des- ignations in the Cumulative List of Orga- nizations (Publication 78), or on the pre- sumption arising from the filing of notices under section 508(b) of the Code. T h i s listing does notindicate that the organiza- tions have lost their status as org a n i z a- tions described in section 501(c)(3), eligi- ble to receive deductible contributions. Former Public Charities.The following o rganizations (which have been treated as o rganizations that are not private founda- tions described in section 509(a) of the Code) are now classified as private foun- d a t i o n s : ABetter Option Dwelling Enterprise, Inc., Laurel, MD African Family Services Center, New York, NY American Aid for Polands Environment Foundation Inc., Chicago, IL Angela Barber Foundation, Ashland, OR Aradia Inc. Aradia Theatre, Buskirk, NY Bread of Life Outreach Deliverance, East Orange, NJ Cleveland Haddassah House, Inc., Beachwood, OH Delaware Crime Prevention Association, Dover, DE Dixie Hollins Band Boosters, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL Doniphan Education Foundation, Doniphan, NE Environmental Technology Synthests, Beltsville, MD For a Better Life Foundation, Chicago, IL Glen Shumate Ministries, Inc., Corbin, KY Good Stewards, Woodbury, MN Gospel Music Museum & Archives Inc., Huntsville, AK Hans Lehfeldt Charitable Trust, New York, NY Help or Motivate Everybody, Inc., Dallas, TX Henrietta J. Gersoni Educational Foundation, Stockton, CA Hine-2 Corporation, Portland, ME Hintz Research Foundation, Rock Island, IL Hope & Charity Incorporated, Pittsburg, PA Impoverished, Inc., Chicago, IL International Center for Addiction and AIDSTraining, Inc., Rochester, NY Itis H. Chidester Scout Museum of Southern Arizona, Tucson, AR Lochearn Child Care & Development Center, Baltimore, MD Living History Society of Delaware, Inc., Dover, DE Sayre Charitable Union, Sayre, OK Shelter Plus Inc., North Miami, FL Sphere, Inc., Dixmont, ME Steve Nelson Ministries, Gallatin, TN TASCA, Raleigh, NC Team Jesus Inc., Amory, MS Vanguard Communications, St. Louis, MO Visions & Associates, Bath, OH Westwood Education Foundation, Mapleton, IA If an organization listed above submits information that warrants the renewal of its classification as a public charity or as a private operating foundation, the Internal Revenue Service will issue a ruling or de- termination letter with the revised classi- fication as to foundation status. Grantors and contributors may thereafter rely upon such ruling or determination letter as pro- vided in section 1.509(a)–7 of the Income Tax Regulations. It is not the practice of the Service to announce such revised clas- sification of foundation status in the Inter- nal Revenue Bulletin. August 3, 1998161998–31 I.R.B. 1998–31 I.R.B.17August 3, 1998 Revenue rulings and revenue pro c e d u re s ( h e reinafter re f e rred to as “rulings”) that have an effect on previous rulings use the following defined terms to describe the e f f e c t : Amplified describes a situation where no change is being made in a prior pub- lished position, but the prior position is being extended to apply to a variation of the fact situation set forth therein. T h u s , if an earlier ruling held that a principle applied to A, and the new ruling holds that the same principle also applies to B, the earlier ruling is amplified. (Compare with m o d i f i e d, below). Clarified is used in those instances where the language in a prior ruling is being made clear because the language has caused, or may cause, some confu- sion. It is not used where a position in a prior ruling is being changed. D i s t i n g u i s h e ddescribes a situation where a ruling mentions a previously published ruling and points out an essen- tial difference between them. Modified is used where the substance of a previously published position is being changed. Thus, if a prior ruling held that a principle applied to Abut not to B, and the new ruling holds that it ap- plies to both Aand B, the prior ruling is modified because it corrects a published position. (Compare with amplified a n d c l a r i f i e d, above). Obsoleted describes a previously pub- lished ruling that is not considered deter- minative with respect to future transac- tions. This term is most commonly used in a ruling that lists previously published rulings that are obsoleted because of changes in law or regulations. Ar u l i n g may also be obsoleted because the sub- stance has been included in regulations subsequently adopted. Revoked describes situations where the position in the previously published rul- ing is not correct and the correct position is being stated in the new ruling. Superseded describes a situation where the new ruling does nothing more than restate the substance and situation of a previously published ruling (or rulings). Thus, the term is used to republish under the 1986 Code and regulations the same position published under the 1939 Code and regulations. The term is also used when it is desired to republish in a single ruling a series of situations, names, etc., that were previously published over a pe- riod of time in separate rulings. If the new ruling does more than restate the substance of a prior ruling, a combination of terms is used. For example, m o d i f i e d and superseded describes a situation where the substance of a previously pub- lished ruling is being changed in part and is continued without change in part and it is desired to restate the valid portion of the previously published ruling in a new ruling that is self contained. In this case the previously published ruling is first modified and then, as modified, is super- s e d e d . Supplemented is used in situations in which a list, such as a list of the names of countries, is published in a ruling and that list is expanded by adding further names in subsequent rulings. After the original ruling has been supplemented several times, a new ruling may be pub- lished that includes the list in the original ruling and the additions, and supersedes all prior rulings in the series. Suspended is used in rare situations to show that the previous published rulings will not be applied pending some future action such as the issuance of new or amended regulations, the outcome of cases in litigation, or the outcome of a Service study. Abbreviations The following abbreviations in current use and for- merly used will appear in material published in the Bulletin. A—Individual. Acq.—Acquiescence. B—Individual. BE—Beneficiary. BK—Bank. B.T.A.—Board of Tax Appeals. C.—Individual. C.B.—Cumulative Bulletin. CFR—Code of Federal Regulations. CI—City. COOP—Cooperative. Ct.D.—Court Decision. CY—County. D—Decedent. DC—Dummy Corporation. DE—Donee. Del. Order—Delegation Order. DISC—Domestic International Sales Corporation. DR—Donor. E—Estate. EE—Employee. E.O.—Executive Order. ER—Employer. ERISA—Employee Retirement Income Security Act. EX—Executor. F—Fiduciary. FC—Foreign Country. FICA—Federal Insurance Contribution Act. FISC—Foreign International Sales Company. FPH—Foreign Personal Holding Company. F.R.—Federal Register. FUTA—Federal Unemployment Tax Act. FX—Foreign Corporation. G.C.M.—Chief Counsel’s Memorandum. GE—Grantee. GP—General Partner. GR—Grantor. IC—Insurance Company. I.R.B.—Internal Revenue Bulletin. LE—Lessee. LP—Limited Partner. LR—Lessor. M—Minor. Nonacq.—Nonacquiescence. O—Organization. P—Parent Corporation. PHC—Personal Holding Company. PO—Possession of the U.S. PR—Partner. PRS—Partnership. PTE—Prohibited Transaction Exemption. Pub. L.—Public Law. REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust. Rev. Proc.—Revenue Procedure. Rev. Rul.—Revenue Ruling. S—Subsidiary. S.P.R.—Statements of Procedral Rules. Stat.—Statutes at Large. T—Target Corporation. T.C.—Tax Court. T.D.—Treasury Decision. TFE—Transferee. TFR—Transferor. T.I.R.—Technical Information Release. TP—Taxpayer. TR—Trust. TT—Trustee. U.S.C.—United States Code. X—Corporation. Y—Corporation. Z—Corporation. Definition of Terms August 3, 1998181998–31 I.R.B. Numerical Finding List 1 Bulletins 1998–29 and 30 Announcements: 98–62, 1998–29 I.R.B. 13 98–68, 1998–29 I.R.B. 14 98–69, 1998–30 I.R.B. 16 98–70, 1998–30 I.R.B. 17 98–71, 1998–30 I.R.B. 17 Notices: 98–36, 1998–29 I.R.B. 8 98–37, 1998–30 I.R.B.13 Proposed Regulations: REG–104641–97, 1998–29 I.R.B. 9 REG–110403–98, 1998–29 I.R.B.11 REG–116608–97, 1998–29 I.R.B. 12 REG–119227–97, 1998–30 I.R.B. 13 Revenue Procedures: 98–43, 1998–29 I.R.B. 8 Revenue Rulings: 98–35, 1998–30 I.R.B. 4 Treasury Decisions: 8771, 1998–29 I.R.B. 6 8773, 1998–29 I.R.B. 4 8774, 1998–30 I.R.B. 5 1 Acumulative list of all revenue rulings, revenue procedures, Treasury decisions, etc., published in Internal Revenue Bulletins 1998–1 through 1998–28 will be found in Internal Revenue Bulletin 1998–29, dated July 20, 1998. 1998–31 I.R.B.19August 3, 1998 Finding List of Current Action on Previously Published Items 1 Bulletins 1998–29 and 30 *Denotes entry since last publication 1 Acumulative finding list for previously published items mentioned in Internal Revenue Bulletins 1998–1 through 1998–28 will be found in Internal Revenue Bulletin 1998–29, dated July 20, 1998. Index Internal Revenue Bulletins 1998–1 Through 1998–30 The abbreviation and number in pare n- thesis following the index entry refer to the specific item; numbers in roman and italic type following the parenthesis refer to the Internal Revenue Bulletin in which the item may be found and the page number on which it appears. Key to Abbreviations: RRRevenue Ruling RPRevenue Procedure TDTreasury Decision CDCourt Decision PLPublic Law EOExecutive Order DODelegation Order TDOTreasury Department Order TCTax Convention SPRStatement of Procedural Rules P T EP rohibited Tr a n s a c t i o n E x e m p t i o n EMPLOYMENT TAX Magnetic media; electronic filing; 1998 Form W–4 specifications (RP26) 13, 26 Proposed regulations: 26 CFR 31.3121(v)(2)–1, revised; FICAand FUTAtaxation of amounts under employee benefit plans (REG– 209484–87; REG–209807–95) 8, 40 26 CFR 31.6053–1, –4; electronic tip reports (REG–104691–97) 11, 13 Student FICAexception (RP16) 5,19 26 CFR 31.6302–1(f)(4), revised; fed- eral employment tax deposits d e m i n i m i srule (REG–110403–98) 29, 11 Regulations: 26 CFR 31.6302–1(f)(4), 31.6302–1T, added; federal employment tax de- posits de minimisrule (TD 8771) 29, 6 ESTATE TAX Regulations: 26 CFR 20.2041–3, 20.2056(d)–2, amended; 20.2046–1, revised; prop- erty interests and disclaimer (TD 8744) 7, 20 E S TATE TA X — C o n t i n u e d 26 CFR 25.2702–5, –7, amended; qual- ified prsonal residence trust, sale of residence (TD 8743) 7, 26 26 CFR 25.2511–1, 25.2514–3, 25.2518–1, –2, amended; property interests and disclaimers (TD 8744) 7, 20 Revocable trust; election (RP13) 4, 21 Special use value; farms; interest rates (RR 22) 19, 5 Underpayment interest, interest expense deduction, estates (RP15) 4, 25 Valuation of compensatory stock options (RP34) 18, 15 EXCISE TAX Bows and arrows; taxable and nontaxable articles (RR 5) 2, 20 Deposit of excise taxes, amendment (No- tice 36) 29, 8 Federal excise taxes for consular officers and employees, exemption (RR 24) 19, 6 Proposed regulations: 26 CFR 40.0–1T, added; 40.6011 ( a ) – 1 T, added; 40.6302(c)–2T, added; deposits of excise taxes (REG– 102894–97) 3, 59 26 CFR 48.4052–1, added; 48.4081–1, amended; 48.4082–6 through –10 and intermediary sections, 48.4091– 3, added; 48.4101–2, amended; 48.4101–3, 48.6427–10, –11, added; kerosene tax, aviation fuel tax, tax on heavy trucks and trailers (REG– 119227–97) 30, 13 26 CFR 54.4980B–1, added; group health plans continuation coverage requirements (REG–209485–86) 11, 21 Regulations: 26 CFR 40.0–1(a), amended; 4 0 . 6 0 11 ( a ) –1(a)(2)(iii), 40.5302(c)– 1, amended,4 0 . 6 3 0 2 ( c ) – 2 ( b ) ( 2 ) ( i i i ) , added; deposits of excise taxes (TD 8740) 3, 4 26 CFR 40.6011 ( a ) – 1 ( b ) ( 2 ) ( v i ) , amended; 48.4082–5T, removed; 48.4082–5, added; 48.4081–1, amended; 48.4082–5T, redesignated; 48.6416(b)(4)–1, removed; 48.6421– 3(d)(2), amended; 48.6427–3(d)(2), amended; 48.6715–1(a)(3), revised; 4 8 . 6 7 1 5 – 2 T, removed; gasoline and diesel fuel excise tax; special rules for Alaska, definitions (TD 8748) 8, 2 4 EXCISE TA X — C o n t i n u e d Regulations: 26 CFR 48.4081–1T, 48.4082–6T through –10Tand intermediary sec- tions, 48.4091–3T, 48.4101–2T, –3T, 4 8 . 6 4 2 7 – 1 0 T, –11 T, added; 145.4052– 1, amended; kerosene, aviation fuel, heavy trucks and trailers tax (TD 8774) 30, 5 GIFT TAX Nonstatutory stock option, transfer (RR 21) 18, 7 Qualifying income interest, disposition (RR 8) 7, 24 Valuation of compensatory stock options (RP34) 18, 15 INCOME TAX Advance pricing agreements, small busi- ness taxpayers (Notice 10) 6, 9 Article XIII (8) Rev. Proc. (RP21) 8, 27 Automobile owners and lessees (RP2 4 ) 10, 31;(RP30) 17,6 Books and records; automatic data pro- cessing system (RP25) 11, 7 Business expenses: U n d e rground waste storage tank (RR 25) 19, 4 Capital gains and charitable remainder trusts (Notice 20) 13, 25 Classification settlement program: Extended until further notice (Notice 21) 15, 14 Disclosure authorization list (RP43) 29, 8 Domestic assets/liability and investment yield percentages (RP31) 23, 9 Education loans (Notice 7) 3, 54 Elections under section 7704(g) (Notice 3) 3, 48 Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Batch filers and bulk filers (RP32) 17, 11 Electronic funds transfer; failure to de- posit penalty (Notice 30) 22, 9 Employee plans: Administrative programs; closing agreements (RP22) 12, 11 Determination letters (RP6) 1, 1 8 3; (RP14) 4,22 Discrimination; CODAs (Notice 1) 3, 42 Eligible deferred compensation plans (Notice 8) 4, 6 August 3, 1998201998–31 I.R.B. INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d Group health plans; COBRAcontinua- tion coverage; HIPA Ap o r t a b i l i t y (Notice 12) 5, 12 Net unrealized appreciation; capital gains (Notice 24) 17, 5 Funding: Full funding limitations, weighted average interest rate for Janu- ary 1998 (Notice 9) 4, 8; Feb- ruary 1998 (Notice 15) 9,8 ; March 1998 (Notice 18) 12,11; April 1998 (Notice 26) 18, 14; May 1998 (Notice 32) 22,23; June 1998 (Notice 33) 25,10; July 1998 (Notice 37) 30, 13 Letter rulings, etc. (RP4) 1, 113 Limitations on benefits and contribu- tions (RR 1) 2, 5 Minimum Funding Standards (RP1 0 ) 2, 35 Minimum: Remedial amendments (RP42) 28, 9 Qualification (Notice 29) 22, 8; CODAs (RR 30) 25, 8 Recovery of basis; retirees (Notice 2) 2, 22 SIMPLE-IRAs (Notice 4) 2,25 Technical advice (RP5) 1, 155 User fees (RP8) 1, 225 Environmental cleanup costs; letter rulings (RP17) 5, 21 Exempt Organizations: Letter rulings, etc. (RP4) 1, 113 Organizations excepted from reporting lobbying expenditures (RP19) 7, 30 Tax consequences of physicians re- cruitment incentives provided by hospitals (RR 15) 12, 6 Technical advice (RP5) 1, 155 User fees (RP8) 1, 225 Failure to deposit federal tax; penalty abatement (Notice 14) 8, 27 Foreign partnerships, reporting transfer of property by U.S. persons (Notice 17) 11, 6 Foreign tax credit abuse (Notice 5) 3, 49 Fringe benefits aircraft valuation formula, first half of 1998 (RR 14) 11, 4 Fuel from a nonconventional source, credit; section 29 inflation adjustment; reference price for 1997 (Notice 28) 19, 7 Hybrid arrangements, treatment under subpart F (Notice 35) 27, 35 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d Insurance companies: Discounting estimated salvage recover- able (RP12) 4, 18 Interest rate tables (RR 2) 2,15 Loss reserves; discounting unpaid losses (RP11) 4, 9 Interest: Investment: Federal short-term, mid-term, and long-term rates for January 1998 (RR4) 2, 1 8; February 1998 (RR7) 6, 6; March 1998 (RR11 ) 10, 1 3; April 1998 (RR 18) 14, 2 2; May (RR 23) 18,5; J u n e 1998 (RR 28) 22,5; July 1998 (RR 33) 27, 26 Rates, underpayments and overpay- ments (RR 17) 13, 21; c a l e n d a r quarter beginning July 1, 1998 (RR 32) 25,4 Inventory: LIFO: Price indexes; department stores for November 1997 (RR 6) 4, 4; De- cember 1997 (RR 9) 6,5; January 1998 (RR 16) 13,1 8; February 1998 (RR 20) 15,8; March 1998 (RR 26) 21,4; April 1998 (RR 29) 24,4; May 1998 (RR 35) 30, 4 Shrinkage estimates: Changing method of accounting for estimating inventory shrinkage (RP29) 15, 22 Letter rulings, determination letters, and information letters issued by Associate Chief Counsel (Domestic), Associate Chief Counsel (EBEO), A s s o c i a t e Chief Counsel (Enforcement Litiga- tion), and Associate Chief Counsel (International) (RP1) 1, 7 Losses attributable to a disaster during 1997 (RR 12) 10, 5 Low-income housing tax credit (Notice 13) 6, 19 Satisfactory bond; “bond factor” amounts for the period October through December 1997 (RR 3) 2, 4; January–March 1998 (RR 13) 11,4; April-June 1998 (RR 31) 25,4 Magnetic media/electronic filing: Specifications for 1998 Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W–2G (RP35) 19, 6 Form 1040NR (RP36) 23,10 Methods of accounting; involuntary changes (Notice 31) 22, 10 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d Package design; amortization; capitaliza- tion; amortizable section 197 intangible (RP39) 26, 36 Passive foreign investment companies: Shareholders may use rules of sec. 1.1295–1T(b)(4), (f), and (g) to tax- able years beginning before January 1, 1998 (Notice 22) 17, 5 Private letter rulings under sections 877, 2107, and 2501(a)(3)(Notice 34) 27, 30 Proposed regulations: 26 CFR 1.32–3, added; EIC eligibility requirements (REG–116608–97) 29, 12 26 CFR 1.72(p)–1, amended; loans to plan participants (REG–209476–82) 8, 36 26 CFR 1.141–7, 1.142(f)(4)–1, 1.150– 5, added; 1.141–8, –15, amended; obligations of states and political subdivisions (REG–110965–97) 13, 42 26 CFR 1.195–1, added; election to amortize start-up expenditures (REG–209373–81) 14,26 26 CFR 1.356–6, added; reorg a n i z a- tions, nonqualified preferred stock (REG–121755–97) 9, 13 26 CFR 1.368–1, amended; corporate r e o rganizations, continuity of inter- est (REG–120882–97) 14, 25 26 CFR 1.401(a)(9)–1, amended; quali- fied plans and individual retirement plans, required distributions (REG– 209463–82) 4, 27 26 CFR 1.417(e)–1 and paragraph (d), revised; 1.417(e)–1Tand paragraph (d), revised; valuation of plan dis- tributrions (TD 8768) 20, 4 26 CFR 1.460–6, amended; election not to apply look-back method in de m i n i m i scases (REG–120200–97) 12, 32 26 CFR 1.469–10, revised; 1.7704–1, added; investment income, passive activity income and loss rules for publicly traded partnerships (REG–105163–97) 8, 31 26 CFR 1.475(g)–2, new; 1.482–8, added; 1.482–0, –1, –2, 1.863, 1.863–7(a)(1), 1.864–4, –6, 1.894–1, amended; 1.482–9, redesignated; global dealing operation allocation and sourcing of income and deduc- tions among taxpayers (REG– 208299–90) 16, 26 1998–31 I.R.B.21August 3, 1998 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d 26 CFR 1.513–7, added; travel and tour activities of tax exempt org a n i z a- tions (REG–121268–97) 20, 12 26 CFR 1.702–1, 1.954–1, 301.7701–3, amended; 1.952–1(b), (c), redesig- nated 1.954–2(a)(5), (6), 1.954– 4(b)(2)(iii), 1.954–9, 1.956–2(a)(3), added (REG–104537–97) 16, 21 26 CFR 1.732–1, amended; 1.732–2, amended; 1.734–1(e), added; 1.743– 1, revised; 1.751–1, amended; 1.755–1, revised; 1.1017–1, revised; adjustments to basis of partnership property and partnership interest (REG–209682–94) 17, 20 26 CFR 1.864(b)–1; trading safe har- bors (REG–106031–98) 26, 38 26 CFR 1.925(a)–1, (b)–1, added; 1.927(e)–1, amended; foreign sales corporation transfer pricing source and grouping rules (REG–102144– 98) 15, 25 26 CFR 1.1092(c)–1, added; equity op- tions without standard terms, special rules and definitions (REG–104641– 97) 29, 9 26 CFR 1.1291–1, 1.1293–1, 1.1295–1, –3, 1.1297–3(c), added; 1.1296–4, amended; passive foreign investment company preferred shares, special income exclusion (REG–11 5 7 9 5 – 97) 8, 33 26 CFR 1.1361–0, amended; 1.1361–1, amended; 1.1361–1(d)(3), removed; 1.1361–2 through –6 and intermedi- ary sections, added; 1.1362–0, amended; 1.1362–2, amended; 1.1362–8, added; 1.1368–0, amended; 1.1368–2(d)(2), amended; 1.1374–8(b), amended; S corpora- tion subsidiaries (REG–251698–96) 20, 14 26 CFR 1.1397E–1, added; qualified zone academy bonds (REG– 119449–97) 10, 35 26 CFR 1.1502–3(c), revised; 1.1502– 4(f)(3), (g)(3), added; 1.1502–9(b)- (1)(v), added; 1.1502–21(c)(1)(iii), amended; consolidated returns, limi- tations on the use of certain losses and credits (REG–104062–97) 10, 3 4 26 CFR 1.6031–1, removed; 1.6031(a)–1, added; 1.6063–1, amended; partnership returns (REG–209322–82) 15, 26 26 CFR 1.7702B–1, –2, added; quali- fied long-term care insurance con- tracts (REG–109333–97) 9, 9 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d 26 CFR 301.6159–1, amended; agree- ments for tax liability installment payments (REG–100841–97) 8, 30 26 CFR 301.6404–2, added; abatement of interest (REG–209276–87) 11, 18 26 CFR 301.7433–1(a), (d), (e), and (f), revised; civil cause of action for certain unauthorized collection ac- tions (REG–251502–96) 9, 14 26 CFR 54.9812–1, added; mental health parity; HIPA A( R E G – 109704–97) 3, 60 Qualified Funeral Trust; guidance (Notice 6) 3, 52 Qualified intermediary agreements: Guidance provided to foreign financial institutions (RP27) 15, 15 Qualified mortgage bonds, mortgage credit certificates: Guidance provided regarding use of na- tional and area median gross income figures by issuers (RP28) 15, 14 Qualified Subchapter S Trust (QSST) conversion to Electing Small Business Trust (ESBT) 10, 30 Qualified Zone Academy Zone Bonds (RP) 3, 100 Real estate transactions (RP20) 7, 32 Regulations: 26 CFR 1.32–3T, added; EIC eligibility requirements (TD 8773) 29, 4 26 CFR 1.61–12, 1.249–1, 1.1016–5, 1.1275–1, amended; 1.163–13, 1.171–5, added; 1.171–1, –2, –3, –4, revised; 1.1016–9, removed; amorti- zable bond premium (TD 8746) 7, 4 26 CFR 1.141–0, –2, amended; 1.141–7, –8, removed; 1.141–7T, – 8 T, –15T, 1.142(f)(4)–1T, 1.150– 5T, added; 1.141–15, revised; oblig- ations of states and political subdivi- sions (TD 8757) 13, 4 26 CFR 1.166–3(a)(3), 1.1001–4, added; 1.166–3T, 1.1001–4T, re- moved; modifications of bad debts and dealer assignments of notional principal contracts (TD 8763) 15, 5 26 CFR 1.280B–1, added; building de- molition, definition of structure (TD 8745) 7, 15 26 CFR 1.338–2, 1.368–1, –2, amended; 1.368–1T, added; corpo- rate reorganizations, continuity of in- terest, and continuity of business en- terprise (TD 8760) 14, 4; (TD 8761) 14, 13 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d 26 CFR 1.354–1, 1.355–1, 1.356–3, amended; reorganizations, treatment of warrants as securities (TD 8752) 9, 4 26 CFR 1.356–6T, added; reorg a n i z a- tions, nonqualified preferred stock (TD 8753) 9, 6 26 CFR 1.367(a)–1T, –3, amended; 1 . 3 6 7 ( a ) – 3 T, removed; 1.367(a)–8, 1.367(b)–1, –4, added; 1.367(d)–1T, amended; 1.6038B–1, added; 1 . 6 0 3 8 B – 1 T; 7.367(b)–1, –4, –7, amended; certain transfers of stock or securities by U.S. persons to for- eign corporations (TD 8770) 27, 4 26 CFR 1.411(d)–4, amended; permit- ted elimination of preretirement op- tional forms of benefit (TD 8769) 28, 4 26 CFR 1.446–1, amended; 1.446–1T, removed; 301.9100–0, added; 301.9100–1, revised; 301.9100–2, –3, added; 301.9100–1T, –2T, –3T; removed extensions of time to make elections (TD 8742) 5, 4 26 CFR 1.453.11; installment obliga- tions received from liquidating cor- porations (TD 8762) 14, 15 26 CFR 1.460–0, amended; 1.460–6T, added; election not to apply look- back method in de minimisc a s e s (TD 8756) 12, 4 26 CFR 1.468A–2, –3, –8, amended; nuclear decommissioning funds; re- vised schedules of ruling amounts (TD 8758) 13, 15 26 CFR 1.904–5(o), 1.904–5T, 1.954– 0(b), 1.954–1, amended; 1.954–1T, – 2 T, –9T, added; 301.7701–3(f)(1), amended; controlled foreign corpo- ration relating to partnerships and branches (TD 8767) 16, 4 26 CFR 1.905–2, amended; foreign tax credit filing requirements (TD 8759) 13, 19 26 CFR 1.925(a)–1T, 1.925(b)– 1T(b)(3)(i), amended; 1.927(e)–1T, revised; foreign sales corporation transfer pricing source and grouping rules (TD 8764) 15, 9 26 CFR 1.985–1, –5(a), amended; 1.985–7, added; dollar approximate separate transactions method of ac- counting (DASTM) to profit and loss method of accounting, change from P&Lmethod to DASTM (TD 8765) 16, 11 August 3, 1998221998–31 I.R.B. INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d 26 CFR 1.1271–1, 1.1275–1, amended; debt instruments with original issue discount, annuity contracts (TD 8754) 10, 15 26 CFR 1.1202–0, –2, added; qualified small business stock (TD 8749) 7, 16 26 CFR 1.1290–0, amended; 1.1294–0, added; a. 1291–0T, amended; 1 . 1 2 9 1 – 1 T, added; 1.1291–9, amended; 1.1293–0, –1T, added; 1.1295–0, –1T, –3T, 1.1297–3T(c), added; passive foreign investment company preferred shares, special income exclusion (TD 8750) 8, 4 26 CFR 1.1396–1; empowerment zone employment credit, qualified zone employees (TD 8747) 7, 18 26 CFR 1.1397E–1T, added; qualified zone academy bonds (TD 8755) 10, 21 26 CFR 1.1502–3, –4, –9(a), –21T(c)- (1)(iii), amended; 1.1502–3T, –4T, – 9 T, –55T, added; 1.1502–23T(b), (c), redesignated; consolidated re- turns, limitations on the use of cer- tain losses and credits, overall for- eign loss accounts (TD 8751) 10, 23 26 CFR 54.9801–2T, amended; 54.9801–4T, –5T, revised; 54.9804– 1T, redesignated; 54.9806–1T, redes- ignated; 54.9812–1T, added; mental health parity, interim rules (TD 8741) 3, 6 Relocation payments: Authorized by sec. 105(a)(11) of Hous- ing and Community Development Act, not includible in gross income (RR 19) 15, 5 Renewable electricity production credit; calendar year 1998 inflation adjustment factor and reference prices. (Notice 27) 18, 14 Reorganizations; exchange of securities (RR 10) 10, 11 Reproduction of Forms 1096, 1098, 1099, 5498, and W–2G (RP37) 26, 6 Rulings: Areas in which advance rulings will not be issued: Associate Chief Counsel (Domes- tic), Associate Chief Counsel (EBEO)(RP3) 1, 100 Associate Chief Counsel (Interna- tional) (RP7) 1, 222 Rural airports (RP18) 6, 20 Social security benefits under U.S.- Canada treaty, recent changes (Notice 23) 18, 9 Spin-off of subsidiary (RR 27) 22, 4 Technical advice to district directors and chiefs, appeals offices, Associate Chief Counsel (Domestic), Associate Chief Counsel (EBEO), Associate Chief Counsel (Enforcement Litigation), and Associate Chief Counsel (International) (RP2) 1, 74 Tentative differential earnings rate for 1997 (Notice 19) 13, 24 Treatment of hybrid arrangements under subpart F (Notice 11) 6, 18 Trust, election to treat U.S. person; domestic trust (Notice 25) 18, 11 Waiver of period of stay in foreign coun- try (RP38) 27, 29 Withholding regulations: Effective date of sec. 1441 withholding regulations amended (Notice 16) 15, 12 1998–31 I.R.B.23August 3, 1998 INCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e dINCOME TA X — C o n t i n u e d Notes August 3, 1998241998–31 I.R.B. Notes 1998–31 I.R.B.25August 3, 1998 Notes August 3, 1998261998–31 I.R.B. INTERNAL REVENUE BULLETIN The Introduction on page 3 describes the purpose and content of this publication. The weekly Internal Revenue Bulletin is sold on a yearly subscription basis by the Superintendent of Documents. Current subscribers are notified by the Superintendent of Documents when their subscriptions must be renewed. CUMULATIVE BULLETINS The contents of this weekly Bulletin are consolidated semiannually into a permanent, indexed, Cumulative Bulletin. These are sold on a single copy basis and are not included as part of the subscription to the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Subscribers to the week- ly Bulletin are notified when copies of the Cumulative Bulletin are available. Certain issues of Cumulative Bulletins are out of print and are not available. Persons desiring available Cumulative Bulletins, which are listed on the reverse, may purchase them from the Superintendent of Documents. 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