26 C.F.R. Limitations


Title 26 - Internal Revenue


Title 26: Internal Revenue
PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION

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Limitations

Limitations on Assessment and Collection

§ 301.6501(a)-1   Period of limitations upon assessment and collection.

(a) The amount of any tax imposed by the Code (other than a tax collected by means of stamps) shall be assessed within 3 years after the return was filed. For rules applicable in cases where the return is filed prior to the due date thereof, see section 6501(b). In the case of taxes payable by stamp, assessment shall be made at any time after the tax became due and before the expiration of 3 years after the date on which any part of the tax was paid. For exceptions and additional rules, see subsections (b) to (g) of section 6501, and for cross references to other provisions relating to limitations on assessment and collection, see sections 6501(h) and 6504.

(b) No proceeding in court without assessment for the collection of any tax shall be begun after the expiration of the applicable period for the assessment of such tax.

§ 301.6501(b)-1   Time return deemed filed for purposes of determining limitations.

(a) Early return. Any return, other than a return of tax referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, filed before the last day prescribed by law or regulations for the filing thereof (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing) shall be considered as filed on such last day.

(b) Returns of social security tax and of income tax withholding. If a return on or after November 13, 1966, of tax imposed by chapter 3 of the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free covenant bonds), or if a return of tax imposed by chapter 21 of the Code (relating to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) or by chapter 24 of the Code (relating to collection of income tax at source on wages), for any period ending with or within a calendar year is filed before April 15 of the succeeding calendar year, such return shall be deemed filed on April 15 of such succeeding calendar year. For example, if quarterly returns of the tax imposed by chapter 24 of the Code are filed for the four quarters of 1955 on April 30, July 31, and October 31, 1955, and on January 31, 1956, the period of limitation for assessment with respect to the tax required to be reported on such return is measured from April 15, 1956. However, if any of such returns is filed after April 15, 1956, the period of limitation for assessment of the tax required to be reported on that return is measured from the date it is in fact filed.

(c) Returns executed by district directors or other internal revenue officers. The execution of a return by a district director or other authorized internal revenue officer or employee under the authority of section 6020(b) shall not start the running of the statutory period of limitations on assessment and collection.

§ 301.6501(c)-1   Exceptions to general period of limitations on assessment and collection.

(a) False return. In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade any tax, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time after such false or fraudulent return is filed.

(b) Willful attempt to evade tax. In the case of a willful attempt in any manner to defeat or evade any tax imposed by the Code (other than a tax imposed by subtitle A or B, relating to income, estate, or gift taxes), the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time.

(c) No return. In the case of a failure to file a return, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time after the date prescribed for filing the return. For special rules relating to filing a return for chapter 42 and similar taxes, see §§301.6501(n)–1, 301.6501(n)–2, and 301.6501(n)–3.

(d) Extension by agreement. The time prescribed by section 6501 for the assessment of any tax (other than the estate tax imposed by chapter 11 of the Code) may, prior to the expiration of such time, be extended for any period of time agreed upon in writing by the taxpayer and the district director or an assistant regional commissioner. The extension shall become effective when the agreement has been executed by both parties. The period agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.

(e) Gifts subject to chapter 14 of the Internal Revenue Code not adequately disclosed on the return. If any transfer of property subject to the special valuation rules of section 2701 or section 2702, or if the occurrence of any taxable event described in section §25.2701–4 of this chapter, is not adequately shown on a return of tax imposed by chapter 12 of subtitle B of the Internal Revenue Code (without regard to section 2503(b)), any tax imposed by chapter 12 of subtitle B of the Code on the transfer or resulting from the taxable event may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of the appropriate tax may be begun without assessment, at any time.

(2) Adequately shown. A transfer of property valued under the rules of section 2701 or section 2702 or any taxable event described in §25.2701–4 of this chapter will be considered adequately shown on a return of tax imposed by chapter 12 of subtitle B of the Internal Revenue Code only if, with respect to the entire transaction or series of transactions (including any transaction that affected the transferred interest) of which the transfer (or taxable event) was a part, the return provides:

(i) A description of the transactions, including a description of transferred and retained interests and the method (or methods) used to value each;

(ii) The identity of, and relationship between, the transferor, transferee, all other persons participating in the transactions, and all parties related to the transferor holding an equity interest in any entity involved in the transaction; and

(iii) A detailed description (including all actuarial factors and discount rates used) of the method used to determine the amount of the gift arising from the transfer (or taxable event), including, in the case of an equity interest that is not actively traded, the financial and other data used in determining value. Financial data should generally include balance sheets and statements of net earnings, operating results, and dividends paid for each of the 5 years immediately before the valuation date.

(3) Effective date. The provisions of this paragraph (e) are effective as of January 28, 1992. In determining whether a transfer or taxable event is adequately shown on a gift tax return filed prior to that date, taxpayers may rely on any reasonable interpretation of the statutory provisions. For these purposes, the provisions of the proposed regulations and the final regulations are considered a reasonable interpretation of the statutory provisions.

(f) Gifts made after December 31, 1996, not adequately disclosed on the return—(1) In general. If a transfer of property, other than a transfer described in paragraph (e) of this section, is not adequately disclosed on a gift tax return (Form 709, “United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return”), or in a statement attached to the return, filed for the calendar period in which the transfer occurs, then any gift tax imposed by chapter 12 of subtitle B of the Internal Revenue Code on the transfer may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of the appropriate tax may be begun without assessment, at any time.

(2) Adequate disclosure of transfers of property reported as gifts. A transfer will be adequately disclosed on the return only if it is reported in a manner adequate to apprise the Internal Revenue Service of the nature of the gift and the basis for the value so reported. Transfers reported on the gift tax return as transfers of property by gift will be considered adequately disclosed under this paragraph (f)(2) if the return (or a statement attached to the return) provides the following information—

(i) A description of the transferred property and any consideration received by the transferor;

(ii) The identity of, and relationship between, the transferor and each transferee;

(iii) If the property is transferred in trust, the trust's tax identification number and a brief description of the terms of the trust, or in lieu of a brief description of the trust terms, a copy of the trust instrument;

(iv) Except as provided in §301.6501–1(f)(3), a detailed description of the method used to determine the fair market value of property transferred, including any financial data (for example, balance sheets, etc. with explanations of any adjustments) that were utilized in determining the value of the interest, any restrictions on the transferred property that were considered in determining the fair market value of the property, and a description of any discounts, such as discounts for blockage, minority or fractional interests, and lack of marketability, claimed in valuing the property. In the case of a transfer of an interest that is actively traded on an established exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ National Market, or a regional exchange in which quotations are published on a daily basis, including recognized foreign exchanges, recitation of the exchange where the interest is listed, the CUSIP number of the security, and the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices on the applicable valuation date will satisfy all of the requirements of this paragraph (f)(2)(iv). In the case of the transfer of an interest in an entity (for example, a corporation or partnership) that is not actively traded, a description must be provided of any discount claimed in valuing the interests in the entity or any assets owned by such entity. In addition, if the value of the entity or of the interests in the entity is properly determined based on the net value of the assets held by the entity, a statement must be provided regarding the fair market value of 100 percent of the entity (determined without regard to any discounts in valuing the entity or any assets owned by the entity), the pro rata portion of the entity subject to the transfer, and the fair market value of the transferred interest as reported on the return. If 100 percent of the value of the entity is not disclosed, the taxpayer bears the burden of demonstrating that the fair market value of the entity is properly determined by a method other than a method based on the net value of the assets held by the entity. If the entity that is the subject of the transfer owns an interest in another non-actively traded entity (either directly or through ownership of an entity), the information required in this paragraph (f)(2)(iv) must be provided for each entity if the information is relevant and material in determining the value of the interest; and

(v) A statement describing any position taken that is contrary to any proposed, temporary or final Treasury regulations or revenue rulings published at the time of the transfer (see §601.601(d)(2) of this chapter).

(3) Submission of appraisals in lieu of the information required under paragraph (f)(2)(iv) of this section. The requirements of paragraph (f)(2)(iv) of this section will be satisfied if the donor submits an appraisal of the transferred property that meets the following requirements—

(i) The appraisal is prepared by an appraiser who satisfies all of the following requirements:

(A) The appraiser is an individual who holds himself or herself out to the public as an appraiser or performs appraisals on a regular basis.

(B) Because of the appraiser's qualifications, as described in the appraisal that details the appraiser's background, experience, education, and membership, if any, in professional appraisal associations, the appraiser is qualified to make appraisals of the type of property being valued.

(C) The appraiser is not the donor or the donee of the property or a member of the family of the donor or donee, as defined in section 2032A(e)(2), or any person employed by the donor, the donee, or a member of the family of either; and

(ii) The appraisal contains all of the following:

(A) The date of the transfer, the date on which the transferred property was appraised, and the purpose of the appraisal.

(B) A description of the property.

(C) A description of the appraisal process employed.

(D) A description of the assumptions, hypothetical conditions, and any limiting conditions and restrictions on the transferred property that affect the analyses, opinions, and conclusions.

(E) The information considered in determining the appraised value, including in the case of an ownership interest in a business, all financial data that was used in determining the value of the interest that is sufficiently detailed so that another person can replicate the process and arrive at the appraised value.

(F) The appraisal procedures followed, and the reasoning that supports the analyses, opinions, and conclusions.

(G) The valuation method utilized, the rationale for the valuation method, and the procedure used in determining the fair market value of the asset transferred.

(H) The specific basis for the valuation, such as specific comparable sales or transactions, sales of similar interests, asset-based approaches, merger-acquisition transactions, etc.

(4) Adequate disclosure of non-gift completed transfers or transactions. Completed transfers to members of the transferor's family, as defined in section 2032A(e)(2), that are made in the ordinary course of operating a business are deemed to be adequately disclosed under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, even if the transfer is not reported on a gift tax return, provided the transfer is properly reported by all parties for income tax purposes. For example, in the case of salary paid to a family member employed in a family owned business, the transfer will be treated as adequately disclosed for gift tax purposes if the item is properly reported by the business and the family member on their income tax returns. For purposes of this paragraph (f)(4), any other completed transfer that is reported, in its entirety, as not constituting a transfer by gift will be considered adequately disclosed under paragraph (f)(2) of this section only if the following information is provided on, or attached to, the return—

(i) The information required for adequate disclosure under paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (ii), (iii) and (v) of this section; and

(ii) An explanation as to why the transfer is not a transfer by gift under chapter 12 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(5) Adequate disclosure of incomplete transfers. Adequate disclosure of a transfer that is reported as a completed gift on the gift tax return will commence the running of the period of limitations for assessment of gift tax on the transfer, even if the transfer is ultimately determined to be an incomplete gift for purposes of §25.2511–2 of this chapter. For example, if an incomplete gift is reported as a completed gift on the gift tax return and is adequately disclosed, the period for assessment of the gift tax will begin to run when the return is filed, as determined under section 6501(b). Further, once the period of assessment for gift tax expires, the transfer will be subject to inclusion in the donor's gross estate for estate tax purposes only to the extent that a completed gift would be so included. On the other hand, if the transfer is reported as an incomplete gift whether or not adequately disclosed, the period for assessing a gift tax with respect to the transfer will not commence to run even if the transfer is ultimately determined to be a completed gift. In that situation, the gift tax with respect to the transfer may be assessed at any time, up until three years after the donor files a return reporting the transfer as a completed gift with adequate disclosure.

(6) Treatment of split gifts. If a husband and wife elect under section 2513 to treat a gift made to a third party as made one-half by each spouse, the requirements of this paragraph (f) will be satisfied with respect to the gift deemed made by the consenting spouse if the return filed by the donor spouse (the spouse that transferred the property) satisfies the requirements of this paragraph (f) with respect to that gift.

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

Example 1.  (i) Facts. In 2001, A transfers 100 shares of common stock of XYZ Corporation to A's child. The common stock of XYZ Corporation is actively traded on a major stock exchange. For gift tax purposes, the fair market value of one share of XYZ common stock on the date of the transfer, determined in accordance with §25.2512–2(b) of this chapter (based on the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices), is $150.00. On A's Federal gift tax return, Form 709, for the 2001 calendar year, A reports the gift to A's child of 100 shares of common stock of XYZ Corporation with a value for gift tax purposes of $15,000. A specifies the date of the transfer, recites that the stock is publicly traded, identifies the stock exchange on which the stock is traded, lists the stock's CUSIP number, and lists the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices for the date of transfer.

(ii) Application of the adequate disclosure standard. A has adequately disclosed the transfer. Therefore, the period of assessment for the transfer under section 6501 will run from the time the return is filed (as determined under section 6501(b)).

Example 2.  (i) Facts. On December 30, 2001, A transfers closely-held stock to B, A's child. A determined that the value of the transferred stock, on December 30, 2001, was $9,000. A made no other transfers to B, or any other donee, during 2001. On A's Federal gift tax return, Form 709, for the 2001 calendar year, A provides the information required under paragraph (f)(2) of this section such that the transfer is adequately disclosed. A claims an annual exclusion under section 2503(b) for the transfer.

(ii) Application of the adequate disclosure standard. Because the transfer is adequately disclosed under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the period of assessment for the transfer will expire as prescribed by section 6501(b), notwithstanding that if A's valuation of the closely-held stock was correct, A was not required to file a gift tax return reporting the transfer under section 6019. After the period of assessment has expired on the transfer, the Internal Revenue Service is precluded from redetermining the amount of the gift for purposes of assessing gift tax or for purposes of determining the estate tax liability. Therefore, the amount of the gift as reported on A's 2001 Federal gift tax return may not be redetermined for purposes of determining A's prior taxable gifts (for gift tax purposes) or A's adjusted taxable gifts (for estate tax purposes).

Example 3.  (i) Facts. A owns 100 percent of the common stock of X, a closely-held corporation. X does not hold an interest in any other entity that is not actively traded. In 2001, A transfers 20 percent of the X stock to B and C, A's children, in a transfer that is not subject to the special valuation rules of section 2701. The transfer is made outright with no restrictions on ownership rights, including voting rights and the right to transfer the stock. Based on generally applicable valuation principles, the value of X would be determined based on the net value of the assets owned by X. The reported value of the transferred stock incorporates the use of minority discounts and lack of marketability discounts. No other discounts were used in arriving at the fair market value of the transferred stock or any assets owned by X. On A's Federal gift tax return, Form 709, for the 2001 calendar year, A provides the information required under paragraph (f)(2) of this section including a statement reporting the fair market value of 100 percent of X (before taking into account any discounts), the pro rata portion of X subject to the transfer, and the reported value of the transfer. A also attaches a statement regarding the determination of value that includes a discussion of the discounts claimed and how the discounts were determined.

(ii) Application of the adequate disclosure standard. A has provided sufficient information such that the transfer will be considered adequately disclosed and the period of assessment for the transfer under section 6501 will run from the time the return is filed (as determined under section 6501(b)).

Example 4.  (i) Facts. A owns a 70 percent limited partnership interest in PS. PS owns 40 percent of the stock in X, a closely-held corporation. The assets of X include a 50 percent general partnership interest in PB. PB owns an interest in commercial real property. None of the entities (PS, X, or PB) is actively traded and, based on generally applicable valuation principles, the value of each entity would be determined based on the net value of the assets owned by each entity. In 2001, A transfers a 25 percent limited partnership interest in PS to B, A's child. On the Federal gift tax return, Form 709, for the 2001 calendar year, A reports the transfer of the 25 percent limited partnership interest in PS and that the fair market value of 100 percent of PS is $y and that the value of 25 percent of PS is $z, reflecting marketability and minority discounts with respect to the 25 percent interest. However, A does not disclose that PS owns 40 percent of X, and that X owns 50 percent of PB and that, in arriving at the $y fair market value of 100 percent of PS, discounts were claimed in valuing PS's interest in X, X's interest in PB, and PB's interest in the commercial real property.

(ii) Application of the adequate disclosure standard. The information on the lower tiered entities is relevant and material in determining the value of the transferred interest in PS. Accordingly, because A has failed to comply with requirements of paragraph (f)(2)(iv) of this section regarding PS's interest in X, X's interest in PB, and PB's interest in the commercial real property, the transfer will not be considered adequately disclosed and the period of assessment for the transfer under section 6501 will remain open indefinitely.

Example 5.  The facts are the same as in Example 4 except that A submits, with the Federal tax return, an appraisal of the 25 percent limited partnership interest in PS that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (f)(3) of this section in lieu of the information required in paragraph (f)(2)(iv) of this section. Assuming the other requirements of paragraph (f)(2) of this section are satisfied, the transfer is considered adequately disclosed and the period for assessment for the transfer under section 6501 will run from the time the return is filed (as determined under section 6501(b) of this chapter).

Example 6.  A owns 100 percent of the stock of X Corporation, a company actively engaged in a manufacturing business. B, A's child, is an employee of X and receives an annual salary paid in the ordinary course of operating X Corporation. B reports the annual salary as income on B's income tax returns. In 2001, A transfers property to family members and files a Federal gift tax return reporting the transfers. However, A does not disclose the 2001 salary payments made to B. Because the salary payments were reported as income on B's income tax return, the salary payments are deemed to be adequately disclosed. The transfer of property to family members, other than the salary payments to B, reported on the gift tax return must satisfy the adequate disclosure requirements under paragraph (f)(2) of this section in order for the period of assessment under section 6501 to commence to run with respect to those transfers.

(8) Effective date. This paragraph (f) is applicable to gifts made after December 31, 1996, for which the gift tax return for such calendar year is filed after December 3, 1999.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44250, Oct. 7, 1982; T.D. 8395, 57 FR 4277, Feb. 4, 1992; T.D. 8845, 64 FR 67771, Dec. 3, 1999; 65 FR 1059, Jan. 7, 2000]

§ 301.6501(d)-1   Request for prompt assessment.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in section 6501 (c), (e), or (f), any tax for which a return is required and for which:

(1) A decedent or an estate of a decedent may be liable, other than the estate tax imposed by chapter 11 of the Code, or

(2) A corporation which is contemplating dissolution, is in the process of dissolution, or has been dissolved, may be liable, shall be assessed, or a proceeding in court without assessment for the collection of such tax shall be begun, within 18 months after the receipt of a written request for prompt assessment thereof.

(b) The executor, administrator, or other fiduciary representing the estate of the decedent, or the corporation, or the fiduciary representing the dissolved corporation, as the case may be, shall, after the return in question has been filed, file the request for prompt assessment in writing with the district director for the internal revenue district in which such return was filed. The request, in order to be effective, must be transmitted separately from any other document, must set forth the classes of tax and the taxable periods for which the prompt assessment is requested, and must clearly indicate that it is a request for prompt assessment under the provisions of section 6501(d). The effect of such a request is to limit the time in which an assessment of tax may be made, or a proceeding in court without assessment for collection of tax may be begun, to a period of 18 months from the date the request is filed with the proper district director. The request does not extend the time within which an assessment may be made, or a proceeding in court without assessment years from the date the return was filed. This special period of limitations will not apply to any return filed after a request for prompt assessment has been made unless an additional request is filed in the manner provided herein.

(c) In the case of a corporation the 18-month period shall not apply unless:

(1) The written request notifies the district director that the corporation contemplates dissolution at or before the expiration of such 18-month period; the dissolution is in good faith begun before the expiration of such 18-month period; and the dissolution so begun is completed either before or after the expiration of such 18-month period; or

(2) The written request notifies the district director that a dissolution has in good faith been begun, and the dissolution is completed either before or after the expiration of such 18-month period; or

(3) A dissolution has been completed at the time the written request is made.

§ 301.6501(e)-1   Omission from return.

(a) Income taxes—(1) General rule. (i) If the taxpayer omits from the gross income stated in the return of a tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code an amount properly includible therein which is in excess of 25 percent of the gross income so stated, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.

(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “gross income”, as it relates to a trade or business, means the total of the amounts received or accrued from the sale of goods or services, to the extent required to be shown on the return, without reduction for the cost of such sales or services. An item shall not be considered as omitted from gross income if information, sufficient to apprise the district director of the nature and amount of such item, is disclosed in the return or in any schedule or statement attached to the return.

(2) Constructive dividends. If a taxpayer omits from gross income an amount properly includible therein under section 551(b) as his distributive share of the undistributed foreign personal holding company income, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.

(b) Estate and gift taxes. (1) If the taxpayer omits from the gross estate as stated in the estate tax return, or from the total amount of the gifts made during the period for which the gift tax return was filed (see §25.6019–1 of this chapter) as stated in such return, an item or items properly includible therein the amount of which is in excess of 25 percent of the gross estate as stated in the return, or 25 percent of the total amount of the gifts as stated in the return, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection thereof may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.

(2) For purposes of this paragraph, an item disclosed in the return or in any schedule or statement attached to the return in a manner sufficient to apprise the district director of the nature and amount thereof shall not be taken into account in determining items omitted from the gross estate or total gifts, as the case may be. Further, there shall not be taken into account in computing the 25 percent omission from the gross estate stated in the estate tax return or from the total gifts stated in the gift tax return, any increases in the valuation of assets disclosed on the return.

(c) Excise taxes—(1) In general. If the taxpayer omits from a return of a tax imposed under a provision of subtitle D an amount properly includable thereon, which amount is in excess of 25 percent of the amount of tax reported thereon, the tax may be assessed or a proceeding in court for the collection thereof may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed. For special rules relating to chapter 41, 42, 43, and 44 taxes, see subparagraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this paragraph.

(2) Chapter 41 excise taxes. If an organization discloses an expenditure in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto) in a manner sufficient to apprise the district director or director of a service center of the existing and nature of such expenditure, the three year limitation on assessment and collection described in section 6501(a) shall apply with respect to any tax under chapter 41 arising from such expenditure. If a taxpayer fails to so disclose an expenditure in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto), the tax arising from the expenditure not so disclosed may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.

(3) Chapter 42 excise taxes. (i) If a private foundation omits from its annual return with respect to the tax imposed by section 4940 an amount of tax properly includible therein which is in excess of 25 percent of the amount of tax imposed by section 4940 which is reported on the return, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed. If a private foundation discloses in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto) the nature, source, and amount of any income giving rise to any omitted tax, the tax arising from such income shall be counted as reported on the return in computing whether the foundation has omitted more than 25 percent of the tax reported on its return.

(ii) If a private foundation trust, or other organization (as the case may be) discloses an item in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto) in a manner sufficient to apprise the district director or director of a service center of the existence and nature of such item, the three year limitation on assessment and collection described in section 6501(a) shall apply with respect to any tax imposed under sections 4941(a), 4942(a), 4943(a), 4944(a), 4945(a), 4951(a), 4952(a), 4953, and 4958 arising from any transaction disclosed by such item. If a private foundation trust, or other organization (as the case may be) fails to so disclose an item in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto), the tax arising from any transaction not so disclosed may be assessed or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed.

(4) Chapter 43 excise taxes. If a taxpayer discloses an item in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto) in a manner sufficient to apprise the district director or director of a service center of the existence and nature of such item, the three year limitation on assessment and collection described in section 6501(a) shall apply with respect to any tax imposed under sections 4971(a), 4972, 4973, 4974, and 4975(a) arising from any transaction disclosed by such item. If a taxpayer fails to so disclose an item in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto), the tax arising from any transaction not so disclosed may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed. The applicable return for the tax under sections 4971, 4972, 4973 and 4974 is the return designated by the Commissioner for reporting the respective tax. The applicable return for the tax under section 4975 is the return filed by the plan used to report the act giving rise to the tax.

(5) Chapter 44 excise taxes. If a real estate investment trust omits from its annual return with respect to the tax imposed by section 4981 an amount of tax properly includible therein which is in excess of 25 percent of the amount of tax imposed by section 4981 which is reported on the return, the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return was filed. If a real estate investment trust discloses in its return (or in a schedule or statement attached thereto) the nature, source, and amount of any income giving rise to any omitted tax, the tax arising from such income shall be counted as reported on the return in computing whether the trust has omitted more than 25 percent of the tax reported on its return.

(d) Exception. The provisions of this section do not limit the application of section 6501(c).

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7238, 37 FR 28741, Dec. 29, 1972; T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44250, Oct. 7, 1982; T.D. 8920, 66 FR 2171, Jan. 10, 2001]

§ 301.6501(f)-1   Personal holding company tax.

If a corporation which is a personal holding company for any taxable year fails to file with its income tax return for such year a schedule setting forth the items of gross income described in section 543(a) received by the corporation during such year, and the names and addresses of the individuals who owned, within the meaning of section 544, at any time during the last half of such taxable year, more than 50 percent in value of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation, the personal holding company tax for such year may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection thereof may be begun without assessment, at any time within 6 years after the return for such year was filed.

§ 301.6501(g)-1   Certain income tax returns of corporations.

(a) Trusts or partnerships. If a taxpayer determines in good faith that it is a trust or partnership and files a return as such under subtitle A of the Code, and if the taxpayer is later held to be a corporation for the taxable year for which the return was filed, such return shall be deemed to be the return of the corporation for the purpose of section 6501.

(b) Exempt organizations. If a taxpayer determines in good faith that it is an exempt organization and files a return as such under section 6033, and if the taxpayer is later held to be a taxable organization for the taxable year for which the return was filed, such return shall be deemed to be the return of the organization for the purpose of section 6501.

(c) DISC. If a corporation determines in good faith that it is a DISC (as defined in section 992(a)(1)) for a taxable year and files a return as such pursuant to section 6011(c)(2), and if the corporation is thereafter held to be a corporation which is not a DISC for the taxable year for which the return was filed, then—

(1) Such return shall be deemed to be the return of the corporation for the purpose of section 6501.

(2) Such return if filed within the time required by section 6072(b) for filing a DISC return shall be deemed to be filed within the time required by section 6072(b) for filing of a return by a corporation which is not a DISC, and

(3) Interest on underpayment and overpayments allowed by chapter 67 of the Code and additions to the tax, additional amounts and assessable penalties allowed by chapter 68 of the Code, when determined by reference to the time for filing of a return, shall be determined by reference to the time required by section 6072(b) for filing of a return by a DISC.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7533, 43 FR 6604, Feb. 15, 1978]

§ 301.6501(h)-1   Net operating loss or capital loss carrybacks.

In the case of a deficiency attributable to the application to the taxpayer of a net operating loss or capital loss carryback (including deficiencies which may be assessed pursuant to the provisions of section 6213(b)(2)), such deficiency may be assessed at any time before the expiration of the period within which a deficiency for the taxable year of the net operating loss or net capital loss which results in such carryback may be assessed. In the case of a deficiency attributable to the application of a net operating loss carryback, such deficiency may be assessed within 18 months after the date on which the taxpayer files in accordance with section 172(b)(3) a copy of the certification (with respect to such taxable year) issued under section 317 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, if later than the date prescribed by the preceding sentence.

[T.D. 7301, 39 FR 974, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6501(i)-1   Foreign tax carrybacks; taxable years beginning after December 31, 1957.

With respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1957, a deficiency attributable to the application to the taxpayer of a carryback under section 904(d) (relating to carryback and carryover of excess foreign taxes), may be assessed at any time before the expiration of 1 year after the expiration of the period within which a deficiency may be assessed for the taxable year of the excess taxes described in section 904(d) which result in such carryback.

§ 301.6501(j)-1   Investment credit carryback; taxable years ending after December 31, 1961.

With respect to taxable years ending after December 31, 1961, a deficiency attributable to the application to the taxpayer of an investment credit carryback may be assessed at any time before the expiration of the period within which a deficiency for the taxable year of the unused investment credit which results in such carryback may be assessed, or, with respect to any portion of an investment credit carryback from a taxable year attributable to a net operating loss or capital loss carryback from a subsequent taxable year, at any time before the expiration of the period within which a deficiency for such subsequent taxable year may be assessed. For purposes of this section a deficiency shall include a deficiency which may be assessed pursuant to the provisions of section 6213(b)(2), but only those arising with respect to applications for tentative carryback adjustments filed after November 2, 1966.

[T.D. 7301, 39 FR 975, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6501(m)-1   Tentative carryback adjustment assessment period.

(a) Period of limitation after tentative carryback adjustment. (1) Under section 6501(m), in a case where an amount has been applied, credited, or refunded under section 6411, by reason of a net operating loss carryback, a capital loss carryback, an investment credit carryback, or a work incentive program credit carryback to a prior taxable year, the period described in section 6501(a) of the Code for assessing a deficiency for such prior taxable year is extended to include the period described in section 6501 (h), (j), or (o), whichever is applicable; except that the amount which may be assessed solely by reason of section 6501(m) may not exceed the amount so applied, credited, or refunded under section 6411, reduced by any amount which may be assessed solely by reason of section 6501 (h), (j), or (o), as the case may be.

(2) The application of this paragraph may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  Assume that M Corporation, which claims an unused investment credit of $50,000 for the calendar year 1968, files an application under section 6411 of the Code for an adjustment of its tax for 1965, and receives a refund of $50,000 in 1969. In 1971, it is determined that the amount of the unused investment credit for 1968 is $30,000 rather than $50,000. Moreover, it is determined that M Corporation would have owed $40,000 of additional tax for 1965 if it had properly reported certain income which it failed to include in its 1965 return. Assuming that M Corporation filed its 1968 return on March 15, 1969, and that the 3-year period described in section 6501(a) has not been extended, the period prescribed in section 6501(j) for assessing the excessive amount refunded, $20,000 (i.e., $50,000, original amount refunded less $30,000, correct amount of unused investment credit), does not expire until March 15, 1972, and $20,000 may be assessed on or before such date under section 6501(j). Under section 6501(m), M Corporation may be assessed on or before March 15, 1972, an amount not in excess of $30,000 ($50,000, the amount refunded under section 6411, minus $20,000, the amount which may be assessed solely by reason of section 6501 (j)).

(b) Effective date. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section apply only with respect to applications under section 6411 filed after November 2, 1966.

[T.D. 7301, 39 FR 975, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6501(n)-1   Special rules for chapter 42 and similar taxes.

(a) Return filed by private foundation, plan, trust, or other organization. (1) A return filed by a private foundation, plan, trust, or other organization (as the case may be) with respect to any act giving rise to a tax imposed by chapter 42 (other than a tax imposed by section 4940), or by section 4975 shall be considered, for purposes of section 6501, to be the return of all persons required to file a return with respect to any such tax arising from such act, notwithstanding that all such persons have not signed the return. In the case of a private foundation that files a Form 990–PF (or a Form 5227 in the case of a nonexempt foundation described in section 4947(a)(2)), which contains questions with respect to such taxes, the filing of such form by such foundation shall constitute the filing of a return with respect to any such act, even though the foundation incorrectly answered such questions.

(2) For purposes of section 4940, the return referred to in this section is the return filed by the private foundation for the taxable year for which the tax is imposed.

(b) Failure of private foundation plan, trust, or other organization to file. The period of limitations on assessment and collection described in section 6501 does not begin with respect to any person liable for tax under chapter 42 (other than section 4940) or section 4975 arising from a given act, where the private foundation, plan, trust, or other organization (as the case may be) has not filed its required return that reports such act for the year in which the act (or failure to act) giving rise to liability for such tax occurred.

(c) Example. The provision of this section may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  In 1973, D, an individual taxpayer who was a disqualified person under the provisions of section 4946(a)(1), participated in an act of self-dealing with a private foundation and incurred a tax under section 4941(a)(1). On May 15, 1974, the private foundation files a Form 990–PF and answers all the questions thereon with regard to any acts of self-dealing (as defined in section 4941(d)) in which it may have engaged in 1973. Assuming that the foundation's return was not a false or fraudulent return nor made with the willful attempt to defeat tax, the period of limitations on assessment and collection under section 6501(a) shall start with respect to any tax under section 4941(a) or section 4941(b) imposed on D arising out of that transaction with such foundation.

[T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44251, Oct. 7, 1982, as amended by T.D. 8920, 66 FR 2171, Jan. 10, 2001]

§ 301.6501(n)-2   Certain contributions to section 501(c)(3) organizations.

If a private foundation makes a contribution to a section 501(c)(3) organization as provided in section 4942(g)(3), and a deficiency of tax of such foundation occurs due to the failure of the section 501(c)(3) organization to make the distribution prescribed by section 4942(g)(3), then such deficiency may be assessed within one year after the expiration of the period within which a deficiency may be assessed for the taxable year with respect to which the contribution was made.

[T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44251, Oct. 7, 1982]

§ 301.6501(n)-3   Certain set-asides described in section 4942(g)(2).

Where a deficiency of tax of a private foundation results from the failure of an amount set aside by such foundation for a specific project to be treated as a qualifying distribution under section 4942(g)(2)(B)(ii)(II), such deficiency may be assessed within two years after the expiration of the period within which a deficiency may be assessed for the taxable year to which the amount set aside relates.

[T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44251, Oct. 7, 1982]

§ 301.6501(o)-1   Work incentive program credit carrybacks, taxable years beginning after December 31, 1971.

With respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1971, a deficiency attributable to the application to the taxpayer of a work incentive program credit carryback (including deficiencies which may be assessed pursuant to the provisions of section 6213(b)(2)) may be assessed at any time before the expiration of the period within which a deficiency for the taxable year of the unused work incentive program credit which results in such carryback may be assessed, or, with respect to any portion of a work incentive program credit carryback from a taxable year attributable to a net operating loss or capital loss carryback from a subsequent taxable year, at any time before the expiration of the period within which a deficiency for such subsequent taxable year may be assessed.

[T.D. 7301, 39 FR 975, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6501(o)-2   Special rules for partnership items of federally registered partnerships.

(a) In general. In the case of any tax imposed by subtitle A with respect to any person, the period for assessing a deficiency attributable to any partnership item of a federally registered partnership shall not expire before the later of—

(1) The date which is 4 years after the date on which the return of the federally registered partnership for the partnership taxable year in which the item arose is filed (or, if later, the date prescribed for filing the return), or

(2) If the name or address of the person against whom the assessment is sought does not appear on the return of the federally registered partnership, the date which is 1 year after the date on which a satisfactory identifying statement is furnished in writing to the director of the service center with which the partnership return is filed. A satisfactory identifying statement is a written statement providing the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of both the partner and the partnership. The statement shall note the partnership taxable year for which the statement is furnished.

(b) “Pass through” entity as partner. In the case of a partnership having a “pass through” entity (i.e., partnership, electing small business corporation (as defined in section 1371(b)), trust, estate, or nominee) as a partner, the 1 year period described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall not begin with respect to the person to be assessed until the chain of ownership linking the taxpayer with the federally registered partnership in which the item originally arose is fully disclosed.

Example.  Partnership U, a federally registered partnership, has two partners, Partnerships W and X. The partners of W are A and B, who are individuals, and T, a trust whose beneficiaries are individuals C and D. The partners of X are E, an individual, and Partnership Y whose partners are individuals F, G, and H. U and X properly disclose the identity of their partners. W, however, discloses the identity of only A and B, and Y discloses the identity of only F and G. The period of limitation described in paragraph (a) of this section for items attributable to U does not expire with respect to T, C, D, and H until one year after the chain of ownership linking these taxpayers with U is fully disclosed.

(c) Federally registered partnership—(1) In general. With respect to any partnership taxable year, a federally registered partnership is any partnership—

(i) Interests in which have been offered for sale at any time during the taxable year or a prior taxable year in an offering required to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or

(ii) Which, at any time during the taxable year or a prior taxable year, was subject to the annual reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission which relate to the protection of investors in the partnership.

For purposes of the preceding sentence an interest is “offered for sale” when it is the subject of an “offer for sale” as that term is used in section 2 of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77b).

(2) Certain reporting requirements not taken into account. A requirement to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission for any purpose other than to protect investors does not cause the partnership to be treated as a federally registered partnership. For example, a brokerage firm organized as a partnership is not a federally registered partnership merely because it files reports required by the Commission for regulatory purposes.

(d) Extension by agreement—(1) In general. Any general partner of a federally registered partnership (or any other person authorized by the partnership) may, prior to the expiration of the limitation period described in paragraph (a) of this section, extend the period for assessing a deficiency attributable to a partnership item for any period of time agreed upon in writing. The extension shall become effective when the agreement has been executed by the district director or the service center director and shall be binding on all persons whose liability for tax imposed by subtitle A is affected in whole or in part by partnership items flowing from the partnership.

(2) Authorization of other persons. The partnership may authorize persons other than the general partners to extend the period of limitation for assessing a deficiency attributable to a partnership item. This authorization shall be in writing, shall clearly identify the person being authorized and the action being authorized, and shall be signed by all the general partners. The authorization shall become effective when filed with the district director and shall remain in effect until a written revocation signed as provided in the preceding sentence is filed.

(3) Removing authority of general partners. A partnership wishing to deny to some or all of the general partners the authority to execute an agreement extending the period of limitation for assessment may do so by submitting a written statement to that effect. The statement shall either identify the partners exclusively authorized to execute such an agreement or declare that one or more named partners or all partners lack the authority to execute such an agreement. The statement shall be signed by all the general partners. The statement shall become effective when filed with the district director and shall remain in effect until a statement revoking or superseding it and signed as provided in the preceding sentence is filed.

(e) Special period of limitation with respect to carryback of net operating loss, capital, loss, etc. The provisions of section 6501(o) must also be taken into account in applying the various special periods of limitation prescribed in sections 6501 (h), (i) and (j). Thus, to the extent that a carryback is attributable to a partnership item of a federally registered partnership, the period for assessing a deficiency attributable to that carryback shall not expire before the date determined under paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the partnership taxable year in which the item arose.

(f) Otherwise applicable limitation period. The special provisions of section 6501(o) and this section do not terminate any otherwise applicable period for assessing a deficiency. Thus, the fact that more than 4 years have elapsed since the filing of the partnership return for the year in issue does not prevent assessment against a partner based on partnership items if an otherwise applicable period of limitation for the partner has not yet expired

Example.  Partnership V files its return for the taxable year ending December 31, 1980, on April 15, 1981. A, a partner in Partnership V, agrees to extend the assessment period for A's taxable year ending December 31, 1980, until September 30, 1985. The partnership does not agree to any extension under section 6501(o)(3) so that the period for assessing a deficiency attributable to partnership items could expire on April 15, 1985. A deficiency may be assessed against A for 1980 at any time prior to October 1, 1985, even if that deficiency is based on partnership items.

(g) Effective date. This section and §301.6501(o)–3 are effective generally for partnership items arising in partnership taxable years beginning after December 31, 1978 and before September 4, 1982. This section shall not apply, however, to any partnership taxable year with respect to which the amendments made to Code section 6501(o) by section 402 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 are effective. See section 407(a)(3) of that Act.

(Sec. 6501(o) (as it read before the enactment of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982) and 7805 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (92 Stat. 2818, 26 U.S.C. 6501(o); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7884, 48 FR 16242, Apr. 15, 1983]

§ 301.6501(o)-3   Partnership items.

(a) Partnership item defined. For purposes of section 6501(o) (as it read before the enactment of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982), §301.6501(o)–2, and §301.6511(g)–1, the term “partnership item” means—

(1) Any item required to be taken into account for the partnership taxable year under any provision of subchapter K of chapter 1 of the Code, to the extent that the item is designated in paragraph (b) of this section as more appropriately determined at the partnership level than at the partner level, and

(2) Any other item to the extent affected by an item described in paragraph (b) of this section.

The items described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section include items related to the partnership (for example, a partner's basis in the partnership interest) as well as more general items whose computation may be affected by changes to items described in paragraph (b) of this section (for example, adjusted gross income, self-employment tax, income averaging, medical deduction, and charitable contribution deduction).

(b) Items more appropriately determined at the partnership level. The following items which are required to be taken into account for the taxable year of a partnership under subchapter K of chapter 1 of the Code are more appropriately determined at the partnership level than at the partner level:

(1) The partnership aggregate and each partner's share of each of the following:

(i) Items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of the partnership;

(ii) Expenditures by the partnership not deductible in computing its taxable income (for example, foreign taxes and charitable contributions);

(iii) Items of the partnership which may be tax preference items under section 57(a) for any partner;

(iv) Income of the partnership exempt from tax;

(v) Partnership liabilities (including determinations with respect to the amount of the liabilities, whether the liabilities are nonrecourse, and changes from the preceding taxable year); and

(vi) Other amounts with respect to partnership investments, transactions, and operations necessary to enable partners to compute—

(A) The credit provided by section 38;

(B) Recapture under section 47 of the credit provided by section 38,

(C) Their amounts at risk in any activity to which section 465 applies, and

(D) The depletion allowance under section 613A with respect to oil and gas wells;

(2) Guaranteed payments;

(3) Optional adjustments to the basis of partnership property pursuant to an election under section 754 (including necessary preliminary determinations, such as the determination of a transferee partner's basis in a partnership interest); and

(4) To the extent that the determination can be made from determinations that are necessary at the partnership level with respect to an amount, the character of an amount, or the percentage interest of a partner in the partnership for purposes of the partnership books and records or for purposes of furnishing information to a partner—

(i) Contributions to the partnership;

(ii) Distributions from the partnership;

(iii) Amounts to be taken into account by a partner dealing with the partnership in a transaction to which section 707(a) applies (including the application of section 707(b));

(iv) The application to the distributee partner of section 751(b); and

(v) The application to the transferor partner of section 751(a).

(c) Illustrations. This paragraph (c) illustrates the provisions of paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The factors enumerated are not exhaustive; there may be additional partnership-level determinations with respect to a determination listed in paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

(1) Contributions. For purposes of its books and records, or for purposes of furnishing information to a partner, the partnership needs to determine:

(i) The character of an amount received from a partner (for example, whether it is a contribution, a loan, or a repayment of a loan);

(ii) The amount of money contributed by a partner;

(iii) The applicability of the investment company rules of section 721(b) with respect to a contribution; and

(iv) The basis to the partnership of contributed property. To the extent that a determination with respect to a contribution can be made from these and similar partnership-level determinations, therefore, the determination is more appropriately made at the partnership level. To the extent that that determination requires other information, however, that determination is more appropriately made at the partner level. For example, it may be necessary to determine whether the contribution of the property causes recapture from the contributing partner of the credit provided under section 38 in certain circumstances in which that determination is irrelevant to the partnership.

(2) Distribution. For purposes of its books and records, or for purposes of furnishing information to a partner, the partnership needs to determine:

(i) The charter of an amount transferred to a partner (for example, whether it is a distribution, a loan, or a repayment of a loan);

(ii) The amount of money distributed to a partner;

(iii) The adjusted basis to the partnership of distributed property; and

(iv) The character of partnership property (for example, whether an item is inventory or a capital asset). To the extent that a determination with respect to a distribution can be made from these and similar partnership-level determinations, therefore, the determination is more appropriately made at the partnership level. To the extent that that determination requires other information, however, that determination is more appropriately made at the partnership level. Such other information would include certain factors used in determining the partner's basis for the partnership interest, such as the amount that the partner paid to acquire the partnership interest from a transferor partner if that transfer was not covered by an election under section 754.

(3) Transactions to which section 707(a) applies. For purposes of its books and records, the partnership needs to determine:

(i) The amount transferred from the partnership to a partner or from a partner to the partnership in any transaction to which section 707(a) applies;

(ii) The character of such an amount (for example, whether or not it is a loan; in the case of amounts paid over time for the purchase of an asset, what portion is interest); and

(iii) The percentage of the capital interests and profits interests in the partnership owned by each partner.

To the extent that a determination with respect to a transaction to which section 707(a) applies can be made from these and similar partnership-level determinations, therefore, that determination is more appropriately made at the partnership level. To the extent that the determination requires other information, however, that determination is more appropriately made at the partner level. Examples of such other information are the cost to the partner of goods sold to the partnership and the extent to which the partner may be treated under section 267(c) as the constructive owner of a capital or profits interest actually owned by another.

(4) Application of section 751. For purposes of its books and records, or for purposes of furnishing information to a partner for use in applying section 751, the partnership needs to determine:

(i) The fair market value and adjusted basis of the partnership's—

(A) Unrealized receivables (within the meaning of section 751(c)),

(B) Substantially appreciated inventory (within the meaning of section 751(d)), and

(C) Other property;

(ii) A partner's share of each of the classes of assets described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section; and

(iii) Whether a distribution to a partner is a disproportionate distribution subject to section 751(b).

To the extent that a determination with respect to the application of section 751 can be made from these and similar partnership-level determinations, therefore, that determination is more appropriately made at the partnership level. To the extent that the determination requires other information, however, that determination is more appropriately made at the partner level. An example of such other information is the amount realized by a partner on the sale of a partnership interest.

(Sec. 6501(o) (as it read before the enactment of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982) and 7805 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (92 Stat. 2818, 26 U.S.C. 6501(o); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7884, 48 FR 16243, Apr. 15, 1983]

§ 301.6502-1   Collection after assessment.

(a) Length of period—(1) General rule. In any case in which a tax has been assessed within the statutory period of limitation properly applicable thereto, a proceeding in court to collect such tax may be begun, or levy for the collection of such tax may be made, within 10 years after the assessment thereof.

(2) Extension by agreement. (i) The 10-year period of limitation on collection after assessment of any tax may, prior to the expiration thereof, be extended for any period of time agreed upon in writing by the taxpayer and the district director. The extension shall become effective upon execution of the agreement by both the taxpayer and the district director.

(ii) The period of limitation on collection after assessment of any tax (including any extension of such period) may be extended after the expiration thereof if there has been a levy on any part of the taxpayer's property prior to such expiration and if the extension is agreed upon in writing prior to a release of the levy under the provisions of section 6343. An extension under this subdivision has the same effect as an agreement made prior to the expiration of the period of limitation on collection after assessment, and during the period of the extension collection may be enforced as to all property or rights to property owned by the taxpayer whether or not seized under the levy which was released.

(iii) Any period agreed upon under the provisions of this subparagraph may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.

(3) If a proceeding in court for the collection of a tax is begun within the period provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section (or within any extended period as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section), the period during which the tax may be collected by levy is extended until the liability for the tax or a judgment against the taxpayer arising from the liability is satisfied or becomes unenforceable.

(b) Date when levy is considered made. The date on which a levy on property or rights to property is made is the date on which the notice of seizure provided in section 6335(a) is given.

(c) Effective dates. (1) Paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall apply to—

(i) Taxes assessed after November 5, 1990; and

(ii) Taxes assessed on or before November 5, 1990, if the period prescribed in section 6502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (determined without regard to the amendments made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) for the collection of such taxes has not expired as of such date.

(2) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section shall apply to levies issued after November 10, 1988.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 8391, 57 FR 4938, Feb. 11, 1992; 57 FR 10290, Mar. 25, 1992]

§ 301.6503(a)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; issuance of statutory notice of deficiency.

(a) General rule. (1) Upon the mailing of a notice of deficiency for income, estate, gift, chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 tax under the provisions of section 6212, the period of limitation on assessment and collection of any deficiency is suspended for 90 days after the mailing of a notice of such deficiency if the notice of deficiency is addressed to a person within the States of the Union and the District of Columbia, or 150 days if such notice of deficiency is addressed to a person outside the States of the Union and the District of Columbia (not counting Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday in the District of Columbia as the 90th or 150th day), plus an additional 60 days thereafter in either case. If a proceeding in respect of the deficiency is placed on the docket of the Tax Court, the period of limitation is suspended until the decision of the Tax Court becomes final, and for an additional 60 days thereafter. If a notice of deficiency is mailed to a taxpayer within the period of limitation and the taxpayer does not appeal therefrom to the Tax Court, the notice of deficiency so given does not suspend the running of the period of limitation with respect to any additional deficiency shown to be due in a subsequent deficiency notice.

(2) This paragraph may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  A taxpayer filed a return for the calendar year 1973 on April 15, 1974; the notice of deficiency was mailed to him (at an address within the United States) on April 15, 1977; and he filed a petition with the Tax Court on July 14, 1977. The decision of the Tax Court became final on November 6, 1978. The running of the period of limitation for assessment is suspended from April 15, 1977, to January 5, 1979, which date is 60 days after the date (November 6, 1978), on which the decision became final. If in this example the taxpayer had failed to file a petition with the Tax Court, the running of the period of limitation for assessment would then be suspended from April 15, 1977 (the date of notice), to September 12, 1977 (that is, for the 90-day period in which he could file a petition with the Tax Court, and for 60 days thereafter).

(3) For provisions relating to suspension of the running of the period of limitation with respect to collection of “second tier” excise taxes (as defined in section 4963) until final resolution of a refund proceeding described in sections 4961 and 7422 for the determination of the taxpayer's liability for the second tier taxes, see §53.4961–2 (e)(4).

(b) Corporations joining in consolidated return. If a notice under section 6212(a) with respect to a deficiency in tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code for any taxable year is mailed to a corporation, the suspension of the running of the period of limitation provided in section 6503(a)(1) shall apply in the case of corporations with which such corporation made a consolidated income tax return for such taxable year. Under §1.1502–77(a) of this chapter (Income Tax Regulations), relating to consolidated returns, notices of deficiency are mailed only to the common parent.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7244, 37 FR 28898, Dec. 30, 1972; T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44251, Oct. 7, 1982; T.D. 8084, 51 FR 16305, May 2, 1986]

§ 301.6503(b)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; assets of taxpayer in control or custody of court.

Where all or substantially all of the assets of a taxpayer are in the control or custody of the court in any proceeding before any court of the United States, or of any State of the United States, or of the District of Columbia, the period of limitations on collection after assessment prescribed in section 6502 is suspended with respect to the outstanding amount due on the assessment for the period such assets are in the control or custody of the court, and for 6 months thereafter. In the case of an estate of a decedent or an incompetent, the period of limitations on collection is suspended only for periods beginning after November 2, 1966, during which assets are in the control or custody of a court, and for 6 months thereafter.

[T.D. 7121, 36 FR 10782, June 3, 1971]

§ 301.6503(c)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; location of property outside the United States or removal of property from the United States; taxpayer outside of United States.

(a) Property located outside, or removed from, the United States prior to November 3, 1966. The running of the period of limitations on collection after assessment prescribed in section 6502 is suspended for the period of time, prior to November 3, 1966, that collection is hindered or delayed because property of the taxpayer is situated or held outside the United States or is removed from the United States. The total suspension of time under this provision shall not in the aggregate exceed 6 years. In any case in which the district director determines that collection is so hindered or delayed, he shall make and retain in the files of his office a written report which shall identify the taxpayer and the tax liability, shall show what steps were taken to collect the tax liability, shall state the grounds for his determination that property of the taxpayer is situated or held outside, or is removed from, the United States, and shall show the date on which it was first determined that collection was so hindered or delayed. The term “property” includes all property or rights to property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, belonging to the taxpayer. The suspension of the running of the period of limitations on collection shall be considered to begin on the date so determined by the district director. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the taxpayer at his last known address. For further guidance regarding the definition of last known address, see §301.6212–2.

(b) Taxpayer outside United States after November 2, 1966. The running of the period of limitations on collection after assessment prescribed in section 6502 (relating to collection after assessment) is suspended for the period after November 2, 1966, during which the taxpayer is absent from the United States if such period is a continuous period of absence from the United States extending for 6 months or more. In a case where the running of the period of limitations has been suspended under the first sentence of this paragraph and at the time of the taxpayer's return to the United States the period of limitations would expire before the expiration of 6 months from the date of his return, the period of limitations shall not expire until after 6 months from the date of the taxpayer's return. The taxpayer will be deemed to be absent from the United States for purposes of this section if he is generally and substantially absent from the United States, even though he makes casual temporary visits during the period.

[T.D. 7121, 36 FR 10782, June 3, 1971, as amended by T.D. 8939, 66 FR 2821, Jan. 12, 2001]

§ 301.6503(d)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; extension of time for payment of estate tax.

Where an estate is granted an extension of time as provided in section 6161 (a)(2) or (b)(2), or under the provisions of section 6166, for payment of any estate tax, the running of the period of limitations for collection of such tax is suspended for the period of time for which the extension is granted.

§ 301.6503(e)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; certain powers of appointment.

Where the estate of a decedent is allowed an estate tax charitable deduction under the provisions of section 2055(b)(2) (with respect to property over which the decedent's surviving spouse was given a power of appointment exercisable in favor of charitable organizations) subject to the later disallowance of the deduction if all conditions set forth in section 2055(b)(2) are not complied with, the running of the period of limitation for assessment or collection of any estate tax imposed on the decedent's estate is suspended until 30 days after the expiration of the period for assessment or collection of the estate tax imposed on the estate of the decedent's surviving spouse.

§ 301.6503(f)-1   Suspension of running of period of limitation; wrongful seizure of property of third party.

The running of the period of limitations on collection after assessment prescribed in section 6502 (relating to collection after assessment) shall be suspended for a period equal to a period beginning on the date property (including money) is wrongfully seized or received by a district director and ending on the date 30 days after the date on which the district director returns the property pursuant to section 6343(b) (relating to authority to return property) or the date 30 days after the date on which a judgment secured pursuant to section 7426 (relating to civil actions by persons other than taxpayers) with respect to such property becomes final. The running of the period of limitations on collection after assessment shall be suspended under this section only with respect to the amount of such assessment which is equal to the amount of money or the value of specific property returned. This section applies in the case of property wrongfully seized or received after November 2, 1966.

Example.  On June 1, 1968 (at which time 10 months remain before the period of limitations on collection after assessment will expire), the district director wrongfully seizes $1,000 in B's account in Bank X and properly seizes $500 in taxpayer A's account in Bank Y in an attempt to satisfy A's assessed tax liability of $1,500. The district director determines that the $1,000 seized in Bank X was not the property of taxpayer A and, on March 1, 1969, he returns the $1,000 to B. As a result of the wrongful seizure, the running of the period of limitations on collection after assessment of the amount owed by taxpayer A is suspended for the 9-month period (beginning June 1, 1968, when the money was wrongfully seized and ending March 1, 1969, when the money was returned to B), plus 30 days. Therefore, the period of limitations on collection after assessment prescribed in section 6502 will not expire until February 1, 1970, which is 10 months plus 30 days after the money was returned.

[T.D. 7121, 36 FR 10783, June 3, 1971. Redesignated by T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44252, Oct. 7, 1982]

§ 301.6503(g)-1   Suspension pending correction.

The running of the periods of limitations provided in sections 6501 and 6502 on the making of assessments, the collection by levy, or a proceeding in court in respect of any tax imposed by chapter 42 or section 507, 4971, or 4975 shall be suspended for any period described in section 507(g)(2) or during which the Commissioner has extended the time for making correction under section 4963(e)(1)(B).

[T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44252, Oct. 7, 1982, as amended by T.D. 8084, 51 FR 16305, May 2, 1986]

Limitations on Credit or Refund

§ 301.6511(a)-1   Period of limitation on filing claim.

(a) In the case of any tax (other than a tax payable by stamp):

(1) If a return is filed, a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment must be filed by the taxpayer within 3 years from the time the return was filed or within 2 years from the time the tax was paid, whichever of such periods expires the later.

(2) If no return is filed, the claim for credit or refund of an overpayment must be filed by the taxpayer within 2 years from the time the tax was paid.

(b) In the case of any tax payable by means of a stamp, a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment of such tax must be filed by the taxpayer within 3 years from the time the tax was paid. For provisions relating to redemption of unsued stamps, see section 6805.

(c) For limitations on allowance of credit or refund, special rules, and exceptions, see subsections (b) through (e) of section 6511. For limitations in the case of a petition to the Tax Court, see section 6512. For rules as to time return is deemed filed and tax considered paid, see section 6513.

§ 301.6511(b)-1   Limitations on allowance of credits and refunds.

(a) Effect of filing claim. Unless a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment is filed within the period of limitation prescribed in section 6511(a), no credit or refund shall be allowed or made after the expiration of such period.

(b) Limit on amount to be credited or refunded. (1) In the case of any tax (other than a tax payable by stamp):

(i) If a return was filed, and a claim is filed within 3 years from the time the return was filed, the amount of the credit or refund shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period, immediately preceding the filing of the claim, equal to 3 years plus the period of any extension of time for filing the return.

(ii) If a return was filed, and a claim is filed after the 3-year period described in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph but within 2 years from the time the tax was paid, the amount of the credit or refund shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid within the 2 years immediately preceding the filing of the claim.

(iii) If no return was filed, but a claim is filed, the amount of the credit or refund shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid within the 2 years immediately preceding the filing of the claim.

(iv) If no claim is filed, the amount of the credit or refund allowed or made by the district director or the director of the regional service center shall not exceed the amount that would have been allowable under the preceding subdivisions of this subparagraph if a claim had been filed on the date the credit or refund is allowed.

(2) In the case of a tax payable by stamp:

(i) If a claim is filed, the amount of the credit or refund shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid within the 3 years immediately preceding the filing of the claim.

(ii) If no claim is filed, the amount of the credit or refund allowed or made by the district director or the director of the regional service center shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid within the 3 years immediately preceding the allowance of the credit or refund.

For provisions relating to redemption of unused stamps, see section 6805.

§ 301.6511(c)-1   Special rules applicable in case of extension of time by agreement.

(a) Scope. If, within the period prescribed in section 6511(a) for the filing of a claim for credit or refund, an agreement extending the period for assessment of a tax has been made in accordance with the provisions of section 6501(c)(4), the special rules provided in this section become applicable. This section shall not apply to any claim filed, or credit or refund allowed if no claim is filed, either (1) prior to the execution of an agreement extending the period in which assessment may be made, or (2) more than 6 months after the expiration of the period within which an assessment may be made pursuant to the agreement or any extension thereof.

(b) Period in which claim may be filed. Claim for credit or refund of an overpayment may be filed, or credit or refund may be allowed if no claim is filed, at any time within which an assessment may be made pursuant to an agreement, or any extension thereof, under section 6501(c)(4), and for 6 months thereafter.

(c) Limit on amount to be credited or refunded. (1) If a claim is filed within the time prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, the amount of the credit or refund allowed or made shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid after the execution of the agreement and before the filing of the claim, plus the amount that could have been properly credited or refunded under the provisions of section 6511(b)(2) if a claim had been filed on the date of the execution of the agreement.

(2) If no claim is filed, the amount of credit or refund allowed or made within the time prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section shall not exceed the portion of the tax paid after the execution of the agreement and before the making of the credit or refund, plus the amount that could have been properly credited or refunded under the provisions of section 6511(b)(2) if a claim had been filed on the date of the execution of the agreement.

(d) Effective date of agreement. The agreement referred to in this section shall become effective when signed by the taxpayer and the district director or an assistant regional commissioner.

§ 301.6511(d)-1   Overpayment of income tax on account of bad debts, worthless securities, etc.

(a)(1) If the claim for credit or refund relates to an overpayment of income tax on account of—

(i) The deductibility by the taxpayer, under section 166 or section 832(c), of a debt as a debt which became worthless, or, under section 165(g), of a loss from the worthlessness of a security, or

(ii) The effect that the deductibility of a debt or loss described in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph has on the application to the taxpayer of a carryover, then in lieu of the 3-year period from the time the return was filed in which claim may be filed or credit or refund allowed, as prescribed in section 6511 (a) or (b), the period shall be 7 years from the date prescribed by law for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing such return) for the taxable year for which the claim is made or the credit or refund allowed or made.

(2) If the claim for credit or refund relates to an overpayment on account of the effect that the deductibility of a debt or loss, described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), has on the application to the taxpayer of a net operating loss carryback provided in section 172(b), the period in which claim for credit or refund may be filed shall be whichever of the following two periods expires later:

(i) Seven years from the last date prescribed for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing such return) for the taxable year of the net operating loss which results in such carryback, or

(ii) The period which ends with the expiration of the period prescribed in section 6511(c) within which a claim for credit or refund may be filed with respect to the taxable year of the net operating loss which resulted in the carryback.

(3) In the case of a claim for credit or refund involving items described in this section, the amount of the credit or refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), whichever is applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the deductibility of items described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a). If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on the deductibility of items described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, the credit or refund cannot exceed the sum of the following:

(i) The amount of the overpayment which is attributable to the deductibility of items described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), and

(ii) The balance of such overpayment up to a limit of the portion, if any, of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), or within the period provided in any other applicable provision of law.

(4) If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on the deductibility of items described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, and if the claim with respect to any items is barred by the expiration of any applicable period of limitation, the portion of the overpayment attributable to the items not so barred shall be determined by treating the allowance of such items as the first adjustment to be made in computing such overpayment.

(b) If a claim for credit or refund is not filed within the applicable period described in paragraph (a) of this section, then credit or refund may be allowed or made only if claim therefor is filed or if such credit or refund is allowed within any period prescribed in section 6511 (a), (b), or (c), whichever is applicable, subject to the provisions thereof limiting the amount of credit or refund in the case of a claim filed, or, if no claim was filed, in the case of credit or refund allowed within such applicable period as prescribed in section 6511 (b) or (c).

(c) The provisions of this section and section 6511(d)(1) do not apply to an overpayment resulting from the deductibility of a debt that became partially worthless during the taxable year, but only to an overpayment resulting from the deductibility of a debt which became entirely worthless during such year.

(d) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section with regard to an overpayment caused by the deductibility of a bad debt under section 166 or section 832(c), or of a loss from the worthlessness of a security under section 165(g), are likewise applicable to an overpayment caused by the effect that the deductibility of such bad debt or loss has on the application to the taxpayer of a carryover or of a carryback.

§ 301.6511(d)-2   Overpayment of income tax on account of net operating loss or capital loss carrybacks.

(a) Special period of limitation. (1) If the claim for credit or refund relates to an overpayment of income tax attributable to a net operating loss carryback (provided in section 172(b)), or a capital loss carryback (provided in section 1212(a)), then in lieu of the 3-year period from the time the return was filed in which the claim may be filed or credit or refund allowed, as prescribed in section 6511 (a) or (b), the period shall be whichever of the following two periods expires later:

(i) The period which ends with the expiration of the 15th day of the 40th month (or 39th month, in the case of a corporation) following the end of the taxable year of the net operating loss or net capital loss which resulted in the carryback; or

(ii) The period which ends with the expiration of the period prescribed in section 6511(c) within which a claim for credit or refund may be filed with respect to the taxable year of the net operating loss or net capital loss which resulted in the carryback except that—

(a) With respect to an overpayment attributable to a net operating loss carryback to any year on account of a certification issued to the taxpayer under section 317 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the period shall not expire before the expiration of the sixth month following the month in which such certification is issued to the taxpayer, and

(b) With respect to an overpayment attributable to the creation of, or an increase in, a net operating loss as a result of the elimination of excessive profits by a renegotiation (as defined in section 1481(a)(1)(A)), the period shall not expire before September 1, 1959, or the expiration of the 12th month following the month in which the agreement or order for the elimination of such excessive profits becomes final, whichever is the later.

(2) In the case of a claim for credit or refund involving a net operating loss or capital loss carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), the amount of the credit or refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), whichever is applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the carryback. If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on a net operating loss or capital loss carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, the credit or refund cannot exceed the sum of the following:

(i) The amount of the overpayment which is attributable to the net operating loss or capital loss carryback, and

(ii) The balance of such overpayment up to a limit of the portion, if any, of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), or within the period provided in any other applicable provision of law.

(3) If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on a net operating loss or capital loss carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, and if the claim with respect to any items is barred by the expiration of any applicable period of limitation, the portion of the overpayment attributable to the items not so barred shall be determined by treating the allowance of such items as the first adjustment to be made in computing such overpayment. If a claim for credit or refund is not filed, and if credit or refund is not allowed, within the period prescribed in this paragraph, then credit or refund may be allowed or made only if claim therefor is filed, or if such credit or refund is allowed, within the period prescribed in section 6511 (a), (b), or (c), whichever is applicable, subject to the provisions thereof limiting the amount of credit or refund in the case of a claim filed, or if no claim was filed, in case of credit or refund allowed, within such applicable period. For the limitations on the allowance of interest for an overpayment where credit or refund is subject to the provisions of this section, see section 6611(f).

(b)(1) Barred overpayments. If the allowance of a credit or refund of an overpayment of tax attributable to a net operating loss carryback or capital loss carryback is otherwise prevented by the operation of any law or rule of law (other than section 7122, relating to compromises), such credit or refund may be allowed or made under the provisions of section 6511(d)(2)(B) if a claim therefor is filed within the period provided by section 6511(d)(2)(A) and paragraph (a) of this section for filing a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback. Similarly, if the allowance of an application, credit, or refund of a decrease in the tax determined under section 6411(b) is otherwise prevented by the operation of any law or rule of law (other than section 7122), such application, credit, or refund may be allowed or made if an application for a tentative carryback adjustment is filed within the period provided in section 6411(a). Thus, for example, even though the tax liability (not including the net operating loss deduction or capital loss carryback (or the effect of such deduction or carryback)) for a given taxable year has previously been litigated before the Tax Court, credit or refund of an overpayment may be allowed or made despite the provisions of section 6512(a), if claim for such credit or refund is filed within the period provided in section 6511(d)(2)(A) and paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback, or in the case of an application for a tentative carryback adjustment, the determination of any court, including the Tax Court, in any proceeding in which the decision of the court has become final, shall be conclusive except with respect to the net operating loss deduction, and the effect of such deduction, or with respect to the determination of a short-term capital loss, and the effect of such short-term capital loss, to the extent that such deduction or short-term capital loss is affected by a carryback which was not in issue in such proceeding.

(2) For purposes of the special period of limitation for filing a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment of tax with respect to a computation year (as defined in section 1302(c)(1)) by an individual who has chosen to compute his tax under sections 1301 through 1305 (relating to income averaging), such claim is determined to relate to an overpayment attributable to a net operating loss carryback when such carryback relates to any base period year (as defined in section 1302(c)(3)). Thus, if (i) an individual has a net operating loss for a taxable year subsequent to a taxable year for which he had chosen the benefits of income averaging, and (ii) such net operating loss carryback is wholly utilized in any one or more of his base period years (which would result in an increased amount of averageable income for such computation year), the special period of limitation with respect to such individual's computation year applies and a timely claim for credit or refund with respect to the computation year may be filed.

[T.D. 7196, 37 FR 13691, July 13, 1972, and T.D. 7301, 39 FR 976, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6511(d)-3   Special rules applicable to credit against income tax for foreign taxes.

(a) Period in which claim may be filed. In the case of an overpayment of income tax resulting from a credit, allowed under the provisions of section 901 or under the provisions of any treaty to which the United States is a party, for taxes paid or accrued to a foreign country or possession of the United States, a claim for credit or refund must be filed by the taxpayer within 10 years from the last date prescribed for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing such return) for the taxable year with respect to which the claim is made. Such 10-year period shall be applied in lieu of the 3-year period prescribed in section 6511(a).

(b) Limit on amount to be credited or refunded. In the case of a claim described in paragraph (a) of this section, the amount of the credit or refund allowed or made may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period prescribed in section 6511 (b) or (c), whichever is applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the allowance of a credit against income tax referred to in paragraph (a) of this section.

§ 301.6511(d)-4   Overpayment of income tax on account of investment credit carryback.

(a) Special period of limitation. (1) If the claim for credit or refund relates to an overpayment of income tax attributable to an investment credit carryback, provided in section 46(b), then in lieu of the 3-year period from the time the return was filed in which the claim may be filed or credit or refund allowed, as prescribed in section 6511 (a) or (b), the period shall be whichever of the following 2 periods expires later:

(i) The period which ends with the expiration of the 15th day of the 40th month (or 39th month, in the case of a corporation) following the end of the taxable year of the unused investment credit which resulted in the carryback (or, with respect to any portion of an investment credit carryback from a taxable year attributable to a net operating loss carryback or a capital loss carryback from a subsequent taxable year, the period which ends with the expiration of the 15th day of the 40th month (or 39th month, in the case of a corporation) following the end of such subsequent taxable year); or

(ii) The period which ends with the expiration of the period prescribed in section 6511(c) within which a claim for credit or refund may be filed with respect to the taxable year of the unused investment credit which resulted in the carryback.

(2) In the case of a claim for credit or refund involving an investment credit carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, the amount of the credit or refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), whichever is applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the carryback. If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on an investment credit carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, the credit or refund cannot exceed the sum of the following:

(i) The amount of the overpayment which is attributable to the investment credit carryback, and

(ii) The balance of such overpayment up to a limit of the portion, if any, of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), or within the period provided in any other applicable provision of law.

(3) If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on an investment credit carryback described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), but based also on other items, and if the claim with respect to any items is barred by the expiration of any applicable period of limitation, the portion of the overpayment attributable to the items not so barred shall be determined by treating the allowance of such items as the first adjustment to be made in computing such overpayment. If a claim for credit or refund is not filed, and if credit or refund is not allowed, within the period prescribed in this paragraph, then credit or refund may be allowed or made only if claim therefor is filed, or if such credit or refund is allowed, within the period prescribed in section 6511 (a), (b), or (c), whichever is applicable, subject to the provisions thereof limiting the amount of credit or refund in the case of a claim filed, or if no claim was filed, in case of credit or refund allowed, within such applicable period. For the limitations on the allowance of interest for an overpayment where credit or refund is subject to the provisions of this section, see section 6611(f).

(b) Barred overpayments. If the allowance of a credit or refund of an overpayment of tax attributable to an investment credit carryback is otherwise prevented by the operation of any law or rule of law (other than section 7122, relating to compromises), such credit or refund may be allowed or made under the provisions of section 6511(d)(4)(B) if a claim therefor is filed within the period provided by section 6511(d)(4)(A) and paragraph (a) of this section for filing a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback. In the case of a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback, the determination of any court, including the Tax Court, in any proceeding in which the decision of the court has become final, shall not be conclusive with respect to the investment credit, and the effect of such credit, to the extent that such credit is affected by a carryback which was not in issue in such proceeding.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7301, 39 FR 977, Jan. 4, 1974]

§ 301.6511(d)-7   Overpayment of income tax on account of work incentive program credit carryback.

(a) Special period of limitation. (1) If the claim for credit or refund related to an overpayment of income tax attributable to a work incentive program (WIN) credit carryback, provided in section 50A, then in lieu of the 3-year period from the time the return was filed in which the claim may be filed or credit or refund allowed, as prescribed in section 6511 (a) or (b), the period shall be whichever of the following 2 periods expires later:

(i) The period which ends with the expiration of the fifteenth day of the fortieth month (or thirty-–ninth month, in the case of a corporation) following the end of the taxable year of the unused WIN credit which resulted in the carryback (or, with respect to any portion of a WIN credit carryback from a taxable year attributable to a net operating loss carryback or a capital loss carryback from a subsequent taxable year, the period which ends with the expiration of the fifteenth day of the fortieth month (or thirty-ninth month in the case of a corporation) following the end of such subsequent taxable year); or

(ii) The period which ends with the expiration of the period prescribed in section 6511(c) within which a claim for credit or refund may be filed with respect to the taxable year of the unused WIN credit which resulted in the carryback.

(2) In the case of a claim for credit or refund involving a WIN credit carryback described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the amount of the credit or refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), whichever is applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the carryback. If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on a WIN credit carryback described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section but based also on other items, the credit or refund cannot exceed the sum of the following:

(i) The amount of the overpayment which is attributable to the WIN credit carryback, and

(ii) The balance of such overpayment up to a limit of the portion, if any, of the tax paid within the period provided in section 6511 (b)(2) or (c), or within the period provided in any other applicable provision of law.

(3) If the claim involves an overpayment based not only on a WIN credit carryback described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section but based also on other items, and if the claim with respect to any items is barred by the expiration of any applicable period of limitation, the portion of the overpayment attributable to the items not so barred shall be determined by treating the allowance of such items as the first adjustment to be made in computing such overpayment. If a claim for credit or refund is not filed, and if credit or refund is not allowed, within the period prescribed in this paragraph, then credit or refund may be allowed or made only if claim therefor is filed, or if such credit or refund is allowed, within the period prescribed in section 6511 (a), (b), or (c), whichever is applicable, subject to the provisions thereof limiting the amount of credit or refund in the case of a claim filed, or if no claim was filed, in case of credit or refund allowed, within such applicable period. For the limitations on the allowance of interest for an overpayment where credit or refund is subject to the provisions of this section, see section 6611(f).

(b) Barred overpayments. If the allowance of a credit or refund of an overpayment of tax attributable to a WIN credit carryback is otherwise prevented by the operation of any law or rule of law (other than section 7122, relating to compromises), such credit or refund may be allowed or made under the provisions of section 6511(d)(7)(B) if a claim therefor is filed within the period provided by section 6511(d)(7)(A) and paragraph (a) of this section for filing a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback. In the case of a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to a carryback, the determination of any court, including the Tax Court, in any proceeding in which the decision of the courts has become final, shall not be conclusive with respect to the WIN credit, and the effect of such credit, to the extent that such credit is affected by a carryback which was not in issue in such proceeding.

[T.D. 7301, 39 FR 977, Jan. 4, 1974; 39 FR 2758, Jan. 24, 1974]

§ 301.6511(e)-1   Special rules applicable to manufactured sugar.

(a) Use as livestock feed and for distillation of alcohol. No payment shall be allowed or made under section 6418 (a) unless within 2 years after the date the right to such payment has accrued a claim therefor is filed by the person entitled thereto. Such right accrues as of the date the manufactured sugar, or article manufactured therefrom, is used for a purpose for which payment is allowable under section 6418(a).

(b) Exportation. No payment shall be allowed or made under section 6418 (b) unless within 2 years after the date the right to such payment has accrued a claim therefor is filed by the person entitled thereto. Such right accrues as of the date the articles are exported.

§ 301.6511(f)-1   Special rules for chapter 42 taxes.

(a) In general. Claims for credit or refund of an overpayment of any tax imposed by chapter 42 shall be filed by the taxpayer within 3 years from the time a return was filed by the private foundation or trust (as the case may be) with respect to such tax, or within 2 years from the time the tax was paid, whichever of such periods expire the later.

(b) Examples. This section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example 1.  In 1972, D, an individual taxpayer who was a disqualified person under the provisions of section 4946(a)(1), participated in an act of self-dealing with a private foundation and incurred a tax under section 4941(a)(1). The private foundation files a Form 990–PF on May 15, 1973, and discloses thereon that it has engaged in an act of self-dealing with D. D files a Form 4720 on July 2, 1973, and pays the amount of tax imposed by section 4941(a) with respect to such act of self-dealing. For purposes of this section, the return was filed on May 15, 1973, and any claim for credit or refund by D must be filed by May 17, 1976 (May 15, 1976, was a Saturday).

Example 2.  Assume the same facts as in example 1 except that D filed a Form 4720 on July 1, 1974, and pays the tax on that date. D must then file any claim for credit or refund by July 1, 1976.

[T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44252, Oct. 7, 1982]

§ 301.6511(g)-1   Special rule for partnership items of federally registered partnerships.

(a) In general. In the case of any tax imposed by subtitle A with respect to any person, the period for filing a claim for credit or refund of any overpayment attributable to any partnership item of a federally registered partnership shall not expire before the later of—

(1) The date which is 4 years after the date prescribed by law (including extensions thereof) for filing the partnership return for the partnership taxable year in which the item arose, or

(2) If the taxpayer or a general partner or a person authorized to act on behalf of the partnership, as provided in §301.6501(o)–2(d), consents to extend the period for assessing a deficiency attributable to the partnership item before the date specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the date 6 months after the expiration of the extension.

(b) Limits on amount of credit or refund not applicable. In the case of a claim for credit or refund of any income tax overpayment attributable to any partnership item of a federally registered partnership, the limitations provided in section 6511(b) (2) and (c) shall not apply if the claim is filed within the period described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Special periods of limitation with respect to carryback of net operating loss, capital loss, etc. The provisions of section 6511(g) must also be taken into account in applying the various special periods of limitation prescribed in section 6511(d). Thus, to the extent that a carryback is attributable to a partnership item of a federally registered partnership, the period for filing a claim for credit or refund of an overpayment attributable to that carryback shall not expire before the date determined under paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the partnership taxable year in which the item arose.

(d) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms “partnership item” and “federally registered partnership” have the same meaning as such terms have when used in section 6501(o), §301.6501(o)–2(c), and §301.6501(o)–3.

(e) Effective date. The provisions of this section are effective generally for partnership items arising in partnership taxable years beginning after December 31, 1978 and before September 4, 1982. This section shall not apply, however, to any partnership taxable year with respect to which the amendments made to Code section 6511(g) by section 402 of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 are effective. See section 407(a)(3) of that Act.

(Sec. 6501(o) (as it read before the enactment of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982) and 7805 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (92 Stat. 2818, 26 U.S.C. 6501(o); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7884, 48 FR 16244, Apr. 15, 1983]

§ 301.6512-1   Limitations in case of petition to Tax Court.

(a) Effect of petition to Tax Court—(1) General rule. If a person having a right to file a petition with the Tax Court with respect to a deficiency in income, estate, gift, or excise tax imposed by subtitle A or B, or chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 of the Code has filed such petition within the time prescribed in section 6213(a), no credit or refund of income tax for the same taxable year, of gift tax for the same calendar year or calendar quarter, of estate tax in respect of the taxable estate of the same decedent, or of tax imposed by chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 with respect to any act (or failure to act) to which such petition relates, in respect of which a district director or director of a service center (or a regional director of appeals) has determined the deficiency, shall be allowed or made, and no suit in any court for the recovery of any part of such tax shall be instituted by the taxpayer, except as to items set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(2) Exceptions. The exceptions to the rule stated in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (a), are as follows:

(i) An overpayment determined by a decision of the Tax Court which has become final;

(ii) Any amount collected in excess of an amount computed in accordance with the decision of the Tax Court which has become final; and

(iii) Any amount collected after the expiration of the period of limitation upon levying or beginning a proceeding in court for collection.

(b) Overpayment determined by Tax Court. If the Tax Court finds that there is no deficiency and further finds that the taxpayer has made an overpayment of income tax for the same taxable year, of gift tax for the same calendar year or calendar quarter, of estate tax in respect of the taxable estate of the same decedent, or of tax imposed by chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 with respect to any act (or failure to act) to which such petition relates, in respect of which a district director, or director of a service center (or a regional director of appeals) has determined the deficiency, or finds that there is a deficiency but that the taxpayer has made an overpayment of such tax, the overpayment determined by the Tax Court shall be credited or refunded to the taxpayer when the decision of the Tax Court has become final. (See section 7481, relating to the date when a Tax Court decision becomes final.) No such credit or refund shall be allowed or made of any portion of the tax unless the Tax Court determines as part of its decision that such portion was paid—

(1) After the mailing of the notice of deficiency, or

(2) Within the period which would be applicable under section 6511(b)(2), (c), (d) or (g) (see §§301.6511(b)–1. 301.6511(c)–1, 301.6511(d)–1, 301.6511(d)–2, and 301.6511(d)–3), if on the date of the mailing of the notice of deficiency a claim had been filed (whether or not filed) stating the grounds upon which the Tax Court finds that there is an overpayment.

(c) Jeopardy assessments. In the case of a jeopardy assessment made under section 6861(a), if the amount which should have been assessed as determined by a decision of the Tax Court which has become final is less than the amount already collected, the excess payment shall be credited or refunded subject to a determination being made by the Tax Court with respect to the time of payment as stated in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Disallowance of deficiency by reviewing court. If the amount of the deficiency determined by the Tax Court (in a case where collection has not been stayed by the filing of a bond) is disallowed in whole or in part by the reviewing court, then the overpayment resulting from such disallowance shall be credited or refunded without the making of claim therefor, subject to a determination being made by the Tax Court with respect to the time of payment as stated in paragraph (b) of this section. (See section 7481, relating to date Tax Court decision becomes final.)

(e) Collection in excess of amount determined by Tax Court. Where the amount collected is in excess of the amount computed in accordance with the decision of the Tax Court which has become final, the excess payment shall be credited or refunded within the period of limitation provided in section 6511.

(f) Collection after expiration of statutory period. Where an amount is collected after the statutory period of limitation upon the beginning of levy or a proceeding in court for collection has expired (see section 6502, relating to collection after assessment), the taxpayer may file a claim for refund of the amount so collected within the period of limitation provided in section 6511. In any such case, the decision of the Tax Court as to whether the statutory period upon collection of the tax expired before notice of the deficiency was mailed shall, when the decision becomes final, be conclusive.

[32 FR 15241, Nov. 3, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7838, 47 FR 44252, Oct. 7, 1982]

§ 301.6513-1   Time return deemed filed and tax considered paid.

(a) Early return or advance payment of tax. For purposes of section 6511, a return filed before the last day prescribed by law or regulations for the filing thereof shall be considered as filed on such last day. For purposes of section 6511 (b)(2) and (c) and section 6512, payment of any portion of the tax made before the last day prescribed for payment shall be considered made on such last day. An extension of time for filing a return or for paying any tax, or an election to pay any tax in installments, shall not be given any effect in determining under this section the last day prescribed for filing a return or paying any tax.

(b) Prepaid income tax. For purposes of section 6511 (relating to limitations on credit or refund) or section 6512 (relating to limitations in case of petition to Tax Court)—

(1) Any tax actually deducted and withheld at the source during any calendar year under chapter 24 of the Code (relating to collection of income tax at source on wages) shall, in respect of the recipient of the income, be deemed to have been paid by him on the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of his taxable year with respect to which such tax is allowable as a credit under section 31 (relating to tax withheld on wages),

(2) Any amount paid as estimated income tax for any taxable year shall be deemed to have been paid on the last day prescribed for filing the income tax return under section 6012 for such taxable year (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing such return), and

(3) Any tax withheld at the source on or after November 13, 1966, under chapter 3 of the Code (relating to tax withheld on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free covenant bonds) shall, in respect of the recipient of the income, be deemed to have been paid by such recipient on the last day prescribed for filing his income tax return under section 6012 for the taxable year (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing such return) with respect to which such tax is allowable as a credit under section 1462 (relating to withheld tax as credit to recipient of income).

Subparagraph (3) of this paragraph (b), shall apply even though the recipient of the income has been granted under section 6012 and the regulations thereunder an exemption from the requirement of making an income tax return for the taxable year.

(c) Return and payment of social security taxes and income tax withholding. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, if a return (or payment) on or after November 13, 1966, of tax imposed by chapter 3 of the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free covenant bonds), or if a return (or payment) of tax imposed by chapter 21 of the Code (relating to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) or by chapter 24 of the Code (relating to the collection of income tax at source on wages), for any period ending with or within a calendar year is filed or paid before April 15 of the succeeding calendar year, for purposes of section 6511 (relating to limitations on credit or refund) the return shall be considered filed, or the tax considered paid, on April 15 of such succeeding calendar year.

(d) Overpayment of income tax credited to estimated tax. If a taxpayer elects under the provisions of section 6402(b) to credit an overpayment of income tax for a taxable year against estimated tax for the succeeding taxable year, the amount so credited shall be considered a payment of income tax for such succeeding taxable year (whether or not claimed as a credit on the estimated tax return for such succeeding taxable year). If the treatment of such amount as a payment of income tax for the succeeding taxable year results in an overpayment for such succeeding taxable year, the period of limitations applicable to such overpayment is determined by reference to that taxable year. An election so to credit an overpayment of income tax precludes the allowance of a claim for credit or refund of such overpayment for the taxable year in which the overpayment arises.

§ 301.6514(a)-1   Credits or refunds after period of limitation.

(a) A refund of any portion of any internal revenue tax (or any interest, additional amount, addition to the tax, or assessable penalty) shall be considered erroneous and a credit of any such portion shall be considered void:

(1) If made after the expiration of the period of limitation prescribed by section 6511 for filing claim therefor, unless prior to the expiration of such period claim was filed, or

(2) In the case of a timely claim, if the credit or refund was made after the expiration of the period of limitation prescribed by section 6532(a) for the filing of suit, unless prior to the expiration of such period suit was begun.

(b) For procedure by the United States to recover erroneous refunds, see sections 6532(b) and 7405.

§ 301.6514(b)-1   Credit against barred liability.

Any credit against a liability in respect of any taxable year shall be void if the collection of such liability would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations at the time such credit is made.

Mitigation of Effect of Period of Limitations

§ 301.6521-1   Mitigation of effect of limitation in case of related employee social security tax and self-employment tax.

(a) Section 6521 may be applied in the correction of a certain type of error involving both the tax on self-employment income under section 1401 and the employee tax under section 3101 if the correction of the error as to one tax is, on the date the correction is authorized, prevented in whole or in part by the operation of any law or rule of law other than section 7122, relating to compromises. Examples of such law are sections 6212(c), 6401(a), 6501, 6511, 6512(a), 6514, 6532, 6901 (c), (d) and (e), 7121, and 7459(e).

(b) If the liability for either tax with respect to which the error was made has been compromised under section 7122, the provisions of section 6521 limiting the correction with respect to the other tax do not apply.

(c) Section 6521 is not applicable if, on the date of the authorization, correction of the effect of the error is permissible as to both taxes without recourse to such section.

(d) If, because an amount of wages, as defined in section 3121(a), is erroneously treated as self-employment income, as defined in section 1402(b), or an amount of self-employment income is erroneously treated as wages, it is necessary in correcting the error to assess the correct tax and give a credit or refund for the amount of the tax erroneously paid, and if either, but not both, of such adjustments is prevented by any law or rule of law (other than section 7122), the amount of the assessment, or the amount of the credit or refund, authorized shall reflect the adjustment which would be made in respect of the other tax (either the tax on self-employment income under section 1401 or the employee tax under section 3101) but for the operation of such law or rule of law. For example, assume that during 1955 A paid $10 as tax on an amount erroneously treated as “wages”, when such amount was actually self-employment income, and that credit or refund of the $10 is not barred. A should have paid a self-employment tax of $15 on the amount. If the assessment of the correct tax, that is, $15, is barred by the statute of limitations, no credit or refund of the $10 shall be made without offsetting against such $10 the $15, assessment of which is barred. Thus, no credit or refund in respect of the $10 can be made.

(e) As another example, assume that during 1955 a taxpayer reports wages of $4,200 and net earnings from self-employment of $900. By reason of the limitations of section 1402(b) he shows no self-employment income. Assume further that by reason of a final decision by the Tax Court of the United States, further adjustments to the taxpayer's income tax liability are barred. The question of the amount of his wages, as defined in section 3121, was not in issue in the Tax Court litigation, but it is subsequently determined (within the period of limitations applicable under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) that $700 of the $4,200 reported as wages was not for employment as defined in section 3121(b). Therefore, the taxpayer is entitled to the allowance of a refund of the $14 tax paid on such remuneration under section 3101. The reduction of his wages from $4,200 to $3,500 would result in the determination of $700 self-employment income, the tax on which is $21 for the year. Under section 6521, the overpayment of $14 would be offset by the barred deficiency of $21, thus eliminating the refund otherwise allowable. If the facts were changed so that the taxpayer erroneously paid tax on self-employment income of $700, having been taxed on only $3,500 as wages, and within the period of limitations applicable under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, it is determined that his wages were $4,200, the tax of $14 under section 3101, otherwise collectible, would be eliminated by offsetting under section 6521 the barred overpayment of $21. The balance of the barred overpayment, $7, cannot be credited or refunded.

(f) Another illustration of the operation of section 6521 is the case of a taxpayer who, for 1955, is erroneously taxed on $2,500 as wages, the tax on which is $50, and who reports no self-employment income. After the period of limitations has run on the refund of the tax under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, it is determined that the amount treated as wages should have been reported as net earnings from self-employment. The taxpayer's self-employment income would then be $2,500 and the tax thereon would be $75. Assume that the period of limitations applicable to subtitle A of the Code has not expired, and that a notice of deficiency may properly be issued. Under section 6521, the amount of the deficiency of $75 must be reduced by the barred overpayment of $50.

§ 301.6521-2   Law applicable in determination of error.

The question of whether there was an erroneous treatment of self-employment income or of wages is determined under the provisions of law and regulations applicable with respect to the year or other taxable period as to which the error was made. The fact that the error was in pursuance of an interpretation, either judicial or administrative, accorded such provisions of law and regulations at the time the action involved was taken is not necessarily determinative of this question. For example, if a later judicial decision authoritatively alters such interpretation so that such action is contrary to the applicable provisions of the law and regulations as later interpreted, the error comes within the scope of section 6521.

Periods of Limitation in Judicial Proceedings

§ 301.6532-1   Periods of limitation on suits by taxpayers.

(a) No suit or proceeding under section 7422(a) for the recovery of any internal revenue tax, penalty, or other sum shall be begun until whichever of the following first occurs:

(1) The expiration of 6 months from the date of the filing of the claim for credit or refund, or

(2) A decision is rendered on such claim prior to the expiration of 6 months after the filing thereof.

Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no suit or proceeding for the recovery of any internal revenue tax, penalty, or other sum may be brought after the expiration of 2 years from the date of mailing by registered mail prior to September 3, 1958, or by either registered or certified mail on or after September 3, 1958, by a district director, a director of an internal revenue service center, or an assistant regional commissioner to a taxpayer of a notice of disallowance of the part of the claim to which the suit or proceeding relates.

(b) The 2-year period described in paragraph (a) of this section may be extended if an agreement to extend the running of the period of limitations is executed. The agreement must be signed by the taxpayer or by an attorney, agent, trustee, or other fiduciary on behalf of the taxpayer. If the agreement is signed by a person other than the taxpayer, it shall be accompanied by an authenticated copy of the power of attorney or other legal evidence of the authority of such person to act on behalf of the taxpayer. If the taxpayer is a corporation, the agreement should be signed with the corporate name followed by the signature of a duly authorized officer of the corporation. The agreement will not be effective until signed by a district director, a director of an internal revenue service center, or an assistant regional commissioner.

(c) The taxpayer may sign a waiver of the requirement that he be mailed a notice of disallowance. Such waiver is irrevocable and will commence the running of the 2-year period described in paragraph (a) of this section on the date the waiver is filed. The waiver shall set forth:

(1) The type of tax and the taxable period covered by the taxpayer's claim for refund;

(2) The amount of the claim;

(3) The amount of the claim disallowed;

(4) A statement that the taxpayer agrees the filing of the waiver will commence the running of the 2-year period provided for in section 6532(a)(1) as if a notice of disallowance had been sent the taxpayer by either registered or certified mail.

The filing of such a waiver prior to the expiration of 6 months from the date the claim was filed does not permit the filing of a suit for refund prior to the time specified in section 6532(a)(1) and paragraph (a) of this section.

(d) Any consideration, reconsideration, or other action with respect to a claim after the mailing by registered mail prior to September 3, 1958, or by either registered or certified mail on or after September 3, 1958, of a notice of disallowance or after the execution of a waiver referred to in paragraph (c) of this section, shall not extend the period for bringing suit or other proceeding under section 7422(a).

§ 301.6532-2   Periods of limitation on suits by the United States.

The United States may not recover any erroneous refund by civil action under section 7405 unless such action is begun within 2 years after the making of such refund. However, if any part of the refund was induced by fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact, the action to recover the erroneous refund may be brought at any time within 5 years from the date the refund was made.

§ 301.6532-3   Periods of limitation on suits by persons other than taxpayers.

(a) General rule. No suit or proceeding, except as otherwise provided in section 6532(c)(2) and paragraph (b) of this section, under section 7426 and §301.7426–1 relating to civil actions by persons other than taxpayers, shall be begun after the expiration of 9 months from the date of levy or agreement under section 6325(b)(3) giving rise to such action.

(b) Period when claim is filed. The 9-month period prescribed in section 6532(c)(1) and paragraph (a) of this section shall be extended to the shorter of,

(1) 12 months from the date of filing by a third party of a written request under §301.6343–1(b)(2) for the return of property wrongfully levied upon, or

(2) 6 months from the date of mailing by registered or certified mail by the district director to the party claimant of a notice of disallowance of the part of the request to which the action relates. A request which, under §301.6343–1(b)(3), is not considered adequate does not extend the 9-month period described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Examples. The provisions of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example 1.  On June 1, 1970, a tax is assessed against A with respect to his delinquent tax liability. On July 19, 1970, a levy is wrongfully made upon certain tangible personal property of B's which is in A's possession at that time. On July 20, 1970, notice of seizure is given to A. Thus, under section 6502(b), July 20, 1970, is the date on which the levy is considered to be made. Unless a request for the return of property is sooner made to extend the 9-month period, no suit or proceeding under section 7426 may be begun by B after April 20, 1971, which is 9 months from the date of levy.

Example 2.  Assume the same facts as in the preceding example except that, on August 3, 1970, B properly files a request for the return of his property wrongfully levied upon. Assume further that the district director mails, on March 1, 1971, a notice of disallowance of B's request for the return of the property. No suit or proceeding under section 7426 may be begun by B after August 3, 1971, which is 12 months from the date of filing a request for the return of property wrongfully levied upon.

Example 3.  Assume the same facts as in the preceding example except that the notice of disallowance of B's request for the return of property wrongfully levied upon is mailed to B on November 12, 1970. Since the 6-month period from the mailing of the notice of disallowance expires before the 12-month period from the date of filing the request for the return of property which ends on August 3, 1971, no suit or proceeding under section 7426 may be begun by B after May 12, 1971, which is 6 months from the date of mailing the notice of disallowance.

[T.D. 7305, 39 FR 9950, Mar. 15, 1974]

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