S corporation defined
In general
For purposes of this title, the term “S corporation” means, with respect to any taxable year, a small business corporation for which an election under section 1362(a) is in effect for such year.
C corporation
For purposes of this title, the term “C corporation” means, with respect to any taxable year, a corporation which is not an S corporation for such year.
Small business corporation
In general
Ineligible corporation defined
Treatment of certain wholly owned subsidiaries
In general
Qualified subchapter S subsidiary
Treatment of terminations of qualified subchapter S subsidiary status
In general
For purposes of this title, if any corporation which was a qualified subchapter S subsidiary ceases to meet the requirements of subparagraph (B), such corporation shall be treated as a new corporation acquiring all of its assets (and assuming all of its liabilities) immediately before such cessation from the S corporation in exchange for its stock.
Termination by reason of sale of stock
Election after termination
Information returns
Except to the extent provided by the Secretary, this paragraph shall not apply to part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 (relating to information returns).
Special rules for applying subsection (b)
Members of a family treated as 1 shareholder
In general
Members of a family
In general
The term “members of a family” means a common ancestor, any lineal descendant of such common ancestor, and any spouse or former spouse of such common ancestor or any such lineal descendant.
Common ancestor
An individual shall not be considered to be a common ancestor if, on the applicable date, the individual is more than 6 generations removed from the youngest generation of shareholders who would (but for this subparagraph) be members of the family. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a spouse (or former spouse) shall be treated as being of the same generation as the individual to whom such spouse is (or was) married.
Applicable date
Effect of adoption, etc.
Any legally adopted child of an individual, any child who is lawfully placed with an individual for legal adoption by the individual, and any eligible foster child of an individual (within the meaning of section 152(f)(1)(C)), shall be treated as a child of such individual by blood.
Certain trusts permitted as shareholders
In general
Treatment as shareholders
Estate of individual in bankruptcy may be shareholder
For purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B), the term “estate” includes the estate of an individual in a case under title 11 of the United States Code.
Differences in common stock voting rights disregarded
For purposes of subsection (b)(1)(D), a corporation shall not be treated as having more than 1 class of stock solely because there are differences in voting rights among the shares of common stock.
Straight debt safe harbor
In general
For purposes of subsection (b)(1)(D), straight debt shall not be treated as a second class of stock.
Straight debt defined
Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the proper treatment of straight debt under this subchapter and for the coordination of such treatment with other provisions of this title.
Certain exempt organizations permitted as shareholders
Special rule for qualified subchapter S trust
In general
Election
In general
A beneficiary of a qualified subchapter S trust (or his legal representative) may elect to have this subsection apply.
Manner and time of election
Separate election with respect to each corporation
An election under this paragraph shall be made separately with respect to each corporation the stock of which is held by the trust.
Elections with respect to successive income beneficiaries
If there is an election under this paragraph with respect to any beneficiary, an election under this paragraph shall be treated as made by each successive beneficiary unless such beneficiary affirmatively refuses to consent to such election.
Time, manner, and form of election
Any election, or refusal, under this paragraph shall be made in such manner and form, and at such time, as the Secretary may prescribe.
Election irrevocable
An election under this paragraph, once made, may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary.
Grace period
An election under this paragraph shall be effective up to 15 days and 2 months before the date of the election.
Qualified subchapter S trust
Trust ceasing to be qualified
Failure to meet requirements of paragraph (3)(A)
If a qualified subchapter S trust ceases to meet any requirement of paragraph (3)(A), the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to such trust as of the date it ceases to meet such requirement.
Failure to meet requirements of paragraph (3)(B)
If any qualified subchapter S trust ceases to meet any requirement of paragraph (3)(B) but continues to meet the requirements of paragraph (3)(A), the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to such trust as of the first day of the first taxable year beginning after the first taxable year for which it failed to meet the requirements of paragraph (3)(B).
Electing small business trust defined
Electing small business trust
In general
Certain trusts not eligible
Purchase
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “purchase” means any acquisition if the basis of the property acquired is determined under section 1012.
Potential current beneficiary
For purposes of this section, the term “potential current beneficiary” means, with respect to any period, any person who at any time during such period is entitled to, or at the discretion of any person may receive, a distribution from the principal or income of the trust (determined without regard to any power of appointment to the extent such power remains unexercised at the end of such period). If a trust disposes of all of the stock which it holds in an S corporation, then, with respect to such corporation, the term “potential current beneficiary” does not include any person who first met the requirements of the preceding sentence during the 1-year period ending on the date of such disposition.
Election
An election under this subsection shall be made by the trustee. Any such election shall apply to the taxable year of the trust for which made and all subsequent taxable years of such trust unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary.
Cross reference
For special treatment of electing small business trusts, see section 641(c).
Restricted bank director stock
In general
Restricted bank director stock shall not be taken into account as outstanding stock of the S corporation in applying this subchapter (other than section 1368(f)).
Restricted bank director stock
Cross reference
For treatment of certain distributions with respect to restricted bank director stock, see section 1368(f).
Special rule for bank required to change from the reserve method of accounting on becoming S corporation
In the case of a bank which changes from the reserve method of accounting for bad debts described in section 585 or 593 for its first taxable year for which an election under section 1362(a) is in effect, the bank may elect to take into account any adjustments under section 481 by reason of such change for the taxable year immediately preceding such first taxable year.
Pub. L. 97–354, § 296 Stat. 1669Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 721(c)98 Stat. 967Pub. L. 99–514, title IX, § 901(d)(4)(G)100 Stat. 2380Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1018(q)(2)102 Stat. 3585Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7811(c)(6)103 Stat. 2407Pub. L. 104–188, title I110 Stat. 1777Pub. L. 105–34, title XVI, § 1601(c)(1)111 Stat. 1087Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6007(f)(3)112 Stat. 810Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, § 316(b)]114 Stat. 2763Pub. L. 108–357, title II118 Stat. 1433–1435Pub. L. 109–135, title IV119 Stat. 2620Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII121 Stat. 197Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 13541(a)131 Stat. 2154Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, § 109(a)132 Stat. 1171(Added , , ; amended , (f), , ; , title XVIII, § 1879(m)(1)(A), , , 2910; , , ; , , ; , §§ 1301–1302(c), 1303, 1304, 1308(a), (b), (d)(1), 1315, 1316(a), (e), 1616(b)(15), , , 1779, 1782, 1783, 1785, 1786, 1857; , (3), (4)(B), (C), , ; , , ; , , , 2763A–644; , §§ 231(a), 232(a), 233(a), (b), 234(a), 236(a), 239(a), , , 1437; , §§ 403(b), 413(a)(1), (c), , , 2641; , §§ 8232(a), 8233(a), 8234(a), , , 198; , , ; , title IV, § 401(a)(190), (d)(1)(D)(xvi), , , 1193, 1208.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Pub. L. 108–357The date of the enactment of this clause, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A)(vi), is the date of enactment of , which was approved .
Prior Provisions
Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 73668A Stat. 350Pub. L. 87–792, § 7(h)76 Stat. 829Pub. L. 88–272, title II, § 225(k)(5)78 Stat. 94Pub. L. 89–389, § 4(a)80 Stat. 115Pub. L. 89–389, § 4(b)(1)80 Stat. 116A prior section 1361, acts , ; , , ; , , ; , , , related to election of certain partnerships and proprietorships to be taxed as domestic corporations, prior to repeal by , , , effective .
Amendments
Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(d)(1)(D)(xvi)2018—Subsec. (b)(2)(C), (D). , redesignated subpar. (D) as (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: “a corporation to which an election under section 936 applies, or”.
Pub. L. 115–141, § 109(a)Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi). , substituted “the shareholder” for “a shareholder”.
Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(a)(190)Subsec. (f)(2). , substituted “1813(w)(1))),” for “1813(w)(1)),” in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 115–972017—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v). inserted at end “This clause shall not apply for purposes of subsection (b)(1)(C).”
Pub. L. 110–28, § 8234(a)2007—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). , designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. (i) heading, and added cl. (ii).
Pub. L. 110–28, § 8232(a)Subsec. (f). , added subsec. (f).
Pub. L. 110–28, § 8233(a)Subsec. (g). , added subsec. (g).
Pub. L. 109–135, § 413(c)(1)2005—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). , struck out “and in the case of information returns required under part III of subchapter A of chapter 61” after “Secretary”.
Pub. L. 109–135, § 413(c)(2)Subsec. (b)(3)(E). , added subpar. (E).
Pub. L. 109–135, § 403(b)Subsec. (c)(1). , reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of subpars. (A) to (D) relating to treatment as 1 shareholder, family members, adoption, and election.
Pub. L. 109–135, § 413(a)(1)12 U.S.C. 1813(w)(1)Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(vi). , inserted “or a depository institution holding company (as defined in section 3(w)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ()” after “a bank (as defined in section 581)” and “or company” after “such bank”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 232(a)2004—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). , substituted “100” for “75”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 239(a)Subsec. (b)(3)(A). , inserted “and in the case of information returns required under part III of subchapter A of chapter 61” after “Secretary”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 231(a)Subsec. (c)(1). , amended heading and text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of subsection (b)(1)(A), a husband and wife (and their estates) shall be treated as 1 shareholder.”
Pub. L. 108–357, § 233(a)Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(vi). , added cl. (vi).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 233(b)Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi). , added cl. (vi).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 236(a)Subsec. (d)(1)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 234(a)Subsec. (e)(2). , inserted “(determined without regard to any power of appointment to the extent such power remains unexercised at the end of such period)” after “of the trust” and substituted “1-year” for “60-day”.
Pub. L. 106–5542000—Subsec. (e)(1)(A)(i)(IV). added subcl. (IV).
Pub. L. 105–2061998—Subsec. (e)(4). substituted “section 641(c)” for “section 641(d)”.
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1601(c)(4)(C)1997—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). , substituted “subsection (c)(6)” for “subsection (c)(7)”.
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1601(c)(3)Subsec. (b)(3)(A). , substituted “Except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, for purposes of this title” for “For purposes of this title”.
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1601(c)(4)(B)Subsec. (c)(6), (7). , redesignated par. (7) as (6).
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1601(c)(1)Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(iii). , added cl. (iii).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 13011996—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). , substituted “75” for “35”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1316(a)(1)Subsec. (b)(1)(B). , amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “have as a shareholder a person (other than an estate and other than a trust described in subsection (c)(2)) who is not an individual,”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1315Subsec. (b)(2)(A). , amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “a financial institution to which section 585 applies (or would apply but for subsection (c) thereof),”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1308(a), redesignated subpar. (B) as (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “a member of an affiliated group (determined under section 1504 without regard to the exceptions contained in subsection (b) thereof),”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1308(a)Subsec. (b)(2)(B). , redesignated subpar. (C) as (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (A).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1616(b)(15), struck out “or to which section 593 applies” after “subsection (c) thereof)”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1308(a)Subsec. (b)(2)(C) to (E). , redesignated subpars. (D) and (E) as (C) and (D), respectively. Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1308(b)Subsec. (b)(3). , added par. (3).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1303Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). , substituted “2-year period” for “60-day period” in first sentence and struck out at end “If a trust is described in the preceding sentence and if the entire corpus of the trust is includible in the gross estate of the deemed owner, the preceding sentence shall be applied by substituting ‘2-year period’ for ‘60-day period’.”
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1303(1)Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(iii). , substituted “2-year period” for “60-day period”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1302(a)Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(v). , added cl. (v).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1302(b)Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v). , added cl. (v).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1304Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iii). , substituted “a trust described in paragraph (2), or a person which is actively and regularly engaged in the business of lending money” for “or a trust described in paragraph (2)”.
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1308(d)(1)Subsec. (c)(6). , struck out par. (6) which read as follows:
Ownership of stock in certain inactive corporations“(6) .—For purposes of subsection (b)(2)(A), a corporation shall not be treated as a member of an affiliated group during any period within a taxable year by reason of the ownership of stock in another corporation if such other corporation—
“(A) has not begun business at any time on or before the close of such period, and
“(B) does not have gross income for such period.”
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1316(a)(2)Subsec. (c)(7). , added par. (7).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1302(c)Subsec. (e). , added subsec. (e).
Pub. L. 104–188, § 1316(e)Subsec. (e)(1)(A)(i). , struck out “which holds a contingent interest and is not a potential current beneficiary” after “170(c)”.
Pub. L. 101–2391989—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “a financial institution which is a bank (as defined in section 585(a)(2)) or to which section 593 applies,”.
Pub. L. 100–6471988—Subsec. (d)(3). substituted “within the meaning of” for “treated as a separate trust under” in last sentence.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 901(d)(4)(G)1986—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). , substituted “which is a bank (as defined in section 585(a)(2)) or to which section 593 applies” for “to which section 585 or 593 applies”.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1879(m)(1)(A)Subsec. (d)(3). , inserted at end “A substantially separate and independent share of a trust treated as a separate trust under section 663(c) shall be treated as a separate trust for purposes of this subsection and subsection (c).”
Pub. L. 98–369, § 721(c)1984—Subsec. (c)(6). , amended par. (6) generally, substituting “during any period within a taxable year” for “during any taxable year” in provisions preceding subpar. (A), and substituting “on or before the close of such period” for “on or after the date of its incorporation and before the close of such taxable year” in subpar. (A), and “does not have gross income for such period” for “does not have taxable income for the period included within such taxable year” in subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 98–369, § 721(f)(3)Subsec. (d)(2)(B)(i). , substituted “corporation” for “S corporation” in heading and text.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 721(f)(1)Subsec. (d)(2)(D). , substituted “15 days and 2 months” for “60 days”.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 721(f)(2)Subsec. (d)(3). , in amending par. (3) generally, redesignated subpar. (C) as (A), substituted a period for “, and” at end of subpar. (B), and struck out former subpar. (A) which read “which owns stock in 1 or more S corporations”.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 721(f)(2)Subsec. (d)(4). , in amending par. (4) generally, redesignated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted “Failure to meet requirements of paragraph (3)(A)” as subpar. (A) heading, substituted “of paragraph (3)(A)” for “under paragraph (3)”, and added subpar. (B).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date 2018 Amendment
section 109(a) of Pub. L. 115–141Pub. L. 108–357section 109(c) of Pub. L. 115–141section 501 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in section 319 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 13541(b)131 Stat. 2154
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8232(c)121 Stat. 198
In general .—
Special rule for treatment as second class of stock .—
Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8233(b)121 Stat. 198
Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8234(b)121 Stat. 199
Effective Date of 2005 Amendment
section 403(b) of Pub. L. 109–135Pub. L. 108–357section 403(nn) of Pub. L. 109–135section 26 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provision of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 109–135, title IV, § 413(d)119 Stat. 2642
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Pub. L. 108–357, title II, § 231(c)(1)118 Stat. 1433
Pub. L. 108–357, title II, § 232(b)118 Stat. 1434
Pub. L. 108–357section 233(e) of Pub. L. 108–357section 512 of this titleAmendment by section 233(a), (b) of effective , see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 108–357, title II, § 234(b)118 Stat. 1435
Pub. L. 108–357, title II, § 236(b)118 Stat. 1435
Pub. L. 108–357, title II, § 239(b)118 Stat. 1437
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–554Pub. L. 104–188Pub. L. 106–554section 51 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, , to which such amendment relates, see section 1(a)(7) [title III, § 316(e)] of , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–206Pub. L. 105–34section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206section 1 of this titleAmendment by effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–34Pub. L. 104–188section 1601(j) of Pub. L. 105–34section 23 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, , to which it relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–188section 1317(a) of Pub. L. 104–188section 641 of this titleAmendment by sections 1301–1302(c), 1303, 1304, 1308(a), (b), (d)(1), and 1315 of applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 104–188section 1316(f) of Pub. L. 104–188section 170 of this titleAmendment by sections 1316(a), (e) of applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
section 1616(b)(15) of Pub. L. 104–188section 1616(c) of Pub. L. 104–188section 593 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–239Pub. L. 100–647section 7817 of Pub. L. 101–239section 1 of this titleAmendment by effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–647Pub. L. 99–514section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647section 1 of this titleAmendment by effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
section 901(d)(4)(G) of Pub. L. 99–514section 901(e) of Pub. L. 99–514section 166 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1879(m)(2)100 Stat. 2910
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 721(y)98 Stat. 972Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095
In general .—
Amendment made by subsection(2) (b).—
Amendment made by subsection(1) (g).—
Amendments made by subsection (l ).—
Amendment made by subsection (t).—
Effective Date
Pub. L. 97–354, § 696 Stat. 1697Pub. L. 97–448, title III, § 305(d)(1)(A)96 Stat. 2399Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 721(i)98 Stat. 969Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095
In General .—
Transitional Rules.—
Sections 1379 and 62(9) continue to apply for 1983 .—
Allowance of exclusion of death benefit .—
New passive income rules apply to taxable years beginning during 1982 .—
Grandfather Rules.—
Subsidiaries which are foreign corporations or disc’s .—
Casualty insurance companies.—
In general .—
Qualified casualty insurance electing small business corporation .—
Certain corporations with oil and gas production.—
In general .—
Qualified oil corporation .—
Average daily production .—
Substantial shareholder .—
Continuity required.—
In general .—
Special rules for paragraph (2).—
Treatment of Existing Fringe Benefit Plans.—
In general .—
Requirements .—
Existing fringe benefit .—
Treatment of Certain Elections Under Prior Law .—
Taxable Year of S Corporations .—
Savings Provision
section 401(d)(1)(D)(xvi) of Pub. L. 115–141section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141section 23 of this titleFor provisions that nothing in amendment by be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to , for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after , see , set out as a note under .
Elimination of all Earnings and Profits Attributable to Pre-1983 Years for Certain Corporations
Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8235121 Stat. 199
Elimination of Certain Earnings and Profits
Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1311(a)110 Stat. 1784
Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989
Pub. L. 99–514section 1140 of Pub. L. 99–514section 401 of this titleFor provisions directing that if any amendments made by subtitle A or subtitle C of title XI [§§ 1101–1147 and 1171–1177] or title XVIII [§§ 1800–1899A] of require an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after , see , as amended, set out as a note under .
Transitional Provisions
Pub. L. 97–448, title III, § 305(d)(1)(B)96 Stat. 2399Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095