Foreign base company income
Exclusion and special rules
Pub. L. 94–12, title VI, § 602(c)(1)89 Stat. 58 Repealed. , , ]
Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, § 1221(c)(1)100 Stat. 2553 Repealed. , , ]
De minimis, etc., rules
De minimis rule
Foreign base company income and insurance income in excess of 70 percent of gross income
If the sum of the foreign base company income (determined without regard to paragraph (5)) and the gross insurance income for the taxable year exceeds 70 percent of gross income, the entire gross income for the taxable year shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5), be treated as foreign base company income or insurance income (whichever is appropriate).
Gross insurance income
For purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B), the term “gross insurance income” means any item of gross income taken into account in determining insurance income under section 953.
Exception for certain income subject to high foreign taxes
For purposes of subsection (a) and section 953, foreign base company income and insurance income shall not include any item of income received by a controlled foreign corporation if the taxpayer establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such income was subject to an effective rate of income tax imposed by a foreign country greater than 90 percent of the maximum rate of tax specified in section 11.
Deductions to be taken into account
For purposes of subsection (a), the foreign personal holding company income, the foreign base company sales income, and the foreign base company services income shall be reduced, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, so as to take into account deductions (including taxes) properly allocable to such income. Except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any interest which is paid or accrued by the controlled foreign corporation to any United States shareholder in such corporation (or any controlled foreign corporation related to such a shareholder) shall be allocated first to foreign personal holding company income which is passive income (within the meaning of section 904(d)(2)) of such corporation to the extent thereof. The Secretary may, by regulations, provide that the preceding sentence shall apply also to interest paid or accrued to other persons.
Foreign personal holding company income
In general
Dividends, etc.
Dividends, interest, royalties, rents, and annuities.
Certain property transactions
Commodities transactions
Foreign currency gains
The excess of foreign currency gains over foreign currency losses (as defined in section 988(b)) attributable to any section 988 transactions. This subparagraph shall not apply in the case of any transaction directly related to the business needs of the controlled foreign corporation.
Income equivalent to interest
Any income equivalent to interest, including income from commitment fees (or similar amounts) for loans actually made.
Income from notional principal contracts
In general
Net income from notional principal contracts.
Coordination with other categories of foreign personal holding company income
Any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss from a notional principal contract entered into for purposes of hedging any item described in any preceding subparagraph shall not be taken into account for purposes of this subparagraph but shall be taken into account under such other subparagraph.
Payments in lieu of dividends
Payments in lieu of dividends which are made pursuant to an agreement to which section 1058 applies.
Personal service contracts
This subparagraph shall apply with respect to amounts received for services under a particular contract only if at some time during the taxable year 25 percent or more in value of the outstanding stock of the corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, by or for the individual who has performed, is to perform, or may be designated (by name or by description) as the one to perform, such services.
amounts received from the sale or other disposition of such a contract.Exception for certain amounts
Rents and royalties derived in active business
Foreign personal holding company income shall not include rents and royalties which are derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and which are received from a person other than a related person (within the meaning of subsection (d)(3)). For purposes of the preceding sentence, rents derived from leasing an aircraft or vessel in foreign commerce shall not fail to be treated as derived in the active conduct of a trade or business if, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the active leasing expenses are not less than 10 percent of the profit on the lease.
Certain export financing
Foreign personal holding company income shall not include any interest which is derived in the conduct of a banking business and which is export financing interest (as defined in section 904(d)(2)(G)).
Exception for dealers
Certain income received from related persons
In general
Exception not to apply to items which reduce subpart F income
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of any interest, rent, or royalty to the extent such interest, rent, or royalty reduces the payor’s subpart F income or creates (or increases) a deficit which under section 952(c) may reduce the subpart F income of the payor or another controlled foreign corporation.
Exception for certain dividends
Subparagraph (A)(i) shall not apply to any dividend with respect to any stock which is attributable to earnings and profits of the distributing corporation accumulated during any period during which the person receiving such dividend did not hold such stock either directly, or indirectly through a chain of one or more subsidiaries each of which meets the requirements of subparagraph (A)(i).
Look-thru rule for certain partnership sales
In general
In the case of any sale by a controlled foreign corporation of an interest in a partnership with respect to which such corporation is a 25-percent owner, such corporation shall be treated for purposes of this subsection as selling the proportionate share of the assets of the partnership attributable to such interest. The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to prevent abuse of the purposes of this paragraph, including regulations providing for coordination of this paragraph with the provisions of subchapter K.
25-percent owner
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “25-percent owner” means a controlled foreign corporation which owns directly 25 percent or more of the capital or profits interest in a partnership. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if a controlled foreign corporation is a shareholder or partner of a corporation or partnership, the controlled foreign corporation shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share of any such capital or profits interest held directly or indirectly by such corporation or partnership. If a controlled foreign corporation is treated as owning a capital or profits interest in a partnership under constructive ownership rules similar to the rules of section 958(b), the controlled foreign corporation shall be treated as owning such interest directly for purposes of this subparagraph.
Definition and special rules relating to commodity transactions
Commodity hedging transactions
Treatment of dealer activities under paragraph (1)(C)
Commodities with respect to which gains and losses are not taken into account under paragraph (2)(C) in computing a controlled foreign corporation’s foreign personal holding company income shall not be taken into account in applying the substantially all test under paragraph (1)(C)(ii) to such corporation.
Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are appropriate to carry out the purposes of paragraph (1)(C) in the case of transactions involving related parties.
Look-thru rule for related controlled foreign corporations
In general
For purposes of this subsection, dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received or accrued from a controlled foreign corporation which is a related person shall not be treated as foreign personal holding company income to the extent attributable or properly allocable (determined under rules similar to the rules of subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 904(d)(3)) to income of the related person which is neither subpart F income nor income treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. For purposes of this subparagraph, interest shall include factoring income which is treated as income equivalent to interest for purposes of paragraph (1)(E). The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this paragraph, including such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to prevent the abuse of the purposes of this paragraph.
Exception
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of any interest, rent, or royalty to the extent such interest, rent, or royalty creates (or increases) a deficit which under section 952(c) may reduce the subpart F income of the payor or another controlled foreign corporation.
Application
Subparagraph (A) shall apply to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end.
Foreign base company sales income
In general
Certain branch income
For purposes of determining foreign base company sales income in situations in which the carrying on of activities by a controlled foreign corporation through a branch or similar establishment outside the country of incorporation of the controlled foreign corporation has substantially the same effect as if such branch or similar establishment were a wholly owned subsidiary corporation deriving such income, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary the income attributable to the carrying on of such activities of such branch or similar establishment shall be treated as income derived by a wholly owned subsidiary of the controlled foreign corporation and shall constitute foreign base company sales income of the controlled foreign corporation.
Related person defined
Special rule for certain timber products
Foreign base company services income
In general
Exception
Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, § 415(a)(2)118 Stat. 1511 Repealed. , , ]
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 14211(b)(3)131 Stat. 2217 Repealed. , , ]
Special rule for income derived in the active conduct of banking, financing, or similar businesses
In general
For purposes of subsection (c)(1), foreign personal holding company income shall not include qualified banking or financing income of an eligible controlled foreign corporation.
Eligible controlled foreign corporation
In general
Predominantly engaged
Qualified banking or financing income
In general
Limitation on nonbanking and nonsecurities businesses
No income of an eligible controlled foreign corporation not described in clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (2)(B) (or of a qualified business unit of such corporation) shall be treated as qualified banking or financing income unless more than 30 percent of such corporation’s or unit’s gross income is derived directly from the active and regular conduct of a lending or finance business from transactions with customers which are not related persons and which are located within such corporation’s or unit’s home country.
Substantial activity requirement for cross border income
The term “qualified banking or financing income” shall not include income derived from 1 or more transactions with customers located in a country other than the home country of the eligible controlled foreign corporation or a qualified business unit of such corporation unless such corporation or unit conducts substantial activity with respect to a banking, financing, or similar business in its home country.
Determinations made separately
Direct conduct of activities
Lending or finance business
Other definitions
Customer
The term “customer” means, with respect to any controlled foreign corporation or qualified business unit, any person which has a customer relationship with such corporation or unit and which is acting in its capacity as such.
Home country
Controlled foreign corporation
The term “home country” means, with respect to any controlled foreign corporation, the country under the laws of which the corporation was created or organized.
Qualified business unit
The term “home country” means, with respect to any qualified business unit, the country in which such unit maintains its principal office.
Located
The determination of where a customer is located shall be made under rules prescribed by the Secretary.
Qualified business unit
The term “qualified business unit” has the meaning given such term by section 989(a).
Related person
The term “related person” has the meaning given such term by subsection (d)(3).
Coordination with exception for dealers
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to income described in subsection (c)(2)(C)(ii) of a dealer in securities (within the meaning of section 475) which is an eligible controlled foreign corporation described in paragraph (2)(B)(iii).
Anti-abuse rules
Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection, subsection (c)(1)(B)(i), subsection (c)(2)(C)(ii), and the last sentence of subsection (e)(2).
Special rule for income derived in the active conduct of insurance business
In general
For purposes of subsection (c)(1), foreign personal holding company income shall not include qualified insurance income of a qualifying insurance company.
Qualified insurance income
Principles for determining insurance income
Methods for determining unearned premiums and reserves
Property and casualty contracts
Life insurance and annuity contracts
In general
Ruling request, etc.
The amount of the reserve under clause (i) shall be the foreign statement reserve for the contract (less any catastrophe, deficiency, equalization, or similar reserves), if, pursuant to a ruling request submitted by the taxpayer or as provided in published guidance, the Secretary determines that the factors taken into account in determining the foreign statement reserve provide an appropriate means of measuring income.
Limitation on reserves
In no event shall the reserve determined under this paragraph for any contract as of any time exceed the amount which would be taken into account with respect to such contract as of such time in determining foreign statement reserves (less any catastrophe, deficiency, equalization, or similar reserves).
Amount of reserve
Definitions
For purposes of this subsection, any term used in this subsection which is also used in section 953(e) shall have the meaning given such term by section 953.
Pub. L. 87–834, § 12(a)76 Stat. 1009Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 909(a)83 Stat. 718Pub. L. 94–12, title VI, § 602(b)89 Stat. 58Pub. L. 94–455, title X90 Stat. 1620Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 212(a)96 Stat. 451Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, § 137(a)98 Stat. 672Pub. L. 99–514, title XII100 Stat. 2525Pub. L. 100–647, title I102 Stat. 3509–3512Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7811(i)(3)103 Stat. 2409Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII107 Stat. 502Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1704(t)(25)110 Stat. 1888Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1051(a)111 Stat. 940Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title I, § 1005(a)112 Stat. 2681–890Pub. L. 106–170, title V113 Stat. 1921Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 417(24)(B)(ii)116 Stat. 57Pub. L. 108–357, title IV118 Stat. 1505Pub. L. 109–135, title IVll119 Stat. 2626Pub. L. 109–222, title I, § 103(a)(2)120 Stat. 346Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, § 426(a)(1)120 Stat. 2974Pub. L. 110–172121 Stat. 2475Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title III122 Stat. 3866Pub. L. 111–312, title VII124 Stat. 3320Pub. L. 112–240, title III126 Stat. 2332Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I128 Stat. 4019Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I129 Stat. 3054Pub. L. 115–97, title I131 Stat. 2147Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 145(a)133 Stat. 3236Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 111(a)134 Stat. 3050Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70351(a)139 Stat. 208(Added , , ; amended , , ; , (c)(1), (2), (d)(1), (e), , , 60, 64; , §§ 1023(a), 1024(a), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), , , 1834; –(e), , , 452; , title VII, § 712(f), , , 947; , §§ 1201(c), 1221(a)(1), (b)(3)(B), (c)(1)–(3)(A), (d), (e), 1223(a), title XVIII, § 1810(k), , , 2549, 2553, 2557, 2830; , §§ 1012(i)(12), (14)(A), (18), (20), (25)(B), 1018(u)(38), , , 3592; , , ; , §§ 13233(a)(1), 13235(a)(3), (b), 13239(d), , , 504, 505, 509; , , ; , (b), title XI, § 1175(a), (b), , , 990, 993; , (b)(2), (c)–(e), title IV, § 4003(j), , , 2681–897, 2681–899, 2681–900, 2681–910; , §§ 503(a), 532(c)(2)(Q), , , 1931; , title VI, § 614(a)(2), (b)(1), , , 61; , §§ 412(a), 413(b)(2), 414(a)–(c), 415(a), (b), (c)(2), 416(a), , , 1506, 1510, 1511; , §§ 403(m), 412(), (mm), , , 2639; , (b)(1), , ; , , ; , §§ 4(a), 11(a)(19), (20), (g)(15)(B), , , 2486, 2491; , §§ 303(b), 304(a), , , 3867; , §§ 750(a), 751(a), , , 3321; , §§ 322(b), 323(a), , , 2333; , §§ 134(b), 135(a), , ; , §§ 128(b), 144(a), , , 3065; , §§ 13517(b)(5), 14211(a), (b)(2), (3), , , 2216, 2217; , , ; , , ; , , .)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
ooSections 15(a) and 15C(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(B)(iii), are classified to sections 78(a) and 78–5(a), respectively, of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
Amendments
Pub. L. 119–212025—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). struck out “and before ,” after “after ,”.
Pub. L. 116–2602020—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 116–942019—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 115–97, § 14211(a)2017—Subsec. (a)(5). , struck out par. (5) which read as follows: “the foreign base company oil related income for the taxable year (determined under subsection (g) and reduced as provided in subsection (b)(5)).”
Pub. L. 115–97, § 14211(b)(2)(A)Subsec. (b)(4). , struck out at end “The preceding sentence shall not apply to foreign base company oil-related income described in subsection (a)(5).”
Pub. L. 115–97, § 14211(b)(2)(B)Subsec. (b)(5). , which directed substitution of “and the foreign base company services income” for “the foreign base company services income, and the foreign base company oil related income”, was executed by making the substitution for “the foreign base company services income,, and the foreign base company oil related income” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 115–97, § 14211(b)(2)(C)Subsec. (b)(6). , struck out par. (6). Text read as follows: “Income of a corporation which is foreign base company oil related income shall not be considered foreign base company income of such corporation under paragraph (2), or (3) of subsection (a).”
Pub. L. 115–97, § 14211(b)(3)Subsec. (g). , struck out subsec. (g) which related to foreign base company oil related income.
Pub. L. 115–97, § 13517(b)(5)Subsec. (i)(5)(B). , substituted “shall apply,” for “shall be substituted for the prevailing State assumed interest rate,”.
Pub. L. 114–113, § 144(a)2015—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 114–113, § 128(b)Subsec. (h)(9). , struck out par. (9). Text read as follows: “This subsection, subsection (c)(2)(C)(ii), and the last sentence of subsection (e)(2) shall apply only to taxable years of a foreign corporation beginning after , and before , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which any such taxable year of such foreign corporation ends.”
Pub. L. 113–295, § 135(a)2014—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 113–295, § 134(b)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 112–240, § 323(a)2013—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 112–240, § 322(b)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 111–312, § 751(a)2010—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 111–312, § 750(a)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 110–343, § 304(a)2008—Subsec. (c)(6)(C). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 110–343, § 303(b)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 110–172, § 11(a)(19)2007—Subsec. (c)(1)(F). , reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss from a notional principal contract entered into for purposes of hedging any item described in any preceding subparagraph shall not be taken into account for purposes of this subparagraph but shall be taken into account under such other subparagraph.”
Pub. L. 110–172, § 11(a)(20)Subsec. (c)(1)(H), (I). , redesignated subpar. (I) as (H).
Pub. L. 110–172, § 11(g)(15)(B)Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(ii). , substituted “section 956(c)(2)(I)” for “section 956(c)(2)(J)”.
Pub. L. 110–172, § 4(a)Subsec. (c)(6)(B), (C). , added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).
Pub. L. 109–222, § 103(b)(1)2006—Subsec. (c)(6). , added par.(6).
Pub. L. 109–432Subsec. (c)(6)(A). , in first sentence, substituted “which is neither subpart F income nor income treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States” for “which is not subpart F income” and, in last sentence, substituted “The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this paragraph, including such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to prevent the abuse of the purposes of this paragraph” for “The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to prevent the abuse of the purposes of this paragraph”.
Pub. L. 109–222, § 103(a)(2)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 109–135, § 412ll2005—Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(i). (), substituted “paragraph (5)(A)” for “paragraph (4)(A)”.
Pub. L. 109–135, § 412(mm)Subsec. (c)(1)(F). , struck out “Net income from notional principal contracts.” before “Any item of income”.
Pub. L. 109–135, § 403(m)Subsec. (c)(4)(B). , inserted at end “If a controlled foreign corporation is treated as owning a capital or profits interest in a partnership under constructive ownership rules similar to the rules of section 958(b), the controlled foreign corporation shall be treated as owning such interest directly for purposes of this subparagraph.”
Pub. L. 108–357, § 415(a)(1)2004—Subsec. (a)(4). , struck out par. (4) which read as follows: “the foreign base company shipping income for the taxable year (determined under subsection (f) and reduced as provided in subsection (b)(5)), and”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 415(c)(2)(A)Subsec. (b)(5). , struck out “the foreign base company shipping income,” after “the foreign base company services income,,”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 415(c)(2)(B)Subsec. (b)(6) to (8). , (C), redesignated par. (8) as (6) and struck out former pars. (6) and (7) which set forth special rules and special exclusion for foreign base company shipping income.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 414(a)Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(i), (ii). , amended cls. (i) and (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cls. (i) and (ii) read as follows:
“(i) arise out of bona fide hedging transactions reasonably necessary to the conduct of any business by a producer, processor, merchant, or handler of a commodity in the manner in which such business is customarily and usually conducted by others,
“(ii) are active business gains or losses from the sale of commodities, but only if substantially all of the controlled foreign corporation’s business is as an active producer, processor, merchant, or handler of commodities, or”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 413(b)(2)Subsec. (c)(1)(I). , added subpar. (I).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 415(b)Subsec. (c)(2)(A). , inserted at end “For purposes of the preceding sentence, rents derived from leasing an aircraft or vessel in foreign commerce shall not fail to be treated as derived in the active conduct of a trade or business if, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the active leasing expenses are not less than 10 percent of the profit on the lease.”
Pub. L. 108–357, § 414(c)Subsec. (c)(2)(C)(i). , inserted “and transactions involving physical settlement” after “(including hedging transactions”.
Pub. L. 108–357, § 412(a)Subsec. (c)(4). , added par. (4).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 414(b)Subsec. (c)(5). , added par. (5).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 415(a)(2)Subsec. (f). , struck out subsec. (f) which defined “foreign base company shipping income” for purposes of subsec. (a)(4).
Pub. L. 108–357, § 416(a)Subsec. (h)(3)(E). , added subpar. (E).
Pub. L. 107–147, § 417(24)(B)(ii)Pub. L. 106–170, § 532(c)(2)(Q)Pub. L. 106–1702002—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). , which directed the amendment of , was executed to that section as if the amendment were retroactive to the effective date of the amendment by to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 1999 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 107–147, § 614(a)(2)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “” for “”.
Pub. L. 107–147, § 614(b)(1)Subsec. (i)(4)(B). , reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The amount of the reserve of a qualifying insurance company or qualifying insurance company branch for any life insurance or annuity contract shall be equal to the greater of—
“(i) the net surrender value of such contract (as defined in section 807(e)(1)(A)), or
“(ii) the reserve determined under paragraph (5).”
Pub. L. 106–170, § 532(c)(2)(Q)Pub. L. 107–147, § 417(24)(B)(ii)1999—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). , as amended by , substituted “section 1221(a)(1)” for “section 1221(1)” in concluding provisions.
Pub. L. 106–170, § 503(a)Subsec. (h)(9). , substituted “taxable years” for “the first taxable year”, “” for “”, and “within which any such” for “within which such”.
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(e)1998—Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). , inserted “other than property which gives rise to income not treated as foreign personal holding company income by reason of subsection (h) or (i) for the taxable year” before comma at end.
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(c)Subsec. (c)(2)(C). , amended heading and text of subpar. (C), generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Except as provided in subparagraph (A), (E), or (G) of paragraph (1) or by regulations, in the case of a regular dealer in property (within the meaning of paragraph (1)(B)), forward contracts, option contracts, or similar financial instruments (including notional principal contracts and all instruments referenced to commodities), there shall not be taken into account in computing foreign personal holding income any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss from any transaction (including hedging transactions) entered into in the ordinary course of such dealer’s trade or business as such a dealer.”
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(d)Subsec. (e)(2). , inserted “or” at end of subpar. (A), substituted a period for “, or” at end of subpar. (B), and inserted concluding provisions.
Pub. L. 105–277, § 4003(j)Subsec. (e)(2)(C). , substituted “(h)(9)” for “(h)(8)”.
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(d), struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: “in the case of taxable years described in subsection (h)(9), the active conduct by a controlled foreign corporation of a banking, financing, insurance, or similar business, but only if the corporation is predominantly engaged in the active conduct of such business (within the meaning of subsection (h)(3)) or is a qualifying insurance company.”
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(a)section 953 of this titleSubsec. (h). , amended heading and text of subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, text consisted of pars. (1) to (9) relating to special rule for income derived in active conduct of banking, financing, or similar businesses, principles for determining applicable income, meaning of “predominantly engaged” for purposes of the special rule, methods of determining unearned premiums and reserves, definitions of certain terms for purposes of subsec. (h), anti-abuse rules, coordination with , and taxable year applicability of subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 105–277, § 1005(b)(2)Subsec. (i). , added subsec. (i).
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1051(a)(2)1997—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). , in concluding provisions, struck out “In the case of any regular dealer in property, gains and losses from the sale or exchange of any such property or arising out of bona fide hedging transactions reasonably necessary to the conduct of the business of being a dealer in such property shall not be taken into account under this subparagraph.” before “Gains and losses” and “also” after “section 1221(1)”.
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1051(a)(1)Subsec. (c)(1)(F), (G). , added subpars. (F) and (G).
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1051(b)Subsec. (c)(2)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1175(b)Subsec. (e)(2)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 105–34, § 1175(a)Subsec. (h). , added subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 104–188Pub. L. 101–239, § 7811(i)(3)(A)1996—Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i). amended directory language of . See 1989 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 13235(a)(3)(B)1993—Subsec. (b)(8). , struck out “(1),” after “such corporation under paragraph”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 13233(a)(1)Subsec. (c)(3)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 103–66, § 13239(d)Subsec. (d)(4). , added par. (4).
Pub. L. 103–66, § 13235(b)Subsec. (f). , inserted at end of concluding provisions “Except as provided in paragraph (1), such term shall not include any dividend or interest income which is foreign personal holding company income (as defined in subsection (c)).”
Pub. L. 103–66, § 13235(a)(3)(A)Subsec. (g)(1). , inserted at end “Such term shall not include any foreign personal holding company income (as defined in subsection (c)).”
Pub. L. 101–239, § 7811(i)(3)(C)1989—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). , inserted at end “To the extent provided in regulations, payments made by a partnership with 1 or more corporate partners shall be treated as made by such corporate partners in proportion to their respective interests in the partnership.”
Pub. L. 101–239, § 7811(i)(3)(A)Pub. L. 104–188Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(i). , as amended by , substituted “is a corporation created” for “is created” after “person which (I)”.
Pub. L. 101–239, § 7811(i)(3)(B)Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). , substituted “from a corporation which is a related person” for “from a related person”.
Pub. L. 100–647, § 1012(i)(12)1988—Subsec. (b)(6), (7). , struck out “(determined without regard to the exclusion under paragraph (2) of this subsection)” after “paragraph (4) of subsection (a)”.
Pub. L. 100–647, § 1012(i)(18)Subsec. (c)(1)(B). , (20), added cl. (ii), redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii), added closing provisions, and struck out former closing provisions which read as follows: “This subparagraph shall not apply to gain from the sale or exchange of any property which, in the hands of the taxpayer, is property described in section 1221(1) or to gain from the sale or exchange of any property by a regular dealer in such property.”
Pub. L. 100–647, § 1012(i)(25)(B)Subsec. (c)(3)(B). , inserted before period at end “or creates (or increases) a deficit which under section 952(c) may reduce the subpart F income of the payor or another controlled foreign corporation”.
Pub. L. 100–647, § 1012(i)(14)(A)Subsec. (d)(3). , substituted “more than 50 percent” for “50 percent or more” in last two sentences.
Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(38)Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(b)(3)(B)Subsec. (e)(3). , related to execution of amendment by , see 1986 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(c)(3)(A)(ii)1986—Subsec. (a)(5). , substituted “determined under subsection (g)” for “determined under subsection (h)”.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(2). , struck out par. (2), exclusion for reinvested shipping income, which read as follows: “For purposes of subsection (a), foreign base company income does not include foreign base company shipping income to the extent that the amount of such income does not exceed the increase for the taxable year in qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations of the controlled foreign corporation (as determined under subsection (g)).”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1223(a)Subsec. (b)(3). , amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3), special rule where foreign base company income is less than 10 percent or more than 70 percent of gross income, read as follows: “For purposes of subsection (a)—
“(A) If the foreign base company income (determined without regard to paragraphs (2) and (5)) is less than 10 percent of gross income, no part of the gross income of the taxable year shall be treated as foreign base company income.
“(B) If the foreign base company income (determined without regard to paragraphs (2) and (5)) exceeds 70 percent of gross income, the entire gross income of the taxable year shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2), (4), and (5), be treated as foreign base company income.”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(d)Subsec. (b)(4). , amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4), exception for foreign corporations not availed of to reduce taxes, read as follows: “For purposes of subsection (a), foreign base company income does not include any item of income received by a controlled foreign corporation if it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that neither—
“(A) the creation or organization of such controlled foreign corporation under the laws of the foreign country in which it is incorporated (or, in the case of a controlled foreign corporation which is an acquired corporation, the acquisition of such corporation created or organized under the laws of the foreign country in which it is incorporated), nor
“(B) the effecting of the transaction giving rise to such income through the controlled foreign corporation,
has as one of its significant purposes a substantial reduction of income, war profits, or excess profits or similar taxes. The preceding sentence shall not apply to foreign base company oil related income described in subsection (a)(5).”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1201(c)Subsec. (b)(5). , inserted at end “Except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any interest which is paid or accrued by the controlled foreign corporation to any United States shareholder in such corporation (or any controlled foreign corporation related to such a shareholder) shall be allocated first to foreign personal holding company income which is passive income (within the meaning of section 904(d)(2)) of such corporation to the extent thereof. The Secretary may, by regulations, provide that the preceding sentence shall apply also to interest paid or accrued to other persons.”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(a)(1)Subsec. (c). , amended subsec. (c) generally, substituting pars. (1) to (3) for former provisions which had provided: in par. (1), a reference to definition of “foreign personal holding company income” contained in section 553; in par. (2), that all rents would be included in “foreign personal holding company income” without regard to whether or not such rents constituted 50 percent or more of gross income; in par. (3), for exclusion of certain income derived in active conduct of a trade or business; and in par. (4), exclusion of certain income received from related persons from being included in “foreign personal holding company income”. See subsec. (c)(3).
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(e)Subsec. (d)(3). , added subpars. (A) and (B) and concluding provisions and struck out former subpars. (A) to (C) and concluding provisions which read as follows:
“(A) such person is an individual, partnership, trust, or estate which controls the controlled foreign corporation;
“(B) such person is a corporation which controls, or is controlled by, the controlled foreign corporation; or
“(C) such person is a corporation which is controlled by the same person or persons which control the controlled foreign corporation.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, control means the ownership, directly or indirectly, of stock possessing more than 50 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote. For purposes of this paragraph, the rules for determining ownership of stock prescribed by section 958 shall apply.”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1810(k)Subsec. (e). , in amending subsec. (e) generally, designated existing provisions as par. (1), added par. heading, and substituted subpar. (A) and (B) designations for prior par. (1) and (2) designations, struck out provisions relating to nonapplicability of preceding sentence to services performed in connection with manufactured or grown or extracted property, and provisions determining the place of performance of services for purposes of paragraph (2) with respect to any policy of insurance and reinsurance, and added pars. (2) and (3).
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(b)(3)(B)Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(38)section 1810(k) of Pub. L. 99–514Subsec. (e)(3). , and , struck out par. (3) as enacted by , which read as follows: “For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of any services performed with respect to any policy of insurance or reinsurance with respect to which the primary insured is a related person (within the meaning of section 864(d)(4))—
“(A) such primary insured shall be treated as a related person for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) (whether or not the requirements of subsection (d)(3) are met),
“(B) such services shall be treated as performed in the country within which the insured hazards, risks, losses, or liabilities occur, and
“(C) except as otherwise provided in regulations by the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of section 953(b) shall be applied in determining the income from such services.”
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(c)(2)Subsec. (f). , inserted last sentence.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 1221(c)(3)(A)(i)Subsecs. (g), (h). , redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g), increase in qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations, which read as follows: “For purposes of subsection (b)(2), the increase for any taxable year in qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations of any controlled foreign corporation is the amount by which—
“(1) the qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations (as defined in section 955(b)) of the controlled foreign corporation at the close of the taxable year, exceed
“(2) the qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations (as so defined) of the controlled foreign corporation at the close of the preceding taxable year.”
Pub. L. 98–369, § 137(a)1984—Subsec. (e). , inserted provision that for purposes of par. (2) services performed with respect to any insurance or reinsurance policy be treated as performed in the country of risk.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 712(f)Subsec. (h)(1). , substituted “paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 907(c)” for “section 907(c)(2)”.
Pub. L. 97–248, § 212(a)1982—Subsec. (a)(5). , (e), added par. (5).
Pub. L. 97–248, § 212(d)Subsec. (b)(4). , inserted at end “The preceding sentence shall not apply to foreign base company oil related income described in subsection (a)(5).”
Pub. L. 97–248, § 212(b)(1)Subsec. (b)(5). , substituted “, the foreign base company shipping income, and the foreign base company oil related income” for “and the foreign base company shipping income”.
Pub. L. 97–248, § 212(b)(2)Subsec. (b)(8). , added par. (8).
Pub. L. 97–248, § 212(c)Subsec. (h). , added subsec. (h).
Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A)1976—Subsecs. (b)(4), (5). , struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.
Pub. L. 94–455, § 1024(a)Subsec. (b)(7). , added par. (7).
Pub. L. 94–455, § 1023(a)Subsec. (c)(3)(C). , added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(d)(1)(A)1975—Subsec. (a)(4). , added par. (4).
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(c)(1)Subsec. (b)(1). , struck out subsec. (b)(1) which related to the exclusion of certain dividends, interest, and gains from qualified investments in less developed countries.
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(d)(1)(B)Subsec. (b)(2). , substituted “foreign base company shipping income to the extent that the amount of such income does not exceed the increase for the taxable year in qualified investments in foreign base company shipping operations of the controlled foreign corporation (as determined under subsection (g))” for “income derived from, or in connection with, the use (or hiring or leasing for use) of any aircraft or vessel in foreign commerce, or the performance of services directly related to the use of any such aircraft or vessel” in text and “Exclusion for reinvested shipping income” for “Exclusion of certain shipping income” in heading.
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(d)(1)(C)Subsec. (b)(3). , (D), (e), substituted “10 percent” for “30 percent” in heading, substituted “paragraphs (2) and (5)” for “paragraphs (1) and (5)” and “10 percent” for “30 percent” in subpar. (A), and substituted “paragraphs (2) and (5)” for “paragraphs (1) and (5)” and “paragraphs (2), (4), and (5)” for “paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5)” in subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(d)(1)(E)Subsec. (b)(5). , substituted “the foreign base company services income, and the foreign base company shipping income” for “and the foreign base company services income”.
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(d)(1)(F)Subsec. (b)(6). , added par. (6).
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(b)Subsec. (d)(1). , provided that for purposes of subsec. (d) personal property does not include agricultural commodities which are not grown in the United States in commercially marketable quantities.
Pub. L. 94–12, § 602(c)(2)Subsecs. (f), (g). , (d)(1)(G), added subsecs. (f) and (g).
Pub. L. 91–1721969—Subsec. (b)(4). inserted reference to a foreign corporation which is an acquired corporation, and made the effecting of a transaction giving rise to foreign base income through the controlled foreign corporation subject to the Secretary’s power to disallow inclusion of any item of such income where such inclusion will have one of the effects prescribed by this section.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2025 Amendment
Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70351(b)139 Stat. 208
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 111(b)134 Stat. 3050
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 145(b)133 Stat. 3236
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
section 13517(b)(5) of Pub. L. 115–97section 13517(c) of Pub. L. 115–97section 807 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , with transition rule and transition relief, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 115–97section 14211(c) of Pub. L. 115–97section 952 of this titleAmendment by section 14211(a), (b)(2), (3) of applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
section 128(b) of Pub. L. 114–113section 128(c) of Pub. L. 114–113section 953 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which any such taxable year of such foreign corporation ends, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, § 144(b)129 Stat. 3065
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
section 134(b) of Pub. L. 113–295section 134(c) of Pub. L. 113–295section 953 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which any such taxable year of such foreign corporation ends, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title I, § 135(b)128 Stat. 4019
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
section 322(b) of Pub. L. 112–240section 322(c) of Pub. L. 112–240section 953 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which any such taxable year of such foreign corporation ends, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 112–240, title III, § 323(b)126 Stat. 2333
Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
section 750(a) of Pub. L. 111–312section 750(c) of Pub. L. 111–312section 953 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which any such taxable year of such foreign corporation ends, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 111–312, title VII, § 751(b)124 Stat. 3321
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title III, § 304(b)122 Stat. 3867
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–172Pub. L. 109–222section 4(d) of Pub. L. 110–172section 355 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, , to which such amendment relates, with certain exceptions, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, § 426(a)(2)120 Stat. 2974
Pub. L. 109–222, title I, § 103(b)(2)120 Stat. 347
Effective Date of 2005 Amendment
section 403(m) 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 .
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, § 412(b)118 Stat. 1506
section 413(b)(2) of Pub. L. 108–357section 413(d)(1) of Pub. L. 108–357section 1 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end, see , set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2004 Amendments note under .
Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, § 414(d)118 Stat. 1511
Pub. L. 108–357section 415(d) of Pub. L. 108–357section 952 of this titleAmendment by section 415(a), (b), (c)(2) of applicable to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after , and to taxable years of United States shareholders with or within which such taxable years of foreign corporations end, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 108–357, title IV, § 416(b)118 Stat. 1512
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Pub. L. 107–147section 614(c) of Pub. L. 107–147section 953 of this titleAmendment by section 614(a)(2), (b)(1) of applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
section 503(a) of Pub. L. 106–170section 503(c) of Pub. L. 106–170section 953 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
section 532(c)(2)(Q) of Pub. L. 106–170section 532(d) of Pub. L. 106–170section 170 of this titleAmendment by applicable to any instrument held, acquired, or entered into, any transaction entered into, and supplies held or acquired on or after , see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
section 4003(j) of Pub. L. 105–277Pub. L. 105–34lPub. L. 105–277section 86 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provision of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, , to which such amendment relates, see section 4003() of , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1051(c)111 Stat. 940
Pub. L. 105–34, title XI, § 1175(c)111 Stat. 993
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13233(a)(2)107 Stat. 502
Pub. L. 103–66section 13235(c) of Pub. L. 103–66section 904 of this titleAmendment by section 13235(a)(3) and (b) of applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
section 13239(d) of Pub. L. 103–66section 13239(e) of Pub. L. 103–66section 865 of this titleAmendment by applicable to sales, exchanges, or other dispositions 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 1201(c) of Pub. L. 99–514section 1201(e) of Pub. L. 99–514section 904 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as a note under .
Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, § 1221(g)100 Stat. 2555Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1012(i)(13)102 Stat. 3509
In general .—
Special rule for repeal of exclusion for reinvestment shipping income.—
In general .—
Qualified controlled foreign corporation .—
Exception for certain reinsurance contracts.—
In general .—
Phase-in percentage .—
“In the case of taxable | The phase-in |
years beginning in: | percentage is: |
1987 | 75 |
1988 | 50 |
1989 | 25. |
Qualified controlled foreign insurer .—
Qualified reinsurance income .—
section 1223(a) of Pub. L. 99–514section 1223(c) of Pub. L. 99–514section 864 of this titleAmendment by applicable to taxable years beginning after , see , set out as a note under .
section 1810(k) of Pub. L. 99–514Pub. L. 98–369, div. Asection 1881 of Pub. L. 99–514section 48 of this titleAmendment by effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, § 137(b)98 Stat. 672
section 712(f) of Pub. L. 98–369Pub. L. 97–248section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369section 31 of this titleAmendment by effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, , to which such amendment relates, see , set out as a note under .
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 212(f)96 Stat. 452
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Pub. L. 94–455, title X, § 1023(b)90 Stat. 1620Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095
Pub. L. 94–455, title X, § 1024(b)90 Stat. 1620Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095
Effective Date of 1975 Amendment
Pub. L. 94–12, title VI, § 602(f)89 Stat. 64Pub. L. 99–514, § 2100 Stat. 2095
Effective Date of 1969 Amendment
Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 909(b)83 Stat. 718
Pub. L. 99–514Applicability of Certain Amendments by in Relation to Treaty Obligations of United States
section 1201(c) of Pub. L. 99–514Pub. L. 100–647Pub. L. 99–514Pub. L. 100–647section 861 of this titleFor applicability of amendment by notwithstanding any treaty obligation of the United States in effect on , with provision that for such purposes any amendment by title I of be treated as if it had been included in the provision of to which such amendment relates, see section 1012(aa)(2), (4) of , set out as a note under .
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 .
Special Rule for Application of Section 954 to Certain Dividends
Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, § 1227100 Stat. 2560
In General .—
Qualified Controlled Foreign Corporation .—
Effective Date .—
Executive Documents
Line Item Veto
Pub. L. 105–34, title XI, § 1175111 Stat. 990Clinton v. City of New York, , , amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note above, was subject to line item veto by the President, Cancellation No. 97–1, signed , 62 F.R. 43266, . For decision holding line item veto unconstitutional, see , 524 U.S. 417, 118 S.Ct. 2091, 141 L.Ed.2d 393 (1998).