PART II—CONTRIBUTIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TRANSFERS
Subpart A—Contributions to a Partnership
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—
§721. Nonrecognition of gain or loss on contribution
(a) General rule
No gain or loss shall be recognized to a partnership or to any of its partners in the case of a contribution of property to the partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership.
(b) Special rule
Subsection (a) shall not apply to gain realized on a transfer of property to a partnership which would be treated as an investment company (within the meaning of section 351) if the partnership were incorporated.
(c) Regulations relating to certain transfers to partnerships
The Secretary may provide by regulations that subsection (a) shall not apply to gain realized on the transfer of property to a partnership if such gain, when recognized, will be includible in the gross income of a person other than a United States person.
(d) Transfers of intangibles
For regulatory authority to treat intangibles transferred to a partnership as sold, see section 367(d)(3).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Another section 1131(b) of
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
"(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section and
"(4) The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to transfers to a partnership made on or before the 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976] if—
"(A) either—
"(i) a ruling request with respect to such transfers was filed with the Internal Revenue Service before March 27, 1976, or
"(ii) a registration statement with respect to such transfers was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before March 27, 1976,
"(B) the securities transferred were deposited on or before the 60th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], and
"(C) either—
"(i) the aggregate value (determined as of the close of the 60th day referred to in subparagraph (B), or, if earlier, the close of the deposit period) of the securities so transferred does not exceed $100,000,000, or
"(ii) the securities transferred were all on deposit on February 29, 1976, pursuant to a registration statement referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii).
"(5) If no registration statement was required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the transfer of securities to any partnership, then paragraph (4) shall be applied to such transfers—
"(A) as if paragraph (4) did not contain subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof, and
"(B) by substituting '$25,000,000' for '$100,000,000' in subparagraph (C)(i) thereof."
§722. Basis of contributing partner's interest
The basis of an interest in a partnership acquired by a contribution of property, including money, to the partnership shall be the amount of such money and the adjusted basis of such property to the contributing partner at the time of the contribution increased by the amount (if any) of gain recognized under section 721(b) to the contributing partner at such time.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
For effective date of amendment made by
§723. Basis of property contributed to partnership
The basis of property contributed to a partnership by a partner shall be the adjusted basis of such property to the contributing partner at the time of the contribution increased by the amount (if any) of gain recognized under section 721(b) to the contributing partner at such time.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1984—
1976—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
For effective date of amendment made by
§724. Character of gain or loss on contributed unrealized receivables, inventory items, and capital loss property
(a) Contributions of unrealized receivables
In the case of any property which—
(1) was contributed to the partnership by a partner, and
(2) was an unrealized receivable in the hands of such partner immediately before such contribution,
any gain or loss recognized by the partnership on the disposition of such property shall be treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss, as the case may be.
(b) Contributions of inventory items
In the case of any property which—
(1) was contributed to the partnership by a partner, and
(2) was an inventory item in the hands of such partner immediately before such contribution,
any gain or loss recognized by the partnership on the disposition of such property during the 5-year period beginning on the date of such contribution shall be treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss, as the case may be.
(c) Contributions of capital loss property
In the case of any property which—
(1) was contributed by a partner to the partnership, and
(2) was a capital asset in the hands of such partner immediately before such contribution,
any loss recognized by the partnership on the disposition of such property during the 5-year period beginning on the date of such contribution shall be treated as a loss from the sale of a capital asset to the extent that, immediately before such contribution, the adjusted basis of such property in the hands of the partner exceeded the fair market value of such property.
(d) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(1) Unrealized receivable
The term "unrealized receivable" has the meaning given such term by section 751(c) (determined by treating any reference to the partnership as referring to the partner).
(2) Inventory item
The term "inventory item" has the meaning given such term by section 751(d) (determined by treating any reference to the partnership as referring to the partner and by applying section 1231 without regard to any holding period therein provided).
(3) Substituted basis property
(A) In general
If any property described in subsection (a), (b), or (c) is disposed of in a nonrecognition transaction, the tax treatment which applies to such property under such subsection shall also apply to any substituted basis property resulting from such transaction. A similar rule shall also apply in the case of a series of non-recognition transactions.
(B) Exception for stock in C corporation
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any stock in a C corporation received in an exchange described in section 351.
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (d)(2).
1996—Subsec. (d)(3)(B).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date
Subpart B—Distributions by a Partnership
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2004—
1992—
§731. Extent of recognition of gain or loss on distribution
(a) Partners
In the case of a distribution by a partnership to a partner—
(1) gain shall not be recognized to such partner, except to the extent that any money distributed exceeds the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership immediately before the distribution, and
(2) loss shall not be recognized to such partner, except that upon a distribution in liquidation of a partner's interest in a partnership where no property other than that described in subparagraph (A) or (B) is distributed to such partner, loss shall be recognized to the extent of the excess of the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership over the sum of—
(A) any money distributed, and
(B) the basis to the distributee, as determined under section 732, of any unrealized receivables (as defined in section 751(c)) and inventory (as defined in section 751(d)).
Any gain or loss recognized under this subsection shall be considered as gain or loss from the sale or exchange of the partnership interest of the distributee partner.
(b) Partnerships
No gain or loss shall be recognized to a partnership on a distribution to a partner of property, including money.
(c) Treatment of marketable securities
(1) In general
For purposes of subsection (a)(1) and section 737—
(A) the term "money" includes marketable securities, and
(B) such securities shall be taken into account at their fair market value as of the date of the distribution.
(2) Marketable securities
For purposes of this subsection:
(A) In general
The term "marketable securities" means financial instruments and foreign currencies which are, as of the date of the distribution, actively traded (within the meaning of section 1092(d)(1)).
(B) Other property
Such term includes—
(i) any interest in—
(I) a common trust fund, or
(II) a regulated investment company which is offering for sale or has outstanding any redeemable security (as defined in section 2(a)(32) of the Investment Company Act of 1940) of which it is the issuer,
(ii) any financial instrument which, pursuant to its terms or any other arrangement, is readily convertible into, or exchangeable for, money or marketable securities,
(iii) any financial instrument the value of which is determined substantially by reference to marketable securities,
(iv) except to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any interest in a precious metal which, as of the date of the distribution, is actively traded (within the meaning of section 1092(d)(1)) unless such metal was produced, used, or held in the active conduct of a trade or business by the partnership,
(v) except as otherwise provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, interests in any entity if substantially all of the assets of such entity consist (directly or indirectly) of marketable securities, money, or both, and
(vi) to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, any interest in an entity not described in clause (v) but only to the extent of the value of such interest which is attributable to marketable securities, money, or both.
(C) Financial instrument
The term "financial instrument" includes stocks and other equity interests, evidences of indebtedness, options, forward or futures contracts, notional principal contracts, and derivatives.
(3) Exceptions
(A) In general
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the distribution from a partnership of a marketable security to a partner if—
(i) the security was contributed to the partnership by such partner, except to the extent that the value of the distributed security is attributable to marketable securities or money contributed (directly or indirectly) to the entity to which the distributed security relates,
(ii) to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the property was not a marketable security when acquired by such partnership, or
(iii) such partnership is an investment partnership and such partner is an eligible partner thereof.
(B) Limitation on gain recognized
In the case of a distribution of marketable securities to a partner, the amount taken into account under paragraph (1) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the excess (if any) of—
(i) such partner's distributive share of the net gain which would be recognized if all of the marketable securities of the same class and issuer as the distributed securities held by the partnership were sold (immediately before the transaction to which the distribution relates) by the partnership for fair market value, over
(ii) such partner's distributive share of the net gain which is attributable to the marketable securities of the same class and issuer as the distributed securities held by the partnership immediately after the transaction, determined by using the same fair market value as used under clause (i).
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, all marketable securities held by the partnership may be treated as marketable securities of the same class and issuer as the distributed securities.
(C) Definitions relating to investment partnerships
For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii):
(i) Investment partnership
The term "investment partnership" means any partnership which has never been engaged in a trade or business and substantially all of the assets (by value) of which have always consisted of—
(I) money,
(II) stock in a corporation,
(III) notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness,
(IV) interest rate, currency, or equity notional principal contracts,
(V) foreign currencies,
(VI) interests in or derivative financial instruments (including options, forward or futures contracts, short positions, and similar financial instruments) in any asset described in any other subclause of this clause or in any commodity traded on or subject to the rules of a board of trade or commodity exchange,
(VII) other assets specified in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, or
(VIII) any combination of the foregoing.
(ii) Exception for certain activities
A partnership shall not be treated as engaged in a trade or business by reason of—
(I) any activity undertaken as an investor, trader, or dealer in any asset described in clause (i), or
(II) any other activity specified in regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(iii) Eligible partner
(I) In general
The term "eligible partner" means any partner who, before the date of the distribution, did not contribute to the partnership any property other than assets described in clause (i).
(II) Exception for certain nonrecognition transactions
The term "eligible partner" shall not include the transferor or transferee in a nonrecognition transaction involving a transfer of any portion of an interest in a partnership with respect to which the transferor was not an eligible partner.
(iv) Look-thru of partnership tiers
Except as otherwise provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary—
(I) a partnership shall be treated as engaged in any trade or business engaged in by, and as holding (instead of a partnership interest) a proportionate share of the assets of, any other partnership in which the partnership holds a partnership interest, and
(II) a partner who contributes to a partnership an interest in another partnership shall be treated as contributing a proportionate share of the assets of the other partnership.
If the preceding sentence does not apply under such regulations with respect to any interest held by a partnership in another partnership, the interest in such other partnership shall be treated as if it were specified in a subclause of clause (i).
(4) Basis of securities distributed
(A) In general
The basis of marketable securities with respect to which gain is recognized by reason of this subsection shall be—
(i) their basis determined under section 732, increased by
(ii) the amount of such gain.
(B) Allocation of basis increase
Any increase in basis attributable to the gain described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be allocated to marketable securities in proportion to their respective amounts of unrealized appreciation before such increase.
(5) Subsection disregarded in determining basis of partner's interest in partnership and of basis of partnership property
Sections 733 and 734 shall be applied as if no gain were recognized, and no adjustment were made to the basis of property, under this subsection.
(6) Character of gain recognized
In the case of a distribution of a marketable security which is an unrealized receivable (as defined in section 751(c)) or an inventory item (as defined in section 751(d)), any gain recognized under this subsection shall be treated as ordinary income to the extent of any increase in the basis of such security attributable to the gain described in paragraph (4)(A)(ii).
(7) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations to prevent the avoidance of such purposes.
(d) Exceptions
This section shall not apply to the extent otherwise provided by section 736 (relating to payments to a retiring partner or a deceased partner's successor in interest), section 751 (relating to unrealized receivables and inventory items), and section 737 (relating to recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 2(a)(32) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B)(i)(II), is classified to
Amendments
1997—Subsecs. (a)(2)(B), (c)(6).
1994—Subsecs. (c), (d).
1992—Subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
"(3)
"(A) such liquidation is pursuant to a written contract which was binding on July 15, 1994, and at all times thereafter before the distribution, and
"(B) such contract provides for the purchase of such interest not later than a date certain for—
"(i) a fixed value of marketable securities that are specified in the contract, or
"(ii) other property.
The preceding sentence shall not apply if the partner has the right to elect that such distribution be made other than in marketable securities.
"(4)
"(A)
"(i) the marketable securities were received by the partnership in a nonrecognition transaction in exchange for substantially all of the assets of the partnership,
"(ii) the marketable securities are distributed by the partnership within 90 days after their receipt by the partnership, and
"(iii) the partnership is liquidated before the beginning of the 1st taxable year of the partnership beginning after December 31, 1997.
"(B)
"(i) a complete liquidation of a publicly traded partnership (as defined in section 7704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) which is an existing partnership (as defined in section 10211(c)(2) of the Revenue Act of 1987 [
"(ii) a complete liquidation of a partnership which is related to a partnership described in clause (i) if such liquidation is related to a complete liquidation of the partnership described in clause (i).
"(5)
Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
Amendment by
§732. Basis of distributed property other than money
(a) Distributions other than in liquidation of a partner's interest
(1) General rule
The basis of property (other than money) distributed by a partnership to a partner other than in liquidation of the partner's interest shall, except as provided in paragraph (2), be its adjusted basis to the partnership immediately before such distribution.
(2) Limitation
The basis to the distributee partner of property to which paragraph (1) is applicable shall not exceed the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership reduced by any money distributed in the same transaction.
(b) Distributions in liquidation
The basis of property (other than money) distributed by a partnership to a partner in liquidation of the partner's interest shall be an amount equal to the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership reduced by any money distributed in the same transaction.
(c) Allocation of basis
(1) In general
The basis of distributed properties to which subsection (a)(2) or (b) is applicable shall be allocated—
(A)(i) first to any unrealized receivables (as defined in section 751(c)) and inventory items (as defined in section 751(d)) in an amount equal to the adjusted basis of each such property to the partnership, and
(ii) if the basis to be allocated is less than the sum of the adjusted bases of such properties to the partnership, then, to the extent any decrease is required in order to have the adjusted bases of such properties equal the basis to be allocated, in the manner provided in paragraph (3), and
(B) to the extent of any basis remaining after the allocation under subparagraph (A), to other distributed properties—
(i) first by assigning to each such other property such other property's adjusted basis to the partnership, and
(ii) then, to the extent any increase or decrease in basis is required in order to have the adjusted bases of such other distributed properties equal such remaining basis, in the manner provided in paragraph (2) or (3), whichever is appropriate.
(2) Method of allocating increase
Any increase required under paragraph (1)(B) shall be allocated among the properties—
(A) first to properties with unrealized appreciation in proportion to their respective amounts of unrealized appreciation before such increase (but only to the extent of each property's unrealized appreciation), and
(B) then, to the extent such increase is not allocated under subparagraph (A), in proportion to their respective fair market values.
(3) Method of allocating decrease
Any decrease required under paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) shall be allocated—
(A) first to properties with unrealized depreciation in proportion to their respective amounts of unrealized depreciation before such decrease (but only to the extent of each property's unrealized depreciation), and
(B) then, to the extent such decrease is not allocated under subparagraph (A), in proportion to their respective adjusted bases (as adjusted under subparagraph (A)).
(d) Special partnership basis to transferee
For purposes of subsections (a), (b), and (c), a partner who acquired all or a part of his interest by a transfer with respect to which the election provided in section 754 is not in effect, and to whom a distribution of property (other than money) is made with respect to the transferred interest within 2 years after such transfer, may elect, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to treat as the adjusted partnership basis of such property the adjusted basis such property would have if the adjustment provided in section 743(b) were in effect with respect to the partnership property. The Secretary may by regulations require the application of this subsection in the case of a distribution to a transferee partner, whether or not made within 2 years after the transfer, if at the time of the transfer the fair market value of the partnership property (other than money) exceeded 110 percent of its adjusted basis to the partnership.
(e) Exception
This section shall not apply to the extent that a distribution is treated as a sale or exchange of property under section 751(b) (relating to unrealized receivables and inventory items).
(f) Corresponding adjustment to basis of assets of a distributed corporation controlled by a corporate partner
(1) In general
If—
(A) a corporation (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the "corporate partner") receives a distribution from a partnership of stock in another corporation (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the "distributed corporation"),
(B) the corporate partner has control of the distributed corporation immediately after the distribution or at any time thereafter, and
(C) the partnership's adjusted basis in such stock immediately before the distribution exceeded the corporate partner's adjusted basis in such stock immediately after the distribution,
then an amount equal to such excess shall be applied to reduce (in accordance with subsection (c)) the basis of property held by the distributed corporation at such time (or, if the corporate partner does not control the distributed corporation at such time, at the time the corporate partner first has such control).
(2) Exception for certain distributions before control acquired
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any distribution of stock in the distributed corporation if—
(A) the corporate partner does not have control of such corporation immediately after such distribution, and
(B) the corporate partner establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such distribution was not part of a plan or arrangement to acquire control of the distributed corporation.
(3) Limitations on basis reduction
(A) In general
The amount of the reduction under paragraph (1) shall not exceed the amount by which the sum of the aggregate adjusted bases of the property and the amount of money of the distributed corporation exceeds the corporate partner's adjusted basis in the stock of the distributed corporation.
(B) Reduction not to exceed adjusted basis of property
No reduction under paragraph (1) in the basis of any property shall exceed the adjusted basis of such property (determined without regard to such reduction).
(4) Gain recognition where reduction limited
If the amount of any reduction under paragraph (1) (determined after the application of paragraph (3)(A)) exceeds the aggregate adjusted bases of the property of the distributed corporation—
(A) such excess shall be recognized by the corporate partner as long-term capital gain, and
(B) the corporate partner's adjusted basis in the stock of the distributed corporation shall be increased by such excess.
(5) Control
For purposes of this subsection, the term "control" means ownership of stock meeting the requirements of section 1504(a)(2).
(6) Indirect distributions
For purposes of paragraph (1), if a corporation acquires (other than in a distribution from a partnership) stock the basis of which is determined (by reason of being distributed from a partnership) in whole or in part by reference to subsection (a)(2) or (b), the corporation shall be treated as receiving a distribution of such stock from a partnership.
(7) Special rule for stock in controlled corporation
If the property held by a distributed corporation is stock in a corporation which the distributed corporation controls, this subsection shall be applied to reduce the basis of the property of such controlled corporation. This subsection shall be reapplied to any property of any controlled corporation which is stock in a corporation which it controls.
(8) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations to avoid double counting and to prevent the abuse of such purposes.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1999—Subsec. (f).
1997—Subsec. (c).
"(1) first to any unrealized receivables (as defined in section 751(c)) and inventory items (as defined in section 751(d)(2)) in an amount equal to the adjusted basis of each such property to the partnership (or if the basis to be allocated is less than the sum of the adjusted bases of such properties to the partnership, in proportion to such bases), and
"(2) to the extent of any remaining basis, to any other distributed properties in proportion to their adjusted bases to the partnership."
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i).
1976—Subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by section 1062(b)(3) of
§733. Basis of distributee partner's interest
In the case of a distribution by a partnership to a partner other than in liquidation of a partner's interest, the adjusted basis to such partner of his interest in the partnership shall be reduced (but not below zero) by—
(1) the amount of any money distributed to such partner, and
(2) the amount of the basis to such partner of distributed property other than money, as determined under section 732.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
§734. Adjustment to basis of undistributed partnership property where section 754 election or substantial basis reduction
(a) General rule
The basis of partnership property shall not be adjusted as the result of a distribution of property to a partner unless the election, provided in section 754 (relating to optional adjustment to basis of partnership property), is in effect with respect to such partnership or unless there is a substantial basis reduction with respect to such distribution.
(b) Method of adjustment
In the case of a distribution of property to a partner by a partnership with respect to which the election provided in section 754 is in effect or with respect to which there is a substantial basis reduction, the partnership shall—
(1) increase the adjusted basis of partnership property by—
(A) the amount of any gain recognized to the distributee partner with respect to such distribution under section 731(a)(1), and
(B) in the case of distributed property to which section 732(a)(2) or (b) applies, the excess of the adjusted basis of the distributed property to the partnership immediately before the distribution (as adjusted by section 732(d)) over the basis of the distributed property to the distributee, as determined under section 732, or
(2) decrease the adjusted basis of partnership property by—
(A) the amount of any loss recognized to the distributee partner with respect to such distribution under section 731(a)(2), and
(B) in the case of distributed property to which section 732(b) applies, the excess of the basis of the distributed property to the distributee, as determined under section 732, over the adjusted basis of the distributed property to the partnership immediately before such distribution (as adjusted by section 732(d)).
Paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply to any distributed property which is an interest in another partnership with respect to which the election provided in section 754 is not in effect.
(c) Allocation of basis
The allocation of basis among partnership properties where subsection (b) is applicable shall be made in accordance with the rules provided in section 755.
(d) Substantial basis reduction
(1) In general
For purposes of this section, there is a substantial basis reduction with respect to a distribution if the sum of the amounts described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2) exceeds $250,000.
(2) Regulations
For regulations to carry out this subsection, see section 743(d)(2).
(e) Exception for securitization partnerships
For purposes of this section, a securitization partnership (as defined in section 743(f)) shall not be treated as having a substantial basis reduction with respect to any distribution of property to a partner.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2005—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
2004—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
1984—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2005 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
§735. Character of gain or loss on disposition of distributed property
(a) Sale or exchange of certain distributed property
(1) Unrealized receivables
Gain or loss on the disposition by a distributee partner of unrealized receivables (as defined in section 751(c)) distributed by a partnership, shall be considered as ordinary income or as ordinary loss, as the case may be.
(2) Inventory items
Gain or loss on the sale or exchange by a distributee partner of inventory items (as defined in section 751(d)) distributed by a partnership shall, if sold or exchanged within 5 years from the date of the distribution, be considered as ordinary income or as ordinary loss, as the case may be.
(b) Holding period for distributed property
In determining the period for which a partner has held property received in a distribution from a partnership (other than for purposes of subsection (a)(2)), there shall be included the holding period of the partnership, as determined under section 1223, with respect to such property.
(c) Special rules
(1) Waiver of holding periods contained in section 1231
For purposes of this section, section 751(d) (defining inventory item) shall be applied without regard to any holding period in section 1231(b).
(2) Substituted basis property
(A) In general
If any property described in subsection (a) is disposed of in a nonrecognition transaction, the tax treatment which applies to such property under such subsection shall also apply to any substituted basis property resulting from such transaction. A similar rule shall also apply in the case of a series of nonrecognition transactions.
(B) Exception for stock in C corporation
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any stock in a C corporation received in an exchange described in section 351.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 763,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsecs. (a)(2), (c)(1).
1984—Subsec. (c).
1976—Subsec. (a)(1), (2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by
§736. Payments to a retiring partner or a deceased partner's successor in interest
(a) Payments considered as distributive share or guaranteed payment
Payments made in liquidation of the interest of a retiring partner or a deceased partner shall, except as provided in subsection (b), be considered—
(1) as a distributive share to the recipient of partnership income if the amount thereof is determined with regard to the income of the partnership, or
(2) as a guaranteed payment described in section 707(c) if the amount thereof is determined without regard to the income of the partnership.
(b) Payments for interest in partnership
(1) General rule
Payments made in liquidation of the interest of a retiring partner or a deceased partner shall, to the extent such payments (other than payments described in paragraph (2)) are determined, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to be made in exchange for the interest of such partner in partnership property, be considered as a distribution by the partnership and not as a distributive share or guaranteed payment under subsection (a).
(2) Special rules
For purposes of this subsection, payments in exchange for an interest in partnership property shall not include amounts paid for—
(A) unrealized receivables of the partnership (as defined in section 751(c)), or
(B) good will of the partnership, except to the extent that the partnership agreement provides for a payment with respect to good will.
(3) Limitation on application of paragraph (2)
Paragraph (2) shall apply only if—
(A) capital is not a material income-producing factor for the partnership, and
(B) the retiring or deceased partner was a general partner in the partnership.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1993—Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (c).
1978—Subsec. (c).
1976—Subsec. (b)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by
§737. Recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions to contributing partner
(a) General rule
In the case of any distribution by a partnership to a partner, such partner shall be treated as recognizing gain in an amount equal to the lesser of—
(1) the excess (if any) of (A) the fair market value of property (other than money) received in the distribution over (B) the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership immediately before the distribution reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of money received in the distribution, or
(2) the net precontribution gain of the partner.
Gain recognized under the preceding sentence shall be in addition to any gain recognized under section 731. The character of such gain shall be determined by reference to the proportionate character of the net precontribution gain.
(b) Net precontribution gain
For purposes of this section, the term "net precontribution gain" means the net gain (if any) which would have been recognized by the distributee partner under section 704(c)(1)(B) if all property which—
(1) had been contributed to the partnership by the distributee partner within 7 years of the distribution, and
(2) is held by such partnership immediately before the distribution,
had been distributed by such partnership to another partner.
(c) Basis rules
(1) Partner's interest
The adjusted basis of a partner's interest in a partnership shall be increased by the amount of any gain recognized by such partner under subsection (a). For purposes of determining the basis of the distributed property (other than money), such increase shall be treated as occurring immediately before the distribution.
(2) Partnership's basis in contributed property
Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the adjusted basis of the partnership in the contributed property referred to in subsection (b) to reflect gain recognized under subsection (a).
(d) Exceptions
(1) Distributions of previously contributed property
If any portion of the property distributed consists of property which had been contributed by the distributee partner to the partnership, such property shall not be taken into account under subsection (a)(1) and shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of the net precontribution gain. If the property distributed consists of an interest in an entity, the preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent that the value of such interest is attributable to property contributed to such entity after such interest had been contributed to the partnership.
(2) Coordination with section 751
This section shall not apply to the extent section 751(b) applies to such distribution.
(e) Marketable securities treated as money
For treatment of marketable securities as money for purposes of this section, see section 731(c).
(Added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (b)(1).
1996—
1994—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date
Section applicable to distributions on or after June 25, 1992, see section 1937(c) of
Subpart C—Transfers of Interests in a Partnership
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2004—
§741. Recognition and character of gain or loss on sale or exchange
In the case of a sale or exchange of an interest in a partnership, gain or loss shall be recognized to the transferor partner. Such gain or loss shall be considered as gain or loss from the sale or exchange of a capital asset, except as otherwise provided in section 751 (relating to unrealized receivables and inventory items).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2002—
§742. Basis of transferee partner's interest
The basis of an interest in a partnership acquired other than by contribution shall be determined under part II of subchapter O (sec. 1011 and following).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
§743. Special rules where section 754 election or substantial built-in loss
(a) General rule
The basis of partnership property shall not be adjusted as the result of a transfer of an interest in a partnership by sale or exchange or on the death of a partner unless the election provided by section 754 (relating to optional adjustment to basis of partnership property) is in effect with respect to such partnership or unless the partnership has a substantial built-in loss immediately after such transfer.
(b) Adjustment to basis of partnership property
In the case of a transfer of an interest in a partnership by sale or exchange or upon the death of a partner, a partnership with respect to which the election provided in section 754 is in effect or which has a substantial built-in loss immediately after such transfer shall—
(1) increase the adjusted basis of the partnership property by the excess of the basis to the transferee partner of his interest in the partnership over his proportionate share of the adjusted basis of the partnership property, or
(2) decrease the adjusted basis of the partnership property by the excess of the transferee partner's proportionate share of the adjusted basis of the partnership property over the basis of his interest in the partnership.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, such increase or decrease shall constitute an adjustment to the basis of partnership property with respect to the transferee partner only. A partner's proportionate share of the adjusted basis of partnership property shall be determined in accordance with his interest in partnership capital and, in the case of property contributed to the partnership by a partner, section 704(c) (relating to contributed property) shall apply in determining such share. In the case of an adjustment under this subsection to the basis of partnership property subject to depletion, any depletion allowable shall be determined separately for the transferee partner with respect to his interest in such property.
(c) Allocation of basis
The allocation of basis among partnership properties where subsection (b) is applicable shall be made in accordance with the rules provided in section 755.
(d) Substantial built-in loss
(1) In general
For purposes of this section, a partnership has a substantial built-in loss with respect to a transfer of an interest in the partnership if—
(A) the partnership's adjusted basis in the partnership property exceeds by more than $250,000 the fair market value of such property, or
(B) the transferee partner would be allocated a loss of more than $250,000 if the partnership assets were sold for cash equal to their fair market value immediately after such transfer.
(2) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of paragraph (1) and section 734(d), including regulations aggregating related partnerships and disregarding property acquired by the partnership in an attempt to avoid such purposes.
(e) Alternative rules for electing investment partnerships
(1) No adjustment of partnership basis
For purposes of this section, an electing investment partnership shall not be treated as having a substantial built-in loss with respect to any transfer occurring while the election under paragraph (6)(A) is in effect.
(2) Loss deferral for transferee partner
In the case of a transfer of an interest in an electing investment partnership, the transferee partner's distributive share of losses (without regard to gains) from the sale or exchange of partnership property shall not be allowed except to the extent that it is established that such losses exceed the loss (if any) recognized by the transferor (or any prior transferor to the extent not fully offset by a prior disallowance under this paragraph) on the transfer of the partnership interest.
(3) No reduction in partnership basis
Losses disallowed under paragraph (2) shall not decrease the transferee partner's basis in the partnership interest.
(4) Certain basis reductions treated as losses
In the case of a transferee partner whose basis in property distributed by the partnership is reduced under section 732(a)(2), the amount of the loss recognized by the transferor on the transfer of the partnership interest which is taken into account under paragraph (2) shall be reduced by the amount of such basis reduction.
(5) Electing investment partnership
For purposes of this subsection, the term "electing investment partnership" means any partnership if—
(A) the partnership makes an election to have this subsection apply,
(B) the partnership would be an investment company under section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 but for an exemption under paragraph (1) or (7) of section 3(c) of such Act,
(C) such partnership has never been engaged in a trade or business,
(D) substantially all of the assets of such partnership are held for investment,
(E) at least 95 percent of the assets contributed to such partnership consist of money,
(F) no assets contributed to such partnership had an adjusted basis in excess of fair market value at the time of contribution,
(G) all partnership interests of such partnership are issued by such partnership pursuant to a private offering before the date which is 24 months after the date of the first capital contribution to such partnership,
(H) the partnership agreement of such partnership has substantive restrictions on each partner's ability to cause a redemption of the partner's interest, and
(I) the partnership agreement of such partnership provides for a term that is not in excess of 15 years.
The election described in subparagraph (A), once made, shall be irrevocable except with the consent of the Secretary.
(6) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations for applying this subsection to tiered partnerships.
(f) Exception for securitization partnerships
(1) No adjustment of partnership basis
For purposes of this section, a securitization partnership shall not be treated as having a substantial built-in loss with respect to any transfer.
(2) Securitization partnership
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "securitization partnership" means any partnership the sole business activity of which is to issue securities which provide for a fixed principal (or similar) amount and which are primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool (either fixed or revolving) of receivables or other financial assets that by their terms convert into cash in a finite period, but only if the sponsor of the pool reasonably believes that the receivables and other financial assets comprising the pool are not acquired so as to be disposed of.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 3(a)(1)(A), (c)(1), (7) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (e)(5)(B), is classified to
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (e)(4) to (7).
2004—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f).
1984—Subsec. (b).
1976—Subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Amendment by section 13504(b)(2) of
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
"(A)
"(B)
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Subpart D—Provisions Common to Other Subparts
§751. Unrealized receivables and inventory items
(a) Sale or exchange of interest in partnership
The amount of any money, or the fair market value of any property, received by a transferor partner in exchange for all or a part of his interest in the partnership attributable to—
(1) unrealized receivables of the partnership, or
(2) inventory items of the partnership,
shall be considered as an amount realized from the sale or exchange of property other than a capital asset.
(b) Certain distributions treated as sales or exchanges
(1) General rule
To the extent a partner receives in a distribution—
(A) partnership property which is—
(i) unrealized receivables, or
(ii) inventory items which have appreciated substantially in value,
in exchange for all or a part of his interest in other partnership property (including money), or
(B) partnership property (including money) other than property described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (ii) in exchange for all or a part of his interest in partnership property described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (ii),
such transactions shall, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, be considered as a sale or exchange of such property between the distributee and the partnership (as constituted after the distribution).
(2) Exceptions
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to—
(A) a distribution of property which the distributee contributed to the partnership, or
(B) payments, described in section 736(a), to a retiring partner or successor in interest of a deceased partner.
(3) Substantial appreciation
For purposes of paragraph (1)—
(A) In general
Inventory items of the partnership shall be considered to have appreciated substantially in value if their fair market value exceeds 120 percent of the adjusted basis to the partnership of such property.
(B) Certain property excluded
For purposes of subparagraph (A), there shall be excluded any inventory property if a principal purpose for acquiring such property was to avoid the provisions of this subsection relating to inventory items.
(c) Unrealized receivables
For purposes of this subchapter, the term "unrealized receivables" includes, to the extent not previously includible in income under the method of accounting used by the partnership, any rights (contractual or otherwise) to payment for—
(1) goods delivered, or to be delivered, to the extent the proceeds therefrom would be treated as amounts received from the sale or exchange of property other than a capital asset, or
(2) services rendered, or to be rendered.
For purposes of this section and sections 731, 732, and 741 (but not for purposes of section 736), such term also includes mining property (as defined in section 617(f)(2)), stock in a DISC (as described in section 992(a)), section 1245 property (as defined in section 1245(a)(3)), stock in certain foreign corporations (as described in section 1248), section 1250 property (as defined in section 1250(c)), farm land (as defined in section 1252(a)), franchises, trademarks, or trade names (referred to in section 1253(a)), and an oil, gas, or geothermal property (described in section 1254) but only to the extent of the amount which would be treated as gain to which section 617(d)(1), 995(c), 1245(a), 1248(a), 1250(a), 1252(a), 1253(a), or 1254(a) would apply if (at the time of the transaction described in this section or section 731, 732, or 741, as the case may be) such property had been sold by the partnership at its fair market value. For purposes of this section and sections 731, 732, and 741 (but not for purposes of section 736), such term also includes any market discount bond (as defined in section 1278) and any short-term obligation (as defined in section 1283) but only to the extent of the amount which would be treated as ordinary income if (at the time of the transaction described in this section or section 731, 732, or 741, as the case may be) such property had been sold by the partnership.
(d) Inventory items
For purposes of this subchapter, the term "inventory items" means—
(1) property of the partnership of the kind described in section 1221(a)(1),
(2) any other property of the partnership which, on sale or exchange by the partnership, would be considered property other than a capital asset and other than property described in section 1231, and
(3) any other property held by the partnership which, if held by the selling or distributee partner, would be considered property of the type described in paragraph (1) or (2).
(e) Limitation on tax attributable to deemed sales of section 1248 stock
For purposes of applying this section and sections 731 and 741 to any amount resulting from the reference to section 1248(a) in the second sentence of subsection (c), in the case of an individual, the tax attributable to such amount shall be limited in the manner provided by subsection (b) of section 1248 (relating to gain from certain sales or exchanges of stock in certain foreign corporation).
(f) Special rules in the case of tiered partnerships, etc.
In determining whether property of a partnership is—
(1) an unrealized receivable, or
(2) an inventory item,
such partnership shall be treated as owning its proportionate share of the property of any other partnership in which it is a partner. Under regulations, rules similar to the rules of the preceding sentence shall also apply in the case of interests in trusts.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (c).
2004—Subsec. (d)(2) to (4).
1999—Subsec. (d)(1).
1998—Subsec. (c).
1997—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (b)(1).
"(A) partnership property described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) in exchange for all or a part of his interest in other partnership property (including money), or
"(B) partnership property (including money) other than property described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) in exchange for all or a part of his interest in partnership property described in subsection (a)(1) or (2),".
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (d).
1993—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(1).
"(A) 120 percent of the adjusted basis to the partnership of such property, and
"(B) 10 percent of the fair market value of all partnership property, other than money."
Subsec. (e).
1986—Subsec. (c).
1984—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (f).
1983—Subsec. (c).
1978—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (e).
1976—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (c).
1969—Subsec. (c).
1966—Subsec. (c).
1964—Subsec. (c).
1962—Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by section 13262(b)(1) and (2)(A) of
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by section 201(d)(10) of
Amendment by section 201(d)(10) of
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by section 43(c)(3) of
Amendment by section 492(b)(4) of
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1978 Amendments
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by section 205(b) of
Amendment by section 1042(c)(2) of
Amendment by section 1101(d)(2) of
Amendment by section 1901(a)(93) of
Effective Date of 1969 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1964 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1962 Amendment
Amendment by section 13(f)(1) of
Amendment by section 14(b)(2) of
Plan Amendments Not Required Until January 1, 1989
For 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
§752. Treatment of certain liabilities
(a) Increase in partner's liabilities
Any increase in a partner's share of the liabilities of a partnership, or any increase in a partner's individual liabilities by reason of the assumption by such partner of partnership liabilities, shall be considered as a contribution of money by such partner to the partnership.
(b) Decrease in partner's liabilities
Any decrease in a partner's share of the liabilities of a partnership, or any decrease in a partner's individual liabilities by reason of the assumption by the partnership of such individual liabilities, shall be considered as a distribution of money to the partner by the partnership.
(c) Liability to which property is subject
For purposes of this section, a liability to which property is subject shall, to the extent of the fair market value of such property, be considered as a liability of the owner of the property.
(d) Sale or exchange of an interest
In the case of a sale or exchange of an interest in a partnership, liabilities shall be treated in the same manner as liabilities in connection with the sale or exchange of property not associated with partnerships.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Overruling of Raphan Case
"(a)
"(b)
§753. Partner receiving income in respect of decedent
The amount includible in the gross income of a successor in interest of a deceased partner under section 736(a) shall be considered income in respect of a decedent under section 691.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
§754. Manner of electing optional adjustment to basis of partnership property
If a partnership files an election, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the basis of partnership property shall be adjusted, in the case of a distribution of property, in the manner provided in section 734 and, in the case of a transfer of a partnership interest, in the manner provided in section 743. Such an election shall apply with respect to all distributions of property by the partnership and to all transfers of interests in the partnership during the taxable year with respect to which such election was filed and all subsequent taxable years. Such election may be revoked by the partnership, subject to such limitations as may be provided by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—
§755. Rules for allocation of basis
(a) General rule
Any increase or decrease in the adjusted basis of partnership property under section 734(b) (relating to the optional adjustment to the basis of undistributed partnership property) or section 743(b) (relating to the optional adjustment to the basis of partnership property in the case of a transfer of an interest in a partnership) shall, except as provided in subsection (b), be allocated—
(1) in a manner which has the effect of reducing the difference between the fair market value and the adjusted basis of partnership properties, or
(2) in any other manner permitted by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(b) Special rule
In applying the allocation rules provided in subsection (a), increases or decreases in the adjusted basis of partnership property arising from a distribution of, or a transfer of an interest attributable to, property consisting of—
(1) capital assets and property described in section 1231(b), or
(2) any other property of the partnership,
shall be allocated to partnership property of a like character except that the basis of any such partnership property shall not be reduced below zero. If, in the case of a distribution, the adjustment to basis of property described in paragraph (1) or (2) is prevented by the absence of such property or by insufficient adjusted basis for such property, such adjustment shall be applied to subsequently acquired property of a like character in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(c) No allocation of basis decrease to stock of corporate partner
In making an allocation under subsection (a) of any decrease in the adjusted basis of partnership property under section 734(b)—
(1) no allocation may be made to stock in a corporation (or any person related (within the meaning of sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1)) to such corporation) which is a partner in the partnership, and
(2) any amount not allocable to stock by reason of paragraph (1) shall be allocated under subsection (a) to other partnership property.
Gain shall be recognized to the partnership to the extent that the amount required to be allocated under paragraph (2) to other partnership property exceeds the aggregate adjusted basis of such other property immediately before the allocation required by paragraph (2).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2004—Subsec. (c).
1976—Subsecs. (a), (b).