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President Biden proposes increased stock repurchase excise tax; renews call for billionaire minimum tax, other proposals

In a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on 7 February, President Biden called on Congress to support his economic policy agenda that includes reforming the tax code to “reward work and not just wealth.” The President said that he is proposing to increase from 1% to 4% the excise tax on corporate stock repurchases that was enacted in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). He also called on Congress to enact a “billionaire” minimum tax and other corporate and individual tax proposals. The President’s tax proposals will be submitted to Congress as part of his FY 2024 budget. The President’s budget and a Treasury Department “Green Book” general explanation of revenue proposals will be released on 9 March, according to White House officials.

Treasury and the IRS release proposed foreign tax credit regulations

US Treasury and the IRS have released eagerly anticipated proposed foreign tax credit regulations (2022 Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) proposed regulations). The regulations address the cost recovery requirement, the attribution requirement for withholding tax on royalty payments, and the definition of a reattribution asset for purposes of allocating and apportioning foreign taxes.

Treasury defers applicability dates for foreign currency guidance

US Treasury and the IRS recently issued Notice 2022-34, which states plans to defer the applicability date of certain final Section 987 regulations and certain related regulations by an additional year, now to tax years beginning after 7 December 2023. These regulations previously had been deferred under prior Notices, including most recently under Notice 2021-59.

US Senate passes “Inflation Reduction Act” reconciliation bill

The Senate on August 7 voted 51 to 50 along party lines to pass the “Inflation Reduction Act'' budget reconciliation bill (the bill). The tie-breaking vote in the evenly divided Senate was provided by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Senate action clears the way for the House to return from its August recess on Friday, August 12 to consider the bill. President Biden and Democratic leaders hope to see the narrowly divided House approve the bill without change so it can be signed into law before the end of August.

Corporate book minimum tax proposed as part of budget reconciliation bill

A corporate alternative minimum tax (book minimum tax, or BMT) has been proposed for corporations with profits over $1 billion as part of the budget reconciliation bill released on 27 July The provision, proposed to be effective for tax years beginning after 2022, could impose a minimum tax equal to the excess of 15% of an applicable corporation’s adjusted financial statement income over the corporate alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit for the tax year.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Sen. Manchin announce reconciliation tax agreement

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin have announced an agreement on a budget reconciliation bill (the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022). According to fact sheets distributed by Senate Democrats, the legislation includes revenue and spending offsets of $739 billion over 10 years by increasing taxes paid by businesses and individuals and by producing savings from changes in federal prescription drug pricing policies.

US Treasury gives notice to terminate the US-Hungary income tax treaty

The US Treasury Department took the rare step on 8 July of providing notice to Hungary that it is terminating the US-Hungary income tax treaty, which has been in operation since 1979. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Treasury explained its action based on long-standing concerns with Hungary’s tax system and the treaty itself, and a lack of satisfactory action by Hungary to remedy these concerns in coordination with other EU member countries that are seeking to implement the OECD Pillar Two global minimum tax proposal.

IRS issues proposed regulation to limit ‘anti-clawback’ rules

In response to a perceived potential abuse of the ‘anti-clawback’ regulations released in 2019, the IRS recently published Proposed Regulation sec. 20.2010-1(c)(3). This proposed regulation would impose some limits on the anti-clawback regulations issued in 2019. The regulation, when finalised, is proposed to apply to estates of descendants dying on or after 27 April 2022. Comments on the proposed regulations are due by 26 July 2022.

Impact of blockers on tax-exempt organizations and investments

Corporate blockers may provide tax-exempt entities an opportunity to enhance certain types of investment returns. With changes in US tax law brought about by the 2017 tax reform legislation, university endowments, foundations, pension trusts, and other tax-exempt entities should analyze whether the use of an alternative investment vehicle (“AIV” or “corporate blocker”) could play an appropriate part in their overall investment strategy.

IRS releases guidance on treatment of deferred compensation expense for Section 250 FDII deduction

The IRS Office of Chief Counsel recently released Generic Legal Advice Memorandum (GLAM) 2022-001 dealing with the allocation and apportionment of deferred compensation expense for purposes of calculating the Section 250 deduction for foreign-derived intangible income (FDII). GLAM 2022-001 concludes that deferred compensation expense that relates to services provided in years prior to enactment of Section 250, but that is deductible post-enactment, may be allocated to deduction eligible income (DEI) and foreign-derived deduction eligible income (FDDEI) if the class of gross income to which the deduction relates includes DEI or FDDEI.

Treasury ‘Green Book’ explains Administration tax proposals affecting high-income individuals and asset managers

The Treasury Department on 28 March 2022 published its “General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Proposals” (traditionally known as the ‘Green Book’) providing additional details of tax proposals included in President Biden’s FY 2023 budget submission to Congress, many of which may affect high-income individual taxpayers and asset managers.

Tax readiness webcast: The future of tax - What's your workforce and tax technology strategy in 2022?

Watch the replay where our specialists discuss how businesses are facing a growing list of challenges in 2022 and are increasingly relying on their people and technology systems to do more. Companies have to execute a variety of tasks in order to adhere to burdensome compliance requirements, workforce issues, and evolving tax policy, including OECD’s Pillar Two.

Tax Readiness webcast: Capitalizing research expenditures and software development costs —issues and implications

The 2017 tax reform act amended Section 174, effective for tax years beginning after 2021, to require capitalization and amortization of research expenditures and software development costs. Watch the replay from 23 February where our panel of specialists discussed the implications of this new capitalization requirement, including potential impacts on the research credit, foreign tax credits, tested income, Section 861 allocation, Section 482 cost sharing arrangements, and state and local taxes.

Divided Sixth Circuit panel affirms Tax Court subpart F decision; Whirlpool petitions for rehearing

The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Whirlpool v. Commissioner recently affirmed the US Tax Court’s May 2020 decision. The Tax Court had held that Whirlpool’s controlled foreign corporation (‘CFC’) in Luxembourg had earned subpart F foreign base company sales income (‘FBCSI’) from supplying appliances manufactured in Mexico.

Key insights from the 2021 US final foreign tax credit regulations

The 2021 Final Regulations were published in the Federal Register on 4 January 2022, and represent the third set of final regulations that have been issued with respect to the core provisions of the US foreign tax credit regime following the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The 2021 Final Regulations are among the most significant developments in the US FTC regime during its 100+ year existence, as they fundamentally change the definition of what is a creditable foreign income tax under Sections 901 and 903.

Capitalizing RE and increased interest disallowance effective

Unless pending legislation is enacted, a change to Section 174 requiring the capitalization of R&E expenditures is in effect for amounts paid or incurred in tax years beginning after 2021. A potential increase in the Section 163(j) interest deduction disallowance also has gone into effect in 2022. Taxpayers should consider the impact of these changes on their first quarter 2022 financial reporting and estimated tax payments and on cash taxes, R&E credits, Section 861 allocation and apportionment of R&E expenditures, state income taxes, and other tax matters.

Final regulations address final IBOR transition issues

The IRS and Treasury recently published final regulations under Sections 860A, 860G, 1001, 1271, 1275, and 7701(1). These regulations provide tax guidance with respect to alterations to debt instruments, derivative contracts, and other contracts that replace interbank offered rates (IBORs) - e.g., London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) - with qualified replacement rates or provide fallback replacement rate provisions.

Senate Democrats release initial Build Back Better reconciliation tax proposals

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden has released 1,180 pages of draft Finance amendment bill text for Senate consideration of the “Build Back Better” reconciliation bill (H.R. 5736). The Finance amendment bill text would amend H.R. 5736 as passed on November 19 by the House. Chairman Wyden noted that the bill text is subject to further revisions.

Oregon Tax Court finds Subpart F income is sale for apportionment

The Oregon Tax Court’s Regular Division has reversed its prior decision and held that Subpart F income included in Oregon taxable income qualifies as a “gross receipt” for sales factor apportionment purposes. This finding allowed the Tax Court to evaluate whether a sales factor statutory provision operates to include or exclude such Subpart F income from the sales factor.

Louisiana voters approve income, franchise tax changes

Louisiana voters recently defeated a constitutional amendment that would have centralized sales tax administration at the state level (eliminating a warren of parish sales tax assessors and audits) but approved another constitutional amendment significantly impacting individual income, corporate income, and corporate franchise taxpayers.

House delays vote on Build Back Better reconciliation bill, passes infrastructure bill

House Democratic leaders on 5 November announced that they would delay voting on a $1.75 trillion “Build Back Better” reconciliation bill (H.R. 5376) that includes more than $1.5 trillion in business, international, and individual tax increase provisions. A group of moderate House Democrats insisted that a vote on the bill should be held only after the Congressional Budget Office reports on the total cost of the legislation. Additional offsets include increased IRS enforcement measures and savings from the repeal of a Medicare prescription drug rebate rule.

Revised Build Back Better bill — key business and individual tax provisions

President Biden on 28 October announced a “Build Back Better” framework that outlines spending provisions described as costing $1.75 trillion over 10 years and revenue offsets believed to add up to nearly $2 trillion over the same period. The proposed revenue offsets include significant business, international, and individual tax increases, increased IRS enforcement measures, and repeal of a Medicare prescription drug rebate rule. Our PwC Tax Insights provides an analysis of key business and individual provisions proposed as part of the revised Build Back Better bill and includes a chart summarizing effective dates in the bill.

President Biden announces Build Back Better framework agreement; House leaders signal further changes

President Biden announced on 28 October a framework agreement on “Build Back Better” legislation that the House could consider as early as 29 October. he framework agreement outlines spending provisions that are described as costing $1.75 trillion over 10 years, and revenue offsets that are believed to add up to nearly $2 trillion over the same period.

US compromises with the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Austria on digital services taxes and trade actions

Austria, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States on 21 October issued a joint statement on a compromise reached regarding digital services taxes and related unilateral measures. It follows the OECD Inclusive Framework statement of 8 October which contained details on unwinding existing DSTs and an agreement not to introduce further unilateral measures in the lead-up to the implementation of Pillar One.

Tax Readiness webcast: Elevating Tax in a Hot Deal Market

Watch this webcast replay from Wednesday 29 September where PwC professionals from our Tax, Deals and Value Chain Transformation practices had a timely discussion on the important role tax plays in the current deals environment including a discussion of opportunities for the tax department to add value as an integral part of the deal process.

US webcast: US tax legislation advances under budget reconciliation

Watch the replay from this webcast held on Tuesday 21 September 2021, where our policy specialists explored the tax proposals being considered by the House of Representatives as part of “Build Back Better” reconciliation legislation, potential issues and challenges facing tax executives, and what companies should be doing in anticipation of potentially large scale changes.

House Ways and Means Committee approves reconciliation tax bill

The House Ways and Means Committee on 15 September approved tax increase and tax relief proposals that are to be acted on by the House of Representatives as part of ‘Build Back Better’ reconciliation legislation. Significant business and international provisions in the Ways and Means Committee-approved bill include changes to the corporate tax rate, new interest expense rules, modifications to international provisions, and the extension of expensing for research and experimental costs under Section 174.

Streamlined filing may lengthen transition tax lookback period

The IRS recently updated its webpage to clarify that a taxpayer that uses the agency’s streamlined filing compliance procedures must include in its submission the tax year in which the Section 965 transition tax is levied (generally, 2017 and/or 2018), if the taxpayer is not compliant with Section 965. Accordingly, the lookback period for any streamlined filing submission involving specified foreign corporations (SFCs) with a Section 965(a) inclusion in 2017 must include 2017 and all subsequent years affected. In addition, taxpayers must account for and report Subpart F income and Section 956 amounts in their submission.

US Senate Finance Chairman Wyden releases international tax reform discussion draft

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, Finance Members Sherrod Brown and Senator Mark Warner have released discussion draft legislation and a six-page, section-by-section staff description on international tax reform proposals. The Discussion Draft builds on concepts set forth in a framework outline of proposals for overhauling international taxation that was released by Chairman Wyden, Senator Brown and Senator Warner on April 5, 2021.

House approves budget resolution, action to come on reconciliation tax bill

In the US, on 24 August 2021, the House voted 220 to 212 to approve the Senate-passed fiscal year 2022 budget resolution that provides reconciliation instructions for spending and tax relief provisions that would be offset in part by corporate and individual tax increases. The House action also calls for a House vote, without amendments, on September 27 on the bipartisan infrastructure bill recently approved by the Senate.

Pennsylvania updates tax credit and deduction programs

Enacted on 30 June 2021, H.B. 952 provides an update to Pennsylvania’s Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction (QMIRD). Applicable to tax years beginning after 31 December 2020, the deduction applies to Pennsylvania taxable income (i.e., post-apportionment). H.B. 952 provides updated deadlines for a number of credit and incentive programs in the state and also makes changes to the administration of tax credit programs.

US MTC policy would limit protections from state tax under P.L. 86-272

The Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) recently adopted a revised “statement of information” on the application of Public Law 86-272, which bars states and localities from imposing net income taxes where in-state business activities are limited to solicitation of sales of tangible personal property and ancillary activities. The revised statement takes the position that taxpayers generally engage in unprotected in-state business activities “when a business interacts with a customer via the business’s website or app.”

US Senate approves budget resolution, House returning to consider budget

Following the Senate’s August 10 approval of a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Senate early in the morning of August 11 completed action on a fiscal year 2022 budget resolution that would provide reconciliation instructions for up to $3.5 trillion in spending and tax relief provisions that would be offset in part by corporate and individual tax increases. House leaders late on August 10 announced that the House would return early from its August recess to consider the Senate budget resolution during the week of August 23. The House had not been scheduled to return until September 20.

US Senate passes bipartisan infrastructure bill; debate to begin on FY 2022 budget resolution

The US Senate has voted 69 to 30 to pass a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that includes $550 billion in new spending on highways, bridges, waterways, transit, airports, the electric grid, and broadband. The legislation resulted from months of negotiations by President Biden and a group of Democratic and Republican Senators to reach an agreement to increase spending on infrastructure without tax rate increases. The Senate bill includes other tax and non-tax offsets, including a new cryptocurrency information reporting requirement that is the subject of ongoing debate and a measure reinstating Superfund excise taxes on chemicals.

Tennessee Letter Ruling addresses partnership basis step-up and push-down treatment

In Letter Ruling 21-06 (6/10/21), the Tennessee Department of Revenue addressed the franchise and excise tax implications when a partnership makes an IRC Sec. 754 election to step up the adjusted basis of its assets for federal income tax purposes, and the partnership elects to “push down” the purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the purchase that gave rise to the IRC Sec. 754 election.

Demystifying US deferred tax accounting

Regulatory and legislative developments in the United States and abroad have generated continued interest in the financial accounting and reporting framework, including accounting for income taxes. Fundamental to the income tax accounting framework is an understanding of deferred tax accounting. In this publication we provide a refresher of the deferred tax accounting model and why deferred taxes are an important measure within the financial statements.

California elective pass-through entity tax bill awaits governor’s signature

California is one step closer to joining the growing number of states adopting pass-through entity (PTE) tax legislation in response to the 2017 federal tax reform legislation. For federal income tax purposes, the 2017 tax reform limited individuals’ itemized deduction to $10,000 for their separately stated state and local income, sales, and property taxes (SALT).

Treasury ‘Green Book’ release marks start of US tax policy process affecting Inbounds

Foreign companies investing and operating in the United States will want to carefully review the Green Book, which contains important new details regarding tax proposals that would make sweeping changes to the US international tax rules enacted as part of the 2017 tax reform law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA). This Insight looks at the key international tax proposals affecting inbound companies.

Tax accounting considerations of the Treasury “Green Book”

On May 28, the Department of the Treasury released the General Explanation of the Administration's Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue Proposals (“Green Book”), outlining a number of proposed amendments to the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), including significant changes for corporate taxpayers. Among other considerations, these proposals represent changes to existing corporate tax regimes, and have important implications from both an income and non-income tax accounting perspective.

Biden budget proposes increased information reporting

The President’s budget proposals include creation of a comprehensive financial account information reporting regime under which financial institutions would be required to report information on account inflows and outflows to increase reporting on earnings from investments and business activity. Similar reporting requirements would apply to crypto asset exchanges, custodians, and payment settlement entities.

New Jersey Tax Court precludes NOL adjustment in closed tax years

The New Jersey Tax Court recently found that the New Jersey Division of Taxation could not adjust NOL carryforwards that were created in years that were closed due to the state’s four-year statute of limitations against assessment. The Tax Court stated that such an adjustment would be “tantamount to an adjustment of the income reported in those years and thus constitutes an audit of closed years, which is impermissionable under the” New Jersey four-year statute of limitations.

Treasury ‘Green Book’ describes Biden’s tax proposals for businesses

The US Treasury on May 28 released the much-anticipated 'General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue Proposals' ('Green Book'). The Green Book serves as a guidepost for the Administration’s proposed tax legislation, describing current law, proposed law, the Administration’s policy rationale for the proposals, and revenue projections. While the Green Book reflects the Biden Administration’s recommendations, Congress will be responsible for drafting and enacting any tax legislation.

US Treasury report provides details on President Biden’s tax proposals

The US Treasury has released a 114-page “Green Book” general explanation of tax proposals included in President Joe Biden’s fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget submission to Congress, also released the same day. The Green Book provides new details on proposals to increase corporate and individual taxes to help offset the $4.1 trillion combined cost of President Biden’s previously proposed American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan.

IRS issues GILTI accounting method change procedures

The IRS recently issued Rev. Proc. 2021-26, which provides automatic consent for certain accounting method changes to the alternative depreciation system (ADS) for purposes of the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) regime under Section 951A, and updates terms and conditions for accounting method changes to take into account the enactment of Section 951A. Taxpayers subject to the GILTI regime may want to consider whether a change to the ADS for GILTI purposes may be necessary or beneficial.

US income tax treaties at the start of the Biden Administration

At a public forum in April 2021, a Treasury official stated the United States desires to amend existing income tax treaties with Switzerland and Israel, and that the United States has opened tax treaty negotiations with Colombia, has completed tax treaty negotiations with Norway and Romania, and is engaged in ongoing tax treaty discussions with Croatia. This treaty activity contrasts with recent US tax treaty history, where, in 2019, following a lengthy hiatus in the tax treaty approval process, four US tax treaty protocols, which had been negotiated and signed years before, entered into force.

Kansas enacts significant corporate income tax changes

Pursuant to a legislative override of the governor’s veto, S.B. 50 which was recently enacted, provides the following changes applicable for tax years beginning after December 31, 2020: 1) 100% subtraction modification for GILTI and 163(j) disallowed interest; 2) Decoupling from IRC Section 118 capital contribution changes enacted by the 2017 tax reform act (the 2017 Act); and 3) Modifying business meal expense deductions. Additionally, for net operating losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, Kansas replaces its 10-year NOL carryforward with an unlimited carryforward. Finally, Kansas extends the filing deadline for 2020 corporate income tax returns to be one month following the federal deadline.

Kansas eases incentive requirements and allows credit transfer

Senate Bill 65, enacted on 15 April 2021, eliminates certain requirements from the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP). Effective upon enactment, taxpayers no longer have to qualify for the Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) or Kansas Industrial Retraining (KIR) workforce training tax credits, or make required investments in employee training, to qualify for the HPIP. For projects placed in service on and after 1 January, 2021, a taxpayer may transfer up to 50% of HPIP tax credits to another taxpayer.

Maryland legislature approves digital ad tax delay, digital products amendments

Legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly on the last day of the regular session (April 12) delays the state’s digital advertising gross revenue tax by one year and retroactively amends the state’s digital products sales tax provisions. Because of questions raised by litigation challenges to the Maryland digital advertising tax under the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and the US Constitution and the lack of guidance from the Comptroller on how to source digital ad revenue, a delay has been expected.

New York budget increases tax rates and makes other changes

The New York Legislature recently approved comprehensive tax legislation (S2509-C/A3009-C) as part of the state’s FY 22 budget. The legislation includes increased taxes on businesses and high-income individuals and a pass-through entity tax option. Other provisions include amendments to the real estate transfer tax and the impact of a remote workforce on state tax benefits. Read more in this PwC Tax Insights.

Senate Finance Democrats, Treasury Secretary Yellen call for international tax policy changes

Building off President Biden’s recent proposals for infrastructure spending to be paid for with corporate tax increases, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) joined with Finance members Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) in releasing a nine-page paper outlining a framework for overhauling US international tax policy. In a separate event, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the tax proposals announced last week by President Biden that call for increasing the US minimum rate on global income and increasing the US corporate tax rate to 28%.

Biden infrastructure plan includes numerous ESG proposals

President Joe Biden on March 31 announced a $2 trillion "American Jobs Plan" focused on infrastructure and other spending initiatives, including tax incentives for clean energy and domestic manufacturing. He also proposed a 'Made in America Tax Plan' containing corporate tax increase proposals designed to offset the costs of the American Jobs Plan infrastructure spending. In advance of the President’s remarks, the White House released an outline of specific infrastructure proposals and corporate tax increase offsets. This PwC Insight focuses on the tax-related aspects of President Biden’s plan related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Virginia pro forma combined reports due 1 July 2021

Virginia’s FY 2020-2022 budget enacted on April 7 includes a requirement for “corporations that are members of a unitary business” to file a report declaring certain unitary combined reporting items for the 2019 tax year. Under an amendment requested by Governor Ralph Northam (D) and approved by the General Assembly, these pro forma reports are due by July 1, 2021.

Tax leader insights

We asked Tax leaders to weigh in on their priorities and outlook on the business environment as well as their perspectives on international tax rules and environmental, social and governance issues. Tapping into this collective intelligence can help you anticipate what’s next, see how you measure up, and spark new ideas for growth.

White House lists corporate tax offsets for Biden infrastructure plan

President Joe Biden held an event in Pittsburgh on 31 March 2021 to announce a $2 trillion "American Jobs Plan'' focused on infrastructure and other spending initiatives, with part of the cost of his proposals to be offset by corporate tax increase proposals. In advance of the President’s remarks, the White House released an outline of specific infrastructure proposals and corporate tax increase offsets.

Key trade and policy considerations for US inbound companies

Global trade will play a key role in economic recovery efforts in the United States and around the world. Business supply chains continue to be affected by the implementation of the updated free trade agreements in Canada and Mexico. The Biden administration is expected to continue negotiating separate free trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom, as well as pursuing new trade agreements with other nations.

US Federal COVID relief to states restricts use for ‘net tax’ reductions

The American Rescue Plan Act enacted on March 11 provides over $195 billion in direct aid to states but includes a provision prohibiting the use of those funds to “either directly or indirectly offset a reduction in the net tax revenue” of a receiving state. Businesses should monitor tax measures potentially impacted by this provision and the status of Treasury guidance on the issue.

Inbounds should engage now on US tax and trade policy

The Biden Administration and Congress are focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, while also preparing to consider significant tax law changes impacting business and individuals. Important changes in trade policy also are likely. Foreign companies and investors will need to engage early with policymakers to educate them about the vital role they play in the US economy and about their unique concerns.

The US FDI landscape in 2021

Following the challenging economic climate of 2020 and the change of presidential administrations in January, 2021 is shaping up as a crucial year for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. There are several key trends and points worth noting.

US Tax Court decision addresses key research credit issues

The US Tax Court recently held that a taxpayer was not entitled to Section 41 research credits for activities conducted by its shipbuilding subsidiary regarding development of a tanker and dry dock. In a 61-page opinion, the court found that the subsidiary did not perform ‘qualified research’ as defined in Section 41(d) and that ‘the includible amount of QREs for each of the Apex tanker and the dry dock pursuant to section 41(a) and (b) [therefore] was zero.’

Final US regulations clarify fines and penalties disallowance, information reporting

The IRS and Treasury have released final regulations under Section 162(f) and Section 6050X, Section 162(f) generally disallows a deduction for certain payments to the government or another entity for violations of law. Section 6050X requires the government or entity to file an information return. The final regulations significantly expand the exception to disallowance for amounts paid or incurred for restitution or remediation or to come into compliance with law.

Practical considerations from the 2021 final Section 163(j) regulations

US Treasury and the IRS recently released final regulations under Section 163(j). The regulations finalize, with certain key changes and reservations, proposed regulations published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2020. Section 163(j), which was modified by the 2017 tax reform legislation and the CARES Act, generally limits US business interest expense deductions to the sum of business interest income, 30% (or 50%, as applicable) of adjusted taxable income, and the taxpayer’s floor plan financing interest for the tax year.

Biden proposes pandemic relief as first step in economic recovery plan

President-elect Joe Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion emergency legislative package (the American Rescue Plan) to fund COVID-19 vaccinations, provide increased direct relief to individuals, and support communities. Biden said the proposal is the first step in a two-part plan that is needed immediately and will be followed by an economic recovery plan -- the Build Back Better Recovery Plan -- that he will outline in February.

Section 451 all events test and advance payment final regulations

The IRS and Treasury have released final regulations under Sections 451(b), 451(c), and 1275 dealing with the all-events test for recognizing gross income and the limited advance payment deferral. The final regulations include significant new rules on amounts for which there is no enforceable right to payment and on offsetting revenue for certain inventory costs. The final regulations apply generally for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021.

Georgia Senate runoff results increases prospects for Biden tax proposals

Prospects for action on President-elect Joe Biden’s tax proposals have increased significantly with Georgia Senate runoff election results putting Democrats on track to control the Senate as well as the House. Based on unofficial results, Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock is projected by the Associated Press to have defeated incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff is leading former Senator David Perdue (R-GA). Democratic victories in the two Georgia races would result in a 50-50 Senate with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris giving Democrats a de facto 51-50 majority.

Final and proposed PFIC regulations: Additional analysis

The US Treasury and the IRS recently released Final Regulations (which finalize with modifications the 2019 Proposed Regulations published on July 11, 2019) under Sections 1291, 1297, and 1298, and Proposed Regulations under Sections 250, 951A, 1291, 1297, and 1298. This Insight covers the key provisions of the Final Regulations and the Proposed Regulations.

Year-end government funding bill includes COVID-19 economic relief and tax extenders

The US Congress recently approved a $2.4 trillion legislative package to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year, provide further COVID-19 economic relief, and extend certain expiring tax provisions. Additional measures include provisions to eliminate ‘surprise’ medical billing. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 359 to 53 and the Senate voted 92 to 6 to clear the legislation for President Trump’s expected signature.

Final regulations clarify qualified transportation fringe rules

The 2017 tax reform act generally eliminated the deduction for business expenses for providing employees with qualified transportation fringe benefits and for providing or paying for employee commuting. The IRS and Treasury have finalized regulations proposed in June 2020 on these disallowances. The final regulations provide helpful clarifications, especially as regards the application of the exceptions for QTFs to the disallowance and how the rules apply during the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Treasury releases final and proposed PFIC regulations

The US Treasury and the IRS have released guidance under the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) regime in the form of two regulation packages: Final Regulations (which finalize the 2019 Proposed Regulations published 11 July 2019) under Sections 1291, 1297, and 1298; and new Proposed Regulations under Sections 250, 951A, 1291, 1297, and 1298.

Expiring tax opportunities to consider before year end

While many taxpayers consider possible future tax policy changes that may result from the recent federal elections, they should also turn their attention to certain current year tax provisions affecting individuals that will expire at the end of 2020. Taxpayers should consider planning for these changes before year-end.

International tax implications of US election

The direction of US international tax policy in the next congress and new Administration will be determined largely by the outcome of the 2020 federal elections. Former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to have secured more than the required 270 electoral votes to have won the presidency. This Insight outlines business tax changes that Biden proposed during his campaign as well as ongoing global tax talks.

Withholding and information reporting on the transfer of private partnership interests

US Treasury and the IRS recently released Final Regulations under Sections 1446(f) and 864(c)(8). Section 1446(f), added to the Code by the 2017 tax reform legislation, provides rules for withholding on the transfer or disposition of a partnership interest. Proposed Regulations were issued in May 2019, which laid the framework for guidance on withholding and reporting obligations under Section 1446(f) (the Proposed Regulations). The Proposed Regulations also addressed information reporting under Section 864(c)(8); these rules were finalized in September 2020. The Final Regulations retain the basic structure and guidance of the Proposed Regulations, but with various modifications.

IRS issues bonus depreciation method change and election guidance

The US 2017 tax reform act amended Section 168(k) to provide for 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property acquired after September 27, 2017, and placed in service before 2023 (2024 for certain aircraft and longer production period property), with declining percentages thereafter. The IRS and Treasury previously published a series of regulations, including proposed and final regulations in 2019 and final regulations in 2020, implementing these provisions. The IRS recently issued Rev. Proc. 2020-50, which provides procedures for bonus depreciation automatic accounting method changes, elections, and election revocations to comply with the bonus depreciation regulations.

IRS allows entity-level taxes as SALT deduction limitation ‘workarounds’

The IRS recently issued Notice 2020-75, informing taxpayers of forthcoming proposed regulations designed to clarify that state and local income taxes imposed on, and paid by, a partnership or an S corporation on its income are allowed as a deduction in computing the entity’s non-separately stated taxable income or loss for the tax year of payment. Under the regulations, partnerships and S corporations could deduct state and local income taxes against ordinary income, with no addback required at the individual partner or shareholder level.

Final regulations: consolidated net operating losses

The US Treasury and the IRS recently released Final Regulations under Section 1502 implementing recent statutory amendments to Section 172 relating to the absorption of consolidated net operating loss (CNOL) carryovers and carrybacks. Treasury and the IRS on July 8, 2020 published proposed and temporary Section 1502 regulations (the 2020 Proposed Regulations and 2020 Temporary Regulations) implementing the amendments to Section 172.

Final US BEAT regulations - An inbound perspective

The recently released Final Regulations for the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) is of importance for US inbound companies, with the characterization of base eroding payments being especially significant. The 2020 Final Regulations contain additional changes that may have a material impact on US inbound companies.

US Final regulations modify sourcing rules

US Treasury and the IRS on September 29 released Final regulations under Sections 863, 865, 937, and 1502. The Final Regulations provide important guidance for taxpayers with cross-border supply chains, particularly those that manufacture inventory outside the United States for sale into the United States as well as foreign corporations where a US office materially participates in the sale.

Additional bonus depreciation final regulations issued

The IRS and Treasury have finalized proposed regulations published in 2019 providing additional rules for bonus depreciation under Section 168(k), as amended by the 2017 tax reform act (the Act). These final regulations also provide clarifications to earlier final regulations under Section 168(k) (2019 final regulations). Like the proposed regulations that preceded them, the final regulations provide helpful clarifications and rules that expand the availability of bonus depreciation for many taxpayers.

Practical considerations from the final BEAT regulations

The US Treasury and the IRS on September 1 released 103 pages of Final Regulations for the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) under Section 59A as enacted by the 2017 tax reform legislation. The BEAT rules require certain corporations to pay a minimum tax on taxable income as computed without certain deductions for certain payments to foreign related parties.

Final BEAT rules allow waiver of deductions

The US Treasury and the IRS have released final regulations under Section 59A (the base erosion and anti-abuse tax or BEAT). These regulations finalize proposed regulations published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2019. The final regulations retain the basic approach and structure of the proposed regulations. Important for the insurance industry is the treatment of reinsurance premiums paid as deductions for purposes of the waiver election.

Preliminary highlights from the final BEAT regulations

The US Treasury and the IRS have released final regulations under Section 59A (‘the base erosion and anti-avoidance tax’ or ‘BEAT’). BEAT, which requires certain US corporations to pay a minimum tax associated with, broadly speaking, deductible payments to non-US related parties, was enacted by the 2017 tax reform act.

Practical considerations from the final and proposed Section 245A regulations

US Treasury and the IRS recently published Final Regulations and 2020 Proposed Regulations under Section 245A, as enacted by the 2017 tax reform legislation, and Sections 954 and 6038. On June 18, 2019, Treasury and the IRS had published temporary regulations and cross-referenced the proposed regulations under Sections 245A, 954, and 6038. As of August 27, 2020, the 2019 Proposed Regulations are finalized, and the 2019 Temporary Regulations have been removed.

US Tax Readiness webcast: Long awaited carried interest regulations

Recently, Treasury and the IRS released long awaited proposed regulations under Section 1061. The proposed regulations define key terms, describe the method for calculating the amounts subject to Section 1061, provide rules for applying Section 1061 through tiers of passthrough entities, detail the application of the exceptions to Section 1061, provide reporting rules, and describe rules for transfers to related parties. Watch this related webcast replay.

Preliminary highlights from the final and proposed Section 163(j) regulations

US Treasury and the IRS have released final regulations and proposed regulations under Section 163(j). Section 163(j), which was modified by the 2017 tax reform act and the CARES Act, generally limits US business interest expense deductions to the sum of business interest income, 30% (or 50%, as applicable) of adjusted taxable income (ATI), and the taxpayer’s floor plan financing interest for the tax year.

US - Practical considerations from the final Section 250 regulations

Treasury and the IRS, recently released final regulations for the Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) and Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) (the Section 250 deduction) as enacted by the 2017 tax reform legislation. The Section 250 deduction generally provides taxpayers a deduction with respect to deemed intangible income earned from servicing foreign markets directly from the United States or through controlled foreign corporations (CFCs). If you missed our webcast on 21 July where we discussed the Section 250 deduction guidance you can watch the replay here.

Preliminary highlights of the final Section 250 deduction regulations

US Treasury and the IRS have released 295 pages of final regulations addressing the Deduction for Foreign-Derived Intangible Income and Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (the Section 250 deduction) as enacted by the 2017 tax reform legislation. The Section 250 deduction generally provides taxpayers a deduction with respect to deemed intangible income earned from servicing foreign markets directly from the US or through controlled foreign corporations.

US Treasury releases final Section 250 regulations

The US Federal Register released the final regulations for the FDII and GILTI deduction under Section 250. Section 250 was enacted under the 2017 tax reform act and set forth a deduction for domestic corporations equal to the sum of 37.5 percent of their foreign-derived intangible income and 50 percent of their global intangible low-taxed income and section 78 amount, up to a limit based on taxable income. Section 250 also introduced rules for determining FDII.

Practical considerations from the final Section 385 regulations

Treasury and the IRS released regulations under Section 385 that finalize the treatment of certain qualified short-term debt instruments, transactions involving controlled partnerships, and transactions involving consolidated groups for purposes of classifying certain interests in corporations as stock or indebtedness under final regulations published in 2016. While the 2020 Final Regulations, published May 13, do not contain substantive changes from the proposed and temporary regulations that were issued contemporaneously with the issuance of the 2016 Final Regulations, they have practical impact for multinational enterprises and present several issues and potential traps that corporations should consider in structuring or revising their intercompany debt or financing arrangements.

IRS corrects 2019 FTC regulations, clarifies R&E expense rules

The IRS recently issued correcting amendments to the final and proposed foreign tax credit (FTC) regulations released last December. While primarily addressing clerical issues (such as updating incorrect cross references), the amendments make important corrections with respect to the waiver of the five-year binding rule regarding the method for allocating and apportioning R&E expense and the pre-effective date application scope of the proposed regulations.

IRS provides guidance on claiming bonus depreciation for QIP

The CARES Act provides a technical correction to a drafting error in the 2017 tax reform act, which had omitted qualified improvement property (QIP) from the definition of qualified property eligible for additional first-year (bonus) depreciation. The IRS has released Rev. Proc. 2020-25, allowing taxpayers to change depreciation for QIP placed in service after 31 December 2017. The revenue procedure also allows taxpayers to make certain elections late or to revoke or withdraw previous elections.

Additional analysis on US final Section 267A regulations and final and proposed Section 245A(e) regulations

US Treasury and the IRS recently published regulations that finalize 2018 proposed regulations addressing anti-hybrid rules under Sections 245A(e), 267A, and 1503(d). On the same date, Treasury and the IRS issued additional proposed regulations under Sections 245A(e), 881 (with respect to the anti-conduit regulations), and 951A. Read our additional analysis here.

US Treasury releases final anti-hybrid regulations and related proposed regulations

The US Treasury has released final regulations under Sections 245A(e) and 267A and proposed regulations under Sections 245A(e), 881, and 951A. Section 245A generally provides a 100% dividends received deduction (DRD) for the foreign-source portion of dividends received by a US corporation from foreign corporations with respect to which it is a 10% US shareholder. Section 245A(e), however, denies the DRD for any amount received from a controlled foreign corporation (CFC) for which the CFC receives a deduction or other benefit for foreign income tax purposes (a hybrid dividend). Section 267A disallows deductions for certain related-party payments in connection with hybrid transactions or made by or to hybrid entities.

US Treasury releases final Section 901m regulations

US Treasury and the IRS recently released final regulations relating to the limitation on foreign tax credits (FTCs) for foreign taxes paid or accrued in connection with covered asset acquisitions (CAAs) under Section 901(m). Section 901(m) disallows a portion of the FTC attributable to a basis difference in assets acquired in a CAA. The final regulations are generally consistent with temporary and proposed regulations issued on December 6, 2016, with targeted revisions to address some comments received from taxpayers.

US proposed regulations clarify rules for business entertainment and meal expense deductions

The 2017 tax reform act significantly limited the trade or business expense deduction for meals and entertainment by generally disallowing deductions for business entertainment expenses and removing the de minimis fringe benefit exception to the 50% deduction disallowance for meal expenses. These amendments apply to expenses paid or incurred after December 31, 2017. The IRS and Treasury have published proposed regulations interpreting these rules.

US Opportunity Zone program attracts Congressional proposals, regulatory action

The Qualified Opportunity Zone program, enacted in the 2017 tax reform legislation, has triggered developments in Congress and the Administration. Several bills have been introduced that are intended to strengthen reporting requirements, while bills by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and others call for substantive changes to the Act's provisions.

Treasury releases final and proposed BEAT regulations

Treasury has released Final Regulations and Proposed Regulations under Section 59A (‘the base erosion and anti-avoidance tax' or ‘BEAT’). BEAT, which requires certain US corporations to pay a minimum tax associated with deductible payments to non-US related parties, was enacted by the 2017 tax reform act. Treasury previously released proposed regulations under Section 59A on December 13, 2018 (published December 21, 2018 in the Federal Register).

US business, policy and trade webcast

Watch the replay from this webcast held on 9 December, where PwC industry professionals and specialists highlighted trends affecting foreign direct investment and the US operations of global companies. Panelists provided a view of 2020 including expected policy, trade and political developments.

Tax Readiness: Recession or not, how troubled businesses will be affected by Section 382 proposed regulations

PwC’s Washington National Tax Services on October 16 hosted the live webcast “Tax Readiness: Recession or not, how troubled businesses will be affected by the Section 382 proposed regulations”, featuring PwC Tax and Deals specialists. They discussed economic risk factors for US companies, and the tax impact that the proposed regulations under Section 382(h) (the Proposed Regulations), released by Treasury on September 9, may have on troubled businesses.

Tax Readiness: Section 451 proposed regulations: The all-events test under new Section 451(b)

The IRS and Treasury have released long-awaited proposed regulations implementing Sections 451(b) and 451(c), added by the 2017 tax reform act, and Rev. Proc. 2019-37, which provides procedures for a taxpayer to change its method of accounting to comply with the amendments to Section 451, including the proposed regulations. This Insight discusses the Section 451(b) proposed regulations. PwC professionals discussed the proposed regulations in a Tax Readiness series webcast on September 26, 2019.

Tax Readiness: A year after Wayfair: How do sellers and marketplace facilitators comply with indirect taxes?

A year after the US Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision, marketplace sellers and facilitators continue to struggle applying new state thresholds, effective dates, definitions, and other provisions. Many questions remain as companies update their processes and systems while monitoring for new marketplace compliance requirements. View the replay from this recent webcast and read our Insights which highlight the discussions.

Financing considerations for US inbounds following tax reform

The US tax reform legislation (the Act) enacted in late 2017 made important changes that affect financing of US operations of companies not headquartered in the United States. Now that taxpayers and practitioners have had an opportunity to digest the impact of these changes, this is an excellent time to take a closer look at these provisions, especially with the IRS having published pertinent regulations and other guidance, with more expected in the near future.

Tax Readiness: A fresh look at stewardship expenses

The comprehensive federal tax reform legislation enacted in late 2017 and subsequently issued guidance significantly affect the ability of taxpayers to claim foreign tax credits (FTCs). The ability to claim FTCs is closely tied to how certain expenses - including selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) and stewardship - are allocated and apportioned among different categories of income. Similar rules may also affect foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) benefits. Watch the replay from a recent PwC webcast featuring specialists who discussed these issues and read our Insight highlighting those discussions.

US Treasury issues second round of proposed regulations for OZ Program

The Opportunity Zones (OZ) Program is intended to spur investment in economically distressed communities and promote long-term economic growth in these communities through a variety of investment vehicles. Over the past several months, taxpayers have anticipated the proposed regulations with the expectation that they will provide a certain level of assurance on key issues that may affect investments in qualified opportunity funds.

US corporate income tax rate may affect taxation of non US CFCs

The US 2017 tax reform Act (the Act) continues to have a substantial impact on multinational companies, whether headquartered in the United States or elsewhere. In some instances, the provisions of the Act are causing unintended consequences for non-US headquartered companies (US inbound companies) as they interact with provisions of their home countries’ tax laws. Even a positive aspect of US tax reform – such as the reduction of the corporate income tax rate – may negatively impact certain business operations of US inbound companies.

Technical terminations not terminated in certain US states

The 2017 US tax reform act repealed Internal Revenue Code Section 708(b)(1)(B), otherwise referred to as the partnership technical termination provision. Under the revised federal law, a sale or exchange of 50% or greater interest in a partnership does not terminate the partnership nor end the partnership’s taxable year.

Final Section 965 transition tax regulations modify proposed rules, raise issues

The 2017 tax reform act (the Act) introduced new Code Section 965, which imposes a ‘toll charge’ on mandatory deemed repatriation of certain deferred foreign earnings. The IRS on January 15 released final regulations under Section 965 that retain the overall structure and basic approach of the proposed Section 965 regulations released on August 1, 2018, with modifications.

Deadline extended for avoiding acceleration toll tax instalment payments

The final Section 965 regulations, released on January 15, 2019 (and subsequently updated), specify that, for taxpayers that elected to pay their toll tax liability in installments, if a triggering event or acceleration event occurred on or before the date that the final Section 965 regulations are published in the Federal Register, then a transfer agreement to avoid an acceleration event must be filed within 30 days of that publication date in order to be considered timely filed.

Moving beyond tax reform: 2019 US tax policy outlook

The 2018 US midterm elections and partial government shutdown illustrate the intensified ongoing disagreements between the political parties on how to address many issues, including tax policy, healthcare, immigration, and the environment. A key challenge facing the new 116th Congress and President Trump, will be whether bipartisan agreements can be reached to enact significant legislation with a Democrat-controlled House and a Republican-led Senate.

The proposed ‘toll charge’ regulations

On August 1, Treasury and the IRS released a 249-page set of proposed regulations under Section 965, addressing a wide range of issues regarding the toll charge. PwC on August 9 hosted a webcast featuring PwC specialists who discussed the proposed Section 965 regulations. This Insight highlights some of those discussions.

Why Tax Reform Changes Nothing — and Everything

Companies in the U.S. were already sitting on piles of cash before tax reform passed in December 2017. Now, with a strengthening global economy and a tax overhaul that lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent and incentivises U.S. companies to repatriate all their previously untaxed foreign earnings, those piles of cash are poised to grow substantially. Some estimate there may be more than US$330 billion in tax savings for corporations over the next 10 years, not including the trillions of dollars held overseas that may now come home. The big question is: What will companies do with this windfall?

Interactions of international tax reform provisions

The 2017 tax reform reconciliation act (the Act) is having a substantial impact on US taxpayers. Among the most significant areas of impact are the international tax reform provisions and their interactions with each other. On May 2 we hosted a webcast featuring PwC specialists who discussed some of the key interactions among these provisions. This Insight highlights some of those discussions.

US Treasury and IRS release third notice on toll tax

The Treasury and the IRS have released Notice 2018-26, signalling intent to issue regulations related to mandatory repatriation (the 'toll tax'). Notice 2018-26 is the third notice issued as part of the transition to a new territorial tax regime under the 2017 Tax Reform Reconciliation Act, also known as the ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.’

Impacts on treasury

For the CFO and Corporate Treasurer, US tax reform could affect everything from capital allocation, funding strategies and liquidity management practices to structure and organisation, presenting new opportunities and risks to the prior ways of conducting business. With this in mind, they should therefore act quickly by evaluating the implications to the company and work across the enterprise to compose short and long term strategy and execution plans.

Talking Tax Podcast: US Tax Reform - Why is it a big deal?

One of the biggest tax stories of recent months has been the sweeping changes being made to the US tax system. It's clear that when the world's biggest economy makes significant tax changes, it's a big deal worldwide, the effects are far-reaching and could affect all of us. What are the implications for policy makers, and what should businesses be aware of?

Potential valuation opportunities

Any company with a US footprint is potentially impacted by US tax reform, albeit each a bit differently. Our Tax Valuations team (working alongside tax) can assist on a variety of issues which might arise out of these changes, especially with effective tax rate and provisioning modelling, the consequential impacts on deal pricing and debt push-down analysis, and any changes to operating models.

The impact on individuals

We highlight the key changes together with some brief commentary on things that can be done before the end of the year to maximise the benefit of various deductions/exemptions that certain taxpayers or employers may claim.

Bill signed into law

On Friday 22 December, President Trump signed the tax reform bill (HR 1) into law. The law will lower business and individual tax rates, modernize US international tax rules, and provide the most significant overhaul of the US tax code in more than 30 years.

International Tax

The Impact of the US Tax Reform

UK business with a US footprint will be impacted by the US tax reform, which includes a lower corporate tax rate and a broad range of cross border provisions.

Frequently asked questions: Accounting considerations of US tax reform

When it comes to accounting for tax reform under US GAAP, new questions arise every day. This “frequently asked questions” document shares our views on the most common questions. It covers topics such as accounting for tax reform by non-calendar year ends, asserting indefinite reinvestment in light of tax reform, application of SAB 118, interplay of tax reform with business combinations and goodwill impairments, and other hot topics.

Conference committee reaches agreement on final bill

On 15 December, a House and Senate conference committee reached agreement on a final version of tax reform legislation, the ‘Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,’ that would lower business and individual tax rates, modernize US international tax rules, and provide the most significant overhaul of the US tax code in more than 30 years.