IRS introduces pilot program for stock distribution letter rulings

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The IRS has released Revenue Procedure 2017-52, which introduces an 18-month pilot program to accept letter ruling requests addressing the general federal income tax consequences of transactions intended to qualify as tax-free stock distributions.

This rev proc introduces the program expanding the scope of letter rulings available from the IRS to include for a period of time rulings on the tax consequences of a distribution of stock, or stock and securities, of a controlled corporation under § 355 of the IRC.

It provides procedures for taxpayers requesting these rulings, and clarifies procedures for taxpayers requesting rulings on significant issues relating to these transactions.

Rev. Proc. 2017-52 will be in IRB 2017-41, dated Oct. 10.

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