This document, TD 8400, contains final
regulations regarding the taxation of gain or loss from certain
foreign currency transactions and applies to taxpayers engaging in
such transactions. Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code
concerns the taxation of exchange gain or loss on certain foreign
currency denominated transactions. Such gains and losses are
characterized as ordinary income or loss. However, under section
988(a)(1)(B) taxpayers may elect to characterize exchange gain or
loss on certain transactions as capital gain or loss. Section
1.988-3(b) of the regulations provides the procedure for making the
election. Under section 988(c)(1)(D)(ii), taxpayers may elect to
have regulated futures contracts and certain options (which
generally are not subject to section 988) treated as section 988
transactions. Sections 1.988-1(a)(4)(iii) and (iv) provide the
procedure for making that election. Under section
988(c)(1)(E)(iii), a commodity fund may elect special treatment
under section 988. Section 1.988-1(a)(5)(iv) provides the procedure
for making that election. Under section 988(d) taxpayers may
receive special treatment if they identify certain transactions.
The identification rules are in sections 1.988-5(a)(8),
1.988-5(b)(3), 1.988-5(c)(2) and 1.988-5(d)(2)(i)(A).
US Code:
26 USC 988 (c)(1)(E) Name of Law: Special rules for certain
funds
US Code:
26 USC 988 (c)(1)(D) Name of Law: Exception for certain
instruments marked to market
US Code:
26 USC 988 (a)(1)(B) Name of Law: Special rule for forward
contracts, etc.
US Code: 26
USC 988 Name of Law: Treatment of certain foreign currency
transactions
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