Treasury Regulations · 26 CFR
§ 1.987-4. Determination of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU.
Regulation text, no changes From the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026. The eCFR is an authoritative but unofficial editorial compilation of the Code of Federal Regulations; the official text is the annual CFR on govinfo. Compare it with this section on ecfr.gov (external site) or the official annual CFR on govinfo (external site).
Regulation under 26 U.S.C. § 987
Cite as 26 CFR § 1.987-4
At a glance
Read from the text and its source citation. Not part of the regulation.
- Status
- In the current eCFR
- Issued
- December 11, 2024 by T.D. 10016
- Issued under
- 26 U.S.C. § 987
- Length
- 8,140 words · about 35 min to read
- Cross-references
- cites 3 Code sections and 12 regulations; cited by 10
¶(a) In general. The net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU is determined by the owner annually as provided in paragraph (b) of this section in the owner's functional currency. Only assets and liabilities attributable to the section 987 QBU are taken into account.
¶(b) Calculation of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss. Net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU for a taxable year equals the sum of:
¶(1) The section 987 QBU's net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for all prior taxable years as determined in paragraph (c) of this section; and
¶(2) The section 987 QBU's unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for the current taxable year as determined in paragraph (d) of this section and § 1.987-14.
¶(1) In general. A section 987 QBU's net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for all prior taxable years is the aggregate of the amounts determined under paragraph (d) of this section for all prior taxable years to which this section applies, reduced by amounts recognized under § 1.987-5(a), amounts treated as deferred section 987 gain or loss, and amounts treated as suspended section 987 loss for all prior taxable years to which this section applies. Accordingly, net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss is not reduced under this paragraph (c)(1) when deferred section 987 gain or loss is recognized (or suspended) under § 1.987-12 or when suspended section 987 loss is recognized under § 1.987-11 or § 1.987-13.
¶(2) Additional adjustments for certain taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2024. For any section 987 QBU in existence before the transition date, see § 1.987-10(e)(5) and (f)(2) for additional adjustments to the section 987 QBU's net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss.
¶(d) Calculation of unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for a taxable year. The unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU for a taxable year is generally determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (10) of this section. However, for taxable years in which a current rate election or an annual recognition election is in effect, the unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU for a taxable year is determined by applying only paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) and (10) of this section. See § 1.987-14 for additional adjustments that must be made to the unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU for a taxable year in connection with a section 987 hedging transaction.
¶(1) Step 1: Determine the change in the owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU for the taxable year—
¶(i) In general. The change in the owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU for the taxable year equals—
¶(A) The owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU, determined in the functional currency of the owner under paragraph (e) of this section, on the last day of the taxable year; less
¶(B) The owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU, determined in the functional currency of the owner under paragraph (e) of this section, on the last day of the preceding taxable year.
¶(iii) First taxable year of a section 987 QBU. If the owner's taxable year is the first taxable year of a section 987 QBU, the owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU described in paragraph (d)(1)(i)(B) of this section is zero.
¶(iv) First year in which an election is in effect or ceases to be in effect. Except as otherwise provided, the owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU described in paragraph (d)(1)(i)(B) of this section is determined based on the elections that were (or were not) in effect on the last day of the preceding taxable year.
¶(2) Step 2: Increase the amount determined in step 1 by the amount of assets transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner—
¶(i) In general. The amount determined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is increased by the total amount of assets transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner during the taxable year translated into the functional currency of the owner as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
¶(ii) Assets transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner during the taxable year. The total amount of assets transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner for the taxable year translated into the functional currency of the owner equals the sum of:
¶(A) The amount of the functional currency of the section 987 QBU and the aggregate adjusted basis of all other marked assets, after taking into account § 1.988-1(a)(10), transferred to the owner during the taxable year determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU and translated into the functional currency of the owner at the spot rate applicable to the date of transfer; and
¶(3) Step 3: Decrease the amount determined in steps 1 and 2 by the amount of assets transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU—
¶(i) In general. The aggregate amount determined in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section is decreased by the total amount of assets transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU during the taxable year determined in the functional currency of the owner as provided in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section.
¶(ii) Assets transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU during the taxable year. The total amount of assets transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU for the taxable year equals the sum of:
¶(B) The aggregate adjusted basis of all other assets, after taking into account § 1.988-1(a)(10), transferred to the section 987 QBU during the taxable year determined in the functional currency of the owner immediately before the transfer.
¶(4) Step 4: Decrease the amount determined in steps 1 through 3 by the amount of liabilities transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner—
¶(i) In general. The aggregate amount determined in paragraphs (d)(1) through (3) of this section is decreased by the total amount of liabilities transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner during the taxable year translated into the functional currency of the owner as provided in paragraph (d)(4)(ii) of this section.
¶(ii) Liabilities transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner during the taxable year. The total amount of liabilities transferred from the section 987 QBU to the owner for the taxable year equals the sum of:
¶(A) The amount of marked liabilities, after taking into account § 1.988-1(a)(10), transferred to the owner during the taxable year determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU and translated into the functional currency of the owner at the spot rate applicable to the date of transfer; and
¶(5) Step 5: Increase the amount determined in steps 1 through 4 by the amount of liabilities transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU. The aggregate amount determined in paragraphs (d)(1) through (4) of this section is increased by the total amount of liabilities, after taking into account § 1.988-1(a)(10), transferred from the owner to the section 987 QBU during the taxable year determined in the functional currency of the owner immediately before the transfer.
¶(6) Step 6: Decrease or increase the amount determined in steps 1 through 5 by the section 987 taxable income or loss, respectively, of the section 987 QBU for the taxable year. The aggregate amount determined in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section is decreased or increased by the section 987 taxable income or loss, respectively, computed under § 1.987-3 for the taxable year.
¶(7) Step 7: Increase the amount determined in steps 1 through 6 by certain expenses or losses that are not deductible in computing the section 987 taxable income or loss of the section 987 QBU for the taxable year. The aggregate amount determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (6) of this section is increased by the amount of any expense or loss that reduces the basis of assets or increases the amount of liabilities attributable to the section 987 QBU for the taxable year but is not deductible in computing the section 987 QBU's taxable income or loss for the taxable year (such as business interest expense that is not deductible under section 163(j)). Items of expense or loss described in the preceding sentence are translated into the functional currency of the owner using the exchange rate that would apply under § 1.987-3(c) if they were deductible in computing the section 987 QBU's taxable income or loss for the taxable year. However, any foreign income taxes incurred by the section 987 QBU with respect to which the owner claims a credit are translated at the same rate at which such taxes were translated under section 986(a).
¶(8) Step 8: Decrease the amount determined in steps 1 through 7 by the amount of certain income or gain that is not included in taxable income in computing the section 987 taxable income or loss of the section 987 QBU for the taxable year. The aggregate amount determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (7) of this section is decreased by the amount of any income or gain that increases the basis of assets or reduces the amount of liabilities attributable to the section 987 QBU for the taxable year but is not included in taxable income in computing the section 987 QBU's taxable income or loss for the taxable year. Items of income or gain described in the preceding sentence are translated into the functional currency of the owner using the exchange rate that would apply under § 1.987-3(c) if they were included in taxable income in computing the section 987 QBU's taxable income or loss for the taxable year.
¶(9) Step 9: Increase or decrease the amount determined in steps 1 through 8 by any income or gain, or any deduction or loss, respectively, that does not impact the adjusted balance sheet. The aggregate amount determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (8) of this section is increased by any items of income or gain taken into account in paragraph (d)(6) of this section (step 6) that do not increase the basis of assets or reduce the amount of liabilities attributable to the section 987 QBU for the taxable year, and decreased by any items of deduction or loss taken into account in paragraph (d)(6) of this section (step 6) that do not reduce the basis of assets or increase the amount of liabilities attributable to the section 987 QBU for the taxable year. Items of income, gain, deduction, or loss described in the preceding sentence are translated into the functional currency of the owner using the exchange rate that applied under § 1.987-3(c) in computing the section 987 QBU's taxable income or loss for the taxable year.
¶(10) Step 10: Decrease or increase the amount determined in steps 1 through 9 by any increase or decrease, respectively, to the section 987 QBU's net assets that is not previously taken into account under steps 2 through 9—
¶(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(10)(iii) of this section, the aggregate amount determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (9) of this section is—
¶(A) Decreased by the residual increase to net assets (as defined in paragraph (d)(10)(ii) of this section), translated into the owner's functional currency at the yearly average exchange rate for the taxable year; or
¶(B) Increased by the residual decrease to net assets (as defined in paragraph (d)(10)(ii) of this section), translated into the owner's functional currency at the yearly average exchange rate for the taxable year.
¶(ii) Determining the residual increase or decrease to net assets—
¶(A) In general. The residual increase to net assets is the positive amount, if any, that would be determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (9) of this section in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU if such amounts were determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU. The residual decrease to net assets is the negative amount, if any, that would be determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (9) of this section in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU if such amounts were determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU.
¶(B) Application of step 1 in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU if a current rate election is in effect. In a taxable year in which a current rate election is in effect, for purposes of applying step 1 (paragraph (d)(1) of this section) in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU, the change in the net value of the section 987 QBU is determined by reference to the QBU net value described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.
¶(C) Application of steps 3 and 5 in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU. For purposes of applying steps 3 and 5 (paragraphs (d)(3) and (5) of this section) in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU, the amount of assets and liabilities transferred from an owner to a section 987 QBU is determined by translating the basis of the assets and the amount of the liabilities under § 1.987-2(d).
¶(iii) Modifications for taxable years to which a current rate election or an annual recognition election applies. For any taxable year to which a current rate election or an annual recognition election applies, paragraphs (d)(10)(i) and (ii) of this section are applied by replacing “paragraphs (d)(1) through (9) of this section” with “paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section.”
¶(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, the owner functional currency net value of a section 987 QBU on the last day of a taxable year is equal to the aggregate amount of functional currency and the adjusted basis of each other asset on the section 987 QBU's adjusted balance sheet on that day, less the aggregate amount of each liability on the section 987 QBU's adjusted balance sheet on that day, in each case translated into the owner's functional currency as provided in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
¶(i) Marked item. A marked item is translated into the owner's functional currency at the spot rate applicable to the last day of the relevant taxable year.
¶(ii) Historic item. A historic item is translated into the owner's functional currency at the historic rate.
¶(2) Current rate election—
¶(i) In general. If a current rate election is in effect, the owner functional currency net value of a section 987 QBU on the last day of a taxable year is equal to the QBU net value described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, translated into the owner's functional currency at the spot rate applicable to that day.
¶(ii) QBU net value. The QBU net value of a section 987 QBU on the last day of a taxable year is determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU and is equal to the aggregate amount of functional currency and the adjusted basis of each other asset that is attributable to the section 987 QBU on that day, less the aggregate amount of each liability that is attributable to the section 987 QBU on that day. The QBU net value of a section 987 QBU on the last day of a taxable year may be determined either by preparing an adjusted balance sheet or by following the steps described in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section (provided that the calculation is made consistently for all years in which a current rate election is in effect). However, in the first taxable year in which a current rate election ceases to be in effect, the owner functional currency net value of the section 987 QBU for the preceding taxable year must be determined by preparing an adjusted balance sheet.
¶(iii) Alternative calculation of QBU net value. The QBU net value of a section 987 QBU on the last day of a taxable year can be computed using the following steps (each applied in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU). See paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section (Example 2) for an example illustrating this rule.
¶(A) Step 1: Determine the QBU net value on the last day of the preceding taxable year. Determine the QBU net value on the last day of the preceding taxable year under this paragraph (e)(2). If the owner's taxable year is the first taxable year of a section 987 QBU, the QBU net value on the last day of the preceding taxable year is zero. In the first taxable year in which a current rate election is in effect (other than the taxable year beginning on the transition date or the first taxable year of a section 987 QBU), the QBU net value on the last day of the preceding taxable year is determined by preparing an adjusted balance sheet. In the taxable year beginning on the transition date (other than the first taxable year of a section 987 QBU), the QBU net value on the last day of the preceding taxable year may be determined either by preparing an adjusted balance sheet or by applying the steps described in this paragraph (e)(2)(iii) for each taxable year beginning with the first taxable year of the section 987 QBU.
¶(B) Step 2: Adjust for transfers between the section 987 QBU and its owner. The amount determined in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(A) of this section is increased by the amount of each transfer described in paragraph (d)(3) or (4) of this section and decreased by the amount of each transfer described in paragraph (d)(2) or (5) of this section (in each case, after adjustment for gain or loss recognized under § 1.988-1(a)(10)). For this purpose, the amount of assets and liabilities transferred from an owner to a section 987 QBU is determined by translating the basis of the assets and the amount of the liabilities under § 1.987-2(d)(1).
¶(C) Step 3: Adjust for income or loss of the section 987 QBU. The amount determined in paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(B) of this section is increased by items of income and gain attributable to the section 987 QBU (including tax-exempt income described in paragraph (d)(8) of this section) for the taxable year and reduced by items of deduction and loss attributable to the section 987 QBU (including non-deductible expenses described in paragraph (d)(7) of this section) for the taxable year. However, no adjustment is made under the preceding sentence for any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss described in paragraph (d)(9) of this section.
¶(f) Combinations and separations—
¶(1) Combinations. The net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a combined QBU for a taxable year is equal to the sum of the combining QBUs' net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss. See paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section (Example 1) for an illustration of this rule.
¶(2) Separations. The net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a separated QBU for a taxable year is equal to the separating QBU's net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain or loss multiplied by the separation fraction. For purposes of determining the owner functional currency net value and QBU net value of the separated QBUs on the last day of the taxable year preceding the taxable year of separation under paragraphs (d)(1)(i)(B) and (e) of this section, the assets and liabilities attributable to the separating QBU on that day are deemed to be attributable to the separated QBUs on that day, and are apportioned between the separated QBUs in a reasonable manner that takes into account the assets and liabilities attributable to the separated QBUs immediately after the separation. See paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section (Example 2) for an illustration of this rule.
¶(3) Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section. For purposes of these examples, assume that no section 987 elections are in effect.
¶(A) Facts. DC1, a domestic corporation, owns Entity A, a DE. Entity A conducts a manufacturing business that constitutes a section 987 QBU (Manufacturing QBU) that has the euro as its functional currency. Manufacturing QBU has a net accumulated unrecognized section 987 loss of $100. DC1 also owns Entity B, a DE. Entity B conducts a sales business that constitutes a section 987 QBU (Sales QBU) that has the euro as its functional currency. Sales QBU has a net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain of $110. During the taxable year, Entity A merges into Entity B under local law pursuant to which Entity A ceases to exist, Entity B survives, and Entity B acquires all the assets and liabilities of Entity A. As a result, the books and records of Manufacturing QBU and Sales QBU are combined into a new single set of books and records. The combined entity has the euro as its functional currency.
¶(B) Analysis. Pursuant to § 1.987-2(c)(9)(i), Manufacturing QBU and Sales QBU are combining QBUs, and their combination does not give rise to a transfer that is taken into account in determining the amount of a remittance (as defined in § 1.987-5(c)). For purposes of computing net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss under this section for the year of the combination, the combination is deemed to have occurred on the last day of the owner's prior taxable year, such that the owner functional currency net value of the combined section 987 QBU at the end of that taxable year described under paragraph (d)(1)(i)(B) of this section takes into account items attributable to both Manufacturing QBU and Sales QBU at that time. Additionally, any transactions between Manufacturing QBU and Sales QBU occurring during the year of the merger will not result in transfers to or from a section 987 QBU. Pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the combined QBU will have a net accumulated unrecognized section 987 gain of $10 (the $100 loss from Manufacturing QBU plus the $110 gain from Sales QBU).
¶(A) Facts. DC1, a domestic corporation, owns Entity A, a DE. Entity A conducts a business in the Netherlands that constitutes a section 987 QBU (Dutch QBU) that has the euro as its functional currency. The business of Dutch QBU consists of manufacturing and selling bicycles and scooters and is recorded on a single set of books and records. On the last day of year 1, the adjusted basis of the gross assets of Dutch QBU is €1,000. In year 2, the net accumulated unrecognized section 987 loss of Dutch QBU from all prior taxable years is $200. During year 2, Entity A separates the bicycle and scooter business such that each business begins to have its own books and records and to meet the definition of a section 987 QBU under § 1.987-1(b)(3) (hereafter, “bicycle QBU” and “scooter QBU”). There are no transfers between DC1 and Dutch QBU before the separation. After the separation, the aggregate adjusted basis of bicycle QBU's assets is €600 and the aggregate adjusted basis of scooter QBU's assets is €400. Each section 987 QBU continues to have the euro as its functional currency.
¶(B) Analysis. Pursuant to § 1.987-2(c)(9)(iii), bicycle QBU and scooter QBU are separated QBUs, and the separation of Dutch QBU, a separating QBU, does not give rise to a transfer taken into account in determining the amount of a remittance. For purposes of computing net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss under this section for year 2, the separation will be deemed to have occurred on the last day of the owner's prior taxable year, year 1. Pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this section and § 1.987-1(h), bicycle QBU will have a separation fraction of €600/€1,000 and net accumulated unrecognized section 987 loss of $120 (€600/€1,000 × $200), and scooter QBU will have a separation fraction of €400/€1,000 and net accumulated unrecognized section 987 loss of $80 (€400/€1,000 × $200).
¶(g) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of this section. For purposes of the examples, U.S. Corp is a domestic corporation that uses the calendar year as its taxable year and has the dollar as its functional currency. Except as otherwise indicated, no section 987 elections are in effect. The examples are not intended to demonstrate when activities constitute a trade or business within the meaning of § 1.989(a)-1(b)(2)(ii)(A) and (c) and therefore whether a section 987 QBU is considered to exist.
¶(i) Facts. On July 1, year 1, U.S. Corp establishes Japan Branch, a section 987 QBU that has the yen as its functional currency, and U.S. Corp transfers to Japan Branch ¥100,000 with a basis of $1,000 and raw land with a basis of $500. On the same day, Japan Branch borrows ¥10,000 from a bank. In year 1, Japan Branch earns ¥12,000 for providing services and incurs ¥2,000 of related expenses. Japan Branch thus earns ¥10,000 of net income in year 1. The spot rate on July 1, year 1, is $1 = ¥100; the spot rate on December 31, year 1, is $1 = ¥120; and the average rate for the period of July 1, year 1, to December 31, year 1, is $1 = ¥110. Thus, the ¥12,000 of services revenue when translated under § 1.987-3(c)(1) at the yearly average exchange rate equals $109.09 (¥12,000 × ($1/¥110)) = $109.09). The ¥2,000 of expenses translated at the same yearly average exchange rate equals $18.18 (¥2,000 × ($1/¥110) = $18.18). Thus, Japan Branch's net income translated into dollars equals $90.91 ($109.09−$18.18 = $90.91).
¶(ii) Analysis. Under paragraph (a) of this section, U.S. Corp must compute the net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of Japan Branch for year 1. Because this is Japan Branch's first taxable year, the net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss (as defined under paragraph (b) of this section) is equal to the branch's unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for year 1 as determined in paragraph (d) of this section. The calculations under paragraph (d) of this section are made as follows:
¶(A) Step 1. Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section (step 1), U.S. Corp must determine the change in the owner functional currency net value (OFCNV) of Japan Branch for year 1 in dollars. The change in the OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is equal to the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of year 1, less the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year.
¶(1) The OFCNV of Japan Branch on December 31, year 1 is determined under paragraph (e) of this section as the sum of the basis of each asset on Japan Branch's adjusted balance sheet on December 31, year 1, less the sum of each liability on Japan Branch's adjusted balance sheet on that date, translated into dollars as provided in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
¶(2) For this purpose, Japan Branch will show the following assets and liabilities on its adjusted balance sheet for December 31, year 1: cash of ¥120,000; raw land with a basis of ¥55,000 ($500 translated under § 1.987-2(d)(2) at the historic rate of $1 = ¥110); and liabilities of ¥10,000.
¶(3) Under paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, U.S. Corp will translate these items as follows. The ¥120,000 is a marked asset and the ¥10,000 liability is a marked liability. These items are translated into dollars on December 31, year 1, using the spot rate on December 31, year 1, of $1 = ¥120. The raw land is a historic asset and is translated into dollars under paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section at the historic rate, which under § 1.987-1(c)(3)(i)(A) is the yearly average exchange rate of $1 = ¥110 applicable to the year the land was transferred to the QBU.
¶(4) The OFCNV of Japan Branch on December 31, year 1, in dollars is $1,416.67. The determination of the OFCNV of Japan Branch on December 31, year 1, is shown below in dollars together with the corresponding amounts in yen.
| Amount in ¥ | Translation rate | Amount in $ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Yen | 120,000 | $1 = ¥120 (spot rate-12/31/year 1) | $1,000.00 |
| Land | 55,000 | $1 = ¥110 (historic rate-yearly average rate-year 1) | 500.00 |
| Total assets | 175,000 | 1,500.00 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Bank loan | 10,000 | $1 = ¥120 (spot rate-12/31/year 1) | 83.33 |
| Total liabilities | 10,000 | 83.33 | |
| Year 1 ending net value | 165,000 | 1,416.67 |
¶(5) Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the change in OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is equal to the OFCNV of the branch determined in dollars on December 31, year 1, (which is $1,416.67) less the OFCNV of the branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year. Because this is the first taxable year of Japan Branch, the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year is zero under paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, the change in OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is $1,416.67.
¶(B) Step 2 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraph (d)(2) of this section (step 2) because no assets were transferred by Japan Branch to U.S. Corp during the taxable year.
¶(C) Step 3. On July 1, year 1, U.S. Corp transferred to Japan Branch ¥100,000 with a basis of $1,000.00 and raw land with a basis of $500.00 (equal to ¥55,000, translated under § 1.987-2(d)(2) at the historic rate of $1 = ¥110). The total amount of assets transferred from U.S. Corp to Japan Branch in dollars is $1,500, and the total amount of the transfer in yen is ¥155,000. Therefore, under paragraph (d)(3) of this section (step 3), the amount determined in previous steps is reduced by $1,500.00, from $1,416.67 to negative $83.33.
¶(D) Steps 4 and 5 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraphs (d)(4) and (5) of this section (steps 4 and 5) because no liabilities were transferred by U.S. Corp to Japan Branch or by Japan Branch to U.S. Corp during the taxable year.
¶(E) Step 6. Under paragraph (d)(6) of this section (step 6), the amount determined in previous steps is decreased by the section 987 taxable income of Japan Branch of $90.91, from negative $83.33 to negative $174.24.
¶(F) Steps 7 through 9 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraphs (d)(7) through (9) of this section (steps 7 through 9) because all of Japan Branch's items of income or deduction for the taxable year impact the basis of Japan Branch's assets or the amount of its liabilities and are taken into account in computing taxable income.
¶(G) Step 10 (no adjustment)—
¶(1) Calculation of residual increase or decrease to net assets. Under paragraph (d)(10)(ii) of this section, the residual increase (or decrease) to net assets is the positive (or negative) amount, if any, that would be determined under paragraphs (d)(1) through (9) of this section (steps 1 through 9) in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU if such amounts were determined in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU. In year 1, the relevant steps that must be applied in the functional currency of Japan Branch (the yen) are paragraphs (d)(1), (3), and (6) of this section (steps 1, 3, and 6). For purposes of applying paragraph (d)(1) of this section (step 1) in yen, the change in the net value of Japan Branch is ¥165,000. See paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A)(4) of this section. For purposes of applying paragraph (d)(3) of this section (step 3) in yen, the amount of assets transferred from U.S. Corp to Japan Branch is ¥155,000. See paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(C) of this section. For purposes of applying paragraph (d)(6) of this section (step 6) in yen, Japan Branch earned ¥10,000 of net income in year 1. The application of these steps results in no residual increase or decrease to the adjusted balance sheet, as shown below:
| Change in net value in yen (step 1) | ¥165,000 |
| Subtract amount determined in yen under step 3 (transfers from owner to section 987 QBU) | (¥155,000) |
| Subtract amount determined in yen under step 6 (section 987 taxable income or loss) | (¥10,000) |
| Residual increase or decrease to the adjusted balance sheet | ¥0 |
¶(2) No residual increase or decrease to the adjusted balance sheet. As explained in paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(G)(1) of this section, there is no residual increase or decrease to the adjusted balance sheet of Japan Branch in year 1. Therefore, no adjustment is made under paragraph (d)(10) of this section (step 10). Accordingly, the unrecognized section 987 loss of Japan Branch for year 1 is $174.24.
¶(2) Example 2: Determination of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss if a current rate election is in effect—
¶(i) Facts. The facts are the same as in paragraph (g)(1) of this section (Example 1), except that U.S. Corp makes a current rate election under § 1.987-1(d)(2) for year 1.
¶(ii) Analysis. Because a current rate election is in effect for year 1, the unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for year 1 is determined by applying only paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) and (10) of this section (steps 1 through 5 and step 10). The calculations under paragraph (d) of this section are made as follows:
¶(A) Step 1. The change in the OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is equal to the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of year 1, less the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year.
¶(1) For this purpose, Japan Branch will show the same assets and liabilities on its adjusted balance sheet for December 31, year 1 as are described in paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this section (Example 1), but the land is treated as a marked asset as a result of the current rate election. The adjusted balance sheet reflects cash of ¥120,000, raw land with a basis of ¥50,000 ($500 translated under § 1.987-2(d)(1) at the July 1, year 1 spot rate of $1 = ¥100), and liabilities of ¥10,000.
¶(2) Under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, because a current rate election is in effect, the OFCNV of Japan Branch at the end of year 1 is equal to the QBU net value, translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable spot rate on the last day of the taxable year. The QBU net value of Japan Branch at the end of year 1 is ¥160,000, as shown below. The OFCNV of Japan Branch is $1,333.33, which is equal to the QBU net value of ¥160,000, translated at the applicable spot rate on December 31, year 1 of $1 = ¥120.
| Amount in ¥ | |
|---|---|
| Assets: | |
| Yen | 120,000 |
| Land | 50,000 |
| Total assets | 170,000 |
| Liabilities: | |
| Bank loan | 10,000 |
| Total liabilities | 10,000 |
| Year 1 QBU net value | 160,000 |
¶(3) Under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the change in OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is equal to the OFCNV of the branch determined in dollars on December 31, year 1, (which is $1,333.33) less the OFCNV of the branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year. Because this is the first taxable year of Japan Branch, the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of the preceding taxable year is zero under paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section. Accordingly, the change in OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 1 is $1,333.33.
¶(B) Step 2 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraph (d)(2) of this section (step 2) because no assets were transferred by Japan Branch to U.S. Corp during the taxable year.
¶(C) Step 3. On July 1, year 1, U.S. Corp transferred to Japan Branch ¥100,000 with a basis of $1,000.00 and raw land with a basis of $500.00 (equal to ¥50,000, translated under § 1.987-2(d)(1) at the spot rate on July 31, year 1 of $1 = ¥100). The total amount of assets transferred in dollars is $1,500.00, and the amount of assets transferred in yen is ¥150,000. Therefore, under paragraph (d)(3) of this section (step 3), the amount determined in previous steps is reduced by $1,500, from $1,333.33 to negative $166.67.
¶(D) Steps 4 and 5 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraphs (d)(4) and (5) of this section (steps 4 and 5) because no liabilities were transferred by U.S. Corp to Japan Branch or by Japan Branch to U.S. Corp during the taxable year.
¶(E) Steps 6 through 9 do not apply. Under paragraph (d) of this section, paragraphs (d)(6) through (9) of this section (steps 6 through 9) do not apply because a current rate election is in effect.
¶(F) Step 10—
¶(1) Application of relevant steps in Japan Branch's functional currency. Under paragraph (d)(10)(iii) of this section, because a current rate election is in effect, the residual increase or decrease to net assets is determined by applying paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) of this section (steps 1 through 5) in the functional currency of the section 987 QBU. The relevant steps that must be applied under paragraph (d)(10) of this section in the functional currency of Japan Branch are paragraphs (d)(1) and (3) of this section (steps 1 and 3). Under paragraph (d)(10)(ii)(B) of this section, step 1 is applied by reference to Japan Branch's QBU net value. See paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(A) and (C) of this section for amounts determined in yen. The residual increase to net assets is determined as follows:
| Step 1: Change in net value | ¥160,000 |
| Step 3: Subtract amount of transfers from owner to section 987 QBU | (¥150,000) |
| Residual increase or decrease to the adjusted balance sheet | ¥10,000 |
¶(2) Residual increase or decrease to net assets. As explained in paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(F)(1) of this section, the residual increase to Japan Branch's net assets in year 1 is ¥10,000. This amount, translated at the yearly average exchange rate of $1 = ¥110, equals $90.91. Therefore, the amount determined in previous steps is reduced by $90.91, from negative $166.67 to negative $257.58. Accordingly, the unrecognized section 987 loss of Japan Branch for year 1 is $257.58.
¶(iii) Alternative computation of QBU net value. Alternatively, for purposes of applying steps 1 and 10 (paragraphs (d)(1) and (10) of this section), U.S. Corp can determine QBU net value using the following steps under paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section.
¶(A) Step 1: Determine QBU net value at the end of the preceding taxable year. Because year 1 is the first taxable year in which Japan Branch exists, the QBU net value at the end of the preceding taxable year is zero.
¶(B) Step 2: Adjust for transfers between the section 987 QBU and its owner. During year 1, U.S. Corp transferred assets to Japan Branch with an aggregate basis of ¥150,000, as described in paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(C) of this section. Therefore, the amount determined in step 1 is increased from zero to ¥150,000.
¶(D) QBU net value. Japan Branch's QBU net value at the end of the preceding taxable year is zero. This amount is increased by the transfer from U.S. Corp of ¥150,000 and by Japan Branch's taxable income of ¥10,000. Japan Branch did not have any tax-exempt income or non-deductible expenses in year 1. Accordingly, Japan Branch's QBU net value at the end of year 1 is ¥160,000.
¶(3) Example 3: Determination of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss when a current rate election is revoked—
¶(i) Facts—
¶(A) Background. The facts in year 1 are the same as in paragraph (g)(2) of this section (Example 2). In year 9, a current rate election remains in effect, U.S. Corp has net unrecognized section 987 loss of $1,000 with respect to Japan Branch, and Japan Branch does not make a remittance. On December 31, year 9, the adjusted balance sheet of Japan Branch shows the following assets and liabilities: cash of ¥120,000; raw land with a basis of ¥50,000; and liabilities of ¥10,000. Effective for year 10, U.S. Corp revokes the current rate election.
¶(B) Operations in year 10. In year 10, Japan Branch earns ¥12,000 for providing services and incurs ¥2,000 of related expenses. Japan Branch thus earns ¥10,000 of net income in year 10. On December 31, year 10, the adjusted balance sheet of Japan Branch shows the following assets and liabilities: cash of ¥130,000; raw land with a basis of ¥50,000; and liabilities of ¥10,000. Assume that the spot rate on December 31, year 9, is $1 = ¥120; the spot rate on December 31, year 10, is $1 = ¥130; and the yearly average exchange rate for year 10 is $1 = ¥125. Thus, the ¥12,000 of services revenue when properly translated under § 1.987-3(c)(1) at the yearly average exchange rate equals $96.00 (¥12,000 × ($1/¥125)) = $96.00). The ¥2,000 of expenses translated at the same yearly average exchange rate equals $16.00 (¥2,000 × ($1/¥125) = $16.00). Thus, Japan Branch's net income translated into dollars equals $80. There are no transfers of assets or liabilities between U.S. Corp and Japan Branch in year 10.
¶(ii) Analysis—
¶(A) Determination of OFCNV for year 9. Under paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, the OFCNV of a section 987 QBU on the last day of the preceding taxable year is determined based on the elections that were (or were not) in effect on the last day of that taxable year. In year 9, a current rate election was in effect. Therefore, in determining the OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 9, all assets and liabilities of Japan Branch (including the land) are treated as marked items. Under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, because a current rate election was in effect for year 9, the OFCNV of Japan Branch at the end of year 9 is equal to the QBU net value, translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable spot rate on the last day of the taxable year. The QBU net value of Japan Branch at the end of year 9 is ¥160,000, as shown below. The OFCNV of Japan Branch is $1,333.33, which is equal to the QBU net value of ¥160,000, translated at the applicable spot rate on December 31, year 9 of $1 = ¥120.
| Amount in ¥ | |
|---|---|
| Assets: | |
| Yen | 120,000 |
| Land | 50,000 |
| Total assets | 170,000 |
| Liabilities: | |
| Bank loan | 10,000 |
| Total liabilities | 10,000 |
| Year 9 ending net value | 160,000 |
¶(B) Determination of OFCNV for year 10. In year 10, a current rate election is not in effect. Therefore, in determining the OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 10, the land owned by Japan Branch is treated as a historic item. Under § 1.987-1(c)(3)(i)(E), the historic rate applicable to historic items that were attributable to Japan Branch on the last day of the last taxable year in which a current rate election was in effect (December 31, year 9) generally is equal to the spot rate applicable to that day. Therefore, the historic rate applicable to the land is the spot rate on December 31, year 9. The OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 10 is $1,339.74, determined under paragraph (e) of this section as follows (together with the corresponding amounts in yen):
| Amount in ¥ | Translation rate | Amount in $ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets: | |||
| Yen | ¥130,000 | $1 = ¥130 (spot rate-12/31/year 10) | $1,000.00 |
| Land | 50,000 | $1 = ¥120 (historic rate-spot rate-12/31/year 9) | 416.67 |
| Total assets | 180,000 | 1,416.67 | |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Bank loan | 10,000 | $1 = ¥130 (spot rate-12/31/year 10) | 76.92 |
| Total liabilities | 10,000 | 76.92 | |
| Year 10 ending net value | 170,000 | 1,339.74 |
¶(C) Determination of unrecognized section 987 gain or loss for year 10. The unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of Japan Branch for year 10 is determined under paragraph (d) of this section as follows:
¶(1) Step 1. The change in the OFCNV of Japan Branch for year 10 is equal to the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of year 10, less the OFCNV of Japan Branch determined in dollars on the last day of year 9. Therefore, the change in OFCNV is equal to $6.41 ($1,339.74—$1,333.33).
¶(2) Steps 2 through 5 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraphs (d)(2) through (5) of this section (steps 2 through 5) because no assets or liabilities were transferred by U.S. Corp to Japan Branch or by Japan Branch to U.S. Corp during the taxable year.
¶(3) Step 6. Under paragraph (d)(6) of this section (step 6), the amount determined in previous steps is decreased by the section 987 taxable income of Japan Branch of $80.00, from $6.41 to negative $73.59.
¶(4) Steps 7 through 10 (no adjustment). No adjustment is made under paragraphs (d)(7) through (10) of this section (steps 7 through 10) because all of Japan Branch's items of income or deduction for the taxable year impact the basis of Japan Branch's assets or the amount of its liabilities and are taken into account in computing taxable income. In addition, Japan Branch does not have a residual increase or decrease to net assets (because the change in net value of ¥10,000 is equal to the amount of Japan Branch's net income in year 10). Accordingly, the unrecognized section 987 loss of Japan Branch for year 10 is negative $73.59.
¶(D) Determination of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss. In year 10, Japan Branch has net accumulated section 987 loss of $1,000. Because U.S. Corp revoked the current rate election for year 10, the net accumulated section 987 loss of $1,000 becomes suspended section 987 loss under § 1.987-11(d)(2) and Japan Branch's net accumulated section 987 loss is reduced to zero. Therefore, in year 10, Japan Branch's net unrecognized section 987 loss is equal to $73.59, its unrecognized section 987 loss for year 10.
[T.D. 10016, 89 FR 100165, Dec. 11, 2024]
Cross-references
Computed from the citations in the text of 26 CFR.
Code sections it cites
- § 987 Branch transactions
- § 163 Interest
- § 986 Determination of foreign taxes and foreign corporation’s earnings and profits
Regulations it cites
- § 1.987-14 Section 987 hedging transactions.
- § 1.987-5 Recognition of section 987 gain or loss.
- § 1.987-12 Deferral of section 987 gain or loss.
- § 1.987-11 Suspended section 987 loss relating to certain elections; loss-to-the-extent-of-gain rule.
- § 1.987-13 Suspended section 987 loss upon terminations.
- § 1.987-10 Transition rules.
- § 1.987-8 Termination of a section 987 QBU.
- § 1.988-1 Certain definitions and special rules.
- § 1.987-3 Determination of section 987 taxable income or loss of an owner of a section 987 QBU.
- § 1.987-2 Attribution of items to eligible QBUs; definition of a transfer and related rules.
- § 1.987-1 Scope, definitions, and special rules.
- § 1.989(a)-1 Definition of a qualified business unit.
Cited by 10 other regulations
- § 1.861-9 Allocation and apportionment of interest expense and rules for asset-based apportionment.
- § 1.897-1 Taxation of foreign investment in United States real property interests, definition of terms.
- § 1.985-5 Adjustments required upon change in functional currency.
- § 1.987-0 Table of contents.
- § 1.987-1 Scope, definitions, and special rules.
- § 1.987-2 Attribution of items to eligible QBUs; definition of a transfer and related rules.
- § 1.987-5 Recognition of section 987 gain or loss.
- § 1.987-9 Recordkeeping requirements.
- § 1.987-10 Transition rules.
- § 1.987-14 Section 987 hedging transactions.
Amendment history
From the source citation at the end of the section, newest first. T.D. is a Treasury decision; FR is the Federal Register.
- Issued by T.D. 10016 (89 FR 100165)
Where it sits in 26 CFR
- Subchapter A Income tax
- Part 1 Income taxes
- Foreign Currency Transactions
Nearby sections
- § 1.987-1T Scope, definitions, and special rules (temporary).
- § 1.987-2 Attribution of items to eligible QBUs; definition of a transfer and related rules.
- § 1.987-3 Determination of section 987 taxable income or loss of an owner of a section 987 QBU.
- § 1.987-3T Determination of section 987 taxable income or loss of an owner of a section 987 QBU (temporary).
- § 1.987-4 Determination of net unrecognized section 987 gain or loss of a section 987 QBU.
- § 1.987-5 Recognition of section 987 gain or loss.
- § 1.987-6 Character and source of section 987 gain or loss.
- § 1.987-6T Character and source of section 987 gain or loss (temporary).
- § 1.987-7 Application of the section 987 regulations to partnerships and S corporations.