IRS Sees the Light and Withdraws §2704 Proposed Regulations

The Treasury Department’s issuance of proposed regulations under Code Section 2704 were met with significant criticism and confusion. The §2704 proposed regulations were intended to provide the IRS with an additional sword to reduce and in some cases eliminate valuation discounts on family-controlled business entities.

After thousands of comments were received and a public hearing was held where numerous taxpayer advocacy groups, business advisors, and valuation experts provided their concerns, the IRS finally blinked. On October 20, 2017, the IRS published a withdrawal notice of proposed rulemaking, which removes the potential for these proposed regulations to be finalized. The elimination of the proposed regulations is fantastic news for all family-controlled business owners that would be subject to estate and gift taxes. More information regarding the withdrawal is available at federalregister.gov.

Thomas J. McLaughlin
tmclaughlin@williamsparker.com
941-536-2042