Collapse to view only § 2055. Transfers for public, charitable, and religious uses
- § 2051. Definition of taxable estate
- [§ 2052. Repealed.
- § 2053. Expenses, indebtedness, and taxes
- § 2054. Losses
- § 2055. Transfers for public, charitable, and religious uses
- § 2056. Bequests, etc., to surviving spouse
- § 2056A. Qualified domestic trust
- [§ 2057. Repealed.
- § 2058. State death taxes
§ 2051. Definition of taxable estate
For purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate the deductions provided for in this part.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 388; Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, § 702(r)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2938.)
[§ 2052. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XX, § 2001(a)(4), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1848]
§ 2053. Expenses, indebtedness, and taxes
(a) General rule
For purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate such amounts—
(1) for funeral expenses,
(2) for administration expenses,
(3) for claims against the estate, and
(4) for unpaid mortgages on, or any indebtedness in respect of, property where the value of the decedent’s interest therein, undiminished by such mortgage or indebtedness, is included in the value of the gross estate,
as are allowable by the laws of the jurisdiction, whether within or without the United States, under which the estate is being administered.
(b) Other administration expenses
(c) Limitations
(1) Limitations applicable to subsections (a) and (b)
(A) Consideration for claims
(B) Certain taxes
(C) Certain claims by remaindermen
(D) Section 6166 interest
(2) Limitations applicable only to subsection (a)
(d) Certain foreign death taxes
(1) In general
(2) Condition for allowance of deduction
(3) Effect on credit for foreign death taxes of deduction under this subsection
(A) Election
(B) Cross reference
(e) Marital rights
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 389; Feb. 20, 1956, ch. 63, § 2, 70 Stat. 23; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 102(c)(3), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1674; Pub. L. 86–175, § 1, Aug. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§ 1902(a)(12)(B), 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1806, 1834; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 425(a)(2), title X, § 1027(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 804, 1031; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1011A(g)(11), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3482; Pub. L. 105–34, title V, § 503(b)(1), title X, § 1073(b)(3), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 853, 948; Pub. L. 107–16, title V, § 532(c)(5), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 107–134, title I, § 103(b)(2), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2431.)
§ 2054. Losses
For purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate losses incurred during the settlement of estates arising from fires, storms, shipwrecks, or other casualties, or from theft, when such losses are not compensated for by insurance or otherwise.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 390.)
§ 2055. Transfers for public, charitable, and religious uses
(a) In generalFor purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate the amount of all bequests, legacies, devises, or transfers—
(1) to or for the use of the United States, any State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, for exclusively public purposes;
(2) to or for the use of any corporation organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, including the encouragement of art, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), and the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual, which is not disqualified for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) by reason of attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office;
(3) to a trustee or trustees, or a fraternal society, order, or association operating under the lodge system, but only if such contributions or gifts are to be used by such trustee or trustees, or by such fraternal society, order, or association, exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, such trust, fraternal society, order, or association would not be disqualified for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) by reason of attempting to influence legislation, and such trustee or trustees, or such fraternal society, order, or association, does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office;
(4) to or for the use of any veterans’ organization incorporated by Act of Congress, or of its departments or local chapters or posts, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; or
(5) to an employee stock ownership plan if such transfer qualifies as a qualified gratuitous transfer of qualified employer securities within the meaning of section 664(g).
(b) Powers of appointment
(c) Death taxes payable out of bequests
(d) Limitation on deduction
(e) Disallowance of deductions in certain cases
(1) No deduction shall be allowed under this section for a transfer to or for the use of an organization or trust described in section 508(d) or 4948(c)(4) subject to the conditions specified in such sections.
(2) Where an interest in property (other than an interest described in section 170(f)(3)(B)) passes or has passed from the decedent to a person, or for a use, described in subsection (a), and an interest (other than an interest which is extinguished upon the decedent’s death) in the same property passes or has passed (for less than an adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth) from the decedent to a person, or for a use, not described in subsection (a), no deduction shall be allowed under this section for the interest which passes or has passed to the person, or for the use, described in subsection (a) unless—
(A) in the case of a remainder interest, such interest is in a trust which is a charitable remainder annuity trust or a charitable remainder unitrust (described in section 664) or a pooled income fund (described in section 642(c)(5)), or
(B) in the case of any other interest, such interest is in the form of a guaranteed annuity or is a fixed percentage distributed yearly of the fair market value of the property (to be determined yearly).
(3)Reformations to comply with paragraph (2).—
(A)In general.—A deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) in respect of any qualified reformation.
(B)Qualified reformation.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “qualified reformation” means a change of a governing instrument by reformation, amendment, construction, or otherwise which changes a reformable interest into a qualified interest but only if—
(i) any difference between—(I) the actuarial value (determined as of the date of the decedent’s death) of the qualified interest, and(II) the actuarial value (as so determined) of the reformable interest,
does not exceed 5 percent of the actuarial value (as so determined) of the reformable interest,
(ii) in the case of—(I) a charitable remainder interest, the nonremainder interest (before and after the qualified reformation) terminated at the same time, or(II) any other interest, the reformable interest and the qualified interest are for the same period, and
(iii) such change is effective as of the date of the decedent’s death.
A nonremainder interest (before reformation) for a term of years in excess of 20 years shall be treated as satisfying subclause (I) of clause (ii) if such interest (after reformation) is for a term of 20 years.
(C)Reformable interest.—For purposes of this paragraph—
(i)In general.—The term “reformable interest” means any interest for which a deduction would be allowable under subsection (a) at the time of the decedent’s death but for paragraph (2).
(ii)Beneficiary’s interest must be fixed.—The term “reformable interest” does not include any interest unless, before the remainder vests in possession, all payments to persons other than an organization described in subsection (a) are expressed either in specified dollar amounts or a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the property. For purposes of determining whether all such payments are expressed as a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the property, section 664(d)(3) shall be taken into account.
(iii)Special rule where timely commencement of reformation.—Clause (ii) shall not apply to any interest if a judicial proceeding is commenced to change such interest into a qualified interest not later than the 90th day after—(I) if an estate tax return is required to be filed, the last date (including extensions) for filing such return, or(II) if no estate tax return is required to be filed, the last date (including extensions) for filing the income tax return for the 1st taxable year for which such a return is required to be filed by the trust.
(iv)Special rule for will executed before january 1, 1979, etc.—In the case of any interest passing under a will executed before January 1, 1979, or under a trust created before such date, clause (ii) shall not apply.
(D)Qualified interest.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “qualified interest” means an interest for which a deduction is allowable under subsection (a).
(E)Limitation.—The deduction referred to in subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the amount of the deduction which would have been allowable for the reformable interest but for paragraph (2).
(F)Special rule where income beneficiary dies.—If (by reason of the death of any individual, or by termination or distribution of a trust in accordance with the terms of the trust instrument) by the due date for filing the estate tax return (including any extension thereof) a reformable interest is in a wholly charitable trust or passes directly to a person or for a use described in subsection (a), a deduction shall be allowed for such reformable interest as if it had met the requirements of paragraph (2) on the date of the decedent’s death. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “wholly charitable trust” means a charitable trust which, upon the allowance of a deduction, would be described in section 4947(a)(1).
(G)Statute of limitations.—The period for assessing any deficiency of any tax attributable to the application of this paragraph shall not expire before the date 1 year after the date on which the Secretary is notified that such reformation (or other proceeding pursuant to subparagraph (J)) has occurred.
(H)Regulations.—The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this paragraph, including regulations providing such adjustments in the application of the provisions of section 508 (relating to special rules relating to section 501(c)(3) organizations), subchapter J (relating to estates, trusts, beneficiaries, and decedents), and chapter 42 (relating to private foundations) as may be necessary by reason of the qualified reformation.
(I)Reformations permitted in case of remainder interests in residence or farm, pooled income funds, etc.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations (consistent with the provisions of this paragraph) permitting reformations in the case of any failure—
(i) to meet the requirements of section 170(f)(3)(B) (relating to remainder interests in personal residence or farm, etc.), or
(ii) to meet the requirements of section 642(c)(5).
(J)Void or reformed trust in cases of insufficient remainder interests.—In the case of a trust that would qualify (or could be reformed to qualify pursuant to subparagraph (B)) but for failure to satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1)(D) or (2)(D) of section 664(d), such trust may be—
(i) declared null and void ab initio, or
(ii) changed by reformation, amendment, or otherwise to meet such requirement by reducing the payout rate or the duration (or both) of any noncharitable beneficiary’s interest to the extent necessary to satisfy such requirement,
pursuant to a proceeding that is commenced within the period required in subparagraph (C)(iii). In a case described in clause (i), no deduction shall be allowed under this title for any transfer to the trust and any transactions entered into by the trust prior to being declared void shall be treated as entered into by the transferor.
(4)Works of art and their copyrights treated as separate properties in certain cases.—
(A)In general.—In the case of a qualified contribution of a work of art, the work of art and the copyright on such work of art shall be treated as separate properties for purposes of paragraph (2).
(B)Work of art defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “work of art” means any tangible personal property with respect to which there is a copyright under Federal law.
(C)Qualified contribution defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “qualified contribution” means any transfer of property to a qualified organization if the use of the property by the organization is related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for its exemption under section 501.
(D)Qualified organization defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “qualified organization” means any organization described in section 501(c)(3) other than a private foundation (as defined in section 509). For purposes of the preceding sentence, a private operating foundation (as defined in section 4942(j)(3)) shall not be treated as a private foundation.
(5)Contributions to donor advised funds.—A deduction otherwise allowed under subsection (a) for any contribution to a donor advised fund (as defined in section 4966(d)(2)) shall only be allowed if—
(A) the sponsoring organization (as defined in section 4966(d)(1)) with respect to such donor advised fund is not—
(i) described in paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (a), or
(ii) a type III supporting organization (as defined in section 4943(f)(5)(A)) which is not a functionally integrated type III supporting organization (as defined in section 4943(f)(5)(B)), and
(B) the taxpayer obtains a contemporaneous written acknowledgment (determined under rules similar to the rules of section 170(f)(8)(C)) from the sponsoring organization (as so defined) of such donor advised fund that such organization has exclusive legal control over the assets contributed.
(f) Special rule for irrevocable transfers of easements in real property
(g) Cross references
(1) For option as to time for valuation for purpose of deduction under this section, see section 2032.
(2) For treatment of certain organizations providing child care, see section 501(k).
(3) For exemption of gifts and bequests to or for the benefit of Library of Congress, see section 5 of the Act of March 3, 1925, as amended (2 U.S.C. 161).
(4) For treatment of gifts and bequests for the benefit of the Naval Historical Center as gifts or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 8622 of title 10, United States Code.
(5) For treatment of gifts and bequests to or for the benefit of National Park Foundation as gifts or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 8 of the Act of December 18, 1967 (16 U.S.C. 191).
(6) For treatment of gifts, devises, or bequests accepted by the Secretary of State, the Director of the International Communication Agency, or the Director of the United States International Development Cooperation Agency as gifts, devises, or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 25 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956.
(7) For treatment of gifts or bequests of money accepted by the Attorney General for credit to “Commissary Funds, Federal Prisons,” as gifts or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 4043 of title 18, United States Code.
(8) For payment of tax on gifts and bequests of United States obligations to the United States, see section 3113(e) of title 31, United States Code.
(9) For treatment of gifts and bequests for benefit of the Naval Academy as gifts or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 8473 of title 10, United States Code.
(10) For treatment of gifts and bequests for benefit of the Naval Academy Museum as gifts or bequests to or for the use of the United States, see section 8474 of title 10, United States Code.
(11) For exemption of gifts and bequests received by National Archives Trust Fund Board, see section 2308 of title 44, United States Code.
(12) For treatment of gifts and bequests to or for the use of Indian tribal governments (or their subdivisions), see section 7871.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 390; Aug. 6, 1956, ch. 1020, § 1, 70 Stat. 1075; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 30(d), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1631; Pub. L. 91–172, title II, § 201(d)(1), (4)(A), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 560, 561; Pub. L. 91–614, title I, § 101(c), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1836; Pub. L. 93–483, § 3(a), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1457; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIII, §§ 1304(a), 1307(d)(1)(B)(ii), (C), 1313(b)(2), title XIX, §§ 1902(a)(4), (12)(A), 1906(b)(13)(A), title XX, § 2009(b)(4)(B), (C), title XXI, § 2124(e)(2), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1715, 1727, 1730, 1804, 1805, 1834, 1894, 1919; Pub. L. 95–600, title V, § 514(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2883; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, § 105(a)(4)(A), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 219; Pub. L. 96–465, title II, § 2206(e)(4), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2163; Pub. L. 96–605, title III, § 301(a), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3530; Pub. L. 97–34, title IV, § 423(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 316; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 286(b)(2), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 570; Pub. L. 97–258, § 3(f)(1), (2), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1064; Pub. L. 97–473, title II, § 202(b)(5), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2610; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, §§ 1022(a), 1032(b)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1026, 1033; Pub. L. 99–514, title XIV, § 1422(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2716; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, § 10711(a)(3), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–464; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, § 1073(b)(3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2657; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1089(b)(3), (5), title XV, § 1530(c)(7), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 960, 961, 1078; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §§ 1218(b), 1234(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1081, 1100; Pub. L. 110–172, § 3(d)(1), Dec. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 2474; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(202), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 809(h)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1842.)
§ 2056. Bequests, etc., to surviving spouse
(a) Allowance of marital deduction
(b) Limitation in the case of life estate or other terminable interest
(1) General rule
Where, on the lapse of time, on the occurrence of an event or contingency, or on the failure of an event or contingency to occur, an interest passing to the surviving spouse will terminate or fail, no deduction shall be allowed under this section with respect to such interest—
(A) if an interest in such property passes or has passed (for less than an adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth) from the decedent to any person other than such surviving spouse (or the estate of such spouse); and
(B) if by reason of such passing such person (or his heirs or assigns) may possess or enjoy any part of such property after such termination or failure of the interest so passing to the surviving spouse;
and no deduction shall be allowed with respect to such interest (even if such deduction is not disallowed under subparagraphs (A) and (B))—
(C) if such interest is to be acquired for the surviving spouse, pursuant to directions of the decedent, by his executor or by the trustee of a trust.
For purposes of this paragraph, an interest shall not be considered as an interest which will terminate or fail merely because it is the ownership of a bond, note, or similar contractual obligation, the discharge of which would not have the effect of an annuity for life or for a term.
(2) Interest in unidentified assets
(3) Interest of spouse conditional on survival for limited period
For purposes of this subsection, an interest passing to the surviving spouse shall not be considered as an interest which will terminate or fail on the death of such spouse if—
(A) such death will cause a termination or failure of such interest only if it occurs within a period not exceeding 6 months after the decedent’s death, or only if it occurs as a result of a common disaster resulting in the death of the decedent and the surviving spouse, or only if it occurs in the case of either such event; and
(B) such termination or failure does not in fact occur.
(4) Valuation of interest passing to surviving spouse
In determining for purposes of subsection (a) the value of any interest in property passing to the surviving spouse for which a deduction is allowed by this section—
(A) there shall be taken into account the effect which the tax imposed by section 2001, or any estate, succession, legacy, or inheritance tax, has on the net value to the surviving spouse of such interest; and
(B) where such interest or property is encumbered in any manner, or where the surviving spouse incurs any obligation imposed by the decedent with respect to the passing of such interest, such encumbrance or obligation shall be taken into account in the same manner as if the amount of a gift to such spouse of such interest were being determined.
(5) Life estate with power of appointment in surviving spouse
In the case of an interest in property passing from the decedent, if his surviving spouse is entitled for life to all the income from the entire interest, or all the income from a specific portion thereof, payable annually or at more frequent intervals, with power in the surviving spouse to appoint the entire interest, or such specific portion (exercisable in favor of such surviving spouse, or of the estate of such surviving spouse, or in favor of either, whether or not in each case the power is exercisable in favor of others), and with no power in any other person to appoint any part of the interest, or such specific portion, to any person other than the surviving spouse—
(A) the interest or such portion thereof so passing shall, for purposes of subsection (a), be considered as passing to the surviving spouse, and
(B) no part of the interest so passing shall, for purposes of paragraph (1)(A), be considered as passing to any person other than the surviving spouse.
This paragraph shall apply only if such power in the surviving spouse to appoint the entire interest, or such specific portion thereof, whether exercisable by will or during life, is exercisable by such spouse alone and in all events.
(6) Life insurance or annuity payments with power of appointment in surviving spouse
In the case of an interest in property passing from the decedent consisting of proceeds under a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract, if under the terms of the contract such proceeds are payable in installments or are held by the insurer subject to an agreement to pay interest thereon (whether the proceeds, on the termination of any interest payments, are payable in a lump sum or in annual or more frequent installments), and such installment or interest payments are payable annually or at more frequent intervals, commencing not later than 13 months after the decedent’s death, and all amounts, or a specific portion of all such amounts, payable during the life of the surviving spouse are payable only to such spouse, and such spouse has the power to appoint all amounts, or such specific portion, payable under such contract (exercisable in favor of such surviving spouse, or of the estate of such surviving spouse, or in favor of either, whether or not in each case the power is exercisable in favor of others), with no power in any other person to appoint such amounts to any person other than the surviving spouse—
(A) such amounts shall, for purposes of subsection (a), be considered as passing to the surviving spouse, and
(B) no part of such amounts shall, for purposes of paragraph (1)(A), be considered as passing to any person other than the surviving spouse.
This paragraph shall apply only if, under the terms of the contract, such power in the surviving spouse to appoint such amounts, whether exercisable by will or during life, is exercisable by such spouse alone and in all events.
(7) Election with respect to life estate for surviving spouse
(A) In general
In the case of qualified terminable interest property—
(i) for purposes of subsection (a), such property shall be treated as passing to the surviving spouse, and
(ii) for purposes of paragraph (1)(A), no part of such property shall be treated as passing to any person other than the surviving spouse.
(B) Qualified terminable interest property defined
For purposes of this paragraph—
(i) In general
The term “qualified terminable interest property” means property—
(I) which passes from the decedent,(II) in which the surviving spouse has a qualifying income interest for life, and(III) to which an election under this paragraph applies.(ii) Qualifying income interest for life
The surviving spouse has a qualifying income interest for life if—
(I) the surviving spouse is entitled to all the income from the property, payable annually or at more frequent intervals, or has a usufruct interest for life in the property, and(II) no person has a power to appoint any part of the property to any person other than the surviving spouse. Subclause (II) shall not apply to a power exercisable only at or after the death of the surviving spouse. To the extent provided in regulations, an annuity shall be treated in a manner similar to an income interest in property (regardless of whether the property from which the annuity is payable can be separately identified).
(iii) Property includes interest therein
(iv) Specific portion treated as separate property
(v) Election
(C) Treatment of survivor annuities
In the case of an annuity included in the gross estate of the decedent under section 2039 (or, in the case of an interest in an annuity arising under the community property laws of a State, included in the gross estate of the decedent under section 2033) where only the surviving spouse has the right to receive payments before the death of such surviving spouse—
(i) the interest of such surviving spouse shall be treated as a qualifying income interest for life, and
(ii) the executor shall be treated as having made an election under this subsection with respect to such annuity unless the executor otherwise elects on the return of tax imposed by section 2001.
An election under clause (ii), once made, shall be irrevocable.
(8) Special rule for charitable remainder trusts
(A) In general
(B) Definitions
For purposes of subparagraph (A)—
(i) Charitable beneficiary
(ii) ESOP beneficiary
(iii) Qualified charitable remainder trust
(9) Denial of double deduction
(10) Specific portion
(c) Definition
For purposes of this section, an interest in property shall be considered as passing from the decedent to any person if and only if—
(1) such interest is bequeathed or devised to such person by the decedent;
(2) such interest is inherited by such person from the decedent;
(3) such interest is the dower or curtesy interest (or statutory interest in lieu thereof) of such person as surviving spouse of the decedent;
(4) such interest has been transferred to such person by the decedent at any time;
(5) such interest was, at the time of the decedent’s death, held by such person and the decedent (or by them and any other person) in joint ownership with right of survivorship;
(6) the decedent had a power (either alone or in conjunction with any person) to appoint such interest and if he appoints or has appointed such interest to such person, or if such person takes such interest in default on the release or nonexercise of such power; or
(7) such interest consists of proceeds of insurance on the life of the decedent receivable by such person.
Except as provided in paragraph (5) or (6) of subsection (b), where at the time of the decedent’s death it is not possible to ascertain the particular person or persons to whom an interest in property may pass from the decedent, such interest shall, for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), be considered as passing from the decedent to a person other than the surviving spouse.
(d) Disallowance of marital deduction where surviving spouse not United States citizen
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the surviving spouse of the decedent is not a citizen of the United States—
(A) no deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a), and
(B) section 2040(b) shall not apply.
(2) Marital deduction allowed for certain transfers in trust
(A) In general
(B) Special rule
If any property passes from the decedent to the surviving spouse of the decedent, for purposes of subparagraph (A), such property shall be treated as passing to such spouse in a qualified domestic trust if—
(i) such property is transferred to such a trust before the date on which the return of the tax imposed by this chapter is made, or
(ii) such property is irrevocably assigned to such a trust under an irrevocable assignment made on or before such date which is enforceable under local law.
(3) Allowance of credit to certain spouses
If—
(A) property passes to the surviving spouse of the decedent (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as the “first decedent”),
(B) without regard to this subsection, a deduction would be allowable under subsection (a) with respect to such property, and
(C) such surviving spouse dies and the estate of such surviving spouse is subject to the tax imposed by this chapter,
the Federal estate tax paid (or treated as paid under section 2056A(b)(7)) by the first decedent with respect to such property shall be allowed as a credit under section 2013 to the estate of such surviving spouse and the amount of such credit shall be determined under such section without regard to when the first decedent died and without regard to subsection (d)(3) of such section.
(4) Special rule where resident spouse becomes citizen
Paragraph (1) shall not apply if—
(A) the surviving spouse of the decedent becomes a citizen of the United States before the day on which the return of the tax imposed by this chapter is made, and
(B) such spouse was a resident of the United States at all times after the date of the death of the decedent and before becoming a citizen of the United States.
(5) Reformations permitted
(A) In general
In the case of any property with respect to which a deduction would be allowable under subsection (a) but for this subsection, the determination of whether a trust is a qualified domestic trust shall be made—
(i) as of the date on which the return of the tax imposed by this chapter is made, or
(ii) if a judicial proceeding is commenced on or before the due date (determined with regard to extensions) for filing such return to change such trust into a trust which is a qualified domestic trust, as of the time when the changes pursuant to such proceeding are made.
(B) Statute of limitations
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 392; Pub. L. 89–621, § 1(a), Oct. 4, 1966, 80 Stat. 872; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1902(a)(12)(A), title XX, §§ 2002(a), 2009(b)(4)(D), (E), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1805, 1854, 1894; Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, § 702(g)(1), (2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2930; Pub. L. 97–34, title IV, § 403(a)(1), (d)(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 301, 302; Pub. L. 97–448, title I, § 104(a)(2)(A), (8), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2380, 2381; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, § 1027(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1031; Pub. L. 100–647, title V, § 5033(a)(1), title VI, § 6152(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3670, 3725; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7815(d)(4)(A), (5), (6), (8), 7816(q), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2415, 2416, 2423; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§ 11701(l)(1), 11702(g)(5), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–513, 1388–516; Pub. L. 102–486, title XIX, § 1941(a), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3036; Pub. L. 105–34, title XIII, § 1311(a), title XV, § 1530(c)(8), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1044, 1078.)
§ 2056A. Qualified domestic trust
(a) Qualified domestic trust definedFor purposes of this section and section 2056(d), the term “qualified domestic trust” means, with respect to any decedent, any trust if—
(1) the trust instrument—
(A) except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, requires that at least 1 trustee of the trust be an individual citizen of the United States or a domestic corporation, and
(B) provides that no distribution (other than a distribution of income) may be made from the trust unless a trustee who is an individual citizen of the United States or a domestic corporation has the right to withhold from such distribution the tax imposed by this section on such distribution,
(2) such trust meets such requirements as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe to ensure the collection of any tax imposed by subsection (b), and
(3) an election under this section by the executor of the decedent applies to such trust.
(b) Tax treatment of trust
(1) Imposition of estate taxThere is hereby imposed an estate tax on—
(A) any distribution before the date of the death of the surviving spouse from a qualified domestic trust, and
(B) the value of the property remaining in a qualified domestic trust on the date of the death of the surviving spouse.
(2) Amount of tax
(A) In generalIn the case of any taxable event, the amount of the estate tax imposed by paragraph (1) shall be the amount equal to—
(i) the tax which would have been imposed under section 2001 on the estate of the decedent if the taxable estate of the decedent had been increased by the sum of—(I) the amount involved in such taxable event, plus(II) the aggregate amount involved in previous taxable events with respect to qualified domestic trusts of such decedent, reduced by
(ii) the tax which would have been imposed under section 2001 on the estate of the decedent if the taxable estate of the decedent had been increased by the amount referred to in clause (i)(II).
(B) Tentative tax where tax of decedent not finally determined
(i) In general
(ii) Refund of excess when tax finally determinedIf—(I) the amount of the tax determined under clause (i), exceeds(II) the tax determined under subparagraph (A) on the basis of the final determination of the tax imposed by section 2001 on the estate of the decedent,
such excess shall be allowed as a credit or refund (with interest) if claim therefor is filed not later than 1 year after the date of such final determination.
(C) Special rule where decedent has more than 1 qualified domestic trustIf there is more than 1 qualified domestic trust with respect to any decedent, the amount of the tax imposed by paragraph (1) with respect to such trusts shall be determined by using the highest rate of tax in effect under section 2001 as of the date of the decedent’s death (and the provisions of paragraph (3)(B) shall not apply) unless, pursuant to a designation made by the decedent’s executor, there is 1 person—
(i) who is an individual citizen of the United States or a domestic corporation and is responsible for filing all returns of tax imposed under paragraph (1) with respect to such trusts and for paying all tax so imposed, and
(ii) who meets such requirements as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.
(3) Certain lifetime distributions exempt from tax
(A) Income distributions
(B) Hardship exemption
(4) Tax where trust ceases to qualify
(5) Due date
(A) Tax on distributions
(B) Tax at death of spouse
(6) Liability for tax
(7) Treatment of tax
(8) Lien for tax
(9) Taxable event
(10) Certain benefits allowed
(A) In general
(B) Section 303
(C) Section 6161(a)(2)
(11) Special rule where distribution tax paid out of trust
(12) Special rule where spouse becomes citizenIf the surviving spouse of the decedent becomes a citizen of the United States and if—
(A) such spouse was a resident of the United States at all times after the date of the death of the decedent and before such spouse becomes a citizen of the United States,
(B) no tax was imposed by paragraph (1)(A) with respect to any distribution before such spouse becomes such a citizen, or
(C) such spouse elects—
(i) to treat any distribution on which tax was imposed by paragraph (1)(A) as a taxable gift made by such spouse for purposes of—(I) section 2001, and(II) determining the amount of the tax imposed by section 2501 on actual taxable gifts made by such spouse during the year in which the spouse becomes a citizen or any subsequent year, and
(ii) to treat any reduction in the tax imposed by paragraph (1)(A) by reason of the credit allowable under section 2010 with respect to the decedent as a credit allowable to such surviving spouse under section 2505 for purposes of determining the amount of the credit allowable under section 2505 with respect to taxable gifts made by the surviving spouse during the year in which the spouse becomes a citizen or any subsequent year,
paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to any distributions after such spouse becomes such a citizen (and paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply).
(13) Coordination with section 1015
(14) Coordination with terminable interest rules
(15) No tax on certain distributions
(c) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section—
(1) Property includes interest therein
(2) Income
(3) Trust
(d) Election
(e) Regulations
(Added Pub. L. 100–647, title V, § 5033(a)(2), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3670; amended Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7815(d)(7), (9)–(13), (15), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2415–2418; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§ 11702(g)(2)(A), (B), (3)(A), (4), 11704(a)(15), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–515, 1388–516, 1388–518; Pub. L. 105–34, title XIII, §§ 1312(a), 1314(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1044, 1045; Pub. L. 107–16, title V, § 532(c)(6), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 74.)
[§ 2057. Repealed. Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, § 221(a)(97)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4051]
§ 2058. State death taxes
(a) Allowance of deduction
(b) Period of limitationsThe deduction allowed by this section shall include only such taxes as were actually paid and deduction therefor claimed before the later of—
(1) 4 years after the filing of the return required by section 6018, or
(2) if—
(A) a petition for redetermination of a deficiency has been filed with the Tax Court within the time prescribed in section 6213(a), the expiration of 60 days after the decision of the Tax Court becomes final,
(B) an extension of time has been granted under section 6161 or 6166 for payment of the tax shown on the return, or of a deficiency, the date of the expiration of the period of the extension, or
(C) a claim for refund or credit of an overpayment of tax imposed by this chapter has been filed within the time prescribed in section 6511, the latest of the expiration of—
(i) 60 days from the date of mailing by certified mail or registered mail by the Secretary to the taxpayer of a notice of the disallowance of any part of such claim,
(ii) 60 days after a decision by any court of competent jurisdiction becomes final with respect to a timely suit instituted upon such claim, or
(iii) 2 years after a notice of the waiver of disallowance is filed under section 6532(a)(3).
Notwithstanding sections 6511 and 6512, refund based on the deduction may be made if the claim for refund is filed within the period provided in the preceding sentence. Any such refund shall be made without interest.
(Added Pub. L. 107–16, title V, § 532(b), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 73.)