U.S Code last checked for updates: May 23, 2024
§ 311.
Taxability of corporation on distribution
(a)
General rule
Except as provided in subsection (b), no gain or loss shall be recognized to a corporation on the distribution (not in complete liquidation) with respect to its stock of—
(1)
its stock (or rights to acquire its stock), or
(2)
property.
(b)
Distributions of appreciated property
(1)
In general
If—
(A)
a corporation distributes property (other than an obligation of such corporation) to a shareholder in a distribution to which subpart A applies, and
(B)
the fair market value of such property exceeds its adjusted basis (in the hands of the distributing corporation),
then gain shall be recognized to the distributing corporation as if such property were sold to the distributee at its fair market value.
(2)
Treatment of liabilities
(3)
Special rule for certain distributions of partnership or trust interests
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 94; Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 905(a), (b)(1), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 713, 714; Pub. L. 94–452, § 2(b), Oct. 2, 1976, 90 Stat. 1511; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1901(a)(42)(A), (B)(i), (C), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1771; Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, § 703(j)(2)(A), (B), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2941; Pub. L. 96–471, § 2(b)(1), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2253; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 223(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 483; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, § 54(a), title VII, § 712(j), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 568, 948; Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, § 631(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2272; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §§ 1006(e)(8)(B), (21)(B), 1018(d)(5)(E), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3401, 3403, 3580.)
cite as: 26 USC 311