Statutes, codes, and regulations
United States Code
Title 26 - INTERNAL REVENUE CODESubtitle A - INCOME TAXESChapter 1 - NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXESSubchapter N - TAX BASED ON INCOME FROM SOURCES WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE UNITED STATESPart III - INCOME FROM SOURCES WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES
Subpart J - FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Section 985 - Functional currency

26 U.S.C. § 985

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Current through P.L. 118-47 (published on www.congress.gov on 03/23/2024)
Section 985 - Functional currency
(a) In general

Unless otherwise provided in regulations, all determinations under this subtitle shall be made in the taxpayer's functional currency.

(b) Functional currency
(1) In general

For purposes of this subtitle, the term "functional currency" means-

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), the dollar, or
(B) in the case of a qualified business unit, the currency of the economic environment in which a significant part of such unit's activities are conducted and which is used by such unit in keeping its books and records.
(2) Functional currency where activities primarily conducted in dollars

The functional currency of any qualified business unit shall be the dollar if activities of such unit are primarily conducted in dollars.

(3) Election

To the extent provided in regulations, the taxpayer may elect to use the dollar as the functional currency for any qualified business unit if-

(A) such unit keeps its books and records in dollars, or
(B) the taxpayer uses a method of accounting that approximates a separate transactions method.

Any such election shall apply to the taxable year for which made and all subsequent taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the Secretary.

(4) Change in functional currency treated as a change in method of accounting

Any change in the functional currency shall be treated as a change in the taxpayer's method of accounting for purposes of section 481 under procedures to be established by the Secretary.

26 U.S.C. § 985

Added Pub. L. 99-514, title XII, §1261(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2585.

STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES

EFFECTIVE DATEPub. L. 99-514, title XII, §1261(e), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2591, provided that:"(1) IN GENERAL.-Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting this subpart and amending sections 1092 and 1256 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986."(2) SPECIAL RULES FOR PURPOSES OF SECTIONS 902 AND 960.-For purposes of applying sections [former] 902 and 960 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the amendments made by this section shall apply to-"(A) earnings and profits of the foreign corporation for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986, and "(B) foreign taxes paid or accrued by the foreign corporation with respect to such earnings and profits."

Internal Revenue Code of 1986
The term "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" means this title, and the term "Internal Revenue Code of 1939" means the Internal Revenue Code enacted February 10, 1939, as amended.
Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate.
corporation
The term "corporation" includes associations, joint-stock companies, and insurance companies.
taxable year
The term "taxable year" means the calendar year, or the fiscal year ending during such calendar year, upon the basis of which the taxable income is computed under subtitle A. "Taxable year" means, in the case of a return made for a fractional part of a year under the provisions of subtitle A or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the period for which such return is made.
taxpayer
The term "taxpayer" means any person subject to any internal revenue tax.