[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 26, Volume 11]
[Revised as of April 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 26CFR1.1250-5]

[Page 443-453]
 
                       TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE
 
    CHAPTER I--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
PART 1_INCOME TAXES--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 1.1250-5  Property with two or more elements.

    (a) Dispositions before January 1, 1970--(1) Amount treated as 
ordinary income. If section 1250 property consisting of two or more 
elements (described in paragraph (c) of this section) is disposed of

[[Page 444]]

before January 1, 1970, the amount of gain taken into account under 
section 1250(a)(2) shall be the sum, determined in three steps under 
subparagraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this paragraph, of the amounts of 
gain for each element.
    (2) Step 1. The first step is to make the following computations:
    (i) In respect of the property as a whole, compute the additional 
depreciation (as defined in section 1250(b)), and the gain realized. For 
purposes of this paragraph, in the case of a transaction other than a 
sale, exchange or involuntary conversion, the gain realized shall be 
considered to be the excess of the fair market value of the property 
over its adjusted basis.
    (ii) In respect of each element as if it were a separate property, 
compute the additional depreciation for the element, and the applicable 
percentage (as defined in section 1250(a)(2)) for the element. For 
additional depreciation in respect of an element of property acquired in 
certain transactions, see paragraph (e) of this section. For purposes of 
determining additional depreciation, the holding period of an element 
shall be determined under section 1223, applied by treating the element 
as a separate property. However, for the purpose of determining 
applicable percentage, the holding period for an element shall, except 
to the extent provided in paragraphs (c)(5), (e), and (f) of this 
section, be determined in accordance with the rules prescribed in Sec. 
1.1250-4.
    (3) Step 2. The second step is to determine the amount of gain for 
each element in the following manner:
    (i) If the amount of additional depreciation in respect of the 
property as a whole is equal to the sum of the additional depreciation 
in respect of each element having additional depreciation, and if such 
amount is not more than the gain realized, then the amount of gain to be 
taken into account for an element is the product of the additional 
depreciation for the element, multiplied by the applicable percentage 
for the element.
    (ii) If subdivision (i) of this subparagraph does not apply, the 
amount of gain to be taken into account for an element is the product 
of:
    (a) The additional depreciation for the element, multiplied by
    (b) The applicable percentage for the element, and multiplied by
    (c) A ratio, computed by dividing (1) the lower of the additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole or the gain realized, 
by (2) the sum of the additional depreciation in respect of each element 
having additional depreciation.
    (4) Step 3. The third step is to compute the sum of the amounts of 
gain for each element, as determined in step 2.
    (5) Examples. The provisions of this subparagraph may be illustrated 
by the following examples:

    Example 1 Gain of $35,000 is realized upon a sale, before January 1, 
1970, of section 1250 property which consists of four elements (W, X, Y, 
and Z). Since on the date of the sale the amount of additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole ($24,000) is equal to 
the sum of the additional depreciation in respect of each element having 
additional depreciation and is less than the gain realized, the 
additional depreciation for each element is determined under 
subparagraph (3)(i) of this paragraph. The amount of gain taken into 
account under section. 1250(a)(2) is $7,500, as determined in the 
following table in accordance with the additional facts assumed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Additional    Applicable   Gain for
             Element              depreciationx  percentage=    element
------------------------------------------------------------------------
W...............................      $12,000x            0=           0
X...............................        6,000x           50=      $3,000
Y...............................            0x           63=           0
Z...............................        6,000x           75=       4,500
                                 ---------------------------------------
  Totals........................        24,000   ...........       7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Example 2. Assume the same facts as in example (1), except that in 
respect of the property as a whole the additional depreciation is 
$20,000 because with respect to element Y additional depreciation 
allowed was $4,000 less than straight line. Accordingly, the sum of the 
additional depreciation for each element having additional depreciation 
is $24,000, that is, $4,000 greater than the additional depreciation in 
respect of the property as a whole. Thus, the additional depreciation 
for each element is determined under subparagraph (3)(ii) of this 
paragraph. The ratio referred to in subparagraph (3)(ii)(c) of this 
paragraph is twenty twenty-fourths, that is, the lower of additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole ($20,000) or the gain 
realized ($35,000), divided by the sum of the additional depreciation in 
respect of each element having additional depreciation

[[Page 445]]

($24,000). The amount of gain taken into account under section 
1250(a)(2) is $6,250, as determined in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Gain
                              Element                                 Additional    Applicable   Ratio=    for
                                                                    depreciationx  percentagex           element
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W.................................................................     $12,000x            0x    20:24=        0
X.................................................................       6,000x           50x    20:24=   $2,500
Y.................................................................           0x           63x    20:24=        0
Z.................................................................       6,000x           75x    20:24=    3,750
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------
  Totals..........................................................       24,000    ...........  .......    6,250
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Dispositions after December 31, 1969--(1) Amount treated as 
ordinary income. If section 1250 property consisting of two or more 
elements (described in paragraph (c) of this section) is disposed of 
after December 31, 1969, the amount of gain taken into account under 
section 1250(a) shall be the sum, determined in 5 steps under 
subparagraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) of this paragraph, of the 
amount of gain for each element. Steps 3 and 4 are used only if the gain 
realized exceeds the additional depreciation attributable to periods 
after December 31, 1969, in respect of the property as a whole.
    (2) Step 1. The first step is to make the following computations:
    (i) In respect of the property as a whole, compute the additional 
depreciation (as defined in section 1250(b)) attributable to periods 
after December 31, 1969, and the gain realized. For purposes of this 
paragraph, in the case of a transaction other than a sale, exchange, or 
involuntary conversion, the gain realized shall be considered to be the 
excess of the fair market value of the property over its adjusted basis.
    (ii) In respect of each element as if it were a separate property, 
compute the additional depreciation for the element attributable to 
periods after December 31, 1969, and the applicable percentage (as 
defined in section 1250(a)(1)) for the element. For additional 
depreciation in respect of an element of property acquired in certain 
transactions, see paragraph (e) of this section. For purposes of 
determining additional depreciation, the holding period of an element 
shall be determined under section 1223, applied by treating the element 
as a separate property. However, for the purpose of determining 
applicable percentage, the holding period for an element shall, except 
to the extent provided in paragraphs (c)(5), (e), and (f) of this 
section, be determined in accordance with the rules prescribed in Sec. 
1.1250-4.
    (3) Step 2. The second step is to determine the amount of gain 
recognized for each element under section 1250(a) (1) in the following 
manner:
    (i) If the amount of additional depreciation in respect of the 
property as a whole attributable to periods after December 31, 1969, is 
equal to the sum of the additional depreciation in respect of each 
element having such additional depreciation, and if such amount is not 
more than the gain realized, then the amount of gain to be taken into 
account for an element under section 1250(a)(1) is the product of the 
additional depreciation attributable to periods after December 31, 1960, 
for the element, multiplied by the applicable percentage for the element 
determined under section 1250(a)(1).
    (ii) If subdivision (i) of this subparagraph does not apply, the 
amount of gain to be taken into account under section 1250(a)(1) for an 
element is the product of:
    (a) The additional depreciation attributable to periods after 
December 31, 1969, for the element multiplied by
    (b) The applicable percentage for the element determined under 
section 1250(a)(1) for the element, and multiplied by
    (c) A ratio, computed by dividing (1) the lower of the additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole which is attributable 
to periods after December 31, 1969, or the gain realized, by (2) the sum 
of the additional depreciation attributable to periods after December 
31, 1969, in respect of each element having such additional 
depreciation.
    (4) Step (3). If the gain realized exceeds the additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole attributable to 
periods after December 31, 1969.
    (i) Compute the additional depreciation attributable to periods 
before January 1, 1970, and the remaining gain (or remaining potential 
gain in the case of a transaction other than a sale, exchange, or 
involuntary conversion), in respect of the property as a whole.

[[Page 446]]

    (ii) Compute the additional depreciation attributable to periods 
before January 1, 1970, and the applicable percentage determined under 
section 1250(a)(2) in respect of each element as if it were a separate 
property. For additional depreciation in respect of an element of 
property acquired in certain transactions, see paragraph (e) of this 
section. For purposes of determining additional depreciation, the 
holding period of an element shall be determined under section 1223, 
applied by treating the element as a separate property. However, for the 
purpose of determining applicable percentage, the holding period of an 
element shall, except to the extent provided in paragraphs (c)(5), (e), 
and (f) of this section, be determined in accordance with the rules 
prescribed in Sec. 1.1250-4.
    (5) Step (4). The fourth step is to compute the gain recognized 
under section 1250(a)(2) for each element (if computation was required 
under step (3)) in the following manner:
    (i) If the amount of additional depreciation in respect of the 
property as a whole attributable to periods before January 1, 1970, is 
equal to the sum of the additional depreciation in respect of each 
element having such additional depreciation, and if such amount is not 
more than the remaining gain (or remaining potential gain), then the 
amount of gain to be taken into account for an element under section 
1250(a)(2) is the product of the additional depreciation attributable to 
periods before January 1, 1970, for the element, multiplied by the 
applicable percentage determined under section 1250(a)(2) for the 
element.
    (ii) If subdivision (i) of this subparagraph does not apply, the 
amount of gain to be taken into account for an element under section 
1250(a)(2) is the product of:
    (a) The additional depreciation attributable to periods before 
January 1, 1970, for the element, multiplied by,
    (b) The applicable percentage for the element determined under 
section 1250(a)(2), and multiplied by,
    (c) A ratio, computed by dividing (1) the lower of the additional 
depreciation in respect of the property as a whole which is attributable 
to periods before January 1, 1970,

or the remaining gain (or remaining potential gain), by (2) the sum of 
the additional depreciation attributable to periods before January 1, 
1970, in respect of each element having additional depreciation.
    (6) Step (5). The fifth step is to compute the sum of the amount of 
gain for each element, as determined in steps (2) and (4).
    (7) Examples. The provisions of this subparagraph may be illustrated 
by the following examples:

    Example 1. Gain of $60,000 is realized upon a sale, after the 
December 31, 1969, of section 1250 property which was constructed by the 
taxpayer after such date. The property consists of four elements (W, X, 
Y, and Z). Since on the date of sale the amount of additional 
depreciation attributable to periods after December 31, 1969, in respect 
of the property as a whole ($32,000), is equal to the sum of the 
additional depreciation in respect of each element having such 
additional depreciation and is less than the gain realized, the gain 
recognized for each element is determined under subparagraph (3)(i) of 
this paragraph. The amount of gain taken into account under section 
1250(a)(1) is $28,500, as determined in the following table in 
accordance with the additional facts assumed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Additional
                                  depreciation   Applicable    Gain for
             Element               after Dec.    percentage=    element
                                    31, 1969x   (1250(a)(1))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
W...............................     $14,000x           80=      $11,200
X...............................       6,000x           90=        5,400
Y...............................       2,000x           95=        1,900
Z...............................      10,000x          100=       10,000
                                 ---------------------------------------
   Total........................       32,000   ............      28,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Example 2. Assume the same facts as in example (1), except that the 
property was acquired by the taxpayer before January 1, 1970. Since the 
gain realized ($60,000) exceeds the additional depreciation attributable 
to periods after December 31, 1969 ($32,000), section 1250(a)(2) applies 
to the remaining gain of $28,000. Since the additional depreciation in 
respect of the property as a whole attributable to periods before 
January 1, 1970 ($21,000), is equal to the sum of the additional 
depreciation in respect of each element having such additional 
depreciation and is less than the remaining gain ($28,000), the amount 
of gain recognized for each element under section 1250(a)(2) is 
determined under subparagraph (5)(i) of this paragraph. The amount of 
gain taken into account under section 1250(a)(1) is $28,500 the same as 
in example (1). The amount of gain taken into account under section 
1250(a)(2) is $3,900,

[[Page 447]]

as determined in the following table in accordance with the additional 
facts assumed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Additional
                               depreciation   Applicable      Gain for
           Element              before Jan.   percentage=     element
                                 1, 1970x    (1250(a)(2))  (1250)(a)(2))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
W............................      $8,000x            0=             $0
X............................       6,000x           10=            600
Y............................       2,000x           15=            300
Z............................       5,000x           60=          3,000
                              ------------------------------------------
   Total.....................       21,000   ............         3,900
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Example 3. (i) The facts are the same as in example (2) except that 
element Y has a deficit in additional depreciation attributable to 
periods after December 31, 1969, of $6,000 and thus the additional 
depreciation attributable to periods after December 31, 1969, in respect 
of the property as a whole is $24,000. The sum of the additional 
depreciation for each element having additional depreciation is $30,000, 
or $6,000 more than the additional depreciation in respect of the 
property as a whole. Thus, the gain recognized for each element under 
section 1250(a)(1) is determined under subparagraph (3)(ii) of this 
paragraph. The ratio referred to in subparagraph (3)(ii) (c) of this 
paragraph is 24:30, that is, the lower of the additional depreciation in 
respect of the property as a whole attributable to periods after 
December 31, 1969 ($24,000), or the gain realized ($60,000), divided by 
the sum of the additional depreciation in respect of each element having 
such additional depreciation ($30,000). The amount of gain taken into 
account under section 1250(a)(1) is $21,280, as determined in the 
following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Applicable              Gain
                             Element                                 Additional    percentagex   Ratio=    for
                                                                   depreciationx  (1250(a)(1))           element
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W................................................................     $14,000x           80x     24:30=   $8,960
X................................................................       6,000x           90x     24:30=    4,320
Y................................................................     (6,000)x           95x     24:30=        0
Z................................................................      10,000x          100x     24:30=    8,000
                                                                  ---------------------------------------
  Total..........................................................       24,000    ............  .......   21,280
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) In addition, gain is recognized under section 1250(a)(2) since 
there is a remaining potential gain of $36,000, that is, gain realized 
($60,000) minus the additional depreciation attributable to periods 
after December 31, 1969 ($24,000). The gain recognized in respect of 
each element and the gain recognized under section 1250(a)(2) ($3,900) 
are the same as in example (2), since the additional depreciation 
attributable to periods before January 1, 1970 ($21,000) is less than 
the remaining gain ($36,000).

    (c) Element--(1) General. For purposes of this section, in the case 
of section 1250 property there shall be treated as separate elements the 
separate improvements, units, remaining property, special elements, and 
low-income housing elements which are respectively referred to in 
paragraphs (c) (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) of this section.
    (2) Separate improvements. There shall be treated as an element each 
separate improvement (as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this section) to 
the property.
    (3) Units. If before completion of section 1250 property one or more 
units thereof are placed in service, each such unit of the section 1250 
property shall be treated as an element.
    (4) Remaining property. The remaining property which is not taken 
into account under subparagraph (2) or (3) of this paragraph shall be 
treated as an element.
    (5) Special elements. (i) If the basis of section 1250 property is 
reduced in the manner described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of Sec. 1.1250-
3 (relating to property acquired from a decedent prior to his death) or 
in paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of Sec. 1.1250-3 (relating to basis reduction 
under section 1071 or 1082(a)(2)), then such property shall be 
considered as having a special element with additional depreciation 
equal to the amount of additional depreciation included in the 
depreciation adjustments (referred to in paragraph (d)(1) of Sec. 
1.1250-2) to which the basis reduction is attributable. For purposes of 
computing applicable percentage, the holding period of a special element 
under this subdivision shall be determined under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) or 
(e)(3)(iii) (whichever is applicable) of Sec. 1.1250-3.
    (ii) If a disposition described in section 1250(d)(4)(A) (relating 
to like kind exchanges and involuntary conversions) of a portion of an 
item of property gives rise to an addition to capital account (described 
in the last sentence of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section) which is 
not a separate improvement, then such property shall be considered as 
having a special element with additional depreciation and, for purposes 
of computing applicable percentage, a holding period determined under 
paragraph (d)(7) of Sec. 1.1250-3.
    (6) Low-income housing elements. If, in an approved disposition of a 
qualified

[[Page 448]]

housing project, a replacement qualified housing project is treated as 
consisting of more than one element of section 1250 property by reason 
of section 1250(d)(8)(E) (see paragraph (h)(2) of Sec. 1.1250-3), the 
elements determined under such section shall be treated as elements for 
purposes of this section. For definition of the terms qualified housing 
project and approved disposition, see section 1039(b) and the 
regulations thereunder.
    (7) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph may be illustrated by 
the following examples:

    Example 1. A taxpayer constructs an apartment house which he places 
in service in three stages. The total cost is $1 million, of which 
$350,000 is allocable to the first stage, $500,000 to the second stage, 
and $150,000 to the third stage. The first stage, which is placed in 
service on January 1, 1965, consists of 300 apartments and certain 
facilities including a central heating system and a common lobby. The 
second stage, which is placed in service on July 15, 1965, consists of 
550 apartments and certain facilities including the motor for a central 
air-conditioning system. The third stage, which is placed in service on 
January 19, 1966, consists of the residue of the apartment house. On 
December 31, 1968, the taxpayer disposes of the apartment house. On such 
date, the apartment house has three elements which are described in the 
table below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Full
                                                   months in  Applicable
    Stage         Kind of element        Cost       holding   percentage
                                                    period
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1              Unit.................    $350,000          48          72
2              Unit.................     500,000          42          78
3              Remaining property...     150,000          36          84
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Example 2. Assume the same facts as in example (1) except that on 
January 1, 1969, two new floors, which were added after the apartment 
house was completed, are placed in service and that on July 1, 1972, the 
taxpayer disposes of the building. Assume further that the two new 
floors are one separate improvement (within the meaning of paragraph (d) 
of this section). On the date disposed of, the property consists of four 
elements, that is, the three elements described in example (1) and the 
separate improvement.

    (d) Separate improvement--(1) Definition. For purposes of this 
section, with respect to any section 1250 property, the term separate 
improvement means an addition to capital account described in 
subparagraph (2) of this paragraph which qualifies as an improvement 
under the 1-year test prescribed in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph 
and which satisfies the 36-month test prescribed in subparagraph (4) of 
this paragraph.
    (2) Addition to capital account. (i) In the case of any section 1250 
property, an addition to capital account described in this subparagraph 
is any addition to capital account in respect of such property after its 
initial acquisition or completion by the taxpayer or by any person who 
held the property during a period included in the taxpayer's holding 
period (see Sec. 1.1250-4) for the property. An addition to the capital 
account of section 1250 property may arise, for example, if there is an 
expenditure for section 1250 property which is an improvement, 
replacement, addition, or alteration to such property (regardless of 
whether the cost thereof is capitalized or charged against the 
depreciation reserve). In such a case, the addition to capital account 
is the gross addition, unreduced by amounts attributable to replaced 
property, to the net capital account and not the net addition to such 
account. Thus, if a roof has an adjusted basis of $20,000, and is 
replaced by constructing a new roof at a cost of $50,000, the gross 
addition of $50,000 is an addition to capital account. (The adjusted 
basis of the old roof is no longer included in the capital account for 
the property.) For purposes of this section, the status of an addition 
to capital account is not affected by whether or not it is treated as a 
separate property for purposes of determining depreciation adjustments. 
In case of an addition to the capital account of property arising after 
December 31, 1963, upon a disposition referred to in section 1250(d)(4) 
(relating to like kind exchanges and involuntary conversions) of a 
portion of an item of such property, the amount of such addition (and 
its basis for all purposes of the Code) shall be the basis thereof 
determined under paragraph (d) (2), (3), or (4) (whichever is 
applicable) of Sec. 1.1250-3, applied by treating such portion and such 
addition as separate properties.
    (ii) An addition to capital account may be attributable to an excess 
of the adjusted basis of section 1250 property in the hands of a 
transferee immediately after a transaction referred to

[[Page 449]]

in section 1250(e)(2) (relating to holding period of property with 
transferred basis) over its adjusted basis in the hands of the 
transferor immediately before the transaction. Thus, for example, such 
excess may arise from a gift which is in part a sale or exchange (see 
paragraph (a)(2) of Sec. 1.1250-3), from an increase in basis due to 
gift tax paid (see section 1015(d)), from a transfer referred to in 
paragraph (c)(2) of Sec. 1.1250-3 (relating to certain tax-free 
transactions) in which gain is partially recognized, or from a 
distribution by a partnership to a partner in which no gain is 
recognized by reason of the application of section 731. Similarly, an 
addition to capital account may be attributable to an excess of the 
adjusted basis of a principal residence acquired in a transaction 
referred to in section 1250(e)(3) over the adjusted basis of the 
principal residence disposed of, as well as to any increase in the 
adjusted basis of section 1250 property of a partnership by reason of an 
optional basis adjustment under section 734(b) or 743(b).
    (iii) Whether or not an expenditure shall be treated as an addition 
to capital account described in this subparagraph, as distinguished from 
a separate item of property, may depend on how the property or 
properties are disposed of. Thus, for example, if a taxpayer, who owns a 
motel consisting of 10 buildings with common heating and plumbing 
systems, adds to the motel three new buildings which are connected to 
the common systems, and if the taxpayer sells the motel to one person in 
one transaction, then for purposes of this subparagraph the cost of the 
three new buildings shall be treated as an addition to the capital 
account of the motel and, if the 1-year and 36-month tests of 
subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this paragraph are satisfied, the motel 
consists of at least two elements. If, however, the 10-building group 
and the three-building group were individually sold in separate 
transactions to two different people each of whom would operate his 
group as a separate business, the motel would consist of two items of 
property.
    (3) One-year test for improvement. (i) An addition to capital 
account of section 1250 property for any taxable year (including a short 
taxable year and the entire taxable year in which the disposition 
occurs) shall be treated as an improvement only if the sum of all 
additions to the capital account of such property for such taxable year 
exceeds the greater of:
    (a) $2,000, or
    (b) One percent of the unadjusted basis of the property, determined 
as of the beginning (1) of such taxable year, or (2) of the holding 
period (within the meaning of Sec. 1.1250-4) of the property, whichever 
is the later.
    (ii) For purposes of this section, the term unadjusted basis means 
the adjusted basis of the property, determined without regard to the 
adjustments provided in section 1016(a) (2) and (3) (relating to 
adjustments for depreciation, amortization, and depletion). For purposes 
of this paragraph, as of any particular date the unadjusted basis of 
section 1250 property (a) includes the cost of any addition to capital 
account for the property which arises prior to such date (regardless of 
whether such addition qualified under this subparagraph as an 
improvement), and (b) does not include the cost of a component retired 
before such date.
    (iii) In respect of a particular disposition of section 1250 
property by a person:
    (a) There shall not be taken into account under the 1-year test for 
improvements in this subparagraph any addition to capital account which 
arises by reason of (or after) such disposition or which arises before 
the beginning of the holding period under Sec. 1.1250-4 of such person 
for the property, and
    (b) Such test shall be made in respect of each taxable year of such 
person (and of any prior transferor) any day of which is included under 
Sec. 1.1250-4 in such person's holding period for the property, except 
that (1) such test shall be made for a taxable year of such person only 
if such person actually owned the property on at least 1 day of such 
taxable year, and (2) such test shall be made for a taxable year of such 
prior transferor only if such prior transferor actually owned the 
property on at least 1 day of such taxable year.

[[Page 450]]

    (iv) The provisions of this subparagraph may be illustrated by the 
following examples:

    Example 1. The unadjusted basis of section 1250 property as of the 
beginning of January 1, 1960, is $300,000. During the taxable year 
ending on December 31, 1960, the only additions to the capital account 
for the property are addition A on January 1, 1960, costing $1,000, and 
addition B on July 1, 1960, costing $600. Since the sum of the amounts 
added to capital account for such taxable year is less than $2,000, A 
and B are not treated as improvements. This result would not be changed 
if addition C, costing $600, were added on December 15, 1960, since 
although the sum of the additions ($1,000 plus $600 plus $600, or 
$2,200) exceeds $2,000, such sum is less than 1 percent of the 
unadjusted basis of the property as of the beginning of 1960 ($3,000, 
that is, 1 percent of $300,000). If however, C cost $1,500, then A, B, 
and C would each be considered an improvement since the sum of the 
amounts added to capital account $3,100) would exceed $3,000.
    Example 2. Green and his son both use the calendar year as the 
taxable year. On February 1, 1965, Green makes addition A to a piece of 
section 1250 property. On June 15, 1965, Green transfers such property 
to his son as a gift which is in part a sale (see paragraph (a) of Sec. 
1.1250-3). Addition B arises by reason of the transfer. On August 1, 
1965, the son makes addition C to the property. For purposes of 
determining the amount of gain recognized under section 1250(a) to Green 
upon the transfer, the determination of whether addition A is an 
improvement is made without taking into account additions B and C. For 
purposes of determining the amount of gain recognized under section 
1250(a) upon a subsequent disposition of the property by the son, 
additions B and C would be taken into account in the determination of 
whether A is an improvement, and A would be taken into account in the 
determination of whether B and C are improvements.
    Example 3. Assume the same facts as in example (2). Assume further 
that on September 15, 1965, the son transfers the property to a 
corporation in exchange for cash and stock in the corporation in a 
transaction qualifying under section 351 (see paragraph (c) of Sec. 
1.1250-3), and that the corporation uses a fiscal year ending November 
30. For purposes of determining the amount of gain recognized under 
section 1250(a) upon a subsequent disposition by the corporation, the 
one-year test under subdivision (i) of this subparagraph is made for the 
entire taxable year of Green and of the son ending on December 31, 1965, 
and in respect of the corporation's taxable year ending November 30, 
1965. Accordingly, if on December 7, 1965, addition D is made by the 
corporation, then, upon a subsequent disposition by the corporation, D 
is taken into account for purposes of the determination in respect of 
the entire taxable year of Green and of the son ending on December 31, 
1965, and for the corporation's taxable year ending November 30, 1966, 
but not for purposes of the corporation's taxable year ending November 
30, 1965. If D were made on January 3, 1966, D would still be taken into 
account for purposes of the determination in respect of the 
corporation's taxable year ending November 30, 1966. However, since 
neither Green nor his son actually owned the property on any day of the 
taxable year ending December 31, 1966, no determination is made in 
respect of such taxable year of Green or of the son.

    (4) 36-month test for separate improvement. (i) If, during the 36-
month period ending on the last day of any taxable year (including a 
short taxable year and the entire taxable year in which the disposition 
occurs), the sum of the amounts treated under subparagraph (3) of this 
paragraph as improvements for such period exceeds the greatest of:
    (a) 25 percent of the adjusted basis of the property,
    (b) 10 percent of the unadjusted basis (determined under 
subparagraph (3)(ii) of this paragraph) of the property, or
    (c) $5,000,

Then each such improvement during such period shall be treated as a 
separate improvement, and thus as an element. For purposes of (a) and 
(b) of this subdivision, the adjusted basis (or unadjusted basis) of 
section 1250 property shall be determined as of the beginning of the 36-
month period, or as of the beginning of the holding period of the 
property (within the meaning of Sec. 1.1250-4), whichever is the later.
    (ii) In respect of a particular disposition of section 1250 property 
by a person:
    (a) There shall not be taken into account under the 36-month test 
for separate improvements in this subparagraph any amount treated under 
subparagraph (3) of this paragraph as an improvement which arises by 
reason of (or after) the disposition or which arises before the 
beginning of the holding period under Sec. 1.1250-4 of such person for 
the property, and
    (b) Such test shall be made in respect of each 36-month period 
ending on the last day of each taxable year of such person (and of any 
prior transferor) if

[[Page 451]]

at least 1 day of such period is included under Sec. 1.1250-4 in such 
person's holding period for the property, except that (1) such test 
shall be made for a 36-month period ending on the last day of a taxable 
year of such person only if such person actually owned the property on 
at least 1 day of such period, and (2) such test shall be made for a 36-
month period ending on the last day of a taxable year of such prior 
transferor only if such prior transferor actually owned the property on 
at least 1 day of such period.
    (iii) For illustration of the principles of subdivision (ii) of this 
subparagraph, see examples (2) and (3) in subparagraph (3)(iv) of this 
paragraph.
    (5) Example. The application of this paragraph may be illustrated by 
the following example:

    Example: (i) On December 31, 1967, X, a calendar year taxpayer, 
purchases an item of section 1250 property at a cost of $100,000. In the 
table below, the adjusted basis and unadjusted basis of the property are 
shown for the beginning of January 1 of each taxable year and it is 
assumed that each addition to capital was added on January 1 of the year 
shown.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1 percent
                              Adjusted  Unadjusted      of
            Year                basis      basis    unadjusted  Addition
                                                       basis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1969........................   $94,000   $100,000      $1,000   A-$10,00
                                                                       0
1970........................    97,030    110,000       1,100    B-4,000
1971........................    94,041    114,000       1,140    C-6,000
1972........................    92,799    120,000       1,200   ........
1973........................    86,158    120,000       1,200   D-18,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Since each addition to capital account for the property exceeds 
the greater of $2,000 or one percent of unadjusted basis, determined as 
of the beginning of the taxable year in which made, each addition to 
capital account qualifies as an improvement under subparagraph (2) of 
this paragraph.
    (iii) Since the beginning of the holding period of the property 
under Sec. 1.1250-4 (Jan. 1, 1968) is later than the beginning of the 
36-month period ending on December 31, 1969, the determination as to 
whether there are any separate improvements on the property as of 
December 31, 1969, is made by examining the adjusted basis (or 
unadjusted basis) of the property as of the beginning of January 1, 
1968. As of December 31, 1969, there were no separate improvements on 
the property since the only amount treated as an improvement for the 
period beginning on January 1, 1968, and ending on December 31, 1969, in 
addition A (costing $10,000), which is less than $25,000, that is, 25 
percent of the adjusted basis ($100,000) of the property as of the 
beginning of January 1, 1968.
    (iv) As of December 31, 1970, there were no separate improvements on 
the property since the sum of the amounts treated as improvements for 
the 36-month period ending on December 31, 1970, is $14,000 (that is, 
$10,000 for A, plus $4,000 for B), and this sum is less than $25,000, 
that is, 25 percent of the adjusted basis ($100,000) of the property as 
of the beginning of January 1, 1968.
    (v) As of December 31, 1971, there were no separate improvements on 
the property since the sum of the amounts treated as improvements for 
the 36-month period ending on December 31, 1971, is $20,000 (that is, 
$10,000 for A, plus $4,000 for B, plus $6,000 for C), and this sum is 
less than $23,500, that is, 25 percent of the adjusted basis ($94,000) 
of the property as of the beginning of January 1, 1969.
    (vi) As of December 31, 1972, there were no separate improvements on 
the property since the sum of the amounts treated as improvements for 
the 36-month period ending on December 31, 1972, is $10,000 (that is, 
$4,000 for B plus $6,000 for C), and this sum is less than $24,258 that 
is, 25 percent of the adjusted basis ($97,030) of the property as of the 
beginning of January 1, 1970.
    (vii) As of December 31, 1973, C and D are separate improvements 
(notwithstanding that as of December 31, 1971 and 1972, C was not a 
separate improvement) since the sum of the amounts added for the 36-
month period ending December 31, 1973, is $24,000 (that is, $6,000 for C 
plus $18,000 for D), and this sum exceeds the greatest of:
    (a) $23,510, that is, 25 percent of the adjusted basis ($94,041) of 
the section 1250 property as of the beginning of January 1, 1971,
    (b) $11,400, that is, 10 percent of the unadjusted basis ($114,000) 
of the property as of the beginning of such first day, or
    (c) $5,000.

    (e) Additional depreciation and holding period of property acquired 
in certain transactions--(1) Transferred basis. If property consisting 
of two or more elements is disposed of, and if the holding period of the 
property in the hands of the transferee for purposes of computing 
applicable percentage includes the holding period of the transferor by 
reason of the application of paragraph (c) (other than subparagraph (2) 
thereof) of Sec. 1.1250-4, then the additional depreciation for each 
element of the property in the hands of the transferee immediately after 
the transfer shall be computed in the manner set forth in this 
subparagraph. First, any element

[[Page 452]]

having a deficit in additional depreciation in the hands of the 
transferor immediately before such transfer shall be considered to have 
the same deficit in the hands of the transferee. Second, elements having 
additional depreciation in the hands of the transferor immediately 
before the transfer shall be considered to have additional depreciation 
in the hands of the transferee. The sum of the transferee's additional 
depreciation for all elements of the property having additional 
depreciation in the hands of the transferor shall be an amount equal to 
the additional depreciation in respect of the property as a whole 
immediately after the transfer increased by the sum of the deficits in 
addition depreciation for all elements having such deficits. In case 
there is more than one element having additional depreciation, the 
additional depreciation for any such element in the hands of the 
transferee shall be computed by multiplying (i) the amount computed 
under the preceding sentence by (ii) the additional depreciation for 
such element in the hands of the transferor divided by the sum of the 
additional depreciation for all such elements having additional 
depreciation in the hands of the transferor. For purposes of computing 
applicable percentage, the holding period for an element of such 
property in the hands of the transferee shall include the holding period 
of such element in the hands of the transferor.
    (2) Example. The provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph 
may be illustrated by the following example:

    Example: Section 1250 property has additional depreciation of 
$16,000 of which $12,000 is additional depreciation for element X and 
$4,000 for element Y. The property is transferred to a corporation in 
exchange for cash of $6,000 and for stock in the corporation. Assume 
that recognition of gain under section 1250(a) is limited to $6,000 (the 
amount of cash received) by reason of the application of section 351(b) 
(relating to transfer to corporation controlled by transferor) and 
section 1250(d)(3) (relating to limitation on application of section 
1250 in certain tax-free transactions). Under paragraph (c)(3)(i) of 
Sec. 1.1250-3, the additional depreciation for the property in the 
hands of the corporation immediately after the transfer is $10,000, that 
is, the additional depreciation for the property in the hands of the 
transferor immediately before the transfer ($16,000) minus the gain 
under section 1250(a) recognized upon the transfer ($6,000). Under 
subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, in the hands of the corporation 
immediately after the transfer element X has additional depreciation of 
$7,500 (\12/16\ of $10,000) and element Y as additional depreciation of 
$2,500 (\4/16\ of $10,000). Under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section 
there is an addition of $6,000 to the capital account for the property.

    (3) Principal residence. If a principal residence consisting of two 
or more elements is disposed of, and if for purposes of computing 
applicable percentage the holding period of the principal residence 
acquired includes the holding period of the principal residence disposed 
of by reason of the application of paragraph (d) of Sec. 1.1250-4, then 
the additional depreciation (or a deficit in additional depreciation) 
for an element of the principal residence acquired immediately after the 
transaction shall be determined in a manner consistent with the 
principles of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph. For purposes of 
computing applicable percentage, the holding period for an element of 
the principal residence acquired includes the holding period of such 
element of the principal residence disposed of, but not the period 
beginning on the day after the date of the disposition and ending on the 
date of the acquisition.
    (f) Holding period for small separate improvements--(1) General. 
This paragraph prescribes a special holding period solely for the 
purpose of computing the applicable percentage of a separate improvement 
(as defined in paragraph (d) of this section) which is treated as an 
element. See paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section for determination of 
holding period under section 1223 for purposes of computing additional 
depreciation. In respect of section 1250 property, if the amount of a 
separate improvement does not exceed the greater of:
    (i) $2,000, or
    (ii) One percent of the unadjusted basis (within the meaning of 
paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section) of such property, determined as of 
the beginning of the taxable year in which such separate improvement was 
made,

Then such separate improvement shall be treated for purposes of 
computing applicable percentage as placed in service on the first day, 
of a calendar month, which is the closest such first

[[Page 453]]

day to the middle of the taxable year. See the last sentence of section 
1250(f)(4)(B). If two such first days are equally close to the middle of 
the taxable year, the earliest of such days is the applicable day.
    (2) Example. The application of this paragraph may be illustrated by 
the following example:

    Example: (i) The unadjusted basis of section 1250 property as of the 
beginning of January 1, 1960, is $100,000. During the taxable year 
ending on December 31, 1960, the only additions to the capital account 
for the property are addition A on March 10, 1960, costing $1,200 and 
addition B on September 16, 1960, costing $1,400. Since the sum of the 
additions ($2,600) exceeds the greater of $2,000 and 1 percent of 
unadjusted basis ($1,000, that is, 1 percent of $100,000), each addition 
is an improvement under the 1-year test of paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section. Assume that the 36-month test of paragraph (d)(4) of this 
section is satisfied and, therefore, each addition is a separate 
improvement treated as an element.
    (ii) Since each element is less than $2,000, the provisions of this 
paragraph apply. Since there are 366 days in 1960, the middle of the 
year is at the end of 183 days, or July 1. Thus, that first day of a 
calendar month in 1960, which is the closest first day (of a calendar 
month) to the middle of the taxable year, is July 1, 1960. Accordingly, 
for purposes of computing applicable percentage, elements A and B are 
each treated as placed in service on July 1, 1960.

[T.D. 7084, 36 FR 275, Jan. 8, 1971, as amended by T.D. 7193, 37 FR 
12957, June 30, 1972; T.D. 7400, 41 FR 5103, Feb. 4, 1976]