[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: 26CFR1.1252-2]

[Page 484-489]
 
                       TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE
 
    CHAPTER I--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
PART 1_INCOME TAXES--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 1.1252-2  Special rules.

    (a) Exception for gifts--(1) General rule. In general, no gain shall 
be recognized under section 1252(a)(1) upon a disposition of farm land 
by gift. For purposes of section 1252 and this paragraph, the term gift 
shall have the same meaning as in paragraph (a) of Sec. 1.1245-4 and, 
with respect to the application of this paragraph, principles 
illustrated by the examples of paragraph (a)(2) of Sec. 1.1245-4 shall 
apply. For reduction in amount of charitable contribution in case of a 
gift of farm land, see section 170(e) and Sec. 1.170A-4.
    (2) Disposition in part a sale or exchange and in part a gift. Where 
a disposition of farm land is in part a sale or exchange and in part a 
gift, the amount of gain which shall be recognized as ordinary income 
under section 1252(a)(1) shall be computed under paragraph (a)(1) of 
Sec. 1.1252-1, applied by treating the gain realized (for purposes of 
paragraph (a)(1)(iii)(a) of Sec. 1.1252-1) as the excess of the amount 
realized over the adjusted basis of the farm land.
    (3) Treatment of farm land in hands of transferee. See paragraph (f) 
of this section for treatment of the transferee in the case of a 
disposition to which this paragraph applies.
    (4) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph may be illustrated by 
the following examples:

    Example 1. On March 2, 1976, A, a calendar year taxpayer, makes a 
gift to B of a parcel of land having an adjusted basis of $40,000, a 
fair market value of $65,000, and a holding period of 6 years (A, having 
purchased the land on January 15, 1971). On the date of such gift, the 
aggregate of the deductions allowed to A under sections 175 and 182 with 
respect to the land is $24,000 with $21,000 of such amount attributable 
to 1971. Upon making the gift, A recognizes no gain under section 
1251(c)(1) or section 1252(a)(1). See paragraph (a)(1) of Sec. 1.1251-4 
and subparagraph 1 of this paragraph. For treatment of the farm land in 
the hands of B, see example (1) of paragraph (f)(3) of this section. For 
effect of the gift on the excess deductions accounts of A and of B, see 
paragraph (e)(2) of Sec. 1.1251-2.
    Example 2. (i) Assume the same facts as in example (1), except that 
A transfers the land to B for $50,000. Thus, the gain realized is 
$10,000 (amount realized, $50,000, minus adjusted basis, $40,000), and A 
has made a gift of $15,000 (fair market value, $65,000, minus amount 
realized, $50,000).
    (ii) Upon the transfer of the land to B, A recognizes $3,000 of gain 
under section 1251(c)(1). See example (2) of paragraph (a)(4) of Sec. 
1.1251-4. Thus, A recognizes $7,000 as ordinary income under section 
1252(a)(1), computed under subparagraph (2) of this paragraph as 
follows:

(1) Aggregate of deductions allowed under sections 175 and       $24,000
 182.........................................................
(2) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under section       $3,000
 1251(c)(1)..................................................
                                                              ----------
(3) Difference...............................................    $21,000
(4) Multiply: Applicable percentage for land disposed of             80%
 within sixth year after it was acquired.....................
                                                              ----------
(5) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(a) of Sec.  1.1252-1......    $16,800
                                                              ==========
(6) Gain realized (see subdivision (i) of this example)......    $10,000
(7) Minus: Amount in line (2)................................     $3,000
                                                              ----------
(8) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(b) of Sec.  1.1252-1,          $7,000
 applied in accordance with subparagraph (2) of this
 paragraph...................................................
                                                              ==========
(9) Lower of line (5) or line (8)............................     $7,000
                                                              ==========



Thus, the entire gain realized on the transfer, $10,000, is recognized 
as ordinary income

[[Page 485]]

since that amount is equal to the sum of the gain recognized as ordinary 
income under section 1251(c)(1), $3,000, and under section 1252(a)(1), 
$7,000. For treatment of the farm land in the hands of B, see example 
(2) of paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

    (b) Exception for transfers at death--(1) In general. Except as 
provided in section 691 (relating to income in respect of a decedent), 
no gain shall be recognized under section 1252(a)(1) upon a transfer at 
death. For purposes of section 1252 and this paragraph, the term 
transfer at death shall have the same meaning as in paragraph (b) of 
Sec. 1.1245-4 and, with respect to the application of this paragraph, 
principles illustrated by the examples of paragraph (b)(2) of Sec. 
1.1245-4 shall apply.
    (2) Treatment of farm land in hands of transferee. If as of the date 
a person acquires farm land from a decedent such person's basis is 
determined, by reason of the application of section 1014(a), solely by 
reference to the fair market value of the property on the date of the 
decedent's death or on the applicable date provided in section 2032 
(relating to alternative valuation date), then on such date the 
aggregate of the sections 175 and 182 deductions allowed with respect to 
the farm land in the hands of such transferee is zero.
    (c) Limitation for certain tax-free transactions--(1) Limitation on 
amount of gain. Upon a transfer of farm land described in subparagraph 
(2) of this paragraph, the amount of gain recognized as ordinary income 
under section 1252(a)(1) shall not exceed an amount equal to the excess 
(if any) of (i) the amount of gain recognized to the transferor on the 
transfer (determined without regard to section 1252) over (ii) the 
amount (if any) of gain recognized as ordinary income under section 
1251(c)(1). For purposes of this subparagraph, the principles of 
paragraph (c)(1) of Sec. 1.1245-4 shall apply. Thus, in the case of a 
transfer of farm land and property other than farm land in one 
transaction, the amount realized from the disposition of the farm land 
(as determined in a manner consistent with the principles of paragraph 
(a)(5) of Sec. 1.1245-1) shall be deemed to consist of that portion of 
the fair market value of each property acquired which bears the same 
ratio to the fair market value of such acquired property as the amount 
realized from the disposition of the farm land bears to the total amount 
realized. The preceding sentence shall be applied solely for purposes of 
computing the portion of the total gain (determined without regard to 
section 1252) which is eligible to be recognized as ordinary income 
under section 1252(a)(1). The provisions of this paragraph do not apply 
to a disposition of property to an organization (other than a 
cooperative described in section 521) which is exempt from the tax 
imposed by Chapter 1 of the Code.
    (2) Transfers covered. The transfers referred to in subparagraph (1) 
of this paragraph are transfers of farm land in which the basis of such 
property in the hands of the transferee is determined by reference to 
its basis in the hands of the transferor by reason of the application of 
any of the following provisions:
    (i) Section 332 (relating to distributions in complete liquidation 
of an 80-percent-or-more controlled subsidiary corporation). For 
application of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph to such a complete 
liquidation, the principles of paragraph (c)(3) of Sec. 1.1245-4 shall 
apply. Thus, for example, the provisions of subparagraph (1) of this 
paragraph do not apply to a liquidating distribution of farm land by an 
80-percent-or-more controlled subsidiary to its parent if the parent's 
basis for the property is determined, under section 334(b)(2), by 
reference to its basis for the stock of the subsidiary.
    (ii) Section 351 (relating to transfer to a corporation controlled 
by transferor).
    (iii) Section 361 (relating to exchanges pursuant to certain 
corporate reorganizations).
    (iv) Section 371(a) (relating to exchanges pursuant to certain 
receivership and bankruptcy proceedings).
    (v) Section 374(a) (relating to exchanges pursuant to certain 
railroad reorganizations).
    (vi) Section 721 (relating to transfers to a partnership in exchange 
for a partnership interest). See paragraph (e) of this section.
    (vii) Section 731 (relating to distributions by a partnership to a 
partner). For special carryover of basis rule, see paragraph (e) of this 
section.

[[Page 486]]

    (3) Treatment of farm land in the hands of tranferee. See paragraph 
(f) of this section for treatment of the transferee in the case of a 
disposition to which this paragraph applies.
    (4) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph may be illustrated by 
the following examples:

    Example 1. On January 4, 1975, A, an individual calendar year 
taxpayer, owns a parcel of farm land, which he acquired on March 25, 
1970, having an adjusted basis of $15,000 and a fair market value of 
$40,000. On that date he transfers the parcel to corporation M in 
exchange for stock in the corporation worth $40,000 in a transaction 
qualifying under section 351. On the date of such transfer, the 
aggregate of the deductions allowed under sections 175 and 182 with 
respect to the land is $18,000. Without regard to section 1252, A would 
recognize no gain under section 351 upon the transfer and M's basis for 
the land would be determined under section 362(a) by reference to its 
basis in the hands of A. Thus, as a result of the disposition, no gain 
is recognized as ordinary income under section 1251(c)(1) or section 
1252(a)(1) by A since the amount of gain recognized under such sections 
is limited to the amount of gain which is recognized under section 351 
(determined without regard to sections 1251 and 1252). See paragraph 
(c)(1) of Sec. 1.1251-4 and subparagraph (1) of this paragraph. For 
treatment of the farm land in the hands of B, see paragraph (f)(1) of 
this section. For effect of the transfer on the excess deductions 
account of A and of B, see paragraph (e)(1) of Sec. 1.1251-2.
    Example 2. Assume the same facts in example (1), except that A 
transferred the land to M for stock in the corporation worth $32,000 and 
$8,000 cash. The gain realized is $25,000 (amount realized, $40,000, 
minus adjusted basis, $15,000). Without regard to section 1252, A would 
recognize $8,000 of gain under section 351(b). Assume further that no 
gain is recognized as ordinary income under section 1251(c)(1). 
Therefore, since the applicable percentage, 100 percent, of the 
aggregate of the deductions allowed under sections 175 and 182, $18,000, 
is lower than the gain realized, $25,000, the amount of gain to be 
recognized as ordinary income under section 1252(a)(1) would be $18,000 
if the provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph do not apply. 
Since under section 351(b) gain in the amount of $8,000 would be 
recognized to the transferor without regard to section 1252, the 
limitation provided in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph limits the 
gain taken into account by A under section 1252(a)(1) to $8,000.
    Example 3. Assume the same facts as in example (2), except that 
$5,000 of gain is recognized as ordinary income under section 
1251(c)(1). The amount of gain recognized as ordinary income under 
section 1252(a)(1) is $3,000 computed as follows:

(1) Amount of gain under section 1252(a)(1) (determined
 without regard to subparagraph (1) of this paragraph):
    (a) Aggregate of deductions allowed under sections 175       $18,000
     and 182.................................................
    (b) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under           $5,000
     section 1251(c)(1)......................................
                                                              ----------
    (c) Difference...........................................    $13,000
    (d) Multiply: Applicable percentage for property disposed       100%
     of within the fifth year after it was acquired..........
                                                              ----------
    (e) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(a) of Sec.  1.1252-1..    $13,000
    (f) Gain realized (amount realized $40,000, less adjusted    $25,000
     basis, $15,000).........................................
    (g) Minus: Amount in line (b)............................     $5,000
                                                              ----------
    (h) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(b) of Sec.  1.1252-1..    $20,000
                                                              ----------
    (i) Lower of line (e) or (h).............................    $13,000
                                                              ==========
(2) Limitation in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph:
    (a) Gain recognized (determined without regard to section     $8,000
     1252)...................................................
    (b) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under           $5,000
     section 1251(c)(1)......................................
                                                              ----------
    (c) Difference...........................................     $3,000
                                                              ==========
(3) Lower of line (1)(i) or line (2)(c)......................     $3,000
                                                              ==========



Thus, the entire gain recognized under section 351(b) (determined 
without regard to sections 1251 and 1252), $8,000, is recognized as 
ordinary income since that amount is equal to the sum of the gain 
recognized as ordinary income under section 1251(c)(1), $5,000, and 
under section 1252(a)(1), $3,000.

    (d) Limitation for like kind exchanges and involuntary conversions--
(1) General rule. If farm land is disposed of and gain (determined 
without regard to section 1252) is not recognized in whole or in part 
under section 1031 (relating to like kind exchanges) or section 1033 
(relating to involuntary conversions), then the amount of gain 
recognized as ordinary income by the transferor under section 1252(a)(1) 
shall not exceed the sum of:
    (i) The excess (if any) of (a) the amount of gain recognized on such 
disposition (determined without regard to section 1252) over (b) the 
amount (if any) of gain recognized as ordinary income under section 
1251(c)(1), plus
    (ii) The fair market value of property acquired which is not farm 
land and which is not taken into account under subdivision (i) of this 
subparagraph

[[Page 487]]

(that is, the fair market value of property other than farm land 
acquired which is qualifying property under section 1031 or 1033, as the 
case may be).
    (2) Examples. The provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph 
may be illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. (i) Assume the same facts as in example (2)(ii) of 
paragraph (d)(3) of Sec. 1.1251-4. Assume further that the aggregate of 
the amount of sections 175 and 182 deductions allowable is equal to the 
amount allowed. Under paragraph (a)(1) of Sec. 1.1252-1, $18,000 would 
be recognized as ordinary income under section 1252(a)(1) (determined 
without regard to subparagraph (1) of this paragraph), computed as 
follows:

(1) Aggregate of deductions allowed under sections 175 and       $18,000
 182.........................................................
(2) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under section            0
 1251(c)(1)..................................................
                                                              ----------
(3) Difference...............................................    $18,000
(4) Multiply: Applicable percentage for property disposed of        100%
 within the fifth year after it was acquired.................
(5) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(a) of Sec.  1.1252-1......    $18,000
                                                              ==========
(6) Gain realized (amount realized, $67,500, less adjusted       $19,500
 basis, $48,000).............................................
(7) Minus: Amount in line (2)................................          0
                                                              ----------
(8) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(b) of Sec.  1.1252-1......    $19,500
                                                              ==========
(9) Lower of line (5) or line (8)............................    $18,000
                                                              ==========


    (ii) Although no gain was recognized under section 1251(c)(1) and 
the stock purchased by A for $67,500 is farm recapture property for 
purposes of section 1251, it is not farm land for purposes of section 
1252. Nevertheless, although no gain would be recognized under sections 
1033(a)(3) and 1251(c)(1) (determined without regard to section 1252), 
the limitation under subparagraph (1) of this paragraph is $67,500 (that 
is, the fair market value of property other than farm land acquired 
which is qualifying property under section 1033). Since the amount of 
gain which would be recognized as ordinary income under section 
1252(a)(1) (determined without regard to subparagraph (1) of this 
paragraph), $18,000 (as computed in subdivision (i) of this example), is 
lower than the amount of such limitation, $67,500, accordingly, only 
$18,000 is recognized as ordinary income under section 1252(a)(1). For 
determination of basis of the stock acquired, see subparagraph (5) of 
this paragraph.
    Example 2. (i) Assume the same facts as in example (1) of this 
subparagraph, except that the cost of the stock was $62,500 (its fair 
market value). Thus, the amount of gain recognized on the disposition 
under section 1033(a)(3) (determined without regard to sections 1251 and 
1252) is $5,000, that is, $67,500 minus $62,500. Assume further that 
$5,000 (the amount of gain recognized under section 1033(a)(3) (so 
determined)) was recognized as ordinary income under section 1251(c)(1). 
The amount of gain recognized as ordinary income under section 
1252(a)(1) is $13,000, computed as follows:

(1) Amount of gain under section 1252(a)(1) (determined
 without regard to subparagraph (1) of this paragraph):
    (a) Aggregate of deductions allowed under sections 175       $18,000
     and 182.................................................
    (b) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under           $5,000
     section 1251(c)(1)......................................
                                                              ----------
    (c) Difference...........................................    $13,000
    (d) Multiply: Applicable percentage for property disposed       100%
     of within the fifth year after it was acquired..........
                                                              ----------
    (e) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(a) of Sec.  1.1252-1..    $13,000
                                                              ----------
    (f) Gain realized (amount realized, $67,500 (less            $19,500
     adjusted basis, $48,000))...............................
    (g) Minus: Amount in line (b)............................     $5,000
                                                              ----------
    (h) Amount in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(b) of Sec.  1.1252-1..    $14,500
                                                              ==========
    (i) Lower of line (e) or (h).............................    $13,000
                                                              ==========
(2) Limitation in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph:
    (a) Gain recognized (determined without regard to section     $5,000
     1252)...................................................
    (b) Minus: Gain recognized as ordinary income under           $5,000
     section 1251(c)(1)......................................
                                                              ----------
    (c) Difference...........................................          0
    (d) Plus; The fair market value of property other than       $62,500
     farm land acquired which is qualifying property under
     section 1033............................................
                                                              ----------
    (e) Sum of lines (c) and (d).............................    $62,500
                                                              ==========
(3) Lower of line (1)(i) or line (2)(e)......................    $13,000
                                                              ==========


    (3) Application to single disposition of farm land and property of 
different class. (i) If upon a sale of farm land gain would be 
recognized under section 1252(a)(1), and if such land together with 
property of a different class or classes is disposed of in one 
transaction in which gain is not recognized in whole or in part under 
section 1031 or 1033 (without regard to section 1252(a)(1)), then rules 
consistent with the principles of paragraph (d)(6) of Sec. 1.1250-3 
(relating to gain from disposition of certain depreciable realty) shall 
apply for purposes of allocating the amount realized to each of the 
classes of property disposed of and for purposes of determining what 
property the amount realized for each class consists of.

[[Page 488]]

    (ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the classes of property 
other than farm recapture property (as defined in section 1251(e) and 
paragraph (a)(1) of Sec. 1.1251-3) are (a) section 1245 property, (b) 
section 1250 property, and (c) other property.
    (iii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the classes of farm 
recapture property are (a) land, (b) section 1245 property, and (c) 
other property.
    (4) Treatment of farm land received in like kind exchange or 
involuntary conversion. The aggregate of the deductions allowed under 
sections 175 and 182 in respect of land acquired in a transaction 
described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall include the 
aggregate of the deductions allowed under sections 175 and 182 in 
respect of the land transferred or converted (as the cr sections 175 and 
182 in respect of land acquired in a transaction described in 
subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall include the aggregate of the 
deductions allowed under sections 175 and 182 in respect of the land 
transferred or converted (as the case may be) in such transaction minus 
the amount of gain taken into account under sections 1251(c) and 1252(a) 
with respect to the land transferred or converted. Upon a subsequent 
disposition of such land, the holding period shall include the holding 
period with respect to the land transferred or converted.
    (5) Basis adjustment. In order to reflect gain recognized under 
section 1252(a)(1) if property is acquired in a transaction to which 
subparagraph (1) of this paragraph applies, its basis shall be 
determined under the rules of section 1031(d) or 1033(c).
    (e) Partnerships. [Reserved]
    (f) Treatment of farm land received by a transferee in a disposition 
by gift and certain tax-free transactions--(1) General rule. If farm 
land is disposed of in a transaction which is either a gift to which 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section applies, or a completely tax-free 
transfer to which paragraph (c)(1) of this section applies, then for 
purposes of section 1252:
    (i) The aggregate of the deductions allowed under sections 175 and 
182 in respect of the land in the hands of the tranferee immediately 
after the disposition shall be an amount equal to the amount of such 
aggregate in the hands of the transferor immediately before the 
disposition, and
    (ii) For purposes of applying section 1252 upon a subsequent 
disposition by the transferee (including a computation of the applicable 
percentage), the holding period of the transferee shall include the 
holding period of the transferor.
    (2) Certain partially tax-free transfers. If farm land is disposed 
of in a transaction which either is in part a sale or exchange and in 
part a gift to which paragraph (a)(2)of this section applies, or is a 
partially tax-free transfer to which paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
applies, then for purposes of section 1252 the amount determined under 
subparagraph (1)(i) of this paragraph shallbe reduced by the amount of 
gain taken into account under sections 1251(c) and 1252(a) by the 
transferor upon the disposition. Upon a subsequent disposition by the 
transferee, the holding period for purposes of computing the amount 
under section 1252(a)(1)(A), with respect to the 175 and 182 deductions 
taken by the transferor, shall include the holding period of the 
transferor. With respect to the 1975 and 182 deductions taken by the 
transferee, the holding period shall not include the holding period of 
the transferor.
    (3) Examples. The provisions of subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this 
paragraph may be illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. Assume the same facts as in example (1) of paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section. Therefore, on the date B receives the farm land 
in the gift transaction, under subparagraph (1) of this paragraph the 
aggregate of the deductions allowed under sections 175 and 182 in 
respect of the farm land in the hands of B is the amount in the hands of 
A, $24,000, and for purposes of applying section 1252 upon a subsequent 
disposition by B (including a computation of the applicable percentage) 
the holding period of B includes the holding period of A.
    Example 2. Assume the same facts as in example (2) of paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section. Under subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, the 
aggregate of the sections 175 and 182 deductions which pass over to B 
for purposes of section 1252 is $14,000 ($24,000 deductions allowable 
under sections 175 and 182 minus $3,000 gain recognized under section 
1251(c) in accordance with example (2) of paragraph

[[Page 489]]

(a)(4) of Sec. 1.1251-4, minus $7,000 gain recognized under section 
1252(a) in acordance with example (2) of paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section), B's holding period includes the holding period of A (i.e., the 
period back to January 15, 1971) with respect to A's deductions.

    (g) Disposition of farm land not specifically covered. If farm land 
is disposed of in a transaction not specifically covered under Sec. 
1.1252-1 and this section, then the principles of section 1245 shall 
apply.

[T.D. 7418, 41 FR 18832, May 7, 1976; 41 FR 23669, June 11, 1976]