[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 26, Volume 13]
[Revised as of April 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 26CFR]

[Page 585-601]
 
                       TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE
 
    CHAPTER I--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
Procedure and Administration--Table of Contents
 
Sec.  1.7872-15  Split-dollar loans.

    (a) General rules--(1) Introduction. This section applies to split-
dollar loans as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If a split-
dollar loan is not

[[Page 586]]

a below-market loan, then, except as provided in this section, the loan 
is governed by the general rules for debt instruments (including the 
rules for original issue discount (OID) under sections 1271 through 1275 
and the regulations thereunder). If a split-dollar loan is a below-
market loan, then, except as provided in this section, the loan is 
governed by section 7872. The timing, amount, and characterization of 
the imputed transfers between the lender and borrower of a below-market 
split-dollar loan depend upon the relationship between the parties and 
upon whether the loan is a demand loan or a term loan. For additional 
rules relating to the treatment of split-dollar life insurance 
arrangements, see Sec.  1.61-22.
    (2) Loan treatment--(i) General rule. A payment made pursuant to a 
split-dollar life insurance arrangement is treated as a loan for Federal 
tax purposes, and the owner and non-owner are treated, respectively, as 
the borrower and the lender, if--
    (A) The payment is made either directly or indirectly by the non-
owner to the owner (including a premium payment made by the non-owner 
directly or indirectly to the insurance company with respect to the 
policy held by the owner);
    (B) The payment is a loan under general principles of Federal tax 
law or, if it is not a loan under general principles of Federal tax law 
(for example, because of the nonrecourse nature of the obligation or 
otherwise), a reasonable person nevertheless would expect the payment to 
be repaid in full to the non-owner (whether with or without interest); 
and
    (C) The repayment is to be made from, or is secured by, the policy's 
death benefit proceeds, the policy's cash surrender value, or both.
    (ii) Payments that are only partially repayable. For purposes of 
Sec.  1.61-22 and this section, if a non-owner makes a payment pursuant 
to a split-dollar life insurance arrangement and the non-owner is 
entitled to repayment of some but not all of the payment, the payment is 
treated as two payments: One that is repayable and one that is not. 
Thus, paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section refers to the repayable 
payment.
    (iii) Treatment of payments that are not split-dollar loans. See 
Sec.  1.61-22(b)(5) for the treatment of payments by a non-owner that 
are not split-dollar loans.
    (iv) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph (a)(2) are 
illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. Assume an employee owns a life insurance policy under a 
split-dollar life insurance arrangement, the employer makes premium 
payments on this policy, there is a reasonable expectation that the 
payments will be repaid, and the repayments are secured by the policy. 
Under paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, each premium payment is a 
loan for Federal tax purposes.
    Example 2. (i) Assume an employee owns a life insurance policy under 
a split-dollar life insurance arrangement and the employer makes premium 
payments on this policy. The employer is entitled to be repaid 80 
percent of each premium payment, and the repayments are secured by the 
policy. Under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the taxation of 20 
percent of each premium payment is governed by Sec.  1.61-22(b)(5). If 
there is a reasonable expectation that the remaining 80 percent of a 
payment will be repaid in full, then, under paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this 
section, the 80 percent is a loan for Federal tax purposes.
    (ii) If less than 80 percent of a premium payment is reasonably 
expected to be repaid, then this paragraph (a)(2) does not cause any of 
the payment to be a loan for Federal tax purposes. If the payment is not 
a loan under general principles of Federal tax law, the taxation of the 
entire premium payment is governed by Sec.  1.61-22(b)(5).

    (3) No de minimis exceptions. For purposes of this section, section 
7872 is applied to a split-dollar loan without regard to the de minimis 
exceptions in section 7872(c)(2) and (3).
    (4) Certain interest provisions disregarded--(i) In general. If a 
split-dollar loan provides for the payment of interest and all or a 
portion of the interest is to be paid directly or indirectly by the 
lender (or a person related to the lender), then the requirement to pay 
the interest (or portion thereof) is disregarded for purposes of this 
section. All of the facts and circumstances determine whether a payment 
to be made by the lender (or a person related to the lender) is 
sufficiently independent from the split-dollar loan for the payment to 
not be an indirect payment of the interest (or a portion thereof) by the 
lender (or a person related to the lender).

[[Page 587]]

    (ii) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph (a)(4) are 
illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1-- (i) On January 1, 2009, Employee B issues a split-dollar 
term loan to Employer Y. The split-dollar term loan provides for five 
percent interest, compounded annually. Interest and principal on the 
split-dollar term loan are due at maturity. On January 1, 2009, B and Y 
also enter into a fully vested non-qualified deferred compensation 
arrangement that will provide a payment to B in an amount equal to the 
accrued but unpaid interest due at the maturity of the split-dollar term 
loan.
    (ii) Under paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, B's requirement to 
pay interest on the split-dollar term loan is disregarded for purposes 
of this section, and the split-dollar term loan is treated as a loan 
that does not provide for interest for purposes of this section.
    Example 2-- (i) On January 1, 2004, Employee B and Employer Y enter 
into a fully vested non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement that 
will provide a payment to B equal to B's salary in the three years 
preceding the retirement of B. On January 1, 2009, B and Y enter into a 
split-dollar life insurance arrangement and, under the arrangement, B 
issues a split-dollar term loan to Y on that date. The split-dollar term 
loan provides for five percent interest, compounded annually. Interest 
and principal on the split-dollar term loan are due at maturity. Over 
the period in which the non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement 
is effective, the terms and conditions of B's non-qualified deferred 
compensation arrangement do not change in a way that indicates that the 
payment of the non-qualified deferred compensation is related to B's 
requirement to pay interest on the split-dollar term loan. No other 
facts and circumstances exist to indicate that the payment of the non-
qualified deferred compensation is related to B's requirement to pay 
interest on the split-dollar term loan.
    (ii) The facts and circumstances indicate that the payment by Y of 
non-qualified deferred compensation is independent from B's requirement 
to pay interest under the split-dollar term loan. Under paragraph 
(a)(4)(i) of this section, the fully vested non-qualified deferred 
compensation does not cause B's requirement to pay interest on the 
split-dollar term loan to be disregarded for purposes of this section. 
For purposes of this section, the split-dollar term loan is treated as a 
loan that provides for stated interest of five percent, compounded 
annually.

    (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms split-
dollar life insurance arrangement, owner, and non-owner have the same 
meanings as provided in Sec.  1.61-22(b) and (c). In addition, the 
following definitions apply for purposes of this section:
    (1) A split-dollar loan is a loan described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
of this section.
    (2) A split-dollar demand loan is any split-dollar loan that is 
payable in full at any time on the demand of the lender (or within a 
reasonable time after the lender's demand).
    (3) A split-dollar term loan is any split-dollar loan other than a 
split-dollar demand loan. See paragraph (e)(5) of this section for 
special rules regarding certain split-dollar term loans payable on the 
death of an individual, certain split-dollar term loans conditioned on 
the future performance of substantial services by an individual, and 
gift split-dollar term loans.
    (c) Interest deductions for split-dollar loans. The borrower may not 
deduct any qualified stated interest, OID, or imputed interest on a 
split-dollar loan. See sections 163(h) and 264(a). In certain 
circumstances, an indirect participant may be allowed to deduct 
qualified stated interest, OID, or imputed interest on a deemed loan. 
See paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section (relating to indirect loans).
    (d) Treatment of split-dollar loans providing for nonrecourse 
payments--(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section, if a payment on a split-dollar loan is nonrecourse to the 
borrower, the payment is a contingent payment for purposes of this 
section. See paragraph (j) of this section for the treatment of a split-
dollar loan that provides for one or more contingent payments.
    (2) Exception for certain loans with respect to which the parties to 
the split-dollar life insurance arrangement make a representation--(i) 
Requirement. An otherwise noncontingent payment on a split-dollar loan 
that is nonrecourse to the borrower is not a contingent payment under 
this section if the parties to the split-dollar life insurance 
arrangement represent in writing that a reasonable person would expect 
that all payments under the loan will be made.
    (ii) Time and manner for providing written representation. The 
Commissioner may prescribe the time and

[[Page 588]]

manner for providing the written representation required by paragraph 
(d)(2)(i) of this section. Until the Commissioner prescribes otherwise, 
the written representation that is required by paragraph (d)(2)(i) of 
this section must meet the requirements of this paragraph (d)(2)(ii). 
Both the borrower and the lender must sign the representation not later 
than the last day (including extensions) for filing the Federal income 
tax return of the borrower or lender, whichever is earlier, for the 
taxable year in which the lender makes the first split-dollar loan under 
the split-dollar life insurance arrangement. This representation must 
include the names, addresses, and taxpayer identification numbers of the 
borrower, lender, and any indirect participants. Unless otherwise stated 
therein, this representation applies to all subsequent split-dollar 
loans made pursuant to the split-dollar life insurance arrangement. Each 
party should retain an original of the representation as part of its 
books and records and should attach a copy of this representation to its 
Federal income tax return for any taxable year in which the lender makes 
a loan to which the representation applies.
    (e) Below-market split-dollar loans--(1) Scope--(i) In general. This 
paragraph (e) applies to below-market split-dollar loans enumerated 
under section 7872(c)(1), which include gift loans, compensation-related 
loans, and corporation-shareholder loans. The characterization of a 
split-dollar loan under section 7872(c)(1) and of the imputed transfers 
under section 7872(a)(1) and (b)(1) depends upon the relationship 
between the lender and the borrower or the lender, borrower, and any 
indirect participant. For example, if the lender is the borrower's 
employer, the split-dollar loan is generally a compensation-related 
loan, and any imputed transfer from the lender to the borrower is 
generally a payment of compensation. The loans covered by this paragraph 
(e) include indirect loans between the parties. See paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section for the treatment of certain indirect split-dollar loans. 
See paragraph (f) of this section for the treatment of any stated 
interest or OID on split-dollar loans. See paragraph (j) of this section 
for additional rules that apply to a split-dollar loan that provides for 
one or more contingent payments.
    (ii) Significant-effect split-dollar loans. If a direct or indirect 
below-market split-dollar loan is not enumerated in section 
7872(c)(1)(A), (B), or (C), the loan is a significant-effect loan under 
section 7872(c)(1)(E).
    (2) Indirect split-dollar loans--(i) In general. If, based on all 
the facts and circumstances, including the relationship between the 
borrower or lender and some third person (the indirect participant), the 
effect of a below-market split-dollar loan is to transfer value from the 
lender to the indirect participant and from the indirect participant to 
the borrower, then the below-market split-dollar loan is restructured as 
two or more successive below-market loans (the deemed loans) as provided 
in this paragraph (e)(2). The transfers of value described in the 
preceding sentence include (but are not limited to) a gift, 
compensation, a capital contribution, and a distribution under section 
301 (or, in the case of an S corporation, under section 1368). The 
deemed loans are--
    (A) A deemed below-market split-dollar loan made by the lender to 
the indirect participant; and
    (B) A deemed below-market split-dollar loan made by the indirect 
participant to the borrower.
    (ii) Application. Each deemed loan is treated as having the same 
provisions as the original loan between the lender and borrower, and 
section 7872 is applied to each deemed loan. Thus, for example, if, 
under a split-dollar life insurance arrangement, an employer (lender) 
makes an interest-free split-dollar loan to an employee's child 
(borrower), the loan is restructured as a deemed compensation-related 
below-market split-dollar loan from the lender to the employee (the 
indirect participant) and a second deemed gift below-market split-dollar 
loan from the employee to the employee's child. In appropriate 
circumstances, section 7872(d)(1) may limit the interest that accrues on 
a deemed loan for Federal income tax purposes. For loan arrangements 
between husband and wife, see section 7872(f)(7).

[[Page 589]]

    (iii) Limitations on investment interest for purposes of section 
163(d). For purposes of section 163(d), the imputed interest from the 
indirect participant to the lender that is taken into account by the 
indirect participant under this paragraph (e)(2) is not investment 
interest to the extent of the excess, if any, of--
    (A) The imputed interest from the indirect participant to the lender 
that is taken into account by the indirect participant; over
    (B) The imputed interest to the indirect participant from the 
borrower that is recognized by the indirect participant.
    (iv) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph (e)(2) are 
illustrated by the following examples:

    Example 1. (i) On January 1, 2009, Employer X and Individual A enter 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which A is named as 
the policy owner. A is the child of B, an employee of X. On January 1, 
2009, X makes a $30,000 premium payment, repayable upon demand without 
interest. Repayment of the premium payment is fully recourse to A. The 
payment is a below-market split-dollar demand loan. A's net investment 
income for 2009 is $1,100, and there are no other outstanding loans 
between A and B. Assume that the blended annual rate for 2009 is 5 
percent, compounded annually.
    (ii) Based on the relationships among the parties, the effect of the 
below-market split-dollar loan from X to A is to transfer value from X 
to B and then to transfer value from B to A. Under paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section, the below-market split-dollar loan from X to A is 
restructured as two deemed below-market split-dollar demand loans: a 
compensation-related below-market split-dollar loan between X and B and 
a gift below-market split-dollar loan between B and A. Each of the 
deemed loans has the same terms and conditions as the original loan.
    (iii) Under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the amount of forgone 
interest deemed paid to B by A in 2009 is $1,500 ([$30,000 x 0.05]--0). 
Under section 7872(d)(1), however, the amount of forgone interest deemed 
paid to B by A is limited to $1,100 (A's net investment income for the 
year). Under paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, B's deduction under 
section 163(d) in 2009 for interest deemed paid on B's deemed loan from 
X is limited to $1,100 (the interest deemed received from A).

    Example 2. (i) The facts are the same as the facts in Example 1, 
except that T, an irrevocable life insurance trust established for the 
benefit of A (B's child), is named as the policy owner. T is not a 
grantor trust.
    (ii) Based on the relationships among the parties, the effect of the 
below-market split-dollar loan from X to T is to transfer value from X 
to B and then to transfer value from B to T. Under paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section, the below-market split-dollar loan from X to T is 
restructured as two deemed below-market split-dollar demand loans: a 
compensation-related below-market split-dollar loan between X and B and 
a gift below-market split-dollar loan between B and T. Each of the 
deemed loans has the same terms and conditions as the original loan.
    (iii) Under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, the amount of forgone 
interest deemed paid to B by T in 2009 is $1,500 ([$30,000 x 0.05]--0). 
Section 7872(d)(1) does not apply because T is not an individual. The 
amount of forgone interest deemed paid to B by T is $1,500. Under 
paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, B's deduction under section 
163(d) in 2009 for interest deemed paid on B's deemed loan from X is 
$1,500 (the interest deemed received from T).

    (3) Split-dollar demand loans--(i) In general. This paragraph (e)(3) 
provides rules for testing split-dollar demand loans for sufficient 
interest, and, if the loans do not provide for sufficient interest, 
rules for the calculation and treatment of forgone interest on these 
loans. See paragraph (g) of this section for additional rules that apply 
to a split-dollar loan providing for certain variable rates of interest.
    (ii) Testing for sufficient interest. Each calendar year that a 
split-dollar demand loan is outstanding, the loan is tested to determine 
if the loan provides for sufficient interest. A split-dollar demand loan 
provides for sufficient interest for the calendar year if the rate 
(based on annual compounding) at which interest accrues on the loan's 
adjusted issue price during the year is no lower than the blended annual 
rate for the year. (The Internal Revenue Service publishes the blended 
annual rate in the Internal Revenue Bulletin in July of each year (see 
Sec.  601.601(d)(2)(ii) of this chapter).) If the loan does not provide 
for sufficient interest, the loan is a below-market split-dollar demand 
loan for that calendar year. See paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section 
to determine the amount and treatment of forgone interest for each 
calendar year the loan is below-market.
    (iii) Imputations--(A) Amount of forgone interest. For each calendar 
year,

[[Page 590]]

the amount of forgone interest on a split-dollar demand loan is treated 
as transferred by the lender to the borrower and as retransferred as 
interest by the borrower to the lender. This amount is the excess of--
    (1) The amount of interest that would have been payable on the loan 
for the calendar year if interest accrued on the loan's adjusted issue 
price at the blended annual rate (determined in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of 
this section) and were payable annually on the day referred to in 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii)(B) of this section; over
    (2) Any interest that accrues on the loan during the year.
    (B) Timing of transfers of forgone interest--(1) In general. Except 
as provided in paragraphs (e)(3)(iii)(B)(2) and (3) of this section, the 
forgone interest (as determined under paragraph (e)(3)(iii)(A) of this 
section) that is attributable to a calendar year is treated as 
transferred by the lender to the borrower (and retransferred as interest 
by the borrower to the lender) on the last day of the calendar year and 
is accounted for by each party to the split-dollar loan in a manner 
consistent with that party's method of accounting.
    (2) Exception for death, liquidation, or termination of the 
borrower. In the taxable year in which the borrower dies (in the case of 
a borrower who is a natural person) or is liquidated or otherwise 
terminated (in the case of a borrower other than a natural person), any 
forgone interest is treated, for both the lender and the borrower, as 
transferred and retransferred on the last day of the borrower's final 
taxable year.
    (3) Exception for repayment of below-market split-dollar loan. Any 
forgone interest is treated, for both the lender and the borrower, as 
transferred and retransferred on the day the split-dollar loan is repaid 
in full.
    (4) Split-dollar term loans--(i) In general. Except as provided in 
paragraph (e)(5) of this section, this paragraph (e)(4) provides rules 
for testing split-dollar term loans for sufficient interest and, if the 
loans do not provide for sufficient interest, rules for imputing 
payments on these loans. See paragraph (g) of this section for 
additional rules that apply to a split-dollar loan providing for certain 
variable rates of interest.
    (ii) Testing a split-dollar term loan for sufficient interest. A 
split-dollar term loan is tested on the day the loan is made to 
determine if the loan provides for sufficient interest. A split-dollar 
term loan provides for sufficient interest if the imputed loan amount 
equals or exceeds the amount loaned. The imputed loan amount is the 
present value of all payments due under the loan, determined as of the 
date the loan is made, using a discount rate equal to the AFR in effect 
on that date. The AFR used for purposes of the preceding sentence must 
be appropriate for the loan's term (short-term, mid-term, or long-term) 
and for the compounding period used in computing the present value. See 
section 1274(d)(1). If the split-dollar loan does not provide for 
sufficient interest, the loan is a below-market split-dollar term loan 
subject to paragraph (e)(4)(iv) of this section.
    (iii) Determining loan term. This paragraph (e)(4)(iii) provides 
rules to determine the term of a split-dollar term loan for purposes of 
paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section. The term of the loan determined 
under this paragraph (e)(4)(iii) (other than paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(C) of 
this section) applies to determine the split-dollar loan's term, payment 
schedule, and yield for all purposes of this section.
    (A) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(B), (C), 
(D) or (E) of this section, the term of a split-dollar term loan is 
based on the period from the date the loan is made until the loan's 
stated maturity date.
    (B) Special rules for certain options--(1) Payment schedule that 
minimizes yield. If a split-dollar term loan is subject to one or more 
unconditional options that are exercisable at one or more times during 
the term of the loan and that, if exercised, require payments to be made 
on the split-dollar loan on an alternative payment schedule (for 
example, an option to extend or an option to call a split-dollar loan), 
then the rules of this paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(B)(1) determine the term of 
the loan. However, this paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(B)(1) applies only if the 
timing and amounts of the payments that comprise each payment schedule 
are known as of the issue date. For purposes of determining a split-
dollar loan's term, the borrower is

[[Page 591]]

projected to exercise or not exercise an option or combination of 
options in a manner that minimizes the loan's overall yield. Similarly, 
the lender is projected to exercise or not exercise an option or 
combination of options in a manner that minimizes the loan's overall 
yield. If different projected patterns of exercise or non-exercise 
produce the same minimum yield, the parties are projected to exercise or 
not exercise an option or combination of options in a manner that 
produces the longest term.
    (2) Change in circumstances. If the borrower (or lender) does or 
does not exercise the option as projected under paragraph 
(e)(4)(iii)(B)(1) of this section, the split-dollar loan is treated for 
purposes of this section as retired and reissued on the date the option 
is or is not exercised for an amount of cash equal to the loan's 
adjusted issue price on that date. The reissued loan must be retested 
using the appropriate AFR in effect on the date of reissuance to 
determine whether it is a below-market loan.
    (3) Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this 
paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(B):

    Example 1. Employee B issues a 10-year split-dollar term loan to 
Employer Y. B has the right to prepay the loan at the end of year 5. 
Interest is payable on the split-dollar loan at 1 percent for the first 
5 years and at 10 percent for the remaining 5 years. Under paragraph 
(e)(4)(iii)(B)(1) of this section, this arrangement is treated as a 5-
year split-dollar term loan from Y to B, with interest payable at 1 
percent.
    Example 2. The facts are the same as the facts in Example 1, except 
that B does not in fact prepay the split-dollar loan at the end of year 
5. Under paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(B)(2) of this section, the first loan is 
treated as retired at the end of year 5 and a new 5-year split-dollar 
term loan is issued at that time, with interest payable at 10 percent.
    Example 3. Employee A issues a 10-year split-dollar term loan on 
which the lender, Employer X, has the right to demand payment at the end 
of year 2. Interest is payable on the split-dollar loan at 7 percent 
each year that the loan is outstanding. Under paragraph 
(e)(4)(iii)(B)(1) of this section, this arrangement is treated as a 10-
year split-dollar term loan because the exercise of X's put option would 
not reduce the yield of the loan (the yield of the loan is 7 percent, 
compounded annually, whether or not X demands payment).

    (C) Split-dollar term loans providing for certain variable rates of 
interest. If a split-dollar term loan is subject to paragraph (g) of 
this section (a split-dollar loan that provides for certain variable 
rates of interest), the term of the loan for purposes of paragraph 
(e)(4)(ii) of this section is determined under paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of 
this section.
    (D) Split-dollar loans payable upon the death of an individual. If a 
split-dollar term loan is described in paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(A) or (v)(A) 
of this section, the term of the loan for purposes of paragraph 
(e)(4)(ii) of this section is determined under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(C) 
or (v)(B)(2) of this section, whichever is applicable.
    (E) Split-dollar loans conditioned on the future performance of 
substantial services by an individual. If a split-dollar term loan is 
described in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) or (v)(A) of this section, the 
term of the loan for purposes of paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section is 
determined under paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(C) or (v)(B)(2) of this section, 
whichever is applicable.
    (iv) Timing and amount of imputed transfer in connection with below-
market split-dollar term loans. If a split-dollar term loan is a below-
market loan, then the rules applicable to below-market term loans under 
section 7872 apply. In general, the loan is recharacterized as 
consisting of two portions: an imputed loan amount (as defined in 
paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section) and an imputed transfer from the 
lender to the borrower. The imputed transfer occurs at the time the loan 
is made (for example, when the lender makes a premium payment on a life 
insurance policy) and is equal to the excess of the amount loaned over 
the imputed loan amount.
    (v) Amount treated as OID. In the case of any below-market split-
dollar term loan described in this paragraph (e)(4), for purposes of 
applying sections 1271 through 1275 and the regulations thereunder, the 
issue price of the loan is the amount determined under Sec.  1.1273-2, 
reduced by the amount of the imputed transfer described in paragraph 
(e)(4)(iv) of this section. Thus, the loan is generally treated as 
having OID in an amount equal to the amount of the

[[Page 592]]

imputed transfer described in paragraph (e)(4)(iv) of this section, in 
addition to any other OID on the loan (determined without regard to 
section 7872(b)(2)(A) or this paragraph (e)(4)).
    (vi) Example. The provisions of this paragraph (e)(4) are 
illustrated by the following example:

    Example. (i) On July 1, 2009, Corporation Z and Shareholder A enter 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which A is named as 
the policy owner. On July 1, 2009, Z makes a $100,000 premium payment, 
repayable without interest in 15 years. Repayment of the premium payment 
is fully recourse to A. The premium payment is a split-dollar term loan. 
Assume the long-term AFR (based on annual compounding) at the time the 
loan is made is 7 percent.
    (ii) Based on a 15-year term and a discount rate of 7 percent, 
compounded annually (the long-term AFR), the present value of the 
payments under the loan is $36,244.60, determined as follows: $100,000/
[1+(0.07/1)] \15\. This loan is a below-market split-dollar term loan 
because the imputed loan amount of $36,244.60 (the present value of the 
amount required to be repaid to Z) is less than the amount loaned 
($100,000).
    (iii) In accordance with section 7872(b)(1) and paragraph (e)(4)(iv) 
of this section, on the date that the loan is made, Z is treated as 
transferring to A $63,755.40 (the excess of $100,000 (amount loaned) 
over $36,244.60 (imputed loan amount)). Under section 7872 and paragraph 
(e)(1)(i) of this section, Z is treated as making a section 301 
distribution to A on July 1, 2009, of $63,755.40. Z must take into 
account as OID an amount equal to the imputed transfer. See Sec.  
1.1272-1 for the treatment of OID.

    (5) Special rules for certain split-dollar term loans--(i) In 
general. This paragraph (e)(5) provides rules for split-dollar loans 
payable on the death of an individual, split-dollar loans conditioned on 
the future performance of substantial services by an individual, and 
gift term loans. These split-dollar loans are split-dollar term loans 
for purposes of determining whether the loan provides for sufficient 
interest. If, however, the loan is a below-market split-dollar loan, 
then, except as provided in paragraph (e)(5)(v) of this section, forgone 
interest is determined annually, similar to a demand loan, but using an 
AFR that is appropriate for the loan's term and that is determined when 
the loan is issued.
    (ii) Split-dollar loans payable not later than the death of an 
individual--(A) Applicability. This paragraph (e)(5)(ii) applies to a 
split-dollar term loan payable not later than the death of an 
individual.
    (B) Treatment of loan. A split-dollar loan described in paragraph 
(e)(5)(ii)(A) of this section is tested under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of 
this section to determine if the loan provides for sufficient interest. 
If the loan provides for sufficient interest, then section 7872 does not 
apply to the loan, and the interest on the loan is taken into account 
under paragraph (f) of this section. If the loan does not provide for 
sufficient interest, then section 7872 applies to the loan, and the loan 
is treated as a below-market demand loan subject to paragraph 
(e)(3)(iii) of this section. For each year that the loan is outstanding, 
however, the rate used in the determination of forgone interest under 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section is not the blended annual rate but 
rather is the AFR (based on annual compounding) appropriate for the 
loan's term as of the month in which the loan is made. See paragraph 
(e)(5)(ii)(C) of this section to determine the loan's term.
    (C) Term of loan. For purposes of paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of this 
section, the term of a split-dollar loan payable on the death of an 
individual (including the death of the last survivor of a group of 
individuals) is the individual's life expectancy as determined under the 
appropriate table in Sec.  1.72-9 on the day the loan is made. If a 
split-dollar loan is payable on the earlier of the individual's death or 
another term determined under paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this section, the 
term of the loan is whichever term is shorter.
    (D) Retirement and reissuance of loan. If a split-dollar loan 
described in paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(A) of this section remains outstanding 
longer than the term determined under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(C) of this 
section because the individual outlived his or her life expectancy, the 
split-dollar loan is treated for purposes of this section as retired and 
reissued as a split-dollar demand loan at that time for an amount of 
cash equal to the loan's adjusted issue price on that date. However, the 
loan is not retested at that time to determine whether the loan provides 
for

[[Page 593]]

sufficient interest. For purposes of determining forgone interest under 
paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of this section, the appropriate AFR for the 
reissued loan is the AFR determined under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of 
this section on the day the loan was originally made.
    (iii) Split-dollar loans conditioned on the future performance of 
substantial services by an individual--(A) Applicability--(1) In 
general. This paragraph (e)(5)(iii) applies to a split-dollar term loan 
if the benefits of the interest arrangements of the loan are not 
transferable and are conditioned on the future performance of 
substantial services (within the meaning of section 83) by an 
individual.
    (2) Exception. Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) of this 
section, this paragraph (e)(5)(iii) does not apply to a split-dollar 
loan described in paragraph (e)(5)(v)(A) of this section (regarding a 
split-dollar loan that is payable on the later of a term certain and the 
date on which the condition to perform substantial future services by an 
individual ends).
    (B) Treatment of loan. A split-dollar loan described in paragraph 
(e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) of this section is tested under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) 
of this section to determine if the loan provides for sufficient 
interest. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(D) of this 
section, if the loan provides for sufficient interest, then section 7872 
does not apply to the loan and the interest on the loan is taken into 
account under paragraph (f) of this section. If the loan does not 
provide for sufficient interest, then section 7872 applies to the loan 
and the loan is treated as a below-market demand loan subject to 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section. For each year that the loan is 
outstanding, however, the rate used in the determination of forgone 
interest under paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section is not the blended 
annual rate but rather is the AFR (based on annual compounding) 
appropriate for the loan's term as of the month in which the loan is 
made. See paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(C) of this section to determine the 
loan's term.
    (C) Term of loan. The term of a split-dollar loan described in 
paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) of this section is based on the period from 
the date the loan is made until the loan's stated maturity date. 
However, if a split-dollar loan described in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) 
of this section does not have a stated maturity date, the term of the 
loan is presumed to be seven years.
    (D) Retirement and reissuance of loan. If a split-dollar loan 
described in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) of this section remains 
outstanding longer than the term determined under paragraph 
(e)(5)(iii)(C) of this section because of the continued performance of 
substantial services, the split-dollar loan is treated for purposes of 
this section as retired and reissued as a split-dollar demand loan at 
that time for an amount of cash equal to the loan's adjusted issue price 
on that date. The loan is retested at that time to determine whether the 
loan provides for sufficient interest.
    (iv) Gift split-dollar term loans--(A) Applicability. This paragraph 
(e)(5)(iv) applies to gift split-dollar term loans.
    (B) Treatment of loan. A split-dollar loan described in paragraph 
(e)(5)(iv)(A) of this section is tested under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of 
this section to determine if the loan provides for sufficient interest. 
If the loan provides for sufficient interest, then section 7872 does not 
apply to the loan and the interest on the loan is taken into account 
under paragraph (f) of this section. If the loan does not provide for 
sufficient interest, then section 7872 applies to the loan and the loan 
is treated as a below-market demand loan subject to paragraph 
(e)(3)(iii) of this section. For each year that the loan is outstanding, 
however, the rate used in the determination of forgone interest under 
paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section is not the blended annual rate but 
rather is the AFR (based on annual compounding) appropriate for the 
loan's term as of the month in which the loan is made. See paragraph 
(e)(5)(iv)(C) of this section to determine the loan's term.
    (C) Term of loan. For purposes of paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(B) of this 
section, the term of a gift split-dollar term loan is the term 
determined under paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this section.
    (D) Limited application for gift split-dollar term loans. The rules 
of paragraph (e)(5)(iv)(B) of this section apply

[[Page 594]]

to a gift split-dollar term loan only for Federal income tax purposes. 
For purposes of Chapter 12 of the Internal Revenue Code (relating to the 
gift tax), gift below-market split-dollar term loans are treated as term 
loans under section 7872(b) and paragraph (e)(4) of this section. See 
section 7872(d)(2).
    (v) Split-dollar loans payable on the later of a term certain and 
another specified date--(A) Applicability. This paragraph (e)(5)(v) 
applies to any split-dollar term loan payable upon the later of a term 
certain or--
    (1) The death of an individual; or
    (2) For a loan described in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) of this 
section, the date on which the condition to perform substantial future 
services by an individual ends.
    (B) Treatment of loan--(1) In general. A split-dollar loan described 
in paragraph (e)(5)(v)(A) of this section is a split-dollar term loan, 
subject to paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (2) Term of the loan. The term of a split-dollar loan described in 
paragraph (e)(5)(v)(A) of this section is the term certain.
    (3) Appropriate AFR. The appropriate AFR for a split-dollar loan 
described in paragraph (e)(5)(v)(A) of this section is based on a term 
of the longer of the term certain or the loan's expected term as 
determined under either paragraph (e)(5) (ii) or (iii) of this section, 
whichever is applicable.
    (C) Retirement and reissuance. If a split-dollar loan described in 
paragraph (e)(5)(v)(A) of this section remains outstanding longer than 
the term certain, the split-dollar loan is treated for purposes of this 
section as retired and reissued at the end of the term certain for an 
amount of cash equal to the loan's adjusted issue price on that date. 
The reissued loan is subject to paragraph (e)(5) (ii) or (iii) of this 
section, whichever is applicable. However, the loan is not retested at 
that time to determine whether the loan provides for sufficient 
interest. For purposes of paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section, the 
appropriate AFR for the reissued loan is the AFR determined under 
paragraph (e)(5)(v)(B)(3) of this section on the day the loan was 
originally made.
    (vi) Example. The provisions of this paragraph (e)(5) are 
illustrated by the following example:

    Example. (i) On January 1, 2009, Corporation Y and Shareholder B, a 
65 year-old male, enter into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement 
under which B is named as the policy owner. On January 1, 2009, Y makes 
a $100,000 premium payment, repayable, without interest, from the death 
benefits of the underlying contract upon B's death. The premium payment 
is a split-dollar term loan. Repayment of the premium payment is fully 
recourse to B. Assume the long-term AFR (based on annual compounding) at 
the time of the loan is 7 percent. Both Y and B use the calendar year as 
their taxable years.
    (ii) Based on Table 1 in Sec.  1.72-9, the expected term of the loan 
is 15 years. Under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(C) of this section, the long-
term AFR (based on annual compounding) is the appropriate test rate. 
Based on a 15-year term and a discount rate of 7 percent, compounded 
annually (the long-term AFR), the present value of the payments under 
the loan is $36,244.60, determined as follows: $100,000/[1+(0.07/
1)]\15\. Under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of this section, this loan is a 
below-market split-dollar term loan because the imputed loan amount of 
$36,244.60 (the present value of the amount required to be repaid to Y) 
is less than the amount loaned ($100,000).
    (iii) Under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of this section, the amount of 
forgone interest for 2009 (and each subsequent full calendar year that 
the loan remains outstanding) is $7,000, which is the amount of interest 
that would have been payable on the loan for the calendar year if 
interest accrued on the loan's adjusted issue price ($100,000) at the 
long-term AFR (7 percent, compounded annually). Under section 7872 and 
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, on December 31, 2009, Y is treated 
as making a section 301 distribution to B of $7,000. In addition, Y has 
$7,000 of imputed interest income for 2009.

    (f) Treatment of stated interest and OID for split-dollar loans--(1) 
In general. If a split-dollar loan provides for stated interest or OID, 
the loan is subject to this paragraph (f), regardless of whether the 
split-dollar loan has sufficient interest. Except as otherwise provided 
in this section, split-dollar loans are subject to the same Internal 
Revenue Code and regulatory provisions for stated interest and OID as 
other loans. For example, the lender of a split-dollar loan that 
provides for stated interest must account for any qualified stated 
interest (as defined in Sec.  1.1273-

[[Page 595]]

1(c)) under its regular method of accounting (for example, an accrual 
method or the cash receipts and disbursements method). See Sec.  1.446-2 
to determine the amount of qualified stated interest that accrues during 
an accrual period. In addition, the lender must account under Sec.  
1.1272-1 for any OID on a split-dollar loan. However, Sec.  1.1272-1(c) 
does not apply to any split-dollar loan. See paragraph (h) of this 
section for a subsequent waiver, cancellation, or forgiveness of stated 
interest on a split-dollar loan.
    (2) Term, payment schedule, and yield. The term of a split-dollar 
term loan determined under paragraph (e)(4)(iii) of this section (other 
than paragraph (e)(4)(iii)(C) of this section) applies to determine the 
split-dollar loan's term, payment schedule, and yield for all purposes 
of this section.
    (g) Certain variable rates of interest--(1) In general. This 
paragraph (g) provides rules for a split-dollar loan that provides for 
certain variable rates of interest. If this paragraph (g) does not apply 
to a variable rate split-dollar loan, the loan is subject to the rules 
in paragraph (j) of this section for split-dollar loans that provide for 
one or more contingent payments.
    (2) Applicability--(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph 
(g)(2)(ii) of this section, this paragraph (g) applies to a split-dollar 
loan that is a variable rate debt instrument (within the meaning of 
Sec.  1.1275-5) and that provides for stated interest at a qualified 
floating rate (or rates).
    (ii) Interest rate restrictions. This paragraph (g) does not apply 
to a split-dollar loan if, as a result of interest rate restrictions 
(such as an interest rate cap), the expected yield of the loan taking 
the restrictions into account is significantly less than the expected 
yield of the loan without regard to the restrictions. Conversely, if 
reasonably symmetric interest rate caps and floors or reasonably 
symmetric governors are fixed throughout the term of the loan, these 
restrictions generally do not prevent this paragraph (g) from applying 
to the loan.
    (3) Testing for sufficient interest--(i) Demand loan. For purposes 
of paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section (regarding testing a split-
dollar demand loan for sufficient interest), a split-dollar demand loan 
is treated as if it provided for a fixed rate of interest for each 
accrual period to which a qualified floating rate applies. The projected 
fixed rate for each accrual period is the value of the qualified 
floating rate as of the beginning of the calendar year that contains the 
last day of the accrual period.
    (ii) Term loan. For purposes of paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section 
(regarding testing a split-dollar term loan for sufficient interest), a 
split-dollar term loan subject to this paragraph (g) is treated as if it 
provided for a fixed rate of interest for each accrual period to which a 
qualified floating rate applies. The projected fixed rate for each 
accrual period is the value of the qualified floating rate on the date 
the split-dollar term loan is made. The term of a split-dollar loan that 
is subject to this paragraph (g)(3)(ii) is determined using the rules in 
Sec.  1.1274-4(c)(2). For example, if the loan provides for interest at 
a qualified floating rate that adjusts at varying intervals, the term of 
the loan is determined by reference to the longest interval between 
interest adjustment dates. See paragraph (e)(5) of this section for 
special rules relating to certain split-dollar term loans, such as a 
split-dollar term loan payable not later than the death of an 
individual.
    (4) Interest accruals and imputed transfers. For purposes of 
paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, the projected fixed rate or 
rates determined under paragraph (g)(3) of this section are used for 
purposes of determining the accrual of interest each period and the 
amount of any imputed transfers. Appropriate adjustments are made to the 
interest accruals and any imputed transfers to take into account any 
difference between the projected fixed rate and the actual rate.
    (5) Example. The provisions of this paragraph (g) are illustrated by 
the following example:

    Example. (i) On January 1, 2010, Employer V and Employee F enter 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which F is named as 
the policy owner. On January 1, 2010, V makes a $100,000 premium 
payment, repayable in 15 years. The premium payment is a split-dollar 
term loan. Under the arrangement between the parties, interest is 
payable on the split-dollar loan each year on

[[Page 596]]

January 1, starting January 1, 2011, at a rate equal to the value of 1-
year LIBOR as of the payment date. The short-term AFR (based on annual 
compounding) at the time of the loan is 7 percent. Repayment of both the 
premium payment and the interest due thereon is nonrecourse to F. 
However, the parties made a representation under paragraph (d)(2) of 
this section. Assume that the value of 1-year LIBOR on January 1, 2010, 
is 8 percent, compounded annually.
    (ii) The loan is subject to this paragraph (g) because the loan is a 
variable rate debt instrument that bears interest at a qualified 
floating rate. Because the interest rate is reset each year, under 
paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section, the short-term AFR (based on 
annual compounding) is the appropriate test rate used to determine 
whether the loan provides for sufficient interest. Moreover, under 
paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section, to determine whether the loan 
provides for sufficient interest, the loan is treated as if it provided 
for a fixed rate of interest equal to 8 percent, compounded annually. 
Based on a discount rate of 7 percent, compounded annually (the short-
term AFR), the present value of the payments under the loan is 
$109,107.91. The loan provides for sufficient interest because the 
loan's imputed loan amount of $109,107.91 (the present value of the 
payments) is more than the amount loaned of $100,000. Therefore, the 
loan is not a below-market split-dollar term loan, and interest on the 
loan is taken into account under paragraph (f) of this section.

    (h) Adjustments for interest paid at less than the stated rate--(1) 
Application--(i) In general. To the extent required by this paragraph 
(h), if accrued but unpaid interest on a split-dollar loan is 
subsequently waived, cancelled, or forgiven by the lender, then the 
waiver, cancellation, or forgiveness is treated as if, on that date, the 
interest had in fact been paid to the lender and retransferred by the 
lender to the borrower. The amount deemed transferred and retransferred 
is determined under paragraph (h) (2) or (3) of this section. Except as 
provided in paragraph (h)(1)(iv) of this section, the amount treated as 
retransferred by the lender to the borrower under paragraph (h) (2) or 
(3) of this section is increased by the deferral charge determined under 
paragraph (h)(4) of this section. To determine the character of any 
retransferred amount, see paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section. See Sec.  
1.61-22(b)(6) for the treatment of amounts other than interest on a 
split-dollar loan that are waived, cancelled, or forgiven by the lender.
    (ii) Certain split-dollar term loans. For purposes of this paragraph 
(h), a split-dollar term loan described in paragraph (e)(5) of this 
section (for example, a split-dollar term loan payable not later than 
the death of an individual) is subject to the rules of paragraph (h)(3) 
of this section.
    (iii) Payments treated as a waiver, cancellation, or forgiveness. 
For purposes of this paragraph (h), if a payment by the lender (or a 
person related to the lender) to the borrower is, in substance, a 
waiver, cancellation, or forgiveness of accrued but unpaid interest, the 
payment by the lender (or person related to the lender) is treated as an 
amount retransferred to the borrower by the lender under this paragraph 
(h) and is subject to the deferral charge in paragraph (h)(4) of this 
section to the extent that the payment is, in substance, a waiver, 
cancellation, or forgiveness of accrued but unpaid interest.
    (iv) Treatment of certain nonrecourse split-dollar loans. For 
purposes of this paragraph (h), if the parties to a split-dollar life 
insurance arrangement make the representation described in paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section and the interest actually paid on the split-
dollar loan is less than the interest required to be accrued on the 
split-dollar loan, the excess of the interest required to be accrued 
over the interest actually paid is treated as waived, cancelled, or 
forgiven by the lender under this paragraph (h). However, the amount 
treated as retransferred under paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section is 
not increased by the deferral charge in paragraph (h)(4) of this 
section.
    (2) Split-dollar term loans. In the case of a split-dollar term 
loan, the amount of interest deemed transferred and retransferred for 
purposes of paragraph (h)(1) of this section is determined as follows:
    (i) If the loan's stated rate is less than or equal to the 
appropriate AFR (the AFR used to test the loan for sufficient interest 
under paragraph (e) of this section), the amount of interest deemed 
transferred and retransferred pursuant to this paragraph (h) is the

[[Page 597]]

excess of the amount of interest payable at the stated rate over the 
interest actually paid.
    (ii) If the loan's stated rate is greater than the appropriate AFR 
(the AFR used to test the loan for sufficient interest under paragraph 
(e) of this section), the amount of interest deemed transferred and 
retransferred pursuant to this paragraph (h) is the excess, if any, of 
the amount of interest payable at the AFR over the interest actually 
paid.
    (3) Split-dollar demand loans. In the case of a split-dollar demand 
loan, the amount of interest deemed transferred and retransferred for 
purposes of paragraph (h)(1) of this section is equal to the aggregate 
of--
    (i) For each year that the split-dollar demand loan was outstanding 
in which the loan was a below-market split-dollar demand loan, the 
excess of the amount of interest payable at the stated rate over the 
interest actually paid allocable to that year; plus
    (ii) For each year that the split-dollar demand loan was outstanding 
in which the loan was not a below-market split-dollar demand loan, the 
excess, if any, of the amount of interest payable at the appropriate 
rate used for purposes of imputation for that year over the interest 
actually paid allocable to that year.
    (4) Deferral charge. The Commissioner may prescribe the method for 
determining the deferral charge treated as retransferred by the lender 
to the borrower under paragraph (h)(1) of this section. Until the 
Commissioner prescribes otherwise, the deferral charge is determined 
under paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section for a split-dollar term loan 
subject to paragraph (h)(2) of this section and under paragraph 
(h)(4)(ii) of this section for a split-dollar demand loan subject to 
paragraph (h)(3) of this section.
    (i) Split-dollar term loan. The deferral charge for a split-dollar 
term loan subject to paragraph (h)(2) of this section is determined by 
multiplying the hypothetical underpayment by the applicable underpayment 
rate, compounded daily, for the period from the date the split-dollar 
loan was made to the date the interest is waived, cancelled, or 
forgiven. The hypothetical underpayment is equal to the amount 
determined under paragraph (h)(2) of this section, multiplied by the 
highest rate of income tax applicable to the borrower (for example, the 
highest rate in effect under section 1 for individuals) for the taxable 
year in which the split-dollar term loan was made. The applicable 
underpayment rate is the average of the quarterly underpayment rates in 
effect under section 6621(a)(2) for the period from the date the split-
dollar loan was made to the date the interest is waived, cancelled, or 
forgiven.
    (ii) Split-dollar demand loan. The deferral charge for a split-
dollar demand loan subject to paragraph (h)(3) of this section is the 
sum of the following amounts determined for each year the loan was 
outstanding (other than the year in which the waiver, cancellation, or 
forgiveness occurs): For each year the loan was outstanding, multiply 
the hypothetical underpayment for the year by the applicable 
underpayment rate, compounded daily, for the applicable period. The 
hypothetical underpayment is equal to the amount determined under 
paragraph (h)(3) of this section for each year, multiplied by the 
highest rate of income tax applicable to the borrower for that year (for 
example, the highest rate in effect under section 1 for individuals). 
The applicable underpayment rate is the average of the quarterly 
underpayment rates in effect under section 6621(a)(2) for the applicable 
period. The applicable period for a year is the period of time from the 
last day of that year until the date the interest is waived, cancelled, 
or forgiven.
    (5) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph (h) are illustrated 
by the following examples:

    Example 1. (i) On January 1, 2009, Employer Y and Employee B entered 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which B is named as 
the policy owner. On January 1, 2009, Y made a $100,000 premium payment, 
repayable on December 31, 2011, with interest of 5 percent, compounded 
annually. The premium payment is a split-dollar term loan. Assume the 
short-term AFR (based on annual compounding) at the time the loan was 
made was 5 percent. Repayment of both the premium payment and the 
interest due thereon was fully recourse to B. On December 31, 2011, Y is 
repaid $100,000 but Y waives the remainder due on the loan ($15,762.50).

[[Page 598]]

Both Y and B use the calendar year as their taxable years.
    (ii) When the split-dollar term loan was made, the loan was not a 
below-market loan under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section. Under 
paragraph (f) of this section, Y was required to accrue compound 
interest of 5 percent each year the loan remained outstanding. B, 
however, was not entitled to any deduction for this interest under 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (iii) Under paragraph (h)(1) of this section, the waived amount is 
treated as if, on December 31, 2011, it had in fact been paid to Y and 
was then retransferred by Y to B. The amount deemed transferred to Y and 
retransferred to B equals the excess of the amount of interest payable 
at the stated rate ($15,762.50) over the interest actually paid ($0), or 
$15,762.50. In addition, the amount deemed retransferred to B is 
increased by the deferral charge determined under paragraph (h)(4) of 
this section. Because of the employment relationship between Y and B, 
the total retransferred amount is treated as compensation paid by Y to 
B.

    Example 2. (i) On January 1, 2009, Employer Y and Employee B entered 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which B is named as 
the policy owner. On January 1, 2009, Y made a $100,000 premium payment, 
repayable on the demand of Y, with interest of 7 percent, compounded 
annually. The premium payment is a split-dollar demand loan. Assume the 
blended annual rate (based on annual compounding) in 2009 was 5 percent 
and in 2010 was 6 percent. Repayment of both the premium payment and the 
interest due thereon was fully recourse to B. On December 31, 2010, Y 
demands repayment and is repaid its $100,000 premium payment in full; 
however, Y waives all interest due on the loan. Both Y and B use the 
calendar year as their taxable years.
    (ii) For each year that the split-dollar demand loan was 
outstanding, the loan was not a below-market loan under paragraph 
(e)(3)(ii) of this section. Under paragraph (f) of this section, Y was 
required to accrue compound interest of 7 percent each year the loan 
remained outstanding. B, however, was not entitled to any deduction for 
this interest under paragraph (c) of this section.
    (iii) Under paragraph (h)(1) of this section, a portion of the 
waived interest is treated as if, on December 31, 2010, it had in fact 
been paid to Y and was then retransferred by Y to B. The amount of 
interest deemed transferred to Y and retransferred to B equals the 
excess, if any, of the amount of interest payable at the blended annual 
rate for each year the loan is outstanding over the interest actually 
paid with respect to that year. For 2009, the interest payable at the 
blended annual rate is $5,000 ($100,000 x 0.05). For 2010, the interest 
payable at the blended annual rate is $6,000 ($100,000 x 0.06). 
Therefore, the amount of interest deemed transferred to Y and 
retransferred to B equals $11,000. In addition, the amount deemed 
retransferred to B is increased by the deferral charge determined under 
paragraph (h)(4) of this section. Because of the employment relationship 
between Y and B, the total retransferred amount is treated as 
compensation paid by Y to B.

    (i) [Reserved]
    (j) Split-dollar loans that provide for contingent payments--(1) In 
general. Except as provided in paragraph (j)(2) of this section, this 
paragraph (j) provides rules for a split-dollar loan that provides for 
one or more contingent payments. This paragraph (j), rather than Sec.  
1.1275-4, applies to split-dollar loans that provide for one or more 
contingent payments.
    (2) Exceptions--(i) Certain contingencies. For purposes of this 
section, a split-dollar loan does not provide for contingent payments 
merely because--
    (A) The loan provides for options described in paragraph 
(e)(4)(iii)(B) of this section (for example, certain call options, put 
options, and options to extend); or
    (B) The loan is described in paragraph (e)(5) of this section 
(relating to certain split-dollar term loans, such as a split-dollar 
term loan payable not later than the death of an individual).
    (ii) Insolvency and default. For purposes of this section, a payment 
is not contingent merely because of the possibility of impairment by 
insolvency, default, or similar circumstances. However, if any payment 
on a split-dollar loan is nonrecourse to the borrower, the payment is a 
contingent payment for purposes of this paragraph (j) unless the parties 
to the arrangement make the written representation provided for in 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
    (iii) Remote and incidental contingencies. For purposes of this 
section, a payment is not a contingent payment merely because of a 
contingency that, as of the date the split-dollar loan is made, is 
either remote or incidental (within the meaning of Sec.  1.1275-2(h)).
    (iv) Exceptions for certain split-dollar loans. This paragraph (j) 
does not apply to a split-dollar loan described in Sec.  1.1272-1(d) 
(certain debt instruments that provide for a fixed yield) or a split-
dollar loan described in paragraph

[[Page 599]]

(g) of this section (relating to split-dollar loans providing for 
certain variable rates of interest).
    (3) Contingent split-dollar method--(i) In general. If a split-
dollar loan provides for one or more contingent payments, then the 
parties account for the loan under the contingent split-dollar method. 
In general, except as provided in this paragraph (j), this method is the 
same as the noncontingent bond method described in Sec.  1.1275-4(b).
    (ii) Projected payment schedule--(A) Determination of schedule. No 
comparable yield is required to be determined. The projected payment 
schedule for the loan includes all noncontingent payments and a 
projected payment for each contingent payment. The projected payment for 
a contingent payment is the lowest possible value of the payment. The 
projected payment schedule, however, must produce a yield that is not 
less than zero. If the projected payment schedule produces a negative 
yield, the schedule must be reasonably adjusted to produce a yield of 
zero.
    (B) Split-dollar term loans payable upon the death of an individual. 
If a split-dollar term loan described in paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(A) or 
(v)(A)(1) of this section provides for one or more contingent payments, 
the projected payment schedule is determined based on the term of the 
loan as determined under paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(C) or (v)(B)(2) of this 
section, whichever is applicable.
    (C) Certain split-dollar term loans conditioned on the future 
performance of substantial services by an individual. If a split-dollar 
term loan described in paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(A)(1) or (v)(A)(2) of this 
section provides for one or more contingent payments, the projected 
payment schedule is determined based on the term of the loan as 
determined under paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(C) or (v)(B)(2) of this section, 
whichever is applicable.
    (D) Demand loans. If a split-dollar demand loan provides for one or 
more contingent payments, the projected payment schedule is determined 
based on a reasonable assumption as to when the lender will demand 
repayment.
    (E) Borrower/lender consistency. Contrary to Sec.  1.1275-
4(b)(4)(iv), the lender rather than the borrower is required to 
determine the projected payment schedule and to provide the schedule to 
the borrower and to any indirect participant as described in paragraph 
(e)(2) of this section. The lender's projected payment schedule is used 
by the lender, the borrower, and any indirect participant to compute 
interest accruals and adjustments.
    (iii) Negative adjustments. If the issuer of a split-dollar loan is 
not allowed to deduct interest or OID (for example, because of section 
163(h) or 264), then the issuer is not required to include in income any 
negative adjustment carryforward determined under Sec.  1.1275-
4(b)(6)(iii)(C) on the loan, except to the extent that at maturity the 
total payments made over the life of the loan are less than the issue 
price of the loan.
    (4) Application of section 7872--(i) Determination of below-market 
status. The yield based on the projected payment schedule determined 
under paragraph (j)(3) of this section is used to determine whether the 
loan is a below-market split-dollar loan under paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (ii) Adjustment upon the resolution of a contingent payment. To the 
extent that interest has accrued under section 7872 on a split-dollar 
loan and the interest would not have accrued under this paragraph (j) in 
the absence of section 7872, the lender is not required to recognize 
income under Sec.  1.1275-4(b) for a positive adjustment and the 
borrower is not treated as having interest expense for a positive 
adjustment. To the same extent, there is a reversal of the tax 
consequences imposed under paragraph (e) of this section for the prior 
imputed transfer from the lender to the borrower. This reversal is taken 
into account in determining adjusted gross income.
    (5) Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this 
paragraph (j). For purposes of this paragraph (j)(5), assume that the 
contingent payments are neither remote nor incidental. The examples are 
as follows:

    Example 1. (i) On January 1, 2010, Employer T and Employee G enter 
into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement under which G is named as 
the policy owner. On January 1, 2010, T makes a $100,000 premium 
payment. On December 31, 2013, T will be repaid an

[[Page 600]]

amount equal to the premium payment plus an amount based on the 
increase, if any, in the price of a specified commodity for the period 
the loan is outstanding. The premium payment is a split-dollar term 
loan. Repayment of both the premium payment and the interest due thereon 
is recourse to G. Assume that the appropriate AFR for this loan, based 
on annual compounding, is 7 percent. Both T and G use the calendar year 
as their taxable years.
    (ii) Under this paragraph (j), the split-dollar term loan between T 
and G provides for a contingent payment. Therefore, the loan is subject 
to the contingent split-dollar method. Under this method, the projected 
payment schedule for the loan provides for a noncontingent payment of 
$100,000 and a projected payment of $0 for the contingent payment 
(because it is the lowest possible value of the payment) on December 31, 
2013.
    (iii) Based on the projected payment schedule and a discount rate of 
7 percent, compounded annually (the appropriate AFR), the present value 
of the payments under the loan is $76,289.52. Under paragraphs (e)(4) 
and (j)(4)(i) of this section, the loan does not provide for sufficient 
interest because the loan's imputed loan amount of $76,289.52 (the 
present value of the payments) is less than the amount loaned of 
$100,000. Therefore, the loan is a below-market split-dollar term loan 
and the loan is recharacterized as consisting of two portions: an 
imputed loan amount of $76,289.52 and an imputed transfer of $23,710.48 
(amount loaned of $100,000 minus the imputed loan amount of $76,289.52).
    (iv) In accordance with section 7872(b)(1) and paragraph (e)(4)(iv) 
of this section, on the date the loan is made, T is treated as 
transferring to G $23,710.48 (the imputed transfer) as compensation. In 
addition, T must take into account as OID an amount equal to the imputed 
transfer. See Sec.  1.1272-1 for the treatment of OID.
    Example 2. (i) Assume, in addition to the facts in Example 1, that 
on December 31, 2013, T receives $115,000 (its premium payment of 
$100,000 plus $15,000).
    (ii) Under the contingent split-dollar method, when the loan is 
repaid, there is a $15,000 positive adjustment ($15,000 actual payment 
minus $0 projected payment). Under paragraph (j)(4) of this section, 
because T accrued imputed interest under section 7872 on this split-
dollar loan to G and this interest would not have accrued in the absence 
of section 7872, T is not required to include the positive adjustment in 
income, and G is not treated as having interest expense for the positive 
adjustment. To the same extent, T must include in income, and G is 
entitled to deduct, $15,000 to reverse their respective prior tax 
consequences imposed under paragraph (e) of this section (T's prior 
deduction for imputed compensation deemed paid to G and G's prior 
inclusion of this amount). G takes the reversal into account in 
determining adjusted gross income. That is, the $15,000 is an ``above-
the-line'' deduction, whether or not G itemizes deductions.
    Example 3. (i) Assume the same facts as in Example 2, except that on 
December 31, 2013, T receives $127,000 (its premium payment of $100,000 
plus $27,000).
    (ii) Under the contingent split-dollar method, when the loan is 
repaid, there is a $27,000 positive adjustment ($27,000 actual payment 
minus $0 projected payment). Under paragraph (j)(4) of this section, 
because T accrued imputed interest of $23,710.48 under section 7872 on 
this split-dollar loan to G and this interest would not have accrued in 
the absence of section 7872, T is not required to include $23,710.48 of 
the positive adjustment in income, and G is not treated as having 
interest expense for the positive adjustment. To the same extent, in 
2013, T must include in income, and G is entitled to deduct, $23,710.48 
to reverse their respective prior tax consequences imposed under 
paragraph (e) of this section (T's prior deduction for imputed 
compensation deemed paid to G and G's prior inclusion of this amount). G 
and T take these reversals into account in determining adjusted gross 
income. Under the contingent split-dollar method, T must include in 
income $3,289.52 upon resolution of the contingency ($27,000 positive 
adjustment minus $23,710.48).

    (k) Payment ordering rule. For purposes of this section, a payment 
made by the borrower to or for the benefit of the lender pursuant to a 
split-dollar life insurance arrangement is applied to all direct and 
indirect split-dollar loans in the following order--
    (1) A payment of interest to the extent of accrued but unpaid 
interest (including any OID) on all outstanding split-dollar loans in 
the order the interest accrued;
    (2) A payment of principal on the outstanding split-dollar loans in 
the order in which the loans were made;
    (3) A payment of amounts previously paid by a non-owner pursuant to 
a split-dollar life insurance arrangement that were not reasonably 
expected to be repaid by the owner; and
    (4) Any other payment with respect to a split-dollar life insurance 
arrangement, other than a payment taken into account under paragraphs 
(k)(1), (2), and (3) of this section.
    (l) [Reserved]
    (m) Repayments received by a lender. Any amount received by a lender 
under a life insurance contract that is part of

[[Page 601]]

a split-dollar life insurance arrangement is treated as though the 
amount had been paid to the borrower and then paid by the borrower to 
the lender. Any amount treated as received by the borrower under this 
paragraph (m) is subject to other provisions of the Internal Revenue 
Code as applicable (for example, sections 72 and 101(a)). The lender 
must take the amount into account as a payment received with respect to 
a split-dollar loan, in accordance with paragraph (k) of this section. 
No amount received by a lender with respect to a split-dollar loan is 
treated as an amount received by reason of the death of the insured.
    (n) Effective date--(1) General rule. This section applies to any 
split-dollar life insurance arrangement entered into after September 17, 
2003. For purposes of this section, an arrangement is entered into as 
determined under Sec.  1.61-22(j)(1)(ii).
    (2) Modified arrangements treated as new arrangements. If an 
arrangement entered into on or before September 17, 2003 is materially 
modified (within the meaning of Sec.  1.61-22(j)(2)) after September 17, 
2003, the arrangement is treated as a new arrangement entered into on 
the date of the modification.

[T.D. 9092, 68 FR 54352, Sept. 17, 2003]

                      PUBLIC LAW 74, 84TH CONGRESS

    Source: Sections 1.9000-1 to 1.9000-8 contained in T.D. 6500, 25 FR 
12155, Nov. 26, 1960, unless otherwise noted.