[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 26, Volume 8]
[Revised as of April 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 26CFR1.848-2]

[Page 761-774]
 
                       TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE
 
    CHAPTER I--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
Determination of Tax Liability--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 1.848-2  Determination of net premiums.

    (a) Net premiums--(1) In general. An insurance company must use the 
accrual method of accounting (as prescribed by section 811(a)(1)) to 
determine the net premiums with respect to each category of specified 
insurance contracts. With respect to any category of contracts, net 
premiums means--
    (i) The gross amount of premiums and other consideration (see 
paragraph (b) of this section); reduced by
    (ii) The sum of--
    (A) The return premiums (see paragraph (e) of this section); and
    (B) The net negative consideration for a reinsurance agreement 
(other than an agreement described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section). 
See paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section for rules relating to the 
determination of net negative consideration.
    (2) Separate determination of net premiums for certain reinsurance 
agreements. Net premiums with respect to reinsurance agreements for 
which an election under paragraph (h)(3) of this section has been made 
(certain reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to United 
States taxation) are treated separately and are subject to the rules of 
paragraph (h) of this section.
    (b) Gross amount of premiums and other consideration--(1) General 
rule. The term ``gross amount of premiums and other consideration'' 
means the sum of--
    (i) All premiums and other consideration (other than amounts on 
reinsurance agreements); and
    (ii) The net positive consideration for any reinsurance agreement 
(other than an agreement for which an election under paragraph (h)(3) of 
this section has been made).
    (2) Items included. The gross amount of premiums and other 
consideration includes--
    (i) Advance premiums;
    (ii) Amounts in a premium deposit fund or similar account, to the 
extent provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section;
    (iii) Fees;
    (iv) Assessments;
    (v) Amounts that the insurance company charges itself representing 
premiums with respect to benefits for its employees (including full-time 
life insurance salesmen treated as employees under section 7701(a)(20)); 
and
    (vi) The value of a new contract issued in an exchange described in 
paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this section.
    (3) Treatment of premium deposits--(i) In general. An amount in a 
premium deposit fund or similar account is taken into account in 
determining the gross amount of premiums and other consideration at the 
earlier of the time that the amount is applied to, or irrevocably 
committed to, the payment of a premium on a specified insurance 
contract. If an amount is irrevocably committed to the payment of a 
premium on a specified insurance contract, then neither that amount nor 
any earnings allocable to that amount are included in the gross amount 
of premiums and other consideration when applied to the payment of a 
premium on the same contract.
    (ii) Amounts irrevocably committed to the payment of premiums. 
Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section, an amount 
in a premium deposit fund or similar account is irrevocably committed to 
the payment of premiums on a contract only if neither the amount nor any 
earnings allocable to that amount may be--
    (A) Returned to the policyholder or any other person (other than on 
surrender of the contract); or
    (B) Used by the policyholder to fund another contract.
    (iii) Retired lives reserves. Premiums received by an insurance 
company under a retired lives reserve arrangement are treated as 
irrevocably committed to the payment of premiums on a specified 
insurance contract.
    (4) Deferred and uncollected premiums. The gross amount of premiums 
and other consideration does not include deferred and uncollected 
premiums.
    (c) Policy exchanges--(1) General rule. Except as otherwise provided 
in this paragraph (c), an exchange of insurance contracts (including a 
change in the terms of a specified insurance contract) does not result 
in any amount being included in the gross amount of premiums and other 
consideration.
    (2) External exchanges. If a contract is exchanged for a specified 
insurance contract issued by another insurance

[[Page 762]]

company, the company that issues the new contract must include the value 
of the new contract in the gross amount of premiums and other 
consideration.
    (3) Internal exchanges resulting in fundamentally different 
contracts--(i) In general. If a contract is exchanged for a specified 
insurance contract issued by the same insurance company that issued the 
original contract, the company must include the value of the new 
contract in the gross amount of premiums and other consideration if the 
new contract--
    (A) Relates to a different category of specified insurance contract 
than the original contract;
    (B) Does not cover the same insured as the original contract; or
    (C) Changes the interest, mortality, morbidity, or expense 
guarantees with respect to the nonforfeiture benefits provided in the 
original contract.
    (ii) Certain modifications treated as not changing the mortality, 
morbidity, interest, or expense guarantees. For purposes of paragraph 
(c)(3)(i)(C) of this section, the following items are not treated as 
changing the interest, mortality, morbidity, or expense guarantees with 
respect to the nonforfeiture benefits provided in the contract--
    (A) A change in a temporary guarantee with respect to the amounts to 
be credited as interest to the policyholder's account, or charged as 
mortality, morbidity, or expense charges, if the new guarantee applies 
for a period of ten years or less;
    (B) The determination of benefits on annuitization using rates which 
are more favorable to the policyholder than the permanently guaranteed 
rates; and
    (C) Other items as specified by the Commissioner in subsequent 
guidance published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin.
    (iii) Exception for contracts restructured by a court supervised 
rehabilitation or similar proceeding. No amount is included in the gross 
amount of premiums and other consideration with respect to any change 
made to the interest, mortality, morbidity, or expense guarantees with 
respect to the nonforfeiture benefits of contracts of an insurance 
company that is the subject of a rehabilitation, conservatorship, 
insolvency, or similar state proceeding. This treatment applies only if 
the change--
    (A) Occurs as part of the rehabilitation, conservatorship, 
insolvency, or similar state proceeding; and
    (B) Is approved by the state court, the state insurance department, 
or other state official with authority to act in the rehabilitation, 
conservatorship, insolvency, or similar state proceeding.
    (4) Value of the contract--(i) In general. For purposes of paragraph 
(c)(2) or (c)(3) of this section, the value of the new contract is 
established through the most recent sale by the company of a comparable 
contract. If the value of the new contract is not readily ascertainable, 
the value may be approximated by using the interpolated terminal reserve 
of the original contract as of the date of the exchange.
    (ii) Special rule for group term life insurance contracts. In the 
case of any exchange involving a group term life insurance contract 
without cash value, the value of the new contract is deemed to be zero.
    (iii) Special rule for certain policy enhancement and update 
programs--(A) In general. If the interest, mortality, morbidity, or 
expense guarantees with respect to the nonforfeiture benefits of a 
specified insurance contract are changed pursuant to a policy 
enhancement or update program, the value of the contract included in the 
gross amount of premiums and other consideration equals 30 percent of 
the value determined under paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
    (B) Policy enhancement or update program defined. For purposes of 
paragraph (c)(4)(iii)(A) of this section, a policy enhancement or update 
program means any offer or commitment by the insurance company to all of 
the policyholders holding a particular policy form to change the 
interest, mortality, morbidity, or expense guarantees used to determine 
the contract's nonforfeiture benefits.
    (5) Example. The principles of this paragraph (c) are illustrated by 
the following example.

    Example. (i) An individual (A) owns a life insurance policy issued 
by a life insurance

[[Page 763]]

company (L1). On January 1, 1993, A purchases additional term insurance 
for $250, which is added as a rider to A's life insurance policy. The 
purchase of the additional term insurance does not change the interest 
mortality, morbidity, or expense guarantees with respect to the 
nonforfeiture benefits provided by A's life insurance policy.
    (ii) A's purchase of the term insurance rider is not considered to 
result in a fundamentally different contract under paragraph (c)(3) of 
this section because the addition of the rider did not change the 
interest, mortality, morbidity, or expense guarantees with respect to 
the nonforfeiture values of A's original life insurance policy. 
Therefore, L1 includes only the $250 received from A in the gross amount 
of premiums and other consideration.

    (d) Amounts excluded from the gross amount of premiums and other 
consideration--(1) In general. The following items are not included in 
the gross amount of premiums and other consideration--
    (i) Items treated by section 808(e) as policyholder dividends that 
are paid to the policyholder and immediately returned to the insurance 
company as a premium on the same contract that generated the dividends, 
including--
    (A) A policyholder dividend applied to pay a premium under the 
contract that generated the dividend;
    (B) Excess interest accumulated within the contract;
    (C) A policyholder dividend applied for additional coverage (for 
example, a paid-up addition, extension of the period for which insurance 
protection is provided, or reduction of the period for which premiums 
are paid) on the contract that generated the dividend;
    (D) A policyholder dividend applied to reduce premiums otherwise 
payable on the contract that generated the dividend;
    (E) An experience-rated refund applied to pay a premium on the group 
contract that generated the refund; and
    (F) An experience-rated refund applied to a premium stabilization 
reserve held with respect to the group contract that generated the 
refund;
    (ii) Premiums waived as a result of the disability of an insured or 
the disability or death of a premium payor;
    (iii) Premiums considered to be paid on a contract as the result of 
a partial surrender or withdrawal from the contract, or as a result of 
the surrender or withdrawal of a paid-up addition previously issued with 
respect to the same contract; and
    (iv) Amounts treated as premiums upon the selection by a 
policyholder or by a beneficiary of a settlement option provided in a 
life insurance contract.
    (2) Amounts received or accrued from a guaranty association. Amounts 
received or accrued from a guaranty association relating to an insurance 
company that is subject to an insolvency, delinquency, conservatorship, 
rehabilitation, or similar proceeding are not included in the gross 
amount of premiums and other consideration.
    (3) Exclusion not to apply to dividend accumulations. For purposes 
of section 848(d)(3) and paragraph (d)(1) of this section, amounts 
applied from a dividend accumulation account to pay premiums on a 
specified insurance contract are not amounts treated as paid to, and 
immediately returned by, the policyholder.
    (e) Return premiums. For purposes of section 848(d)(1)(B) and this 
section, return premiums do not include policyholder dividends (as 
defined in section 808), claims or benefits payments, or amounts 
returned to another insurance company under a reinsurance agreement. For 
the treatment of amounts returned to another insurance company under a 
reinsurance agreement, see paragraph (f) of this section.
    (f) Net consideration for a reinsurance agreement--(1) In general. 
For purposes of section 848, the ceding company and the reinsurer must 
treat amounts arising from the reinsurance of a specified insurance 
contract consistently in determining their net premiums. See paragraph 
(g) of this section for restrictions on the amount of the net negative 
consideration for any reinsurance agreement that may be taken into 
account. See paragraph (h) of this section for special rules applicable 
to reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to United States 
taxation.
    (2) Net consideration determined by a ceding company--(i) In 
general. The net consideration determined by a ceding company for a 
reinsurance agreement equals--

[[Page 764]]

    (A) The gross amount incurred by the reinsurer with respect to the 
reinsurance agreement, including any ceding commissions, annual 
allowances, reimbursements of claims and benefits, modified coinsurance 
reserve adjustments under paragraph (f)(5) of this section, experience-
rated adjustments, and termination payments; less
    (B) The gross amount of premiums and other consideration incurred by 
the ceding company with respect to the reinsurance agreement.
    (ii) Net negative and net positive consideration. If the net 
consideration is less than zero, the ceding company has net negative 
consideration for the reinsurance agreement. If the net consideration is 
greater than zero, the ceding company has net positive consideration for 
the reinsurance agreement.
    (3) Net consideration determined by the reinsurer--(i) In general. 
The net consideration determined by a reinsurer for a reinsurance 
agreement equals--
    (A) The amount described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B) of this section; 
less
    (B) The amount described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(A) of this section.
    (ii) Net negative and net positive consideration. If the net 
consideration is less than zero, the reinsurer has net negative 
consideration for the reinsurance agreement. If the net consideration is 
greater than zero, the reinsurer has net positive consideration for the 
reinsurance agreement.
    (4) Timing consistency required. For purposes of determining the net 
consideration of a party for a reinsurance agreement, an income or 
expense item is taken into account for the first taxable year for which 
the item is required to be taken into account by either party. Thus, the 
ceding company and the reinsurer must take the item into account for the 
same taxable year (or for the same period if the parties have different 
taxable years).
    (5) Modified coinsurance and funds-withheld reinsurance agreements--
(i) In general. In the case of a modified coinsurance or funds-withheld 
reinsurance agreement, the net consideration for the agreement includes 
the amount of any payments or reserve adjustments, as well as any 
related loan transactions between the ceding company and the reinsurer. 
The amount of any investment income transferred between the parties as 
the result of a reserve adjustment or loan transaction is treated as an 
item of consideration under the reinsurance agreement.
    (ii) Special rule for certain funds-withheld reinsurance agreements. 
In the case of a funds-withheld reinsurance agreement that is entered 
into after November 14, 1991, but before the first day of the first 
taxable year beginning after December 31, 1991, and is terminated before 
January 1, 1995, the parties' net consideration in the year of 
termination must include the amount of the original reserve for any 
reinsured specified insurance contract that, in applying the provisions 
of subchapter L, was treated as premiums and other consideration 
incurred for reinsurance for the taxable year in which the agreement 
became effective.
    (6) Treatment of retrocessions. For purposes of this paragraph (f), 
a retrocession agreement is treated as a separate reinsurance agreement. 
The party that is relieved of liability under a retrocession agreement 
is treated as the ceding company.
    (7) Mixed reinsurance agreement. If a reinsurance agreement includes 
more than one category of specified insurance contracts (or specified 
insurance contracts and contracts that are not specified insurance 
contracts), the portion of the agreement relating to each category of 
reinsured specified insurance contracts is treated as a separate 
agreement. The portion of the agreement relating to reinsured contracts 
that are not specified insurance contracts is similarly treated as a 
separate agreement.
    (8) Treatment of policyholder loans. For purposes of determining the 
net consideration under a reinsurance agreement, the transfer of a 
policyholder loan receivable is treated as an item of consideration 
under the agreement. The interest credited with respect to a 
policyholder loan receivable is treated as investment income earned 
directly by the party holding the receivable. The amounts taken into 
account as claims and benefit reimbursements under the agreement must be 
determined without reduction for the policyholder loan.

[[Page 765]]

    (9) Examples. The principles of this paragraph (f) are illustrated 
by the following examples.

    Example 1. On July 1, 1992, a life insurance company (L1) transfers 
a block of individual life insurance contracts to an unrelated life 
insurance company (L2) under an agreement whereby L2 becomes solely 
liable to the policyholders under the contracts reinsured. L1 and L2 are 
calendar year taxpayers. Under the assumption reinsurance agreement, L1 
agrees to pay L2 $100,000 for assuming the life insurance contracts, and 
L2 agrees to pay L1 a $17,000 ceding commission. Under paragraph (f)(2) 
of this section, L1 has net negative consideration of ($83,000) ($17,000 
ceding commission incurred by L2--$100,000 incurred by L1 for 
reinsurance). Under paragraph (f)(3) of this section, L2 has net 
positive consideration of $83,000. Under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this 
section, L2 includes the net positive consideration in its gross amount 
of premiums and other consideration.
    Example 2. (i) On July 1, 1992, a life insurance company (L1) 
transfers a block of individual life insurance contracts to an unrelated 
life insurance company (L2) under an agreement whereby L1 remains liable 
to the policyholders under the reinsured contracts. L1 and L2 are 
calendar year taxpayers. Under the indemnity reinsurance agreement, L1 
agrees to pay L2 $100,000 for reinsuring the life insurance contracts, 
and L2 agrees to pay L1 a $17,000 ceding commission. L1 agrees to pay L2 
an amount equal to the future premiums on the reinsured contracts. L2 
agrees to indemnify L1 for claims and benefits and administrative 
expenses incurred by L1 while the reinsurance agreement is in effect.
    (ii) For the period beginning July 1, 1992, and ending December 31, 
1992, the following income and expense items are determined with respect 
to the reinsured contracts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Item                           Income    Expense
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums..........................................    $25,000  .........
Death benefits....................................  .........    $10,000
Surrender benefits................................  .........      8,000
Premium taxes and other expenses..................  .........      2,000
                                                              ----------
      Total.......................................  .........     20,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) Under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, L1's net negative 
consideration equals ($88,000), which is determined by subtracting the 
$125,000 ($100,000 + $25,000) incurred by L1 from the $37,000 incurred 
by L2 under the reinsurance agreement ($17,000 + $10,000 + $8,000 + 
$2,000). L2's net positive consideration is $88,000. Under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, L2 includes the $88,000 net positive 
consideration in its gross amount of premiums and other consideration.
    Example 3. (i) Assume that the reinsurance agreement referred to in 
Example 2 is terminated on December 31, 1993. During the period from 
January 1, 1993 through December 31, 1993, the following income and 
expense items are determined with respect to the reinsured contracts:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Item                           Income    Expense
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums..........................................    $45,000  .........
Death benefits....................................  .........    $18,000
Surrender benefits................................  .........      6,000
Premium taxes and other expenses..................  .........      8,000
                                                              ----------
      Total.......................................  .........     32,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) On the termination of the reinsurance agreement, L1 receives a 
payment of $70,000 from L2 as consideration for releasing L2 from 
liability with respect to the reinsured contracts.
    (iii) L1's net positive consideration equals $57,000, which is the 
excess of the $102,000 incurred by L2 for the year ($18,000 + $6,000 + 
$8,000 + $70,000) over the $45,000 incurred by L1. L2's net negative 
consideration is ($57,000). L1 includes the net positive consideration 
in its gross amount of premiums and other consideration.
    Example 4. (i) On January 1, 1993, an insurance company (L1) enters 
into a modified coinsurance agreement with another insurance company 
(L2), covering a block of individual life insurance contracts. Both L1 
and L2 are calendar year taxpayers. Under the agreement, L2 is credited 
with an initial reinsurance premium equal to L1's reserves on the 
reinsured contracts at the inception of the agreement, any new premiums 
received with respect to the reinsured contracts, any decrease in L1's 
reserves on the reinsured contracts, and an amount of investment income 
determined by reference to L1's reserves on the reinsured contracts. L2 
is charged for all claims and expenses incurred with respect to the 
reinsured contracts plus an amount reflecting any increase in L1's 
reserves. The agreement further provides that cash settlements between 
the parties are made at the inception and termination of the agreement, 
as well as at the end of each calendar year while the agreement is in 
effect. The cash settlement is determined by netting the sum of the 
amounts credited to L2 against the sum of the amounts charged to L2 with 
respect to the reinsured policies. L1's reserves on the reinsured 
policies at the inception of the reinsurance agreement are $375,000.
    (ii) Under the cash settlement formula, L2 is credited with an 
initial reinsurance premium equal to L1's reserves on the reinsured 
policies ($375,000), but is charged an amount reflecting L1's policy 
reserve requirements ($375,000).

[[Page 766]]

    (iii) For the period ending December 31, 1993, L2 is also credited 
and charged the following amounts with respect to the reinsured 
contracts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Item                           Income    Expense
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums..........................................   $100,000  .........
Investment income.................................     39,000  .........
Death benefits....................................  .........    $65,000
Increase in reserves..............................  .........     75,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Under paragraph (f)(5) of this section, L2's net negative 
consideration for the 1993 taxable year equals ($1,000) which is 
determined by subtracting the sum of the amounts charged to L2 ($375,000 
+ $65,000 + $75,000 = $515,000) from the sum of the amounts credited to 
L2 ($375,000 + $100,000 + $39,000 = $514,000). L1's net positive 
consideration for calendar year 1993 equals $1,000. Under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, L1 includes the $1,000 net positive 
consideration in its gross amount of premiums and other consideration.
    Example 5. (i) On January 1, 1993, an insurance company (L1) enters 
into a coinsurance agreement with another insurance company (L2) 
covering a block of individual life insurance contracts. Both L1 and L2 
are calendar year taxpayers. Under the agreement, L2 is credited with an 
initial reinsurance premium equal to L1's reserves on the effective date 
of the agreement, any new premiums received on the reinsured contracts, 
but must indemnify L1 of all claims and expenses incurred with respect 
to the contracts. As part of the agreement, L2 makes a loan to L1 equal 
to the amount of the reserves on the reinsured contracts. L1's reserves 
on the reinsured contracts on the effective date of the agreement are 
$375,000. Thus, on the inception date of the reinsurance agreement, L1 
transfers to L2 its note for $375,000 as consideration for reinsurance.
    (ii) The reinsurance agreement between L1 and L2 is a funds-withheld 
reinsurance agreement. Under paragraph (f)(5) of this section, the 
amount of any loan transaction is taken into account in determining the 
parties' net consideration. At the inception of the reinsurance 
agreement, L2 is credited with a reinsurance premium equal to L1's 
reserves on the reinsured contracts ($375,000). L2's $375,000 loan to L1 
is treated as an amount returned to L1 under the agreement.
    (iii) For the period ending December 31, 1993, L2 is credited and 
charged the following amounts with respect to the reinsured contracts 
and the loan transaction with L1.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Item                           Income    Expense
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums..........................................   $100,000  .........
Accrued interest..................................     39,000  .........
Death benefits....................................  .........    $65,000
Increase in loan to L1............................  .........     75,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Under paragraph (f)(5) of this section, L2's net negative 
consideration for the 1993 taxable year equals ($1,000), which is 
determined by subtracting the sum of amounts incurred by L2 with respect 
to death benefits and the loan transaction ($375,000 + $65,000 + $75,000 
= $515,000) from the sum of the amounts credited to L2 as reinsurance 
premiums and interest on the loan transaction ($375,000 + $100,000 + 
39,000 = $514,000). L1's net positive consideration for calendar year 
1993 equals $1,000. Under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, L1 
includes the $1,000 net positive consideration in its gross amount of 
premiums and other consideration.
    Example 6. (i) On December 31, 1993, an insurance company (L1) 
enters into a reinsurance agreement with another insurance company (L2) 
covering a block of individual life insurance contracts. Both L1 and L2 
are calendar year taxpayers. Under the agreement, L2 is credited with 
L1's reserves on the reinsured contracts on the effective date of the 
agreement, plus any new premiums received on the reinsured contracts, 
but must indemnify L1 for all claims and expenses incurred with respect 
to the contracts. Under the agreement, L1 transfers cash of $325,000 to 
L2 plus rights to its policyholder loan receivables on the reinsured 
contracts ($50,000). L2 reports the reinsurance agreement by including 
the transferred policyholder loan receivables as an asset on its books.
    (ii) For the period beginning January 1, 1994 and ending December 
31, 1994, the following income and expense items are incurred with 
respect to the reinsured contracts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Item                           Income    Expense
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums..........................................   $100,000  .........
Death benefits....................................  .........    $25,000
Surrender benefits................................  .........      5,000
Premium taxes and other expenses..................  .........      8,000
                                                              ----------
      Total.......................................  .........     38,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iii) These amounts are net of the outstanding policyholder loans 
held by L2 of $20,000 with respect to death benefits and $15,000 with 
respect to surrender benefits.
    (iv) Under paragraph (f)(8) of this section, the transferred 
policyholder loan receivables are treated as an item of consideration 
under the reinsurance agreement. In determining the parties' net 
consideration for the agreement, the transferred policyholder loan 
receivables ($50,000) are treated as an item of consideration incurred 
by L1 under paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B) of this section. Therefore, for the 
1993 taxable year, L1 has net negative consideration of ($375,000). L2 
has net positive consideration of $375,000. Under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 
of this section, L2 includes the $375,000 net positive consideration in 
its gross amount of premiums and other consideration.

[[Page 767]]

    (v) For the 1994 taxable year, L2 has net positive consideration for 
the reinsurance agreement of $62,000 before adjustment for the 
transferred policyholder loans. Under paragraph (f)(8) of this section, 
the amounts taken into account as claim and benefit payments must be 
adjusted by the amount of any transferred policyholder loan receivables 
which are netted against the reinsurer's claim and benefit 
reimbursements. Therefore, L2 takes into account $45,000 
($25,000+$20,000=$45,000) as reimbursements for death benefits, and 
$20,000 ($5,000+$15,000=$20,000) as reimbursements for surrender 
benefits. After adjustment for these items, L2 has net positive 
consideration of $27,000, which is determined by subtracting the sum of 
the amounts charged to L2 ($45,000+$20,000+$8,000=$73,000) from the sum 
of the amounts credited to L2 ($100,000). L1 has net negative 
consideration of ($27,000) under the agreement. Under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, L2 includes the $27,000 net positive 
consideration in its gross amount of premiums and other consideration. 
The amount of any interest earned on the policyholder loan receivables 
after their transfer to L2 is treated as investment income earned 
directly by L2, and is not taken into account as an item of 
consideration under the agreement.

    (g) Reduction in the amount of net negative consideration to ensure 
consistency of capitalization for reinsurance agreements--(1) In 
general. Paragraph (g)(3) of this section provides for a reduction in 
the amount of net negative consideration that a party to a reinsurance 
agreement (other than a reinsurance agreement described in paragraph 
(h)(2) of this section) may take into account in determining net 
premiums under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section if the party with 
net positive consideration has a capitalization shortfall (as defined in 
paragraph (g)(4) of this section). Unless the party with net negative 
consideration demonstrates that the party with net positive 
consideration does not have a capitalization shortfall or demonstrates 
the amount of the other party's capitalization shortfall which is 
allocable to the reinsurance agreement, the net negative consideration 
that may be taken into account under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section is zero. However, the reduction of paragraph (g)(3) of this 
section does not apply to a reinsurance agreement if the parties make a 
joint election under paragraph (g)(8) of this section. Under the 
election, the party with net positive consideration capitalizes 
specified policy acquisition expenses with respect to the agreement 
without regard to the general deductions limitation of section 
848(c)(1).
    (2) Application to reinsurance agreements subject to the interim 
rules. In applying this paragraph (g) to a reinsurance agreement that is 
subject to the interim rules of Sec. 1.848-3, the term ``premiums and 
other consideration incurred for reinsurance under section 
848(d)(1)(B)'' is substituted for ``net negative consideration,'' and 
the term ``gross amount of premiums and other consideration under 
section 848(d)(1)(A)'' is substituted for ``net positive 
consideration.'' If an insurance company has ``premiums and other 
consideration incurred for reinsurance under section 848(d)(1)(B)'' and 
a ``gross amount of premiums and other consideration under section 
848(d)(1)(A)'' for the same agreement, the net of these amounts is taken 
into account for purposes of this paragraph (g).
    (3) Amount of reduction. The reduction required by this paragraph 
(g)(3) equals the amount obtained by dividing--
    (i) The portion of the capitalization shortfall (as defined in 
paragraph (g)(4) of this section) allocated to the reinsurance agreement 
under paragraph (g)(7) of this section; by
    (ii) The applicable percentage set forth in section 848(c)(1) for 
the category of specified insurance contracts reinsured by the 
agreement.
    (4) Capitalization shortfall. A ``capitalization shortfall'' equals 
the excess of--
    (i) The sum of the required capitalization amounts (as defined in 
paragraph (g)(5) of this section) for all reinsurance agreements (other 
than reinsurance agreements for which an election has been made under 
paragraph (h)(3) of this section); over
    (ii) The general deductions allocated to those reinsurance 
agreements, as determined under paragraph (g)(6) of this section.
    (5) Required capitalization amount--(i) In general. The ``required 
capitalization amount'' for a reinsurance agreement (other than a 
reinsurance agreement for which an election has been made under 
paragraph (h)(3) of this section)

[[Page 768]]

equals the amount (either positive or negative) obtained by 
multiplying--
    (A) The net positive or negative consideration for an agreement not 
described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section, and the net positive 
consideration for an agreement described in paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section, but for which an election under paragraph (h)(3) of this 
section has not been made; by
    (B) The applicable percentage set forth in section 848(c)(1) for 
that category of specified insurance contracts.
    (ii) Special rule with respect to net negative consideration. Solely 
for purposes of computing a party's required capitalization amount under 
this paragraph (g)(5)--
    (A) If either party to the reinsurance agreement is the direct 
issuer of the reinsured contracts, the party computing its required 
capitalization amount takes into account the full amount of any net 
negative consideration without regard to any potential reduction under 
paragraph (g)(3) of this section; and
    (B) If neither party to the reinsurance agreement is the direct 
issuer of the reinsured contracts, any net negative consideration is 
deemed to equal zero in computing a party's required capitalization 
amount except to the extent that the party with the net negative 
consideration establishes that the other party to that reinsurance 
agreement capitalizes the appropriate amount.
    (6) General deductions allocable to reinsurance agreements. An 
insurance company's general deductions allocable to its reinsurance 
agreements equals the excess, if any, of--
    (i) The company's general deductions (excluding additional amounts 
treated as general deductions under paragraph (g)(8) of this section); 
over
    (ii) The amount determined under section 848(c)(1) on specified 
insurance contracts that the insurance company has issued directly 
(determined without regard to any reinsurance agreements).
    (7) Allocation of capitalization shortfall among reinsurance 
agreements. The capitalization shortfall is allocated to each 
reinsurance agreement for which the required capitalization amount (as 
determined in paragraph (g)(5) of this section) is a positive amount. 
The portion of the capitalization shortfall allocable to each agreement 
equals the amount which bears the same ratio to the capitalization 
shortfall as the required capitalization amount for the reinsurance 
agreement bears to the sum of the positive required capitalization 
amounts.
    (8) Election to determine specified policy acquisition expenses for 
an agreement without regard to general deductions limitation--(i) In 
general. The reduction specified by paragraph (g)(3) of this section 
does not apply if the parties to a reinsurance agreement make an 
election under this paragraph (g)(8). The election requires the party 
with net positive consideration to capitalize specified policy 
acquisition expenses with respect to the reinsurance agreement without 
regard to the general deductions limitation of section 848(c)(1). That 
party must reduce its deductions under section 805 or section 832(c) by 
the amount, if any, of the party's capitalization shortfall allocable to 
the reinsurance agreement. The additional capitalized amounts are 
treated as specified policy acquisition expenses attributable to 
premiums and other consideration on the reinsurance agreement, and are 
deductible in accordance with section 848(a)(2).
    (ii) Manner of making election. To make an election under paragraph 
(g)(8) of this section, the ceding company and the reinsurer must 
include an election statement in the reinsurance agreement, either as 
part of the original terms of the agreement or by an addendum to the 
agreement. The parties must each attach a schedule to their federal 
income tax returns which identifies the reinsurance agreement for which 
the joint election under this paragraph (g)(8) has been made. The 
schedule must be attached to each of the parties' federal income tax 
returns filed for the later of--
    (A) The first taxable year ending after the election becomes 
effective; or
    (B) The first taxable year ending on or after December 29, 1992.
    (iii) Election statement. The election statement in the reinsurance 
agreement must--

[[Page 769]]

    (A) Provide that the party with net positive consideration for the 
reinsurance agreement for each taxable year will capitalize specified 
policy acquisition expenses with respect to the reinsurance agreement 
without regard to the general deductions limitation of section 
848(a)(1);
    (B) Set forth the agreement of the parties to exchange information 
pertaining to the amount of net consideration under the reinsurance 
agreement each year to ensure consistency;
    (C) Specify the first taxable year for which the election is 
effective; and
    (D) Be signed by both parties.
    (iv) Effect of election. An election under this paragraph (g)(8) is 
effective for the first taxable year specified in the election statement 
and for all subsequent taxable years for which the reinsurance agreement 
remains in effect. The election may not be revoked without the consent 
of the Commissioner.
    (9) Example. The principles of this paragraph (g) are illustrated by 
the following examples.

    Example 1. (i) On December 31, 1992, a life insurance company (L1) 
transfers a block of individual life insurance contracts to an unrelated 
life insurance company (L2) under an agreement in which L2 becomes 
solely liable to the policyholders on the reinsured contracts. L1 
transfers $105,000 to L2 as consideration for the reinsurance of the 
contracts.
    (ii) L1 and L2 do not make an election under paragraph (g)(8) of 
this section to capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with 
respect to the reinsurance agreement without regard to the general 
deductions limitation. L2 has no other insurance business, and its 
general deductions for the taxable year are $3,500.
    (iii) Under paragraph (f)(2) of this section, L1's net negative 
consideration is ($105,000). Under paragraph (f)(3) of this section, 
L2's net positive consideration is $105,000. Pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, L2 includes the net positive consideration 
in its gross amount of premiums and other consideration.
    (iv) The required capitalization amount under paragraph (g)(5) of 
this section for the reinsurance agreement is $8,085 ($105,000x.077). 
L2's general deductions, all of which are allocable to the reinsurance 
agreement with L1, are $3,500. The $4,585 difference between the 
required capitalization amount ($8,085) and the general deductions 
allocable to the reinsurance agreement ($3,500) represents L2's 
capitalization shortfall under paragraph (g)(4) of this section.
    (v) Since L2 has a capitalization shortfall allocable to the 
agreement, the rules of paragraph (g)(1) of this section apply for 
purposes of determining the amount by which L1 may reduce its net 
premiums. Under paragraph (g)(3) of this section, L1 must reduce the 
amount of net negative consideration that it takes into account under 
paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section by $59,545 ($4,585/.077). Thus, of 
the $105,000 net negative consideration under the reinsurance agreement, 
L1 may take into account only $45,455 as a reduction of its net 
premiums.
    Example 2. The facts are the same as Example 1, except that L1 and 
L2 make the election under paragraph (g)(8) of this section to 
capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with respect to the 
reinsurance agreement without regard to the general deductions 
limitation. Pursuant to this election, L2 must capitalize as specified 
policy acquisition expenses an amount equal to $8,085 ($105,000x.077). 
L1 may reduce its net premiums by the $105,000 of net negative 
consideration.
    Example 3. (i) A life insurance company (L1) is both a direct issuer 
and a reinsurer of life insurance and annuity contracts. For 1993, L1's 
net premiums under section 848 (d)(1) for directly issued individual 
life insurance and annuity contracts are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Category                           Net premiums
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life insurance contracts................................     $17,000,000
Annuity contracts.......................................       8,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) L1's general deductions for 1993 are $1,500,000.
    (iii) For 1993, L1 is a reinsurer under four separate indemnity 
reinsurance agreements with unrelated insurance companies (L2, L3, L4, 
and L5). The agreements with L2, L3, and L4 cover life insurance 
contracts issued by those companies. The agreement with L5 covers 
annuity contracts issued by L5, The parties to the reinsurance 
agreements have not made the election under paragraph (g)(8) of this 
section to capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with respect 
to these agreements without regard to the general deductions limitation.
    (iv) L1's net consideration for 1993 with respect to its reinsurance 
agreements is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Net
                        Agreement                          consideration
------------------------------------------------------------------------
L2.......................................................    $1,200,000
L3.......................................................      (350,000)
L4.......................................................       300,000
L5.......................................................       600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (v) To determine whether a reduction under paragraph (g)(3) of this 
section applies with respect to these reinsurance agreements, L1 must 
determine the required capitalization amounts for its reinsurance

[[Page 770]]

agreements and the amount of its general deductions allocable to these 
agreements.
    (vi) Pursuant to paragraph (g)(5) of this section, the required 
capitalization amount for each reinsurance agreement is determined as 
follows:

L2...............................................$1,200,000x.077=$92,400
L3.............................................($350,000)x.077=($26,950)
L4.................................................$300,000x.077=$23,100
L5................................................$600,000x.0175=$10,500

    (vii) Thus, the sum of L1's required capitalization amounts on its 
reinsurance agreements equals $99,050.
    (viii) Pursuant to paragraph (g)(6) of this section, L1 determines 
its general deductions allocable to its reinsurance agreements. The 
amount determined under section 848(c)(1) on its directly issued 
contracts is:

                     Required capitalization amount
Category:
  Annuity contracts...................    $8,000,000x.0175 =    $140,000
  Life insurance contracts............    $17,000,000x.077 =   1,309,000
                                                             -----------
                                                              $1,449,000


    (ix) L1's general deductions allocable to its reinsurance agreements 
are $51,000 ($1,500,000-$1,449,000).
    (x) Pursuant to paragraph (g)(4) of this section, L1's 
capitalization shortfall equals $48,050, reflecting the excess of L1's 
required capitalization amounts for its reinsurance agreements ($99,050) 
over the general deductions allocable to its reinsurance agreements 
($51,000).
    (xi) Pursuant to paragraph (g)(7) of this section, the 
capitalization shortfall of $48,050 must be allocated between each of 
L1's reinsurance agreements with net positive consideration in 
proportion to their respective required capitalization amounts. The 
allocation of the shortfall between L1's reinsurance agreements is 
determined as follows:

L2=$35,237 ($48,050x92,400/126,000)
L4=$8,809 ($48,050x23,100/126,000)
L5=$4,004 ($48,050x10,500/126,000)

    (xii) Accordingly, the reduction under paragraph (g)(3) of this 
section that applies to the amount of net negative consideration that 
may be taken into account by L2, L4, and L5 under paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section is determined as follows:

L2=$457,623 ($35,237/.077)
L4=$114,403 ($8,809/.077)
L5=$228,800 ($4,004/.0175)
    Example 4. The facts are the same as Example 3, except that L1 and 
L4 make a joint election under paragraph (g)(8) of this section to 
capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with respect to the 
reinsurance agreement without regard to the general deductions 
limitation. Pursuant to this election, L1 must reduce its deductions 
under section 805 by an amount equal to the capitalization shortfall 
allocable to the reinsurance agreement with L4 ($8,809). L1 treats the 
additional capitalized amounts as specified policy acquisition expenses 
allocable to premiums and other consideration under the agreement. L4 
may reduce its net premiums by the $300,000 net negative consideration. 
The election by L1 and L4 does not change the amount of the 
capitalization shortfall allocable under paragraph (g)(7) of this 
section to the reinsurance agreements with L2 and L5. Thus, the 
reduction required by paragraph (g)(3) of this section with respect to 
the amount of the net negative consideration that L2 and L5 may 
recognize under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section is $457,623 and 
$228,800, respectively.

    (h) Treatment of reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to 
U.S. taxation--(1) In general. Unless an election under paragraph (h)(3) 
of this section is made, an insurance company may not reduce its net 
premiums by the net negative consideration for the taxable year (or, 
with respect to a reinsurance agreement that is subject to the interim 
rules of Sec. 1.848-3, by the premiums and other consideration incurred 
for reinsurance) under a reinsurance agreement to which this paragraph 
(h) applies.
    (2) Agreements to which this paragraph (h) applies--(i) In general. 
This paragraph (h) applies to a reinsurance agreement if, with respect 
to the premiums and other consideration under the agreement, one party 
to that agreement is subject to United States taxation and the other 
party is not.
    (ii) Parties subject to U.S. taxation--(A) In general. A party is 
subject to United States taxation for this purpose if the party is 
subject to United States taxation either directly under the provisions 
of subchapter L of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code (subchapter 
L), or indirectly under the provisions of subpart F of part III of 
subchapter N of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code (subpart F).
    (B) Effect of a closing agreement. If a reinsurer agrees in a 
closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service to be subject to tax 
under rules equivalent to the provisions of subchapter L on its premiums 
and other consideration from reinsurance agreements with parties subject 
to United States taxation, the reinsurer is treated as an insurance 
company subject to tax under subchapter L.

[[Page 771]]

    (3) Election to separately determine the amounts required to be 
capitalized for reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to U.S. 
taxation--(i) In general. This paragraph (h)(3) authorizes an insurance 
company to make an election to separately determine the amounts required 
to be capitalized for the taxable year with respect to reinsurance 
agreements with parties that are not subject to United States taxation. 
If this election is made, an insurance company separately determines a 
net foreign capitalization amount for the taxable year for all 
reinsurance agreements to which this paragraph (h) applies.
    (ii) Manner of making the election. An insurance company makes the 
election authorized by this paragraph (h)(3) by attaching an election 
statement to the federal income tax return (including an amended return) 
for the taxable year for which the election becomes effective. The 
election applies to that taxable year and all subsequent taxable years 
unless permission to revoke the election is obtained from the 
Commissioner.
    (4) Amount taken into account for purposes of determining specified 
policy acquisition expenses. If for a taxable year an insurance company 
has a net positive foreign capitalization amount (as defined in 
paragraph (h)(5)(i) of this section), any portion of that amount 
remaining after the reduction described in paragraph (h)(7) of this 
section is treated as additional specified policy acquisition expenses 
for the taxable year (determined without regard to amounts taken into 
account under this paragraph (h)). A net positive capitalization amount 
is treated as an amount otherwise required to be capitalized for the 
taxable year for purposes of the reduction under section 848(f)(1)(A).
    (5) Net foreign capitalization amount--(i) In general. An insurance 
company's net foreign capitalization amount equals the sum of the 
foreign capitalization amounts (netting positive and negative amounts) 
determined under paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section for each category 
of specified insurance contracts reinsured by agreements described in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this section. If the amount is less than zero, the 
company has a net negative foreign capitalization amount. If the amount 
is greater than zero, the company has a net positive foreign 
capitalization amount.
    (ii) Foreign capitalization amounts by category. The foreign 
capitalization amount for a category of specified insurance contracts is 
determined by--
    (A) Combining the net positive consideration and the net negative 
consideration for the taxable year (or, with respect to a reinsurance 
agreement that is subject to the interim rules of Sec. 1.848-3, by 
combining the gross amount of premiums and other consideration and the 
premiums and other consideration incurred for reinsurance) for all 
agreements described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section which reinsure 
specified insurance contracts in that category; and
    (B) Multiplying the result (either positive or negative) by the 
percentage for that category specified in section 848(c)(1).
    (6) Treatment of net negative foreign capitalization amount--(i) 
Applied as a reduction to previously capitalized amounts. If for a 
taxable year an insurance company has a net negative foreign 
capitalization amount, the negative amount reduces (but not below zero) 
the unamortized balances of the amounts previously capitalized 
(beginning with the amount capitalized for the most recent taxable year) 
to the extent attributable to prior years' net positive foreign 
capitalization amounts. The amount by which previously capitalized 
amounts is reduced is allowed as a deduction for the taxable year.
    (ii) Carryover of remaining net negative foreign capitalization 
amount. The net negative foreign capitalization amount, if any, 
remaining after the reduction described in paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this 
section is carried over to reduce a future net positive capitalization 
amount. The remaining net negative foreign capitalization amount may 
only offset a net positive foreign capitalization amount in a future 
year, and may not be used to reduce the amounts otherwise required to be 
capitalized under section 848(a) for the taxable year, or to reduce the

[[Page 772]]

unamortized balances of specified policy acquisition expenses from 
preceding taxable years, with respect to directly written business or 
reinsurance agreements other than agreements for which the election 
under paragraph (h)(3) of this section has been made.
    (7) Reduction of net positive foreign capitalization amount by 
carryover amounts allowed. If for a taxable year an insurance company 
has a net positive foreign capitalization amount, that amount is reduced 
(but not below zero) by any carryover of net negative foreign 
capitalization amounts from preceding taxable years. Any remaining net 
positive foreign capitalization amount is taken into account as provided 
in paragraph (h)(4) of this section.
    (8) Examples. The principles of this paragraph (h) are illustrated 
by the following examples.

    Example 1. (i) On January 1, 1993, a life insurance company (L1) 
enters into a reinsurance agreement with a foreign corporation (X) 
covering a block of annuity contracts issued to residents of the United 
States. X is not subject to taxation either directly under subchapter L 
or indirectly under subpart F on the premiums for the reinsurance 
agreement with L1. L1 makes the election under paragraph (h)(3) of this 
section to separately determine the amounts required to be capitalized 
for the taxable year with respect to parties not subject to United 
States taxation.
    (ii) For the taxable year ended December 31, 1993, L1 has net 
negative consideration of ($25,000) under its reinsurance agreement with 
X. L1 has no other reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to 
United States taxation.
    (iii) Under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, L1's net negative 
foreign capitalization amount for the 1993 taxable year equals 
($437.50), which is determined by multiplying L1's net negative 
consideration on the agreement with X ($25,000) by the percentage in 
section 848(c)(1) for the reinsured specified insurance contracts 
(1.75%). Under paragraph (h)(6)(ii) of this section, L1 carries over the 
net negative foreign capitalization amount of $437.50) to future taxable 
years. The net negative foreign capitalization amount may not be used to 
reduce the amounts which L1 is required to capitalize on directly 
written business or reinsurance agreements other than those agreements 
described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
    Example 2. (i) The facts are the same as Example 1 except that L1 
terminates its reinsurance agreement with X and receives $35,000 on 
December 31, 1994. For the 1994 taxable year, L1 has net positive 
consideration of $35,000 under its agreement with X. L1 has no other 
reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to United States 
taxation.
    (ii) Under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, L1's net positive net 
foreign capitalization amount for the 1984 taxable year equals $612.50, 
which is determined by multiplying the net positive consideration on the 
agreement with X ($35,000) by the percentage in section 848(c)(1) for 
the reinsured specified insurance contracts (1.75%). Under paragraph 
(h)(4) of this section, L1 reduces the net positive foreign 
capitalization amount for the taxable year by the net negative foreign 
capitalization amount carried over from preceding taxable years 
($437.50). After this reduction, L1 includes $175 ($612.50-$437.50) as 
specified policy acquisition expenses for the 1994 taxable year.

    (i) Carryover of excess negative capitalization amount--(1) In 
general. This paragraph (i) authorizes a carryover of an excess negative 
capitalization amount (as defined in paragraph (i)(2) of this section) 
to reduce amounts otherwise required to be capitalized under section 
848. Paragraph (i)(4) provides special rules for the treatment of excess 
negative capitalization amounts of insolvent insurance companies.
    (2) Excess negative capitalization amount. The excess negative 
capitalization amount with respect to a category of specified insurance 
contracts for a taxable year is equal to the excess of--
    (A) The negative capitalization amount with respect to that 
category; over
    (B) The amount that can be utilized under section 848(f)(1).
    (3) Treatment of excess negative capitalization amount. The excess 
negative capitalization amount for a taxable year reduces the amounts 
that are otherwise required to be capitalized by an insurance company 
under section 848(c)(1) for future years.
    (4) Special rule for the treatment of an excess negative 
capitalization amount of an insolvent company--(i) When applicable. This 
paragraph (i)(4) applies only for the taxable year in which an insolvent 
insurance company has an excess negative capitalization amount and has 
net negative consideration under a reinsurance agreement. See paragraph 
(i)(4)(v) of this section for the definition of ``insolvent.''

[[Page 773]]

    (ii) Election to forego carryover of excess negative capitalization 
amount. At the joint election of the insolvent insurance company and the 
other party to the reinsurance agreement--
    (A) The insolvent insurance company reduces the excess negative 
capitalization amount which would otherwise be carried over under 
paragraph (i)(1) of this section by the amount determined under 
paragraph (i)(4)(iii) of this section; and
    (B) The other party reduces the amount of its specified policy 
acquisition expenses for the taxable year by the amount determined under 
paragraph (i)(4)(iii) of this section.
    (iii) Amount of reduction to the excess negative capitalization 
amount and specified policy acquisition expenses. To determine the 
reduction to the carryover of an insolvent insurance company's excess 
negative capitalization amount and the specified policy acquisition 
expenses of the other party with respect to a reinsurance agreement--
    (A) Multiply the net negative consideration for each reinsurance 
agreement of the insolvent insurer for which there is net negative 
consideration for the taxable year by the appropriate percentage 
specified in section 848(c)(1) for the category of specified insurance 
contracts reinsured by the agreement;
    (B) Sum the results for each agreement;
    (C) Calculate the ratio between the results in paragraphs 
(i)(4)(iii) (A) and (B) of this section for each agreement; and
    (D) Multiply that result by the increase in the excess negative 
capitalization amount of the insolvent insurer for the taxable year.
    (iv) Manner of making election. To make an election under paragraph 
(i)(4) of this section, each party to the reinsurance agreement must 
attach an election statement to its federal income tax return (including 
an amended return) for the taxable year for which the election is 
effective. The election statement must identify the reinsurance 
agreement for which the joint election under this paragraph (i)(4) has 
been made, state the amount of the reduction to the insolvent insurance 
company's excess negative capitalization amount that is attributable to 
the agreement, and be signed by both parties. An election under this 
paragraph (i)(4) is effective for the taxable year specified in the 
election statement, and may not be revoked without the consent of the 
Commissioner.
    (v) Presumptions relating to the insolvency of an insurance company 
undergoing a court supervised rehabilitation or similar state 
proceeding. For purposes of this paragraph (i)(4), an insurance company 
which is undergoing a rehabilitation, conservatorship, or similar state 
proceeding shall be presumed to be insolvent if the state proceeding 
results in--
    (A) An order of the state court finding that the fair market value 
of the insurance company's assets is less than its liabilities;
    (B) The use of funds, guarantees, or reinsurance from a guaranty 
association;
    (C) A reduction of the policyholders' available account balances; or
    (D) A substantial limitation on access to funds (for example, a 
partial or total moratorium on policyholder withdrawals or surrenders 
that applies for a period of 5 years).
    (vi) Example. The principles of this paragraph (i)(4) are 
illustrated by the following example.

    Example. (i) An insurance company (L1) is the subject of a 
rehabilitation proceeding under the supervision of a state court. The 
state court has made a finding that the fair market value of L1's assets 
is less than its liabilities. On December 31, 1993, L1 transfers a block 
of individual life insurance contracts to an unrelated insurance company 
(L2) under an assumption reinsurance agreement whereby L2 becomes solely 
liable to the policyholders under the contracts reinsured. Under the 
agreement, L1 agrees to pay L2 $2,000,000 for assuming the life 
insurance contracts. This negative net consideration causes L1 to incur 
an excess negative capitalization amount of $138,600 for the 1993 
taxable year. L1 has no other reinsurance agreements for the taxable 
year.
    (ii) As part of the reinsurance agreement, L1 and L2 agree to make 
an election under paragraph (i)(4) of this section. Under the election, 
L1 agrees to forgo the carryover of the $138,600 excess negative 
capitalization amount for future taxable years. L2 must include the 
$2,000,000 net positive consideration for the reinsurance agreement in 
its gross

[[Page 774]]

amount of premiums and other consideration. L2 reduces its specified 
policy acquisition expenses for the 1993 taxable year by $138,600.

    (j) Ceding commissions with respect to reinsurance of contracts 
other than specified insurance contracts. A ceding commission incurred 
with respect to the reinsurance of an insurance contract that is not a 
specified insurance contract is not subject to the provisions of section 
848(g).
    (k) Effective dates--(1) In general. Unless otherwise specified in 
this paragraph, the rules of this section are effective for the taxable 
years of an insurance company beginning after November 14, 1991.
    (2) Reduction in the amount of net negative consideration to ensure 
consistency of capitalization for reinsurance agreements. Section 1.848-
2(g) (which provides for an adjustment to ensure consistency) is 
effective for--
    (i) All amounts arising under any reinsurance agreement entered into 
after November 14, 1991; and
    (ii) All amounts arising under any reinsurance agreement for taxable 
years beginning after December 31, 1991, without regard to the date on 
which the reinsurance agreement was entered into.
    (3) Net consideration rules. Section 1.848-2(f) (which provides 
rules for determining the net consideration for a reinsurance agreement) 
applies to--
    (i) Amounts arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 
1991, under a reinsurance agreement entered into after November 14, 
1991; and
    (ii) Amounts arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 
1994, under a reinsurance agreement entered into before November 15, 
1991.
    (4) Determination of the date on which a reinsurance agreement is 
entered into. A reinsurance agreement is considered entered into at the 
earlier of--
    (i) The date of the reinsurance agreement; or
    (ii) The date of a binding written agreement to enter into a 
reinsurance transaction if the written agreement evidences the parties' 
agreement on substantially all material items relating to the 
reinsurance transaction.
    (5) Special rule for certain reinsurance agreements with parties not 
subject to U.S. taxation. The election and special rules in paragraph 
(h) of this section relating to the determination of amounts required to 
be capitalized on reinsurance agreements with parties not subject to 
United States taxation apply to taxable years ending on or after 
September 30, 1990.
    (6) Carryover of excess negative capitalization amount. The 
provisions of paragraph (i) of this section, including the special rule 
for the treatment of excess negative capitalization amounts of insolvent 
insurance companies, are affected with respect to amounts arising in 
taxable years ending on or after September 30, 1990.

[T.D. 8456, 57 FR 61821, Dec. 29, 1992; 58 FR 7987, Feb. 11, 1993; 59 FR 
947, Jan. 7, 1994]