[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 26, Volume 18]
[Revised as of April 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 26CFR301.6511(a)-1]

[Page 378]
 
                       TITLE 26--INTERNAL REVENUE
 
    CHAPTER I--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
PART 301_PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION--Table of Contents
 
                               Limitations
 
Sec. 301.6511(a)-1  Period of limitation on filing claim.

    (a) In the case of any tax (other than a tax payable by stamp):
    (1) If a return is filed, a claim for credit or refund of an 
overpayment must be filed by the taxpayer within 3 years from the time 
the return was filed or within 2 years from the time the tax was paid, 
whichever of such periods expires the later.
    (2) If no return is filed, the claim for credit or refund of an 
overpayment must be filed by the taxpayer within 2 years from the time 
the tax was paid.
    (b) In the case of any tax payable by means of a stamp, a claim for 
credit or refund of an overpayment of such tax must be filed by the 
taxpayer within 3 years from the time the tax was paid. For provisions 
relating to redemption of unsued stamps, see section 6805.
    (c) For limitations on allowance of credit or refund, special rules, 
and exceptions, see subsections (b) through (e) of section 6511. For 
limitations in the case of a petition to the Tax Court, see section 
6512. For rules as to time return is deemed filed and tax considered 
paid, see section 6513.