LB&I International Practice Service
Concept Unit
IPS Level Number Title UIL Code Number
Shelf N/A Crossover IPN
Volume 18 Foreign Currency Level 1 UIL 9470
Part 18.2 Transactions in a foreign currency - §988 Level 2 UIL 9470.02
Chapter 18.2.1 Computation of exchange gain or loss - general Level 3 UIL 9470.02-01
Sub-Chapter N/A N/A
Unit Name Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Document Control Number (DCN) FCU/CU/C_18.2.1_03(2016)
Date of Last Update 06/01/2016
Note: This document is not an official pronouncement of law, and cannot be used, cited or relied upon as such. Further, this document may not contain a
comprehensive discussion of all pertinent issues or law or the IRS's interpretation of current law.
DRAFT
Table of Contents
(View this PowerPoint in “Presentation View” to click on the links below)
General Overview
Diagram of Concept
Facts of Concept
Detailed Explanation of the Concept
Examples of the Concept
Training and Additional Resources
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Index of Related Issues
22
DRAFT
General Overview
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
This Concept Unit covers the following:
1) “Functional currency (FC) and its application,
2) Definition of Section 988 transactions,
3) Computation of foreign currency gain/loss under IRC 988 on receivables/payables denominated in a nonfunctional currency
(including US GAAP ASC 830 (formerly FAS 52) differences), and
4) Computation of foreign exchange gain/loss under IRC 988 on debt instruments denominated in a nonfunctional currency.
Except as provided in the code and regulations, a taxpayers functional currency is the US dollar (USD). A taxpayer or a Qualified
Business Unit (QBU) - any separate and clearly identified unit of a taxpayer that maintains separate books and records) may, under
certain circumstances, have a non-USD functional currency (see IRC 985(b); Treas. Reg. 1.985-1(b) and (c)). Note that US
Corporations must have the USD as their functional currency, although t heir foreign branches may have non-USD functional
currencies (a QBU can have a functional currency that is different from its owner). The functional currency is relevant for taxpayers
that have transactions in multiple currencies. Transactions are accounted for in the taxpayer's functional currency. Certain
nonfunctional currency transactions, called “Section 988 transactions” generally give rise to functional currency gain or loss.
Transactions that require the use of a currency other then US dollar have dramatically increased as more taxpayers do business
globally. Generally, when US resident taxpayers invest and do business transactions in non US currency, all federal tax
determinations must be made in USD. Section 988 transactions include debt instruments, payables, receivables, forward contracts,
futures contracts, options or similar instruments denominated in any nonfunctional currency. Also when a taxpayer owns or has a
position in a nonfunctional currency asset or liability that generates a Section 988 transaction, the US taxpayer must calculate foreign
currency gain or loss. (See the above paragraph f or a description of the term “functional currency.”) Sections 985 to 989 provide rules
for making translations and measuring foreign currency gain or losses.
IRC 988 and its regulations generally provide that foreign currency gain or loss with respect to a transaction is (1) recognized at the
time of the sale or disposition of nonfunctional currency denominated property, (2) characterized as ordinary gain or loss, and (3)
sourced based upon the residence of the holder.
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33
DRAFT
General Overview (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
IRC Sections 985 to 989 provide rules for translating tax items into a taxpayer’s functional currency and measuring foreign currency
gain and losses. In general:
Section 985 - Defines functional currency including hyperinflationary currency
Section 986 - Addresses the translation into USD of foreign taxes and foreign corporation’s earning and profits
Section 987 - Addresses branch transactions when the QBU has a different functional currency than the taxpayer
Section 988 - Describes treatment of certain foreign currency transactions
Section 989 Defines a qualified business unit (QBU) and appropriate exchange rate
This IPS Unit will focus on the basic functional currency concepts and the treatment of certain nonfunctional currency transactions
under IRC 988. For each example listed in the Examples section of this unit, the first line of the diagram description will reflect the
entity name and the second line will reflect the functional currency (FC) of the entity:
Other IPS units for IRC 989, IRC 987 and other foreign currency issues are in the IPS library.
HoldCo
Luxembourg
FC = USD
Entity name
Functional Currency
Country
of Residence
Note:
The Internal
Revenue Code refers to foreign currency
gains and losses while the Treasury
Regulations
use the term
exchange gain or
loss.
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44
DRAFT
Diagram of Concept
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Diagram of Concept
USC
FC=USD
Peso
Receivables/Payables
Pay
Invoice
Invoice
JPY
Canadian Dollar
Debt
Repayment
Bank
FC=CAD
CFC
FC=EUR
Euro
Receivables/Payables
DE
FC=MXP
DE is a Section 987 QBU
Assume no transactions between
D
E
and USC
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55
DRAFT
Facts of Concept
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Facts of Concept
It is very common that US companies will be transacting in currencies other then the US dollar. Examiners need to understand:
the cash flow of these transactions,
how they are recorded for financial accounting and t ax purposes, and
any foreign currency gain or loss that should be reported, as well as the source (US or foreign) and character (ordinary or capital) of
the transaction.
Nonfunctional currency transaction am ounts have to be translated into functional currency. An example of this type of transaction is
paying an invoice in a nonfunctional currency. For example, in the Diagram of Concept (prior slide), USC’s invoice is payable in
Japanese Yen.
When the US taxpayer owns foreign currency or has a position in a non-US currency asset or liability, examiners need to be able to
measure, translate and establish when foreign currency gains and losses should be determined. For example, in the Diagram of
Concept (prior slide), USC has both Euro denominated receivables/payables and a Canadian Dollar debt.
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66
DRAFT
Detailed Explanation of the Concept
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
What is a Section 988 transaction? Generally, it is a transaction where the amount that the taxpayer is entitled to receive or required
to pay is determined in a currency other than the functional currency of the taxpayer or is determined in reference to the value of one
or more nonfunctional currencies. These transactions are described in greater detail below.
Analysis Resources
(i) the acquisition of a debt instrument or becoming the obligor under a debt instrument;
(ii) accruing (or otherwise taking i nto account) any items of expense or gross income or
receipts which is to be paid or received after the date on which so accrued or taken into
account (i.e., payable and receivables, provided that for tax purposes, the accrual and
payment dated are distinct); and
Subject to certain statutory exceptions, transactions include:
(iii) entering into or acquiring any forward contract, futures contract, option, or similar
financial instrument.
IRC 988(c)(1)(B) and Treas. Reg.
1.988-1(a)(2)
The disposition of any nonfunctional currency is also treated as a Section 988 transaction and
any gain or loss arising from such transaction is treated as a foreign currency gain or loss.
IRC 988(c)(1)(C) and Treas. Reg.
1.988-2(a)(1)(i)
Section 988 transactions includes certain financial derivatives. Financial derivatives such as
forwards, futures, options contracts, etc. are used by taxpayers to reduce exposure to
underlying currency and asset transfer risks. The Internal Revenue Code establishes different
tax rules governing how and when foreign currency gains and losses are taxed for different
financial instruments.
CONSULTATION: When a transaction includes complex financial derivatives, the
Examiner should consult with a Financial Products Examiner.
IRC 988(c)(1)(D) (E) and 988(d)
See IPS Concept Unit Overview of
Foreign Currency Hedging
Transactions DCN
FCU/CU/C_18.2.3_14
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77
DRAFT
Detailed Explanation of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
How are Section 988 transactions treated for tax purposes? While the transactions are generally treated as ordinary income, certain
exceptions, rules and elections exist that treat these transactions as capital in nature. Likewise, these transactions are generally
sourced based on the residence of the taxpayer; however there are exceptions to this rule.
Analysis Resources
Foreign currency gain or loss attributable to a section 988 transaction is computed separately
and generally treated as ordinary.
IRC 988(a)(1)(A) and Treas. Reg.
1.988-3(a)
However, a taxpayer or QBU may elect to treat gain or loss on certain forwards, futures, and
options as capital gain or loss.
IRC 988(a)(1)(B) and Treas. Reg.
1.988-3(b)
See IPS Concept Unit on Character
of Exchange Gain or Loss on
Currency Transactions, DCN
FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_04 for further
discussion
Generally, the source of foreign currency gain or loss is determined by reference to the
residence of the taxpayer or QBU.
IRC 988(a)(3) and Treas. Reg. 1.988-
4
See IPS Concept Unit on Sourcing of
Exchange Gains or Losses, DCN
FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_17 for further
discussion
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88
DRAFT
Detailed Explanation of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
What about other transactions denominated in nonfunctional currency? IRC Section 988 clearly defines transactions covered under
this subchapter. Therefore, while other transactions may have foreign currency components as discussed below, the character and
sourcing of these transactions are not governed by IRC Section 988 and are therefore both sourced and characterized by separate
Code sections.
Analysis Resources
Transactions not defined in IRC 988 are not treated as Section 988 transactions. Fluctuations
in exchange rates may nonetheless generate foreign currency gains or losses realized by a
taxpayer on other transactions.
See IPS Concept Unit on Overview
of the Impact of Foreign Currency
Exchange Rate Fluctuations” DCN
FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_16
For example, purchasing stock in a nonfunctional currency is not a Section 988 transaction
because stock is not a Section 988 asset. A taxpayer generally determines its basis in the
stock and amount realized upon disposition of the stock using a spot rate.
However, the initial acquisition of nonfunctional currency and subsequent disposition of
nonfunctional currency to acquire the stock would be a Section 988 transaction if the
acquisition and disposition of the currency occurred on separate dates.
IRC 1221
IRC 988(c)(1)(C)
Example: Assume Dorfman Corp, a taxpayer with USD as its functional currency, purchased
a share of stock for LC100 when LC100=USD100. Assume Dorfman Corp holds the stock as
capital asset. Further assume that Dorfman Corp sold the stock for LC100 when
LC100=USD150.
Dorfman Corp had a USD50 gain attributable to the stock. However, because holding stock
is not a defined Section 988 transaction, the USD50 gain would not be foreign currency gain.
The gain on the stock is a capital gain.
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99
DRAFT
DE
(LC1)
Examples of the Concept
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Examples
USC
FC=USD
DE
FC=LC1
CFC
FC=LC2
Illustration #1 - Understand the term functional currency (FC), its application, and
IRC 988 application
Facts:
USC owns two foreign entities; DE and CFC.
DE manufactures in Foreign Country 1 and maintains its own separate books
and
records
using currency LC1.
DE
is
a QBU.
CFC
sells products
in Foreign Country 2 and also has its
own separate books
and records
using
currency
LC2.
CFC is a QBU.
Results:
USC
FC
is
the USD. See Treas. Reg. 1.985-1(b).
DE is a QBU with FC being
LC1.
See Treas.
Regs. 1.985-1(c) and 1.989(a)-
1(b)(1); IRC
987.
CFC is a QBU
with FC being
LC2.
See Treas.
Reg.
1.985-1(c)
and 1.989(a)-
1(b)(2) (providing that
a corporation
is
a per se QBU).
DE
and CFC’s
profit and loss
at
the end of the year
is
translated
to dollars
using the average exchange rate for the year
after
making
US GAAP
adjustments. The DE
profit or
loss
(P/L)
flows
into USC’s
Form
1120;
however
CFC’s P/L is deferred and reported as
information on Form 5471.
The CFC’s
gains on an Section 988 transaction
(debt/receivable/payable/options etc.)
is
foreign personal holding c
ompany
income (FPHCI),
unless an exception (e.g.,
business needs) applies.
See IRC
954(c)(1)(D)
and Treas.
Reg.
1.954-
2(g)(2)(ii).
NOTE: For definition of QBU, see Overview of Qualified Business Units (QBU),
DCN FCU/CU/C_18.3.1_02.
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1010
DRAFT
Examples of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Examples
USC
FC=USD
CFC
FC=LC
USD
Payment
Illustration #2 - Loan denominated in a nonfunctional currency including US
GAAP (ASC 830-20-35, formerly FAS 52) differences
Facts:
USC’s functional currency is the US Dollar (USD) and CFC’s functional
currency is LC. USC advances USD100 to CFC, on 12/01/20X1 when the
exchange is USD1:LC1. Rate changes to USD1:LC1.25 on 12/31/20X1 and
to USD1:LC1.5 on 03/31/20X2 when the loan is paid.
CFC’s loan payable is a Section 988 transaction.
Results Accounting:
Re-measurement is required by US GAAP (ASC 830) for financial
accounting purposes. The CFC will record an unrealized financial loss in
the P&L at 12/31/X1 and then recognize a realized financial loss on 03/31/X2
as noted below:
Unrealized Loss @ 12/31/20X1 = $100 x (1.25-1.00) = $25 loss
Realized Loss @ 03/31/20X2 = $100 x (1.50 1.00) = $50 total loss
Less unrealized loss previously recognized: ($25)
Additional Loss booked on 03/31/20X2: $25 loss in 20X2
!
CAUTION: Special Treatment of Intercompany transactions (within
consolidated, combined groups or equity accounting) treated as part of
the net investment , see ASC 830-20-35-5:
If an intercompany foreign currency transaction is of a “long-term
investment” nature, foreign currency transaction G/L are reported in
other comprehensive income (OCI) rather than through the P&L.
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1111
DRAFT
Examples of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Examples
USC
FC=USD
CFC
FC=LC
USD
Payment
Illustration #2 (cont’d)
Results Tax:
Realized gains/losses (G/L) are recognized in the year that the
payment is made. See Treas. Reg. 1.988-2(b)(6). CFC recognizes
a loss in earnings and profits (E&P) in 03/31/X2 as noted below:
Realized Loss @ 03/31/20X2 = $100 x (1.50 1.00) = $50 total loss
Assuming debt treatment for US GAAP
Financial
Accounting
P&L
Tax E&P
Sch M-3
E&P Adj
12/31/20X1 (25) 0 25
12/31/20X2 (25) (50) (25)
Assuming long-term investment for US GAAP
Financial
Accounting
P&L
Tax E&P
Sch M-3
E&P Adj
12/31/20X1 - 0 -
12/31/20X2 - (50) (50)
Unrealized gains / losses (G/L) recorded for financial accounting may
be incorrectly reported for tax purposes or not reported when paid for
tax purposes in the following year.
Schedule H of Form 5471 for the CFC should be analyzed to
determine the taxpayers treatment of the transaction and to
ascertain whether additional E&P adjustments are required.
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1212
DRAFT
Examples of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Examples
USC
FC=USD
Loan
Bank
FC=LC1
Machine
Invoice
LC1
Pays Invoice
Illustration #3 IRC 988 computation of realized foreign currency gain
or loss on a nonfunctional currency payable
Facts:
USC, an accrual basis taxpayer with USD FC, borrowed from a bank
in 20X2.
The loan from bank is a 5 year note with a face amount of LC1 100
with interest accruing q uarterly.
USC separately orders a machine for LC1 100. The machine invoice
term is 60 day upon delivery. The LC1 is worth $110 US dollars when
the machine is received (and the expense accrues) and $105 US
dollars when the invoice is paid.
Results:
Purchase of machine is not an Section 988 transaction. USC records
an asset for $110 and an accounts payable of $110 when machine is
received. See generally IRC 988.
Disposition or payment of accounts payable would be an Section 988
transaction and give rise to foreign currency gain or loss an ordinary
gain of $5 US dollars under Treas. Reg. 1.988-3(a) and US source
under residence rule of sourcing.
The five year note denominated in terms of a nonfunctional currency
is an Section 988 transaction and gain/loss recognized when paid
(see Illustration #4).
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1313
DRAFT
Examples of the Concept (cont’d)
Overview of IRC Section 988 Nonfunctional Currency Transactions
Examples
USC
FC=USD
Loan
Bank
FC=LC1
Machine
Invoice
LC1
Pays Invoice
Illustration #4 IRC 988 nonfunctional currency debt instrument and
computation of realized and unrealized foreign currency gains or losses
Facts:
USC, an accrual basis taxpayer with USD as its functional currency,
borrowed from bank in 20X2 to purchase a machine.
Loan from bank is a five year note with a face amount of LC1 100
with quarterly payment of interest only.
Note when acquired: USD 101 = LC1 100
Note at the end of 20X2 BS measurement date: USD 94 = LC1
100
Note paid in full when USD 90 = LC1 100
Results:
Five year note denominated in terms of a non-FC is a Section 988
transaction and foreign currency gain/loss is recognized for tax
purposes when paid.
Unrealized G/L not recognized while note is outstanding.
For financial purposes, an unrealized foreign currency gain of USD7 will
be reported at the end of 20X2.
FC tax gain of USD11 is recognized when 5 year note paid.
Accrued interest expense is also an Section 988 item in accordance
with Treas. Reg. 1.988-1(a)(1)(ii) and Treas. Reg. 1.988-1(a)(2)(ii),
and gain or loss is recognized when accrued payments are made, as
determined under Treas. Reg. 1.988-2(b)(3) & (4).
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1414
DRAFT
Training and Additional Resources
Chapter 18.2.1 Computation of Exchange Gain or Loss - General
Type of Resource Description(s) and/or Instructions
for Accessing
References
Saba Meeting sessions IBC ONLY Foreign Currency & Int’l
Matrix (Saba Public Recordings
Event ID JVQ439517)
IBC Common Errors in translating
Foreign Currency 44 (Saba Public
Recordings Event ID PHG711242)
The Building Blocks of Financial
Products (Saba Public Recordings
Search on “Building Blocks of
Financial Products)
2011 Saba Foreign Currency & Intl
Matrix
2012 Saba Common Errors in
translating Foreign Currency 44
2013 Saba The Building Blocks of
Financial Products
Other Training Materials (Saba Meeting sessions) IE Phase III Hybrid sessions:
IRC 985 and 989 :Foreign Currency
Terms and Definitions
Section 986 Translation Rules
Sec 987 Branch rules and CTB
rules
Foreign Currency Section 988
Transactions
2015 Saba FC 1 Sec 985
(HQL168303)
2015 Saba FC 2 986 Transition
Rules (FRS408475)
2015 Saba FC 3 987 Branch Rules
& CTB (LVP748808)
2015 Saba FC 4 Sec 988
Transactions (FTS047865)
Foreign Currency Hedging
Financial Products Basics Four
Major Categories
2015 Saba FC 5 Foreign Currency
Hedging (HTS256974)
2015 Saba Financial Products
Basics (JNN441732)
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1515
DRAFT
Training and Additional Resources (cont’d)
Chapter 18.2.1 Computation of Exchange Gain or Loss - General
Type of Resource Description(s) and/or Instructions
for Accessing
References
Other Training Materials IE Phase I, Module E Lesson 1
Foreign Currency
http://lmsb.irs.gov/hq/mf/training/inter
national/phase1/phase_1.asp, Select
Module E
IE Phase III, Module D Interaction of
International and Financial Products
Issues
http://lmsb.irs.gov/hq/mf/training/inter
national/phase3/phase_3.asp, Select
Module 5.D., second lesson
Other Training Materials FP Phase I, Lesson 9 Foreign
Currency
FP Phase I, Download Financial
Products Phase One Participant
Guide, then proceed to Lesson 9,
page 9-1.
FP Phase III, Lesson 4 Foreign
Currency
FP Phase III, Download Financial
Products Phase Three Participant
Guide, then proceed to Lesson 4,
page 110.
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1616
DRAFT
Training and Additional Resources (cont’d)
Chapter 18.2.1 Computation of Exchange Gain or Loss - General
Type of Resource Description(s) and/or Instructions
for Accessing
References
Bittker & Lokken Federal Taxation of Income,
Estates and Gifts
Bittker and Lokken Para 74.2
Functional Currency
(Westlaw subscription)
FIXIEG Para 74.2
BNA Tax Management Portfolio BNA Portfolio 921-2nd Tax Aspects of
Foreign Currency
(Westlaw subscription)
BNA 921-2nd TMFEDPORT No
921 s
Keyes: Federal Taxation of Financial Instruments
and Transactions
Keyes Chapter 15. Foreign Currency
Denominated Instruments
Mertens Law of Federal Income Taxation Mertens Chapter 45C. SOURCING
OF INCOME AND EXPENSE, III
45C:63 Functional currency
Qualified business unit
(Westlaw subscription)
Accounting Standards Codification (Financial
Accounting Standards)
ASC830 (FAS52) Foreign Currency
Matters
Available at https://asc.fasb.org.
Register for free “basic view” service.
Westlaw subscription: IRS LB&I Tab.
Under Financial Accounting, choose
RIA FASB Codification Complete
Analysis, Table of Contents. ASC
830 is under the Broad Transactions
in the Codification section.
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1717
DRAFT
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Term/Acronym Definition
ASC Accounting Standard Codification
BS Balance Sheet
CFC Controlled Foreign Corporation
DE Disregarded Entity
E&P Earnings and Profits
FAS Financial Accounting Standards
FC Functional currency
FPHC Foreign Personal Holding Company
FX Foreign currency or foreign exchange
G/L Gain or Loss (or Gains/Losses)
GL General Ledger
OCI Other Comprehensive Income
P&L Profit and Loss Statement (Income Statement)
P/L Profit or Loss
QBU Qualified Business Unit
US GAAP US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
USD US Dollar
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1818
DRAFT
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms (cont’d)
Term/Acronym Definition
Forward Contract A customized contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date.
Functional Currency The currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.
Futures Contract A contract between two parties where both parties agree to buy and sell a particular asset of specific quantity
and at a predetermined price, at a specified date in the future.
Nonfunctional
Currency
A currency utilized by an entity for a transaction that is not the functional currency of the entity.
Option Contract A contract that allows the holder to buy or sell an underlying security at a specified price.
Section 988
Transaction
Transactions as defined in IRC 988(c)(1)(B)
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1919
DRAFT
Index of Related Issues
Issue Associated UIL(s) References
Overview of Foreign
Currency Hedging
Transactions
9470.02 FCU/CU/C_18.2.3_14
Overview of the Impact of
Foreign Currency Exchange
Rate Fluctuations
9470.02 FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_16
Disposition of Nonfunctional
Currency
9470.02 FCU/9470.02_01_04
IRC 988 currency gain or loss
determination
9470.02 FCU/PUO/C_18.2.1_09
Character of Exchange Gain
or Loss on Currency
Transactions
9470.02 FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_04
Sourcing of Exchange Gains
or Losses
9470.02 FCU/CU/C-18.2.1_17
Exchange Gain/Loss on Debt
Instruments
9470.02 FCU/CU/C_18.2.1_09
Integration of Executory
Contract and the Currency
Hedge
9470.02 FCU/9470.02_05
Legging into Integrated
Treatment
9470.02 FCU/9470.02_07
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2020
DRAFT
Index of Related Issues (cont’d)
Issue Associated UIL(s) References
Disposition of a Portion of an
Integrated Hedge
9470.02 FCU/9470.02_03
How to Assess Penalties for
Failure to file Form 8886
Disclosing Section 988
Losses
9470.02 FCU/9470.02_02
Functional Currency of a
Qualified Business Unit
(QBU)
9470.03 FC U/PUO/C_18.3.3_08
Overview of Qualified
Business Units (QBUs)
9470.03 FCU/CU/C_18.3.1_02
Computing Foreign Base
Company Income
9412.05 DPL/9412.05_05
Subpart F Overview 9412 DPL/CU/V_2_01
Calculation of IRC §956
Amount
9414.01 Under Development
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