IRS Issues Proposed Rules On Income Inclusion Under Section 50(d)(5)

The IRS just published long-awaited temporary regulations under section 1.50-1T governing the section 50(d)(5) income inclusion rules. These rules apply to lessees of investment credit property when the lessor elects to treat the lessee as having acquired the property for its fair market value and pass through the investment tax credit available under section 46 (which includes the section 48 energy credit ("ITC")). When the lessor makes that election, the lessee must include in gross income 50% of the amount of the ITC ratably over the 5-year MACRS period for energy property in lieu of the basis adjustment that the lessor would have been required to make had it not made the pass-through election. The ITC amount included in gross income is determined regardless of the lessee's income tax situation, and the ratable income inclusion begins on the date that the property is placed in service.