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Cross-border Tax Talks

Taxing FX of Branches: the new Section 987 regulations

Dec 19, 2023
PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader Doug McHoney and ITS Partner Rebecca Lee discuss the history and challenges of Section 987 regulations on foreign exchange gains/losses for foreign branches. They analyze the 250-page package of the proposed regulations, its limitations, and its impact on industries like banking and insurance. The hosts also explain the implications for deferred tax assets, liabilities, and pillar two global minimum tax calculations.
44:18

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Quick takeaways

  • The proposed regulations on the taxation of foreign currency translation gains or losses aim to harmonize the treatment of foreign currency items and create a tax accounting framework for such transactions.
  • The proposed regulations create potential challenges for treasurers and financial accountants, as the tax treatment may differ from the financial accounting treatment of certain transactions.

Deep dives

Summary of Proposed Regulations on Taxation of Foreign Currency Translation Gains or Losses

The proposed regulations on the taxation of foreign currency translation gains or losses provide an overview of the rules and procedures for accounting for foreign exchange gains or losses in branch operations. These regulations aim to harmonize the treatment of foreign currency items and create a tax accounting framework for such transactions. The regulations propose two main methods: the current rate election and the annual recognition election. The current rate election allows taxpayers to use a methodology similar to US GAAP principles, while the annual recognition election allows for the recognition of foreign currency gains or losses on an annual basis. There are also rules for deferred gain and loss recognition, and special provisions regarding partnership interests and stock. Taxpayers have until February 12, 2024, to provide comments on the proposed regulations.

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