Us Code § 482 - Allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 482 — Allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 482. Allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers

In any case of two or more organizations, trades, or businesses (whether or not incorporated, whether or not organized in the United States, and whether or not affiliated) owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the same interests, the Secretary may distribute, apportion, or allocate gross income, deductions, credits, or allowances between or among such organizations, trades, or businesses, if he determines that such distribution, apportionment, or allocation is necessary in order to prevent evasion of taxes or clearly to reflect the income of any of such organizations, trades, or businesses. In the case of any transfer (or license) of intangible property (within the meaning of section 367(d)(4)), the income with respect to such transfer or license shall be commensurate with the income attributable to the intangible. For purposes of this section, the Secretary shall require the valuation of transfers of intangible property (including intangible property transferred with other property or services) on an aggregate basis or the valuation of such a transfer on the basis of the realistic alternatives to such a transfer, if the Secretary determines that such basis is the most reliable means of valuation of such transfers.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 162; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XII, §1231(e)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2562; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §14221(b)(2), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2219; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(d)(1)(D)(viii)(III), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1207.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "section 367(d)(4)" for "section 936(h)(3)(B)".

2017—Pub. L. 115–97 inserted at end "For purposes of this section, the Secretary shall require the valuation of transfers of intangible property (including intangible property transferred with other property or services) on an aggregate basis or the valuation of such a transfer on the basis of the realistic alternatives to such a transfer, if the Secretary determines that such basis is the most reliable means of valuation of such transfers."

1986—Pub. L. 99–514 inserted at end "In the case of any transfer (or license) of intangible property (within the meaning of section 936(h)(3)(B)), the income with respect to such transfer or license shall be commensurate with the income attributable to the intangible."

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to transfers in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 14221(c)(1) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 367 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, but only with respect to transfers after Nov. 16, 1985, or licenses granted after such date, or before such date with respect to property not in existence or owned by the taxpayer on such date, except that for purposes of [former] section 936(h)(5)(C) of this title, such amendment applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, without regard to when the transfer or license was made, see section 1231(g)(2) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 367 of this title.

Regulations

For requirement that, not later than 180 days after July 18, 1984, the Secretary of the Treasury modify the safe harbor interest rates applicable under the regulations prescribed under this section so that such rates are consistent with the rates applicable under section 483 of this title by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 98–369, see section 44(b)(2) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1271 of this title.

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Mar. 23, 2018, see section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Study of Application and Administration of This Section

Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11316, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–458, directed Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate to conduct a study of the application and administration of section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and not later than Mar. 1, 1992, submit to Committee on Ways and Means of House of Representatives and Committee on Finance of Senate a report on the study, together with such recommendations as he deemed advisable.

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 482 is part of Title 26 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 26 U.S.C. § 482. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 482

What does United States Code § 482 cover?

Section 482 ("Allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 482?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 482" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 482 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.