Us Code § 721 - Nonrecognition of gain or loss on contribution

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 721 — Nonrecognition of gain or loss on contribution, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 721. Nonrecognition of gain or loss on contribution

(a) General rule

No gain or loss shall be recognized to a partnership or to any of its partners in the case of a contribution of property to the partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership.

(b) Special rule

Subsection (a) shall not apply to gain realized on a transfer of property to a partnership which would be treated as an investment company (within the meaning of section 351) if the partnership were incorporated.

(c) Regulations relating to certain transfers to partnerships

The Secretary may provide by regulations that subsection (a) shall not apply to gain realized on the transfer of property to a partnership if such gain, when recognized, will be includible in the gross income of a person other than a United States person.

(d) Transfers of intangibles

For regulatory authority to treat intangibles transferred to a partnership as sold, see section 367(d)(3).

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 245; Pub. L. 94–455, title XXI, §2131(b), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1924; Pub. L. 105–34, title XI, §1131(b)(3), (5)(B), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 979, 980.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 1131(b) of Pub. L. 105–34 enacted section 684 of this title.

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–34, §1131(b)(3), added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–34, §1131(b)(5)(B), added subsec. (d).

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), added subsec. (a) heading "General rule", and added subsec. (b).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–455, title XXI, §2131(f)(3)–(5), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1924, 1925, provided that:

"(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) [amending this section and sections 722 and 723 of this title] shall apply to transfers made after February 17, 1976, in taxable years ending after such date.

"(4) The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to transfers to a partnership made on or before the 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976] if—

"(A) either—

"(i) a ruling request with respect to such transfers was filed with the Internal Revenue Service before March 27, 1976, or

"(ii) a registration statement with respect to such transfers was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before March 27, 1976,

"(B) the securities transferred were deposited on or before the 60th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1976], and

"(C) either—

"(i) the aggregate value (determined as of the close of the 60th day referred to in subparagraph (B), or, if earlier, the close of the deposit period) of the securities so transferred does not exceed $100,000,000, or

"(ii) the securities transferred were all on deposit on February 29, 1976, pursuant to a registration statement referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii).

"(5) If no registration statement was required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the transfer of securities to any partnership, then paragraph (4) shall be applied to such transfers—

"(A) as if paragraph (4) did not contain subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof, and

"(B) by substituting '$25,000,000' for '$100,000,000' in subparagraph (C)(i) thereof."

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 721 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. § 721. 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

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 721

What does United States Code § 721 cover?

Section 721 ("Nonrecognition of gain or loss on contribution") 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 § 721?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 721" (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 § 721 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.