Us Code § 737 - Recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions to contributing partner

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 737 — Recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions to contributing partner, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 737. Recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions to contributing partner

(a) General rule

In the case of any distribution by a partnership to a partner, such partner shall be treated as recognizing gain in an amount equal to the lesser of—

(1) the excess (if any) of (A) the fair market value of property (other than money) received in the distribution over (B) the adjusted basis of such partner's interest in the partnership immediately before the distribution reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of money received in the distribution, or

(2) the net precontribution gain of the partner.


Gain recognized under the preceding sentence shall be in addition to any gain recognized under section 731. The character of such gain shall be determined by reference to the proportionate character of the net precontribution gain.

(b) Net precontribution gain

For purposes of this section, the term "net precontribution gain" means the net gain (if any) which would have been recognized by the distributee partner under section 704(c)(1)(B) if all property which—

(1) had been contributed to the partnership by the distributee partner within 7 years of the distribution, and

(2) is held by such partnership immediately before the distribution,


had been distributed by such partnership to another partner.

(c) Basis rules

(1) Partner's interest

The adjusted basis of a partner's interest in a partnership shall be increased by the amount of any gain recognized by such partner under subsection (a). For purposes of determining the basis of the distributed property (other than money), such increase shall be treated as occurring immediately before the distribution.

(2) Partnership's basis in contributed property

Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the adjusted basis of the partnership in the contributed property referred to in subsection (b) to reflect gain recognized under subsection (a).

(d) Exceptions

(1) Distributions of previously contributed property

If any portion of the property distributed consists of property which had been contributed by the distributee partner to the partnership, such property shall not be taken into account under subsection (a)(1) and shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of the net precontribution gain. If the property distributed consists of an interest in an entity, the preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent that the value of such interest is attributable to property contributed to such entity after such interest had been contributed to the partnership.

(2) Coordination with section 751

This section shall not apply to the extent section 751(b) applies to such distribution.

(e) Marketable securities treated as money

For treatment of marketable securities as money for purposes of this section, see section 731(c).

(Added Pub. L. 102–486, title XIX, §1937(a), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3032; amended Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §741(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5009; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(j)(8), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1882; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1063(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 947.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted "7 years" for "5 years".

1996—Pub. L. 104–188 provided that section 1937(a) of Pub. L. 102–486, shall be applied as if "Subpart B" appeared instead of "Subpart C". Section 1937(a) of Pub. L. 102–486 directed amendment of subpart C of this part by adding this section at the end thereof.

1994—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–465, §741(b)(1), amended last sentence generally. Prior to amendment, last sentence read as follows: "Except for purposes of determining the amount recognized under subsection (a), such increase shall be treated as occurring immediately before the distribution."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–465, §741(b)(2), added subsec. (e).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to property contributed to a partnership after June 8, 1997, but not applicable to any property contributed pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on June 8, 1997, and at all times thereafter before such contribution if such contract provides for the contribution of a fixed amount of property, see section 1063(b) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 704 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to distributions after Dec. 8, 1994, and not applicable to certain distributions before Jan. 1, 1995, distributions in liquidation of partner's interest, or distributions in complete liquidation of publicly traded partnerships, see section 741(c) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 731 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable to distributions on or after June 25, 1992, see section 1937(c) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Effective Date of 1992 Amendment note under section 704 of this title.

Subpart C—Transfers of Interests in a Partnership

Sec.
741.
Recognition and character of gain or loss on sale or exchange.
742.
Basis of transferee partner's interest.
743.
Special rules where section 754 election or substantial built-in loss.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §833(b)(6)(B), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1591, substituted "Special rules where section 754 election or substantial built-in loss" for "Optional adjustment to basis of partnership property" in item 743.

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 737 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. § 737. 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 § 737

What does United States Code § 737 cover?

Section 737 ("Recognition of precontribution gain in case of certain distributions to contributing partner") 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 § 737?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 737" (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 § 737 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.