(F) Reorganizations and Proposed Alternate Routes for Post-Reorganization Net Operating Loss Carrybacks

Section 368(a)(l)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) defines the least complex of all corporate reorganizations-commonly known as the (F) reorganization-as “a mere change in identity, form, or place of organization, however effected.” Since 1921, when the (F) reorganization first appeared in a Revenue Act, a significant amount of judicial gloss has been appended to this simple definition. To qualify as an (F) reorganization, a reorganization must result in neither a change of shareholders nor a shift in proprietary interest, and there must be a continuation of the business in the pre-organization fields of activity, using essentially the same operating assets as before. In two recent decisions, the Tax Court has imposed a new and significant requirement for qualification as an (F) reorganization.