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The earnings of foreign corporations generally are not taxed in the U.S. until the foreign corporation repatriates its earnings through the distribution of dividends. This is known as the concept of “deferral” (i.e., U.S. taxation is deferred until repatriation). Various exceptions to deferral exist today (often referred to as “anti-deferral” regimes). Subpart F income is one of these exceptions to deferral. Subpart F income only applies to Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFC’s).

A CFC generally is defined as any foreign corporation in which U.S. persons own more than 50 percent of the corporation’s stock (measured by vote or value). Stock ownership includes direct ownership as well as stock owned indirectly or constructively.

When a CFC earns subpart F income, the United States generally taxes the corporation’s U.S. shareholders currently on their pro rata share thereof. Those shareholders are effectively treated as having received current income consisting of subpart F income.

Subpart F income typically is income that is relatively movable from one taxing jurisdiction to another and that is subject to low rates of foreign tax. Subpart F income consists of various types of income. This web page only discusses certain types of subpart F income.

Earnings and profits (“E&P”) of a CFC that have been included in the income of the U.S. shareholders are not taxed again when such earnings are actually distributed to the U.S. shareholders. These earnings are known as “previously taxed income” or “PTI.”

Various special provisions apply in the application of the subpart F rules, including “de minimis” and “full inclusion” rules, and an exception for certain income subject to high foreign taxes. Furthermore, the subpart F income of a CFC is limited by its current E&P.

It is often possible to avoid subpart F income. Our firm can help you assess whether your subpart F income can be avoided. For selected charts dealing with subpart F income see: Subpart F Income Charts .

Foreign Personal Holding Company Income

Foreign Personal Holding Company Income (“FPHC income”) is a major type of subpart F income. Generally, it consists of passive income such as interest, dividends, annuities, net gains from sales of property that do not generate active income, net commodities gains, net foreign currency gains, and certain rents and royalties.

An exclusion exists for certain dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received from related corporations where the payor corporation is organized and operating in the same foreign country as the recipient. This exclusion, often colloquially referred to as the “same country exception,” is subject to various exceptions. Another exclusion exists for rents and royalties received from unrelated persons in the active conduct of a trade or business.

For the calendar years 2006-2008, there is a special rule which excludes certain dividends, interest, rents, and royalties from FPHC income, even if the paying entity is not incorporated in the same country as the recipient.

Foreign Base Company Sales Income

Foreign Base Company Sales Income is income attributable to related-party purchases and sales made through a CFC if the country of the CFC’s incorporation is neither the origin nor the destination of the goods and the CFC is not “manufacturing” these goods. For a simplified version of the complex branch regulations click Section 954 Branch Regulations.

Foreign Base Company Services Income

Foreign Base Company Services Income includes income from services performed by a CFC for a related party where the services are performed outside the country of the CFC’s incorporation.

To view our Tax Charts click here.