(a) In general. In computing that part of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss on which it must pay a capital gains tax, a regulated investment company is allowed under section 852(b)(3)(A)(ii) a deduction for dividends paid (as defined in section 561) determined with reference to capital gains dividends only. Section 561(b) provides that in determining the deduction for dividends paid, the rules provided in section 562 are applicable. Section 562(c) (relating to preferential dividends) provides that the amount of any distribution shall not be considered as a dividend unless such distribution is pro-rata, with no preference to any share of stock as compared with other shares of the same class except to the extent that the former is entitled to such preference.

(b) Redemption distributions made by unit investment trust—(1) In general. Where a unit investment trust (as defined in paragraph (c) of this section) liquidates part of its portfolio represented by shares in a management company in order to make a distribution to a holder of an interest in the trust in redemption of part or all of such interest, and by so doing, the trust realizes net long-term capital gain, that portion of the distribution by the trust which is equal to the amount of the net long-term capital gain realized by the trust on the liquidation of the shares in the management company will not be considered a preferential dividend under section 562(c). For example, where the entire amount of net long-term capital gain realized by the trust on such a liquidation is distributed to the redeeming interest holder, the trust will be allowed the entire amount of net long-term capital gain so realized in determining the deduction under section 852(b)(3)(A)(ii) for dividends paid determined with reference to capital gains dividends only. This paragraph and section 852(d) shall apply only with respect to the capital gain net income (net capital gain for taxable years beginning before January 1, 1977) realized by the trust which is attributable to a redemption by a holder of an interest in such trust. Such dividend may be designated as a capital gain dividend by a written notice to the certificate holder. Such designation should clearly indicate to the holder that the holder's gain or loss on the redemption of the certificate may differ from such designated amount, depending upon the holder's basis for the redeemed certificate, and that the holder's own records are to be used in computing the holder's gain or loss on the redemption of the certificate.

(2) Example. The application of the provisions of this paragraph may be illustrated by the following example:

(c) Definition of unit investment trust. A unit investment trust to which paragraph (a) of this section refers is a business arrangement which—

(1) Is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust;

(2) Issues periodic payment plan certificates (as defined in such Act);

(3) Possesses, as substantially all of its assets, securities issued by a management company (as defined in such Act);

(4) Qualifies as a regulated investment company under section 851; and

(5) Complies with the requirements provided for by section 852(a).

Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to a unit investment trust described in section 851(f)(1) and paragraph (d) of §1.851-7.

[T.D. 6921, 32 FR 8755, June 20, 1967, as amended by T.D. 7187, 37 FR 13527, July 6, 1972; T.D. 7728, 45 FR 72650, Nov. 3, 1980]