(a) In general. A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) required to file a return on Form 8612, “Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Real Estate Investment Trusts,” or a Regulated Investment Company (RIC) required to file a return on Form 8613, “Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Regulated Investment Companies,” will be allowed an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return after the date prescribed for filing the return if the REIT or RIC files an application under this section in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Requirements. To satisfy this paragraph (b), a REIT or RIC must—

(1) Submit a complete application on Form 7004, “Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns,” or in any other manner prescribed by the Commissioner;

(2) File the application on or before the date prescribed for filing the return with the Internal Revenue Service office designated in the application's instructions; and

(3) Remit the amount of the properly estimated unpaid tax liability on or before the date prescribed for payment.

(c) No extension of time for the payment of tax. An automatic extension of time for filing a return granted under paragraph (a) of this section will not extend the time for payment of any tax due on such return.

(d) Termination of automatic extension. The Commissioner may terminate an automatic extension at any time by mailing to the REIT or RIC a notice of termination at least 10 days prior to the termination date designated in such notice. The Commissioner must mail the notice of termination to the address shown on the Form 7004 or to the REIT or RIC's last known address. For further guidance regarding the definition of last known address, see §301.6212-2 of this chapter.

(e) Penalties. See section 6651 for failure to file or failure to pay the amount shown as tax on the return.

(f) Effective/applicable dates. This section is applicable for applications for an automatic extension of time to file a return due under chapter 44, filed after July 1, 2008.

[T.D. 9407, 73 FR 37369, July 1, 2008]