IRS Issues Salvage Discount Factors for 2016

Part III

Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous

26 CFR 601.201: Rulings and determination letters.

(Also: Part I, Section 832, 846; 1.832-4, 1.846-1.)

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

This revenue procedure prescribes the salvage discount factors for the 2016 accident year. These factors must be used to compute discounted estimated salvage recoverable under § 832 of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND

Section 832(b)(5)(A) requires that all estimated salvage recoverable (including that which cannot be treated as an asset for state accounting purposes) be taken into account in computing the deduction for losses incurred. Under § 832(b)(5)(A), paid losses are reduced by salvage and reinsurance recovered during the taxable year. This amount is adjusted to reflect changes in discounted unpaid losses on nonlife insurance contracts and in unpaid losses on life insurance contracts. An adjustment is then made to reflect any changes in discounted estimated salvage recoverable and reinsurance recoverable.

Pursuant to § 832(b), the amount of estimated salvage is determined on a discounted basis in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.

SECTION 3. SCOPE

This revenue procedure applies to any taxpayer that is required to discount estimated salvage recoverable under § 832.

SECTION 4. TABLES OF DISCOUNT FACTORS

.01 The following tables present separately for each line of business the discount factors under § 832 for the 2016 accident year. All the discount factors presented in this section were determined using the applicable interest rate under § 846(c) for 2016, which is 1.56 percent, and by assuming all estimated salvage is recovered in the middle of the calendar year.

.02 These tables must be used by taxpayers irrespective of whether they elected to discount unpaid losses using their own experience under § 846(e).

.03 Section V of Notice 88-100, 1988-2 C.B. 439, provides a composite discount factor to be used in determining the discounted unpaid losses for accident years that are not separately reported on the annual statement approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The tables separately provide discount factors for taxpayers who elect to use the composite method. Rev. Proc. 2002-74, 2002-2 C.B. 980, clarifies that for certain insurance companies subject to tax under § 831 the composite method for discounting unpaid losses set forth in Notice 88-100, section V, is permitted but not required. Rev. Proc. 2002-74 further provides alternative methods for computing discounted unpaid losses that are permitted for insurance companies not using the composite method, and sets forth a procedure for insurance companies to obtain automatic consent of the Commissioner to change to one of the methods described therein.

.04 Tables.

Accident and Health (Other Than Disability Income or Credit Disability Insurance)

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Sharon Y. Horn of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Financial Institutions & Products). For further information regarding this revenue procedure contact Ms. Horn at (202) 317-4426 (not a toll free call).