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Taxation in the United States |
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A988 transaction is a transaction described in section 988(c)(1) of theInternal Revenue Code[1] in theUnited States of America. This transaction occurs when a taxpayer enters into or acquires any debt instrument,forward contract,futures contract, option, or similar financial instrument held in anon-functional currency.[1] The rules for 988 transactions do not apply to any regulated futures contract or non-equity options which would bemarked to market under 26 USCA § 1256[2] (1256 contract) if held on the last day of the taxable year.[1]
The provisions covering 988 transactions were enacted as part of theTax Reform Act of 1986.[3][4]
The foreign currency gain or loss on a 988 transaction is treated asordinary income or loss unless an election is made to treat it as a capital gain or loss.[1]