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Main / Glossary / NOL 80 Limitation Example

NOL 80 Limitation Example

The NOL 80 Limitation Example refers to a specific scenario related to the utilization of net operating losses (NOLs) under the Section 172 of the United States Internal Revenue Code (IRC). NOLs serve as valuable tax assets for businesses, allowing them to offset taxable income and reduce their overall tax liability. However, the NOL 80 Limitation Example establishes certain restrictions on the amount of NOLs that can be used, particularly for tax years after 2017.

Prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, businesses could carryback NOLs to previous years and obtain refunds for taxes paid in those years. Moreover, there was no limitation on the amount of NOLs that could be carried forward to offset future income. However, the TCJA introduced changes to the NOL provisions, including the introduction of the NOL 80 Limitation Example.

The NOL 80 Limitation Example restricts the utilization of NOLs that arose in tax years after December 31, 2017. Under this limitation, businesses are generally unable to carry back NOLs to prior years. Instead, they can only carry forward these NOLs to offset taxable income of future years, subject to certain restrictions and limitations.

More specifically, the NOL 80 Limitation Example states that for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, businesses can only use NOLs to offset a maximum of 80% of their taxable income in any given year. This means that even if a business has significant NOL carryforwards, they can only use up to 80% of their taxable income to offset those losses. The remaining 20% of taxable income remains subject to taxation.

For example, suppose a corporation has a taxable income of $1 million in a specific tax year and has an NOL carryforward of $2 million. Taking into account the NOL 80 Limitation Example, the corporation can only use 80% of its taxable income, which amounts to $800,000, to offset the NOLs. As a result, the remaining $200,000 of taxable income will be subject to taxation.

It is important to note that the NOL 80 Limitation Example does not apply to certain types of businesses, such as farming companies, insurance companies, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the NOL 80 Limitation Example can be further affected by other provisions, limitations, and deductions outlined in the IRC.

Understanding the NOL 80 Limitation Example is crucial for businesses as it has significant implications on their tax planning strategies. It is essential for businesses to properly calculate and track their NOLs, both current and carryforwards, and evaluate their tax positions accordingly. Seeking the guidance of tax professionals or accounting experts can be highly beneficial in navigating the complexities and ensuring compliance with the NOL provisions and limitations.

In conclusion, the NOL 80 Limitation Example is a key provision under the IRC that restricts the utilization of NOLs for businesses. By capping the amount of taxable income that can be offset using NOL carryforwards, this limitation imposes a strategic constraint on businesses seeking to maximize their tax benefits. It is imperative for businesses to understand and properly account for the NOL 80 Limitation Example to optimize their tax planning strategies and remain compliant with the relevant tax laws and regulations.