§6601 Interest on underpayment, nonpayment, or extensions of time for payment, of tax

Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain YearsFor inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.

2018—Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 115–141 redesignated pars. (3) to (5) as (2) to (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which related to dates prescribed for installment payments. 2017—Subsec. (j)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–97 substituted “for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii)” for “for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B)”. 2015—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–74 struck out at end “In the case of a settlement under section 6224(c) which results in the conversion of partnership items to nonpartnership items pursuant to section 6231(b)(1)(C), the preceding sentence shall apply to a computational adjustment resulting from such settlement in the same manner as if such adjustment were a deficiency and such settlement were a waiver referred to in the preceding sentence.” 2005—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 109–135 substituted “6611(f)(4)(A)” for “6611(f)(3)(A)”. 1998—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–206 inserted at end “The preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent that section 6621(d) applies.” 1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1242(a), inserted at end “In the case of a settlement under section 6224(c) which results in the conversion of partnership items to nonpartnership items pursuant to section 6231(b)(1)(C), the preceding sentence shall apply to a computational adjustment resulting from such settlement in the same manner as if such adjustment were a deficiency and such settlement were a waiver referred to in the preceding sentence.” Subsec. (d)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1055(a), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively. Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–34, § 503(c)(3), substituted “2-percent” for “4-percent” in heading. Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, § 503(a), reenacted par. heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If the time for payment of an amount of tax imposed by chapter 11 is extended as provided in section 6166, interest on the 4-percent portion of such amount shall (in lieu of the annual rate provided by subsection (a)) be paid at the rate of 4 percent. For purposes of this subsection, the amount of any deficiency which is prorated to installments payable under section 6166 shall be treated as an amount of tax payable in installments under such section.” Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 105–34, § 503(a), amended heading and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘4-percent portion’ means the lesser of— “(A) $345,800 reduced by the amount of the credit allowable under section 2010(a); or “(B) the amount of the tax imposed by chapter 11 which is extended as provided in section 6166.” Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 105–34, § 501(e), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4). Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 105–34, § 503(c)(2), substituted “2-percent” for “4-percent” wherever appearing. Pub. L. 105–34, § 501(e), redesignated par. (3) as (4). 1996—Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–168, § 303(b)(1), substituted “21 calendar days from the date of notice and demand therefor (10 business days if the amount for which such notice and demand is made equals or exceeds $100,000)” for “10 days from the date of notice and demand therefor”. Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 104–168, § 303(a), substituted “specified period” for “10 days” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If notice and demand is made for payment of any amount, and if such amount is paid within 10 days after the date of such notice and demand interest under this section on the amount so paid shall not be imposed for the period after the date of such notice and demand.” 1990—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–508 struck out “or 6158(a)” after “6156(a)” in introductory provisions, struck out “or 6158(a), as the case may be” after “6156(a)” in subpar. (A), and struck out at end “For purposes of subparagraph (A), section 6158(a) shall be treated as providing that the date prescribed for payment of each installment shall not be later than the date prescribed for payment of the 1985 installment.” 1989—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “section 6651(a)(1) or 6653 or under part II of subchapter A of chapter 68” for “section 6651(a)(1), 6653, 6659, 6660, or 6661” in subpars. (A) and (B). 1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, § 6234(b)(1), inserted “or any installment agreement entered into under section 6159” after “time for payment”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(42), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 99–514, § 1404(c)(3), see 1986 Amendment note below. Subsec. (e)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1015(b)(2)(C), substituted “6653, 6659” for “6659”. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–647, § 7106(c)(5), struck out “or 3321” after “3301”. 1987—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted “section 6654 or 6655” for “section 6154 or 6654”. 1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1511(c)(11), substituted “the underpayment rate established under section 6621” for “an annual rate established under section 6621”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1404(c)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, § 1018(u)(42), substituted “6156(a) or 6158(a)” for “6152(a), 6156(a), or 6158(a)” in introductory provisions and “6156(b) or 6158(a)” for “6152(b), 6156(b), or 6158(a)” in subpar. (A). Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1512(a), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5). Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1564(a), inserted “and interest shall not be imposed during such period on any interest with respect to such deficiency for any prior period”. 1984—Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, § 714(n)(1), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 97–248, § 346(c)(2)(B). See 1982 Amendment note below. Subsec. (d)(3), (4). Pub. L. 98–369, § 211(b)(26), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which had provided that if the amount of any tax imposed by subtitle A was reduced by operation of section 815(d)(5) (relating to reduction of policyholders surplus account of life insurance companies for certain unused deductions), such reduction in tax would not affect the computation of interest under this section for the period ending with the last day of the last taxable year to which the loss described in section 815(d)(5)(A) was carried under section 812(b)(2). Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 98–369, § 158(a), in amending par. (2) generally, inserted “(other than an addition to tax imposed under section 6651(a)(1), 6659, 6660, or 6661)”, and added subpar. (B). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–369, § 412(b)(7), amended subsec. (h) generally, substituting “any estimated tax required to be paid by section 6154 or 6654” for “estimated tax required by section 6153 or section 6154”. 1983—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–76 inserted “or 3321” after “3301”. 1982—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–248, § 346(c)(2)(A), substituted “the filing date for the taxable year” for “the last day of the taxable year”. Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–248, § 346(c)(2)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 98–369, § 346(c)(2)(B), substituted “the filing date for” for “the last day of” in two places. Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 97–248, § 346(c)(2)(C), added par. (4). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–248, § 344(b)(1), struck out par. (2) which had provided that no interest under this section was to be imposed on the interest provided by this section, and redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively. 1980—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–223 substituted “certain excise tax cases” for “chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 tax cases” in heading. 1978—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 95–628, § 8(c)(2)(A), substituted in heading “Certain credit carrybacks” for “Investment credit carryback”, designated existing provision as subpar. (A), and in subpar. (A) as so designated, inserted heading “In general” and in text extended the application of the provision to credit carrybacks, previously limited to investment credit carrybacks, included other credit carrybacks, and added subpar. (B). Subsec. (d)(4), (5). Pub. L. 95–628, § 8(c)(2)(B), struck out pars. (4) and (5) which provided for work incentive program credit carrybacks and new employee credit carrybacks, respectively. 1977—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 95–30 added par. (5). 1976—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 94–452 substituted “, 6156(a), or 6158(a)” for “or 6156(a)” and “, 6156(b), or 6158(a)” for “or 6156(b)” and inserted requirement that for purposes of subparagraph (A), section 6158(a) of this title shall be treated as providing that the date prescribed for payment of each installment shall not be later than the date prescribed for payment of the 1985 installment. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1307(d)(2)(H), 1605(b)(10), substituted in heading “chapter 41, 42” for “chapter 42” and “43, or 44” for “or 43”. Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 94–455, § 2107(g)(2)(C), inserted “, an investment credit carryback,” after “net operating loss carryback”. Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(a)(34), struck out “(or section 59 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1939)”. Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 94–455, § 2004(b), added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k). 1975—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–625, § 7(a)(2)(A), substituted “an annual rate established under section 6621” for “the rate of 6 percent per annum”. Subsecs. (b) to (l). Pub. L. 93–625, § 7(b)(1), struck out subsec. (b) relating to extensions of time for payment of estate tax, redesignated subsecs. (c) to (i) as (b) to (h), respectively, struck out subsec. (j) relating to extensions of time for payment of tax attributable to recoveries of foreign expropriation losses, and redesignated subsecs. (k) and (l) as (i) and (j), respectively. 1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–406 inserted reference to chapter 43 in heading, and substituted “certain excise” for “chapter 42” in text. 1971—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 92–178 added par. (4). 1969—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–172, § 101(j)(49), inserted reference to chapter 42 both in subsec. heading and in text. Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 91–172, § 512(e)(3)(A), (B), substituted “loss or capital loss carryback” for “loss carryback” in heading, and “net operating loss or net capital loss” for “net operating loss” wherever it appears in text. Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 91–172, § 512(e)(3)(C), substituted “loss carryback or a capital loss carryback” for “loss carryback”. Subsecs. (k), (l). Pub. L. 91–53 added subsec. (k) and redesignated former subsec. (k) as (l). 1967—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 90–225 inserted “, or with respect to any portion of an investment credit carryback from a taxable year attributable to a net operating loss carryback from a subsequent taxable year, such increase shall not affect the computation of interest under this section for the period ending with the last day of such subsequent taxable year,” after “the investment credit carryback arises”. 1966—Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 89–384 added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k). 1964—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 88–571 added par. (3) and inserted “or adjustment for certain unused deductions” in heading. 1962—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–834 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2). 1961—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 87–61 substituted “6152(a) or 6156(a)” for “6152(a)” in introductory provisions, and “6152(b) or 6156(b), as the case may be” for “6152(b)” in subpar. (A). 1958—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–866, §§ 66(c), 206(e), inserted reference to section 6166, and substituted “if the time for payment of an amount of such tax is postponed or extended as provided by section 6163” for “if postponement of the payment of an amount of such tax is permitted by section 6163(a)”. Subsecs. (g) to (j). Pub. L. 85–866, §§ 83(a)(1), 84(a), added subsecs. (g) and (h) and redesignated former subsecs. (g) and (h) as (h) and (i), respectively.

of 2017 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

of 2015 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 114–74 applicable to returns filed for partnership taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 1101(g) of Pub. L. 114–74, set out as an

note under section 6221 of this title.

of 2005 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 109–135 effective as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 409(d) of Pub. L. 109–135, set out as a note under section 961 of this title.

of 1998 Amendment Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3301(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 741, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title IV, § 4002(d), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–906, provided that: “(1) In general.—Except as provided under paragraph (2), the

made by this section [amending this section and section 6621 of this title] shall apply to interest for periods beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]. “(2) Special rule.—Subject to any applicable statute of limitation not having expired with regard to either a tax underpayment or a tax overpayment, the

made by this section shall apply to interest for periods beginning before the date of the enactment of this Act if the taxpayer—“(A) reasonably identifies and establishes periods of such tax overpayments and underpayments for which the zero rate applies; and “(B) not later than December 31, 1999, requests the Secretary of the Treasury to apply section 6621(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by subsection (a), to such periods.”

of 1997 AmendmentAmendment by section 501(e) of Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to estates of decedents dying, and gifts made, after Dec. 31, 1997, see section 501(f) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 2001 of this title. Amendment by section 503(a), (c)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to estates of decedents dying after Dec. 31, 1997, with special rule in case of estate of any decedent dying before Jan. 1, 1998, with respect to which there is an election under section 6166 of this title, see section 503(d) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 163 of this title. Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1055(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 945, provided that: “The

made by this section [amending this section and section 6611 of this title] shall apply to foreign tax credit carrybacks arising in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997].” Pub. L. 105–34, title XII, § 1242(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1029, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to adjustments with respect to partnership taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997].”

of 1996 Amendment Pub. L. 104–168, title III, § 303(c), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1458, provided that: “The

made by this section [amending this section and section 6651 of this title] shall apply in the case of any notice and demand given after December 31, 1996.”

of 1989 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1989, see section 7721(d) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 461 of this title.

of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by section 1015(b)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 1015(b)(4) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 6013 of this title. Amendment by section 1018(u)(42) of Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title. Amendment by section 6234(b)(1) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to agreements entered into after Nov. 10, 1988, see section 6234(c) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as an

note under section 6159 of this title. Amendment by section 7106(c)(5) of Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 7106(d) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 3321 of this title.

of 1987 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 10301(c) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 585 of this title.

of 1986 AmendmentAmendment by section 1404(c)(3) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 1404(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 643 of this title. Amendment by section 1511(c)(11) of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable for purposes of determining interest for periods after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 1511(d) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 47 of this title. Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1512(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2746, provided that: “The

made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after December 31, 1985.” Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1564(b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2762, provided that: “(1)

.—The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to interest accruing after December 31, 1982. “(2) Statute of limitations.—If refund or credit of any amount resulting from the application of the amendment made by subsection (a) is prevented at any time before the close of the date which is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986] by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), refund or credit of such amount (to the extent attributable to the application of the amendment made by subsection (a)) may, nevertheless, be made or allowed if claim therefore [sic] is filed before the close of such 1-year period.”

note under section 801 of this title. Amendment by section 412(b)(7) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, see section 414(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6654 of this title. Amendment by section 714(n)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective as if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, to which such amendment relates, see section 715 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

of 1983 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–76 applicable to remuneration paid after June 30, 1986, see section 231(d) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as an

note under section 3321 of this title.

of 1982 AmendmentAmendment by section 344(b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to interest accruing after Dec. 31, 1982, see section 344(c) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as an

note under section 6622 of this title. Amendment by section 346(c)(2) of Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to interest accruing after the 30th day after Sept. 3, 1982, see section 346(d)(2) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 6611 of this title.

of 1980 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 96–223 applicable to periods after Feb. 29, 1980, see section 101(i) of Pub. L. 96–223, set out as a note under section 6161 of this title.

of 1978 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 95–628 applicable to carrybacks arising in taxable years beginning after Nov. 10, 1978, see section 8(d) of Pub. L. 95–628, set out as a note under section 6511 of this title.

of 1977 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 95–30 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1976, and to credit carrybacks from such years, see section 202(e) of Pub. L. 95–30, set out as an

note under section 51 of this title.

of 1976

Amendment by section 2004(b) of Pub. L. 94–455 applicable to estates of decedents dying after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 2004(g) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 6166 of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 94–452 effective Oct. 1, 1977, see section 3(e) of Pub. L. 94–452, set out as a note under section 6151 of this title.

of 1975 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 93–625 effective July 1, 1975, and applicable to amounts outstanding on such date or arising thereafter, see section 7(e) of Pub. L. 93–625, set out as an

note under section 6621 of this title.

of 1974 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 93–406 applicable, except as otherwise provided in section 1017(c) through (i) of Pub. L. 93–406, for plan years beginning after Sept. 2, 1974, but, in the case of plans in existence on Jan. 1, 1974, amendment by Pub. L. 93–406 applicable for plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1975, see section 1017 of Pub. L. 93–406, set out as an

Transitional Rules note under section 410 of this title.

of 1971 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 92–178 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1971, see section 601(f) of Pub. L. 92–178, set out as a note under section 381 of this title.

of 1969 AmendmentAmendment by section 101(j)(49) of Pub. L. 91–172 effective Jan. 1, 1970, see section 101(k)(1) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as an

note under section 4940 of this title. Amendment by section 512(e)(3) of Pub. L. 91–172 applicable with respect to net capital losses sustained in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 512(g) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as an

of 1969 Amendment note under section 1212 of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 91–53 applicable with respect to calendar years beginning after Dec. 31, 1969, see section 4(a) of Pub. L. 91–53, set out as an

note under section 6157 of this title.

of 1967 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 90–225 applicable with respect to investment credit carrybacks attributable to net operating loss carrybacks from taxable years ending after July 31, 1967, see section 2(g) of Pub. L. 90–225, set out as a note under section 46 of this title.

note under section 1351 of this title.

of 1964 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 88–571 effective, with respect to amounts added to policyholders surplus accounts, for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1958, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 88–571, set out as a note under section 6501 of this title.

of 1962 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 87–834 applicable with respect to taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 1961, see section 2(h) of Pub. L. 87–834, set out as an

note under section 46 of this title.

of 1961 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 87–61 effective July 1, 1961, see section 208 of Pub. L. 87–61, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

of 1958 AmendmentAmendment by section 66(c) and 84(a) of Pub. L. 85–866 effective Aug. 17, 1954, see section 1(c)(2) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 165 of this title. Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 83(d), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1664, provided that: “The

made by subsections (a) [amending this section and section 3794 of I.R.C. 1939], (b) [amending section 6611 of this title and section 3771 of I.R.C. 1939], and (c) [amending section 6611 of this title] shall apply only in respect of overpayments credited after December 31, 1957.” For

of amendment by section 206(e) of Pub. L. 85–866, see section 206(f) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 6161 of this title.

made by Pub. L. 91–172, was not to be assessed or collected for any period before the 90th day after Dec. 30, 1969. Interest Attributable to Net Operating Loss Carryback for Certain Taxable Years Ending in 1954 Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 83(e), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1664, provided that if by reason of the enactment of section 172(b)(1)(A) of this title, a deficiency resulted for the first taxable year preceding a taxable year ending after Dec. 31, 1953 but before Aug. 17, 1954 and an overpayment resulted in the second preceding taxable year, then no interest was payable for any portion of such deficiency for any period during which there existed a corresponding overpayment to which interest was not payable.