A decedent's gross estate
(a) Introduction. A decedent's gross estate includes under section 2041 the value of property in respect of which the decedent possessed, exercised, or released certain powers of appointment. This section contains rules of general application; 20.2041-2 contains rules specifically applicable to general powers of appointment created on or before October 21, 1942; and 20.2041-3 sets forth specific rules applicable to powers of appointment created after October 21, 1942.