identified straddle
(2) Special rule for identified straddles (A) In general In the case of any straddle which is an identified straddle— (i) paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to positions comprising the identified straddle, (ii) if there is any loss with respect to any position of the identified straddle, the basis of each of the offsetting positions in the identified straddle shall be increased by an amount which bears the same ratio to the loss as the unrecognized gain with respect to such offsetting position bears to the aggregate unrecognized gain with respect to all such offsetting positions, (iii) if the application of clause (ii) does not result in an increase in the basis of any offsetting position in the identified straddle, the basis of each of the offsetting positions in the identified straddle shall be increased in a manner which— (I) is reasonable, consistent with the purposes of this paragraph, and consistently applied by the taxpayer, and (II) results in an aggregate increase in the basis of such offsetting positions which is equal to the loss described in clause (ii), and (iv) any loss described in clause (ii) shall not otherwise be taken into account for purposes of this title. (B) Identified straddle The term “identified straddle” means any straddle— (i) which is clearly identified on the taxpayer’s records as an identified straddle before the earlier of— (I) the close of the day on which the straddle is acquired, or (II) such time as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. (ii) to the extent provided by regulations, the value of each position of which (in the hands of the taxpayer immediately before the creation of the straddle) is not less than the basis of such position in the hands of the taxpayer at the time the straddle is created, and (iii) which is not part of a larger straddle. A straddle shall be treated as clearly identified for purposes of clause (i) only if such identification includes an identification of the positions in the straddle which are offsetting with respect to other positions in the straddle. (C) Application to liabilities and obligations Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall apply for purposes of this paragraph with respect to any position which is, or has been, a liability or obligation. (D) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this paragraph. Such regulations or other guidance may specify the proper methods for clearly identifying a straddle as an identified straddle (and for identifying the positions comprising such straddle), the rules for the application of this section to a taxpayer which fails to comply with those identification requirements, the rules for the application of this section to a position which is or has been a liability or obligation, methods of loss allocation which satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A)(iii), and the ordering rules in cases where a taxpayer disposes (or otherwise ceases to be the holder) of any part of any position which is part of an identified straddle.