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Official form guide
Form 851: Affiliations Schedule
IRS Form 851 is the Affiliations Schedule used to report stock ownership and affiliated group information for consolidated return purposes. The form requires details on each member of an affiliated group, including stock ownership percentages and tax year-ends. No official source is available for this form.
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IRS Form 851 - Affiliations Schedule
IRS Form 851 is the Affiliations Schedule used to report stock ownership and affiliated group information for consolidated return purposes. The form requires details on each member of an affiliated group, including stock ownership percentages and tax year-ends. No official source is available for this form.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Not stated in the official source.
- 2Omitting a required member of the affiliated group from the schedule
- 3Reporting incorrect stock ownership percentages between group members
- 4Failing to include all acquired entities during the tax year
- 5Listing multiple members on a single line when separate entries are needed
Plain English
This form tells the IRS who owns which companies in a group of corporations that file taxes together. You list every company in the group and show how much stock each one holds in the others.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2016-10-14 00:00:00
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when reporting stock ownership and affiliated group information for consolidated return purposes.
- Do not use it when the affiliated group does not file a consolidated return.
- Check Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return) instead when the corporation is not part of a consolidated group.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filer is a consolidated group with foreign subsidiaries
Required to compute foreign tax credits for consolidated groups
✓ Review current IRS instructions for Form 1118 and Revenue Procedure guidelines
Filer needs to elect or terminate consolidated return status
The affiliations schedule is part of the consolidated return package; separate forms trigger elections
✓ Verify that the election or termination is properly documented according to Treasury Regulation §1.1502
Filer is an affiliated group but not filing a consolidated return
Members must file individually when no consolidated return is elected
✓ Check that each member meets the definition of an affiliated group under IRC §1504
Separate Forms 1120 for each member
Filer needs to reflect a change in affiliated group composition during the year
Schedule O reports changes in stock ownership that affect group membership
✓ Confirm that all changes are reported for the correct period and that no duplicate entries exist
Filer is insolvent or in bankruptcy
Filing requirements differ for insolvent members; special rules apply to deductions and credits
✓ Consult IRS guidance for bankruptcy filings and ensure proper treatment of NOLs and credits
Form 1120, Form 851, and Bankruptcy schedule
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Header (name, EIN, tax year)
Legal business name and current EIN · IRS records or prior year return
List of members
Stock ownership percentages for each member · Stock certificates, corporate records, shareholder agreements
Schedule O (stock ownership changes)
Dates and details of stock purchases or sales · Board minutes, closing documents, stock transfer ledger
Schedule P (life insurance member)
Life insurance company status and tax reporting · NAIC annual statement, state insurance filings
Schedule Q (consolidated return election)
Consent of each member to join consolidated return · Resolutions, letters from members
Schedule R (affiliated group changes)
Effective dates of acquisition or deconsolidation · Purchase agreements, notices from IRS
Signature block
Date and signature of authorized officer · Corporate by-laws, authorization records
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the revision date on the form matches the current IRS edition.
- 2Fill in the parent corporation's name and EIN exactly as shown on prior returns.
- 3List all members of the affiliated group in the required order.
- 4Enter correct stock ownership percentages for each subsidiary.
- 5Indicate each member's tax year-end month and day.
- 6Attach any required election statements if this is the first consolidated return.
- 7Sign and date the form in the signature block by an authorized officer of the common parent.
- 8Make a copy of the completed form for your records.
- 9File the form with the associated consolidated Form 1120.
- 10Verify the mailing address or electronic filing destination on the IRS website.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current version of IRS Form 851 from the IRS website or approved software.
- 2Enter the parent corporation's identifying information including name, EIN, and address.
- 3List each subsidiary in alphabetical order or as instructed on the form.
- 4Calculate and input stock ownership percentages for each member based on direct holdings.
- 5Record the tax year-end (month and day) for each entity.
- 6Complete any additional schedules required for the consolidated return.
- 7Review the form for completeness and accuracy.
- 8Attach Form 851 to the consolidated Form 1120 and file by the due date of the return.
Known limitations
- 1Form 851 applies only to corporations filing a consolidated income tax return.
- 2It does not cover foreign corporations unless they meet specific affiliated group rules.
- 3Not used for partnerships or S corporations.
- 4Exceptions apply if the group includes tax-exempt entities or insurance companies.
- 5Special rules control when the group has discontinued a member during the tax year.
- 6The form may require additional schedules for tiered ownership structures.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->No official source is available for IRS Form 851. The current edition revision date is not stated in the official source — verify on the IRS website.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form revision date (not stated in the official source).
- Fee — no filing fee is stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source — verify on the IRS website.
- Signature — required by an authorized officer of the common parent corporation (not stated in the official source).
- Attachments — verify if additional schedules are needed (not stated in the official source).
- Electronic filing — check IRS e-file requirements for consolidated returns (not stated in the official source).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the signed Form 851 and all attachments with the tax return records.
- 2Keep records for at least three years from the filing date or as required by tax law.
- 3Expect no separate confirmation; the IRS will process it as part of the consolidated return.
- 4If an error is found after filing, file an amended consolidated return using Form 1120X.
- 5Monitor IRS notices — any discrepancy in affiliate listing may trigger a correspondence.
- 6If the group composition changes, prepare a new Form 851 for the next tax year.
Sources
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Do I list every subsidiary even if it's dormant?
The form requires all members of the affiliated group regardless of activity, but dormant companies may be omitted if they meet certain exceptions under Reg. §1.1502-76
→ Confirm that the subsidiary is indeed a member as defined in IRC §1504(a) and review Reg. §1.1502-76(b) for exceptions
What stock ownership percentage do I report for foreign subsidiaries?
Foreign subsidiaries are generally not members for domestic consolidated return purposes but may still need to be listed for information purposes
→ Verify that you are reporting only domestic members for the consolidated return and that foreign subsidiaries are disclosed only if required by the instructions
How do I handle a subsidiary that was sold during the year?
The form requires reporting of the subsidiary for the portion of the year it was a member, and Schedule O or Schedule R should reflect the disposition
→ Report the ownership % for the months owned and attach a statement explaining the sale date and gain/loss
Do I need to file Form 851 for every amendment to a consolidated return?
Form 851 is part of the original return; amendments may require a corrected Form 851 only if affiliation changed
→ Check the IRS guidance for amended returns; if no change in membership, attach a statement referencing the original Form 851
What if my group has 200 members?
The form has a limited number of lines; attach additional schedules as needed
→ Use the prescribed format from the instructions for continuation sheets and ensure the total stock ownership adds to 100% for each tier
Can I use last year's Form 851 for this year?
No, the form must reflect the current tax year's affiliation and ownership
→ Compare the old form to current records and update all members, ownership percentages, and tax year-ends
Is the form required if I am not filing a consolidated return?
The form is specifically for consolidated returns; if not filing consolidated, no Form 851 is needed
→ Confirm that your group qualifies for consolidated treatment and that you intend to file Form 1120 consolidated
What does 'affiliated group' mean in this context?
It means a chain of includible corporations meeting the 80% voting and value test under IRC §1504
→ Review IRC §1504(a) and ensure each member is a domestic corporation not excluded by §1504(b)
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 2848 — Power of Attorney, to authorize a representative to resolve IRS inquiries about the affiliation schedule.
Questions about IRS Form 851
What is IRS Form 851 used for?
This form tells the IRS who owns which companies in a group of corporations that file taxes together. You list every company in the group and show how much stock each one holds in the others.
Do I list every subsidiary even if it's dormant?
The form requires all members of the affiliated group regardless of activity, but dormant companies may be omitted if they meet certain exceptions under Reg. §1.1502-76 Confirm that the subsidiary is indeed a member as defined in IRC §1504(a) and review Reg. §1.1502-76(b) for exceptions
What stock ownership percentage do I report for foreign subsidiaries?
Foreign subsidiaries are generally not members for domestic consolidated return purposes but may still need to be listed for information purposes Verify that you are reporting only domestic members for the consolidated return and that foreign subsidiaries are disclosed only if required by the instructions
How do I handle a subsidiary that was sold during the year?
The form requires reporting of the subsidiary for the portion of the year it was a member, and Schedule O or Schedule R should reflect the disposition Report the ownership % for the months owned and attach a statement explaining the sale date and gain/loss
Do I need to file Form 851 for every amendment to a consolidated return?
Form 851 is part of the original return; amendments may require a corrected Form 851 only if affiliation changed Check the IRS guidance for amended returns; if no change in membership, attach a statement referencing the original Form 851
What if my group has 200 members?
The form has a limited number of lines; attach additional schedules as needed Use the prescribed format from the instructions for continuation sheets and ensure the total stock ownership adds to 100% for each tier
Can I use last year's Form 851 for this year?
No, the form must reflect the current tax year's affiliation and ownership Compare the old form to current records and update all members, ownership percentages, and tax year-ends
Is the form required if I am not filing a consolidated return?
The form is specifically for consolidated returns; if not filing consolidated, no Form 851 is needed Confirm that your group qualifies for consolidated treatment and that you intend to file Form 1120 consolidated
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