Subject to the limitations contained in this chapter, the tax imposed by section 2501 shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise, whether the gift is direct or indirect, and whether the property is real or personal, tangible or intangible; but in the case of a nonresident not a citizen of the United States, shall apply to a transfer only if the property is situated within the United States.

For purposes of this chapter, in the case of a nonresident not a citizen of the United States who is excepted from the application of section 2501(a)(2)—

(1) shares of stock issued by a domestic corporation, and

debt obligations of—

(A) a United States person, or

(B) the United States, a State or any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia,

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 406; Pub. L. 89–809, title I, § 109(b), Nov. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 1575; Pub. L. 107–16, title V, § 511(e), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 71; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 411(g)(1), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 46; Pub. L. 111–312, title III, § 302(e), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3302.)