For purposes of this subtitle—
(1) a real estate investment trust shall not change to any accounting period other than the calendar year, and
(2) a corporation, trust, or association may not elect to be a real estate investment trust for any taxable year beginning after October 4, 1976, unless its accounting period is the calendar year.
Notwithstanding section 442, an entity which has not engaged in any active trade or business may change its accounting period to a calendar year without the approval of the Secretary if such change is in connection with an election under section 856(c).
(Added Pub. L. 94–455, title XVI, § 1604(i)(1), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1752, § 860; renumbered § 859 and amended Pub. L. 95–600, title III, § 362(d)(6), title VII, § 701(t)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2852, 2911; Pub. L. 99–514, title VI, § 661(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2300.)