What characterizes temporary regulations?

Temporary regulations are characterized by their limited life. They are generally issued for a duration of three years, allowing the IRS to implement rules on a provisional basis while permanent regulations are developed. This temporary nature of the regulations means that they can be subject to change or revision after the specified time frame, reflecting the need for ongoing refinement and responsiveness to changing circumstances or clarification of the tax code.

The indication that they apply only to specific cases is not accurate, as temporary regulations can have broader applications within the tax law. They are not issued indefinitely, as they are indeed intended to have a set expiration date. Lastly, they are not optional for compliance; rather, they must be followed unless specifically challenged or ruled otherwise during their effective period. Thus, the characteristic of having a limited life is key to understanding the function and purpose of temporary regulations in the taxation framework.