Question
Shelly is the president and the sole shareholder of Kane Corporation, stock basis $400,000). Incorporated in 2005, Kanes sole business has consisted of purchase and
Shelly is the president and the sole shareholder of Kane Corporation, stock basis $400,000). Incorporated in 2005, Kanes sole business has consisted of purchase and resale of used medical equipment. In December 2015, Kane transferred its entire inventory, basis of 1.2M to Shelly in a transaction described by the parties as a sale. According to Shelly and collaborated by the minutes of the board of directors, the inventory was sold to her for $2 million, its fair market value. The terms of the sale provided that Shelly would pay Kane $2 million at some future date. The debt obligation was not evidenced by a promissory note and to date, Shelly has made no payments, principle or interest, on the obligation.
The inventory transfer was not reported on Kanes 2015 tax return, either as a sale or a distribution. After the transfer of the inventory to Shelly, Kane Corporation had no remaining assets and ceased to conduct any business. Kane did not formally liquidate under state law. IRS audited Kanes 2015 tax return and assessed the following:
- Transfer of inventory constituted taxable liquidation distribution in the amount of $800,000 (2M 1.2M)
- IRS asserted entire tax liability of $800,000 against Shelly based on transferee liability
- IRS assessed tax due from Shelly for her gain recognized in the purported liquidating distribution
Shelly contacted you regarding IRSs determination. Prepare a memo documenting your research. What are the tax consequences to Kane? To Shelly?
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