Write a tax memo for the file which addresses the principal issues involved in this case. Be
Question:
Wheeler Electrical Supplies, Inc. (Wheeler), an accrual basis, calendar year C Corporation, has been in the business of manufacturing small electrical components in Texas since 1983. Until recently, four individuals, Brian and Ashley Clay and their daughters Angela and Kristin, owned an equal number of shares in Wheeler. The four individuals were all original shareholders, and the stock issued to them upon Wheeler's incorporation qualified as §1244 stock. Principally because of depressed economic conditions in the region, the business has operated at a loss for the past several years. Three of the shareholders wanted to sell the corporation. However, Angela Clay is convinced that she can make the business profitable again if she is in sole control of operations. Based on this conviction, Angela purchased the 300 outstanding shares of the other family members for a nominal total price of $1,000. Angela's basis in her original 100 shares is $5,000.
Angela believes that Wheeler has some amount of negative goodwill attributable to adverse publicity concerning certain corporate business practices. Angela is concerned that certain hazardous waste disposal practices of the corporation could subject Wheeler and the principal shareholders to personal liability that she fears could reach thousands of dollars. She also would prefer to pay tax on future business profits at her individual tax rate, rather than the higher corporate rate. Finally, she sees no reason to continue to pay the annual Texas corporate franchise tax (Texas has no individual income tax). Therefore, she is contemplating a liquidation of Wheeler, after which she will reorganize the business as a sole proprietorship, despite concerns about operating as a sole proprietorship in light of potential liability for matters such as product liability claims.
Because the business is currently insolvent, Angela has negotiated with Joyce, the holder of an $80,000 corporate note payable by Wheeler, to transfer all of the Wheeler accounts receivable to Joyce in full satisfaction of the debt. Then the corporation will distribute its remaining assets to Angela, who will assume personal responsibility for the other accounts payable.
Although the fair market value of the corporate real property (plant and land) is less than the principal balance of the mortgage, Angela wants to retain the real property in the business, because of the advantageous location of the property and its particular suitability for the manufacturing processes involved in the business.. Corporate operations through July 31 are expected to generate a $50,000 current loss. The corporate net operating loss carry forward into the year is $75,000. Assuming that Angela follows through with her plans and liquidates the corporation on July 31, calculate Wheeler's federal corporate income tax liability, and explain any assumptions used in making the calculation. Ignore state, local, and other corporate income taxes.
Goodwill is an important concept and terminology in accounting which means good reputation. The word goodwill is used at various places in accounting but it is recognized only at the time of a business combination. There are generally two types of... Corporation
A Corporation is a legal form of business that is separate from its owner. In other words, a corporation is a business or organization formed by a group of people, and its right and liabilities separate from those of the individuals involved. It may... Liquidation
Liquidation in finance and economics is the process of bringing a business to an end and distributing its assets to claimants. It is an event that usually occurs when a company is insolvent, meaning it cannot pay its obligations when they are due....
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Smith and Roberson Business Law
ISBN: 978-0538473637
15th Edition
Authors: Richard A. Mann, Barry S. Roberts