Exam 4: Corporations: Organization and Capital Structure

Erica transfers land worth $500,000, basis of $100,000, to a newly formed corporation, Robin Corporation, for all of Robin's stock, worth $300,000, and a 10-year note. The note was executed by Robin and made payable to Erica in the amount of $200,000. As a result of the transfer:

The use of § 351 is not limited to the initial formation of a corporation, and it can apply to later transfers as well.

What is the rationale underlying the tax deferral treatment available under § 351?

Kim, a real estate dealer, and others form Eagle Corporation under § 351. Kim contributes inventory (land held for resale) in return for Eagle stock. The holding period for the stock includes the holding period of the inventory.

Kevin and Nicole form Indigo Corporation with the following transfers: inventory from Kevin (basis of $360,000 and fair market value of $400,000) and improved real estate from Nicole (basis of $320,000 and fair market value of $375,000). Nicole, an accountant, agrees to contribute her services (worth $25,000) in organizing Indigo. The corporation's stock is distributed equally to Kevin and Nicole. As a result of these transfers:

Because boot is generated under § 357(b) (i.e., the liability is not supported by a bona fide business purpose), the transferor shareholder will always have to recognize gain.

In a § 351 transfer, a shareholder receives boot of $10,000 but ends up with a realized loss of $3,000. Only $7,000 of the boot will be taxed to the shareholder.

Earl and Mary form Crow Corporation. Earl transfers property, basis of $200,000 and value of $1,600,000, for 50 shares in Crow Corporation. Mary transfers property, basis of $80,000 and value of $1,480,000, and agrees to serve as manager of Crow for one year; in return Mary receives 50 shares of Crow. The value of Mary's services is $120,000. With respect to the transfers:

When a taxpayer transfers property subject to a mortgage to a controlled corporation in an exchange qualifying under § 351, the transferor shareholder's basis in stock received in the transferee corporation is increased by the amount of the mortgage on the property.

Trish and Ron form Pine Corporation. Trish transfers inventory (basis of $60,000 and fair market value of $110,000) for 50% of the stock in Pine. Ron transfers machinery (basis of $20,000 and fair market value of $60,000) and agrees to serve as manager of Pine Corporation for one year for 50% of the stock. What are the tax consequences to Trish, Ron, and Pine Corporation?

In structuring the capitalization of a corporation, the tax law is neutral for the investor as to debt versus equity financing.

Eileen transfers property worth $200,000 (basis of $190,000) to Goldfinch Corporation. In return, she receives 80% of the stock in Goldfinch Corporation (fair market value of $180,000) and a long-term note (fair market value of $20,000) executed by Goldfinch and made payable to Eileen. Eileen recognizes gain on the transfer of:

A taxpayer may never recognize a loss on the transfer of property in a transaction subject to § 351.

A taxpayer transfers assets and liabilities to a corporation in return for its stock. If the liabilities exceed the basis of the assets transferred, the taxpayer will have a negative basis in the stock.

Dick, a cash basis taxpayer, incorporates his sole proprietorship. He transfers the following items to newly created Orange Corporation. ​ With respect to this transaction:

Ashley, a 70% shareholder of Wren Corporation, transfers property with a basis of $250,000 and a fair market value of $900,000 to Wren Corporation for additional stock. Ashley owns 78% of Wren after the transfer. Two other shareholders in Wren transfer a nominal amount of property to Wren along with Ashley's transfer so that Ashley and the two shareholders own 90% of the Wren stock after the transfer. Does Ashley have taxable gain on the transfer?

George transfers cash of $150,000 to Finch Corporation, a newly formed corporation, for 100% of the stock in Finch worth $80,000 and debt in the amount of $70,000, payable in equal annual installments of $7,000 plus interest at the rate of 9% per annum. In the first year of operation, Finch has net taxable income of $40,000. If Finch pays George interest of $6,300 and $7,000 principal payment on the note:

Wade and Paul form Swan Corporation with the following investments. Wade transfers machinery (basis of $40,000 and fair market value of $100,000), while Paul transfers land (basis of $20,000 and fair market value of $90,000) and services rendered (worth $10,000) in organizing the corporation. Each is issued 25 shares in Swan Corporation. With respect to the transfers:

A shareholder's holding period for stock received under § 351 can include the holding period of the property transferred to the corporation.

Leah transfers equipment (basis of $400,000 and fair market value of $500,000) for additional stock in Crow Corporation. After the transfer, Leah owns 80% of Crow's stock. Associated with the equipment is § 1245 depreciation recapture potential of $70,000. As a result of the transfer: