Taxation Of S Corporations In A Nutshell

"The Subchapter S rules are complex. This book describes the basic rules that apply to S corporations and their shareholders with sufficient detail to alert the reader to potential pitfalls. The topics covered include: (1) the qualification requirements for a Subchapter S election, (2) the allocation of tax items among the shareholders, (3) the effect of those allocations on a shareholder's basis in stock and debt, (4) the limitations on the deduction of pass through items, (5) the treatment of corporate distributions, (6) the voluntary and involuntary termination of Subchapter S status, (7) the treatment of the year in which a Subchapter S election is terminated, (8) the limited availability of certain Subchapter S provisions after a Subchapter S election is terminated, (9) the taxation of an S corporation's passive investment income and built-in gains, and (10) the business income deduction. The discussion of these issues is supplemented by numerous examples." -- Publisher.

The Subchapter S rules are complex. This book describes the basic rules that apply to S corporations and their shareholders with sufficient detail to alert the reader to potential pitfalls. The topics covered include: (1) the qualification requirements for a Subchapter S election, (2) the allocation of tax items among the shareholders, (3) the effect of those allocations on a shareholder's basis in stock and debt, (4) the limitations on the deduction of pass through items, (5) the treatment of corporate distributions, (6) the voluntary and involuntary termination of Subchapter S status, (7) the treatment of the year in which a Subchapter S election is terminated, (8) the limited availability of certain Subchapter S provisions after a Subchapter S election is terminated, (9) the taxation of an S corporation's passive investment income and built-in gains, and (10) the business income deduction. The discussion of these issues is supplemented by numerous examples.

This edition has been completely revised to reflect developments in the Code, regulations, and case law through October 2013. The text focuses on the corporation as a taxable entity and tracks the corporate life cycle from incorporation through complete liquidation. It includes discussion on nonliquidating distributions, redemptions, and stock dividends. It also addresses advanced problems in corporate taxation, such as taxable acquisitions, tax-free reorganizations and corporate divisions, and carryover of corporate tax attributes.

This looseleaf work is a comprehensive analysis of the provisions of Subchapter S of the IRC. Comparisons of Subchapter S corporations with partnerships & discussions of how Subchapter S elections may be used to reduce taxes are included in the volume. Forms for Subchapter S election & revocation are provided.

This clearly written treatise is designed to make very accessible the complex subject of corporate taxation by using non-technical, straightforward language, charts, checklists, diagrams, and numerous examples to aid readers' understanding. The book starts with an introductory chapter that discusses the choice of business form; the general principle that corporate profits are subject to double taxation (once at the corporate level and again at the shareholder level); and the basics of anti-abuse rules, such as the step-transaction doctrine. Those anti-abuse rules are explored in more detail in a later chapter, as are proposals to partially or fully eliminate double taxation. The next several chapters are organized using a cradle-to-grave approach that traces the life cycle of a corporation, beginning with formation and capitalization and ending with corporate "death," liquidation. Between those events, the book discusses operational issues, including the capital structure of a corporation, distributions of cash or property, stock redemptions, and stock dividends. After corporate liquidations, the book explores more advanced topics, such as taxable stock or asset acquisitions; non-taxable corporate reorganizations and divisions; the carryover of tax attributes (such as net operating losses) following certain non-recognition transactions; and the treatment of corporate tax shelters. In addition, a chapter addresses the taxation of S corporations, which generally provides a single-tax paradigm. Understanding Corporate Taxation also includes discussion of relevant cases. It is designed to supplement any corporate tax casebook or to be used on its own.

The Corporation in Perspective; Unincorporated Business Forms; Formation of Corporations; Limited Role of Ultra Vires; Preincorporation Transactions; "Piercing the Corporate Veil" and Related Problems; Financing the Corporation; Distribution of Powers Within a Corporation; Special Problems; Shares and Shareholders; Directors; Officers; Closely Held Corporation; Publicly Held Corporation; Duties of Directors, Shareholders and Officers; Indemnification and Insurance; Shareholder's Suits; Class Action Suits; Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions; Inspection of Books and Records; Organic Changes; Amendments, Mergers and Dissolution.