Barney Chang and Aldrin, Inc., a domestic C corporation, have decided to form BA, LLC. The new entity will produce a product that Barney recently developed and patented. Barney and Aldrin each will own a 50% capital and profits interest in the LLC. Barney is a calendar year taxpayer, while Aldrin is taxed on a July 1-
June 30 fiscal year. BA does not have a "natural business year" and elects to be taxed as a partnership.
a. Determine the taxable year of the LLC under the Code and Regulations.
b. Two years after formation of BA, Barney sells half of his interest (25%) to Aldrin. Can
BA retain the taxable year determined in part (a)? Why or why not?