Assignment task: Taylor Fredrickson owns 90% of a medical device company that manufactures artificial heart valves, Heart Valves Inc. Taylor works as the corporate CEO. The business was incorporated in 20x1 and filed as a C Corporation through the end of 20x2. For his 90% ownership, Taylor contributed a prototype heart valve device he acquired for no cost through a failed research project in his past along with $10,000 cash. The company's minority owner is Jon Sheppard who contributed $150,000 cash to get the company started for his 10% ownership. Jon is an investor who doesn't work in the business. Taylor has been advised and believes he should convert the corporation to a "flow-through" entity as of January 1, 20x3. Starting in 20x1, Heart Valves Inc. developed the artificial valve technology using contract research and engineering firms. Heart Valves then utilized contract manufacturers to produce the product, "just in time," and ship directly to Heart Valves' customers. Therefore, the company does not have any inventory on hand. The company's operations consist of three employees besides Taylor, and the operations consist of managing research and manufacturing contractors, working through regulatory and compliance requirements for medical devices, sales and marketing.
In late 20x1, Taylor loaned the company $300,000 structured as an open line of credit, without a specific payment date but with an annual interest accrual of 5%.
During 20x2, the company obtained a loan from First National Bank, for $550,000 to make additional investments in research and development. The bank has agreed to allow a change in legal entity, if necessary, for Heart Valves to convert to a flow through entity. Heart valves had accumulated earnings and profits of $1,300,000 as of December 31, 20x2. It is believed that the company's intellectual property has value, but the amount is unknown. The company otherwise leases office space and equipment and has no significant assets. As of December 31, 20x2, the company has accumulated $2,310,000 in cash on the balance sheet.
Taylor would like to start taking some of his profits out, above the $200,000 annual salary he receives as W-2 wages. The company expects to run a loss of $1,100,000 to $1,400,000 in 20x3 due to spending on new research to develop a new product. For the sake of our exercise, let's assume that the ordinary loss in 20x3 is $1,400,000. They expect to return to running a profit of at least $1,000,000 in 20x4.
Taylor's questions:
I.
a) List the three Entity level taxes for an S-corporation.
b) What effect does the conversion have on the Entity level taxes?
II.
a) List the three shareholder loss limitations.
b) How will the income/loss of the company affect Taylor and Jon's 20x3 tax returns?
Please make sure you address how the suspended losses affect their personal returns.
c) How will the income/loss of the company affect Taylor and Jon's 20x4 tax returns?
d) As we know, debt basis is restored by net increase for the year. Assuming no distributions are made in 20x4, calculate Taylor's net increase for 20x4.
III. Taylor indicated that he wants to withdraw more cash from the corporation in 20X3 and 20x4.
a) What are the four different ways Taylor can get cash out of the corporation?
b) For each of the four methods above, discuss the effects on Taylor's personal return.
When discussing the money withdrawals as W-2 compensation, address the requirements listed in various court cases discussed in class.
IV. Would converting to a Tax Partnership be better? Why or why not? (Discuss 3 pros and 3 cons).