Question

Longhorn Company reports current E&P of $100,000 in 20X3 and a deficit of ($200,000) in accumulated E&P at the beginning of the year. Longhorn distributed $300,000 to its sole shareholder on January 1, 20X3. The shareholder's tax basis in his stock in Longhorn is $100,000. How is the distribution treated by the shareholder in 20X3?

Answer 1

Answer: Dividend of $100,000, Capital Gain of $100,000 and Tax Free Return on basis of $100,000

Explanation:

Longhorn Company reports current E&P of $100,000 in 20X3 and still distributed $300,000 to it's sole shareholder. Because it had $100,000 in current E&P, that is all it can declare as Dividends. For this reason, the shareholder will recognize $100,000 as Dividends.

The Shareholder has a basis of $100,000 in the stock of Longhorn. As a result of this, $100,000 of the Distribution will be termed a TAX FREE Return on Basis because he is receiving a return on his basis that is neither a dividend nor capital gain.

The remaining $100,000 will be considered a Capital Gain as it reflects a rise in his stock.