Question

Ellie and Linda are equal owners in Otter Enterprises, a calendar year business. During the current year, Otter Enterprises has $320,000 of gross income and $210,000 of operating expenses. In addition, Otter has a long-term capital gain of $15,000 and makes distributions to Ellie and Linda of $25,000 each. Discuss the impact of this information on the taxable income of Otter, Ellie, and Linda if Otter is:
a. A partnership.
b. An S corporation.
c. A C corporation.

Answer 1

Answer:

a and b

At the level of entity, otter pays no taxes either on the capital gains or on the business income.

Members will pay taxes on the capital gains and on business income.

c

The distribution of $25,000 each will be taxable in the hands of members as it is a dividend income.

Business Income and Capital gain of entity will have no impact for Linda and Ellie on their income tax returns.

Explanation:

a A partnership and b. An S corporation

At the level of entity, otter pays no taxes either on the capital gains or on the business income.

Members will pay taxes on the capital gains and on business income.

Taxable income of each member:

Ellie

Business Income is $55,000

Capital Gain is $7,500

Linda

Business Income is $55,000

Capital Gain is $7,500

Business Income = Gross Income - Operating expense

= $320,000 - $210,000

= $110,000

Note: Distribution of $25,000 will have no impact, as it only decrease their basis in the firm or company.

c. A C corporation

Ottor pays for the business income which amounts to $110,000 as well as the Capital gain of $15,000 at the applicable tax rates.

Members pays taxes only when they receive the distribution which is dividends.

The distribution of $25,000 each will be taxable in the hands of members as it is a dividend income.

Business Income and Capital gain of entity will have no impact for Linda and Ellie on their income tax returns.