Question

Comet Company is owned equally by Pat and his sister Pam, each of whom hold 100 shares in the company. Comet redeems 50 of Pam's shares on December 31, 20X3, for $1,000 per share in a transaction that Pam treats as an exchange for tax purposes. Comet has total E&P of $250,000 on December 31, 20X3. What are the tax consequences to Comet because of the stock redemption?

Answer 1

Answer:

Comet's E&P will decrease by $50,000 due to the exchange.

Explanation:

50 of Pam's shares are worth 50 x $1,000 = $50,000, since the corporation is redeeming them, it will do so by decreasing its earnings and profits (retained earnings account).

Generally when larger corporations buy back stocks (AKA treasury stocks), they will credit cash and debit treasury stocks, but since Pam's stocks are being retired, they are not going to be held as treasury stocks, therefore E&P must decrease.