Question

Because of its quality​ investments, Carolina Corporation has always generated​ 30% to​ 40% of its gross income from passive sources. In the current​ year, Carolina sold a block of stock in a company it acquired several years ago. As a result of the​ sale, the corporation realized a substantial​ long-term capital gain that will increase this​ year's investment income from​ 40% to​ 70% of gross income. Explain to​ Carolina's president why she should or should not be worried about the personal holding company tax. ​(Assume that the stock ownership requirement is​ met.)

Answer 1

It is funny how doing so well in business is not always completely beneficial. First of all, Carolina's president should be worried that her can be considered a personal holding company (PHC). PHC receive at least 60% of its adjusted ordinary gross income​ (AOGI) from passive sources. The other requirement is that 50% of its stock is owned by five or fewer individuals or companies. Being a PHC means more taxes, that is why Carolina Corporation should try to avoid being considered a PHC.

Carolina can avoid being considered a PHC if its other investment income (income from passive sources) along with this investment income, does not exceed​ 60% of its AOGI.