Question

Tracy and Lance, equal shareholders in Macaw Corporation, receive $600,000 each in distributions on December 31 of the current year. Macaw’s current year taxable income is $1 million and it has no accumulated E & P. Last year, Macaw sold an appreciated asset for $1,200,000 (basis of $400,000). Payment for one-half of the sale of the asset was made this year. How much of Tracy’s distribution will be taxed as a dividend?A. $0B. $300,000C. $500,000D. $600,000E. None of the above

Answer 1

B. $300,000

Step-by-step explanation:

Macaw Corporation increased its E & P last year for the entire amount of the deferred gain on the installment sale. Since one-half of the $800,000 gain is included in taxable income in the current year, taxable income should be reduced by this amount to determine current E & P. Therefore, Macaw Corporation’s current year E & P is $600,000 ($1 million taxable income – $400,000 of installment sale gain). Because one-half of the current E & P is allocated to Tracy’s distribution, she has a $300,000 dividend