Final answer:
The student asking about the tax effects of dividends and capital gains would have to report $500 in dividends as income. If the shares were sold at a profit, the difference between the purchase and sale price would be a taxable capital gain. Any potential capital loss from selling below market value would also have specific tax implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tax effects on dividends and capital gains for George after he received and sold shares are two distinct events for tax purposes. When George received $500 in dividends from the public corporation's shares, this amount is typically considered taxable income and must be reported on his taxes. However, as a minor, there may be specific rules about dividend income that apply to his age group and tax bracket.
Following the sale of the shares for $50, it seems there is a potential error in the question, as the sale price is far less than the fair market value originally stated. Assuming this is a typographical error and the shares were sold at a profit, the difference between the sale price and the original market value would generally be considered a capital gain. If the shares were sold for less than their fair market value, this would result in a capital loss—both of which have different tax implications and need to be reported accordingly.