A calendar-year corporation has positive current E&P of $1,500 and a deficit in accumulated E&P of ($2,000). The corporation makes a $500 distribution to its sole shareholder on July 1. Which of the following statements is true?
a) The distribution may be a dividend, depending on whether total (net) earnings and profits at the date of the distribution is positive.
b) The distribution will be a dividend if current earnings and profits are positive and exceed the distribution.
c) The distribution will not be a dividend because total (net) earnings and profits is a negative $500 this year.
d) A distribution from a corporation to a shareholder is always a dividend, regardless of the balance in accumulated earnings and profits.