Question

Rose Corporation, a calendar year corporation, had accumulated earnings and profits of $40,000 as of January 1, 2014. However, for the first six months of 2014 Rose Corporation had an operating loss of $36,000, and finished the year with a total net operating loss for tax year 2014 of $55,000. Rose Corporation distributed $15,000 to its shareholders on July 1, 2014. Which of the following is correct?A. The entire distribution of $15,000 is taxable as a dividend.B. The entire distribution is not taxable.C. The part of the distribution which is taxable as a dividend is $12,500.D. The part of the distribution which is taxable as a dividend is $14,000.

Answer 1

C. The part of the distribution which is taxable as a dividend is $12,500.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rose's total loss for the year = $55,000

we must prorate the loss: $55,000 / 12 months = $4,583.33 per month

loss allocated to the first 6 months = $4,583.33 x 6 = $27,500

retained earnings before the distribution = $40,000 - $27,500 = $12,500

since distributions must come from retained earnings to be considered dividends, then only $12,500 will be considered dividends. The remaining $2,500 will be considered a return of capital