Chapter 3 Tax Answers

Chapter 10 - Property Dispositions
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Chapter 10
Property Dispositions

SOLUTIONS MANUAL

Discussion Questions

1. [LO 1] Compare and contrast different ways in which a taxpayer triggers a realization
event by disposing of an asset.

A realization event for tax purposes is created in many ways. Virtually any disposal
will result in a sale or other disposition. These include a sale, trade, gift to charity,
disposal to the landfill, or destruction in a natural disaster. In a sale or trade
(exchange), the taxpayer receives something of value in return for the asset. In
contrast, a charitable contribution, disposal, or destruction from a natural disaster
generally results in a loss of any remaining basis in the asset without compensation
(unless reimbursed by insurance).

2. [LO 1] Potomac Corporation wants to sell a warehouse that it has used in its business for
10 years. Potomac is asking $450,000 for the property. The warehouse is subject to a
mortgage of $125,000. If Potomac accepts Wyden Inc.s offer to give Potomac $325,000
in cash and assume full responsibility for the mortgage on the property, what amount
does Potomac realize on the sale?

When the property disposed of is subject to a liability and the buyer assumes the
liability, the relief of debt increases the amount realized. Thus, Potomacs amount
realized consists of $450,000, which is cash of $325,000 plus $125,000 relief of
debt. This assumes that the buyer hypothetically transfers cash to the seller in
order to pay off the mortgage.

3. [LO 1] Montana Max sells a 2,500-acre ranch for $1,000,000 in cash, a note receivable of
$1,000,000, and debt relief of $2,400,000. He also pays selling commissions of $60,000.
In addition, Max agrees to build a new barn on the property (cost $250,000) and spend
$100,000 upgrading the fence on the property before the sale. What is Maxs amount
realized on the sale?

$4,340,000. Anything received by the seller during a sale or exchange is included in
the amount realized. Most dispositions result in cash to the seller. However,
amount realized includes, but is not limited to, cash, the fair market value of any
other property received (e.g. marketable securities or a similar asset), or relief of
debt. In addition, selling expenses reduce the amount realized. Therefore, Maxs
amount realized includes the $1,000,000 of cash, $1,000,000 note receivable, relief
of debt of $2,400,000, and is reduced by selling commissions of $60,000 (selling
expenses reduce the amount realized, S.C. Chapin, CA-8, 50-1 USTC 9171).
Anything the seller gives up in the transaction is added to the basis of the property
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given up and is not considered part of the amount realized. Therefore, the barn and
fence improvements are not considered part of Maxs amount realized. Note,
however, that making these improvements decreases his realized gain by increasing
Montana Maxs adjusted basis in the property due to the improvements.

4. [LO 1] Hawkeye sold farming equipment for $55,000. It bought the equipment four
years ago for $75,000, and it has since claimed a total of $42,000 in depreciation
deductions against the asset. Explain how to calculate Hawkeyes adjusted basis in the
farming equipment.

Hawkeye will calculate its adjusted basis in the farming equipment by reducing the
historical cost by any cost recovery deductions takennamely, depreciation.
Therefore, Hawkeyes adjusted basis is $33,000 ($75,000 less $42,000). The tax
adjusted basis is usually different than the book adjusted basis. This is because
most assets use a different recovery period, cost recovery method (e.g. double
declining balance), and convention (e.g. half-year) for tax than for book purposes.
See Chapter 9 for how these differences arise. Due to the difference in cost
recovery deductions, the adjusted basis is likely different unless the asset is fully
depreciated for both book and tax purposes.

5. [LO 1] When a taxpayer sells an asset, what is the difference between realized and
recognized gain or loss on the sale?

The realized gain or loss is simply the amount realized less the adjusted basis of the
asset sold. Every sale or disposition results in a realized gain or loss (unless, of
course, the amount realized is equal to the adjusted basis). Most realized gains or
losses become recognized gains or losses and are included on the taxpayers tax
return and increases (or decreases in the case of a loss) the taxpayers taxable
income and subsequent tax. However, there are some realized gains or losses that
are excluded from income or deferred to a later time period.

6. [LO 2] What does it mean to characterize a gain or loss? Why is characterizing a gain or
loss important?

Once a gain or loss is recognized, a taxpayer must determine how the recognized
gain or loss affects the taxpayers tax liability. The character depends on a
combination of two factors: purpose or use of the asset and holding period. The
purpose or use of the asset is important because the law does not treat all assets
equally. The general use categories are: (1) trade or business, (2) for the
production of income (rental activities), (3) investment, and (4) personal. Based on
these criteria, we can categorize an asset into one of three groups: (1) ordinary, (2)
capital, or (3) section 1231. Characterizing the gain or loss is important because
the tax treatment for gains and losses vary depending on the character. Ordinary
gains and losses are taxed at ordinary income rates, regardless of the holding
period. Capital gains on assets held for more than a year have preferential tax
rates for non-corporate taxpayers while capital gains on assets held for one year or
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less do not. Section 1231 gains and losses receive the best of both worldsthe
gains become long-term capital gains and the losses become ordinary. However, to
qualify as a 1231 asset, the asset must be used in a trade or business for more than
a year.

7. [LO 2] Explain the difference between ordinary, capital, and 1231 assets.

An ordinary asset is an asset that is held for sale in the ordinary course of a
taxpayers business (e.g. inventory) or arises from sales in the ordinary course of
business (e.g. accounts receivable). Capital assets are held for investment
(expecting appreciation) or are personal-use assets (e.g. a taxpayers personal
belongings). 1231 assets are used in a trade or business or for the production of
income and are held for more than one year. An asset that is used in a trade or
business or for the production of income and is held for one year or less is an
ordinary asset. Gains on personal use property are capital gains while losses are
non-deductible.

8. [LO 2] Discuss the reasons why individuals generally prefer capital gains over ordinary
gains. Explain why corporate taxpayers might prefer capital gains over ordinary gains.

Individual taxpayers prefer capital gains because they may be taxed at preferential
rates. Net long-term capital gains are taxed at preferential rates (0%, 15%., or
20%). Short-term capital gains are simply taxed at ordinary rates. Capital gains
can offset capital losses, while ordinary gains cannot. Additionally, individual
taxpayers can offset $3,000 of net capital losses against ordinary income and carry
the remaining capital loss forward indefinitely.

Even though corporate taxpayers are taxed at the same rate on ordinary income
and capital gains, they prefer capital gains because capital gains can offset capital
losses. Capital losses cannot be used to offset ordinary income; therefore, capital
gains allow corporate taxpayers to benefit from their capital losses. Corporate
taxpayers can carry capital losses back three years and forward five years.
However, after the carry back and carry forward periods expire, capital losses
expire and are worthless.

9. [LO 2] Dakota Conrad owns a parcel of land he would like to sell. Describe the
circumstances in which the sale of the land would generate 1231 gain or loss, ordinary
gain or loss, or capital gain or loss. Also describe the circumstances where Dakota would
not be allowed to deduct a loss on the sale.

The parcel of land could qualify as a capital asset if it is held by Dakota as an
investment (e.g. the purpose for holding the land is for expected appreciation in
value). The land could qualify as a 1231 asset if Dakota uses it in a trade or
business such as a sole-proprietorship or for the production of income (a rental
property) and he uses it for these purposes for more than one year. The land could
be ordinary income property to Dakota if it is held in a trade or business or for the
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production of income for one year or less or if it is considered to be inventory (for
example a real-estate dealer). The loss would be non-deductible to Dakota if he
held the land for personal-use purposes.

10. [LO 2] Lincoln has used a piece of land in her business for the past five years. The land
qualifies as 1231 property. It is unclear whether Lincoln will have to recognize a gain
or loss when she eventually sells the asset. She asks her accountant how the gain or loss
would be characterized if she decides to sell. Her accountant said that selling 1231
assets gives sellers the best of both worlds. Explain what her accountant means by the
best of both worlds.

An asset qualifies as a 1231 asset if used in a trade or business or held for the
production of income for more than one year. The tax treatment is sometimes
described as receiving the best of both worlds because net gains receive capital
gain treatment and net losses receive ordinary loss treatment. Capital gains are
preferable because they are taxed at a preferential rate (for non-corporate
taxpayers) and can offset capital losses, which cannot always be offset against
ordinary income. Ordinary losses are preferred to capital losses because they
offset ordinary income in the current year rather than being accumulated to offset
future capital gains.

11. [LO 3] Explain Congresss rationale for depreciation recapture.

The purpose of depreciation recapture is to treat the gain on the sale of depreciable
assets as ordinary income to the extent the gain is attributable to depreciation (or
other cost recovery deductions). The MACRS system allows accelerated deductions
that often reduce the basis of an asset faster than the real economic decline in
value. Thus, depreciation deductions generate an artificial gain on the disposition
of depreciable assets. The recapture rules ensure that some or all of the artificial
gain is characterized as ordinary similar to the depreciation deductions that
created the artificial gain. It is important to note that depreciation recapture does
not affect the amount of the gain; rather it affects only the character of the gain.
Additionally, depreciation recapture only applies to sales or dispositions resulting
in gains (e.g. it does not apply to losses).

12. [LO 3] Compare and contrast 1245 depreciation recapture and 1250 depreciation
recapture.

1245, sometimes referred to as full recapture, generally applies only to tangible
personal property. 1245 recaptures the lesser of the realized gain or the
depreciation taken on the asset as ordinary incomethus the full amount of the
gain may be recaptured. 1250, sometimes referred to as partial recapture, applies
only to real property depreciated under accelerated depreciation methodsthe
term partial recapture indicates that only the depreciation in excess of straight-line
method is recaptured. 1250 recapture generally no longer applies. This is
because real property has been depreciated under the straight-line method since
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1987. Property placed in service before 1987 is now fully depreciated, regardless
of whether accelerated or straight-line methods were used; as a result, there is no
excess depreciation to recapture. However, section 291 and unrecaptured section
1250 applies to gains on real property for corporations and non-corporate
taxpayers, respectively.

13. [LO 3] Why is depreciation recapture not required when assets are sold at a loss?

When an asset is sold for less than the adjusted basis (basis less cost recovery),
there is no depreciation recapture. This is because the real economic value of the
asset declined faster than it was depreciated for tax purposes. Therefore, the loss is
simply the recovery of the remaining basis in the asset. Depreciation recapture is
intended to classify any gain due to prior depreciation as ordinary in character.

14. [LO 3] What are the similarities and differences between the tax benefit rule and
depreciation recapture?

Conceptually, both depreciation recapture and the tax benefit doctrine require a
taxpayer to take into income an amount deducted in a prior year. However,
depreciation recapture only recharacterizes the already existing gain from 1231 to
ordinary because the taxpayer received an ordinary deduction in the past and
requires the amount to be included into ordinary income in the year of sale.
Depreciation recapture does not change the amount of the gain. In contrast, the tax
benefit doctrine requires a taxpayer to take into income an amount received when
an expense was taken in a prior year. For example, if a taxpayer deducts (receives
a benefit) state income taxes paid during the year paid, but receives a tax refund in
a subsequent year, the taxpayer must include the refund into income.

15. [LO 3, 4] Are both corporations and individuals subject to depreciation recapture when
they sell depreciable real property at a gain? Explain.

Both taxpayers used to be subject to 1250 recapture when selling real property.
However, because there is no longer any accelerated depreciation on most real
property, there is generally no longer any 1250 recapture. However, real
property sold at a gain is still subject to other types of recapture rules. Corporate
taxpayers are subject to 291 recapture and non-corporate taxpayers are subject to
unrecaptured 1250 rules.

Section 291 requires corporate taxpayers to recapture 20% of the lesser of the gain
realized or accumulated depreciation taken. The recaptured portion of the gain is
taxed as ordinary income. The remaining gain is 1231 gain.

Non-corporate taxpayers must recognize the lesser of the gain realized or the
accumulated depreciation taken as unrecaptured 1250 gain. Unrecaptured 1250
gain is still 1231 (not ordinary) gain, but it will be taxed at a maximum rate of
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25% gain (taxed at the taxpayers marginal rate at a maximum 25%). The
remaining gain is 1231 gain.

16. [LO 4] How is unrecaptured 1250 gain for individuals similar to depreciation recapture?
How is it different?

Unrecaptured 1250 gain is similar to depreciation recapture in that the lesser of
accumulated depreciation or the gain realized on the sale is separated from the
1231 gain. The difference is that the amount is taxed at a taxpayers ordinary rate
up to a maximum rate of 25 percent; whereas depreciation recapture is taxed at
ordinary rates with no maximum rate.

17. [LO 4] Explain why gains from depreciable property sold to a related taxpayer are treated
as ordinary income under 1239.

Section 1239 requires gains on depreciable property sold to related taxpayers to be
taxed at ordinary rates because the basis of these assets will be recovered through
ordinary depreciation deductions. This rule is essentially like reverse depreciation
recapture in that it taxes future depreciation at ordinary rates rather than past
depreciation at ordinary rates. The related party definition includes family
relationships including siblings, spouses, ancestors, and lineal descendants. It also
includes an individual and a corporation if the individual owns more than 50% of the
stock of the corporation

18. [LO 5] Bingaman Resources sold two depreciable 1231 assets during the year. One
asset resulted in a large gain (the asset was sold for more than it was purchased for) and
the other resulted in a small loss. Describe the 1231 netting process for Bingaman.

Bingaman would first determine the gain or loss on each asset. For the gain asset,
Bingaman would then determine the depreciation recapture and would
recharacterize the gain as ordinary to the extent of depreciation allowed. The
remaining gain (the amount in excess of the original basis) would be classified as a
1231 gain. Bingaman would combine the 1231 gain and the loss from the other
asset in the 1231 netting process. If the result from combining the gain and loss
was a gain, Bingaman would apply the 1231 look-back rule. After applying the
look-back rule, any remaining gain would become treated as a long-term capital
gain and enter the capital gains netting process. If the result of the initial 1231
netting process was a loss, the gains and losses would be treated as ordinary gains
and losses.

19. [LO 5] Jeraldine believes that when the 1231 look-back rule applies, the taxpayer
deducts a 1231 loss in a previous year against 1231 gains in the current year. Explain
whether Jeraldines description is correct.
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Jeraldines description is incorrect. The 1231 look-back rule simply
recharacterizes 1231 gain into ordinary gain. This is done to the extent that prior
1231 losses in the prior 5 years received ordinary loss treatment. Jeraldine is
correct in that the 1231 gains in the current year are offset against prior 1231
lossesto the extent they havent been recaptured through the 1231 look-back
rule in prior years.

20. [LO 5] Explain the purpose behind the 1231 look-back rule?

The favorable rules of 1231 allow a taxpayer to treat a net 1231 loss as an
ordinary loss. The 1231 look-back rule applies when a taxpayer has a net 1231
gain for the year which will receive capital gain treatment. The rule
recharacterizes the gain to ordinary to the extent the taxpayer received favorable
ordinary loss treatment in the prior five years (that have not yet been recaptured).
This prevents taxpayers from timing their sales of loss assets in one year to receive
ordinary treatment and selling their gains in a subsequent year to obtain capital
gain treatment.

Without the look-back rule, taxpayers could separate the years in which it sells its
gain and loss assets. For example, a taxpayer could sell its loss asset on December
31, year 1 and sell its gain asset on January 1, year 2. This would allow the loss
asset to receive ordinary treatment and be offset against ordinary income. The gain
asset would be treated as a long-term capital gain, which would be taxed at
preferential rates by non-corporate taxpayers.

21. [LO 5] Does a taxpayer apply the 1231 look-back rule in a year when the taxpayer
recognizes a net 1231 loss? Explain.

The look-back rule exists to prevent game playing (arbitrage) opportunities. It
prevents taxpayers from selling their 1231 loss assets in one year and receiving
ordinary loss treatment and then selling their 1231 gain assets in a subsequent year
and receiving capital gain treatment. However, if the taxpayer does not have a net
1231 gain in the subsequent years, it can be assumed they are not manipulating the
situation, and the look-back rule does not apply to a year in which there is a net
1231 loss.

22. [LO 4, 5] Describe the circumstances in which an individual taxpayer with a net 1231
gain will have different portions of the gain taxed at different rates.

Non-corporate taxpayers can have 1231 gains taxed at different capital gains
rates. Most 1231 gains (from tangible personal property and land) will give rise
to regular long-term capital gain which will be taxed at a maximum rate of
0/15/20% (0% if the taxpayer has a marginal rate of 15% or less, 20 % if the
taxpayer has a marginal rate of 39.6%, and 15% otherwise). The 1231 gains from
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real property that are referred to as unrecaptured 1250 gains will be taxed a
maximum rate of 25% (e.g. at the taxpayers marginal rate unless his rate exceeds
25%). Thus, non-corporate taxpayers can have 1231 gains and, thus, long-term
capital gains that are taxed at two rates.

Additionally, a taxpayer who crosses from the 15% to the 25% marginal tax rate
bracket would see capital gains preferential rates increase from 0% to 15%.

23. [LO 6] Rocky and Bullwinkle Partnership sold a parcel of land during the current year
and realized a gain of $250,000. Rocky and Bullwinkle did not recognize gain related to
the sale of the land on its tax return. Is this possible? Explain how a taxpayer could
realize a gain but not recognize it.

A realized gain or loss is usually recognized in the year of disposition. However,
there are some realized gains or losses that are excluded from taxable income (e.g.
gain from the sale of a principal residencesee chapter 14 for a detailed
discussion) or deferred (e.g. like-kind exchange or related-party loss), or partially
deferred (e.g. an installment sale).

24. [LO 6] Why does the tax code allow taxpayers to defer gains on like-kind exchanges?
How do the tax laws ensure that the gains (or losses) are deferred and not permanently
excluded from a taxpayers income?

In a like-kind exchange, a taxpayer maintains an investment in an asset other than
cash and therefore does not have the wherewithal to paythat is, the taxpayer does
not have the means to pay taxes currently. However, in a like-kind exchange where
boot (non-like kind property) is received, there is a partial recognition of gain for
the transaction.

The gains are deferred through receiving a carryover basis in the like-kind property
received. This defers the gain until the like-kind property received is disposed of
rather than permanently excluding the gain from income.

25. [LO 6] Compare and contrast the like-kind property requirements for real property and
for personal property for purposes of qualifying for a like-kind exchange. Explain
whether a car held by a corporation for delivering documents will qualify as like-kind
property with a car held by an individual for personal use.

For real property, any two pieces of property qualify as like-kind property for
purposes of a like-kind exchange. For example, a New York City skyscraper
(relatively little land with relatively substantial building) will qualify as like-kind with
a Montana ranch (relatively substantial land holding with relatively little buildings).
For personal property to qualify as like-kind, it must have the same general use as
defined as the same asset class in Revenue Procedure 87-56.
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The cars held by both taxpayers belong to the same asset class and would qualify as
like-kind property for purposes of a like-kind exchange for the corporation. While the
assets are like-kind, the exchange will not qualify as like-kind for the individual
because the asset was not used in a trade or business or for the production of
incomea requirement of qualifying for a like-kind exchange.

26. [LO 6] Salazar Inc., a Colorado company, is relocating to a nearby town. It would like to
trade its real property for some real property in the new location. While Salazar has
found several prospective buyers for its real property and has also located several
properties that are acceptable in the new location, it cannot find anyone that is willing to
trade Salazar Inc. for its property in a like-kind exchange. Explain how a third-party
intermediary could facilitate Salazars like-kind exchange.

If Salazar completed the transaction by selling its old property to one of the
prospective buyers and then used the cash to purchase one of the acceptable new
properties, it would not be able to take advantage of the like-kind exchange
provisions. A third-party intermediary can take control of Salazars property, sell the
property to one of the prospective buyers, and use the cash proceeds to acquire
Salazars desired property. As a result, use of a third party intermediary allows
Salazar to accomplish what it cannot do on its own (piece together a transaction that
qualifies as a like-kind exchange). However, Salazar must identify the property to be
received within 45 days and actually receive the property within 180 days of
transferring their property to the third party.

27. [LO 6] Minuteman wants to enter into a like-kind exchange by exchanging its old New
England manufacturing facility for a ranch in Wyoming. Minuteman is using a third-
party intermediary to facilitate the exchange. The purchaser of the manufacturing facility
wants to complete the transaction immediately but, for various reasons, the ranch
transaction will not be completed for three to four months. Will this delay cause a
problem for Minutemans desire to accomplish this through a like-kind exchange?
Explain.

Minuteman can still qualify for a Starker (deferred) exchange as long it meets two
timing requirements applicable to like-kind exchanges. First, within 45 days of
transferring the property to be given up (New England manufacturing facility) in an
exchange, the taxpayer must identify like-kind property to be received (Wyoming
ranch). Second, within 180 days of initially transferring the property to be given up
in a like-kind exchange, the taxpayer must receive the replacement like-kind property.
In addition, Minuteman must use a third party intermediary to hold the proceeds from
the manufacturing facility until the ranch can be closed. The exchange will qualify as
long as the new ranch is acquired within the 180 day period following the close of the
New England manufacturing facility.
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28. [LO 6] Olympia Corporation, of Kittery, Maine, wants to exchange its manufacturing
machinery for Bangor Companys machinery. Both parties agree that that Olympias
machinery is worth $100,000 and that Bangors machinery is worth $95,000. Olympia
would like the transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange. What could the parties do
to equalize the value exchanged but still allow the exchange to qualify as a like-kind
exchange? How would the necessary change affect the tax consequences of the
transaction?

The parties could agree to have Bangor pay Olympia cash or another asset (boot), to
equalize the transaction. The receipt of boot does not jeopardize the like-kind
exchange treatment. However, Olympia will recognize gain equal to the boot received
in the transaction. Any remaining gain is still deferred under the like-kind exchange
rules. Boot includes any non-like kind asset: cash, tangible assets, intangibles, etc.

29. [LO 6] Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between like-kind
exchanges and involuntary conversions for tax purposes?

A like-kind exchange involves a trade for a similar asset within the specified time
period. An involuntary conversion is the replacement of property damaged through a
natural disaster, theft, etc. The two transaction are similar in that they both lack (at
least a portion of) the wherewithal to pay the tax and thus result in a deferral or
partial deferral. The transactions differ in that the definition of qualifying property is
narrower for involuntary conversions than for like-kind exchanges. In addition, in a
like-kind exchange taxpayers defer gain or loss; whereas, involuntary conversions
only apply to gains.

30. [LO 6] What is an installment sale? How do the tax laws ensure that taxpayers recognize
all the gain they realize on an installment sale? How is depreciation recapture treated in
an installment sale? Explain the gross profit ratio and how it relates to gains recognized
under installment method sales.

Installment sales comprise a sale when any portion of the proceeds is received in a
year subsequent to the disposition. The rules require that the realized gain be
recognized ratably as payments are received--unless the taxpayer elects out of the
installment method. Therefore, for each dollar received, a portion is return of capital
and a portion is the recognition of previously realized gain. Depreciation recapture is
required to be recognized in the year of disposition. The recaptured amount is
excluded from the gross profit ratio to avoid double taxation (e.g. the gain realized is
reduced by the depreciation recapture recognized). The gross profit ratio reflects the
percentage of: Gain Realized / Amount Realized. The gross profit ratio is used to
determine how much of each of these payments will be recognized as gain in the year
that the payment is received.

31. [LO6] Mr. Kyle owns stock in a local publicly traded company. Although the stock price
has declined since he purchased it two years ago, he likes the long-term prospects for the
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company. If Kyle sells the stock to his sister because he needs some cash for a down
payment on a new home, is the loss deductible? If Kyle is right and the stock price
increases in the future, how is his sisters gain computed if she sells the stock?

A related party loss is deferred until the time when the asset is sold by the related
purchaser to an unrelated party. Since Kyle sold the stock at a loss to his sister,
Kyles loss is disallowed. When the stock is sold at a gain, the sister can reduce
her gain by the amount of Kyles disallowed loss. If the stock continues to decline
in value, the disallowed loss is never recognized for tax purposes.

Problems

32. [LO 1] Rafael sold an asset to Jamal. What is Rafaels amount realized on the sale in
each of the following alternative scenarios?

a. Rafael received $80,000 of cash and a vehicle worth $10,000. Rafael also pays
$5,000 in selling expenses.
b. Rafael received $80,000 of cash and was relieved of a $30,000 mortgage on the asset
he sold to Jamal. Rafael also paid a commission of $5,000 on the transaction.
c. Rafael received $20,000 of cash, a parcel of land worth $50,000, and marketable
securities of $10,000. Rafael also paid a commission of $8,000 on the transaction.

a. $85,000, computed as follows:

Property Received Amount Explanation
(1) Cash $80,000 Given
(2) Vehicle 10,000 Given
(3) Commissions (5,000) Given
Amount Realized $85,000 (1) + (2) + (3)

b. $105,000, computed as follows:

(1) Cash $80,000
(2) Relief of debt 30,000
(3) Commissions (5,000)
Amount Realized $105,000 (1) + (2) + (3)

c. $72,000, computed as follows:

(1) Cash $20,000
(2) Land 50,000
(3) Marketable securities 10,000
(4) Commissions (8,000)
Amount Realized $72,000 (1) + (2) + (3) + (4)
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33. [LO 1] Shasta Corporation sold a piece of land to Bill for $45,000. Shasta bought the
land two years ago for $30,600. What gain or loss does Shasta realize on the transaction?

$14,400, computed as follows:
Description Amount Explanation
(1) Amount Realized $45,000
(2) Adjusted Basis 30,600
Gain (Loss) Realized $14,400 (1) (2)

34. [LO 1] Lassen Corporation sold a machine to a machine dealer for $25,000. Lassen
bought the machine for $55,000 and has claimed $15,000 of depreciation expense on the
machine. What gain or loss does Lassen realize on the transaction?

($15,000) loss, computed as follows:
(1) Amount Realized $25,000 Given
(2) Adjusted Basis 40,000 $55,000 original basis - $15,000
accumulated depreciation
Gain (Loss) Realized ($15,000) (1) (2)

35. [LO 2] Identify each of White Corporations following assets as an ordinary, capital, or
1231 asset.
a. Two years ago, White used its excess cash to purchase a piece of land as an
investment.
b. Two years ago, White purchased land and a warehouse. It uses these assets in its
business.
c. Manufacturing machinery White purchased earlier this year.
d. Inventory White purchased 13 months ago, but is ready to be shipped to a customer.
e. Office equipment White has used in its business for the past three years.
f. 1,000 shares of stock in Black corporation that White purchased two years ago
because it was a good investment.
g. Account receivable from a customer with terms 2/10 net 30.
h. Machinery White held for three years and then sold at a loss of $10,000.

a. Capital, because it is held for investment.
b. The land and building are both 1231 property because White uses the assets in
its trade or business and has held the assets property for more than a year.
c. Ordinary, the property is ordinary even though it is used in a trade or business
because it has been held for less than one year. Once White has held the
machinery for more than a year, it will become 1231 property.
d. Ordinary, inventory is held in the ordinary course of business.
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e. 1231, the property is used in a trade or business and held for more than one
year.
f. Capital, because it is held for investment.
g. Ordinary, accounts receivable are created in the ordinary course of business.

h. 1231, the property is used in a trade or business and held for more than one
year.

36. [LO 3, 4] In year 0, Canon purchased a machine to use in its business for $56,000. In
year 3, Canon sold the machine for $42,000. Between the date of the purchase and the
date of the sale, Canon depreciated the machine by $32,000.
a. What is the amount and character of the gain Canon will recognize on the sale,
assuming that it is a partnership?
b. What is the amount and character of the gain Canon will recognize on the sale,
assuming that it is a corporation?
c. What is the amount and character of the gain Canon will recognize on the sale,
assuming that it is a corporation and the sale proceeds were increased to $60,000?
d. What is the amount and character of the gain Canon will recognize on the sale,
assuming that it is a corporation and the sale proceeds were decreased to $20,000?

a. $18,000 ordinary income, computed as follows:

(2) Original Basis 56,000 Given
(3) Accumulated Depreciation (32,000) Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 24,000 (2) + (3)
(5) Gain/(Loss) Recognized $18,000 (1) (4)
(6) Ordinary income (1245 depreciation
recapture) $18,000 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 gain $0 (5) (6)
Because the entire gain is caused by depreciation deductions, the entire gain is
treated as ordinary income under 1245.

b. $18,000; there is no difference in calculating the amount and character of the gain
between a partnership and a corporation on 1245 property.

c. $36,000 gain ($32,000 ordinary and $4,000 1231) computed as follows:
10-14

(4) Adjusted Basis 24,000 (2) + (3)
recapture) $32,000 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 gain $4,000 (5) (6)

Only the gain caused by depreciation is treated as ordinary income under 1245,
the remaining gain is 1231.

d. ($4,000) ordinary loss, computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 24,000 (2) + (3)
(5) Gain/(Loss) Recognized ($4,000) (1) (4)
recapture) $0 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 loss ($4,000) (5) (6)
Only gains are treated as ordinary income under 1245, any loss is 1231.

37. [LO 3, 4] In year 0, Longworth Partnership purchased a machine for $40,000 to use in its
business. In year 3, Longworth sold the machine for $35,000. Between the date of the
purchase and the date of the sale, Longworth depreciated the machine by $22,000.
a. What is the amount and character of the gain Longworth will recognize on the
sale?
b. What is the amount and character of the gain Longworth will recognize on the
sale if the sale proceeds were increased to $45,000?
c. What is the amount and character of the gain Longworth will recognize on the
sale if the sale proceeds were decreased to $15,000?
10-15

a. $17,000 ordinary income.

(3) Accumulated Depreciation 22,000 Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 18,000 (2) - (3)
(6) Ordinary income (1245 depreciation recapture) $17,000 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 gain $0 (5) (6)
Because the entire gain is caused by depreciation deductions, the entire gain is treated as
ordinary income under 1245.

b. $27,000 gain ($22,000 ordinary and $5,000 1231) computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 18,000 (2) - (3)
1231 gain $5,000 (5) (6)
Only the gain caused by depreciation is treated as ordinary income under 1245, the
remaining gain is 1231.

c. ($3,000) ordinary loss, computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 18,000 (2) - (3)
(6) Ordinary income (1245 depreciation recapture) $0 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 loss ($3,000) (5) (6)
Only gains are treated as ordinary income under 1245, any loss is 1231.

10-16

38. [LO 3, 4] On August 1 of year 0, Dirksen purchased a machine for $20,000 to use in its
business. On December 4 of year 0, Dirksen sold the machine for $18,000.
a. What is the amount and character of the gain or loss Dirksen will recognize on the
sale?
b. What is the amount and character of the gain or loss Dirksen will recognize on the
sale if the machine was sold on January 15 of year 1 instead?

a. ($2,000) ordinary loss.

(3) Accumulated Depreciation $0 *
(4) Adjusted Basis 20,000 (2) - (3)
Ordinary loss ($2,000) (5) (6)

No depreciation is allowed on an asset placed in service and disposed of during the same
taxable year. Assets held less than one year are ordinary rather than section 1231 assets.

b. $3,307 ordinary income.

(3) Accumulated Depreciation $5,307 Calculated below
(4) Adjusted Basis 14,693 (2) - (3)
(6) Ordinary income* $3,307 Lesser of (3) or (5)
1231 gain $0 (5) (6)
*Assets held less than one year are ordinary rather than section 1231 assets.

10-17

Depreciation Calculation
Year
(1)
Original
Basis
(2)

Rate
(1) x (2)

Depreciation
1 $20,000 14.29% $2,858
2 $20,000 12.245%* $2,449
$5,307
*12.245% = 24.49% x .5 (half-year in year of disposition)

39. [LO 3, 4] Rayburn Corporation has a building that it bought during year 0 for $850,000.
It sold the building in year 5. During the time it held the building, Rayburn depreciated it
by $100,000. What is the amount and character of the gain or loss Rayburn will recognize
on the sale in each of the following alternative situations?

a. Rayburn receives $840,000.
b. Rayburn receives $900,000.
c. Rayburn receives $700,000.

a. $18,000 ordinary income and $72,000 1231 gain computed as follows:
Description

Amount

Explanation
(4) Adjusted Basis 750,000 (2) (3)
(6) 291 recapture percentage 20% 291
(7) 291 recapture base 90,000 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(8) 291 recapture (ordinary income) $18,000 (6) x (7)
1231 gain $72,000 (5) (8)

b. $20,000 ordinary income and $130,000 1231 gain computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 750,000 (2) (3)
1231 gain $130,000 (5) (8)

10-18
c. $(50,000) ordinary loss computed as follows:
Description

Amount

Explanation
(4) Adjusted Basis 750,000 (2) (3)
(7) 291 recapture base $0 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(8) 291 recapture (ordinary income) $0 (6) x (7)
1231 loss ($50,000) (5) (8)

40. [LO 3, 4] Moran owns a building he bought during year 0 for $150,000. He sold the
building in year 6. During the time he held the building he depreciated it by $32,000.
What is the amount and character of the gain or loss Moran will recognize on the sale in
each of the following alternative situations?

a. Moran received $145,000.
b. Moran received $170,000.
c. Moran received $110,000.

a. $27,000 unrecaptured 1250 gain, which is 1231 gain taxed at maximum rate of
25%, computed as follows:
Description

Amount

Explanation
(4) Adjusted Basis 118,000 (2) (3)
(6) Unrecaptured 1250 gain (and
1231 gain) $27,000 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 gain $0 (5) (6)
Total 1231 gain $27,000 (6) + (7)

b. 1231 gain of $52,000. Of the $52,000, $32,000 is unrecaptured 1250 gain
subject to a maximum 25% tax rate and the remaining $20,000 is 1231 gain subject
to a maximum rate of 0/15/20%. See the following calculations:

(4) Adjusted Basis 118,000 (2) (3)
10-19
(6) Unrecaptured 1250 gain
(and 1231 gain) $32,000 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 gain 20,000 (5) (6)
Total 1231 gain $52,000 (6) + (7)

c. 1231 loss of ($8,000), calculated as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 118,000 (2) (3)
(6) Unrecaptured 1250 gain
(and 1231 gain) $0 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 loss ($8,000) (5) (6)
Total 1231 loss ($8,000) (6) + (7)

41. [LO 3, 4, 5] Hart, an individual, bought an asset for $500,000 and has claimed $100,000
of depreciation deductions against the asset. Hart has a marginal tax rate of 30 percent.
Answer the questions presented in the following alternative scenarios (assume Hart had
no property transactions other than those described in the problem):
a. What is the amount and character of Harts recognized gain if the asset is tangible
personal property sold for $450,000? What effect does the sale have on Harts tax
liability for the year?
b. What is the amount and character of Harts recognized gain if the asset is tangible
liability for the year
c. What is the amount and character of Harts recognized gain if the asset is tangible
liability for the year?
10-20

d. What is the amount and character of Harts recognized gain if the asset is a non-
residential building sold for $450,000? What effect does the sale have on Harts
tax liability for the year?
e. Now assume that Hart is a corporation. What is the amount and character of its
recognized gain if the asset is a nonresidential building sold for $450,000? What
effect does the sale have on Harts tax liability for the year (assume the same 30
percent marginal tax rate)?
f. Now assuming that the asset is real property, which entity type should be used to
minimize the taxes paid on real estate gains?

a. $50,000 ordinary income and a $15,000 tax liability on income, computed as
follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 400,000 (2) + (3)
1231 gain $0 (5) (6)

Character Amount (1) Rate (2) Tax (1) x (2)
1245 recapture $50,000 30% $15,000
1231 gain $0 15% $0
Tax $15,000

b. Hart has $100,000 ordinary income and $50,000 of 1231 gain. Harts tax
liability is $37,500, calculated as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 400,000 (2)+ (3)
1231 gain $50,000 (5) (6)

Character Amount Rate (2) Tax (1) x (2)
1245 recapture $100,000 30% $30,000
1231 gain $50,000 15% $7,500
Tax $37,500

10-21

c. Hart has a 1231 loss of $50,000 and receives tax savings of $15,000 for the loss:

(4) Adjusted Basis 400,000 (2) + (3)
1231 loss ($50,000) (5) (6)

1245 recapture $0 30% $0
1231 loss ($50,000) 30% ($15,000)
Tax benefit ($15,000)

d. Hart has a 1231 gain of $50,000 taxed at a maximum 25% rate. Harts tax

(4) Adjusted Basis 400,000 (2)+ (3)
(5) Gain/(Loss) Recognized 50,000 (1) (4)
(6) Unrecaptured 1250 gain $50,000 Lesser of (5) or (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 gain $0 (5) (6)
Total 1231 gain $50,000 (6) + (7)

Character Amount Rate Tax
Unrecaptured 1250 (1231 gain) $50,000 25% $12,500
Other 1231 gain $0 15% $0
Tax $12,500

e. Hart recognizes $10,000 ordinary income and $40,000 1231 gain. Harts tax

(4) Adjusted Basis 400,000 (2) + (3)
10-22
1231 gain $40,000 (5) (8)

291 gain $10,000 30% $3,000
1231 gain $40,000 30% $12,000
Tax $15,000

f. As can be seen from parts (d) and (e), any noncorporate form will result in a lower
tax on sales of real property. This is because unrecaptured 1250 gain is taxed at a
maximum rate of 25 percent for noncorporate taxpayers while corporate taxpayers
recognize ordinary gains.

42. [LO 4] Luke sold a building and the land on which the building sits to his brother at fair
market value. The fair market value of the building was determined to be $325,000;
Luke built the building several years ago at a cost of $200,000. Luke had claimed
$45,000 of depreciation expense on the building. The fair market value of the land was
determined to be $210,000 at the time of the sale; Luke purchased the land many years
ago for $130,000. Lukes brother will use the building in his business.

a. What is the amount and character of Lukes recognized gain or loss on the building?
b. What is the amount and character of Lukes recognized gain or loss on the land?

a. $170,000 ordinary income, computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis 155,000 (2) + (3)
Ordinary Gain/(Loss) Recognized under 1239* $170,000 (1) (4)
*Luke must recognize ordinary income on the sale of the building under 1239 because (1)
he sold it at a gain to a related party (his brother) and (2) the asset is a depreciable asset in
the hands of the related partybecause his brother will use the property in his business, he
is entitled to depreciate it.

b. $80,000 1231 gain, computed as follows:

(3) Accumulated Depreciation 0 Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 130,000 (2) - (3)
1231 Gain Recognized $80,000 (1) (4)
10-23

1239 is not applicable for the land because it is not depreciable to the buyer.

43. [LO 5] Buckley, an individual, began a business two years ago and has never sold a
1231 asset. Buckley owned each of the assets since he began the business. In the
current year, Buckley sold the following business assets:
Asset

Original Cost
Accumulated
Depreciation Gain/Loss
Computers
$6,000
$2,000 ($3,000)
Machinery
10,000
4,000 (2,000)
Furniture
20,000
12,000 7,000
Building
100,000
10,000 (1,000)

Assuming Buckleys marginal ordinary income tax rate is 35 percent, answer the questions
for the following alternative scenarios:

a. What is the character of Buckleys gains or losses for the current year? What
effect do the gains or losses have on Buckleys tax liability?
b. Assume that the amount realized increased so that the building was sold at a
$6,000 gain instead. What is the character of Buckleys gains or losses for the
current year? What effect do the gains and losses have on Buckleys tax liability?
c. Assume that the amount realized increased so that the building was sold at a
$15,000 gain instead. What is the character of Buckleys gains or losses for the
current year? What effect do the gains and losses have on Buckleys tax liability?

a. Buckleys net 1245 gain is $7,000 and his net 1231 loss is $6,000 and is
calculated as follows:

Asset Description Amount
Computers 1231 loss* ($3,000)
Machinery 1231 loss* ($2,000)
Furniture 1245 recapture $7,000
Building 1231 loss* ($1,000)
*Because Buckley has only 1231 losses they become ordinary losses.

1245 recapture $7,000 35% $2,450
1231 loss ($6,000) 35% ($2,100)
Tax $350

10-24

b. Buckleys net 1245 gain is $7,000 and its net 1231 gain is $1,000 and is

Building Unrecaptured 1250 gain** $6,000
**Unrecaptured 1250 gain is a 1231 gain taxed at a maximum rate of 25%

1245 recapture $7,000 35% $2,450
Net 1231 gain* $1,000 25% $250
Tax $2,700
*An unrecaptured 1250 gain of $6,000 from the building is offset against 1231 losses of
($5,000) (($3,000 from computer + ($2,000) from machinery), for a net 1231 gain of
$1,000.

c. Buckleys net 1245 gain is $7,000 and its net 1231 gain is $10,000 and is

Building Unrecaptured 1250 gain** $10,000
Building 1231 gain $5,000
**Unrecaptured 1250 gain is a 1231 gain taxed at a maximum rate of 25%

1245 recapture $7,000 35% $2,450
Unrecap. 1250* $10,000 25% $2,500
Tax $4,950

*Buckley has an unrecaptured 1250 gain (a 1231 gain taxed at 25%) of $10,000 from the
building and a 1231 gain (taxed at 15%) of $5,000. The ($5,000) of 1231 losses (($3,000
from computer + ($2,000) from machinery) are offset against the 15% taxed 1231 gain
first. Therefore, the unrecaptured 1250 gain of $10,000 remains.
10-25

44. (LO3, LO4, LO5) Lily Tucker (single) owns and operates a bike shop as a sole
proprietorship. This year, she sells the following long-term assets used in her business:

Asset Sales Price Cost Accumulated
Depreciation
Building $ 230,000 $200,000 $52,000
Equipment 80,000 148,000 23,000

Lilys taxable income before these transactions is $160,500. What is Lilys taxable
income and tax liability for the year?

Lilys taxable income is $197,500 and her tax liability is $47,483. See the following
calculations:

Asset Sales Price Adjusted
basis
Gain/
(Loss)
Character
Building $ 230,000 $148,000 $82,000 $52,000 is Unrecaptured 1250
$30,000 is 1231
Equipment 80,000 125,000 (45,000) $(45,000) 1231

Netting: The $30,000 1231 gain is offset by the $45,000 1231 loss. The remaining
$15,000 loss then reduces the unrecaptured 1250 gain of $52,000 to $37,000. This
gain will be taxed at 25 percent.

Taxable income before transactions $ 160,500
Unrecaptured 1250 gain 37,000
Taxable income $197,500

Tax liability
Ordinary Income: (197,500 37,000) = $160,500
($160,500 87,850) 28% +$17,891.25 =$38,233
Capital gain: $37,000 25% 9,250
Total tax liability $47,651483

45. (LO3, LO4, LO5) Shimmer Inc. is a calendar-year end, accrual-method corporation. This
year, it sells the following long-term assets:

Asset Sales Price Cost Accumulated
Depreciation
Building $ 650,000 $642,000 $37,000
Sparkle Corporation stock 130,000 180,000 n/a

Shimmer does not sell any other assets during the year and its taxable income before
these transactions is $800,000. What is Shimmers taxable income and tax liability for the
10-26
year?

Shimmers taxable income is $807,400 and its tax liability is $274,516. See the following
calculations:

Asset Sales Price Adjusted
basis
Gain/
(Loss)
Character
Building $ 650,000 $605,000 $45,000 $7,400 is 291 ordinary income
$37,600 is 1231
Sparkle stock 130,000 180,000 (50,000) $(50,000) LTCL

The $37,600 1231 gain on the building is treated as a long-term capital gain, which can
be offset by the long-term capital loss from the sale of the stock. However, because
Shimmer is a corporation, it can only use its capital losses to the extent of its capital
gains. The excess loss of $12,400 ($37,600 - $50,000) can be carried back 3 years or
carried forward 5 years.

Taxable income before transactions $800,000
Ordinary income from sale 7,400
Taxable income after transactions $807,400
Tax liability ($807,400 34%) $274,516

46. [LO 5] {Planning} Aruna, a sole proprietor, wants to sell two assets that she no longer
needs for her business. Both assets qualify as 1231 assets. The first is machinery and
will generate a $10,000 1231 loss on the sale. The second is land that will generate a
$7,000 1231 gain on the sale. Arunas ordinary marginal tax rate is 30 percent.
a. Assuming she sells both assets in December of year 1 (the current year), what
effect will the sales have on Arunas tax liability?
b. Assuming that Aruna sells the land in December of year 1 and the machinery
in January of year 2, what effect will the sales have on Arunas tax liability for
each year?
c. Explain why selling the assets in separate years will result in greater tax
savings for Aruna.

a. Arunas tax will decrease by ($900). Because there is a net 1231 loss of $3,000,
both the gain and loss will be characterized as ordinary.

1231 loss-Ordinary ($10,000) 30% ($3,000)
1231 gain-Ordinary $7,000 30% $2,100
Tax ($900)

b. Arunas tax will decrease by ($1,950). Because the 1231 gain is recognized in Year
1, the gain will be capital. The 1231 loss in Year 2 will be ordinary.
10-27

1231 gain-Capital ( Year 1) $7,000 15% $1,050
1231 loss-Ordinary ( Year 2) ($10,000) 30% ($3,000)
Tax ($1,950)

c. The 1231 rules can be gamed if you understand them. First gains and losses are
netted. However, losses may offset ordinary income at the marginal tax rate, while
gains can be recognized at preferential rates which are lower than the marginal tax
rate. Second, the look-back rules prevent recognizing losses before gains within a
five-year period. However, gains may be recognized before losses. If Aruna
recognizes her gain before her loss, the 1231 look-book rules do not apply. One
additional factor to consider is that the tax savings from the loss is delayed by one
year. Thus, if the taxpayer is sensitive to the time value of money, the delay should be
considered as well.

47. [LO 5] Bourne Guitars, a corporation, reported a $157,000 net 1231 gain for year 6.
a. Assuming Bourne reported $50,000 of nonrecaptured 1231 losses during years
15, what amount of Bournes net 1231 gain for year 6, if any, is treated as ordinary
income?
b. Assuming Bournes nonrecaptured 1231 losses from years 15 were $200,000,
what amount of Bournes net 1231 gain for year 6, if any, is treated as ordinary
income?

a. $50,000 of Bournes gain would be ordinary income and the remaining $107,000
gain is a 1231 gain, computed as follows:

(1) Current 1231 gain $157,000 Given
(2) Nonrecaptured 1231 losses $50,000 Given
(3) Ordinary income $50,000 Lesser of (1) or (2)
1231 gain $107,000 (1) - (3)

b. The entire $157,000 gain would be ordinary income due to the 1231 look-back
rule.

48. [LO 5] {Planning} Tonya Jefferson, a sole proprietor, runs a successful lobbying
business in Washington, D.C. She doesnt sell many business assets, but she is planning
on retiring and selling her historic townhouse, from which she runs her business, in order
to buy a place somewhere sunny and warm. Tonyas townhouse is worth $1,000,000 and
the land is worth another $1,000,000. The original basis in the townhouse was $600,000,
and she has claimed $250,000 of depreciation deductions against the asset over the years.
The original basis in the land was $500,000. Tonya has located a buyer that would like to
finalize the transaction in December of the current year. Tonyas marginal ordinary
income tax rate is 35 percent.
10-28

a. What amount of gain or loss does Tonya recognize on the sale? What is the
character of the gain or loss? What effect does the gain and loss have on her
tax liability?
b. In addition to the original facts, assume that Tonya reports the following
nonrecaptured 1231 loss:

Year Net 1231 Gains/(Losses)
Year 1 ($200,000)
Year 2 0
Year 3 0
Year 4 0
Year 5 0
Year 6 (current year) ?

What amount of gain or loss does Tonya recognize on the sale? What is the character
of the gain or loss? What effect does the gain or loss have on her year 6 (the current
year) tax liability?

c. As Tonyas tax advisor you suggest that Tonya sell the townhouse in year 7 in
order to reduce her taxes. What amount of gain or loss does Tonya recognize
on the sale in year 7?

a. Tonya has a 1231 gain of $250,000 taxed at a maximum 25% rate. She also
has a 1231 gain of $900,000 ($400,000 from the building and $500,000 from the
land) taxed at a 15% rate since she has a 35% marginal ordinary income tax rate.
Tonyas tax liability is $197,500, calculated as follows:

Description of Building Sale Amount Explanation
(1) Amount Realized $1,000,000 Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 350,000 (2)+ (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 gain $400,000 (5) (6)
Total 1231 gain $650,000 (6) + (7)

Description of Land Sale Amount Explanation
(3) Accumulated Depreciation (0) Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 500,000 (2)+ (3)
(5) 1231 Gain/(Loss) Recognized 500,000 (1) (4)

10-29

Other 1231 gain $900,000 15% $135,000
Tax $197,500

b. Tonya has an ordinary gain of $200,000, due to the 1231 look-back rule.
Tonya has a 1231 gain of $50,000 taxed at a maximum 25% rate (the other
$200,000 was recaptured as ordinary since it was the highest rate 1231 gain.
She also has a 1231 gain of $900,000 ($400,000 from the building and $500,000
from the land) taxed at a 15% rate since her marginal ordinary income tax rate is
35%. Tonyas tax liability is $217,500, calculated as follows:

Description of Building Sale Amount Explanation
(4) Adjusted Basis 350,000 (2)+ (3)
(7) Remaining 1231 gain $400,000 (5) (6)
Total 1231 gain $650,000 (6) + (7)

Description of Land Sale Amount Explanation
(3) Accumulated Depreciation (0) Given
(4) Adjusted Basis 500,000 (2)+ (3)
(5) 1231 Gain/(Loss) Recognized 500,000 (1) (4)

Year

Net
1231 gain
(loss)
Recaptured/
Nonrecaptured
1231 losses Notes Ordinary LTCG
Year 1 ($200,000) $0
($200,000)
Loss is ordinary
Nonrecaptured losses
($200,000)
Year 2 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 3 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 4 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 5 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 6 $250,000 (25%)
$900,000 (15%)

$200,000
$0
$0
$200,000 Ordinary

$200,000 $50,000
$900,000
10-30

Ordinary $200,000 35% $70,000
Other 1231 gain $900,000 15% $135,000
Tax $217,500

c. Tonyas nonrecaptured 1231 loss is about to expire. If she delays the sale of
her townhouse until January of year 7, there is no longer any recapture because
nonrecaptured 1231 losses only carry over for five years. This would leave
Tonya with the same result as part a. Tonya has a 1231 gain of $250,000 taxed
at a maximum 25% rate. She also has a 1231 gain of $900,000 ($400,000 from
the building and $500,000 from the land) taxed at a 15% rate. Tonyas tax
liability is $197,500, which is a savings of $20,000 for waiting a few weeks to sell
the asset.

Year

Net
1231 gain
(loss)
Recaptured/
Nonrecaptured
Year 1 ($200,000) $0
($200,000)
Loss is ordinary
($200,000)
Year 2 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 3 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 4 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 5 $0 $0
($200,000)


Year 6 $0
$0
only carry over 5 years

Year 7 $250,000 (25%)
$900,000 (15%)

$250,000
$900,000

Other 1231 gain $900,000 15% $135,000
Tax $197,500

49. [LO 5] Morgans Water World (MWW), an LLC, opened several years ago and reports
the following net 1231 gains and losses since it began business.
10-31

Year 1 ($11,000)
Year 2 5,000
Year 3 (21,000)
Year 4 (4,000)
Year 5 17,000
Year 6 (43,000)
Year 7 (current year) 113,000

What amount, if any, of the year 7 $113,000 net 1231 gain is treated as ordinary income?

After applying the 1231 five-year look back rule, the result is $57,000 ordinary income and
$56,000 long-term capital gain.

Year

Net
1231
gain (loss)
Recaptured/
Nonrecaptured
Year 1 ($11,000) $0
($11,000)
Loss is ordinary
($11,000)
Year 2 $5,000 ($5,000)
($6,000)
Gain is ordinary
$5,000
Year 3 ($21,000) $0
($27,000)
Loss is ordinary
($21,000)
Year 4 ($4,000) $0
($31,000)
Loss is ordinary
($4,000)

Year 5 $17,000 $17,000
($14,000)
Gain is ordinary
$17,000

Year 6 ($43,000)

($43,000)
($57,000)
Loss is ordinary
($43,000)

Year 7 $113,000 $57,000
$0
$57,000 is ordinary
No nonrecaptured
losses
$57,000 $56,000

10-32

50. [LO 5] Han runs a sole proprietorship. Hans reported the following net 1231 gains and
losses since he began business:

Year 1 ($65,000)
Year 2 15,000
Year 3 0
Year 4 0
Year 5 10,000
Year 6 0
Year 7 (current year) 50,000

a. What amount, if any, of the year 7 (current year) $50,000 net 1231 gain is
treated as ordinary income?
b. Assume that the $50,000 net 1231 gain occurs in year 6 instead of year 7. What
amount of the gain would be treated as ordinary income in year 6?

a. After applying the 1231 five-year look back rule, the entire $50,000 is long-term
capital gain.

Year

Net
1231
gain (loss)
Recaptured/
Nonrecaptured
Year 1 ($65,000) $0
($110,000)
Loss is ordinary
($65,000)
Year 2 $15,000 $15,000
($50,000)
Gain is ordinary
$15,000
Year 3 $0 $0
($50,000)


Year 4 $0 $0
($50,000)


Year 5 $10,000 $10,000
($40,000)
Gain is ordinary
$10,000

Year 6 $0

$0
$0
only carryforward 5
years

Year 7 $50,000 $50,000
$0
$50,000 is 1231

$50,000

10-33

b. After applying the 1231 five-year look back rule, $40,000 is ordinary income and
$10,000 is long-term capital gain.

Year

Net
1231
gain (loss)
Recaptured/
Nonrecaptured
Year 1 ($65,000) $0
($65,000)
Loss is ordinary
($65,000)
Year 2 $15,000 $15,000
($50,000)
Gain is ordinary
$15,000
Year 3 $0 $0
($50,000)


Year 4 $0 $0
($50,000)


Year 5 $10,000 $10,000
($40,000)
Gain is ordinary
$10,000

Year 6 $50,000

$40,000
$10,000
$0
Gain is ordinary
1231
only carryforward 5
years
$40,000

$10,000

51. [LO 6] Independence Corporation needs to replace some of the assets used in its trade or
business and is contemplating the following exchanges:

Exchange Asset Given Up by Independence Asset Received by Independence
a Band saw Band saw
b Machinery used in textiles Machinery used for wood working
c Passenger automobile used for
deliveries
Heavy duty van that seats two and has a
large cargo box
d Large warehouse on two acres Small warehouse on twenty-two acres
e Office building in Green Bay, WI
used in the business
Apartment complex in Newport Beach,
CA, that will be held as an investment

Determine whether each exchange qualifies as a like-kind exchange. Also explain the
rationale for why each qualifies or does not qualify as a like-kind exchange.
10-34

Exchange
a The exchange of a band saw for a band saw qualifies as a like-kind exchange since
they are tangible personal property having the same use (contained in the same
asset class).
b The exchange of machinery used in textiles for machinery used for wood working
does not qualify as a like-kind exchange because they are tangible personal
property that does not have the same use (not contained in the same asset class).
c The exchange of passenger automobile for a heavy duty van does not qualify as a
like-kind exchange because the tangible personal property does not have the same
use (not contained in the same asset class).
d The exchange of a large warehouse on two acres for a small warehouse on twenty-
two acres qualifies as a like-kind exchange since they are both real property.
e The exchange of the office building in Green Bay, WI for an apartment complex in
Newport Beach, CA qualifies as a like-kind exchange since they are both real
property that are either used in the business or held for investment.

52. [LO 6] Kase, an individual, purchased some property in Potomac, Maryland, for
$150,000 approximately 10 years ago. Kase is approached by a real estate agent
representing a client who would like to exchange a parcel of land in North Carolina for
Kases Maryland property. Kase agrees to the exchange. What is Kases realized gain or
loss, recognized gain or loss, and basis in the North Carolina property in each of the
following alternative scenarios?
a. The transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange and the fair market value of each
property is $675,000.
b. The transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange and the fair market value of each
property is $100,000.

a. Even though Kase has a realized gain of $525,000, the recognized gain is $0
because the transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange and Kase did not
receive any boot. Kase receives a carryover basis of $150,000 in the North
Carolina property (the same basis Kase had in the Maryland property). See the
following computation:
10-35

(1) Amount realized from machine $675,000 Given
(2) Amount realized from boot (non like-
kind property) $0
Given
(3) Total amount realized $675,000 (1) + (2)
(4) Adjusted basis $150,000 Given
(5) Gain realized $525,000 (3) (4)
(6) Gain recognized $0 Lesser of (2) or (5)
(7) Deferred gain $525,000 (5) (6)
Adjusted basis in new property $150,000 (1) (7)

b. Kase has a realized loss of ($50,000), but the recognized loss is $0 because the
transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange. Kase would have a carryover basis
of $150,000. See the following computation:

(1) Amount realized from machine $100,000 Given
(2) Amount realized from boot (cash) $0 Given
(4) Adjusted basis $150,000 Given
(5) Loss realized ($50,000) (3) (4)
(6) Loss recognized $0 Lesser of (2) or (5)
(7) Deferred loss $50,000 (5) (6)
Adjusted basis in new property $150,000 (1) + (7)

53. [LO 6] {Research} Longhaul Trucking traded two small trucks (each had a 10,000-pound
gross weight) for one large truck (18,000-pound gross weight). Do the trucks qualify as
like-kind property to Longhaul (Hint: because the trucks are tangible personal property
they must be the same asset class to be like-kind assets. Use Rev. Proc. 87-56 to
determine the asset classes for the trucks.)

The smaller trucks and the larger truck are not like-kind assets. The smaller trucks
are asset class 00.241 (Light General Purpose Trucks) because they weigh less than
13,000 pounds. The larger truck is asset class 00.242 (Heavy General Purpose
Trucks) because it weighs 13,000 pounds or more.

54. [LO 6] {Research} {Planning} Twinbrook Corporation needed to upgrade to a larger
manufacturing facility. Twinbrook first acquired a new manufacturing facility for
$2,100,000 cash, and then transferred the facility it was using (building and land) to
White Flint Corporation for $2,000,000 three months later. Does the exchange qualify for
like-kind exchange treatment (Hint: examine Revenue Procedures 2000-37 and 2004-
51)? If not, can you propose a change in the transaction that will allow it to qualify?

Twinbrooks exchange will not qualify as a parking transaction or reverse Starker
exchange. Initially, under Rev. Proc. 2000-37 it would have qualified. However, Rev.
10-36
Proc. 2004-51 modified the requirements, so that Twinbrooks transaction no longer
qualifies.

Under Rev. Proc. 2004-51, a taxpayer may place property with an accommodation
party until the taxpayer can arrange for an exchange. Therefore, if Twinbrook gives
the funds to a qualified intermediary who obtains the new property and holds it until
Twinbrook can arrange for the transfer of its current property, the exchange will
qualify as a Starker or deferred like-kind exchange if the two timing requirements are
met. First, the like-kind property to be received is identified within 45 days
[1031(a)(3)(A)]. Second, the like-kind property is received within 180 days of the
transfer of the property given up [1031(a)(3)(B)(i)].

55. [LO 6] {Research} Woodley Park Corporation currently owns two parcels of land (parcel
1 and parcel 2). It owns a warehouse facility on parcel 1. Woodley needs to acquire a
new and larger manufacturing facility. Woodley was approached by Blazing Fast
Construction (who specializes in prefabricated warehouses) about acquiring Woodleys
existing warehouse on parcel 1. Woodley indicated that it prefers to exchange its existing
facility for a new and larger facility in a qualifying like-kind exchange. Blazing Fast
indicated that it could construct a new manufacturing facility on parcel 2 to Woodleys
specification within four months. Woodley and Blazing Fast agreed to the following
arrangement. First, Blazing Fast would construct the new warehouse on parcel 2 and
then relinquish the property to Woodley within four months. Woodley would then
transfer the warehouse facility and land parcel 1 to Blazing Fast. All of the property
exchanged in the deal was identified immediately and the construction was completed
within 180 days. Does the exchange of the new building for the old building and parcel 1
qualify as a like-kind exchange (see DeCleene v. Commissioner, 115 TC 457)?

Even though Woodley is trading real property (old building and Parcel 1) for real
property (a new building constructed on Woodleys Parcel 2), the exchange does not
qualify as a like-kind exchange. Woodleys facts are similar to those of two cases
DeCleene v. Commissioner and Bloomington Coca-Cola Bottling Co. v.
Commissioner (51-1 USTC 9320). After applying the step transaction doctrine the
effect was Woodley purchasing a new facility, and not an exchange of unimproved
property for improved property, inasmuch as the taxpayer already owned the land on
which the new plant was constructed. Blazing Fast could not be a party to an
exchange with the taxpayer because the contractor was never the owner of the
property that the taxpayer received in the so-called exchange.

56. [LO 6] Metro Corp. traded machine A for machine B. Metro originally purchased
machine A for $50,000 and machine As adjusted basis was $25,000 at the time of the
exchange. What is Metros realized gain or loss, recognized gain or loss, and adjusted
basis in machine B in each of the following alternative scenarios?
10-37

a. The fair market value of machine A and of machine B is $40,000 at the time of
the exchange. The exchange does not qualify as a like-kind exchange.
b. The fair market value of machine A and of machine B is $40,000. The
exchange qualifies as a like-kind exchange

c. The fair market value of machine A is $35,000 and machine B is valued at
$40,000. Metro exchanges machine A and $5,000 cash for machine B. Machine
A and machine B are like-kind property.
d. The fair market value of machine A is $45,000 and Metro trades machine A for
machine B valued at $40,000 and $5,000 cash. Machine A and machine B are
like-kind property.

a. If the transaction does not qualify as a like kind exchange, Metro has a realized
and recognized gain of $15,000 ($40,000 amount realized minus $25,000
adjusted basis). The basis in machine B is its $40,000 fair market value.

b. Even though Metro has a realized gain of $15,000 ($40,000 - $25,000), the
recognized gain is $0 because the transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange.
Metro receives a basis of $25,000 in machine B. See the following
computations:

(1) Amount realized from machine $40,000
(2) Amount realized from boot (cash) $0
(4) Adjusted basis $25,000 $50,000 - $25,000
(5) Gain realized $15,000 (3) (4)
(7) Deferred gain $15,000 (5) (6)

c. The realized gain is $10,000 and the recognized gain is $0. Metros basis in
machine B is $30,000. See the following computations:

10-38

(1) Amount realized from machine $40,000 Given in example
(2) Amount realized from boot (cash) $0 Given in example
(4) Adjusted basis $30,000 $25,000 + $5,000 cash
(5) Gain realized $10,000 (3) (4)
(7) Deferred gain $10,000 (5) (6)

d. Metros realized gain is $20,000 and its recognized gain is $5,000 (the amount of
the boot received) because the transaction qualifies as a like-kind exchange.
Metros basis in machine B is $25,000. See the following computations:

(1) Amount realized from machine $40,000 Given in example
(2) Amount realized from boot (cash) $5,000 Given in example
(4) Adjusted basis $25,000 $50,000 - $25,000
(5) Gain realized $20,000 (3) (4)
(6) Gain recognized $5,000 Lesser of (2) or (5)
(7) Deferred gain $15,000 (5) (6)

57. [LO 6] Prater Inc. enters into an exchange in which it gives up its warehouse on 10 acres
of land and receives a tract of land. A summary of the exchange is as follows:

Transferred FMV
Original
Basis
Accumulated
Depreciation
Warehouse $300,000 $225,000 $45,000
Land 50,000 50,000
Mortgage on warehouse 30,000
Cash 20,000 20,000

Assets Received FMV
Land
$340,000

10-39

What is Praters realized and recognized gain on the exchange and its basis in the
assets it received in the exchange?

Gain realized is $120,000, gain recognized is $10,000, and Praters adjusted basis in the
land is $230,000.

(1) Amount realized in like-kind $340,000 Given. FMV of land
(2) Amount realized from boot 30,000 Mortgage relief
(4) Adjusted basis 250,000
$225,000 - $45,000 + $50,000
(land) + $20,000 (cash)
(5) Gain Realized $120,000 (3) (4)
(6) Gain recognized $10,000
Lesser of [(2) cash paid
or liability assumed] or (5)
(7) Deferred gain $110,000 (5) (6)

*Prater has debt relief of $30,000 and can offset this boot with cash paid of $20,000. The
offset rules allow a taxpayer to offset debt relief with cash paid or with other liabilities
assumed. Consequently, Prater is allowed to net the debt relief against cash paid and he is
treated as receiving only the $10,000 net liabilities hes been relieved of as boot.
10-40

58. [LO 6] Baker Corporation owned a building located in Kansas. Baker used the building
for its business operations. Last year a tornado hit the property and completely destroyed
it. This year, Baker received an insurance settlement. Baker had originally purchased the
building for $350,000 and had claimed a total of $100,000 of depreciation deductions
against the property. What is Bakers realized and recognized gain or (loss) on this
transaction and what is its basis in the new building in the following alternative
scenarios?

a. Baker received $450,000 in insurance proceeds and spent $450,000 rebuilding
the building during the current year.
b. Baker received $450,000 in insurance proceeds and spent $500,000 rebuilding
c. Baker received $450,000 in insurance proceeds and spent $400,000 rebuilding
d. Baker received $450,000 in insurance proceeds and spent $450,000 rebuilding
the building during the next three years.

a. Because Baker reinvested all of the insurance proceeds, it will not recognize any of
its $200,000 realized gain. Bakers basis in the new building is $250,000. See the
following calculations:

(1) Amount Realized $450,000 Insurance proceeds
(2) Adjusted Basis $250,000 $350,000 100,000 depreciation
(3) Gain Realized $200,000 (1) (2)
(4) Insurance proceeds $450,000 (1)
(5) Proceeds reinvested $450,000 Given
(6) Amount not reinvested $0 (4) (5)
(8) Deferred gain $200,000 (3) (7)
(9) Value of replacement property $450,000 Given
Basis of replacement property $250,000 (9) (8)

b. Because Baker reinvested all of the insurance proceeds, it will not recognize any of
its $200,000 realized gain. Bakers basis in the new building is $300,000. See the
following calculations:

(3) Gain Realized $200,000 (1) (2)
(6) Amount not reinvested $0 (4) (5)
10-41
(8) Deferred gain $200,000 (3) (7)
(9) Value of replacement property $500,000 $450,000 + $50,000

c. Because Baker reinvested only a portion of the insurance proceeds, it will
recognize $50,000 of its $200,000 realized gain. Bakers basis in the new building is
$250,000. See the following calculations:

(3) Gain Realized $200,000 (1) (2)
(6) Amount not reinvested $50,000 (4) (5)
(8) Deferred gain $150,000 (3) (7)

d. Because Baker took three years to replace the property destroyed in the
involuntary conversion, Baker will recognize all of its $200,000 realized gain.
Bakers basis in the new building is $250,000. See the following calculations:

(3) Gain Realized $200,000 (1) (2)
(5) Proceeds reinvested* $0 Given
(6) Amount not reinvested $450,000 (4) (5)
(8) Deferred gain $0 (3) (7)
*The proceeds were not reinvested within the two year time period; therefore, they are not a
qualified reinvestment.

59. [LO 6] Russell Corporation sold a parcel of land valued at $400,000. Its basis in the land
was $275,000. For the land, Russell received $50,000 in cash in year 0 and a note
providing that Russell will receive $175,000 in year 1 and $175,000 in year 2 from the
buyer.
10-42

a. What is Russells realized gain on the transaction?
b. What is Russells recognized gain in year 0, year 1, and year 2?

a. Russells realized gain is $125,000 (see calculation below).

b. Russell recognizes $15,625 in year 0, $54,688 in year 1, and $54,688 in year 2. See
the following calculations:

(2) Adjusted Basis $275,000 Given
(3) Gain Realized $125,000 (1) (2)
(4) Gross Profit Percentage 31.25% (3) / (1)
(5) Payment received in year 0 $50,000 Given
Gain recognized in year 0 $15,625 (5) x (4)

Note that all of the $125,000 gain realized is recognized over the three year period.

60. [LO 6] In year 0, Javens, Inc. sold machinery with a fair market value of $400,000 to
Chris. The machinerys original basis was $317,000 and Javenss accumulated
depreciation on the machinery was $50,000, so its adjusted basis to Javens was $267,000.
Chris paid Javens $40,000 immediately (in year 0) and provided a note to Javens
indicating that Chris would pay Javens $60,000 a year for six years beginning in year 1.
What is the amount and character of the gain that Javens will recognize in year 0? What
amount and character of the gain will Javens recognize in years 1 through 6?

Javens recognizes $58,300 of income in year 0 ($50,000 ordinary income and $8,300 of
1231 gain). It also recognizes $12,450 of 1231 gain each year from year 1 through year 6,
computed as follows:

(2) Original Basis $317,000 Given
(3) Accumulated Depreciation $50,000 Given
(4) Adjusted Basis $267,000 (2) (3)
(5) Realized Gain/(Loss) $133,000 (1) (4)
(6) Ordinary income from 1245 depreciation
recapture (not eligible for installment reporting)
$50,000 Ordinary income
Lesser of (3) and (5)
(7) Gain eligible for installment reporting $83,000 (5) (6)
(8) Gross profit percentage 20.75% (7) / (1)
(9) Payment received in year 0 $40,000 Given in example
10-43
(10) Gain recognized on payment in year 0 $8,300 (9) x (8) 1231 gain
Total gain recognized in year 0 $58,300 (6) + (10)
(11) Payment received in years 1 through 6 (each year) $60,000 Given in example
Gain recognized in years 1 through 6 (with each
payment) $12,450 (11) x (8) 1231 gain

61. [LO 6] {Research} Ken sold a rental property for $500,000. He received $100,000 in the
current year and $100,000 each year for the next four years. $400,000 of the sales price
was allocated to the building and the remaining $100,000 was allocated to the land. Ken
purchased the property several years ago for $300,000. When he initially purchased the
property, he allocated $225,000 of the purchase price to the building and $75,000 to the
land. Ken has claimed $25,000 of depreciation deductions over the years against the
building. Ken had no other sales of 1231 or capital assets in the current year. For the
year of the sale, determine Kens recognized gain or loss, the character of Kens gain, and
calculate Kens tax due because of the sale (assuming his marginal ordinary tax rate is 35
percent). (Hint: see the examples in Reg. 1.453-12.)

The sale qualifies as an installment sale. As a result, in the year of the sale Ken
has a 1231 gain of $25,000 taxed at a maximum 25% rate. He also has a 1231
gain of $20,000 taxed at a maximum 15% rate. In the year of the sale, Kens tax
liability is $9,250. The unrecaptured 1250 gain is recognized before any of the
1231 gain (as indicated by the regulations). The remaining gain is taxed in
subsequent years. The computation for the current year is as follows:

(2) Adjusted Basis $275,000 Given
(3) Gain Realized $225,000 (1) (2)
(4) Gross Profit Percentage 45% (3) / (1)
(5) Payment received in year 0 $100,000 Given.
Gain recognized in year 0 $45,000 (5) (4), $25,000 of
unrecaptured 1250 and $20,000
1231 gain

Other 1231 gain $20,000 15% 3,000
Tax $9,250

62. [LO 6] {Planning} Hillary is in the leasing business and faces a marginal tax rate of 35
percent. She has leased equipment to Whitewater Corporation for several years. Hillary
bought the equipment for $50,000 and claimed $20,000 of depreciation deductions
10-44
against the asset. The lease term is about to expire and Whitewater would like to acquire
the equipment. Hillary has been offered two options to choose from:

Option Details
Like-kind
exchange
Whitewater would provide Hillary with like-kind equipment. The like-kind
equipment has a fair market value of $35,000.
Installment sale Whitewater would provide Hillary with two payments of $19,000. She
would use the proceeds to purchase equipment that she could also lease.

Ignoring time value of money, which option provides the greatest after-tax value for Hillary,
assuming she is indifferent between the proposals based on nontax factors?

Option 1, Description Amount Explanation
(1) Amount realized in like-kind $35,000 Given
(2) Amount realized in boot $0 Given
(3) Total amount realized $35,000

(4) Adjusted basis $30,000 $50,000 - $20,000
(5) Gain realized $5,000 (3) (4)
(7) Deferred gain $5,000 (5) (6)

Option 2 Description Amount Explanation
(3) Accumulated Depreciation $20,000 Given
(4) Adjusted Basis $30,000 (2) (3)
(5) Realized Gain/(Loss) $8,000 (1) (4)
recapture (not eligible for installment reporting)*
$8,000 Ordinary income
(7) Gain eligible for installment reporting $0 (5) (6)
(8) Gross profit percentage 0% (7) / (1)
*Because all of the gain is subject to depreciation recapture, the installment method cannot be
used to defer the gain.

(1) Amount realized $38,000 Cash from note
(2) Tax (2,800) $8,000 gain 35% tax rate
After Tax Value $35,200 (1) (2)

Hillary would be better off with Option 2. This option gives her a higher after tax value by
$200 ($35,200 versus $35,000). Additionally, if she invests her after-tax proceeds from the
10-45
installment sale in new equipment, her basis in option 2 is $5,200 ($35,200 - $30,000)
higher, which allows her higher depreciation deductions in the future.

63. [LO 6] Deirdre sold 100 shares of stock to her brother, James, for $2,400. Deirdre
purchased the stock several years ago for $3,000.
a. What gain or loss does Deirdre recognize on the sale?
b. What amount of gain or loss does James recognize if he sells the stock for
$3,200?
c. What amount of gain or loss does James recognize if he sells the stock for
$2,600?
d. What amount of gain or loss does James recognize if he sells the stock for
$2,000?

a. Though Deirdre realizes a $600 loss, she is not allowed to recognize any of the
loss because she sold the stock to a related party (her brother). See the following
computation:

(2) Basis 3,000 Given
(3) Gain (Loss) Realized ($600) (1) (2)
(4) Disallowed Loss (600) *no recognized loss on related party sale
Gain/(Loss) Recognized $0 (3) (4)
b. $200 gain (see calculations below)
c. $0 (see calculations below)
d. ($400) loss (see calculations below)

Description Part b Part c Part d Explanation
(1) Amount Realized $3,200 $2,600 $2,000
(2) Adjusted Basis 2,400 2,400 2,400 Given in problem
(3) Realized Gain (Loss) $800 $200 ($400) (1) (2)
(4) Benefit of Deirdres
($600) disallowed Loss
$600 $200 $0 Lesser of (3) (if a loss, then
$0) or $600 (the amount of
Deirdres disallowed loss)
Recognized Gain/(Loss) $200 $0 ($400) (3) (4)

Comprehensive Problems

64. Two years ago, Bethesda Corporation bought a delivery truck for $30,000 (not subject to
the luxury auto depreciation limits). Bethesda used MACRS 200 percent declining
balance and the half-year convention to recover the cost of the truck, but it did not elect
179 expensing or eligible bonus depreciation. Answer the questions for the following
alternative scenarios.
10-46

a. Assuming Bethesda used the truck until March of year 3, what depreciation
expense can it claim on the truck for years 1 through 3?

b. Assume that Bethesda claimed $18,500 of depreciation expense on the truck
before it sold it in year 3. What is the amount and character of the gain or loss if
Bethesda sold the truck in year 3 for $17,000, and incurred $2,000 of selling
expenses on the sale?
c. Assume that Bethesda claimed $18,500 of depreciation expense on the truck
before it sold it in year 3. What is the amount and character of the gain or loss if
Bethesda sold the truck in year 3 for $35,000, and incurred $3,000 of selling
expenses on the sale?

a. Depreciation expense for years 1 through 3 is $6,000, $9,600, $2,880,
respectively. This is calculated under MACRS with a five-year recovery
period, half-year convention, and 200 percent declining balance method.
Because the truck was disposed of during year 3, the depreciation rate in the
table is reduced by 50%. The depreciation expense for each year is calculated
as follows:

Year
(1)
Original Basis
(2)
Rate
(1) x (2)
Depreciation
1 $30,000 20.00% $6,000
2 30,000 32.00% 9,600
3 30,000 9.60%* 2,880
$18,480
*9.6% = 19.20% .5 (half-year in year of disposition)

b. Bethesda would recognize $3,500 of ordinary income due to the 1245
depreciation recapture rules, computed as follows:

$17,000 - $2,000 selling
expenses
(3) Accumulated depreciation (18,500) Given
(4) Adjusted Basis $11,500 (2) + (3)
(6) 1245 depreciation recapture $3,500 Lesser of (3) or (5)
(7) 1231 gain $0 (5) (6)

c. Bethesdas would recognize $20,500 of gain. Of that amount, $18,500 will be
ordinary income due to the 1245 depreciation recapture rules and the remaining
$2,000 will be 1231 gain, computed as follows:
10-47

$35,000 - $3,000 selling
expenses
(3) Accumulated depreciation (18,500) Given
(4) Adjusted Basis $11,500 (2) + (3)
(6) 1245 depreciation recapture $18,500 Lesser of (3) and (5)
(7) 1231 gain $2,000 (5) (6)

65. Hauswirth Corporation sold (or exchanged) some manufacturing equipment in year 0.
Hauswirth bought the machinery several years ago for $65,000 and it has claimed
$23,000 of depreciation expense against the equipment.
a. Assuming that Hauswirth receives $50,000 in cash for the equipment,
compute the amount and character of Hauswirths recognized gain or loss on
the sale.
b. Assuming that Hauswirth receives like-kind equipment with a fair market
value of $50,000 in exchange for its equipment, compute Hauswirths gain
realized, gain recognized, deferred gain, and basis in the new equipment.
c. Assuming that Hauswirth receives $20,000 in cash in year 0 and a $50,000
note receivable that is payable in year 1, compute the amount and character of
Hauswirths gain in year 0 and in year 1.

a. Hauswirths recognizes an $8,000 gain. The entire gain is ordinary income under
the 1245 depreciation recapture rules, computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis $42,000 (2) + (3)
(5) Gain (Loss) Recognized $8,000 (1) (4)
1231 gain $0 (5) (6)

b. Because this transaction qualifies as a 1031 like-kind exchange, Hauswirth will
not recognize any of its $8,000 realized gain (its deferred gain is $8,000).
Hauswirths basis in its new equipment is $42,000. See the following
computations:

(1) Amount realized from equipment $50,000 Given
(2) Amount realized from boot (cash) 0 Given
(4) Adjusted basis 42,000 $65,000 - $23,000
(5) Gain realized $8,000 (3) (4)
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(7) Deferred gain $8,000 (5) (6)

c. In year 0, Hauswirth recognizes $23,000 of ordinary income and $1,428 of 1231
gain. In year 1, it recognizes $3,571 of 1231 gain, computed as follows:

(4) Adjusted Basis $42,000 (2) + (3)
(5) Realized Gain(Loss) $28,000 (1) (4)
recapture (not eligible for installment reporting) $23,000
Ordinary income
(7) Gain eligible for installment reporting $5,000 (5) (6)
(8) Gross profit percentage 7.14% (7) / (1)
1231 gain recognized in year 0 $1,428 (9) x (8) 1231 gain
(10) Payment received in year 1 $50,000 Given in example
1231 gain recognized in year 1 $3,571 (10) (8) 1231 gain

66. {Research} Fontenot Corporation sold some machinery to its majority owner Gray (an
individual who owns 60 percent of Fontenot). Fontenot purchased the machinery for
$100,000 and has claimed a total of $40,000 of depreciation expense deductions against
the property. Gray will provide Fontenot with $10,000 of cash today and provide a
$100,000 note that will pay Fontenot $50,000 one year from now and $50,000 two years
from now.
a. What gain does Fontenots realize on the sale?
b. What is the amount and character of the gain that Fontenot must recognize in
the year of sale (if any) and each of the two subsequent years? (Hint: use the
Internal Revenue Code and start with 453, please give appropriate citations.)
c. (Forms) Complete Fontenots form 6252, parts I and II for the year of the sale.

a. Fontenots gain realized is $50,000.

(4) Adjusted Basis $60,000 (2) + (3)
(5) Realized Gain(Loss) $50,000 (1) (4)

b. Fontenot must recognize the entire $50,000 gain. The character of the entire gain
is ordinary. Depreciation recapture is not eligible for deferral under the
10-49
installment method under 453(i), as a result $40,000 of 1245 gain (the lesser of
gain realized or depreciation taken) must be recognized as ordinary income
during the year of sale. 453(g) generally prohibits use of the installment method
when depreciable property is sold to a related party. 453(g)(3) defines related
party with respect to 1239(b), which in turn uses the related party definitions
contained in 267. Since Gray owns more than 50% of Fontenot Corporation,
they are considered related parties. As a result, the remaining gain is ordinary
income under 1239 because the depreciable asset was sold to a related entity.
Absent these rules, the remaining $10,000 of gain would have been eligible for
the installment method.

c. Form 6252 appears as follows:

67. Moab, Inc. manufactures and distributes high-tech biking gadgets. It has decided to
streamline some of its operations so that it will be able to be more productive and
efficient. Because of this decision it has entered into several transactions during the year.
10-50

Part (1) Determine the gain/loss realized and recognized in the current year for each of
these events. Also determine whether the gain/loss recognized is 1231, capital, or
ordinary.

a. Moab Inc. sold a machine that it used to make computerized gadgets for $27,300
cash. It originally bought the machine for $19,200 three years ago and has taken
$8,000 depreciation.
b. Moab Inc. held stock in ABC Corp. which had a value of $12,000 at the
beginning of the year. That same stock had a value of $15,230 at the end of the
year.
c. Moab Inc. sold some of its inventory for $7,000 cash. This inventory had a basis
of $5,000.
d. Moab Inc. disposed of an office building with a fair market value of $75,000 for
another office building with a fair market value of $55,000 and $20,000 in cash.
It originally bought the office building seven years ago for $62,000 and has taken
$15,000 in depreciation.
e. Moab Inc. sold land it held for investment for $28,000. It originally bought the
land for $32,000 two years ago.
f. Moab Inc. sold another machine for a note receivable in four annual installments
of $12,000. The first payment was received in the current year. It originally
bought the machine two years ago for $32,000 and had claimed $9,000 in
depreciation expense against the machine.
g. Moab Inc. sold stock it held for eight years for $2,750. It originally purchased the
stock for $2,100.
h. Moab Inc. sold another machine for $7,300. It originally purchased this machine
six months ago for $9,000 and has claimed $830 in depreciation expense against
the asset.

Part (2) From the recognized gains/losses determined in part 1, determine the net 1231
gain/loss and the net ordinary gain/loss Moab will recognize on its tax return. Moab, Inc.
also has $2,000 of nonrecaptured 1231 losses from previous years.

Part (3) (Forms) Complete Moab, Inc.s Form 4797 for the year.

Part (1)
Asset
Realized
Gain/Loss
Recognized
Gain/Loss Character
1a $16,100 $16,100 $8,000 1245 recapture; $8,100 1231 gain
1b -0- -0- No realization
1c 2,000 2,000 Ordinary income
1d 28,000 20,000* $3,000 291 recapture; $17,000 1231 gain
1e (4,000) (4,000) Long term capital loss
1f 25,000 13,000** $9,000 1245 recapture; $4,000 1231 gain
1g 650 650 Long term capital gain
10-51
1h (870) (870) Ordinary loss; not held more than 12 months
* Moab recognizes $20,000 gain due to the boot received in the like-kind exchange. The
remaining gain is deferred.
**$13,000 recognized gain consists of $9,000 depreciation recapture (required to be
recognized in year of sale and not eligible for installment sale treatment) and $4,000
[($16,000 remaining gain/$48,000 amount realized) x $12,000 cash received in year of sale].

Part (2)
Moab will realize $23,750 in net capital gains and $23,130 in ordinary income. This is
computed as follows:

1231 Netting Process
(1) 1231 gain $29,100 $8,100 from 1a +17,000 from
1d +4,000 from 1f
(2) 1231 loss -0-
(3) Net 1231 gain $29,100 (1) + (2)
(4) Nonrecaptured 1231 losses $2,000 Ordinary
Net 1231 gain $27,100 (3) (4); treated as LTCG

Ordinary Income:
(1) 1245 recapture $17,000 $8,000 from 1a + 9,000 from
1f
(2) 291 recapture 3,000 From 1d
(3) Ordinary income 2,000 From 1c
(4) Ordinary loss (870) From 1h
(5) Ordinary income from
1231 netting
2,000 Lookback rule
Total $23,130 (1) +(2) + (3) +(4)

Capital Gains and Losses:
(1) Capital gain $27,750 $650 from 1g + 27,100 from
1231 netting
(2) Capital loss (4,000) From 1e
Net capital gain $23,750 (1) +(2)

Part (3)
Moabs Form 4797 appears as follows:
10-52

10-53

68. {Research} Vertovec Inc., a large local consulting firm in Utah, hired several new
consultants from out of state last year to help service their expanding list of clients. To
10-54
aide in relocating the consultants, Vertovec Inc. purchased the consultants homes in their
prior location if the consultants were unable to sell their homes within 30 days of listing
them for sale. Vertovec Inc. bought the homes from the consultants for 5 percent less
than the list price and then continued to list the homes for sale. Each home Vertovec Inc.
purchased was sold at a loss. By the end of last year, Vertovec had suffered a loss
totaling $250,000 from the homes. How should Vertovec treat the loss for tax purposes?
Write a memo to Vertovec Inc. explaining your findings and any planning suggestions
that you may have if Vertovec Inc. continues to offer this type of relocation benefit to
newly hired consultants.

Facts: As an inducement to relocate, Vertovec purchased several consultants homes
if they were unable to sell them within 30 days of listing them for sale. The
homes were purchased for 5% less than the list price, and subsequently sold
by real estate firm. Vertovec suffered a loss totaling $250,000 from the
homes.
I ssue: How should Vertovec treat the loss for tax purposes?
Authorities: 82.
132(a)(6).
162.
1001(a).
1011.
1221.
Rev. Rul. 2005-74, 2005-51 IRB, 1153.
Rev. Rul. 82-204, 1982-2 C.B. 192.
Corn Products Refining Co. v. Comr., 350 U.S. 46 (1955).

Conclusion: The transaction is treated as two sales. The first is a sale from the employee
to the employer. The second is a sale from the employer to the purchaser.
Because the homes are not purchased in the ordinary course of Vertovecs
trade or business the losses are capital in nature.

Analysis: The primary question for Vertovec is whether it becomes the owner of the
residential property or is simply a facilitator of the sale for the employee.
Rev. Rul. 82-204 held that homes purchased under a home-buying plan by the
employer, to assist its relocating employees were purchases and subsequent
sales. The decision also notes that the residence was not held in the
taxpayers ordinary course and did not meet the scope of exceptions
contained in 1221 as indicated in Corn Products and should be classified as
a capital asset. As a result, the capital gain or loss is amount realized under
1001 reduced by the taxpayers basis (1011).
10-55

Rev. Rul. 2005-74 clarified the situations in which the transfer of the
residence was considered a sale between the employee and employer and
when the employers expenses were deductible. Given the similarity between
Vertovecs facts and Scenario 1 of Rev. Rul. 2005-74, Vertovecs losses will
be capital in nature.

Notwithstanding this recommendation, if the arrangement could be modified
similar to Scenario 3 Rev. Rul. 2005-74 so that the benefits and burdens of
ownership did not pass to the employer the expenses could be deducted as
ordinary expenses under 162. 162 allows employers to deduct moving
expense reimbursements as an ordinary, necessary, and reasonable business
expense. Employees must include in income amounts received as moving
expense reimbursements under 82 unless the amounts are specifically
excluded from income under 132(a)(6).

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Chapter 10 - Property Dispositions

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