Executor Liability for Decedent’s Tax Obligations

Cases, Estate Administration, Estate and Gift Tax, Fiduciaries, Tax, Tax Controversy, Tax Court

A recent Tax Court opinion[1] highlights one of the risks of serving as executor or administrator of an estate, potential liability for a decedent’s tax obligations. The case involves application of the federal priority statute[2] applicable to fiduciaries.[3] That statute provides, in relevant part, that “a representative of a person or an estate (except a…
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Blossom Day Care Centers – The Income Tax Side

Income Tax, Tax Court

Last week, Charles Allen wrote about Blossom Day Care Centers, Inc. (“Blossom”) and its owners regarding their employment tax case.[1] Frequently, we write articles intending to remind readers of the importance of substantiation, especially in the income tax world. In reviewing Charles Allen’s article, I kept finding myself wondering about the income tax implications of…
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Corporation Liable for Employment Tax on Reasonable Compensation of Corporate Officers

Employment Tax, Income Tax, Tax Controversy, Tax Court

In a recent Tax Court case, the Court determined that corporate officers were indeed employees of the corporation entitled to reasonable compensation, and as such, the corporation is liable for employment taxes on reasonable compensation imputed to the corporate officers.[1] Mr. and Mrs. Hacker, who owned 51% and 49% of Blossom Day Care Centers (“Blossom”)…
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The Corporate Transparency Act – Potential Implications for Businesses and Practitioners

Business Transactions, New Legislation, Tax

On January 1, 2021, the Senate voted to override former President Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (“NDAA”), which included the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”).[1] The CTA requires certain U.S. businesses, absent an exemption, to file beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), in an attempt…
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Deny It Like It’s TOT – Conservation Easement Denial Upheld

Charitable Giving, Court of Appeals, Current Events, Income Tax, Tax, Tax Related Cases

It is no secret. Everyone likes reading and writing about syndicated conservation easements. In December 2019, the Tax Court ruled in the case of TOT Property Holdings LLC v. Comm’r.[1] The result was an unfavorable one for the taxpayer. The transaction in question was more-or-less a run of the mill syndicated conservation easement, albeit ending…
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LLC v. S Corp.: Is That Really the Question?

Income Tax, Uncategorized

We regularly see continuing education materials, blog posts, publications, and other materials titled “LLC v. S Corp. – Which is Right for Your Business?” or something similar. Regardless of the exact title, these items purport to ask the question of whether an LLC or S Corp. is the better choice of entity. But is that…
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Mississippi Supreme Court Strikes Down Medical Marijuana

Current Events, New Legislation

Gray Edmondson previously discussed the tax considerations for Initiative Measure 65 (“Initiate 65”) and medical marijuana in Mississippi following the approval by a majority of voters in November 2020. However, it appears that Mississippians will have a while to wait before medical marijuana is actually legalized in Mississippi. On May 14, 2021, the Mississippi Supreme…
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Entities and the Performance of Personal Services: Berry

Cases, Income Tax, Tax, Tax Court, Tax Related Cases

Owners of legal entities typically establish those entities to achieve certain planning goals, be them tax, asset protection, contract management, or other reasons. Key to accomplishing those goals is that courts respect the entity planning structure that is established. In the recent Tax Court opinion of Berry v. Commissioner[1], we see a taxpayer who intended…
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