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CHAPTER 11
CORPORATIONS―AN INTRODUCTION
Review Questions
1. “A corporation is an artificial person separate and distinct from its owners.” Briefly
explain this statement.
2. Identify the types of relationships that can exist between a corporation and its
shareholders.
3. What factors may influence the value of a corporation’s common share capital?
4. Identify two ways in which a shareholder can realize a return on a share investment.
Describe the relationship between them.
7. Corporations and individuals determine their taxable income in different ways. What
are the differences?
8. How are the net capital losses and non-capital losses of a corporation affected when
voting control of the corporation shifts from one shareholder to another?
9. If the shares of a corporation that has non-capital losses are about to be sold and if
those losses arise from business operations, why is it important for the vendor to
consider the nature of the purchaser?
11. How does the tax treatment of intercorporate dividends affect the relationship
between dividends and capital gains when one corporation invests in shares of
another corporation? (Assume that both entities are taxable Canadian corporations.)
12. Explain why the federal tax reduction of 9% or a provincial tax reduction on
manufacturing and processing activities may apply to an amount that is greater than
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or less than the corporation’s actual income from manufacturing. Is it possible for a
corporation that earns $500,000 from retail activities and suffers a loss of $50,000
from manufacturing activities to be eligible for the 9% manufacturing reduction?
13. What is the marginal tax rate for a public corporation in Ontario on income derived
from a chain of restaurants? Show calculations.
14. Because income earned by a corporation is first subject to corporate tax and then
taxed a second time when after-tax profits are distributed to individual shareholders,
shareholders are entitled to claim a dividend tax credit. Does the dividend tax credit
eliminate the double taxation of corporate profits? Explain.
15. The following statement appeared in the media: “There are 60,000 Canadian
corporations that earned a profit for the year but incurred no income tax liability.” Is it
possible that this statement is true? If it is, explain the principal reasons why, and
state your opinion as to whether changes to the tax system are warranted.
R11-1. By law, a corporation is recognized as an entity which has the power to act on its own
behalf and enter into enforceable legal agreements. It can own property, sell
and lease property, and borrow funds in the same way that an individual can.
Although the corporation is owned by its shareholders, the affairs of the corporation
are separate from the affairs of its owners. Therefore, property owned by the
corporation is not property owned by the shareholder, and debts of the corporation
are not debts of the shareholders. As a separate entity, the corporation is subject to
income tax on its profits. However, when those after-tax profits are distributed to the
shareholders they are again included in the shareholders income for tax purposes
[ITA 12(1)(j)].
R11-2. A shareholder can have both a primary and a secondary relationship with the
corporation. Under a primary relationship, the shareholder provides equity capital to
the corporation in exchange for shares. The shareholder can receive a return from
the shares in the form of dividend distributions and/or share value enhancement.
Under a secondary relationship, the shareholders may also act as a creditor, supplier,
customer, employee, or lessor to the corporation. They can, therefore, loan money to
the company in exchange for interest, lease property to the company in exchange for
rent, provide services in exchange for salary and so on.
R11-3. The following factors may influence the value of a corporation's common share
capital.
• Profits earned or losses incurred by the corporation. Profits retained belong to the
common shareholders and the share value increases accordingly.
• Dividends paid by the corporation. Dividend distributions reduce the equity of the
corporation and the share value declines accordingly.
• Increases or decreases in the value of assets owned by the corporation, including
tangible assets such as land and buildings, and intangible assets such as
goodwill.
R11-4. A shareholder who provides share capital to a corporation can realize a return on
investment from dividends or from capital gains when shares that have increased in
value are sold. The two are related because dividend payments alter the value of the
shares, thereby affecting the potential capital gain (loss) on sale. If after-tax corporate
profits are retained by the corporation, the value of the shares increases, which may
create a capital gain if the shareholder sells the shares. On the other hand, if
corporate earnings are distributed as a dividend, the value of the shares decline and
reduce the amount of capital gain that would otherwise occur when the shares are
sold.
R11-5. It is not always true that a shareholder prefers a dividend over a capital gain. First of
all, the shareholder may be entitled to the capital gains deduction on shares of a
qualified small business corporation (QSBC), in which case a capital gain is
preferable to a dividend. Both dividends and capital gains have preferential treatment
(dividends - the dividend tax credit, capital gains – 1/2 taxable). In the lowest tax
bracket for individuals the tax rate on Non-eligible dividends is normally lower than
the rate on capital gains. However, the opposite occurs in the top two brackets. The
tax rate on Eligible dividends is normally lower than the rate on capital gains in all tax
brackets. Using the marginal rates developed in Chapter 10 (Exhibit 10-7) for a
particular province, the rates can be compared as follows:
Eligible Non-eligible
Capital Gains Dividends Dividends
Keep in mind that the timing of the tax may be different for each option. Capital gains
are taxed only when the property is sold whereas dividends are taxed when received.
R11-6. In the primary relationship, dividends paid by the corporation are not deductible by
the corporation when determining its income for tax purposes, but the receipt of the
dividends is taxable to the shareholder. Therefore, corporate income distributed to
shareholders as dividends are subject to two levels of tax. In secondary relationships,
payments to the shareholder for salary, interest, and rents are all deductible for tax
purposes by the corporation and fully taxable to the recipient. Because such
payments reduce corporate income before tax it effectively shifts corporate income
from the corporation to the shareholder with the result being that there is only one
level of tax.
R11-7. The conversion of net income for tax purposes to taxable income for corporations is
different because it includes several special reductions that are not permitted for
individuals. In arriving at taxable income a corporation, in addition to deducting net
capital losses and non-capital losses, can also deduct:
• dividends from taxable Canadian corporations included in net income [ITA 112(1)],
• dividends from foreign affiliate corporations included in net income [ITA 113], and
• charitable donations [ITA 110.1(1)].
A further difference is that a corporation is not entitled to the capital gains deduction
which exempts $750,000 of gain on certain qualified properties.
R11-8. If voting control of a corporation shifts from one shareholder or group of shareholders
to another, any net capital and non-capital losses are affected as follows:
(Note: control must be acquired by an arm's length party for the above to apply [ITA
256(7)(a)])
R11-9. A change in control from a sale of the shares will restrict the use of the loss
carry-overs so that they can be used only by the business that incurred the loss or a
similar business [ITA 111(5)]. If the purchaser is in a similar line of business they can,
after the share acquisition, take steps to combine their profitable operations with the
acquired loss corporation.
The loss carry-overs can then be used against the future profits of the purchaser's
operations. This would not be the case if the purchaser was in a different line of
business. Therefore, a loss corporation has greater value to a purchaser in the same
line of business who can easily use the prior losses to create tax savings. The vendor
should seek out such buyers.
R11-10. The existing profitable retail corporation can expand its new manufacturing activity by
using a separate corporation to house the new activity, or it could operate the
manufacturing operation as a division of the existing corporation. In addition to any
legal and administrative considerations, the following tax items should be considered
when making the choice:
• If the new manufacturing operation should incur losses, they could not be
immediately used if a separate corporation structure was used, as those losses
would belong to the new corporation as a separate taxpayer. However, under a
division structure, any losses from the manufacturing operation could be
immediately offset against the retail profits creating additional cash flow from tax
savings. This cash flow could be used to help fund the cost of the expansion. If
the new venture fails, the divisional structure leaves the existing corporation fully
liable for the obligations, whereas the separate corporation structure may limit the
liability.
• The alternate structures will have an impact on the amount of income that is
subject to the Manufacturing and processing profits (M&P) deduction (9% - 2009)
[ITA 125.1(1)]. The general rate reduction (9% - 2009) [ITA 124.4] is applicable to
other types of income. Therefore, most corporate income is subject to a net
federal tax rate of 19%. Certain provinces have special rates for manufacturing
and processing income. It is the possibility of provincial tax savings that makes
the allocation of M&P income important.
Under the separate corporation structure, the maximum profit eligible for the
reduction is the actual manufacturing profits earned. However, when the
operations are combined in the same corporation with the profitable retail activity,
the manufacturing profits available for the M&P deduction is determined by an
arbitrary formula -- based on the ratio of manufacturing capital and labour to total
capital and labour of the combined operating profit [Reg. 5200]. This formula may
produce an arbitrary manufacturing income for tax purposes that is greater than or
less than actual. The magnitude of this difference can be estimated and once
determined should be considered as part of the decision process.
R11-11. The owner of shares of a corporation can realize a return on that investment from
dividends and/or capital gains when the shares are sold. The payment of dividends
reduces the value of the share and therefore reduces the potential capital gain on the
shares. With respect to corporate shares, dividends and capital gains are closely
related.
R11-12. The 9% federal tax reduction on manufacturing profits may apply to an amount that
is different from the actual manufacturing profits because manufacturing profit for
purposes of the tax calculation is based upon an arbitrary formula as follows:
[Reg.5200]
Manufacturing Manufacturing
Capital + Labour
----------------------------------------------------------- x Total business profits
Total + Total
Capital Labour
The above formula arbitrarily allocates a portion of the total business profits as
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"manufacturing profits" based upon the ratio of manufacturing capital and labour to
total capital and labour of the whole corporation. For example, assume that the ratio
in the above formula is 20% (i.e. MC + ML is 20% of TC + TL) and the corporation's
profits are as described in the question.
For tax purposes, the manufacturing profits would be $90,000 (20% of $450,000)
even though the manufacturing activity actually suffered a loss of $50,000. The
arbitrary formula converted $140,000 of retail profits into manufacturing profits eligible
for the 9% (2009) M&P deduction (and certain provincial and territorial reductions)
($90,000 + $50,000 loss = $140,000). The availability of the small business deduction
may limit the use of the M&P deduction (see Chapter 13)
R11-14. The dividend tax credit is designed to reduce or eliminate double taxation that would
otherwise occur when after-tax corporate profits are distributed as dividends to
shareholders who are individuals. The federal dividend tax credit, together with the
corresponding reduction in provincial taxes, reduces the shareholder's personal tax in
recognition of the fact that the corporation has already paid tax on its corporate
income. However, this reduction makes the assumption that the corporate tax rate is
approximately either 31% or 20%. If the corporate tax rate is higher than these
assumed rates (31% and 20%) an element of double taxation will occur. Provincial
tax rates vary widely. Thus, the element of double tax depends on the province in
which the income is earned. Business income eligible for the small business
deduction provides a small tax savings when passed through a corporation in all but
one province.
R11-15. Yes, it is possible for corporations to earn income in a year but pay no tax in that
year. There are two primary reasons why this may occur:
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• The corporation may have suffered losses in previous or subsequent years which
are carried forward or back and deducted against the profits of the year in
question. This reduces the corporation's net income when arriving at its taxable
income and no tax is payable [ITA 111(1)(a)]. Therefore, although there is net
income for the year there is no taxable income.
• The corporation may simply be a holding corporation that owns shares of another
corporation. For example, the corporation in question may own all of the shares of
its subsidiary corporation that in turn operates an active business. The subsidiary
corporation earns business income and pays tax on that income. When the
after-tax profits are transferred to the parent corporation as dividends, the parent
corporation has dividend income but can deduct that amount in arriving at taxable
income, thereby paying no tax [ITA 112(1)].
It is the authors’ opinion that no changes to the tax system are warranted. The
carry-forward of unused losses seems fair and equitable. Individuals are also entitled
to the same treatment. Also, taxing intercorporate dividends would magnify the
amount of double taxation as profits that have already been taxed would be taxed
again and again as they pass from one corporation to another. Although, it can be
argued that a fully refundable tax on intercorporate dividends could avoid excessive
taxation (see the discussion on refundable dividend taxes in Chapter 13).
The process of publicly comparing corporate taxes to net income for the year, rather
than to taxable income, is misleading and is usually stressed for political reasons
rather than for tax reasons.
QUESTION ONE
A Canadian corporation with a December year end has incurred the following losses:
Determine the expiry date for each of the above losses. Income tax reference: ITA
111(1)(a),(b).
QUESTION TWO
Moon Corp., a Canadian public corporation, has correctly computed its income (loss) for
the current taxation year.
Moon Corp. contributed $5,000 to various charities in the current year. Moon Corp. has
net capital losses of $15,000 available. These losses were incurred last year.
Determine Moon Corp.’s maximum non-capital loss for the current taxation year. Income
tax reference: ITA 110.1(1), 111(8), 112(1).
QUESTION THREE
Nelson Ltd. has net income for tax purposes of $300,000 for the current taxation year.
Included in this amount are dividends of $20,000 received from taxable Canadian
corporations and taxable capital gains of $15,000. During the year, Nelson Ltd. donated
$40,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society. Nelson Ltd. has non-capital losses of $10,000
(incurred last year) and net capital losses of $18,000 (incurred in 2000) available.
Determine Nelson’s taxable income for the current taxation year. Income tax reference:
ITA 110.1(1), 111(1)(a), (b), 112(1), 127(3).
QUESTION FOUR
Loser Ltd. has non-capital losses of $60,000 from business operations and net capital
losses of $40,000 (both incurred two years ago). On October 1 of the current year, the
shares of Loser Ltd. were acquired by an arm’s-length person.
Determine the tax implications for Loser Ltd. Income tax reference: ITA 111(4), (5), 249(4).
QUESTION FIVE
On November 1st of the current year, X Ltd. purchased 80% of the shares of Y Ltd. from an
unrelated person. Details of the assets owned by Y Ltd. at that time are summarized below:
Determine the adjustments required to the tax values of the assets owned by Y Ltd. and
the effect on Y’s business income for its taxation year ended October 31. Income tax
reference: ITA 111(5.1),(5.2), 249(4).
QUESTION SIX
On April 1st of the current year, Carl purchased 60% of the shares of P Ltd. from an
unrelated person. Details of the inventory and other assets owned by P Ltd. at that time are
summarized below.
FMV Cost
Investment in A Ltd. $ 10,000 $24,000
Inventory 50,000 30,000
Land 100,000 80,000
Building (UCC $75,000) 120,000 90,000
Determine the tax implications for P Ltd. Income tax reference: ITA 10(1);
111(4)(a),(c),(d),(e); 249(4).
QUESTION SEVEN
Free Corp. is a Canadian public corporation that operates a retail store in Ontario. Free
Corp.’s taxable income for the current year is $100,000.
Determine the federal tax payable for the current year. Income tax reference: ITA 123(1),
124(1), 123.4(2).
QUESTION EIGHT
Easy Corp., a Canadian public corporation, carries on business in Canada and in the
United States. The revenue and salaries allocated to the permanent establishment in each
location are as follows for the current year:
Revenue Salaries
Canada $ 8,000,000 $ 600,000
United States 2,000,000 400,000
Total $10,000,000 $1,000,000
Easy Corp. has taxable income of $600,000 for the current year.
Determine the federal tax payable for Easy Corp. for the current year. Income tax
reference: ITA 123(1), 124(1), 123.4(2); Reg. 402.
QUESTION NINE
Manu Corp. is a Canadian public corporation that carries on manufacturing and distribution
operations in British Columbia. Manu Corp.’s taxable income for the current year is
$900,000.
The balance sheet shows that the cost of all depreciable property owned by Manu Corp. at
the end of the year is $1,100,000. Of this amount, $800,000 is used in the manufacturing
business. The income statement shows income from the manufacturing operations of
$300,000, income from the wholesaling operations of $500,000 and investment income of
$100,000.
The total payroll for the year is $2,200,000, of which $1,000,000 is paid to employees
directly involved in manufacturing activities.
Income tax reference: ITA 125.1; Reg. 5200, 5201, 5202.
Determine the federal manufacturing and processing deduction for the current year.
QUESTION TEN
Gold Corp., a Canadian public corporation, carries on business in Canada. For the current
year, Gold Corp. has manufacturing and processing profits (M&P) of $300,000, calculated
in accordance with prescribed rules. Gold Corp. has total taxable income of $1,000,000.
Determine the federal tax payable for the current year. Income tax reference: ITA 123(1),
124(1), 123.4(2), 125.1.
KC 11-1
Generally, non-capital losses expire after 20 years. However, non-capital losses incurred in
taxation years ending from March 23, 2004 to December 31, 2005 expire after 10 years
and those incurred in taxation years ending before March 23, 2004 expire after 7 years.
Net capital losses have an indefinite carry forward.
KC 11-2
Moon Corp’s maximum non-capital loss for the current year is $62,000.
KC 11-3
[ITA: 110.1(1), 111(1)(a),(b), 112(1), 127(3) – Taxable income, Political tax credit]
KC 11-4
Control of Loser Ltd. has been acquired by an unrelated party on October 1st. This has
the following tax implications:
• The net capital losses are deemed to have expired immediately before control was
acquired, September 30th.
KC 11-5
Depreciable property and eligible capital property are deemed to have been sold
immediately before the acquisition of control at their fair market value if that value is below
the tax value [ITA 111(5.1),(5.2)].
The reduction to the UCC of Class 8 ($7,000) and the reduction to the CEC ($500) will
decrease Y Ltd.’s business income (or increase the business loss) for the taxation year
ended October 31 by $7,500.
KC 11-6
P Ltd.’s taxation year is deemed to end on March 31, immediately before Carl acquired
control. P Ltd. can select a new year-end for tax purposes [ITA 249(4)].
The assets of P Ltd. are deemed to have been sold at their market value immediately
before Carl acquired control if that value is below the tax cost [ITA 111(4)(c)].
Investment in A Ltd. – the cost is reduced from $24,000 to $10,000 and that $14,000 write-
down is deemed to be a capital loss for the year deemed to have ended on March 31 [ITA
111(4)(d)].
Inventory – no adjustment is required since the FMV is not below the cost [ITA 10(1)].
Land & building – no adjustment is required since the FMV is not below the cost.
The $7,000 ($14,000 x ½) allowable capital loss on the investment becomes a net capital
loss and expires on March 31 if unused [ITA 111(4)(a)]. P Ltd. can elect to recognize all or
a portion of the accrued gains and recapture on assets [ITA 111(4)(e)]. Unless there are
non-capital losses expiring, P Ltd. should not elect to recognize recapture. It would be
beneficial for P Ltd. to elect to recognize a $14,000 capital gain on the land to offset the
expiring capital loss. To do this, P Ltd. elects to recognize proceeds of $94,000 ($80,000 +
$14,000) for the land. By making the election, the ACB of the land is increased to
$94,000.
KC 11-7
KC 11-8
Since Easy Corp carries on business outside of Canada, the taxable income earned in
Canada must be calculated before the federal abatement can be calculated. Foreign
business income does not qualify for the federal abatement.
KC 11-9
[ITA: 123(1), 124(1), 123.4(2), 125.1; Reg. 5200, 5201, 5202 – M&P deduction]
Before determining the M&P deduction, it is necessary to derive the M&P profit in
accordance with the prescribed rules.
KC 11-10
Problems
PROBLEM TWO
During the current taxation year, K2 Ltd., a Canadian-controlled private corporation located
in Nova Scotia earned $160,000 of active business income. In addition, the company made
the following capital transactions:
At the end of the previous taxation year, the following unused losses were available for
carry-forward:
Required:
Solution to P 11-2
$9,120
NOTES:
1) The gain on settlement of debt [ITA 80(2)(c)] is first applied to reduce non-capital
losses [ITA 80(3)] and then net capital losses[ITA 80(4)] (see Chapter 9).
2) The 9% General rate reduction does not apply because all of the active business
income is subject to the small business deduction. The remaining non-business
income (taxable capital gains earned by a CCPC) is never eligible for the 9%
general rate reduction.
PROBLEM THREE
Patrice Dupuis is the sole shareholder of Dupuis Distributors Ltd., a successful Canadian-
controlled private corporation that wholesales automobile parts. The corporation’s profits
are in excess of $550,000.
The lease is renewed annually on an informal basis, but the rental amount has never been
adjusted, even though rental rates for similar properties have increased substantially.
Dupuis has never considered a rental adjustment important because “it would just be
transferring money from one pocket to the other.”
Both Dupuis and the corporation are located in Winnipeg, where there is little available
warehouse space. A leasing agent recently informed Dupuis that the building could be
rented to a third party under a five-year lease for $38,000 per year.
Required:
Should Dupuis enter into a five-year lease with Dupuis Distributors, charging an annual rent
of $38,000? What tax savings could Dupuis and the company achieve as a result of this
adjustment?
Solution to P 11-3
By not paying the higher rent of $38,000, the profits of Dupuis Distributors will be higher.
These higher profits are subject to corporate taxes, and then are again subject to an
additional tax when they are ultimately distributed to Patrice Dupuis as a dividend, or, if not
distributed, subject to a tax on a capital gain when the shares are sold. Because the
corporate profits are above the $500,000 small business deduction limit [ITA 125(2)], the
corporate tax rate on some of the income is high and may result in some double taxation
upon distribution.
On the other hand, if the rent is increased to the proper amount, corporate profits are
reduced because the additional rent payment is deductible from its income. Although
Patrice Dupuis will pay personal tax on the increased rent, the shifting of income from the
corporation to himself will eliminate any incidence of double taxation.
To calculate the advantage of the increased rent, the corporate and personal tax rates must
be assumed. These, of course, should be the tax rates applicable to the particular province
and the year in question. The following tax rates are assumed for demonstration:
If the rent is not increased by $18,000 ($38,000 - $20,000 = $18,000) corporate profits are
higher and the resulting tax is as follows:
Increasing the rent to $38,000 from $20,000 will eliminate potential double taxable of $252
($8,352 – $8,100) annually. Over five years, this amounts to $1,260 ($252 x 5). Keep in
mind that the immediate taxes are higher when the rent is increased ($8,100 - $5,940 =
$2,160).
A decision must be made as to whether or not the greater immediate tax that results from
the higher rent is worth avoiding the double taxation at some future time. This depends on
when the double taxation will occur. If the dividend (after-tax corporate earnings) will not be
paid for a number of years, then the benefit of the 12% tax-deferral (personal 45% -
corporate 33%) resulting from having the income taxed in the corporation outweighs the
additional tax cost.
It should be noted that the potential double tax on business income over $500,000 can be
avoided by increasing the salary or bonus of the shareholder/employee to the extent the
amount is reasonable.
PROBLEM FOUR
The Waldmans are dismayed at the amount of tax both they and the corporation must pay
when corporate profits are distributed. They have asked you to explain to them the tax
effect of distributing the corporate profits. In addition, they intend to sell the shares of the
company in the next two or three years and want you to explain what the effect would be if
they stopped paying dividends from MX.
The assumed provincial income tax rate in Saskatchewan is 12% for corporations.
However, the corporate rate is reduced to 4.5% on income eligible for the small-business
deduction and 10% on qualified manufacturing income. Both Waldmans have already used
up their capital gain exemption. The marginal tax rate the Waldmans personally pay is 44%
on regular income, 19% on Eligible dividends, and 28% on Non-eligible dividends.
Required:
1. What rate of tax are the Waldmans paying on the profits of MX that are distributed to
them annually? Show calculations.
2. Should the Waldmans stop paying dividends? Your answer should indicate how their
overall tax rate would be affected.
Solution to P 11-4
Part 1
Before determining the overall tax rate on corporate profits distributed to the shareholders,
it is necessary to determine the applicable tax rates of the corporation and the
shareholders in the province of Saskatchewan.
Note: The General rate reduction of 9% does not apply as all income is either subject to
the small business deduction or the M & P deduction [ITA 123.4].
The company's policy of distributing half of its after-tax profits as dividends means that a
portion of the dividends originate from corporate income taxed at 29% and a portion
from income taxed at 15.5% (the corporation's pre-tax profit is $500,000). The combined
corporate and personal rate of tax on this income is calculated below for each category
of corporate income.
Individual:
Dividend income $845 $710
Personal tax – Eligible dividends (19%) (135)
– Non-eligible dividends (28%) (237)
$601 $563
Combined tax:
Corporation $155 $290
Individual 237 135
$392 $425
39.2% 42.5%
Profits of MX Manufacturing Ltd. in excess of $500,000 are subject to a total tax rate on
distribution of 42.5% which is less than the shareholders’ personal rate of 44%. However,
income subject to the lower corporate rate has a combined tax of only 39.2% which is quite
a bit lower than the shareholders’ personal rate of tax.
Part 2
If the Waldmans cease paying dividends, in anticipation of the sale of the shares in the next
two or three years, the tax on the dividends will be avoided. However, the value of the
shares will increase accordingly which will result in a higher capital gain when the shares
are sold. As one-half of capital gains are taxable at full personal rates, the rate of tax
applicable on the increased capital gains would be approximately 22% (1/2 of 44% = 22%).
This is 6% lower than the rate of tax on non-eligible dividends.
Therefore, subject to the timing of the tax, capital gains are preferred to non-eligible
dividend distributions. If dividends are continued, the tax will occur annually; if they are
stopped, the tax on the capital gain will occur when the shares are sold.
The 22% rate of tax applicable to capital gains is 3% higher than the rate of tax on eligible
dividends. Therefore, eligible dividends are preferred to capital gains.
PROBLEM FIVE
3. Both the bank loan and the loan from the shareholders are payable on demand and
require interest payments of 9%.The bank is not uncomfortable with the current level
of debt and has adequate security in the receivables and inventory.
4. To ensure that only a minor loss will result this year, expenses have been cut to the
bone. The projections are that over the next three years, if conditions remain basically
the same, the company will suffer minor losses or perhaps break even.
5. The $650,000 loss carry-forward for tax purposes is a cause for concern. Some of this
loss was incurred eighteen years ago, and so there is a possibility that the company
will not generate profits in time to meet the time limit for carry-forwards.
The president is pleased that the company has got the losses under control. He instructs
the accountant to determine whether any action can be taken to minimize the risk of the
losses expiring. Although he did not say so at the meeting, the president has decided to
investigate the possibility of selling the company, as he feels that things may get worse in
spite of the accountant’s projections.
Required:
1. What steps can be taken to ensure that the loss carry-forward of $650,000 will not
expire before profits are generated? Be specific, and indicate the amount of losses
that will be preserved by your actions.
2. What can the president do to maximize the value of the shares in the event that he
actively solicits a buyer for the company?
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Balance Sheet
Assets:
Cash $ 20,000
Accounts receivable $1,250,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts (310,000) 940,000
Inventory, at lower of cost or market 750,000
Equipment, at cost $ 400,000
Accumulated amortization (250,000) 150,000
$1,860,000
Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 699,000
Bank loan 500,000
Due to shareholder 400,000
1,599,000
Shareholder’s equity:
Share capital $ 1,000
Retained earnings 260,000 261,000
$1,860,000
Solution to P 11-5
Part 1
In order to reduce the risk of the $650,000 loss carry-forward from expiring, the company
can take a number of discretionary steps that will increase income currently in exchange for
deductions at a later time. This action will reduce the loss carry-forward but preserve the
discretionary items to reduce income at some future time. Some of or all of the following
can be done:
If the current year's tax return has not been filed, some of the above items can be
implemented in the current year. The potential adjustments total $446,000 as follows:
CCA $ 40,000
Salary to owner 60,000
Reserve for bad debts 310,000
Interest on shareholder loan 36,000
$446,000
Therefore, the potential adjustments are sufficient to use up a large portion of the
loss carry-over of $650,000 and preserve the deductions for future years.
Part 2
The sale of shares of the corporation will result in a corporate change of control. If the loss
carry-over of $650,000 exists at that time, its use will become restricted.
The loss can then be deducted only against profits from the company's jewelry
manufacturing business or a similar business. Therefore, the unused losses are more
valuable to a purchaser corporation that is already in a similar line of business.
Such a purchaser could take steps to combine their profitable similar operations with the
acquired losses of Hope Enterprises Ltd. Therefore, the president should seek out such
buyers as they would be prepared to pay a higher price for the shares because of their
special ability to generate tax savings from the acquired loss carry-over.
PROBLEM SIX
Norex Distributors Inc. is a small Canadian public corporation that derives all of its business
income from the wholesale distribution of floor coverings. Currently, Norex does not
manufacture any of its products and purchases all of its inventory from manufacturers in
eastern Canada. Norex has decided to acquire a small manufacturing plant in
Saskatchewan. The following assets will be acquired:
Assets Cost
Land $ 80,000
Building 300,000
Manufacturing equipment 600,000
Goodwill 50,000
$1,030,000
The planned acquisition date is July 1, 20X1, the day after the year end of Norex. The
company’s vice-president realizes that the manufacturing business can be purchased and
operated through a newly created subsidiary corporation and that the subsidiary’s
manufacturing profit of $240,000 (see below) can result in a federal manufacturing and
processing deduction of $21,600 at the most. The province of Saskatchewan also offers a
2% rate reduction on manufacturing income.
As an alternative, Norex can purchase the assets and operate the manufacturing business
as a division. The vice-president has asked you to determine, from a tax perspective,
whether this alternative is preferable to the other. Norex has provided you with estimated
results for the first year of operations after the acquisition (i.e., year ended June 30,
20X2).These results are summarized below.
1. Manufacturing activities take up 80% of the building’s space. The remaining space is
used for storing finished products and for administrative offices.
2. Estimated net income for tax purposes is $240,000, after appropriate deductions for
capital cost allowance, eligible capital property, and the following:
2. In estimating the net income of $4,730,000, an appropriate deduction for CCA was
made on the following properties:
Required:
Should Norex operate the proposed new manufacturing operation as a separate subsidiary
corporation or as a division? Provide calculations to support your answer.
Solution to P 11-6
In computing federal tax for a public corporation there is no tax benefit to be obtained by
claiming the M&P deduction (9% in 2009) since other income receives the general rate
reduction (9% in 2009). However, there is a provincial benefit in some provinces.
If the manufacturing business is operated as a division of NDI the M & P profits will be
$1,542,375 as follows: [Reg. 5200 – 5202]
Business profits:
Manufacturing operations $ 240,000
NDI existing operations 4,730,000
4,970,000
Less interest on bonds ( 130,000)
Adjusted business income $4,840,000
M & P Profits:
MC + ML
-------------- x ABI
TC + TL
$98,824 + $426,667
------------------------------ x $4,840,000 = $1,542,375
$359,000 + 1,290,000
PROBLEM SEVEN
Frost Foods Inc. is a distributor of frozen Canadian beef. Frost Foods Inc. was profitable
until 20X0. Large losses were incurred in years 20X0 through 20X3. Since then, it has
managed to break even. At the beginning of its current taxation year, Frost Foods Inc. had
the following unused losses:
Global Inc. plans to purchase all of the issued shares of Frost Foods Inc. on November 1,
20X6 and immediately amalgamate Frost Foods Inc. and Global Inc. into one corporation.
The plan is to reduce Global Inc.’s taxable income for 20X6 by $875,000 by deducting the
losses incurred by Frost Foods Inc. Global Inc. and Frost Foods Inc. are unrelated
Canadian corporations.
Required:
Comment on Global Inc.’s ability to utilize the Frost Foods Inc. losses.
Solution to P 11-7
Comments on Global Inc.’s ability to utilize the Frost Foods Inc. losses:
o An acquisition of control occurs when Global Inc. acquires the shares of Frost Foods
Inc. on November 1, 20X6.
o Frost Foods Inc. is deemed to have a year-end immediately before the
acquisition of control takes place (October 31, 20X6).
o The $75,000 net capital loss expires on the acquisition of control and, thus,
is not available after October 31, 20X6[ITA 111(4)(a)].
o The unexpired non-capital losses are deductible after October 31, 20X6 only
if the distribution of frozen Canadian beef (the loss business) is carried on
throughout the year the deduction is claimed at a profit or with a reasonable
expectation of profit [ITA 111(5)].
o If these conditions are met, the non-capital losses may be deducted to the
extent there is income from the frozen Canadian beef business and/or from a
business selling similar products or providing similar services.
o Wholesaling cosmetics is not similar to distributing frozen Canadian beef.
Thus, the unexpired non-capital losses will be deductible after October 31,
20X6 only to the extent there is income from the frozen beef distribution
business.
o Global Inc. and Frost Foods Inc are deemed to have a taxation year end
immediately before the amalgamation (October 31, 20X6). The losses are available
immediately to the new corporation formed on the amalgamation. The losses
continue to be subject to the restrictions discussed above.
o The non-capital losses were incurred in 20X0 through 20X3. There are a limited
number of years that these losses can be carried forward before they expire. Non-
capital losses incurred in taxation years ending before March 23, 2004 are limited to
a 7-year carry forward. Those incurred in taxation years ending between March 24,
2004 and December 31, 2005 are limited to a 10-year carry forward. Non-capital
losses incurred in taxation years ending after 2005 have a 20-year carry forward.
PROBLEM EIGHT
On September 1, 20X6 Perfect Ltd., a steel recycling company, purchased 90% of the
issued voting shares of Loser Ltd., a distributor of sportswear, from an arm’s length person.
Loser Ltd. had incurred the following losses in prior years:
Year ended
Dec 31/X4 Dec 31/X5
Non-capital losses (business) $40,000 $60,000
Capital losses (100%) 30,000 10,000
Loser Ltd. incurred an additional loss of $75,000 in carrying on the sportswear distribution
business for the period January 1, 20X6 through August 31, 20X6. No further capital losses
were incurred.
Fair Market
Cost UCC Value
Marketable securities* $ 50,000 N/A $300,000
Inventory 33,000 N/A 45,000
Land 90,000 N/A 200,000
Building 120,000 $83,000 180,000
Equipment 85,000 34,000 20,000
* Perfect Ltd. planned to sell the marketable securities as soon as possible after purchasing Loser Ltd.
The amalgamation of Loser Ltd. and Perfect Ltd. took place on September 1, 20X6. The
corporation formed on the amalgamation chose December 31 as its year end. Income for
20X6 and 20X7 was as follows:
Required:
1. Using the assumption that Loser Ltd. does NOT use any elections to minimize the
unused net capital loss balance, calculate the amount of non-capital and net capital
losses that would remain after the acquisition of the shares by Perfect Ltd. on
September 1, 20X6.
2. If Loser Ltd. makes the election(s) necessary to utilize those losses which would
expire at the acquisition of control, indicate the asset(s) on which the election should
be made and the amount that should be elected.
3. Indicate the September 1, 20X6 adjusted cost base (ACB) and undepreciated capital
cost (UCC), where applicable, for each of the assets listed, assuming the election(s) in
part B is made.
4. What conditions must be met in order to deduct the non-capital loss balance at
September 1, 20X6 in a future taxation year? Are these conditions are met? Indicate
the maximum amount of non-capital loss carry forward that can be used at December
31, 20X6 and December 31, 20X7 respectively. Give a brief explanation for your
answer.
Solution to P 11-8
Part 1
The non-capital loss balance after Perfect Ltd. acquired the shares of Loser Ltd. on
September 1, 20X6 is as follows:
Loser Ltd. is deemed to have a year end immediately before control was acquired by
Perfect Ltd. [ITA 249(4)]. Since the fair market value of the equipment ($20,000) is lower
than the UCC of the Class ($34,000), the UCC is reduced to $20,000 and the $14,000
deduction is deemed to have been claimed as CCA in the deemed year end [ITA 111(5.1)]
.
The net capital loss balance at September 1, 20X6 is Nil. Net capital losses expire on the
acquisition of control [ITA 111(4)(a)].
Part 2
Net capital losses of $20,000 ((1/2 x ($30,000 + $10,000)) expire on the acquisition of
control. To utilize this loss Loser needs to elect to recognize a gain of $40,000 [ITA
111(4)(e)]. Loser could elect to recognize the gain on the marketable securities, the land,
or the building. If the election is made on the building recapture will result which will reduce
the August 31, 20X6 non-capital loss. This is not desirable if the non-capital losses can be
used in the future. An election on the marketable securities is preferred over the land since
the marketable securities are to be sold soon.
Loser Ltd. should elect a deemed disposal of the marketable securities for proceeds of
$90,000. This results in a $40,000 capital gain ($20,000 taxable capital gain) which can be
fully offset by the net capital losses which will otherwise expire. The election will increase
the ACB of the marketable securities to $90,000. This is beneficial since the sale of the
marketable securities is imminent.
Calculation of non-capital loss for August 31, 20X6 year end, assuming election to
recognize a capital gain on the marketable securities is made:
Part 3
The adjusted cost base and undepreciated capital cost of the applicable assets after the
ITA 111(4)(e) election at September 1, 20X6 is as follows:
ACB UCC
Marketable securities $ 90,000 N/A
Land $ 90,000 N/A
Building $120,000 $83,000
Equipment $ 85,000 $20,000
Part 4
In order to deduct the non-capital losses, the sportswear distribution business, which
incurred the losses, must be carried on throughout the taxation year at a profit or with a
reasonable expectation of profit [ITA 111(5)].
These conditions are met in 20X6 and 20X7. The sportswear distribution business is
carried on at a profit throughout both of these years.
The non-capital losses can be deducted to the extent there is income from the business
that incurred the losses or income from a business selling similar products or providing
similar services as the sportswear distribution business [ITA 111(5)]. In this case there are
no similar businesses being carried on. Non-capital losses of $30,000 and $60,000 can be
deducted in 20X6 and 20X7, respectively.
CASE
National Industries Ltd. is a Canadian venture corporation that holds investments in several
industries. The company owns shares in a number of active business corporations in both
Canada and the United States. Its income consists of dividends and management fees
from the subsidiaries.
Three months ago, Prokopchuk sought a buyer for and negotiated the sale of Tri-Lon
Transport Ltd. The shares of Tri-Lon were sold for $14,000,000. He is extremely pleased
with the sale because he was instrumental in acquiring the shares of Tri-Lon seven years
earlier for a price of $2,000,000. At that time, Tri-Lon was in its early growth stages;
Prokopchuk is happy that he recognized the company’s potential so early on. After
acquiring Tri-Lon, Prokopchuk had hired new managers, streamlined the operations, and
focused expansion in the areas where the company was strong. Profits grew rapidly, so
that by the time the shares were sold, Tri-Lon had retained earnings of $8,000,000.
The president of National Industries congratulates Prokopchuk for a job well done and
indicates that the cash generated from the sale of Tri-Lon shares was vital, as the company
is facing the termination date of one of its major bond issues. However, even after receiving
the additional cash from the Tri-Lon sale, National will still have to restructure its debt and
obtain new long-term financing. The president has indicated that it is critical for the
company to get a high rating on its bonds in order to secure the lowest possible interest
costs. He informs Prokopchuk:
“Your success with Tri-Lon will make a big impact on our bottom line and earnings per
share for the current year. Stock prices should improve and our proposed new bond issue
will be better accepted in the market. You have carried out your responsibilities perfectly.”
Historically, the shares of National Industries have traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange
at a price equivalent to 12 times after-tax earnings. The company has 8,000,000 shares
outstanding, and the president is certain that the share price will be $60 after the current
year’s earnings have been released.
Required:
Do you agree with the president’s assessment of Prokopchuk’s success? Explain.
CASE SOLUTION
Assuming that the corporate tax rate for National Industries Ltd. is 33%, the after tax profit
on the sale of shares amounted to $10,020,000 as follows:
A large portion of the value of Tri-Lon's shares was the result of its retained earnings of
$8,000,000. Because Tri-Lon was a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Industries a
portion of the share value could have been realized from a dividend distribution which
would flow tax-free to National Industries. For example, if, just prior to the sale, Tri-Lon paid
a tax-free dividend of $8,000,000 (the full amount of its retained earnings), the value of the
shares would have decreased to $6,000,000 ($14,000,000 - $8,000,000). Consequently,
the tax on the share sale would have decreased from $1,980,000 to $660,000 as follows:
Tax on sale:
1/2 of $4,000,000 = $2,000,000 x 33% $660,000
The after-tax profits would then have been $11,340,000 instead of $10,020,000 as follows:
Income:
Dividends $ 8,000,000
Gains on sale of shares 4,000,000
Pre-tax profit $12,000,000
Less tax on sale (above) 660,000
$11,340,000
The additional $1,320,000 of cash profit to National Industries would help the proposed
bond issue in two ways. The additional cash could reduce the amount of the required
bond issue. Also, the increased reported profit may increase the share value. As there are
8,000,000 shares outstanding, earnings per share would increase by an additional 16.5
cents per share ($1,320,000/8,000,000). As stock prices normally trade at 12 times
earnings, the stock value may increase by a further $1.98 (12 x .16.5 cents). This
represents a 3.3% increase in the current stock value ($1.98/60.00 = 3.3%). The higher
stock price, in turn, may ensure a high rating on the proposed bond issue which will
minimize future financing costs.
Based on the above, it appears that the president's assessment of Charles' success was
incorrect.
Note: The extent of the tax-free dividends paid to a corporate shareholder as part of a
series of steps to dispose of the shares may be restricted by section 55 of the Income Tax
Act. Normally, the tax-free dividend permitted is equal to the owner's share of "safe
earnings" which in most cases approximates the corporation's retained earnings. Notice
that in the above solution, the dividend paid prior to the sale was equivalent to the owner's
share of retained earnings at the time (100%).
__________________ _