weiss berzowski brady llp's 31st annual tax and business seminar
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31st AnnualTax and Business SeminarSeptember 18th, 2013The Wisconsin Club,
Milwaukee, WI
Welcome toWeiss
Berzowski Brady’s
Circular 230 Disclosure
To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in these materials is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purposes of
(i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations, Warranties and Indemnities in the Business Sale ContextDavid J. Roettgers
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – Types of Transactions• Sale of stock
• The buyer acquires the stock or membership interest in the selling entity.
• All the liabilities of the transferring entities pass through to the buyer of the business. As a result the representations, warranties and periods of indemnification may be more carefully scrutinized.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – Types of Transactions
• Sale of Assets• The entity sells all or substantially all of the
assets and the buyer assumes only certain liabilities.
• This is the most prevalent type of transaction. In this situation the buyer is able to limit liability and protects itself against the liabilities of the seller. As a result the representations, warranties and indemnifications may be less carefully scrutinized.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – Types of Transactions
• Mergers• All of assets and all of the liabilities of two or
more entities are combined into a single entity.
• The liabilities of each merger participant will carry over to the new entity. The seller, however, does continue to be an owner in the new entity.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – What are Representations and Warranties
• Representations Defined• Representations are statements made by a seller
regarding the condition of the seller. These statements cover all financial and nonfinancial aspects of the business.
•Warranties Defined• Warranties are seller’s promises to the buyer that the
representations are true and, if they are not, buyer may be entitled to recover damages for the breach.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – Types of Representations and Warranties
• Financial statements• Employee related representations• Customer relationships/contracts• Compliance with laws• Intellectual property• Environmental• Undisclosed liabilities• Litigation
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Generally – What is Indemnification• Definition – general
• Indemnification is an agreement between the parties whereby one party (typically the seller) agrees to reimburse the other (typically the buyer) for any losses they incur as a result of the breach of the representations and warranties.
• Things to consider• Survival• Term• Baskets• Caps• Escrows
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself
• Qualifiers• Material Adverse Effect• Knowledge Qualifiers
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself
• Material Adverse Effect (“MAE”) sample language• - “material adverse effect” means any result,
occurrence, fact, change, event or effect that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, materially adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, capitalization, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of seller.”
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself
• Material Adverse Effect• Issues related to MAE definition
• - “reasonably expected to have”• - “prospects”
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself
• MAE Carve outs• - “…..except to the extent resulting from:”
• acts of war, sabotage or terrorism, military action
• any changes in federal, state or local laws including rules and regulations thereof.
• any changes in accounting rules or principals including changes in GAAP or other accounting standards
• changes in general economic conditions whether local, domestic or foreign.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself
• MAE Carve outs (continued)• - “….. Except to the extent resulting from:”
• announcement of the transactions contemplated herein
• any other action required by this agreement or
• any changes in the general financial market (provided that any such event, change or action does not effect the seller in a substantially disproportionate manner).
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Representations and Warranties – Protecting Myself• Knowledge Qualifiers
• Actual knowledge• - “knowledge means the actual knowledge of the owner,
directors, officers, etc.??”• Constructive knowledge
• - “any person knows or should have known”
Optional language: • - “knowledge the seller would have had after
reasonable inquiry of a person reasonably expect to have knowledge”
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Examples – Undisclosed liabilities
“Seller has no liability except for the liabilities reflected or reserved against on the latest balance sheet of the company except for those liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date of such interim balance sheet.”
“Seller has no liability of the type or nature required to be disclosed in the balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP except for liabilities reflected…..”
“Seller has no liability of the type or nature required to be disclosed in the balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP or which could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a materially adverse effect, except for liabilities ….”
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Examples – Compliance with laws:
“Business has been and is being conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.”
“To the sellers knowledge the business has been and is currently being conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.”
“To the sellers knowledge the business has been and is currently being conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations except to the extent such violation could not reasonably expect it to have, individually or in the aggregate, a materially adverse effect.”
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
Negotiation points• “Sandbagging”• Survival period• Baskets• CAPS
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
“Sandbagging”• Sandbagging refers to a seller’s liability for
breach of a representation or warranty if the buyer had knowledge of the breach prior to closing.
• Anti-sandbagging refers to a provision that limits a seller’s liability if the buyer knew of the breach before closing.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
Survival Time for a Claim• Survival is the time period after closing
which a buyer may make a claim • The survival time varies on a deal by deal
basis and on the type of representation and warranty, i.e., “fundamental representations”, tax representation or fraud or intentional misrepresentations.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
Baskets• A basket is the threshold amount that must be
reached before a seller becomes liable to the buyer for breach of the agreement.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
Deductible: • “Seller shall not be liable to indemnify the buyer for any
losses until the aggregate amount of the losses exceeds $___ and only to the extent the losses exceed $____.”
First Dollar: • “Seller shall not be required to indemnify buyer for
losses unless the aggregate amount of the losses exceed $___, in which event seller shall be responsible for the amount of all losses, regardless of the deductible.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification
Baskets• Carve outs to baskets may also be negotiated • Often times there is no basket in the event of certain
types of breaches such as fraud, taxes, environmental, etc.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
IndemnificationCAPS• A cap is a maximum amount a buyer may
recover from a seller for claims of indemnifications.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Indemnification• Alternatives
• Unlimited• Amount of the purchase price• A percentage of the purchase price• The escrowed amount, if any
• Fundamental representations, tax representations, intentional breaches, fraud may increase/have an increased cap.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
What’s Fair is Fair, But is the Marketplace Fairness Act
Mark W. Siler
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Overview• What is the Marketplace Fairness Act
• Why is this a hot topic• Current Law and Conditions
• Quill v. North Dakota• State Budgets
• The Bill• Common Misconceptions• Supporters and Detractors – Who and Why• Chances of Passing and Steps for Preparation
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
What is the Marketplace Fairness Act
• Simply, it is legislation which grants states the authority to compel remote sellers (more on this in a minute), no matter where they are located, to collect sales tax at the time of a sale transaction and remit it to the proper state.
• It is NOT an “internet sales tax”• It is not federal legislation which enacts a tax – it
allows states to enact a tax on remote sellers • It does NOT only apply to internet sellers – it allows
states to enact laws which capture all remote sellers including catalog sellers and brick and mortar stores
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Current Law and Conditions• Quill Corp. v. North Dakota 504 U.S. 298
(1992).• The nexus standard for sales and use tax is set
forth in this case• Due process nexus analysis turns on whether
an individual’s connections with a state are substantial enough to justify the state’s exercise of power over him. Therefore, notice and fair warning are the touchstones of the due process nexus analysis
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Current Law and Conditions• Quill Corp. v. North Dakota 504 U.S. 298
(1992).• The Supreme Court outlined the different nexus
requirements to satisfy the Commerce Clause• According to the Supreme Court, the Commerce
Clause and its nexus requirement are not about fairness for the individual taxpayer, but by structural concerns about the effects of state regulation of the national economy
• The substantial nexus requirement is a means for limiting state burdens on interstate commerce
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Current Law and Conditions• Quill Corp. v. North Dakota 504 U.S. 298
(1992).• The Supreme Court ruled that the North Dakota
law was too onerous on interstate commerce• There are 6,000 taxing jurisdictions in the U.S.
with the authority to impose the same collection and filing obligation
• This would create a huge record keeping and compliance burden on businesses
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Current Law and Conditions• States are looking for any new revenue
they can bring in. • States are increasingly frustrated that they can’t
collect sales tax on products shipped into the state
• Some have even gone so far as to pass legislation requiring remote sellers to collect sales taxes
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Passed the Senate in May with bipartisan
support.• Sponsorship by 30 Senators from both parties• House version has 67 sponsors and again has
bipartisan support• It has support from 26 Governors – 13
Republicans, 12 Democrats and 1 Independent• The only surprise with this is that there are not
more supporters – the purpose of the bill is to give states more power to collect money
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Authorization to Require Collection of Sale
and Use Taxes.• Two methods
• Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement• Alternative Method
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement
• Members states under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement are all authorized to require remote sellers to collect and remit sales and use tax with respect to remote sales sourced to the Member state • This means sales which are delivered into the state
• Exceptions • Must meet simplification requirements set forth in the
law• Small seller exception
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement
• Full Member States – Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
• Associate Member States – Ohio, Tennessee• 180 days’ notice of intent to exercise authority
under the act
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Alternative Method
• Non-Member states may require sellers to collect and remit sales and use taxes with respect to remote sales sourced to that state
• Authority shall commence no earlier than the first day of the calendar quarter that is at least 6 months after passing laws that meet certain requirements
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Alternative Method
• Those laws must:• Specify the tax or taxes to which such authority and
simplification requirements apply • Specify the products and services otherwise subject
to the tax or taxes identified by the state in question to which the law does not apply
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Simplification Requirements.
• The State must provide:• A single entity within the state responsible for
all state and local sales and use tax administration, return processing and audits for remote sales sourced to the state
• A single audit of a remote seller for all state and local taxing jurisdictions within the state
• A single sales and use tax return to be used by remote sellers to be filed with the single entity responsible for tax administration
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Simplification Requirements.
• The State may not require a remote seller to file sales and use tax returns any more frequently than returns are required for non-remote sellers
• The State must provide a uniform sales and use tax base among the state and local taxing jurisdiction
• Source remote sales to the location where the item sold is received by the purchaser based on the location indicated by the instructions for delivery furnished by the purchaser
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Simplification Requirements.
• The State must provide:• Information indicating the taxability of products
and services along with any product and service exemptions from sales and use tax in the state and a rates and boundaries database
• Free software for remote sellers that calculates sales and use tax due, that files sales and use tax returns and is updated to reflect rate changes
• Certification procedures for software providers• Certification procedures for software providers
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Small Seller Exception.
• A state can only require a remote seller to collect sales and use taxes if the remote seller has gross receipts from remote sales of over $1,000,000 in a calendar year
• There are aggregation rules that may combine remote sellers with certain ownership relationships
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Bill• Other Limitations.
• Does not subject remote sellers to franchise, income, occupation or other types of taxes
• No effect on nexus• No effect on seller choice• Licensing and regulatory requirements• No new taxes • No impact on intrastate sales
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Common Misconceptions• Important note: It is very difficult to find
unbiased coverage of this bill. • This bill will implement a new sales tax.
• Not true - Each state must take steps to pass its own tax legislation
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Common Misconceptions• This bill will implement a new sales tax.
• Example of Biased coverage: From the website marketplacefairness.org• Question: Won’t this raise my taxes? Is this a new tax?• Answer: No. Consumers are required under existing
state laws to pay sales and use taxes on the goods they purchase, but online sellers simply are not required to collect the tax in the same way that local businesses do – which puts local businesses at a disadvantage. Consumers can be audited and charged with penalties for failing to pay sales and use taxes, but too often states are unable to enforce this requirement
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Common Misconceptions• This bill will implement a new sales tax.
• Who is behind marketplacefairness.org? TaxCloud – a producer of sales tax compliance software
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Common Misconceptions• It only impacts internet sales.
• Not true - It impacts all remote sales. These can be sales by brick and mortar stores
• It applies to your business if you have over $1,000,000 in sales. • This is not completely true although it is repeated
in many places, but it is $1,000,000 in REMOTE sales
• Sales in any state where you have nexus will not be counted
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Common Misconceptions• You must comply with all 9,600 (note the
updated number) taxing jurisdiction.• This is actually true, but the functioning of the
bill creates a sort of safe harbor for retailers using compliance software
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Supporters and Detractors – Who and Why?
• The bill has wide support across several fronts.• Many large retailers support the bill. These include
Amazon.com• These include mostly large, brick and mortar stores who
already have nexus in most if not all states • Most state and local entities support the bill
• A new revenue stream• The local groups want the revenue and think it will help their property
tax base
• Local chambers of commerce support the bill• Most are made up of small, local, brick and mortar stores
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Supporters and Detractors – Who and Why?
• The opposition is from just as diverse a group.• American Association of Attorney CPA’s• American Catalog Mailers Association• eMainStreet Alliance• ebay, Inc.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Chances of Passing and Steps for Preparation
• Timing is the difficult question here. The bill has and will remain controversial because it is painted as a new tax. However, as long as states need new revenue streams it is likely they will push for the passage of some type of sales tax law reform. Most commentators believe that passage of some sales tax nexus reform legislation will pass in the near future.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Chances of Passing and Steps for Preparation
• With the political and economic situation we currently have, there has never been more support for a bill of this type.
• It is also important to note that many local groups are worried about property tax base. They want a level playing field for brick and mortar stores because they don’t want empty storefronts.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Chances of Passing and Steps for Preparation
• Steps to help clients prepare for the law:• Determine where your client is already in compliance with
sales tax requirements and where your client is making sales without paying sales tax
• Review internal accounting systems to be sure your client is tracking the information required, especially shipping instructions which will determine sourcing
• Sample and test compliance software before it is actually needed
• Be ready for angry customer calls, emails and reviews
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The Net Investment Income TaxSteven M. Szymanski
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Overview• Section 1411 of the Internal Revenue
Code was enacted as part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
• Section 1411 is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Overview• Section 1411 imposes a 3.8% tax on the net investment
income of individuals, estates and trusts with income above certain statutory threshold amounts.
• Section 1411 does not apply to a nonresident alien.• On November 20, 2012, the IRS and Treasury issued
Proposed Regulations with respect to Section 1411.• The Proposed Regulations may be relied upon by
taxpayers until they are finalized.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Net Investment Income Tax for Individuals.
Section 1411 imposes a 3.8% tax on the lesser of: (1) an individual taxpayer’s “net investment income” for the tax year, or (2) the excess, if any, of (a) the individual taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income for the tax year over (b) the statutory threshold amount.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Statutory Threshold Amounts.
• For taxpayers filing a joint return, the statutory threshold is $250,000.
• For a married taxpayer filing a separate return, the statutory threshold is $125,000.
• For any other instance, the statutory threshold is $200,000.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Definition of Net Investment Income.
Section 1411 defines “net investment income” as “investment income” less any deductions properly allocable to the income.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Investment Income includes, without limitation, the following items:• Gross income from interest, dividends, annuities,
royalties, and rents (other than those derived in the ordinary course of an active trade or business);
• Net gains from dispositions related to passive activities;
• Income from pass-through entities in which the taxpayer does not materially participate (within the meaning of Section 469); and
• Income from the investment of working capital.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Exclusions from Investment Income. • Income that is taxed under the Self-Employment Contribution Act. • Amounts paid by an employer to an employee that are treated as
wages. • Any distribution from the following plans or arrangements:
• a qualified pension, stock bonus, or profit sharing plan under Section 401(a)
• a qualified annuity plan under Section 403(a)• a tax-sheltered annuity under Section 403(b)• an individual retirement account under Section 408• a Roth IRA under Section 408A• a deferred compensation plan or a state and local government
or a tax-exempt organization under Section 457(b)
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Ordinary Course Exception For Interest,
Dividends, Etc.. Interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents are not included in net investment income if they are “derived in the ordinary course of an active trade or business.”
• The ordinary course exception consists of a two-pronged test: (1) the passive activity test and (2) the trade or business test.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Passive Activity Test. In order for an item of income to be excluded from net investment income, the item must be derived in a trade or business that is neither:• a passive activity (within the meaning of
Section 469) nor • a business which involves the trading of
financial instruments or commodities.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Passive Activity Test. • In analyzing the passive activity test, the question
arises at what level is the passive determination made, individual or entity.• In the case of an individual who is engaged in a business
directly or through a disregarded entity, the passive determination is made at the individual level.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Passive Activity Test. • In the case of an individual, estate or trust that owns an
interest in a pass-through entity, the determination of whether an item of income allocated to the individual, estate or trust from the pass-through entity is made in the following manner: The determination of whether the trade or business from which the
income is derived is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer is determined at the taxpayer level.
The determination of whether the trade or business from which the income is derived is a trade or business involved in the trading of financial instruments or commodities is made at the entity level.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Trade or Business Test. • In order for an item of income to be excluded
from net investment income, the item must be derived in a trade or business.
• The Proposed Regulations do not define a “trade or business.” Rather, they reference Section 162 regulations and case law for precedent on whether a trade or business exists.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Section 469 Reference. Section 1411
incorporates by reference the passive activity rules of Section 469.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Passive activity
• A passive activity is any activity that involves the conduct of a trade or business and which the taxpayer does not materially participate.
• Material participation is defined as a taxpayer being involved in the trade or business on a regular, continuous and substantial basis.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Temporary Regulations for Section 469 provide seven safe harbors for material participation.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Rental activities are presumed to be per se passive activities, unless an exception applies. Because of this presumption, rents and net gain from real estate presumptively constitute net investment income. Consequently, it is imperative to find an exception to the per se presumption. The available exceptions include:
• Real estate professional status.• Grouping rules.• Rules that recharacterize passive income as nonpassive.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Impact of Real Estate Professional Rule. If a taxpayer qualifies as a real estate professional, the per se treatment of a rental activity as passive no longer applies. The taxpayer is allowed to test for material participation and may use the grouping rules to lump various activities into a single activity in order to satisfy material participation.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Real Estate Professional Rule. A taxpayer may qualify as a real estate professional for a tax year if:
• more than one-half of the personal services performed in trades or businesses by the taxpayer during such year are performed in “real property trades or businesses” in which the taxpayer materially participates
• the taxpayer performs more than 750 hours of services during the tax year in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates.
• “Real property trades or businesses” means any real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, conversion, rental, operation, management, leasing, or brokerage trade or business.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Grouping Rules. • The Section 469 Regulations provide rules
which allow a taxpayer to group a taxpayer’s trade or business activities and rental activities for purposes of applying the passive activity loss rules.
• The grouping rules allow one or more trade or business activities to be treated as a single activity if the activities constitute an “appropriate economic unit” for the measurement of gain or loss.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Whether a grouping of activities constitute an “appropriate economic unit” depends on the relevant facts and circumstances.
• Factors. • Similarities and differences in types of trades
and businesses.• The extent of common control.• The extent of common ownership.• Geographic location.• Interdependencies between and among the
activities.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• Passive Income Recharacterization Rules • Self-rental rule. • Nondepreciable property rule. • Substantially appreciated property rule.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Net Gains from Dispositions Related to
Passive Activities. • Generally, an interest in a partnership or S
corporation is not considered property held in a trade or business.
• Therefore, gain or loss from a sale of a partnership or S corporation interest will be subject to the net investment income tax.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Net Gains from Dispositions Related to
Passive Activities. • Gain from the disposition of a partnership or S
corporation interest will only be taken into account for net investment income tax purposes to the extent of the net gain which would be taken into account by the taxpayer if all of the assets of the partnership/S corporation were sold at fair market value immediately prior to such disposition.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The Proposed Regulations set forth a four-step process for this deemed sale:• The partnership or S corporation is deemed to
sell all of its properties at fair market value for cash immediately prior to the disposition of the partnership or S corporation interest.
• The partnership or S corporation determines the gain or loss on each property deemed to have been sold by comparing each property’s fair market value and adjusted basis.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax
• The gains and losses computed for each property are allocated to the transferor taxpayer, complying with the allocation provisions of Sections 704(b), 704(c), and 743(b) and the regulations thereunder.
• Gains and losses attributable to non-passive trade or businesses and that are not in the trade or business of trading financial instruments or commodities are netted together to compute a net gain or loss. Net gains (negative adjustments) are subtracted from the total gain or loss on disposition of the partnership or S corporation interest, and net losses (positive adjustments) are added to the total gain or loss on disposition of the partnership or S corporation interest.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Section 1411 – The Net Investment Income Tax• Income from the Investment of Working
Capital. • Gross income and net gain attributable to the
investment of working capital is not derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business.
• As a result, the gross income and net gain derived from working capital is subject to the net investment income tax.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Elections to Consider• Regrouping of Activities Election.
• The Proposed Regulations provide taxpayers with a “fresh start” with respect to activity groupings for taxpayers subject to Section 1411.
• Taxpayers subject to Section 1411 can regroup previous regroupings.
• The regrouping must be made for the first tax year beginning after December 31, 2013, in which the taxpayer is subject to the net investment income tax (determined without regard to the effect of the regrouping).
• Taxpayers may also regroup their activities for a tax year that begins during 2013 if they would be subject to the net investment income tax without regard to the effect of the regrouping.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Elections to Consider• Regrouping of Activities Election.
• A taxpayer choosing not to regroup its activities under the Proposed Regulations will not be precluded from regrouping its activities once the Proposed Regulations are finalized.
• Taxpayers must disclose details regarding any regrouping in a written statement attached to their original income tax return in the year of the regrouping.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Elections to Consider• Installment Sale Election
• Installment sales of partnership or S corporation interests are subject to the net investment income tax.
• The Proposed Regulations provide for an adjustment to gain or loss from a disposition of a partnership or S corporation interest for purposes of determining the net investment income tax
• The adjustment is calculated in the year of the disposition. Consequently, the adjustment is not available for pre-Section 1411 installment sales. This results in the full amount of the gain on the installment sale proceeds received in tax years beginning after December 31, 2012 being taxable as net investment income.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Elections to Consider• Installment Sale Election
• Taxpayers may make an election to installment sales gains that are attributable to pre-effective date dispositions in order to adjust gains on installment sales and limit application of the net investment income tax.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Estate Tax Portability – Finally a Permanent Estate Planning Tool
Nancy M. Bonniwell
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
What is Estate Tax Portability?
• Surviving spouse’s ability to use a predeceased spouse’s unused gift and estate tax exemption.
• Purpose of portability: simplify estate planning for married couples.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Computing the DSUE Amount• DSUE amount is equal to the lesser
of:• Basic exclusion amount in the year of
the spouse’s deathor
• Last deceased spouse’s remaining exclusion
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
The Portability Election is Not Automatic
• Portability election is made by the executor on a timely filed estate tax return. • File within 9 months of the date of death, plus
extensions.• Return is filed by the executor of the estate or any
person in possession of the deceased spouse’s property.
• Once made, the election is irrevocable.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
The Portability Election is Not Automatic
• An estate tax return is required even if the estate’s value is below the filing threshold.
• Opting out of portability: check the box or do not file a return.
• No statute of limitations for the DSUE amount.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Properly Prepared Estate Tax Return• “Estimate” the fair market value of the
assets to the nearest $250,000 for assets that qualify for the marital deduction or charitable deduction.
• Appraisals not required.• Good faith and due diligence are
required.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Properly Prepared Estate Tax Return• The exception to the above relief does
not apply if:• Partial QTIP election.• A partial interest in property to each of the
surviving spouse and a third party.• Formula bequests.• Alternate valuation or valuation of farm or
other real property.• Due diligence is not exercised.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Who Is the Last Spouse to Die?The following examples illustrate how estate tax portability works:
Example 1• Husband 1 dies. He has $2 million of unused estate tax
exemption. He made taxable transfers of $3 million. • Husband 1’s estate tax return permits Wife to use
Husband 1’s deceased spousal unused exclusion amount.
• As of Husband 1’s death, Wife has made no taxable gifts.
• Wife’s applicable exclusion amount is $7 million (her $5 million basic exclusion amount plus $2 million DSUE.)
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Who Is the Last Spouse to Die?Example 2• Same facts as in Example 1• Wife subsequently marries Husband 2. • Husband 2 predeceases Wife. He made $4
million in taxable transfers and has no taxable estate.
• Husband 2’s estate tax return permits Wife to use Husband 2’s DSUE amount: $1 million
• Wife’s applicable exclusion amount is $6 million (her $5 million basic exclusion amount plus $1 million DSUE.)
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Who Is the Last Spouse to Die?Example 3 • Same facts as in Examples 1 and 2, except…• Wife predeceases Husband 2. • Wife’s applicable exclusion amount is $7 million (her $5 million
exclusion plus $2 million DSUE amount from Husband 1). • Wife has a taxable estate of $3 million. Wife’s estate tax return
permits Husband 2 to use Wife’s amount: $4 million (Wife’s $7 million DSUE exclusion amount less her $3 million taxable estate).
• Husband 2’s applicable exclusion amount is $9 million (his $5 million exclusion plus $4 million from Wife).
(Examples 1, 2 and 3 from Joint Committee on Taxation’s General Explanation of Tax Legislation Enacted in the 111th Congress)
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Considerations in Making the DSUE Election
Advantages• Simplicity. • Basis Adjustment. • Large Retirement Accounts. • State Estate Tax.• Additional Planning for the Wealthy.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Considerations in Making the DSUE Election
Disadvantages (on outright distribution)• Wasted GST Exemption. • No Creditor Protection. • No Spendthrift Protection. • DSUE amount transferred to the
surviving spouse is not indexed for inflation.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Considerations in Making the DSUE Election
Disadvantages• Death of Second Spouse.• Estate Tax Return Must Be Filed. • Estate Tax Burden is Controlled by
Surviving Spouse.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Question
&Answer
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Fifteen Minute Break from
ProgrammingPlease feel free to stretch,
grab a beverage.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Recent Wisconsin Supreme Court Business DecisionsJacqueline L. Messler
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareFacts:• Dispute over whether Sideline Software owed
Beidel under the terms of the stock repurchase agreement after Beidel was fired, and if so, how much money
• Fantasy football software • Beidel was the minority shareholder in Sideline.
Originally Hall and Beidel were the only 2 shareholders. Then Austin joined. Austin and Beidel did not get along.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareFacts:• Sideline wanted to fire Beidel, but wanted to
wait until stock price agreement expired. Instead of firing, reduced duties.
• Stock repurchase agreement-- shareholders agreed on the price of shares in effect for 1 year. If no agreement at end of 1 year, would stay in effect for 2 years. After two years, if no agreement, sold shares would be valued at FMV.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareFacts:• Agreement gave shareholders put option if
terminated• Beidel attempted to exercise put option, but
Sideline claimed Beidel had not been terminated
• Beidel sought specific performance of the put option, argued actual termination and constructive termination
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareIssue:• Whether Beidel is entitled to specific
performance of the repurchase of his shares at the stipulated price after Sideline refused to honor Beidel's attempted exercise of his put?
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareSupreme Court Holding:• Specific performance was an available remedy;
the stock repurchase agreement said specific performance was available
• Good Faith and Fair Dealing.• On remand, the circuit court will consider whether
Sideline's actions violated the duty of good faith and fair dealing that is implied in every contract
• Court decides in equity. Range of factors, consider whether specific performance is unduly burdensome.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareBroader Points:• Buy-sell arrangements are important in most
closely held situations• Such arrangements are important for both
majority and minority owners• Buy-sell arrangements must be tailored to the
specific situation; too often, “off the shelf” agreement text is used
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareBroader Points:• Each potential triggering event (e.g., death,
termination of employment, disability, and separation or death of a marital property owner) and potential situations in which it may arise for the particular situation must be considered
• Valuation methods must be carefully considered; formula, annual agreement, financial statement based and appraisal methods may all be considered; and, combinations of those methods can be considered
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Beidel v. Sideline SoftwareBroader Points:• In potential owner-deadlock situations,
“Solomon’s Choice” provisions should be considered
• If sale of the business is possible, drag along and come along rights should be considered
• Minority and majority owner interests may differ substantially; evaluating representation issues is important
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgFacts:• Westburgs start manufacturing business,
Zaddo, making advertising displays. Loan from Park Bank to Zaddo. Westburgs executed personal guarantees.
• Westburgs guaranteed payment of Zaddo's obligations. Westburgs also granted a security interest in their deposit accounts or other amounts Park Bank owed to the Westburgs.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgFacts:• 1 year later, Park Bank alleges Zaddo is in
default. Alleged misconduct by Park Bank, also froze securities account.
• Zaddo goes into receivership, land foreclosed. Park Bank brings an action to collect on the guarantees.
• The Westburgs bring affirmative defenses and counterclaims alleging that Park Bank forced Zaddo into default and Park Bank wrongly froze the Westburgs' securities account.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgIssue:• Whether the Westburgs' status of guarantors
gives them standing to raise affirmative defenses and counterclaims that Zaddo was injured?
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgSupreme Court Holding:• Rule
• Direct vs. Derivative. In a derivative action, a shareholder “assumes the mantle of the corporation itself to right wrongs committed by those temporarily in control” of the corporation. Derivative claims belong to the corporation, not the complaining individual. • Rose v. Schantz- corporate (derivative) vs. individual
(direct). Where the injury to the corporation is the primary injury and any injury to a shareholder is secondary, the shareholder may not bring a direct action, and is instead limited to commencing a derivative action. Even though value of shareholders' stock may suffer.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgSupreme Court Holding:• Rule
• Same action may cause direct and derivative injuries.• Any difference because claimants are guarantors?
No. Guarantors are treated no differently from creditors in determining whether the guarantor may bring a derivative action. Apply general rule--guarantors may not maintain a derivative action.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgSupreme Court Holding:• Application
• Zaddo was primarily injured by allegedly being forced into receivership and any alleged resulting injury to the Westburgs occurred as a result of Zaddo's alleged injury.
• But freezing securities account is direct injury. However, the Westburgs did not plead any damages associated with that action.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgBroader Points:• Case illustrates the significance of decisions to personally
guarantee bank obligations, mortgage properties to secure bank obligations, or provide other security, such as interests in bank accounts, for those obligations; those decisions must be carefully evaluated, particularly if the guarantor does not control all business decisions
• General default provisions are often not negotiable with a lender, but must be understood by guarantors; loan covenants, on the other hand, are typically the subject of negotiation and must also be understood by guarantors
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgBroader Points:• Case illustrates that a guarantor may not enjoy all rights
the debtor enjoys; typical guaranty document text often emphasizes this by use of “unconditionally” text in the document
• Bank guaranties are typically written as guaranties of payment, not merely of collection; thus, guarantors should recognize that a lender need not exhaust remedies against the obligor or collateral before seeking payment from the guarantor
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Park Bank v. Roger WestburgBroader Points:• Guaranties are typically unlimited, limited, or of
a specific transaction; guarantors should understand the difference and negotiate for proper document language based on the circumstances
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Facts:• United installed concrete for homeowners.
United was supplied its concrete by Red-D-Mix. Two parties had a prior business relationship, but stopped because of bleed water problem, causing concrete to crack.
• Began relationship again, United sought specific guarantees from Red-D-Mix that it had fixed bleed water problem.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Facts:• United put in driveways, homeowners
complained. United approached all homeowners, got an assignment of claims from them, brought action against Red-D-Mix. In own name and for homeowners.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 1:• Whether a claim for misrepresentation under
Wis. Stat. § 100.18 is a question of fact or law?• Follow standard summary judgment procedure. • It can be a question of a law if no genuine issue of
material fact. Can be a question for factfinder if questions of fact.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 2:• Whether claim that bleed water problem can be
fixed is puffery?• Puffery- the exaggerations reasonably to be expected
of a seller as to the degree of quality of his product, the truth or falsity of which cannot be precisely determined.
• Examples. American TV- Products were the finest. Teitsworth- Product was masterpiece, premium quality.
• This was first Supreme Court case where statement under a Wis. Stat. § 100.18 claim was not puffery.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 3:• Whether United may litigate the homeowner’s
claims against Red-D-Mix through assignments?• Linden answers the question definitively. United tried to
distinguish because subcontractor/general/homeowner vs. supplier/installer/ customer. In Linden, the Supreme Court held that the economic loss doctrine prevents a homeowner from suing a subcontractor in tort for purely economic loss.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 3:• Brief Overview – Economic loss doctrine
• A judicially created doctrine that bars purchasers of goods from recovering solely economic losses (damage to the product itself) from manufacturers under tort theory. Instead, the buyer who purchases defective goods looks to the contract for remedies.
• Applies to commercial transactions. Sunnyslope Grading. Applies to consumer transactions, example purchase of car. State Farm v. Ford.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 3:• Main Exceptions/Limitations
• Does not apply to service contracts. Cease. If contract is for goods and services, look at predominant purpose of contract. Linden.
• "Other property." Damages other than to product itself are not covered by the doctrine, such as personal injury or damage to other property. Linden.
• "Fraud in the inducement." Tort remedies allowed when buyer is induced into the contract by fraud. Kaloti.
• Dangerous products. Tort remedies may be allowed when product is inherently dangerous, such as asbestos-based materials. Northridge.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Issue 3:• The claims United asserted against Red–D–
Mix through the assignments squarely fit within the class of lawsuits governed by Linden.
• United had a contract with Red–D–Mix, and contracts with the homeowners. No contract existed between Red–D–Mix and the homeowners. Here, the damages were to the installed concrete itself, and there were no physical injuries or personal harm. In short, the three parties stood in the same position as those discussed in Linden.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
United Concrete v. Red-D-Mix Construction
Broader Points:• Sellers open themselves up to Wis. Stat. § 100.18
misrepresentation claim if court can determine that a seller's statement about a product is false
• Trend of expansion of economic loss doctrine• Important for purchasers of products to negotiate
contractual remedies or insure against defective products; economic loss doctrine may prohibit tort remedies
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Wisconsin Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Nate WeberSeptember 18, 2013
127
History• Created by 2011 Act 32 (2011-13 Budget)• Originally known as Qualified Production
Activities credit• 2011 Act 232 made technical changes• 2013 Act 20 made further technical changes• Credit begins January 1, 2013
128
Brief Summary• Credit applies against taxes on income from
manufacturing and agriculture activity in Wisconsin• Phased in over four years:
Tax year 2013 = 1.875%Tax year 2014 = 3.750%Tax year 2015 = 5.526%Tax year 2016 and beyond = 7.500%
• Offsets top tax rates of 7.90% (corporate income tax) and 7.65% (individual income tax)
129
Who May Compute Credit• Individual• Corporation• Estate or Trust• Partnership*• Limited Liability Company*• Tax-option (S) Corporations* *These entities cannot claim the credit but the eligibility for and the computation of the credit are based on the entity's business operations. The beneficiaries, partners, shareholders, & members can claim the credit. 130
Who Cannot Claim Credit• Insurance Companies• Partnerships*• Limited Liability Companies treated as
partnerships*• Tax-option (S) Corporations*
*These entities cannot claim the credit but the eligibility for and the computation of the credit are based on the entities business operations. The beneficiaries, partners, members, & shareholders can claim the credit.
131
Requirements to Claim Credit• Property must be assessed as manufacturing
or agricultural • Must produce qualified production activities
income from that property• Property must be located in Wisconsin
132
Manufacturing Assessments
• Performed by DOR's Manufacturing Bureau• Application to verify assessment:
https://ww2.revenue.wi.gov/RETRWebRolls/application
• Regional office contacts: http://www.revenue.wi.gov/forms/manuf/pa-750R.pdf
• General questions: mfgtelco@revenue.wi.gov
133
Agricultural Assessments• Performed by local assessors• Local assessor contact list:
http://www.revenue.wi.gov/training/assess/assrlist.pdf
• Both manufacturing and agricultural property assessments must be reviewed each year
134
Nonqualifying Activities• Income from film production• Income from producing, transmitting, or distributing electricity,
natural gas, or potable water• Income from constructing real property (except that income
from producing materials which become real property can qualify)
• Income from engineering or architectural services performed with respect to constructing real property
• Income from the sale of food and beverages prepared by the claimant at a retail establishment
• Income from the lease, rental, license, sale, exchange, or other disposition of land 135
Miscellaneous Provisions• Use Schedule MA to claim credit• Nonrefundable – 15 year carryforward• Credit computed is income in the year after
the year the credit is claimed• Credit is not shareable with other combined
group members
136
Computation of CreditProduction gross receipts1
Less: Cost of goods sold2
Direct costs3
Indirect Costs4 multiplied by production gross receipts factor5
= Qualified production activities income6
Multiplied by manufacturing property factor7 or agriculture property factor8
= Eligible qualified production activities income9
Multiplied by credit rate in effect for the taxable year10
Total credit
137
Definitions
1 Production gross receipts are the receipts from the lease, rental, license, sale, exchange, or other disposition of qualified production property1a.
138
Definitions
1a Qualified production property means:• Tangible personal property manufactured in
whole or part on property assessed as manufacturing under s. 70.995
• Tangible personal property produced, grown, or extracted in whole or part on property assessed as agricultural under s. 70.32(2)(a)4
139
Definitions
2 Cost of goods sold are the production costs associated with the production gross receipts.
140
Definitions
3 Direct costs are the costs associated with the production gross receipts and include all the claimant's ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to carry on a trade or business that are deductible under section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code and identified as direct costs in the claimant's managerial or cost accounting records.
141
Definitions4 Indirect costs are the costs associated with the production gross receipts and include all the claimant's ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to carry on a trade or business that are deductible under section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code, other than cost of goods sold and direct costs, and identified as indirect costs in the claimant's managerial or cost accounting records.
142
Definitions5 The production gross receipts factor is a fraction consisting of the production gross receipts (numerator) divided by the gross income from all sources except those specifically excluded under the Internal Revenue Code or excluded under Wisconsin law (denominator). Items included in the denominator include: gross sales, gross dividends, gross interest income, gross rents, gross royalties, the gross sales price from the disposition of capital and business assets, gross income from pass- through entities, and all other gross receipts that are included in income before apportionment. 143
Definitions6 Qualified production activities income does not include any of the following:• Income from film production• Income from producing, transmitting, or distributing electricity,
natural gas, or potable water• Income from constructing real property• Income from engineering or architectural services performed
with respect to constructing real property• Income from the sale of food and beverages prepared by the
claimant at a retail establishment• Income from the lease, rental, license, sale, exchange, or other
disposition of land 144
Definitions• 7 The manufacturing property factor is the average value of the claimant's real
and personal property assessed under s. 70.995, Wis. Stats., that is owned or rented and used in Wisconsin by the claimant to manufacture qualified production property (numerator), divided by the average value of all the claimant's real and personal property owned or rented during the taxable year and used by the claimant to manufacture qualified production property (denominator).
• Qualified production property is tangible personal property manufactured in whole or in part by the claimant on property that is assessed as manufacturing property under s. 70.995, Wis. Stats.
• The property owned by the claimant is valued at its original cost and property rented by the claimant is valued at an amount equal to the annual rent paid by the claimant, less any annual rental received by the claimant for sub-rentals, multiplied by 8.
• The average value of the property is determined by averaging the values at the beginning and ending of the taxable year. 145
Definitions• 8 The agriculture property factor is the average value of the claimant's real
property and improvements assessed under s. 70.32(2)(a)4., Wis. Stats., that is owned or rented and used in Wisconsin by the claimant during the taxable year to produce, grow, or extract qualified production property (numerator) divided by the average value of all the claimant's real property and improvements owned or rented during the taxable year and used by the claimant to produce, grow, or extract qualified production property.
• Qualified production property is tangible personal property produced, grown, or extracted in whole or in part by the claimant on or from property assessed as agricultural property under s. 70.32(2)(a)4., Wis. Stats.
• The property owned by the claimant is valued at its original cost and property rented by the claimant is valued at an amount equal to the annual rental paid by the claimant, less any annual rental received by the claimant from sub-rentals, multiplied by 8.
• The average value of the property is determined by averaging the values at the beginning and ending of the taxable year.
146
Definitions9 The amount of eligible qualified production activities income that a corporation may claim in computing the credit is the lesser of the following:
– The eligible qualified production activities income determined using the computation above
– Income apportioned to this state under s. 71.25 (5), (6), and (6m)
– Income determined to be taxable under s. 71.255 (2)
Note: For individual taxpayers the credit may only offset the tax imposed by the business operations used to compute the credit
147
Definitions10 The manufacturing and agriculture credit rate is as follows:• 1.875% for 2013 taxable year• 3.750% for 2014 taxable year• 5.526% for 2015 taxable year• 7.500% for 2016 taxable year and beyond
148
Company ABC - Example
$500,000 (Production gross receipts)1
Less: Cost of goods sold2
$200,000 (Direct costs)3
$125,000 X 100% (Indirect Costs4 X production gross receipts factor)5
= $175,000 (Qualified production activities income)6
x 70% (manufacturing property factor7 or agriculture property factor)8
= $122,500 (Eligible qualified production activities income)9
x 7.5% (Multiplied by credit rate in effect for the taxable year 2016)10
= $ 9,188 (Total credit)
• ABC Company manufactures products partially on property assessed as manufacturing that is located in Wisconsin.
149
ABC Example – 2016 Tax Return
$175,000 Taxable income (only mfg. income)X 7.9% Corporate tax rate $ 13,825 Gross tax 9,188 Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit $ 4,637 Net tax
150
Company XYZ - Example
$500,000 (Production gross receipts)1
Less: Cost of goods sold2
$200,000 (Direct costs)3
$125,000 X 100% (Indirect Costs4 X production gross receipts factor)5
= $175,000 (Qualified production activities income)6
x 100% (manufacturing property factor7 or agriculture property factor)8
= $175,000 (Eligible qualified production activities income)9
x 7.5% (Multiplied by credit rate in effect for the taxable year 2016)10
= $13,125 (Total credit)
• XYZ Company manufactures products entirely on property assessed as manufacturing that is located in Wisconsin.
151
XYZ Example – 2016 Tax Return
$175,000 Taxable income (only mfg. income)X 7.9% Corporate tax rate $ 13,825 Gross tax 13,125 Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit $ 700 Net tax
152
XYZ Example – 2016 Tax Return$200,000 Taxable income (includes other income)X 7.9% Corporate tax rate $ 15,800 Gross tax 13,571 Manufacturing & Agriculture Credit* $ 2,229 Net tax *Production gross receipts factor in slide 25 is 95.24% ($500,000/$525,000)
153
Resources• Fact Sheet #1107
(http://www.revenue.wi.gov/taxpro/fact/manufandagr.pdf)
• Common Questions (http://www.revenue.wi.gov/faqs/ise/manufagr.html)
• Wisconsin Tax Bulletin #172, 175, 179, & 180 (http://www.revenue.wi.gov/ise/wtb/index.html)
• For More Information or Questions Contact: (608) 266-2772 or email questions to: corp@revenue.wi.gov
154
Questions?
155
The Tax Man Cometh: What are the IRS, Dept. of Revenue and Local Authorities up to in Audits, Appeals and Collections
Robert B. Teuber
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Internal Revenue Service
• The Post Scandal IRS• Image Problem
• Tax Exempt Organizations• Training Videos• Conference Spending
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue Service• Audit Selection – Fairness Review
• Reviewing the criteria used to choose which small businesses, business entities and individuals will be selected for audit.
• Announced review came on the heels of the Tea-Party controversy. In response, the acting Commissioner stated that “It is rare or virtually non-existent that the political activity of an entity would be relevant in terms of any increased scrutiny that we would provide.”
• In 2011, of 1.65 million returns filed, small business audits consisted of .2 percent of all audits and 1.3 percent of all small business returns filed.
• 62 percent of S Corp audits in 2011 were closed without a change in revenue.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue Service
• IRS Still Using Prohibited Terms• In the wake of the scandals, the IRS took steps to
avoid using certain terms on the BOLO list. However, as recently as the end of August, the Treasury Inspector General found that the IRS was still using prohibited terms to permanently label taxpayers as “Tax Protesters” or “Constitutionally Challenged.”
• Performance Evaluations• The IRS is not supposed to use tax enforcement
records for employee performance evaluations. However, the Treasury Inspector General identified a number of instances in which “corrective action” was necessary.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue ServiceCurrent Activity at the IRS
• Same Sex Marriage• The IRS will now recognize legal same-sex marriages for all federal
tax purposes regardless of the state of domicile.• Ruling does not apply to domestic partnerships or civil unions.
• Filing Issues• Complications arise for taxpayers at the state level where
domiciled in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages.• Must file “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately.”• Amended returns are permitted provided any refund claims are
made within the applicable statute of limitations.• Wisconsin filing requirements likely requires 5 prepared tax
returns.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue ServiceFATCA/FBARS – The current state of foreign accounts
• News releases• The IRS continues to release a considerable
amount of information concerning taxpayers that have been prosecuted for unreported income held through foreign accounts.
• Almost daily more information is released concerning FATCA agreements with new nations or foreign banks.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue ServiceFATCA/FBARS – The current state of foreign accounts• Voluntary, quiet and noisy disclosures of previously unreported
foreign accounts – each approach should be carefully considered based on the facts and circumstances facing the client. As the penalties can be significant, the practitioner must be sure to fully advise the client of the potential consequences.
• Summonses• The number of summonses issued by the IRS, in audit and collections,
appears to be on the rise.• Summonses are not self-enforcing.
• Foreign Bank Accounts and the Required Records Doctrine – where it comes to foreign bank accounts, the government is having tremendous success in overcoming 5th Amendment objections concerning the production of records.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue Service
Collection Matters• Installment Agreements
• Liabilities of under $50,000 – automatic debit installment agreements paid over 72 months can avoid the filing of tax liens and expedite the resolution of outstanding liabilities.
• Lien withdrawals – lien withdrawals (in lieu of releases) are available following the resolution of a tax liability.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Internal Revenue ServiceCollection Matters• Offers in Compromise
• Modifications to financial analysis – the IRS has changed how its standard expense categories are applied. The changes now allow for consideration of federally subsidized student loans, the payment of state tax obligations and the increases in the amount of asset value exemptions.
• Changes to payment period – The maximum period over which a compromise can now be paid is now limited to two years.
• No compromise will be allowed if the IRS determines an Installment Agreement could pay the liability in full.
• Incentivizing bad behavior?• Increase in filing fees?
• Collection Due Process Hearings – The IRS has issued guidance concerning the timeliness of CDP requests mailed to incorrect addresses.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Wisconsin Department Of RevenueAudits
• Sales Tax Audits – The WDOR continues to aggressively pursue Sales and Use Tax liabilities.
• Trust Fund Taxes• Many cases coming out of the Wisconsin Tax Appeals
Commission appear to be related to personal liability imposed on the failure to pay Sales/Use Taxes.
• Statute of Limitations – In the case Rashaed v. WDOR – the taxpayer argued that a four year statute of limitations should apply to the imposition of personal liability under Wis. Stats. Sec 77.60(9).• The taxpayer lost at both the TAC and Circuit Court levels on the factual
issues and the argument that Wis. Stats. sec. 77.60(9) was unconstitutional
• The case is currently on appeal to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Wisconsin Department Of RevenueAudits
• Powers of Attorney – Mass Confusion at the WDOR• The Department of Revenue is rejecting Powers of Attorney that
do not include phone numbers and firm names.• In some instances, agents are attempting to bypass
representatives.• Many agents have different interpretations on the requirements
with which to comply.• There appears to be strict, but unclear, guidance concerning
Powers of Attorney.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Wisconsin Department Of RevenueCollections• Interest Rate Changes
• 2013 Wisconsin Act 20 (the budget bill) reduced interest rates on tax overpayments from 9 percent to 3 percent for refunds paid on or after July 2, 2013.
• Regardless of whether the refund was for periods arising or requested prior to this date, the new interest rate applies.
• The interest rates charged to taxpayers (12 percent rate on assessed taxes and 18 percent rate if delinquent) remain unchanged.
• Out of State Taxpayers
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Real Property Tax Assessments
• What are municipalities doing with property values?
• Are assessors making changes at Open Book?
• Are Boards of Review making changes?
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business Seminar
September 18, 2013
Drafting Flexible Estate PlansAfter The American Taxpayer Relief ActRandy S. Nelson
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
The New Normal
• EGT exemption $5,250,000• GST exemption $5,250,000• Portability of EGT exemption• Unlimited marital deduction• Longer life expectancies
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Life Expectancies at Age 65
• Male – age 83• Female – age 85• 1 of 4 live past 90• 1 of 10 live past 95
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Estate PlanningUnder the New Normal
• Flexibility in tax planning• Non-tax benefits of trusts
• Asset protection• Controlling the disposition of assets on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Flexible Estate Plans
• All to spouse with contingent bypass trust
• All to QTIP trust• Optimum marital deduction with QTIPed bypass trust
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Contingent Bypass Trust Plan
• All to spouse • Spouse may disclaim to bypass trust
• Deadline – 9 months after death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Advantages
• Simplicity – bypass trust is only used if needed
• Many options in structuring dispositive provisions of bypass trust
• Spouse makes the post-death decision
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Disadvantages
• No extension on 9 month deadline
• Spouse makes the post-death decision
• No income tax basis adjustment to bypass trust assets on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Disadvantages (cont’d)• Technical requirement – spouse may not have already accepted the economic benefits of disclaimed assets
• Spouse may not change the disposition of bypass trust assets on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
QTIP Trust Plan
• All to QTIP trust• May make full, partial, or no QTIP election
• Deadline – 9 months after death but can extend for 6 more months
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Advantages• Simplicity – all going to one trust• Extension permits 15 month
deadline• Spouse may be given power to
change the disposition of QTIP trust assets on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Advantages (cont’d)• Executor makes the post-death decision
• May preserve deceased spouse’s GST exemption with reverse QTIP election
• To extent of QTIP election, income tax basis of QTIP trust assets is adjusted again on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Disadvantages• Have QTIP trust even if not needed• Spouse is the only permitted
lifetime beneficiary of QTIP trust• All QTIP trust income must be paid
to spouse even if not needed
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
OMD with QTIPed Bypass Trust Plan
• Decedent’s assets up to the exempt amount go to a QTIP trust
• Balance goes to spouse• May make full, partial, or no QTIP election
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
OMD with QTIPed Bypass Trust Plan (cont’d)
• Variation on QTIP trust plan with a limit on QTIP trust
• Similar advantages and disadvantages
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Protection of Assets
• Trusts can protect assets for benefit of spouse and/or children
• Applies to bypass trust and QTIP trust
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Objective is Protection from:
• Divorce• Creditors• Undue influence of new spouse, child, caregiver, etc.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Protection of Assets (cont’d)• At a minimum provides vehicle for tracing inherited assets
• Selection of trustee or co-trustee may have a big impact
• May limit survivor’s power to change the disposition of trust assets on survivor’s death
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Specialized Trusts for
Specialized Assets
Philip J. Miller
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
One Easy Step to Getting a Contract Enforced
Sandy Swartzberg
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Sandy invites you to visit his blog:Conversations-With-Sam.com
Did I Say That? When An Email May Become A
Binding ContractNeal S. Krokosky
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Why is it Always Important to Get a
Survey When Purchasing
PropertyAnn K. Chandler
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
usiness Considerations in
light of the Repeal of the Wisconsin
Bulk Sales LawJames S. Swiderski
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Question
&Answer
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and
Business SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
Thank you for attending our
31st AnnualTax and Business Seminar
Please join us in the adjoining bar
area for cocktails, hors d’œuvres
and conversation.
Weiss Berzowski Brady31st Annual Tax and Business
SeminarSeptember 18, 2013
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