ACC - Tim is a real estate broker who specializes in commercial real estate

Tim is a real estate
broker who specializes in commercial real estate. Although he usually buys and
sells on behalf of others, he also maintains a portfolio of property of his
own. He holds this property, mainly unimproved land, either as an investment or
for sale to others.
In early 2011, Irene and Al contact Tim
regarding a tract of land located just outside
the city limits. Tim bought the property, which
is known as the Moore farm, several years
ago for $600,000. At that time, no one knew that
it was located on a geological fault line.
Irene, a well-known architect, and Al, a
building contractor, want Tim to join them in
developing the property for residential use.
They are aware of the fault line but believe
that they can circumvent the problem by using
newly developed design and construction technology.
Because of the geological flaw, however, they regard the Moore farm as being
worth only $450,000. Their intent is to organize
a corporation to build the housing project,
and each party will receive stock commensurate
to the property or services contributed.
After consulting his tax adviser, Tim agrees to
join the venture if certain modifications
to the proposed arrangement are made. The
transfer of the land would be structured as
a sale to the corporation. Instead of receiving
stock, Tim would receive a note from the
corporation. The note would be interest-bearing
and due in five years. The maturity value
of the note would be $450,000 - the amount that
even Tim concedes is the fair market value of the Moore farm.
What
income tax consequences ensue from Tim’s suggested approach? Compare this
result with what would happen if Tim merely transferred the Moore farm in
return for stock in the new corporation.

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Rating:
5/
Solution: ACC - Tim Reai-Estate Solution