3 Distributions and Dividends

US Tax Code Essentials · 3:14

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When a corporation makes some cash
Earnings and profits tell the tale
Current year and past combined
Help determine what's for sale
Shareholders receive their share
But how it's taxed depends on E and P
Distribution rules apply
Let's learn the code that sets us free

[Chorus]
Three oh one says check the order first
Current E and P gets hit
Then accumulated takes the rest
That's how dividends commit
Property distributions trigger gain
At corporate level pain
Remember E and P
That's the dividend key

[Verse 2]
Sometimes dividends aren't declared
But still they count as income flow
Constructive dividends appear
When benefits to shareholders show
Excessive salary or loans
Below market rent they pay
Corporate benefits disguised
As dividends they'll stay

[Chorus]
Three oh one says check the order first
Current E and P gets hit
Then accumulated takes the rest
That's how dividends commit
Property distributions trigger gain
At corporate level pain
Remember E and P
That's the dividend key

[Bridge]
Stock dividends and stock rights too
Section three oh five's the rule
Generally not income to you
Unless they change proportions cool
Pro rata means you're safe
Disproportionate means tax
Stock distributions have their place
Know the facts

[Verse 3]
When property gets distributed out
Corporation must recognize
The gain as if they sold it out
At fair market value price
Built-in gains can't hide away
Corporate tax will have its day
Shareholders get basis stepped
Up to value kept

[Chorus]
Three oh one says check the order first
Current E and P gets hit
Then accumulated takes the rest
That's how dividends commit
Property distributions trigger gain
At corporate level pain
Remember E and P
That's the dividend key

[Outro]
Distributions tell a story
Current then accumulated glory
E and P will guide the way
In the tax code every day

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