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Major Topics

Learning Objectives

  1. Determine “interest” and select how much is tax deductible under ?163 by: a. Identifying what constitutes bona fide debt considering economic substance and purpose and the differences that such debt has from installment sales, long-term & leveraged leases, and annuities; b. Specifying how transactions with family members and controlled corporations can recharacterize alleged indebtedness into gift or business equity naming the factors used in this recharacterization and; c. Recognizing incentives to use corporate debt instead of equity and the special treatment of failed equity investment under ?1244.
  2. Identify deductible interest and special calculation concepts and pro-cedures by: a. Recognizing the allocation of interest based on the debt’s business or personal purpose specifying the application of any carryover rules; b. Determining net investment income including its impact on the deductibility of investment interest; c. Recognizing the special tax treatment given to student loans, mar-gin accounts, and market discount bonds stating what happens to any disallowed interest expense; and d. Specifying the timing considerations in interest reporting includ-ing interest paid in advance.
  3. Recognize nondeductible interest types and provisions that through restriction create nondeductible interest by: a. Identifying when interest is nondeductible personal interest under ?163(h)(1); b. Determining the disallowance of interest related to tax-exempt in-come under ?265, the life insurance interest restrictions of ?264; the ?465 at-risk limitations and application of the ?469 passive loss rules; and c. Specifying the treatment of certain commitment fees and service charges based on R.R. 67-297 and caselaw.
  4. Identify interest under the cash or accrual method recognizing the special elections applicable to and treatment of carrying charges under ?266, below-market loans, and imputed interest.

Course Description

This course focuses on tax issues affecting the treatment of interest and debt. It covers the definition of bona fide debt, the impact of related parties, the avoidance of equity and lease characterization, and deductible versus non-deductible interest factors. Sticky cross issues such as the impact of at-risk rules under §465, passive loss restrictions of §469, and below-market-rate loans under §7278 are examined. In addition, the accounting method treatment of interest, points, pre-paid interest, and discounted loans are reviewed. Particular attention is given to imputed interest and original issue discount.

Compliance Information

Advanced Preparation

None

Field of Study

Taxes

Credits

2 Credits

Published Date

February 1, 2023

Revision Date

February 29, 2024

Course Authors

Danny Santucci

Huntington Beach, CA
Author, Santucci Publishing

Danny earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Irvine in 1969. He received his Juris Doctorate from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley in 1972, at which time he began practice as a tax attorney in Southern California. His legal career started with the business and litigation firm of Edwards, Edwards, and Ashton. Later he joined the Century City entertainment firm of Bushkin, Gaims, Gaines & Jonas working for many well-known celebrities. In 1980, Danny established the law firm of Santucci, Potter, and Leanders, in Irvine, California. With increasing lecture and writing commitments, Danny went into sole practice in 1995. His practice emphasizes business taxation, real estate law, and estate planning.

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Overview

This course focuses on tax issues affecting the treatment of interest and debt. It covers the definition of bona fide debt, the impact of related parties, the avoidance of equity and lease characterization, and deductible versus non-deductible interest factors. Sticky cross issues such as the impact of at-risk rules under §465, passive loss restrictions of §469, and below-market-rate loans under §7278 are examined. In addition, the accounting method treatment of interest, points, pre-paid interest, and discounted loans are reviewed. Particular attention is given to imputed interest and original issue discount.

Course Details

  1. Determine “interest” and select how much is tax deductible under ?163 by: a. Identifying what constitutes bona fide debt considering economic substance and purpose and the differences that such debt has from installment sales, long-term & leveraged leases, and annuities; b. Specifying how transactions with family members and controlled corporations can recharacterize alleged indebtedness into gift or business equity naming the factors used in this recharacterization and; c. Recognizing incentives to use corporate debt instead of equity and the special treatment of failed equity investment under ?1244.
  2. Identify deductible interest and special calculation concepts and pro-cedures by: a. Recognizing the allocation of interest based on the debt’s business or personal purpose specifying the application of any carryover rules; b. Determining net investment income including its impact on the deductibility of investment interest; c. Recognizing the special tax treatment given to student loans, mar-gin accounts, and market discount bonds stating what happens to any disallowed interest expense; and d. Specifying the timing considerations in interest reporting includ-ing interest paid in advance.
  3. Recognize nondeductible interest types and provisions that through restriction create nondeductible interest by: a. Identifying when interest is nondeductible personal interest under ?163(h)(1); b. Determining the disallowance of interest related to tax-exempt in-come under ?265, the life insurance interest restrictions of ?264; the ?465 at-risk limitations and application of the ?469 passive loss rules; and c. Specifying the treatment of certain commitment fees and service charges based on R.R. 67-297 and caselaw.
  4. Identify interest under the cash or accrual method recognizing the special elections applicable to and treatment of carrying charges under ?266, below-market loans, and imputed interest.

Intended Audience

Advanced Preparation — None

Field of Study — Taxes

Credits — 2 Credits

IRS Program Number

Published Date – February 1, 2023

Revision Date – February 29, 2024

Course Authors

Danny Santucci

Huntington Beach, CA
Author, Santucci Publishing

Danny earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Irvine in 1969. He received his Juris Doctorate from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley in 1972, at which time he began practice as a tax attorney in Southern California. His legal career started with the business and litigation firm of Edwards, Edwards, and Ashton. Later he joined the Century City entertainment firm of Bushkin, Gaims, Gaines & Jonas working for many well-known celebrities. In 1980, Danny established the law firm of Santucci, Potter, and Leanders, in Irvine, California. With increasing lecture and writing commitments, Danny went into sole practice in 1995. His practice emphasizes business taxation, real estate law, and estate planning.

About Instructor Read Less