The Corporate Flip Case Study Advanced 941 TFRP

The “Corporate Flip” Case Study Advanced 941 & TFRP Resolution Strategy Presenter: Parham Khorsandi, Esq Managing Partner, Victory Tax Lawyers, LLP (866) 640 -0640 1

941 Case Study What do you advise the client when operation of the client’s company is no longer viable? For example, they not only do not have the funds to go on a monthly payment plan, but they also cannot stay current with their FTD’s either. Essentially, they are being “shut down by the IRS”. 2

941 Case Study Facts: 1. The Company is an entity (S Corp/C Corp, Multimember LLC). It cannot be a single member LLC, disregarded entity. 2. Corporation owes $375, 000 in 941 payroll taxes (all 941’s filed) 3. Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) represents $263, 000 of the $375, 000 and is about to be assessed against the sole shareholder. 4. There is an aggressive Revenue Officer (RO) assigned to the case. 3

Part I: Wrapping up the Old Entity 1. Close Old Corporation by closing all bank accounts. Do not attempt to obtain a “dissolution” Certificate from the Secretary of State, unless all State payroll, sales and income taxes paid. 2. File “final” returns for the entity for both 1120/1120 S and any 940 and 941’s, so that all filing requirements are closed out. 3. Address any existing assets. (slides 6, 7 & 8) 4. Was the proper shareholder assessed the TFRP via 4180—Appeal the 1153 letter? 4

Part II: Forming New Entity and Transitioning Successfully 5. Form a new entity with a different address and phone number, etc. a. Cannot keep same address, phone number, or shareholder b. Needs new EIN and bank account c. If the name, address, or phone number are the same the IRS may attempt to use this to attach the debt of the old company to the new company via “Alter Ego” 5

Part II: Forming New Entity and Transitioning Successfully 6. Inform RO of your plan a. Notify the RO if the intent of the Taxpayer to close down the business and that you are taking the proper steps (cannot be a messy flip) b. If there is someone that is purchasing the assets of the business, then notify the RO, so that you can enlist his/her help to complete the sale and secure a lien discharge on the “old” business assets. Very important to get the lien discharge letter on the business assets so new buyer can have clean title. c. Make sure the RO understands that the “old” shareholder does not have any ownership interest/capacity, in “New” corporation or that there is any involvement in setting up the entity. 6

Part II: Forming New Entity and Transitioning Successfully 7. The new entity’s shareholder must be someone other than your client. (not a spouse) a. Should be an “arms-length transaction” 8. New entity buys assets of old entity at liquidation value via a “Buy/Sell” Agreement 9. Execute a Promissory Note pursuant to the “Buy/Sell” Agreement a. Be sure that the new entity is purchasing the assets free of the lien. 7

Part II: Forming New Entity and Transitioning Successfully 10. All payments under the Promissory Note are considered “voluntary” and as such can be “Designated Payments” made toward the TFRP only. (thereby reducing your client’s personal exposure) 11. IRS will “ 53” (Currently Not Collectible – Defunct status) any balance remaining at the old corporate level ($375, 000 - $263, 000). So, your client can walk away from the business and only be have to address the personal TFRP portion. 8

Part II: Addressing the Civil Penalties / Personal Portion (i. e. Trust Fund Recovery Penalty) 12. Your client goes to work for new entity as a W-2 employee (does not have to be instantaneous) 13. Put them on payroll with a salary that is just enough to cover their allowable monthly expenses per IRS Collection Standards. 14. IRS will access the TFRP (CIVPEN of $263, 000) to your client if they haven’t already a. Consider waiving the appeal on 1153 period if you are ready to submit the OIC ASAP. This can save time. 9

Part II: Addressing the Civil Penalties / Personal Portion (i. e. Trust Fund Recovery Penalty) 15. Submit an OIC-Doubt as to Collectability (DATC) for $1, 000 toward the $263, 000 TFRP that was assessed against your client 16. IRS accepts the OIC as settlement in full (Offers taking 12 -18 months) 17. Client gets a fresh start! 18. You’re a HERO! (and earned your $35, 000 fee!) 10

The “Corporate Flip” – Advanced Resolution Strategy Pros: You can wipe out a substantial amount of liability if it works properly. Not only will the Corp be CNC’d, but the client can OIC their personal liability. Cons: If you do not do this correctly, and follow the steps above, RO may claim “alter ego” entity. Meaning the business liability of the old entity will be transferred to the new entity. Not a good place to be. 11

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