Rule: IRC Section 1366 controls the pass-through of S corporation
income items to shareholders. In general, items are divided into separately
stated items (items that could potentially affect the tax liability of the
shareholders) and non-separately stated items. Non-separately stated items are
lumped together and constitute the S corporation's ordinary income. Separately
stated items are passed through to the shareholders (in a manner similar to
partnerships) and retain their tax attributes to the shareholders.
Choice "a" is correct. Tap's ordinary income is calculated as follows:
| |
|---|
Revenue | $ 44,000 |
Operating expenses | (20,000) |
Interest expense | (4,000) |
Ordinary income | $ 20,000 |
The long-term capital loss and the charitable contributions are not included
in Tap's ordinary income. They are separately stated items and thus are passed
through to the shareholders and retain their tax attributes.