Capital Contribution

Capital contribution refers to the cash or property acquired by a corporation from a shareholder without the receipt of additional stock. This amount is added to the basis of the shareholder's existing stock, and the corporation's basis is carried over from the shareholder.

Definition

Capital Contribution is the provision of cash or property to a corporation by a shareholder without receiving additional stock in return. The shareholder’s basis in the existing stock is increased by the amount of the contribution, and the corporation assumes the shareholder’s basis in the contributed assets.

Examples

  1. Cash Contribution: A shareholder infuses $50,000 into the corporation without receiving any new shares. The shareholder’s basis in their stock increases by $50,000.
  2. Property Contribution: A shareholder contributes property valued at $100,000 with a basis of $70,000. The shareholder’s basis in the existing stock increases by $70,000, and the corporation assumes a basis of $70,000 for the contributed property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the impact of a capital contribution on a shareholder’s basis?

A capital contribution increases the shareholder’s basis in their existing stock by the amount of the contribution.

Does a shareholder receive additional stock for a capital contribution?

No, the shareholder does not receive additional stock for making a capital contribution.

How is the corporation’s basis in contributed property determined?

The corporation’s basis in the contributed property is the same as the shareholder’s adjusted basis in that property.

Are there any tax implications for the corporation receiving a capital contribution?

Typically, capital contributions made by shareholders do not result in immediate tax consequences for the corporation.

Can capital contributions be made in forms other than cash?

Yes, capital contributions can be made in the form of cash, tangible assets such as real estate, or intangible assets such as patents.

  • Basis: The value used to determine gain or loss for tax purposes when an asset is sold.
  • Paid-in Capital: The total amount of cash and other assets received by a corporation from its shareholders in exchange for stock.
  • Retained Earnings: The accumulated net income of a corporation that is retained in the business rather than distributed as dividends.
  • Shareholder Equity: The residual interest in the assets of the corporation after deducting liabilities.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. Fundamentals of Corporate Finance by Stephen A. Ross, Randolph W. Westerfield, and Bradford D. Jordan
  2. Intermediate Accounting by Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Terry D. Warfield
  3. Financial Accounting: An International Introduction by David Alexander and Christopher Nobes

Fundamentals of Capital Contribution: Corporate Finance Basics Quiz

### Does a shareholder receive additional stock when making a capital contribution? - [ ] Yes, always. - [ ] Sometimes, depending on the corporation's decision. - [x] No, a shareholder does not receive additional stock. - [ ] Only if the contribution is above a certain threshold. > **Explanation:** When a shareholder makes a capital contribution, they do not receive additional stock in return. This contribution increases the basis of the shareholder’s existing stock. ### What happens to the corporation's basis in the property contributed by a shareholder? - [ ] It is reset to the current market value. - [x] It is carried over from the shareholder's basis. - [ ] It is halved. - [ ] It is subject to depreciation reconsideration. > **Explanation:** The corporation's basis in the property contributed by a shareholder is the carryover basis from the shareholder's adjusted basis in that property. ### Can capital contributions be made in forms other than cash? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Capital contributions can be made through the provision of various assets, including real property, intellectual property, or other tangible and intangible assets, not just cash. ### Does a capital contribution affect the shareholder's basis in their existing stock? - [x] Yes, it increases the basis. - [ ] No, it does not change the basis. - [ ] It decreases the basis. - [ ] It neutralizes the basis. > **Explanation:** A capital contribution increases the basis of the shareholder’s existing stock by the amount of the contribution. ### When a shareholder makes a capital contribution of $100,000 in real property with an adjusted basis of $60,000, what is the corporation's basis in the property? - [ ] $100,000 - [ ] Market value at the time of contribution - [x] $60,000 - [ ] Zero > **Explanation:** The corporation takes over the shareholder's adjusted basis in the contributed property, which is $60,000 in this scenario. ### What term describes the total amount of cash and other assets received by a corporation from its shareholders in exchange for stock? - [x] Paid-in Capital - [ ] Retained Earnings - [ ] Loan Amount - [ ] Shareholder Equity > **Explanation:** Paid-in Capital refers to the total cash and assets received from shareholders in exchange for stock. ### If a corporation receives a capital contribution, does it face any immediate tax consequences? - [x] No immediate tax consequences typically arise. - [ ] Yes, an immediate tax liability is created for the corporation. - [ ] The shareholder faces immediate tax consequences. - [ ] Delayed tax consequences generally occur. > **Explanation:** Normally, capital contributions made by shareholders do not result in immediate tax consequences for the corporation. ### How does a capital contribution impact the corporation's balance sheet? - [x] It increases equity without increasing liabilities. - [ ] It increases both equity and liabilities. - [ ] It reduces liabilities only. - [ ] It primarily affects assets with minor equity adjustments. > **Explanation:** A capital contribution increases the corporation's equity without adding to its liabilities, reflecting an infusion of resources into the company. ### What is the primary reason for a shareholder to make a capital contribution without receiving additional stock? - [ ] To increase personal income immediately. - [x] To strengthen the financial position of the corporation and improve its equity. - [ ] To lower personal tax liabilities. - [ ] To diversify the shareholder's portfolio. > **Explanation:** The primary motive is typically to strengthen the corporation's financial position, thereby increasing equity and supporting future growth and operational needs. ### What is the term for the residual interest in the assets of the corporation after deducting liabilities? - [x] Shareholder Equity - [ ] Retained Earnings - [ ] Asset Base - [ ] Capital Account > **Explanation:** Shareholder Equity refers to the residual interest in the assets of the corporation after deducting all liabilities.

Thank you for exploring the intricacies of capital contributions and testing your knowledge with our quiz. Continue learning to master corporate finance terminologies!


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

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