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View Full Version : Tax-free merger: What amount should this building be recorded?


stevemiller
Sep 1, 2010, 04:37 PM
Sign Company purchased the net assets of Post Company in a business combination accounted for as a purchase. As a result, goodwill was recorded. For tax purposes, this combination was considered to be a tax- free merger. Included in the assets is a building with an appraised value of $210,000 on the date of the business combination. This asset had a net book value of $70,000, based on the use of accelerated depreciation for accounting purposes. The building had an adjusted tax basis to Atlantic (and to Vibe as a result of the merger) of $120,000. Assuming a 36% income tax rate, at what amount should Sign record this building on its books after the purchase?

a. $120,000
b. $134,400
c. $140,000
d. $210,000

From what I can tell, I think the asset should be recorded at fair value on the books after purchase for the parent company. So, I think the answer is D. Does anyone have any insight on this?

stevemiller
Sep 2, 2010, 04:14 PM
I've been reading around and still haven't found any information that would make me think my previous comment was not right. I"d really appreciate some input though.