Can a LLC purchase assets from another LLC and not be taxed on the transaction?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can a LLC purchase assets from another LLC and not be taxed on the transaction?

I am buying a 1/3 share of a LLC. Previously the LLC was single member owned. The owner has debts that I do not want to be party to. Is there a way for us to create a newly formed LLC with both of us a members, buy the assets from the previous LLC and leave the debt that the is owed in the LLC that he fully controls and manages, without being taxed on this transaction? If not, is there a way for the newly formed LLC to buy in full the single member LLC( this would be for other reasons)? What would these transactions entail?

Asked on January 28, 2012 under Business Law, Ohio

Answers:

Glenn M. Lyon, Esq. / MacGregor Lyon, LLC.

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Any assets transferred to the new LLC will affect its tax situation.  If they are contributed (i.e. given and not sold), then the value will be your tax basis in the LLC.  If they are sold, taxes generally applicable to such transactions will apply.  (Keep in mind that members are not generally liable for the debts and obligations of the LLC.)

Regarding your second question, it is possible, although most "buying of businesses" entail buying the assets of the company and not the actual ownership of the company to avoid taking on the company's debts.

 

If you would like to discuss any issues further, please feel free to contact my office.  The link to my contact information is below.  Thank you.

The foregoing is general information only, not specific legal advice. No attorney/client relation has been created or should be implied.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption