This clearly written treatise is designed to make very accessible the complex subject of corporate taxation by using non-technical, straightforward language, charts, checklists, diagrams, and numerous examples to aid readers' understanding. The book starts with an introductory chapter that discusses the choice of business form; the general principle that corporate profits are subject to double taxation (once at the corporate level and again at the shareholder level); and the basics of anti-abuse rules, such as the step-transaction doctrine. Those anti-abuse rules are explored in more detail in a later chapter, as are proposals to partially or fully eliminate double taxation. The next several chapters are organized using a cradle-to-grave approach that traces the life cycle of a corporation, beginning with formation and capitalization and ending with corporate "death," liquidation. Between those events, the book discusses operational issues, including the capital structure of a corporation, distributions of cash or property, stock redemptions, and stock dividends. After corporate liquidations, the book explores more advanced topics, such as taxable stock or asset acquisitions; non-taxable corporate reorganizations and divisions; the carryover of tax attributes (such as net operating losses) following certain non-recognition transactions; and the treatment of corporate tax shelters. In addition, a chapter addresses the taxation of S corporations, which generally provides a single-tax paradigm. Understanding Corporate Taxation also includes discussion of relevant cases. It is designed to supplement any corporate tax casebook or to be used on its own.

The book describes the difficulties of the current international corporate income tax system. It starts by describing its origins and how changes, such as the development of multinational enterprises and digitalization have created fundamental problems, not foreseen at its inception. These include tax competition—as governments try to attract tax bases through low tax rates or incentives, and profit shifting, as companies avoid tax by reporting profits in jurisdictions with lower tax rates. The book then discusses solutions, including both evolutionary changes to the current system and fundamental reform options. It covers both reform efforts already under way, for example under the Inclusive Framework at the OECD, and potential radical reform ideas developed by academics.

Most books on the taxation of C corporations ignore important parts of this area, such as affiliated corporations and the filing of consolidated returns. This book, in addition to discussing the rules of Subchapter C, also introduces the concepts of affiliated corporations and the important area of consolidated returns. Hence, the reader receives a complete view of corporate taxation. Part I of the book introduces the tools and terms used by corporate tax lawyers. Part II discusses the taxation of C corporations in general. Part III discusses corporate distributions. Part IV, which covers the major areas of practice, contains an extensive discussion of corporate liquidations, distributions and reorganizations. Part V discusses controlled corporations, affiliated corporations and consolidated returns. "The book is very thorough and detailed . . . While the book can certainly be used as a text, it could also serve as a valuable library resource to anyone seeking a general understanding of the structure of the corporate tax system . . . Highly recommended." -- CHOICE Magazine