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.

This clearly written Understanding treatise is designed to supplement any corporate tax casebook, providing a step-by-step explanation of the fundamentals of corporate tax law. After an initial introductory chapter, six chapters cover events in the life cycle of a corporation, including capitalization of a corporation with debt or equity. The next seven chapters cover S corporations; corporate reorganizations (in four chapters); carryover of tax attributes; and anti-abuse and special provisions, such as the corporate AMT. The final two chapters discuss the important policy issues of corporate integration and corporate tax shelters. The chapter on corporate tax shelters is new to this edition of the book. Understanding Corporate Taxation includes discussion of relevant cases, checklists, diagrams of transactions, and numerous examples.

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

Examples and& Explanations: Corporate Taxation offers a remarkably clear treatment of a complex area of tax law. Demystifying Subchapter C, Cheryl D. Block methodically explains all of the tax issues that arise from the formation of the corporation to liquidation. Students learn by applying the concepts in multiple problem sets and comparing their answers to Block's thorough analysis. Making complicated tax laws understandable, this straightforward introduction to the principles of corporate taxation offers: a logical cradle-to-grave organization modified by considering corporate liquidations prior to the more complex materials on tax-free reorganizations numerous diagrams that illustrate the complexities and relational aspects of corporate transactions practical skill development that will enable students to identify the details that really matter in the larger context Examples & Explanations that test students' understanding and provide an opportunity to apply what they have learned in each chapter a modular chapter structure that easily adapts to different teaching approaches Updated throughout, the Fourth Edition features: updated text, examples, and explanations that reflect new legislation, regulations, and rulings since publication of the Third Edition examples in Chapters 2, 3 and 11 selected coverage of Subchapter S integrated into Chapter 2 expanded coverage of capital structure planning coverage of OID, original issue discount coverage of section 362(e), regarding loss limitation rules Students who use Examples and& Explanations: Corporate Taxation agree: the combination of the author's singular clarity and the Examples and& Explanations problem format gets five stars.