A capital contribution (also called paid-in capital) increases the shareholder’s stock basis; a loan increases the shareholder’s debt basis. Basis is important because each shareholder can deduct pass-through losses up to the amount of their basis in the company.

Does a shareholder loan create basis?

A loan guarantee does not create or increase S corporation shareholder debt basis. To determine whether the distributions are taxable or how much of the business loss Merv can claim, Merv’s stock basis must be adjusted according to an ordering rule.

What is shareholder debt basis?

Debt basis is computed similarly to stock basis but there are some differences. If a shareholder has S corporation loss and deduction items in excess of stock basis and those losses and deductions are claimed based on debt basis, the debt basis of the shareholder will be reduced by the claimed losses and deductions.

What increases shareholder debt basis?

Rather, stock basis is increased by income and gain items and reduced by nondividend distributions. Stock basis is then reduced by loss and deduction items. Once the loss and deduction items have reduced stock basis to zero, they reduce debt basis (but not below zero).

How do I borrow money from my corporation?

How to get money from your corporation in a tax-friendly way

1. Take repayment of shareholder loans.
2. Pay dividends to a holding company.
3. Pay capital dividends.
4. Pay dividends to low-income family members.
5. Withdraw your paid-up capital.
6. Reimburse yourself for expenses.
7. Pay yourself rent.

When does a shareholder have basis in S corporation debt?

The debt must be “directly” from the shareholder to the S corporation. The shareholder must have an actual “economic outlay.” A shareholder has basis in a loan if he or she makes a direct loan to the S corporation. If the shareholder merely guarantees the debt of the S corporation, the shareholder does not have basis in debt to the S corporation.

What happens to the shareholders basis on a loan?

If the shareholder’s basis in the loan was reduced (and has not subsequently been completely restored), he or she will have income (other than interest) when the S corporation makes a payment on the loan. Each loan payment (other than interest) must be allocated in part to a return of the shareholder’s basis in the loan and part of their income.

When does a shareholder guarantee a corporate loan?

A shareholder often guarantees payment of corporate loans. When the corporation has losses that exhaust the basis of the shareholder’s stock and direct loans to the corporation, the shareholder may assert that the guaranteed loan gives them additional basis against which corporate loss-

What kind of debt is a shareholder loan?

Since the loan is not arranged through a commercial bank and is not secured by any sort of collateral, it is considered junior debt, also known as subordinated debt. This type of loan is often associated with S Corporations. In addition, shareholder loans are common with start-up businesses.