Understanding Section 86 Rollover: Benefits, Drawbacks and Comparison with Other Business Structures

What is a Section 86 rollover?
Section 86 is used when a shareholder of a corporation exchanges all of his shares in one class for newly authorized shares in another class. In addition to taking back another class of shares, the shareholder can also take back some non-share consideration (i.e. boot)
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There are tax repercussions that must be taken into account when a shareholder sells their stock in a corporation. The use of a Section 86 rollover is one method of postponing those taxes. How does a Section 86 rollover operate, though?

For Canadian taxpayers who sell shares of a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC), a Section 86 rollover is a tax deferral option. By swapping their shares for shares of another CCPC, the shareholder can use the rollover to postpone the capital gain on the sale of their shares. Till the new shares are sold or otherwise disposed of, the tax obligation is postponed.

A Section 86 rollover has the advantage of enabling owners to postpone tax payments and maybe enjoy a future capital gain tax rate reduction. The shareholder may also keep their ownership stake in a CCPC, which could provide advantages including limited liability protection and possible access to small business tax credits.

However, a Section 86 rollover has disadvantages as well. For instance, the shareholder may only have minor influence on the new firm with which they are swapping shares. Furthermore, because the rollover is only accessible for shares of CCPCs, stockholders of other organizations might not be able to take advantage of it.

There are a few possibilities when it comes to selecting a business structure, each with advantages and disadvantages. The simplest and most adaptable choice is a sole proprietorship, but it may have higher taxes and has no limited liability protection. Limited liability companies (LLCs) provide limited liability protection and may result in cheaper taxes, but they can be more difficult to set up and keep in good standing.

A corporation, in contrast, provides limited liability protection and possible financial advantages, such as the availability of small business tax deductions. However, forming and maintaining a corporation might be more difficult, and it may be taxed more heavily than an LLC. Corporations may also be subject to stricter rules and reporting obligations.

The ideal corporate structure for a specific person or firm ultimately depends on their needs and objectives. Although not suitable for everyone, a Section 86 rollover may be a beneficial tool for some shareholders wanting to postpone taxes. Prior to making any decisions about the organizational structure of a firm or its tax tactics, it is crucial to get the advice of a certified tax specialist.

FAQ
Am I self employed if I own a corporation?

You are not considered to be self-employed in the conventional sense if you own a corporation. Instead, you are regarded as the corporation’s owner or shareholder. As a separate legal entity from you, the corporation is in charge of taking care of its own taxes, obligations, and debts. However, as the corporation’s owner, you could still be active in the daily management and decision-making of the company.

Consequently, how many shares should a small corporation start with?

Unfortunately, the item in question doesn’t say how many shares a tiny firm should initially have. The Section 86 Rollover provision of the Canadian Income Tax Act is highlighted, along with comparisons to other corporate forms.