Harry and Sally Are Considering Forming a Partnership

question 92

Essay

Harry and Sally are considering forming a partnership. Both taxpayers use the calendar year and are cash basis taxpayers. The partnership will not be a tax shelter. The partners are uncertain as to whether the partnership should use the cash or accrual method of accounting. Also, the idea of a tax deferral in the first year of operations has led them to consider using a June 30 fiscal year-end for the partnership.
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As their tax adviser, identify the issues that must be considered in selecting an accounting method and tax year for the partnership.

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Definitions:

Internal Rate of Return

An analytical tool in finance that determines the profit potential of investments by calculating the return rate at which the total cash flows from a specific project's net present value becomes zero.

Independent Projects

In finance, projects that do not affect each other's cash flows and can be pursued simultaneously without financial interference.

Differing Sizes

A term that refers to the variation in size among objects, items, or entities.

Discounted Payback Period

A capital budgeting method that calculates the time required to break even on an investment, considering the time value of money.