Chapter 18- Direct Participation Programs Flashcards
Direct Participation Programs
AKA as limited partnerships
Allows investors certain tax advantages
Composed of General and Limited Partners
General Partners
AKA- the manager and the Sponsor
Has unlimited liability
Limited Partner
Liability is limited to the amount that they have invested
Adjusted Basis
investors basis can change based on certain activities. This new basis is referred to as an adjusted basis
Adjusted basis can be increased by
additional contributions by the partner
Partnership Income
Adjusted basis can be decreased by
Distribution of property (including cash) to the partner by the partnership
Partnership loses
Non-deductible partnership expenses
depletion deduction for oil and gas partnerships
A limited partner can never write off more than
Their adjusted basis
At risk investments is
any money they invest along with any recourse loans
Recourse loans
Loans for which they are personally responsible
Advantages of DPP
single tax status- flow through tax
Limited Liability
Depreciation
Flexibility
diversification of financial risks
Limited Partnership and tax returns
Must file a tax return but does not pay taxes itself
Form K-1 are issued to limited partners for tax purposes
Disadvantages of DPP
Lack of liquidity
Lack of control over Managment
Tax code changes possibility
Losses of investment
Possibly assessment of additional funds
Additional IRS scrutiny
Potential ATM consequences
Considerations when investing in a DPP
Possible loss of principal
General Partners ability in the limited partnership
Possible federal tax code changes
The projected Rate of Return
You wouldn’t be concerned with the financial status of the other limited partners
Characteristics of Partnerships
Agreement must be in writing
The intent must be to carry on business for profit
profits and losses can be shared in any percentage that is agreed upon
A certificate of limited partnership must be filed with the secretary of state in the state where the partnership is formed to protect the limited partner
Certificate of partnership must include
Information of future contributions by the limited partner
The manner in which new partners will be added
The agreement for sharing profits and losses
An explanation of the General partners roll in the venture
Certificate must be amended if
there is an increase in contributions from the partners
There is a change in the profit sharing agreement
An error was discovered in the original certificate
A DPP offered to the public must be
registered with the SEC
The responsibility for exercising due diligence relating to statements made in the prospectus is borne by
The managing underwriter
Maximum Spread for a DPP is
10%
Factors used to determine suitability for DPP
Income and net worth
investment objectives
intention to hold long term
investment experience and tax bracket
Risk Tolerance
Understanding the risk and benefits
the Need for tax advantaged accounts
The economic viability of the DPP is a major concern in establishing suitability
Subscription agreement must contain
A statement saying the investor has read the prospectus and knows the risks
A statement that the general agent will act as an agent of the limited partnership
The investors social security number and tax id number
A statement that the investor has sufficient annual income and net worth for this money to be tied up
does not require a statement of where the investor source of funding came from
Subscription agreement
This is a signed application for the investor to become a limited partner
Must be approved and accepted by the general partner
Only becomes final when the general partner signs the agreement
Rights of the limited partner includes
Inspect the books and records
Receive a complete accounting of the operation
to demand dissolution by court decree
To sue general manager for good cause
To remove general manager for good cause
To share in profits as stated in participation agreement
Return of capital contribution
To receive agreed upon disposition of proceeds upon death of limited partner if partnership agreement includes a death clause. If none then the estate acquires the interest in the partnership
Limited partner can not
Sell partnership assets
Take place in the management of the partnership. (if they do they get reclassified as a general partner and become liable for debts and actions
Limited partner making a loan causes
The limited partner to also become a general creditor
But their interest in the partnership does not change