What are the advantages and complications of transferring shares on a full withdrawal?
Advantages of Transferring Shares on Full Withdrawal
Deferral of Capital Gains for Remaining Members
When appreciated shares are transferred instead of sold, **remaining members do not immediately realize capital gains**.
The gains are deferred and only recognized when those members fully withdraw from the club in the future. - This can help members manage their tax liabilities and avoid a sudden tax bill.
Portfolio Management Flexibility
Clubs can trim over-weighted or highly appreciated positions without triggering immediate capital gains for all members.
Transferring shares can help rebalance the portfolio more strategically than simply selling shares.
Tax Planning for Withdrawing Member
The withdrawing member receives shares and can choose when to sell, potentially timing the sale for favorable tax treatment.
The member’s basis in the shares is adjusted according to their club investment, and the holding period is preserved.
The withdrawn member can control when they trigger the realization of gains by holding on to the shares and selling at a later date.
Possible Complications and Considerations
Complexity in Accounting and Tax Reporting
The club must accurately track deferred gains for remaining members, which can complicate recordkeeping.
myICLUB provides the **Deferred Capital Gains Report** to help, but errors can occur if not managed carefully.
Lower Cost Basis for Remaining Members
Remaining members’ cost basis in the club is **lowered** by the amount of deferred gains.
When they eventually withdraw, they may face a **larger capital gain** and tax bill than if the shares had been sold at the time of the original withdrawal.
Brokerage Limitations and Fees
Some brokerages may only transfer whole shares, require members to have accounts, or charge fees for transfers
Tax Basis Adjustments for Withdrawing Member
The withdrawing member’s basis in the transferred shares may be higher or lower than the club’s basis, depending on their investment history.
This can affect their future capital gains when they sell the shares.
Summary Table
Advantage
Risk/Consideration
Defers capital gains for remaining members
Lower cost basis for remaining members (higher future gain)
Allows portfolio rebalancing without immediate tax