In the Matter of GKK 2 Herald LLC – Effects of the Step Transaction Doctrine

Volume 3 No 10    |    Read Article

By Rusudan Shervashidze

Clients that invest in U.S. real property have discovered that income tax planning for the structure is only once piece of the planning puzzle. A second piece relates to the imposition of transfer taxes on the sale. If the property is in New York City, planning must consider the real property transfer tax rules of both the city and New York State. Both jurisdictions impose tax. Rusudan Shervashidze looks at recent cases in the State of New York Division of Tax Appeals Tribunal and the New York City Appeals Tribunal involving the same plan, implemented by the same taxpayer, regarding the same parcel of real property. For New York State purposes, the plan was successful. However, for New York City purposes, the plan was overturned. The statutes at the state and city level are almost identical.    See more →