William J. and Sandra D. Heitz - Page 22

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          compensation.  Owensby & Kritikos, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at           
          1324.  Mr. Heitz owned approximately 55 percent of Exacto's                 
          common stock, and Mr. Quillen and Mr. Green each owned 20                   
          percent.  During the years in issue, Mr. Heitz’ compensation was            
          approved by Mr. Green and Mr. Quillen.  It is more unlikely that            
          Mr. Greene and Mr. Quillen would have approved a substantial                
          "disguised dividend" to Mr. Heitz where they did not receive a              
          substantial dividend or some other benefit as well.  When there             
          is no close relationship between the share of compensation and              
          the share of stock holdings, it may be a persuasive indication              
          that the company is receiving compensable services and that                 
          profits are not being siphoned out of the company disguised as              
          salary.  See Mayson Manufacturing Co. v. Commissioner, 178 F.2d             
          at 119-120.                                                                 
               We have considered the factors relevant in deciding                    
          reasonable compensation for Mr. Heitz.  On the basis of all the             
          evidence, we hold that reasonable compensation for Mr. Heitz for            
          taxable years ended May 31, 1993 and 1994, is $900,000 and                  
          $700,000, respectively.  These amounts are in addition to the               
          salary Mr. Heitz received from Hickory, which we have considered            
          in determining his overall reasonable compensation.                         
               In deciding the above-stated amounts to be reasonable                  
          compensation, we have balanced Mr. Heitz’ unique selling and                







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