- 22 - 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 andPage: Previous 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next
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