- 6 - Commissioner, 812 F.2d 650, 654 (11th Cir. 1987), affg. T.C. Memo. 1985-159; Cordes v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1994-377. A bona fide transaction is not invalidated by the mere fact that the arrangement of the transaction confers tax benefits upon the taxpayer. Gyro Engg. Corp. v. United States, 417 F.2d 437, 440 (9th Cir. 1969). The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has identified some objective factors to consider in determining whether bona fide debt exists: (1) The names given to the certificates evidencing the indebtedness; (2) the presence or absence of a maturity date; (3) the source of the payments; (4) the right to enforce payment of principal and interest; (5) participation in management; (6) a status equal to or inferior to that of regular corporate creditors; (7) the intent of the parties; (8) "thin" or adequate capitalization; (9) identity of interest between creditor and stockholder; (10) payment of interest only out of "dividend" money; and (11) the ability of the corporation to obtain loans from outside lending institutions. Hardman v. United States, 827 F.2d 1409, 1412-1414 (9th Cir. 1987). Each factor is not necessarily afforded equal significance nor is any particular factor determinative. Dixie Dairies Corp. v. Commissioner, 74 T.C. 476, 493-494 (1980). Not all of the factors articulated by the Ninth Circuit are relevant in each case. Id. The ultimate question is whether there was a “genuinePage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
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