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What is the difference between the GAAP valuations and the alternative valuation method that can be used for leased asset qualification testing?

Also, what can alternative valuation methods include?


Answers
  • Wendi Kotzen
    October 11, 2019

    GAAP valuation is the book value on a GAAP financial statement or other applicable financial statement (generally, statements prepared for the SEC or other government agency). This is the value of assets net of depreciation. This value may be used for leased assets only if a value is required to be reported on the financial statement. The alternate valuation is unadjusted cost basis for tax purposes. This value is before depreciation. For leased property, the alternate valuation method is the present value of the lease payments using the applicable federal rate (a rate announced monthly by the IRS) as the discount rate. A QOF or QOZB must choose which method to use each year, and is not required to use the same method each year. If a QOF or QOZB does not have GAAP or other applicable financial statements, it must use the alternate valuation method.

  • Matthew Rappaport
    October 13, 2019

    The alternate method discussed in the regulations is simply using cost basis, but to my recollection, any QOF filing applicable financial statements must use GAAP.

  • Maria De Los Angeles Rivera
    October 12, 2019

    For leased assets the alternative valuation method is to compute the present value of the sum of the payments during the lease at the original date of the contract. This amount will remain the same during the life of the lease.

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