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Interest on retention bonus tax deductible?

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Feb 11, 2010 5:59 pm

Wondering if anyone has an opinion on the deductibility of interest on a retention loan bonus agreement?  Figuring most of them are forgivable loans with a monthly payment of principal and interest, which you receive as income and then give right back, wouldn’t the interest portion be deductible in some fashion? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Feb 11, 2010 6:28 pm

its phantom.   

just to generate tax liability to keep irs happy that it’s a legit loan. correct?



if you then deducted it…wouldnt that be double secret probation?

Feb 11, 2010 6:57 pm

Yeah, you’re right - except that it has an interest factor in it as well so as to legitimize it ever further as a loan.  For example, say your monthly principal payment on the loan is $5,000.  Your interest may be 3%, therefore resulting in a monthly payment of $5,150.  Your firm would then make a monthly bonus payment to you in the same amount, $5,150 - which you would use to pay monthly amount (so it is a wash every month and you get to pay income taxes on the amount).  So since you are paying income tax on the full amount, wouldn’t the interest portion be deductible, say as investment expense?  Especially if you used the loan bonus to purchase investments?  

Feb 11, 2010 7:52 pm




dunno.

"im not a tax advisor.   consult your CPA".

bwahahhahahahahahah

how many times have you said that CYA line?
Feb 11, 2010 7:56 pm

A link in case anyone one else here was wondering the same thing…

http://www.taxalmanac.org/index.php/Discussion:Imputed_Interest_Expense_Deductibility