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Level 2
February 17, 2020
Question

Royalties

  • February 17, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 15 views

Are royalties (acting/play) after the death of the actor subject to self employment tax to the beneficiaries and do they get reported as ordinary income? The beneficiaries have set up an LLC for this.

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1 reply

itonewbie
Level 15
February 17, 2020

Sounds like residuals during the actor's lifetime, which was subject to SE tax.  That's now income in respect of decedent, which is not subject to SE tax.

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ElkevanoAuthor
Level 2
February 18, 2020

Thank you! Where does it go on Form 1065? When I enter it on 8825, it is asking me for an address. When I enter it as ordinary income it makes it subject te SE tax for managing member. 

itonewbie
Level 15
February 18, 2020

But if the right to receive residuals was bequeathed to the beneficiaries, shouldn't it be the beneficiaries' income rather than as a passthrough from the LLC?  Whether the beneficiaries assign or contribute that income to the LLC shouldn't change that fact, by fruit of the tree doctrine.  If the arrangement was structured by an attorney or financial planner, it'd be best to consult that person as to the technicality, operations, and the appropriate tax reporting position.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Still an AllStar