--- title: What Is a 99-5 Transaction? description: A “99-5” refers to IRS Revenue Ruling 99-5, which discusses the federal income tax consequences of a transaction that takes place changing a single-member LLC (limited liability corporation) into a partnership for federal tax purposes. image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/LLCiStock-1288398157.jpg --- [![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/) - [Wealth Management Gap](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) [Register](https://www.realized1031.com/marketplace) [Log In](https://www.realized1031.com/login) - Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+** - [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333) - [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031** # What Is a 99-5 Transaction? Posted Jun 17, 2024 ![LLCiStock-1288398157](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLCiStock-1288398157.jpg?width=750&height=392&name=LLCiStock-1288398157.jpg) A “99-5” refers to[ IRS Revenue Ruling 99-5](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-99-5.pdf), which discusses the federal income tax consequences of a transaction that involves changing a single-member LLC (limited liability corporation) into a partnership for federal tax purposes. Before we examine the transaction and the guidance provided by RR 99-5, let's briefly review the difference between a sole proprietorship, an LLC, and a C corporation. A sole proprietor does not need to file legal documents to become an LLC; anyone can start a business independently if they intend to work alone. However, you can't share the ownership responsibilities, and you probably still need a business license in many cases. The disadvantage is that you remain liable for business obligations, and this exposure may be significant. A Limited Liability Corporation allows you to expand the number of owners in the present or future, providing greater flexibility as you grow. At the same time, you can protect yourself from risk since you are not personally exposed to liability for business debts. Because the[ LLC](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/should-i-create-an-llc-for-my-rental-property) is a straightforward business structure, it is popular with small business owners, including real estate investors. Pass-through federal taxation is among the advantages for an LLC owner. In contrast, if you have bigger growth plans, a C Corporation might be a smart way to go. This route offers the potential to go public if that's a possibility, and C corporations are recognized internationally. In addition, this structure, like an LLC, protects owners from liability. Still, both the corporation and the shareholders pay taxes on income, and you surrender some flexibility by having a board of directors.   ### When a Single-Member LLC Becomes a Multi-Member LLC Assume that the business in question was formed as an LLC, and the sole owner plans to bring in a second member or multiple additional participants. Revenue Ruling 99-5 provides IRS guidance on the appropriate accounting procedures for that conversion, depending on whether the new member joins by contributing cash, property, or both. The IRS guidance discusses scenarios in which the original LLC (owned by single-member A) becomes a co-ownership by member B purchasing an interest in the LLC from A, who retains the contributed funds for their own use; or by contributing to the LLC funds in exchange for a share of ownership but instead, the funds are used as part of the LLC operating capital. RR 99-5 states in both cases that no entity classification election is made to treat the LLC as an association. The original owner's decision whether to sell an interest for cash or allow a new participant to contribute property or money in exchange for an interest would likely be determined by whether the first owner wants personal cash flow or increased funds available for operating capital for the business. ### Related Revenue Ruling 99-6 In the reverse scenario, a multi-member LLC can become a single-owner LLC when all owners sell their interests to one person. That person can either be one of the current owners or a current non-owner. IRS guidance for that transaction is in Revenue Ruling 99-6.   This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. 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Before we examine the transaction and the guidance provided by RR 99-5, let's briefly review the difference between a sole proprietorship, an LLC, and a C corporation. A sole proprietor does not need to file legal documents to become an LLC; anyone can start a business independently if they intend to work alone. However, you can't share the ownership responsibilities, and you probably still need a business license in many cases. The disadvantage is that you remain liable for business obligations, and this exposure may be significant. A Limited Liability Corporation allows you to expand the number of owners in the present or future, providing greater flexibility as you grow. At the same time, you can protect yourself from risk since you are not personally exposed to liability for business debts. Because the LLC is a straightforward business structure, it is popular with small business owners, including real estate investors. Pass-through federal taxation is among the advantages for an LLC owner. In contrast, if you have bigger growth plans, a C Corporation might be a smart way to go. This route offers the potential to go public if that's a possibility, and C corporations are recognized internationally. In addition, this structure, like an LLC, protects owners from liability. Still, both the corporation and the shareholders pay taxes on income, and you surrender some flexibility by having a board of directors. When a Single-Member LLC Becomes a Multi-Member LLC Assume that the business in question was formed as an LLC, and the sole owner plans to bring in a second member or multiple additional participants. Revenue Ruling 99-5 provides IRS guidance on the appropriate accounting procedures for that conversion, depending on whether the new member joins by contributing cash, property, or both. The IRS guidance discusses scenarios in which the original LLC (owned by single-member A) becomes a co-ownership by member B purchasing an interest in the LLC from A, who retains the contributed funds for their own use; or by contributing to the LLC funds in exchange for a share of ownership but instead, the funds are used as part of the LLC operating capital. RR 99-5 states in both cases that no entity classification election is made to treat the LLC as an association. The original owner's decision whether to sell an interest for cash or allow a new participant to contribute property or money in exchange for an interest would likely be determined by whether the first owner wants personal cash flow or increased funds available for operating capital for the business. Related Revenue Ruling 99-6 In the reverse scenario, a multi-member LLC can become a single-owner LLC when all owners sell their interests to one person. That person can either be one of the current owners or a current non-owner. IRS guidance for that transaction is in Revenue Ruling 99-6. This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. 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