22 August 2023
A US-based company, referred to as Company X, is in the process of being acquired by Company Y. This acquisition is structured as a 50-50 deal, with a combination of cash and stock. Specifically, for each share of Company X, shareholders will receive a combination of cash and Company Y's stock. The cash portion is equal to 50% of the current value of Company X's stock, and the number of Company Y's shares received is determined by dividing 50% of the current value of Company X's stock by the current value of Company Y's stock.
Now, when it comes to the cash portion received by shareholders of Company X, this is being treated as a dividend. The US government imposes a 30% tax on this dividend amount. My concern is whether it's possible to recover or reclaim this deducted tax money. It appears incorrect to me to pay a 30% tax on what is essentially not a traditional dividend. Adjusting it with stock P&L will not yield any benefits.
Is there a way to potentially recover or mitigate this 30% tax without affecting your profits?
CAclubindia
