Goldburd | Goldburd McCone LLP

For nationwide tax guidance, call:
212-302-9400 or toll-free at 844-653-2873.

Goldburd | Goldburd McCone LLP

For nationwide tax guidance, call: 212-302-9400 or toll-free at 844-653-2873.

Serving Individual And Corporate Tax Clients Nationwide From Our New York, New Jersey, Florida And California Offices

Steven Goldburd and Benjamin A Goldburd

Since 1983, our tax firm has skillfully represented individuals and corporations across the United States and around the globe from our offices in New York, New Jersey, California and Florida.

A major player in the marijuana business challenges federal tax rates

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2016 | Tax Collection

Under Section 280E of the Federal Tax Code, businesses selling “controlled substances (within the meaning of schedule I and II of the Controlled Substances Act)” are barred from taking tax deductions or credits “for any amount paid or incurred during the taxable year.”

Therefore, marijuana dispensaries can only deduct the cost of goods sold (COGS), but not “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. As a result, some dispensaries face a federal tax rate of anywhere from 60 to 90 percent. This type of tax burden is likely a significant barrier of entry for many companies.

A legal challenge could be a game-changer for marijuana dispensaries

Section 280E was enacted in 1982 with the purpose of preventing drug kingpins from gaining any tax benefit through the sale of illegal substances. Now, with the mainstreaming of marijuana in many states, it could be argued that Section 280E was not intended to apply to companies that are doing business that is legal under various state laws. In fact, Harborside Healthcare Center, a California company with more than $30 million in gross revenues, has challenged the legality of Section 280E in federal Tax Court.

For years, Harborside had been taking business deductions that a “normal” business would take. The IRS disagreed with this approach, stating that Harborside owed $2.4 million in delinquent taxes. Harborside takes the position that it should have the same deduction privileges as any legitimate business. Harborside’s attorney, Henry Wykowski, has argued before the Tax Court on behalf of marijuana dispensaries previously.

The Tax Court is not expected to rule on the Harborside case until sometime in 2017. If the Court holds that Section 280E no longer applies to marijuana dispensaries, it would dramatically impact businesses across the United States. Not only would businesses within the industry face lighter tax burdens, but a lower tax rate could encourage other companies to enter this market.

Any federal tax issue, whether an audit, tax assessment or other matter, demands exceptional legal counsel. The lawyers of Goldburd McCone LLP vigorously protect the rights of taxpayers across New York, the United States and internationally.

Sources: Marijuana Dispensary Takes on IRS in Tax Court, Accounting Today, by Craig W. Smalley, September 13, 2016, Stakes Are High As Medical Marijuana Test Case Heads To Tax Court, Forbes.com, Kelly Phillips Erb, June 5, 2016