When a PSC-mandated restructuring forces a utility to transfer its generating assets to a subsidiary and auction them, are the proceeds and distributions taxable under sections 186 and 186-a?

Plain-English summary

New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is a regulated electric and gas utility taxed under sections 186 and 186-a of the Tax Law. To comply with the Public Service Commission's (PSC) Competitive Opportunities restructuring order (Opinion No. 96-12), NYSEG was required to reorganize into a holding-company structure and divest its coal-fired generating stations. It created two new subsidiaries -- HoldCo and GenSub -- transferred the generating Assets to GenSub for stock and a note, moved GenSub's stock up to HoldCo, and planned to auction the Assets to unaffiliated buyers under PSC-approved rules. NYSEG asked nine questions about how sections 186 and 186-a apply.

The Department's answers track its earlier utility-restructuring opinions (LILCO-I and LILCO-II) and two foundational cases:

• A section 186 dividend "implies a division or distribution of corporate profits" (Adams Electric).
• Section 186 gross earnings are "all receipts from the employment of capital" (Con Ed); being forced to dispose of capital under a regulatory mandate is not employing it.

So the asset transfer to GenSub and the auction sale are not section 186 gross earnings, and the restructuring distribution of GenSub stock up to HoldCo is not a dividend subject to the excess dividends tax. Under section 186-a, the utility realizes gross income only to the extent of profit -- the amount by which the consideration exceeds the assets' original cost, without deducting depreciation -- and the assets are treated as one aggregate transaction, so a loss on the whole cannot offset other gross income.

What this means for you

Forced restructuring is not "employing capital"

When a utility transfers and auctions assets only because the PSC mandates it, the proceeds are not section 186 gross earnings and the related up-stream distributions are not excess dividends.

Section 186-a still reaches the profit

Even a mandated sale produces section 186-a gross income to the extent of profit, measured against original cost (no depreciation), with sale expenses deductible and all the assets aggregated into a single transaction. A net loss cannot be deducted from other gross income.

The new generating subsidiary is taxed on what it does

If more than 50% of GenSub's receipts come from generating and selling electricity, GenSub is a section 186 utility (and its sales to NYSEG are gross earnings, because section 186 has no sale-for-resale exclusion); otherwise it falls under Article 9-A. Its wholesale (resale) sales are excluded from section 186-a gross income.

Common questions

Q: Are the auction proceeds taxed under section 186?
A: No. The mandated auction is not employing capital, so the proceeds are not gross earnings.

Q: How is section 186-a profit measured?
A: Consideration minus original cost, with no deduction for depreciation; expenses of sale are deductible; all the assets count as one transaction.

Q: Are NYSEG's charges to GenSub for services taxable?
A: Yes under section 186 (all receipts from employing capital), but under section 186-a only the profit on those services is gross income.

Citations and references

Statutes, regulations, and authorities:
- Tax Law section 186 (franchise tax on gas and electric utilities; gross earnings and excess dividends)
- Tax Law section 186-a (tax on gross income of utilities)
- Tax Law section 186-a.2(c) (definition of gross income)
- Tax Law section 186-a.2(d) (definition of gross operating income)
- Tax Law section 209.1 (Article 9-A franchise tax)
- Tax Law section 209.4 (corporation taxable under section 186 not taxable under Article 9-A)
- Matter of Consolidated Edison Co. v State Tax Commission, 24 NY2d 114
- People ex rel Adams Electric Light Co v Graves, 272 NY 77
- People ex rel Brooklyn Union Gas Co. v Morgan, 114 App Div 266
- Long Island Lighting Company, TSB-A-95(9)C (LILCO-I)
- Long Island Lighting Company, TSB-A-98(3)C / TSB-A-98(1)R (LILCO-II)
- Matter of McAllister Bros., Inc. v Bates, 272 AD 511
- New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, TSB-A-98(11)C (July 29, 1998)

Source

• Landing page: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/advisory_opinions/corporation_ao_1998.htm
• Opinion: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/advisory_opinions/corporation/a98_11c.pdf

Original ruling text

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Taxpayer Services Division
Technical Services Bureau

TSB-A-98(11)C
Corporation Tax
July 29, 1998

STATE OF NEW YORK
COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE
ADVISORY OPINION

PETITION NO. C980423A

On April 23, 1998, a Petition for Advisory Opinion was received from New
York State Electric & Gas Corporation, P.O. Box 3287, Ithaca, New York 14852­
3287.
The issue raised by Petitioner, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation,
pertains to the tax ramifications, under sections 186 and 186-a of the Tax Law,
resulting from the proposed corporate restructuring of Petitioner implemented in
fulfillment of the New York Public Service Commission's mandate under its
Competitive Opportunities proceeding.
Petitioner submits the following facts as the basis for this Advisory
Opinion.
Background
Petitioner is a publicly-held utility corporation that is subject to the
supervision of the New York State Department of Public Service ("PSC"). Its
primary business activity is the generation of electricity and the purchase,
transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas.
Therefore,
Petitioner is required to pay taxes pursuant to sections 186 and 186-a of the Tax
Law.
In August, 1994, the PSC began hearings with respect to restructuring the
New York electric industry to usher the New York electric industry into a new era
where it would be subject to competition, and customers would be able to select
their own suppliers. On May 20, 1996, the PSC issued its order 1 (the "Generic
Order") in that proceeding. The Generic Order set forth the PSC's vision and
goals for the future of the New York electric industry. The PSC directed that
Petitioner file a rate and restructuring plan that was consistent with the PSC's
vision and goals. The PSC desired that the plan provide for the divestiture of
the utility's generation assets.
On September 18, 1996, Petitioner, four other utilities, the Energy
Association of New York State (the trade association of New York electric
utilities) and certain other parties brought an Article 78 proceeding against the
PSC in which they asserted, among other things, that the PSC had no authority to
force them to divest their generation assets. On November 26, 1996, the court
denied the utilities' petition. On December 24, 1996, the utilities appealed
this decision to the Appellate Division, Third Department, where it is pending.

On September 27, 1996, in response to the Generic Order, Petitioner

1

Opinion and Order Regarding Competitive Opportunities for Electric
Service, Opinion No. 96-12, Issued and Effective May 20, 1996.

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submitted a proposed rate and restructuring plan. Subsequently, on October 9,
1997, after extensive negotiation with numerous parties, a revised plan was
agreed to by Petitioner, the staff of the PSC and a number of other parties
(hereinafter this revised plan is referred to as the "Restructuring Agreement").
The Restructuring Agreement, inter alia, provided for the mechanism by which
Petitioner was to dispose of its seven coal-fired generating stations and certain
associated assets and liabilities (the "Assets").
One of the terms of the
Restructuring Agreement was that Petitioner would withdraw its appeal of the
November 26, 1996, court decision.
The administrative law judge issued a
recommended decision in which he held that the Restructuring Agreement basically
was acceptable but that the parties should renegotiate certain matters.
On January 27, 1998, the PSC issued an order in which, subject to certain
modifications and conditions (which modifications and conditions are not relevant
to the issues discussed herein), it adopted the Restructuring Agreement. 2 On
February 4, 1998, Petitioner accepted the PSC's order. On March 5, 1998, the PSC
issued a confirming order. 3
As a result, Petitioner will be changing its
corporate structure and has commenced disposing of the Assets.
The Restructuring
Petitioner currently is the parent corporation of an affiliated group of
corporations as defined by section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Petitioner's affiliated group of corporations files a consolidated return for
federal income tax purposes. Two members of Petitioner's affiliated group of
corporations will be used to effectuate the terms of the Restructuring Agreement.
For purposes of this Advisory Opinion, these two corporations will be referred
to as HoldCo and GenSub. On September 23, 1997, after Petitioner had reached an
agreement in principle with the staff of the PSC, both of these corporations were
incorporated as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Petitioner.
Prior to the
transactions described herein, both of these corporations had nominal assets.
As a result of the mandate of the PSC, the following transactions have taken, or
will, take place.
On February 11, 1998, Petitioner and GenSub entered into an agreement (the
"Agreement") which provided that the Assets would be transferred to GenSub in
exchange for 50 shares of GenSub's common stock and a contingent promissory note
(the "Note"). On the same day, substantially all of the Assets were transferred
to GenSub, and GenSub issued 50 shares of its common stock and the Note to

2

Order Adopting Terms of Settlement Subject to Modifications and
Conditions, Issued and Effective January 27, 1998.
3

Opinion and Order Adopting Terms of Settlement Subject to Modifications
and Conditions, Opinion No. 98-6, Issued and Effective March 5, 1998.

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Petitioner. The Note was in the principal amount of $92,370,000. Pursuant to
the Agreement, the principal amount of the Note will be adjusted, retroactively
to February 11, 1998, based upon the ultimate amount that GenSub realizes upon
the sale of the Assets.
After the transfer, Petitioner owned 150 shares of
GenSub's common stock, which was all of GenSub's outstanding stock. 4
The Agreement further provided that a tax sharing agreement will be entered
into among the various members of Petitioner's affiliated group and that this tax
sharing agreement will provide that Petitioner will bear the burden of any
federal income tax liability that is attributable to the activities of GenSub.
Petitioner's original cost, unreduced by depreciation, for the Assets is
substantially in excess of the amount that GenSub is expected to realize upon the
sale of the Assets.
On February 19, 1998, Petitioner transferred its 150 shares of GenSub
common stock to HoldCo in exchange for 50 shares of common stock of HoldCo. As
a result of this transfer, Petitioner currently owns 150 shares of common stock
of HoldCo, which is all of the outstanding stock of HoldCo. 5
Petitioner will request its common stockholders to approve a binding share
exchange pursuant to which Petitioner's common stockholders will become the
holders of all of HoldCo's outstanding common stock6, and HoldCo will become the
sole holder of Petitioner's outstanding common stock.
The holders of
Petitioner's common stock will consider this request at the next annual meeting
of shareholders which was scheduled for April 29, 1998.
The binding share exchange will take place after it is approved by the
holders of Petitioner's common stock. As soon as practicable after the binding
share exchange is consummated, the remaining Assets will be transferred to GenSub
pursuant to the Agreement.
Also, as soon as practicable after the binding share exchange is
consummated, GenSub will conduct an auction for the sale of all of the Assets.
On April 8, 1998, the PSC approved the rules pursuant to which the auction will
be conducted.
Petitioner states that the PSC desired that the rules would
maximize the proceeds of the auction since the financial results of the auction
will inure to the benefit of Petitioner's customers. All of the Assets might not
be sold to a single purchaser. There will be two or more bundles of generating
stations and related assets.

4

Prior to the exchange, Petitioner owned 100 shares of GenSub's common

stock.
5

Prior to the exchange, Petitioner owned 100 shares of HoldCo's common

stock.
6

The 150 shares of HoldCo common stock that currently are owned by
Petitioner will be canceled as part of the binding share exchange.

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As soon as practicable after the auction has been conducted, the Assets
will be transferred to the winning bidder or bidders. Any substantial delay in
the consummation of the transfers will be attributable to obtaining the required
approvals for the transfers from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
("FERC"), the PSC and other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the sale
of the Assets.
During the time period between the transfer of the Assets to GenSub and the
transfer of the Assets by GenSub to the winning bidders, GenSub will sell most
of the electricity that it generates to Petitioner, which will then resell it to
the public.
Petitioner will pay GenSub a FERC authorized rate for that
electricity. Additionally, during that time period, Petitioner will from time
to time render services to GenSub. GenSub will pay Petitioner for those services
an amount that is equal to Petitioner's cost of providing those services. For
regulatory purposes, GenSub's earnings for this period will be combined with
Petitioner's earnings.
Shortly after the sales proceeds have been received by GenSub, GenSub will
discharge the Note.
Applicable Law -- sections 186 and 186-a
Section 209.1 of Article 9-A of the Tax Law imposes an annual franchise tax
on domestic or foreign corporations for the privilege of exercising a corporate
franchise, doing business, employing capital, owning or leasing property in a
corporate or organized capacity, or maintaining an office in New York State.
Section 209.4 of the Tax Law, provides that a corporation liable for tax under
section 186 of Article 9 of the Tax Law is not subject to tax under Article 9-A
of the Tax Law.
To determine the classification and proper taxability of a corporation
under either Article 9-A or section 186 of Article 9, an examination of the
nature of the corporation's activities is necessary, regardless of the purposes
for which the corporation was organized. See Matter of McAllister Bros., Inc.
v Bates, 272 AD 511, 517. Ordinarily, a corporation is deemed to be principally
engaged in the activity from which more than 50 percent of its receipts are
derived. See, e.g., Re Joseph Bucciero Contracting Inc., Adv Op St Tax Commn,
July 23, 1981, TSB-A-81(5)C.
Section 186 of the Tax Law imposes a franchise tax upon every corporation,
joint-stock company or association formed for or principally engaged in the
business of supplying gas, when delivered through mains or pipes, or electricity,
"for the privilege of exercising its corporate franchise or carrying on its
business in such corporate or organized capacity in this state". The tax is
three-quarters of one percent on the taxpayer's gross earnings from all sources
within New York State, and four and one-half percent on the amount of dividends
paid during each year ending on the thirty-first day of December in excess of
four percent on the actual amount of paid-in capital employed in New York State
by the taxpayer.

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When section 186 of the Tax Law was enacted in 1896, it provided for a
franchise tax measured by "gross earnings from all sources within this state".
In 1907, the Legislature amended section 186 by providing a statutory definition
of gross earnings.
Gross earnings is defined as "all receipts from the
employment of capital without any deduction."
The definition of gross earnings was added to address a 1906 New York State
Appellate Division decision holding that in order to arrive at taxable �gross
earnings�, the cost of raw materials used in producing the utility service had
to be deducted from the company’s gross receipts. (See People ex rel Brooklyn
Union Gas Co. v Morgan, 114 App Div 266, affd 195 NY 616).
In 1969, the New York State Court of Appeals stated that "the 1907
amendment [of section 186] did not contemplate a substitution of 'capital' or
'gross receipts' for 'gross earnings' as the basis for taxation.
It merely
sought to include that portion of capital which the Brooklyn Union Gas Co. case
[supra] required to be deducted from 'gross earnings' to arrive at the proper
basis.
This is only that portion of 'gross earnings' which represents the
'employment of capital' to manufacture, distribute and sell various public
utility services."
(Matter of Consolidated Edison Co. of NY v State Tax
Commission, 24 NY2d 114, 119). In the Con Ed case, the court determined that the
proceeds received by the company for property damage and insurance claims and
from the sale of capital assets no longer employed in its business, consisting
of real property, scrap and used machinery, are amounts realized from the
destruction or confiscation of capital, not from the employment of capital.
Section 186-a of the Tax Law imposes a tax on the furnishing of utility
services that is equal to three and one-half percent of the gross income of a
utility that is subject to the supervision of the PSC or the gross operating
income of every other utility doing business in New York State. For purposes of
section 186-a, a "utility" includes a person subject to the supervision of the
PSC and every person (whether or not such person is subject to such supervision)
who sells or furnishes gas or electricity, by means of mains, pipes, or wires;
regardless of whether such activities are the main business of such person or are
only incidental thereto. The word "person" is defined in section 186-a.2(b) of
the Tax Law and includes corporations, companies, associations, joint-stock
companies or associations, partnerships and LLCs.
Gross income, as defined in section 186-a.2(c) of the Tax Law, consists of
the following elements:
1.

receipts from any sale made or service rendered for
consumption or use by the purchaser in New York State;

ultimate

2.

profits from the sale of securities;

3.

profits from the sale of real property;

4.

profits from the sale of personal property (other than inventory);

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5.

receipts from interest, dividends, and royalties, derived from
sources within New York State; and

6.

profits from any transaction (except sales for resale and rentals)
within New York State whatsoever.

Gross operating income, as defined in section 186-a.2(d) of the Tax Law,
means and includes receipts received in or by reason of any sale made for
ultimate consumption or use by the purchaser of gas or electricity, or in or by
reason of the furnishing for such consumption or use of gas or electric service
in New York State, without any deductions.
In Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Adv Op St Tax Commn,
December 1, 1986, TSB-A-86(22)C, ("Con Ed-II") one of the issues involved whether
transactions from an agreement whereby Con Ed used its distribution system to
facilitate the distribution and sale of preference power by the New York City
Public Utility Service resulted in gross income under section 186-a of the Tax
Law. The opinion stated that for purposes of section 186-a, "sales made and
services rendered" has been defined to include sales and services which are the
principal business of the taxpayer and which are made to customers. It also
stated that "[i]n order to be included under the heading 'profit from any other
transaction whatsoever, except the profit on sales for resale and rentals,' the
profits must be from labor not performed in the conduct of the taxpayer's
principal business and from the sales of materials and supplies, other than such
as are purchased for resale. Isolated transactions also come under this item
such as when a water company, which does not make a practice of furnishing this
service, lays pipes and mains for a customer with title vesting in such
customer."
The opinion held that the services Con Ed performed under the
agreement in its use of its distribution system were not services "for ultimate
consumption or use by the purchaser" within the meaning intended under the law.
The services rendered were incidental to the conduct of Con Ed's principal
business.
As such, the services rendered were transactions taxable on the
profits derived therefrom, and to the extent that the services were rendered on
behalf of New York State consumers, the profits would be subject to tax in their
entirety.
Accordingly, under section 186-a of the Tax Law, a utility subject to the
supervision of the PSC includes in gross income the profits from the sale of real
property and the profits from the sale of personal property, other than
inventory.
For purposes of section 186-a, the basis for computing the profit
from the sale of real or personal property, other than inventory, is the original
cost of the property, without the deduction for depreciation attributable to such
property. If the sale of the real or personal property results in a loss, rather
than a profit, such loss may not be deducted from the taxpayer’s other gross
income.
In an Advisory Opinion of the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance to Long
Island Lighting Company, dated May 19, 1995, TSB-A-95(9)C,("LILCO-I") it was
determined that in the sale-leaseback transactions presented, the gain, rather
than the entire proceeds, on the sale of equipment (machinery and equipment used
in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas,

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such as an undivided interest in one of LILCO's electricity generating plants,
or certain diesel generators manufactured by Colt Industries, together with
associated spare parts, accessories and related equipment and structures) was a
receipt from the employment of capital and as such, the gain constituted gross
earnings under section 186 of the Tax Law.
The gain from the sale of the
equipment, for purposes of section 186, was determined by subtracting from the
receipts from the sale of the property, the original cost of the property.
Depreciation and other expenses attributable to the equipment were not deducted
from the original cost. If the sale resulted in a loss, rather than a gain, the
loss could not be deducted from other gross earnings. It was also determined
that the profit from the sale of LILCO's equipment was required to be included
in gross income for purposes of section 186-a of the Tax Law. When determining
whether there was a profit or loss on the sale of the equipment, for purposes of
section 186-a, depreciation attributable to the equipment was not deducted from
the original cost. The profit was determined by subtracting from the receipts
from the sale of the equipment, the original cost of the equipment along with the
expenses incurred in making the sale. If the sale of such equipment resulted in
a loss, the loss could not be deducted from LILCO's other gross income.
Petitioner is one of several utilities in New York State being compelled
by the PSC to reorganize its corporate structure and possibly sell off some of
its business to unrelated third parties.
With respect to such mandated
restructuring, the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance has issued an Advisory
Opinion to Long Island Lighting Company, Adv Op Comm T&F, February 27, 1998, TSBA-98(3)C, TSB-A-98(1)R ("LILCO-II").
LILCO, in restructuring its corporate
organization, is entering into a series of transactions under a threat of
condemnation by the Long Island Power Authority ("LIPA"). The first transaction
involves the acquisition of the stock of LILCO by the LIPA and the transfer of
certain of LILCO's assets to a new corporation that will be owned by LILCO's
former shareholders.
The Opinion reached several conclusions, including the
following:
1. That the gas and generation asset exchange is part of such series of
transactions that LILCO is entering into under a threat of condemnation by the
LIPA, and like Con Ed, supra, LILCO does not employ its capital within the
meaning of section 186 of the Tax Law for the purpose of being forced to dispose
of such capital under threat of condemnation.
Therefore, the consideration
received by LILCO for the assets does not constitute "receipts from the
employment of capital" and is not taxable under the gross earnings tax imposed
by section 186 of the Tax Law.
2. With respect to the gas and generation asset exchange for purposes of
section 186-a of the Tax Law, LILCO will realize taxable gross income to the
extent that a profit is generated. The profit, if any, would equal the amount
that the fair market value of the holding company stock received by LILCO plus
the amount of LILCO's liabilities assumed by the holding company exceed the
original cost of the gas and generation assets, without deduction for
depreciation.
Expenses of the sale are allowed to be deducted.
In this
situation, it is appropriate to consider the distribution of the assets as one
transaction or sale. Accordingly, the profit would be determined based on the
sale of the aggregate of all the assets, not the sale of each asset separately.

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3. The distribution by LILCO of the holding company stock in the redemption
   distribution and the distribution of cash in the LIPA merger are also part of the
   series of transactions LILCO is entering into under threat of condemnation by
   LIPA. This restructuring is the means by which LIPA will purchase the balance
   of the LILCO common stock held by LILCO's public shareholders.
   These
   transactions constitute a complete termination of the shareholders' interests in
   LILCO and are considered as payment for the LILCO shares that are deemed to have
   been redeemed rather than treated as a dividend.
   Accordingly, these
   distributions are not treated as dividends subject to the excess dividends tax
   under section 186 of the Tax Law.
4. With respect to the redemption distribution for purposes of section 186­
   a of the Tax Law, LILCO will realize gross income taxable to the extent that a
   profit is generated. The profit, if any, would equal the amount that the fair
   market value of the LILCO stock deemed received by LILCO exceeds the original
   cost of the holding company stock exchanged therefor.
   Specific Questions and Answers
   Question 1. Will the transfer of the Assets by Petitioner to GenSub in exchange
   for the 50 shares of GenSub common stock and the Note result in gross earnings
   under section 186 of the Tax Law?
   Answer. No. The transfer of the Assets by Petitioner to GenSub in exchange
   for the 50 shares of GenSub common stock and the Note is part of a series of
   transactions being entered into by Petitioner as mandated by the PSC pursuant to
   the Competitive Opportunities Proceeding and the PSC's directive set forth in the
   Order (Opinion No. 96-12), as implemented under the restructuring plan described
   in the Restructuring Agreement dated October 9, 1997, as modified January 27,
   1998 and confirmed by PSC Order 98-6 issued and effective March 5, 1998, which
   includes the divestiture of the Assets and the sale of the assets at Auction.
   Like Con Ed, supra, and LILCO-II, supra, Petitioner does not employ its capital
   within the meaning of section 186 of the Tax Law for the purpose of being forced
   to restructure its organization.
   Accordingly, the consideration received by
   Petitioner for the Assets is not "receipts from the employment of capital" and
   does not constitute "gross earnings" and, therefore, is not taxable under the
   gross earnings tax imposed by section 186 of the Tax Law.
   Question 2. Assuming that Petitioner's original aggregate cost, unreduced by
   depreciation, for the Assets is not less than the aggregate amount that GenSub
   realizes upon the sale of the Assets, will the transfer of the Assets by
   Petitioner to GenSub in exchange for the 50 shares of GenSub common stock and the
   Note result in gross income under section 186-a of the Tax Law?
   Answer. No. With respect to the excise tax imposed under section 186-a of
   the Tax Law, Petitioner would realize "gross income" only to the extent that the
   transfer of the Assets by Petitioner to GenSub in exchange for the 50 shares of
   GenSub common stock and the Note generates a profit. The profit, if any, would
   equal the amount that the fair market value of the GenSub common stock and the
   Note exceed the original cost of the Assets, without deduction for depreciation.
   It is appropriate in this situation to consider the distribution of the assets

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as one transaction or sale. Accordingly, the profit would be determined based
on the sale of the aggregate of all the assets, not the sale of each asset
separately.
Question 3. Will the sale of the Assets by GenSub pursuant to the auction result
in gross earnings under section 186 of the Tax Law?
Answer.
The sale of the Assets, by GenSub, to an unaffiliated party
pursuant to the auction is part of a series of transactions being entered into
by Petitioner as mandated by the PSC pursuant to the Competitive Opportunities
Proceeding and the PSC's directives set forth in the Order (Opinion No. 96-12),
as implemented under the restructuring plan described in the Restructuring
Agreement dated October 9, 1997, as modified January 27, 1998 and confirmed by
PSC Order 98-6 issued and effective March 5, 1998, which includes the divestiture
of the Assets and the sale of the assets at Auction. Like Con Ed, supra, and
LILCO-II, supra, neither Petitioner nor GenSub employs its capital within the
meaning of section 186 of the Tax Law for the purpose of being forced to
restructure its organization and auction its assets.
Accordingly, the
consideration received by GenSub for the Assets is not "receipts from the
employment of capital" and does not constitute "gross earnings" and, therefore,
is not taxable under the gross earnings tax imposed by section 186 of the Tax
Law.
Question 4. Will the sale of the Assets by GenSub pursuant to the auction result
in gross income under section 186-a of the Tax Law?
Answer. GenSub would realize "gross income", under section 186-a of the
Tax Law, to the extent that a profit is generated from the sale of the Assets by
GenSub pursuant to the auction.
Following LILCO-I, supra, the profit, if any,
would equal the amount that the consideration received by GenSub as a result of
the auction exceeds the original cost of the Assets, without deduction for
depreciation.
Expenses of the sale are allowed to be deducted.
It is
appropriate in this situation to consider the distribution of the assets as one
transaction or sale. Accordingly, the profit would be determined based on the
sale of the aggregate of all the assets, not the sale of each asset separately.
If the sale of the Assets results in a loss, rather than a profit, such loss may
not be deducted from GenSub's other gross income.
Question 5. Will the sales of electricity by GenSub to Petitioner prior to the
closing of GenSub's sale of the Assets result in gross earnings under section 186
of the Tax Law?
Answer. GenSub would be in the business of generating and selling
electricity. If more than 50 percent of GenSub's gross receipts are from such
business, GenSub would be principally engaged in such business, and GenSub would
be subject to tax under section 186 of the Tax Law. The tax would be imposed on
GenSub's gross earnings, that is, all receipts from the employment of capital
without any deduction, from all sources within New York State. If 50 percent or
less of its receipts are from generating and selling electricity, the GenSub
would be subject to tax under Article 9-A of the Tax Law pursuant to section
209.1 of the Tax Law. If GenSub is subject to tax under section 186 of the Tax

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Law, the sales of electricity to Petitioner will constitute gross earnings under
section 186 because there is no deduction or exclusion for sales for resale under
section 186.
Question 6. Will the sales of electricity by GenSub to Petitioner prior to the
closing of GenSub's sale of the Assets result in gross income under section 186-a
of the Tax Law?
Answer. No. Pursuant to section 186-a.2(c), GenSub's sale of electricity
at wholesale (i.e., sale for resale, made in and out of New York) would be
excluded from gross income.
Question 7. Will the amounts that GenSub pays to Petitioner for services rendered
to GenSub by Petitioner prior to the closing of GenSub's sale of the Assets
result in gross earnings under section 186 of the Tax Law?
Answer. Yes. The amounts that Petitioner receives from GenSub for services
rendered to GenSub are receipts from the employment of capital. Under section
186 of the Tax Law, gross earnings includes all receipts from the employment of
capital without any deduction. Accordingly, the receipts of Petitioner from such
services constitute gross earnings under section 186.
Question 8. Will the amounts that GenSub pays to Petitioner for services rendered
to GenSub by Petitioner prior to the closing of GenSub's sale of the Assets be
included in gross income under section 186-a of the Tax Law only to the extent
that Petitioner has a profit from the rendition of such services?
Answer. Yes. Like Con Ed-II, supra, the services performed by Petitioner
for GenSub are not performed in the conduct of Petitioner's principal business
of furnishing electricity or electric service.
Therefore, the amounts that
Petitioner receives from GenSub for services rendered to GenSub are receipts
taxable under the gross income category of "profits from any transaction within
New York State whatsoever" and only the profits would constitute gross income.
Question 9. Will any of the transactions described in this Advisory Opinion
result in a dividend for purposes of the excess dividends tax imposed under
section 186 of the Tax Law?
Answer. No. In People ex rel Adams Electric Light Co v Graves, 272 NY 77,
79, the Court of Appeals stated that under the franchise tax imposed by section
186, "[a] dividend implies a division or distribution of corporate profits".
Petitioner's distribution to Holdco, directly after the Share Exchange, of all
of the common stock of GenSub, is also part of the series of transactions being
entered into by Petitioner as mandated by the PSC pursuant to the Competitive
Opportunities Proceeding and the PSC's directives set forth in the Order (Opinion
No. 96-12), as implemented under the restructuring plan described in the

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TSB-A-98(11)C
Corporation Tax
July 29, 1998

Restructure Agreement dated October 9, 1997, as modified January 27, 1998 and
confirmed by PSC Order 98-6 issued and effective March 5, 1998, whereby
Petitioner is reorganized into the holding company structure.
It does not
represent a distribution of the profits of Petitioner.
Accordingly, these
restructuring distributions are not treated as dividends subject to the excess
dividends tax imposed under section 186 of the Tax Law.

DATED: July 29, 1998

NOTE:

/s/
John W. Bartlett
Deputy Director
Technical Services Bureau

The opinions expressed in Advisory Opinions
are limited to the facts set forth therein.