(b) For this part, assume today’s date is 1 May 2010.Bill and Ben decided not to

(b) For this part, assume today’s date is 1 May 2010.

Bill and Ben decided not to sell their company, and instead expanded the business themselves. Ben, however,

is now pursuing other interests, and is no longer involved with the day to day activities of Flower Limited. Bill

believes that the company would be better off without Ben as a voting shareholder, and wishes to buy Ben’s

shares. However, Bill does not have sufficient funds to buy the shares himself, and so is wondering if the

company could acquire the shares instead.

The proposed price for Ben’s shares would be ￡500,000. Both Bill and Ben pay income tax at the higher rate.

Required:

Write a letter to Ben:

(1) stating the income tax (IT) and/or capital gains tax (CGT) implications for Ben if Flower Limited were to

repurchase his 50% holding of ordinary shares, immediately in May 2010; and

(2) advising him of any available planning options that might improve this tax position. Clearly explain any

conditions which must be satisfied and quantify the tax savings which may result.

(13 marks)

Assume that the corporation tax rates for the financial year 2005 and the income tax rates and allowances

for the tax year 2005/06 apply throughout this question.

(b) [Ben’s address] [Firm’s address]Dear Ben [Date]A company purchase of own shares can be subject to capital gains treatment if certain conditions are satisfied. However, oneof these conditions is that the shares in question must have been held for a min