LUSE GORMAN, PC
Attorneys at Law
Boards of Directors
Federal Savings Bank
First Seacoast Bancorp (in formation)
First Seacoast Bancorp, MHC (in formation)
March 8, 2019
Page 9
The opinions set forth above represent our conclusions as to the application of existing Federal income tax law to the facts of the instant transaction, and we can give no assurance that changes in such law, or in the interpretation thereof, will not affect the opinions expressed by us. Moreover, there can be no assurance that contrary positions may not be taken by the IRS, or that a court considering the issues would not hold contrary to such opinions.
With respect to our opinion under paragraph 4 above, the Bank has represented to us that the value of common stock received by the Bank in exchange for accounts receivable will be equal to the net value of the accounts transferred – i.e., the face value of the accounts receivable previously included in income less the amount of the reserve for bad debts. InNash v. United States, 398 U.S. 1 (1970), the Supreme Court held that a reserve for bad debts is not recaptured by a transferor of accounts receivable to a controlled corporation for its stock. The Court found that the transferors merely received stock and securities equal in value to the net worth of the receivables transferred – i.e., their face value less the reserve for bad debts. Since no gain or loss is realized, there is no reason to include the reserve in income. See also Rev. Rul.78-280,1978-2 C.B. 139.
Our opinion under paragraph 10 above is predicated on the representation that no person shall receive any payment, whether in money or property, in lieu of the issuance of subscription rights. With respect to our opinion under paragraphs 10 and 18, we note that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be legallynon-transferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of Common Stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any Community Offering. We also note that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has issued a letter to the board of directors of the Stock Holding Company and the Bank dated March 8, 2019that the subscription rights will have no ascertainable fair market value. Finally, we note that the Service has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value.
If the subscription rights are subsequently found to have a fair market value, income may be recognized by various recipients of the subscription rights (in certain cases, whether or not the rights are exercised) and the Stock Holding Company and/or the Stock Bank may be taxable on the distribution of the subscription rights.
We do not express any opinion as to the availability of any equitable or specific remedy upon any breach of any of the covenants, warranties or other provisions contained in any agreement. We have not examined, and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability of, or liability under, any Federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation other than as expressed above.
It is expressly understood that the opinions set forth above represent our conclusions based upon the documents reviewed by us and the facts presented to us. Any material amendments to such documents or changes in any significant fact would affect the opinions expressed herein.