The Lester Partnership wants to develop a shopping mall on a former farm. The farmer wanted $260,000 for the land, $80,000 for the farm buildings, and $130,000 for the farmhouse. Although it wanted only the land, Lester agreed to the farmer’s terms. It then paid Ace Wrecking Company $20,000 to tear down the buildings. Lester was able to sell the scrap lumber from the buildings for $12,000.
Identify the tax issue(s) posed by the facts presented. Determine the possible tax consequences of each issue that you identify.