Make Sure the Corporation is in Good Standing Before Filing a Tax Court Petition

Many states will involuntarily or administratively dissolve a corporation for not paying or filing annual reports, fees, or tax returns. The ability of a dissolved corporation to engage in activities after dissolution depends on applicable state law, and typically there are procedures for reinstating such a dissolved corporation.

So what happens if such a dissolved corporation receives a notice of deficiency and petitions the Tax Court for review? Under applicable state law, there may be specific guidance on whether a dissolved corporation can prosecute or defend a lawsuit. Also, some states allow for a dissolved corporation to conduct winding up activities after the dissolution. Such state law provisions have at times allowed authority for a dissolved corporation to file a valid Tax Court petition.

A recent case indicates there are limits…

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