Problem - The Heron Partnership was formed on July 1 of the current year and admitted Carl and Megan as equal partners on that date. The partners contributed $200,000 cash each to establish a children's clothing store in a local shopping mall. The partners spent July and August buying inventory, equipment, supplies and advertising for their "Grand Opening" on October 1. Following are some of the costs the partnership incurred during its first year of operations:
Legal fees to form partnership $2,000
Advertising for "Grand Opening" 15,000
Advertising after opening 10,000
Consulting fees for establishing accounting system 5,000
Rent, six months at $2,000 per month 12,000
Utilities at $600 per month 3,600
Salaries to sales clerks 30,000
Payments to Carl and Megan for services ($5,000 each for three months, beginning in October 30,000
Tax return preparation expense 5,000
In addition, the partnership purchased all of the assets of Granny Newcombs, Inc. Of the total purchase price for these assets, $60,000 was allocated to the trade name and logo.
Determine how each of the above costs is treated by the partnership, and identify the period over which the costs can be deducted, if any.