08/25/2026
When owners provide funds to their businesses, proper classification matters. Depending on the facts and circumstances, an advance may be classified as debt or an equity contribution under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Relevant considerations include the intent to repay, the terms of the advance and the business’s ability to repay. How an advance is treated in tax filings and other records may provide additional evidence about the parties’ intentions. Clear documentation from the start can help support the appropriate treatment and related disclosures. Call us at (616) 855-3300 for help classifying and reporting shareholder advances.