this is reminding me of LLCs holding real estate in California, where the LLC and bought and sold but not the real estate, thereby preserving the low tax basis for prop13 purposes.
Does this really hold up? I don't think so. I remember reading that under the law that an LLC that just holds property for the purpose of subverting re-assessment upon transfer, is not legal (or the reassessment happens when the LLC is sold, no free ride under prop 13). I would also think this doesn't work or every piece of property in California would just be owned by a separate company. If it does work, I'd like to know so I can set up my LLC for my house when I want to sell it. Reducing the property tax by $1000 a month should be worth quite a bit in this low interest environment.