What to know before redeeming your Collective LP interest
Understanding the Redemption Process: Key Steps, Tax Implications, and Factors for LPs to Consider Before Withdrawing Partnership Interest
As we approach the end of each fiscal quarter at Collective, we know a number of the limited partners (“LPs”) in our funds are considering redeeming their partnership interests. This article is an overview of the redemption process and some important tax consequences and other factors you might consider before redeeming.
Redemption Process
The redemption process depends on whether or not the LP is redeeming their limited partnership interest to pay off a maturing Exchange Loan(*).
Redemptions not in connection with Exchange Loan payoffs
Redemptions of limited partnership interests not in connection with an Exchange Loan maturity are processed on the last day of each fiscal quarter. LPs wishing to redeem should request a Redemption Request Form from fundops@collectiveliqudity.com. The form must be completed and submitted at least 90 days before the applicable redemption date. So, for example, the last day to submit a Redemption Request Form for the December 31, 2024 redemption date would be October 2, 2024. Requests received after the deadline will be processed on the last day of the following quarter.
Payment of the redemption proceeds are wired to the LP after the fund administrator (i.e., SS&C) finalizes the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) of the Exchange Fund as of the redemption date. It typically takes 30-45 days after the redemption date for this calculation to be completed. The redemption proceeds are wired out within 2-3 days after Collective receives the NAV calculation.
Redemptions in connection with Exchange Loan repayment
Because Exchange Loans are secured by the LP’s partnership interest, LPs with outstanding loans must repay their loans before they can redeem their partnership interest for cash. Prior to their Exchange Loan’s maturity date, each LP must decide whether they will: (a) refinance their Exchange Loan, (b) repay the loan with cash, or (c) redeem their LP interest and use the proceeds to repay their loan.
LPs wishing to redeem to repay their loan must submit a Redemption Request Form (available by emailing fundops@collectiveliqudity.com). Redemptions for loan repayment are processed on the maturity date of the loan. That redemption proceeds are wired by Collective to the Lender. LPs who would then like to redeem their residual LP interest (after repaying their loan), should then follow the process described above.
Note that all redemption requests and redemptions are subject to the terms and limitations set forth in each LP’s Exchange Fund Limited Partnership Agreement.
Significant Tax Consequences of Redemption
Perhaps the most important thing we want redeeming LPs to be aware of is that redeeming typically triggers a state and federal tax both on: (a) the difference between their cost basis in the shares they exchanged into the fund (frequently this is their option exercise price) and the value given to the shares by Collective (i.e., the amount of their Collective starting capital account), and (b) any gain on the value of their Collective capital account since becoming an LP. These taxes are payable for the tax year in which the redemption takes place.
The exact calculation of the taxes triggered by redemption will vary based on a number of factors, including the LP’s state tax rate on capital gains. The following example is offered only for general illustrative purposes. Each LPs specific tax circumstances and calculations will differ materially. We strongly encourage all of our LPs to consult with their tax professionals for a detailed understanding of their specific tax consequences of redeeming their partnership interest.
Example
- John exercised 100,000 options with an exercise price of $1 each, establishing a $100,000 cost basis in the shares
- John exchanged those shares into the Collective Exchange Fund for a $500,000 limited partnership interest.
- John’s limited partnership interest has since increased in value; his capital account is now $600,000
- Now, John is thinking about redeeming and wants to calculate the taxes he’d have to pay if he does so.
Tax Calculation
- Capital gain on shares prior to exchange equals $400,000 (i.e. $500,000 - $100,000)
- Capital gain on LP interest equals $100,000 (i.e., $600,000 - $500,000)
- Federal tax rate on capital gain is 20% and 3.8% on net investment income so federal tax of $119,000 (i.e. 23.8% of $500,000)
- Assumed state tax rate on gain is 10% so state tax of $50,000 (i.e. 10% of $500,000)
- Total estimated tax triggered by redemption equals $169,000
Benefits of Not Redeeming
There are a number of potential benefits to not redeeming and instead becoming a long-term investor in the fund. First, the LP avoids the significant tax bill generally triggered by redeeming their partnership interest. Second, the LP’s tax savings from exchanging into the fund will continue to compound tax-free at long-term venture capital type rates of return. A third benefit is that the interest on any Exchange Loan may be claimed as a tax deduction each year the loan is outstanding.
For those who are able to leave their capital in the Exchange Fund for seven years, there is an even greater tax advantage. These LPs can redeem their fund interest for a portfolio of public securities without triggering any capital gains tax. This means that both the exchange into and exit out of the fund after seven years are tax-free. There are few wealth management strategies that can do as much to help create long term wealth.
Alternatives to Redemption
Some LPs are aware of the benefits of staying in the fund but feel they need to redeem, either to pay off a maturing Exchange Loan or because they need cash. We want to make LPs aware that they are generally able to refinance their maturing loans without redeeming. The new loan pays off the old Exchange Loan and, like the original Exchange Loan, is non-recourse. So, an LP never has to come out of pocket to repay it no matter what happens to the value of their fund interest. The refinancing does not trigger any taxes. LPs who are thinking about redeeming to generate cash for a purchase might instead consider an Exchange Loan instead. Unlike redeeming, the Exchange Loan is tax-free and lets your LP interest continue to compound in value over time.
Conclusion
At Collective, we know that making long-term investment decisions and minimizing taxes can be complex. We are here to help. If you have any remaining question, please feel free to speak to one of our friendly Customer Service Representatives to see how to get the most out of your Collective Exchange Fund Limited Partnership interest.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES