Answer: $15,000
Explanation:
From the question, Carl transfers land with a fair market value of $120,000 and basis of $30,000, to a new corporation in exchange for 85 percent of the corporation's stock and that the land is subject to a $45,000 liability, which the corporation assumes.
The amount of gain that Carl must recognize as a result of this transaction will be the difference between the liability the land is subjected to which is $45,000 and the basis of the land which is $30,000.
= $45,000 - $30,000
= $15,000