Company has historically experienced ownership change(s) pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“the Code”) of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions. Utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards are subject to annual limitation(s) due to historical ownership change(s) that have occurred and may be further restricted in the event future ownership changes occur. These ownership changes may limit the amount of the net operating loss carryover that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income. In general, an “ownership change”, as defined by Section 382 of the Code results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50 percentage points of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders.
U.S. GAAP provides that the tax effects from uncertain tax positions can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no uncertain tax provisions. There was no interest or penalties related to income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and there was no accrued interest or penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The Company files tax returns as prescribed by the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and state jurisdictions, where applicable. The Company’s tax years are still open under the statute from 2018 to present. However, to the extent allowed by law, the taxing authorities may have the right to examine the period from 2015 through 2021 where net operating losses were generated and carried forward and make adjustments to the amount of the net operating loss carryforward amount. The Company is not currently under examination by federal or state jurisdictions.
As discussed in Note 10,
, on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to the
COVID-19
pandemic. It was determined the CARES Act did not materially impact the Company’s tax provision as of December 31, 2021.
(15) Related Party Transactions
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid consulting fees to a board member, Christine Hamilton, who is also an owner, of $25,000 and $25,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there was $6,250 (both years) in accrued board member fees for this related party.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid Network Plus, LLC (owner is the spouse of an employee) approximately $19,000 for IT assistance and computer setups. The spouse became an employee of the Company in July 2020, and there was no further activity with this vendor.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company made lease payments to Dakota Ag Properties of $435,000 and $401,000, respectively. Dakota Ag Investments (part of Dakota Ag Properties) is a shareholder and owner of the Company.
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, not including lease payments, the Company made lab supply payments to Sanford Health (which is a shareholder of the Company) totaling approximately $108,000 and $152,000, respectively. The Company had no related party payables with Sanford Health as of December 31, 2021, and $10,000 of related party payables with Sanford Health as of December 31, 2020.
As discussed in Note 10,
, on February 24, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement with CLC for a $3.0 million revolving line of credit secured by a blanket security interest in the assets of the Company. The principal owners of CLC are owners, members of the board of directors, and former employees of the Company. In July 2020, the note payable was paid in full. Please refer to Note 10,
, for additional information.