OPINION OF STINSON MORRISON HECKER LLP REGARDING TAX MATTERS
Published on February 28, 2007
EXHIBIT 8.1
www.stinsonmoheck.com
www.stinsonmoheck.com
1201 Walnut, Suite 2900
Kansas City, MO 64106-2150
Kansas City, MO 64106-2150
Tel (816) 842-8600
Fax (816) 691-3495
Fax (816) 691-3495
February 27, 2007
Entertainment Properties Trust
30 West Pershing Road, Suite 201
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
| Re: | Entertainment Properties Trust: Registration Statement on Form S-3 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the registration statement on Form S-3, under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange commission
on or about the date hereof (the
“Registration Statement”), you have requested our opinion as to (i) the qualification of
Entertainment Properties Trust (the “Company”) as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal
income tax purposes (a “REIT”) under the provisions of Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and (ii) the federal income tax status of the
Company’s Partnerships (as defined in an Officers’ Certificate dated February 27, 2007).
This opinion is based on certain representations made by the Company as to factual matters as
set forth in the registration statements on Forms S-3 and S-11 previously filed with the SEC (the
“Prior Registration Statements”). In connection with rendering this opinion, we have reviewed such
documents and made such inquiries as we have deemed appropriate for purposes of rendering this
opinion. In addition, the Company has delivered certain representations to us as set forth in an
Officers’ Certificate dated February 27, 2007 (the “Officer’s Certificate”), and, with the
Company’s permission, we have relied upon such representations in giving this opinion. In
rendering this opinion, we have assumed, with your consent, that (i) the statements and
representations set forth in the Prior Registration Statements, the Registration Statement and the
Officers’ Certificate are true and correct, (ii) the Officer’s Certificate has been executed by
appropriate and authorized officers of the Company and (iii) no action will be taken by the Company
that is inconsistent with the Company’s status as a REIT for any period prior or subsequent to the
date hereof. Although we have not independently investigated the representations to us set forth
in the Officers’ Certificate, nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to question the
accuracy of any representation contained in the Officers’ Certificate.
Based on the foregoing and in reliance thereon and subject to the qualifications below, it is
our opinion that:
Entertainment Properties Trust
February 27, 2007
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February 27, 2007
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(i) beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1997 and through the taxable year ended
December 31, 2006, the Company has been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements
for qualification and taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the Company’s
current and proposed method of operation will enable the Company to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for subsequent taxable years; and
(ii) the Company’s current method of operation will enable the Partnerships (as defined in the
Officers’ Certificate) to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as partnerships (or
disregarded entities) and not as associations taxable as corporations or as publicly-traded
partnerships.
The opinions set forth in this letter are based on existing law as contained in the Code and
regulations promulgated thereunder, in effect on the date hereof, and the interpretations of such
provisions and regulations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the courts having
jurisdiction over such matters, all of which are subject to change either prospectively or
retroactively, and to possibly different interpretations. Also, any variation or difference in the
facts from those set forth in the Registration Statement, the Prior Registration Statements or the
Officers’ Certificate may affect the conclusions stated herein. Moreover, the Company’s
qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon the Company’s ability to meet, through actual
annual operating results, distribution levels and diversity of share ownership and the various
qualification tests imposed under the Code, the results of which have not been and will not be
reviewed by us. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company’s
operations for any taxable year will satisfy such requirements.
This opinion represents our legal judgment, but it has no binding effect or official status of
any kind, and no assurance can be given that contrary positions may not be successfully asserted by
the Internal Revenue Service or a court shall not be construed as or deemed to be a guarantee or
insuring agreement. We disclaim any obligation to update this opinion for developments which may
occur subsequent to the date hereof. This opinion is solely for the information and use of the
addressee and may not be relied on or referred to by any other person or entity without the express
written consent of this firm.
We confirm the accuracy of the discussion under the captions “U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences” and “Legal Opinions” in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We hereby consent
to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 8.1 of the Registration Statement and the reference to our
firm under the caption “Legal Opinions” in the prospectus that is a part of the Registration
Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Entertainment Properties Trust
February 27, 2007
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February 27, 2007
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| Very truly yours, /S/ STINSON MORRISON HECKER llp |
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