1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*147
Under the will of decedent, who died in August 1941, after certain specific bequests, the residue was bequeathed and devised three-sixths to his widow and one-sixth to each of his three children. The will contained no direction as to the payment of the income of the estate during its administration. Under California law the entire estate was subject to the possession of the executors and to the control of the probate court for purposes of administration, sale, and disposition as provided by law and chargeable with the expenses of administration and payment of debts. Upon petition of the executors and order of the probate court, the executors made partial distributions to the residuary beneficiaries out of 1942 and 1943 income and also corpus. There is no evidence as to what disposition was made of the undistributed 1942 and 1943 income or whether it was properly credited to the beneficiaries. The estate was in the process of administration in 1942 and 1943. At the end of 1943 the estate assets had a value of $ 3,942,739.89 and its liabilities amounted to $ 1,104,886.70.
9 T.C. 89">*89 The Commissioner determined deficiencies of $ 1,171.72 and $ 65,772.90 in income tax for 1942 and 1943. The question to be determined is whether the petitioners, for the purpose of determining taxable net income of the estate, are entitled to deduct, in addition to the income distributed to beneficiaries, all of the remaining income of each year although not distributed to beneficiaries or credited to them. In his amended answer the Commissioner makes claim for1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*150 increased deficiencies in the amounts of $ 1,768.55 for 1942 and $ 67,425.17 for 1943.
Most of the facts were stipulated.
FINDINGS OF FACT.
J. David Zellerbach and Harold L. Zellerbach are the duly appointed and acting executors of the last will and testament of Isadore Zellerbach, who died on August 7, 1941, a resident of the city and county of San Francisco, California. Income tax returns (Form 1041) for the years 1942 and 1943 were filed on the cash basis with the collector of internal revenue at San Francisco.
9 T.C. 89">*90 On September 2, 1941, the will of petitioners' decedent was admitted to probate by the Superior Court of California in and for the city and county of San Francisco. Under the will, after bequests of $ 5,000 to each of his eight grandchildren, all the rest, residue and remainder of testator's estate is given, devised and bequeathed as follows: An undivided three-sixths thereof to the widow, Jennie B. Zellerbach, and an undivided one-sixth thereof to each of the three children, J. David, Harold L. and Claire. The executors were given full, absolute, and complete power and authority to sell, mortgage, pledge, exchange, or otherwise dispose of or deal with the whole1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*151 or any portion of the estate according to their judgment and discretion and without any court order. The will made no provision for the distribution of the income received by the estate during the period of administration.
Upon petition of the executors of the estate praying for leave to distribute the specific legacies, an order of the probate court, dated September 2, 1942, was entered authorizing distribution of 61 shares of the preferred stock of Crown Zellerbach Corporation of a stated value of $ 4,994.38 and the sum of $ 5.62 in cash to each of the 8 grandchildren of decedent.
On November 25, 1942, the executors filed with the probate court a petition for the distribution of $ 181,000 from the income of the estate received during the year 1942, amounting to approximately $ 317,000, as follows:
To Jennie B. Zellerbach, widow | $ 22,000 |
To J. David Zellerbach, son | 53,000 |
To Harold L. Zellerbach, son | 53,000 |
To Claire Z. Saroni, daughter | 53,000 |
Total | 181,000 |
The petition stated in part that the total value of the estate as shown by the inventory and appraisement was $ 4,754,671.56, and that "it is not proposed at this time to distribute any of the corpus of 1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*152 the residue of the estate, nor any income, save and except that hereinabove described."
After hearing had, the probate court entered an order dated December 7, 1942, in which it found as follows:
* * * that the time for filing claims against said estate has expired; that all claims which have been filed have been allowed, approved and paid; that the federal estate tax, as shown by the return, has been paid; that the State Controller of the State of California has consented in writing to the said distribution; that all personal property taxes due and payable by said estate have been paid; that the distribution prayed for in said petition may be allowed as therein prayed for without injury to said estate or any person interested therein, 9 T.C. 89">*91 and that after said distribution sufficient assets will remain in the hands of the executors to pay all debts and expenses of administration;
* * * *
The order authorized payment "from the income of said estate, for the calendar year 1942, the total sum of $ 181,000," payable $ 22,000 to the widow and $ 53,000 to each of the three children of decedent.
The above distribution of $ 181,000 was paid $ 180,297.85 out of income and $ 702.15 out1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*153 of corpus.
On November 25, 1942, the executors filed another petition with the probate court, praying for authority to distribute from the corpus of the estate:
6,000 | shares of preferred stock of Crown Zellerbach Corporation |
30,000 | shares of common stock of Crown Zellerbach Corporation |
9,000 | shares of preferred stock of Rayonier Inc. |
12,000 | shares of common stock of Rayonier Inc. |
one-half thereof to the widow and one-sixth to each of the three children of decedent. After hearing had, the probate court entered an order dated December 8, 1942, authorizing the executors to make distribution of the above stock as prayed for. The fair market value of the above stock at the time of its distribution was $ 1,146,000.
On December 31, 1942, all the distributions authorized by the probate court during the year 1942 had been made.
An original income tax return for the year 1942 was filed for the estate showing income of $ 322,756.33, from which was deducted $ 181,000 as the amount distributable to beneficiaries, leaving a net income (taxable to fiduciary) of $ 141,756.33, and disclosing a tax liability of $ 97,606.47. On December 14, 1943, an amended income tax return was filed1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*154 for the year 1942 showing income of $ 322,756.33, from which was deducted $ 315,323.74 as the amount distributable to beneficiaries, leaving a net income (taxable to fiduciary) of $ 7,432.59 and disclosing a tax liability of $ 1,619.78.
The total net income of the estate for 1942, before any allowance for income distributed to beneficiaries during the year, was $ 324,209.38, which sum was composed of ordinary income in the amount of $ 316,595.74 and capital gains in the amount of $ 7,613.64.
The $ 181,000 distributed in 1942 by the executors of the estate was reported by the beneficiaries under the will in their original Federal income tax returns for 1942 as distributable income from the estate as follows: The widow reported $ 22,000 and each of the three children reported $ 53,000.
On January 24, 1944, the widow filed an amended income tax return with the collector at San Francisco, in which she reported as having been distributed to her the amount of $ 157,661.87, representing one-half of all of the income of the estate for the year 1942.
9 T.C. 89">*92 Pursuant to a petition of the executors filed June 18, 1943, the probate court, on July 7, 1943, made an order authorizing the executors1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*155 to make a partial distribution of the assets of the estate, consisting of a parcel of unimproved real property in the city and county of San Francisco as follows: Three-sixths thereof to the widow and one-sixth thereof to each of the three children. The fair market value of the property at the time of distribution was $ 27,500.
Pursuant to a petition on the executors filed August 4, 1943, the probate court on August 18, 1943, made an order authorizing the executors to make a partial distribution of the assets of the estate, consisting of 627 shares of the common stock and 460 shares of the preferred stock of Dreamland Auditorium, Ltd., as follows: Three-sixths thereof to the widow and one-sixth thereof to each of the three children. The fair market value of the shares at the time of distribution was $ 3,450.
On November 30, 1943, the executors filed a petition with the probate court for authorization to make a partial distribution, consisting of $ 96,000, of which $ 32,000 was to be distributed to each of the three children of decedent. In the petition it was stated that the income for 1943 would approximate $ 191,500; that the executors desired to distribute $ 96,000 thereof; 1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*156 and that it was not proposed to distribute any of the corpus of the residue of the estate, nor any income save and except that thereabove described. No portion of the income was requested to be distributed to the widow. On December 13, 1943, the probate court made an order authorizing the income distribution of $ 96,000, as prayed for. The distribution of $ 96,000 was paid $ 94,164.15 out of income and $ 1,835.85 out of corpus.
On December 31, 1943, all distributions authorized by the probate court during 1943 had been made.
The income tax return filed for the estate for 1943 shows income tax income of $ 203,895.74 and victory tax income of $ 200,811.46, from each of which $ 185,328.30 was deducted as the amount distributable to beneficiaries, leaving an income tax net income of $ 18,567.44 and a victory tax net income of $ 15,483.16. The total income and victory tax liability shown by the return is $ 6,712.28. The return contains a schedule as follows:
SCHEDULE A | ||
Federal | State | |
Jennie B. Zellerbach, 343 Sansome St., S. F | $ 92,664.15 | $ 100,405.73 |
J. D. Zellerbach, 343 Sansome St., S. F | 30,888.05 | 33,468.58 |
Harold Zellerbach, 343 Sansome St., S. F | 30,888.05 | 33,468.58 |
Claire Z. Saroni, 343 Sansome St., S. F | 30,888.05 | 33,468.57 |
$ 185,328.30 | $ 200,811.46 |
1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*157 Note: On December 13, 1943 a distribution of income, $ 96,000.00 was authorized by court order to J. D. and Harold Zellerbach and Claire Saroni. The net income of the estate is deemed to be distributable under Section 162-2 of Regulations 111.
9 T.C. 89">*93 The widow included in her Federal income tax return for 1943, as income received by her from the estate, the sum of $ 92,664.15.
The total net income of the estate for 1943, before any allowance for income distributed to beneficiaries during that year, was $ 206,864.94, which sum was composed of ordinary income of $ 188,328.30 and capital gain of $ 18,536.64.
On petition filed October 26, 1942, the probate court, on November 6, 1942, made an order authorizing the executors to borrow a sum not to exceed $ 1,000,000, to execute their promissory note or notes payable on or before one year after date with interest at 2 1/2 per cent per annum, and as security therefor to pledge all or any portion of the personal property of the estate remaining in the hands of the executors.
Pursuant to such authorization the executors, on November 6, 1942, borrowed from Wells Fargo Bank & Trust Co. the sum of $ 500,000, pledging as collateral 9,000 shares1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*158 of the preferred stock of Crown Zellerbach Corporation of the market value at that time of approximately $ 720,000. They also borrowed the sum of $ 318,669.31 from the widow, Jennie B. Zellerbach. On January 15, 1943, a payment of $ 100,000 was made, reducing the principal of the bank loan to $ 400,000. On August 5, 1943, and on December 6, 1943, additional amounts of $ 50,000 and $ 75,000 were borrowed, increasing the principal of the loan to $ 525,000. The entire loan was paid on March 13, 1944.
The Federal estate tax, as disclosed by the return filed, had been paid at December 31, 1943. The Commissioner subsequently determined that the estate was liable for a deficiency in Federal estate taxes, which controversy was finally settled in November 1946.
On December 31, 1942, the estate had assets of the then value of $ 3,425,092.17 and liabilities of $ 1,490,565.49, or an excess of assets over liabilities of $ 1,934,526.68. This was after the distribution of the amount of $ 181,000 and the distribution of corpus of $ 1,146,000, and after giving effect to all liabilities which were subsequently determined to be due.
On December 31, 1943, the assets of the estate had a value of1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*159 $ 3,942,739.89, and the liabilities amounted to $ 1,104,886.70, or an excess of assets over liabilities of $ 2,837,853.19.
OPINION.
The respondent contends that the executors under the will of Isadore Zellerbach were not required to distribute to the beneficiaries any of the income of the estate during 1942 and 1943 and that, therefore, only so much of the income as was actually distributed constituted a deduction under the provisions of
The petitioners contend that the estate is entitled, under
1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*161 9 T.C. 89">*95 Although
The legatees did have the privilege of petitioning the court, which they did not exercise, and if they had established certain facts the local1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*162 court could have in its discretion, ordered a distribution of the designated portion of the estate. We think the privilege of soliciting the local court's discretion is not the equivalent of a present right to compel distribution.
The will involved herein contains no direction for the payment of the income received during the administration of the estate to the residuary beneficiaries. Petitions were filed with the court for a distribution of the 1942 income to the extent of $ 181,000 and of the 1943 income to the extent of $ 96,000. No other petition for the distribution of income was addressed to the court either by petitioners or any of the beneficiaries under the will and no further distribution of 1942 and 1943 income was authorized. The possession and handling of the property of an estate by the executor are subject to the control of the court and the executor derives his power to act from the order of the court.
9 T.C. 89">*96 The facts herein are materially different from those in
Herein, decedent died in August 1941. The assets of the estate had an appraised value in excess of $ 4,700,000. At the end of 1943 there were liabilities outstanding in excess of $ 1,100,000. Although the Federal estate tax as disclosed by the return had been paid, the Commissioner subsequently determined that the estate was liable for a deficiency, which controversy was not settled until November 1946. There is no showing that the process of administration had been continued unreasonably or that the ordinary duties pertaining to the administration and settlement of the estate had been completed prior to the taxable years. Sec. 29.162-1(c), Regulations 111.
It is true that in the case of
* * * for it is there provided that
The Probate Code clearly gives power to the court to order a partial distribution of an estate and,
The court thus recognizes that the mandate is subject to certain conditions, so that in the last analysis the order of distribution is subject to the judgment and1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*166 discretion of the probate court.
The beneficiaries had no present right to the 1942 and 1943 income. They merely had a potential right thereto, which, as to the amount in 9 T.C. 89">*97 dispute, was neither recognized nor enforced. The 1942 and 1943 income of the estate was not income of the estate "to be distributed currently" as provided in
Neither is the estate entitled to any deduction for 1942 and 1943 under
The facts and circumstances in
The petitioners further contend that, having distributed property of the value of $ 1,146,000 in addition to the distribution of $ 181,000 in 1942, the estate is entitled to a deduction of the entire income in 1942, and, having distributed property of the value of $ 30,950 in addition to the distribution of $ 96,000 in 1943, the estate is entitled to a deduction in 1943 to the extent of $ 126,950, under
1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*168 9 T.C. 89">*98 The respondent argues that there is no occasion for the application of
Subsection (d) (1) is made specifically not applicable to any amount paid, credited, or to be distributed "under a gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance not to be paid, credited, or distributed at intervals." The bequest and devise under which the distributions of income and corpus herein were made was a bequest and devise of the residue of the estate of decedent after payment of all debts, specific legacies, and administration expenses. That the residue was paid in installments, consisting of income or corpus, is immaterial and does not convert the bequest and devise into one distributable at intervals within the meaning of
Subsection (d) was added to
* * * treating such amounts, if under the terms of the gift, bequest, or inheritance the payment, crediting, or distribution thereof is to be made at intervals, as gifts, bequests, devises, or inheritances if income from property to the extent that such amount is paid, credited, or to be distributed out of income from property. * * * [P. 67.]
As a complement to the amendment of section 22 (b) (3) and for purposes of clarity,
In section 111 of the report of the Committee on Finance, p. 69, it is stated:
9 T.C. 89">*99 This section is basically the same as section 110 of the bill passed by the House, relating to annuity trusts. Although numerous changes have been made by your committee, such changes are designed to give further and more detailed application of the principles of section 110 of the House bill rather than to change its fundamental 1947 U.S. Tax Ct. LEXIS 147">*171 theory.
See also section 29.162-2 of Regulations 111, dealing with
Since the bequest and devise of the residuary estate herein is a bequest and devise "not to be paid, credited, or distributed at intervals," subsection (d) of
Petitioners are entitled only to the deduction in 1942 and 1943 of the amount actually distributed out of income under
1.
The net income of the estate or trust shall be computed in the same manner and on the same basis as in the case of an individual, except that --
* * * *
(b) There shall be allowed as an additional deduction in computing the net income of the estate or trust the amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year which is to be distributed currently by the fiduciary to the beneficiaries, and the amount of the income collected by a guardian of an infant which is to be held or distributed as the court may direct, but the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in computing the net income of the beneficiaries whether distributed to them or not. Any amount allowed as a deduction under this paragraph shall not be allowed as a deduction under subsection (c) of this section in the same or any succeeding taxable year;
(c) In the case of income received by estates of deceased persons during the period of administration or settlement of the estate, and in the case of income which, in the discretion of the fiduciary, may be either distributed to the beneficiary or accumulated, there shall be allowed as an additional deduction in computing the net income of the estate or trust the amount of the income of the estate or trust for its taxable year, which is properly paid or credited during such year to any legatee, heir, or beneficiary, but the amount so allowed as a deduction shall be included in computing the net income of the legatee, heir, or beneficiary.↩
2.
3. § 956. Closing Administration. If all of the debts have been paid by the first order for payment, the court must direct the payment of legacies and the distribution of the estate among the persons entitled, as provided in the next chapter; but if there are debts remaining unpaid, or if, for other reasons, the estate is not in a condition to be closed, the administration may continue for such time as may be reasonable. [Enacted 1931.]
§ 1000. Petition and Notice of Hearing. At any time after the lapse of four months from the issuance of letters testamentary or of administration, the executor or administrator, or any heir, devisee or legatee, * * * may petition the court to distribute a legacy, devise or share of the estate, or any portion thereof, to any person entitled thereto, upon such person giving a bond as hereinafter provided. The clerk shall set the petition for hearing by the court and give notice thereof for the period and in the manner required by section 1200 of this code. When the petitioner is not the executor or administrator, notice must be given to the executor or administrator by citation. An executor or administrator, not petitioning, or any person interested in the estate may resist the application.
§ 1001. Order for Distribution: Prerequisites to Order: Bond. If, at the hearing, it appears that the estate is but little indebted and that all inheritance taxes payable in said proceeding have been paid, or that the State controller, an inheritance tax attorney, or an assistant inheritance tax attorney has in writing consented to said distribution and the legacy, devise or share of the estate, or any portion thereof, may be distributed to the person entitled thereto without loss to the creditors or injury to the estate or any person interested therein, the court shall make an order requiring the executor or administrator to deliver the legacy, devise or share of the estate or such portion thereof as the court may designate, to the person entitled thereto, upon receiving from such person a bond executed by him, and payable to the executor or administrator in such sum as the court may designate, with sureties to be approved by the judge, and conditioned for the payment, whenever required, of the proportion of the debts due from the estate, not exceeding the value or amount of the legacy or portion of the estate, so ordered to be delivered. * * *↩
4.
The net income of the estate or trust shall be computed in the same manner and on the same basis as in the case of an individual, except that --
* * * *
(d) Rules for Application of Subsection (b) and (c). -- For the purposes of subsections (b) and (c) --
(1) Amounts distributed out of Income or Corpus. -- In cases where the amount paid, credited, or to be distributed can be paid, credited, or distributed out of other than income, the amount paid, credited, or to be distributed (except under a gift, bequest, devise, or inheritance not to be paid, credited, or distributed at intervals) during the taxable year of the estate or trust shall be considered as income of the estate or trust which is paid, credited, or to be distributed if the aggregate of such amounts so paid, credited, or to be distributed does not exceed the distributable income of the estate or trust for its taxable year. If the aggregate of such amounts so paid, credited, or to be distributed during the taxable year of the estate or trust in such cases exceeds the distributable income of the estate or trust for its taxable year, the amount so paid, credited, or to be distributed to any legatee, heir, or beneficiary shall be considered income of the estate or trust for its taxable year which is paid, credited, or to be distributed in an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of such distributable income as the amount so paid, credited, or to be distributed to the legatee, heir, or beneficiary bears to the aggregate of such amounts so paid, credited, or to be distributed to legatees, heirs, and beneficiaries for the taxable year of the estate or trust. * * *↩