Freres Lumber Co., Inc. - Page 36

                                                 - 36 -                                                    

            context in which it was created.  We are inclined not to expand                                
            it without a supporting rationale.                                                             
                         c.    Weighing the Evidence                                                       
                  The evidence of the value of the buildings and improvements,                             
            equipment, and rolling stock consists of the opinions of                                       
            petitioner's experts and the amounts in the written agreement.                                 
            Donald Gwyther (Gwyther) prepared an expert report on the value                                
            of the equipment and rolling stock.  Goss prepared an expert                                   
            report on the value of the buildings and improvements.                                         
            Respondent did not dispute either Gwyther's or Goss' expertise.                                
            We admitted their reports as exhibits attached to the stipulation                              
            of facts.  Respondent speculates that some of Gwyther's data may                               
            be inaccurate.  However, respondent did not cross-examine Gwyther                              
            or offer any evidence in response to his report.  We believe                                   
            Gwyther's and Goss' reports to be credible.                                                    
                  Respondent contends that the contract allocation establishes                             
            the value of the buildings and improvements, equipment, and                                    
            rolling stock.  We disagree.  We view the allocations in the                                   
            written agreement and on petitioner's income tax return as                                     
            evidence of the value of the disputed items analogous to an                                    
            admission under rule 801(d)(2) of the Federal Rules of Evidence,                               
            which petitioner can overcome with cogent evidence.  See Waring                                
            v. Commissioner, 412 F.2d 800, 801 (3d Cir. 1969), affg. T.C.                                  
            Memo. 1968-126.  The contract allocation was unilateral and made                               





Page:  Previous  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  Next

Last modified: May 25, 2011