- 26 - to his or her spouse; (3) that the property interest is a deductible interest; and (4) the value of that property interest. Sec. 20.2056(a)-1(b), Estate Tax Regs. Item (1) is not in dispute, and only petitioner has addressed item (4), which we need not address for the reason stated below. Deductions are a matter of legislative grace; petitioner has the burden of showing that it is entitled to any deduction claimed. New Colonial Ice Co. v. Helvering, 292 U.S. 435, 440 (1934). 2. Whether the Agency Stock Qualifies for the Marital Deduction We have held that the agency stock was inherited by Patricia Low subject to a condition subsequent. Patricia Low did not make the payments called for in decedent's will. Therefore, Patricia Low was divested of her rights to the agency stock and they were passed to her father, the surviving spouse. However, at the time of decedent's death, the agency stock did not pass to the surviving spouse. "It is well settled that the nature of the interest in property passing to the surviving spouse and the valuation of that interest are to be determined as of the time of decedent's death." Provident Natl. Bank v. United States, 581 F.2d 1081, 1086 (3d Cir. 1978) (citing Jackson v. United States, 376 U.S. 503, 508 (1964)); sec. 20.2056(b)-4(a), Estate Tax Regs. Therefore, we hold that the agency stock is not eligible for the marital deduction.Page: Previous 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011