George and Elam Campbell - Page 15

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            as to override the plain meaning of the words used therein.                                  
            Huntsberry v. Commissioner, 83 T.C. 742, 747-748 (1984); see                                 
            Pallottini v. Commissioner, 90 T.C. 498, 503 (1988), and cases                               
            there cited.                                                                                 
            2.    Section 72(e)(6)                                                                       
                  Thus, we turn to the words of section 72(e)(6) that define                             
            investment in the contract, as relevant herein, as "the aggregate                            
            amount of * * * consideration paid for the contract * * * minus                              
            the aggregate amount received under the contract".  In the                                   
            instant case, petitioner invested, or paid, $82,900 for his IRA                              
            with Loyola.  Interpreted literally, section 72(e)(6) would treat                            
            such amount as the "investment in the contract" because the                                  
            contribution was the consideration paid by petitioner for the                                
            contract.                                                                                    
            3.    Legislative History                                                                    
                  We find nothing ambiguous in the statute, and, accordingly,                            
            feel controlled by its clear language.  However, respondent                                  
            contends that a literal interpretation of section 72(e)(6)                                   
            reaches a result contrary to legislative intent.  Thus, we have                              
            examined the legislative histories of the 1974 enactment of                                  
            section 408(d)(1), its subsequent amendment in 1986, and the 1986                            
            enactment of section 408(o).  As discussed below, we are not                                 
            satisfied that the legislative history relied upon by respondent                             
            rises to the level of unequivocal evidence of legislative purpose                            





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