Arbor Towers Associates, Ltd. - Page 5




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          of M in the amount of $1.6 million, 50 percent of the difference            
          between the sale price of $9 million and the $12.2 million "value           
          in use".4  Respondent determined Arbor is not entitled to a                 
          charitable contribution deduction and disallowed the deduction in           
          full.                                                                       
                                       OPINION                                        
               We are once again obliged to delve into the value of                   
          property, sifting through expert testimony and applying our                 
          judgment.  At the outset, we must determine which party bears the           
          burden of proof.  Petitioner claims respondent does.  We                    
          disagree.                                                                   
               Petitioner argues that the burden of proof shifts to                   
          respondent because the FPAA disallows the charitable contribution           
          deduction in full without "determining" the value of Arbor                  
          Towers.  Petitioner contends that, since respondent failed to               
          offer evidence of value (i.e., an expert report), he has failed             
          to meet his burden of proof.  Petitioner misconstrues                       
          respondent's determination.  On its 1993 return, Arbor set forth            
          the $9 million sale price for the building and land, and the                
          $12.2 million alleged fair market value.  In disallowing the                
          deduction, respondent asserts that the fair market value of Arbor           
          Tower was not in excess of the $9 million sale price.                       


               4The record does not indicate why 50 percent was deducted.             




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