- 19 - are "The commercial production of plants (including plant products such as flowers, vegetables, or fruit) in a greenhouse" or "the commercial production of mushrooms." Sec. 1.48-10(c)(2), Income Tax Regs. (Emphasis added). It is clear that the Tobacco Barn was not specifically designed and constructed for either of these permissible purposes. The Tobacco Barn is not a greenhouse in which plants or plant products such as flowers, vegetables or fruits are commercially produced. See sec. 1.48-10(c)(2)(i), Income Tax Regs. Neither is it a structure used in the commercial production of mushrooms. See sec. 1.48-10(c)(2)(ii), Income Tax Regs. The Tobacco Barn therefore does not meet the specific design test.6 Second, a "horticultural structure" must be exclusively used for (i.e., the "exclusive use test") the above-enumerated purposes. See sec. 1.48-10(c)(1)(ii), Income Tax Regs. Under 6 Although not dispositive, we find petitioners' characterization of the Tobacco Barn as a "barn" to be probative in evaluating the function of the structure. Legislative history and case law indicate that "general purpose agricultural structures such as barns and other farm structures which can be adapted to a variety of uses" do not constitute single purpose horticultural structures. S. Rept. 95-1263 at 117 (1978), 1978-3 C.B. (Vol. 1) 315, 415; see Sherwood v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1988-544. Petitioners stored farm equipment in the Tobacco Barn. Although not clear at what financial cost, the Tobacco Barn could also be made foundationally stronger and could thereafter house cattle. Thus, even though we do not base our holding on this issue, these facts suggest that the Tobacco Barn could be adapted to a variety of uses and therefore is a "general purpose" structure.Page: Previous 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011