- 12 - proceeds. Therefore, although the placing of the check proceeds into escrow accounts pending resolution of disputes over the amount of attorney's fees and the amount of Mrs. Sullivan's share of the marital estate was a substantial restriction over petitioner's ultimate disposition of the judgment proceeds, these restrictions did not limit petitioner's legal entitlement to the judgment award and interest in 1989. Because he received and endorsed the check for the judgment with interest in 1989, that is the year in which petitioner must report the entire amount of interest. Respondent determined that petitioner was entitled to a Schedule A deduction in the amount of $101,276 for attorney's fees incurred in connection with earning the interest. The $101,276 is approximately one-third of the amount of the interest. Petitioner maintains that he should have received a deduction for attorney's fees of 40 percent rather than 33-1/3 percent. Again, we disagree with petitioner. During 1989, petitioner disputed the amount of legal fees to be paid to Messrs. Valletta and Tarro. There is no evidence in the record establishing that the legal fees were ever more than 33-1/3 percent. Consequently, petitioner is not entitled to a Schedule A deduction for attorney's fees in an amount greater than that allowed by respondent. In reaching our conclusions herein, we have considered all other arguments presented by petitioner and, to the extent not discussed above, find them to be irrelevant or without merit.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next
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