- 20 - Scheig and Mr. Camp also valued a portion of the irrigation component that they believed might become available at a later date for other, higher value uses as irrigation use declined. While expert opinions may assist in evaluating a claim, we are not bound by these opinions and may reach a decision based on our own analysis of all the evidence in the record. Helvering v. Natl. Grocery Co., 304 U.S. 282, 295 (1938); Estate of Newhouse v. Commissioner, 94 T.C. 193, 217 (1990). Where experts offer conflicting estimates of fair market value, we must weigh each estimate by analyzing the factors they used to arrive at their conclusions. Casey v. Commissioner, 38 T.C. 357, 381 (1962). This Court may accept or reject the opinion of an expert in its entirety, or we may be selective in the use of any portion. Estate of Davis v. Commissioner, 110 T.C. 530, 538 (1998); Parker v. Commissioner, 86 T.C. 547, 562 (1986); Buffalo Tool & Die Manufacturing Co. v. Commissioner, 74 T.C. 441, 452 (1980). Mr. Lloyd concluded that the value of the water right was $10.7 million on the valuation date. Mr. Camp concluded that the value of the water right was $29,397,000, and petitioner reported this value on its 1999 return. Mr. Scheig concluded that the value of the water right was $45,809,384 on the valuation date. Mr. Scheig’s valuation represents a significant departure from respondent’s position in the notice of deficiency, in which respondent stated that petitioner’s assets were worth $76,609,000Page: Previous 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011