Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation v. Commissioner , 121 T.C. No. 8 ( 2003 )

121 T.C. No. 8
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Petitioner v.
COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
Docket Nos. 3941-99, 15626-99. Filed September 4, 2003.
P was chartered by an act of Congress in 1970 and
was originally exempt from Federal income taxation.
Pursuant to the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (DEFRA),
Pub. L. 98-369, sec. 177, 98 Stat. 709, P became
subject to Federal income taxation, effective Jan. 1,
1985. For its taxable years 1985 through 1990, P
claims entitlement to amortize intangibles using a fair
market value basis as of Jan. 1, 1985. P’s claim that
it is entitled to use fair market value as its adjusted
basis for amortization is based on the provisions of
DEFRA that specifically apply only to P. R determined
that P’s adjusted basis for amortizing any intangibles
is the regular adjusted cost basis of those assets as
of Jan. 1, 1985.
Held: Under sec. 167(g), I.R.C., the basis for
amortization of property is the adjusted basis provided
in sec. 1011, I.R.C., for the purpose of determining
gain on the sale or other disposition of property. The
adjusted basis provided in sec. 1011, I.R.C., is
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generally based on cost. However, DEFRA sec.
177(d)(2)(A)(ii) modifies the application of sec. 1011,
I.R.C., by providing specific rules for determining the
adjusted basis of property held by P on Jan. 1, 1985.
Under DEFRA sec. 177(d)(2)(A)(ii), the adjusted basis
of any asset held by P on Jan. 1, 1985 (with the
exception of tangible depreciable property) shall, for
purposes of determining any gain, be equal to the
higher of the regular adjusted cost basis as provided
in sec. 1011, I.R.C., or the fair market value of such
asset as of Jan. 1, 1985. P’s adjusted basis as of
Jan. 1, 1985, for purposes of amortization, is the
higher of the regular adjusted cost basis or fair
market value on Jan. 1, 1985.
Robert A. Rudnick, Stephen J. Marzen, James F. Warren, and
Neil H. Koslowe, for petitioner.
Gary D. Kallevang, for respondent.
OPINION
RUWE, Judge: Respondent determined deficiencies in
petitioner’s Federal income taxes in docket No. 3941-99 for 1985
and 1986, as follows:
Year Deficiency
1985 $36,623,695
1986 40,111,127
Petitioner claims overpayments of $9,604,085 for 1985 and
$12,418,469 for 1986.
Respondent determined deficiencies in petitioner’s Federal
income taxes in docket No. 15626-99 for 1987, 1988, 1989, and
1990, as follows:
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Year Deficiency
1987 $26,200,358
1988 13,827,654
1989 6,225,404
1990 23,466,338
Petitioner claims overpayments of $57,775,538 for 1987,
$28,434,990 for 1988, $32,577,346 for 1989, and $19,504,333 for
1990.
Petitioner claims entitlement to amortize (all or a portion
of) its asserted tax basis in certain alleged intangibles held on
January 1, 1985.1 Petitioner’s asserted tax basis in each of
these alleged intangibles represents petitioner’s determination
of the respective fair market values of those intangibles as of
January 1, 1985. Petitioner and respondent filed cross-motions
for partial summary judgment under Rule 1212 regarding the
appropriate basis for amortizing intangible assets that
petitioner claims to have held on January 1, 1985, the date it
first became subject to Federal income taxation.
1
Respondent disputes whether the claimed intangibles are
assets that are amortizable for tax purposes. One of the claimed
intangibles involves certain below-market financing which
petitioner claims to have held on Jan. 1, 1985. In their cross-
motions for partial summary judgment, the parties also ask us to
determine whether the claimed intangible for below-market
financing is amortizable. We do not decide that issue in this
Opinion.
2
All Rule references are to the Tax Court Rules of Practice
and Procedure, and all section references are to the Internal
Revenue Code in effect for the taxable years in issue.
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In this opinion, we decide whether, for purposes of
computing a deduction for amortization, the adjusted basis of any
amortizable intangible assets that petitioner held on January 1,
1985, is the regular adjusted cost basis provided in section 1011
or the higher of the regular adjusted cost basis or fair market
value of such assets on January 1, 1985, as provided in the
Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (DEFRA), Pub. L. 98-369, sec. 177,
98 Stat. 709.
Background
Some of the facts have been stipulated and are so found.
The stipulation of facts and the attached exhibits are
incorporated herein by this reference. At the time of filing the
petition, petitioner’s principal office was located in McLean,
Virginia. At all relevant times, petitioner was a corporation
managed by a board of directors.
Petitioner was chartered by Congress on July 24, 1970, by
the Emergency Home Financing Act of 1970, Pub. L. 91-351, title
III (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act), 84 Stat. 451.
Petitioner was originally exempt from Federal income taxation.
However, Congress repealed petitioner’s Federal income tax
exemption status in DEFRA section 177. Pursuant to this Act,
petitioner became subject to Federal income taxation, effective
January 1, 1985.
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The question we must decide in this opinion involves a
determination of petitioner’s basis for amortizing intangibles
that it allegedly held on January 1, 1985. Section 167(g), which
forms the basis for amortization deductions, provides that “The
basis on which exhaustion, wear and tear, and obsolescence are to
be allowed in respect of any property shall be the adjusted basis
provided in section 1011 for the purpose of determining the gain
on the sale or other disposition of such property.” (Emphasis
added.) Section 1011 generally provides for an adjusted cost
basis for purposes of determining gain or loss (regular adjusted
cost basis). From the arguments presented by the parties, it
appears that petitioner would have relatively little or no
adjusted basis in its alleged intangibles if the regular adjusted
cost basis provisions of section 1011 applied.
As a part of the legislation pursuant to which petitioner
became subject to Federal income taxation, Congress enacted
“special basis rules designed to ensure that, to the extent
possible, pre-1985 appreciation or decline in the value of * * *
[petitioner’s] assets will not be taken into account for tax
purposes.” H. Conf. Rept. 98-861, at 1038 (1984), 1984-3 C.B.
(Vol. 2) 1, 292. The special basis rules, which are contained in
DEFRA section 177(d)(2), 98 Stat. 711, provide a dual-basis rule
for purposes of determining any loss and any gain regarding
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assets held by petitioner on January 1, 1985. DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A) provides:
(2) Adjusted basis of assets.--
(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
subparagraph (B), the adjusted basis of any asset of
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation held on
January 1, 1985, shall--
(i) for purposes of determining any loss, be equal
to the lesser of the adjusted basis of such asset or
the fair market value of such asset as of such date,
and
(ii) for purposes of determining any gain, be
equal to the higher of the adjusted basis of such asset
or the fair market value of such asset as of such date.
[Emphasis added.]
Petitioner claims that it is entitled to amortize
intangibles that it held on January 1, 1985, using a fair market
value basis under DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii). Petitioner
claims the following fair market values for its alleged
intangibles:
Intangibles Fair Market Value
Information systems $27,214,000
Favorable leasehold 9,459,349
Seller/servicer list 6,215,000
Favorable financing 456,021,853
Customer relations 600,000,000
Petitioner claims entitlement to the following amortization
deductions for its 1985-90 taxable years:
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Claimed
Intangible 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Information systems $5,981,964 $5,981,964 $5,981,952 $5,931,920 $3,336,160 $40
Favorable leaseholds 513,120 513,120 380,625 368,580 368,446 367,164
Seller/servicer list 1,123,572 1,123,572 1,123,572 711,072 711,072 711,072
Favorable financing 50,219,116 48,702,457 47,017,000 45,835,556 40,680,420 38,028,084
Customer relations 60,000,000 60,000,000 60,000,000 60,000,000 60,000,000 60,000,000
1
Total claim 117,837,720 116,321,113 114,503,149 112,847,128 105,096,098 99,106,360
1
The parties stipulate this table; the actual total of the claimed amortization deductions
for 1985 is $117,837,772.
Discussion
Summary judgment is intended to expedite litigation and
avoid unnecessary and expensive trials. FPL Group, Inc. v.
Commissioner, 116 T.C. 73, 74 (2001). Either party may move for
summary judgment upon all or any part of the legal issues in
controversy. Rule 121(a); FPL Group, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra
at 74. A decision will be rendered on a motion for partial
summary judgment if the pleadings, answers to interrogatories,
depositions, admissions, and other acceptable materials, together
with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue
as to any material fact and that a decision may be rendered as a
matter of law. Rule 121(b); Elec. Arts, Inc. v. Commissioner,
118 T.C. 226, 238 (2002). The moving party has the burden of
proving that no genuine issue of material fact exists and that
party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Rauenhorst v.
Commissioner, 119 T.C. 157, 162 (2002).
The parties in the instant cases filed cross-motions for
partial summary judgment on the question of whether petitioner’s
claimed intangibles are amortizable using their fair market value
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on January 1, 1985, as adjusted basis. The parties agree that
there are no genuine issues of material fact relating to this
legal question. Respondent assumes for purposes of this issue
that at least some of petitioner’s claimed intangibles are
amortizable for tax purposes.
Arguments of the Parties
Petitioner claims that the special basis rules of DEFRA
section 177(d)(2) provide the adjusted basis for purposes of
amortizing any intangibles that it held as of January 1, 1985.
Petitioner contends that this result is required by the
interaction of section 167(g) and DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A).
Thus, petitioner claims that it is entitled to amortize its
alleged intangibles at their fair market value.
Respondent argues that DEFRA section 177(d)(2) does not
provide rules for determining the adjusted basis for amortization
of petitioner’s intangibles but, instead, provides special basis
rules solely for purposes of determining gain and loss from the
sale or other disposition of property that petitioner held on
January 1, 1985. He argues that petitioner’s adjusted basis for
purposes of amortizing any intangibles that it might have held on
that date is determined under the regular adjusted cost basis
rules of the Code without reference to the special basis rules of
DEFRA section 177(d)(2). Respondent contends that petitioner
would have relatively little or no adjusted cost basis.
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Analysis
In interpreting a statute, we start as always with the
language of the statute itself. Consumer Prod. Safety Commn. v.
GTE Sylvania, Inc., 447 U.S. 102, 108 (1980). We look to the
legislative history primarily to learn the purpose of the statute
and to resolve any ambiguity in the words contained in the text.
Wells Fargo & Co. v. Commissioner, 120 T.C. 69, 89 (2003); Allen
v. Commissioner, 118 T.C. 1, 7 (2002). If the language of the
statute is plain, clear, and unambiguous, we generally apply it
according to its terms. United States v. Ron Pair Enters., Inc.,
489 U.S. 235, 241 (1989); Burke v. Commissioner, 105 T.C. 41, 59
(1995). If the statute is ambiguous or silent, we may look to
the statute’s legislative history to determine congressional
intent. Burlington N. R.R. v. Okla. Tax Commn., 481 U.S. 454,
461 (1987); Ewing v. Commissioner, 118 T.C. 494, 503 (2002).
DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A) does not specifically state that
the adjusted basis for purposes of determining gain provided
therein is also to be used for purposes of amortizing
petitioner’s intangibles held on January 1, 1985. The
legislative history likewise does not contain a specific
expression of congressional intent with respect to the
amortization of intangibles. The conference report states
simply:
The Senate amendment includes special basis rules
designed to ensure that, to the extent possible, pre-
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1985 appreciation or decline in the value of Freddie
Mac assets will not be taken into account for tax
purposes. Under these rules, for purposes of
determining gain, the basis of any asset held on
January 1, 1985, is to be the higher of (1) the regular
adjusted basis of the asset in the hands of Freddie
Mac, or (2) the fair market value of the asset on
January 1, 1985. For purposes of determining loss, the
basis of any asset held on January 1, 1985, is to be
the lower of these two figures. Where the amount
realized on the disposition of an asset is greater than
the lower of these figures, but less than the higher
figure, no gain or loss is to be recognized by Freddie
Mac on the disposition. [H. Conf. Rept. 98-861, supra
at 1038, 1984-3 C.B. (Vol. 2) at 292.]
DEFRA section 177(d)(2) provides a specific adjusted basis
for purposes of determining any gain on the sale or other
disposition of petitioner’s property: DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A)(ii) provides that the adjusted basis of any asset
held by petitioner on January 1, 1985, shall, for purposes of
determining any gain, be equal to the higher of the regular
adjusted cost basis of such asset or the fair market value of
such asset as of such date. The Code has historically used the
adjusted basis for determining gain as the reference point for
determining the basis for the depreciation or amortization of
property. Indeed, section 167(g)3 specifies that the basis for
determining gain is the basis to be used for depreciation or
amortization.4
3
Sec. 167(g) currently appears in the Code as sec. 167(c).
4
Sec. 167(g) provides rules relating to the basis for the
depreciation of tangible property and the amortization of
(continued...)
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Section 167(g) provides that “The basis on which exhaustion,
wear and tear, and obsolescence are to be allowed in respect of
any property shall be the adjusted basis provided in section 1011
for the purpose of determining the gain on the sale or other
disposition of such property.” See also sec. 1.167(g)-1, Income
Tax Regs. Section 167(g) refers specifically to the adjusted
basis for determining gain provided in section 1011. Section
1011(a) provides:
SEC. 1011(a). General Rule.--The adjusted basis
for determining the gain or loss from the sale or other
disposition of property, whenever acquired, shall be
the basis (determined under section 1012 or other
applicable sections of this subchapter and subchapters
C (relating to corporate distributions and
adjustments), K (relating to partners and
partnerships), and P (relating to capital gains and
losses)), adjusted as provided in section 1016.
As a general matter, section 1011 requires the use of the cost
basis determined under section 1012,5 adjusted as provided in
4
(...continued)
intangible property. See secs. 1.167(a)-3, 1.167(g)-1, Income
Tax Regs.
5
Sec. 1012 provides:
SEC. 1012. BASIS OF PROPERTY--COST.
The basis of property shall be the cost of such
property, except as otherwise provided in this
subchapter and subchapters C (relating to corporate
distributions and adjustments), K (relating to partners
and partnerships), and P (relating to capital gains and
losses). * * *
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section 10166 (i.e., the regular adjusted cost basis), for
purposes of determining gain or loss. Section 1011 does not
specify any alternative basis rules besides those contained in
other sections of subchapters C, K, O, and P of the Code, which
are not applicable to the instant cases.
DEFRA section 177(d)(2), which has not been codified, is not
specifically referenced in section 1011. Nevertheless, DEFRA
section 177(d)(2)(A) specifically provides the rules for
determining adjusted basis in property held on January 1, 1985,
when determining petitioner’s gain on the sale or other
disposition of such property. Thus, as to petitioner, the
specific basis rules contained in DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)
replace the regular adjusted cost basis rules contained in
sections 1011 through 1023 of the Code. Since section 167(g)
requires that the adjusted basis for determining gain be used as
the adjusted basis for amortizing intangibles, it is logical to
conclude that petitioner must use the specific adjusted basis
determined under DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) to amortize any
intangibles it might have held on January 1, 1985.
6
Sec. 1016 provides adjustments to basis; e.g., for
expenditures, receipts, losses, or other items, properly
chargeable to capital account and for exhaustion, wear and tear,
obsolescence, amortization, and depletion to the extent of the
amount allowed (but not less than the amount allowable) as
deductions in computing taxable income. Sec. 1016(a)(1) and (2).
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Respondent argues that section 167(g) refers to section 1011
and that section 1011 does not refer to the specific adjusted
basis rule of DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii). However, we point
out that DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) is a special transition
rule, which is applicable only to property held by petitioner as
of January 1, 1985, and which replaces section 1011 for purposes
of determining gain. Under these circumstances, we are not
inclined to read too much into the absence of a specific
reference to DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) in section 1011 or in
the enumerated subchapters cited in section 1011. Further, the
regulation interpreting section 1011(a) provides:
The adjusted basis for determining the gain or loss
from the sale or other disposition of property is the
cost or other basis prescribed in section 1012 or other
applicable provisions of subtitle A of the Code,
adjusted to the extent provided in sections 1016, 1017,
and 1018 or as otherwise specifically provided for
under applicable provisions of internal revenue laws.
[Sec. 1.1011-1, Income Tax Regs.; emphasis added.]
The parties advance differing interpretations of the
“internal revenue laws” language in section 1.1011-1, Income Tax
Regs. Petitioner argues that this language should be read to
incorporate any internal revenue law which specifically provides
the adjusted basis for determining gain or loss from the sale or
other disposition of property. Respondent contends that “It is
apparent” from the text of section 1011 “that alternatives to the
cost basis of § 1012 are confined to ‘this subchapter’
(subchapter O) or elsewhere in the Code, namely, subchapters C, K
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and P.” He argues that section 1011 does not refer to an
adjusted basis specified in other “internal revenue laws”, and
the language in section 1.1011-1, Income Tax Regs., “does not
provide for alternatives to § 1012 itself; it provides for some
mechanism of basis adjustments as an alternative to §§ 1016, 1017
and 1018.”7
We read section 1.1011-1, Income Tax Regs., to incorporate
rules for determining adjusted basis in property which are
“specifically provided for under applicable provisions of
internal revenue laws.” We do not read the regulation to mean
that the section and subchapters enumerated in section 1011 are
the exclusive means of determining adjusted basis in property.8
This interpretation is more consistent with the application of
7
Respondent also argues:
Even if Treas. Reg. § 1.1011-1 can be read, as
petitioner apparently wants to read it, so as to permit
some other “internal revenue act” to supplant the cost
basis of § 1012 (or the others permitted by § 1011),
such alternative “internal revenue act” would then be
outside of § 1011. * * *
We do not construe respondent’s argument to suggest that sec.
1.1011-1, Income Tax Regs., may be an invalid interpretation of
sec. 1011.
8
We point out that the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984
(DEFRA), Pub. L. 98-369, sec. 177(d)(2), 98 Stat. 711, was
enacted after sec. 1011 was added to the Code and amended in the
Tax Reform Act of 1969, Pub. L. 91-172, sec. 201(f), 83 Stat.
564. Sec. 1.1011-1, Income Tax Regs., was promulgated on Nov. 6,
1957, and has not been changed. DEFRA sec. 177(d)(2) has not
been codified.
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the regular adjusted basis rules and any special adjusted basis
rules, including DEFRA section 177(d)(2).
Even if the “internal revenue laws” language in the
regulation refers only to adjustments to initial cost or other
basis, we fail to see how this forecloses any reference to DEFRA
section 177(d)(2). In our view, DEFRA section 177(d)(2) is in
effect an adjustment to cost basis.9 Section 1.1011-1, Income
Tax Regs., reflects such an interpretation. A reasonable
interpretation of adjusted basis under section 1011 incorporates
any internal revenue laws which provide for a specific adjusted
basis for purposes of determining gain or loss. DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A) is an internal revenue law, which specifically
provides the adjusted basis for purposes of determining any gain
from the sale or other disposition of property held by petitioner
on January 1, 1985. Section 167(g) requires the use of this
adjusted basis for purposes of amortizing petitioner’s alleged
intangibles.
It also appears that Congress contemplated this result under
section 167(g) when it provided an exception in DEFRA section 177
9
Respondent claims that “The plain language of the dual
basis rule provides for no such alternatives to § 1016, 1017 or
1018 for the purpose of making basis adjustments. Thus, nothing
in * * * [DEFRA] § 177(d) triggers the ‘as otherwise specifically
provided’ clause of the regulation for any purpose.” However,
DEFRA sec. 177(d)(2) refers to an “adjusted basis” and not an
unadjusted basis. An adjusted basis presupposes that the
appropriate adjustments have either been made or incorporated.
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for purposes of determining petitioner’s adjusted basis in
tangible depreciable property. That exception is contained in
DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(B) and provides:
(B) Special Rule for Tangible Depreciable
Property.--In the case of any tangible property which--
(i) is of a character subject to the allowance for
depreciation provided by section 167 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, and
(ii) is held by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation on January 1, 1985,
the adjusted basis of such property shall be equal to
the lesser of the basis of such property or the fair
market value of such property as of such date.
The conference report accompanying this legislation states with
respect to this exception:
The conference agreement follows the rules of the
Senate amendment regarding the basis of Freddie Mac
assets held by the corporation on January 1, 1985.
However, the conference agreement provides an exception
to these general rules in the case of tangible
depreciable property held by Freddie Mac on January 1,
1985. For such property, the adjusted basis, for
purposes of both gain or loss, is to be equal to the
lesser of (1) the regular adjusted basis of the
property in the hands of Freddie Mac, or (2) the fair
market value of the property as of January 1, 1985.
This rule is primarily intended to prevent Freddie Mac
from claiming deductions based on pre-1985 depreciation
of tangible property (e.g., buildings or office
equipment) held by the corporation as of the date of
taxability. [H. Conf. Rept. 98-861, supra at 1039-
1040, 1984-3 C.B. (Vol. 2) at 293-294.]
In enacting this exception, Congress contemplated and explicitly
separated tangible depreciable property from other property,
including intangibles, that petitioner held on January 1, 1985.
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Congress recognized that DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) would
otherwise have provided the adjusted basis for the depreciation
(or amortization) of all property under section 167(g). Since
the special rule of DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(B) applies only to
tangible depreciable property, it follows that DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A)(ii) provides the adjusted basis for the amortization
of all assets other than tangible depreciable property. It also
follows that any amortizable intangibles that petitioner held on
January 1, 1985, are to be amortized using the basis rule
provided in DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii).
Respondent contends that Congress did not provide a special
exception similar to the exception contained in DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(B) for intangibles, because Congress was not aware that
petitioner held any of the alleged intangibles at the time of the
enactment of DEFRA. He points out that, since its inception,
petitioner has been required by statute to provide its financial
statements to Congress, and petitioner has not reported any of
the alleged intangibles as assets on its books or on any
financial statement. He speculates that while Congress would
have been aware of petitioner’s tangible depreciable properties
from a review of the financial statements, and this might explain
why Congress explicitly provided basis rules for depreciation of
those properties in DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(B), Congress would
not have been aware of any intangibles since none were apparently
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listed on the financial statements. We do not know whether
Congress reviewed, or relied upon, petitioner’s financial
statements in devising the special basis rules under DEFRA
section 177(d)(2), or whether Congress was aware or not aware of
petitioner’s claimed intangibles. We do know that for purposes
of determining adjusted basis, Congress separated tangible
depreciable property from other property that petitioner held on
January 1, 1985. We cannot assume that Congress inadvertently
failed to include a special exception for intangibles simply
because no intangibles appeared as assets on petitioner’s
financial statements. That being said, we are left with a
special exception to DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A), which refers
only to tangible depreciable property and which by implication
indicates that the adjusted basis of intangible property is
determined under DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A).
Respondent argues that we should not infer “an amortization
scheme for petitioner’s intangibles” on the basis of
congressional silence. However, given the statutory framework
for determining adjusted basis, the interplay of DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A) and section 1011 of the Code, and the reference in
section 167(g) to the basis for determining gain as the basis to
be used for amortization, we cannot agree that we are inferring
petitioner’s basis for amortization by reason of congressional
silence.
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Respondent argues that petitioner’s interpretation of DEFRA
section 177(d)(2) is inconsistent with fundamental tenets of
depreciation in that: (1) Petitioner is claiming amortization
using a fair market value basis as of the date it became taxable;
and (2) permitting petitioner to amortize its intangibles using a
fair market value basis allows petitioner to receive a “double
recovery” of costs that it expensed on its books before becoming
a taxable entity. But, Congress’s selection of the special basis
rule contained in DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) is not the first
time that Congress selected a higher of fair market value or
regular adjusted cost basis for determining adjusted basis.
Petitioner’s situation is analogous to the determination of the
adjusted basis of property held at the time of the enactment of
the Federal income tax on March 1, 1913. The basis rules which
finally developed for property held on, and acquired before, that
date are contained in section 1053,10 which provides:
SEC. 1053. PROPERTY ACQUIRED BEFORE MARCH 1, 1913.
In the case of property acquired before March 1,
1913, if the basis otherwise determined under this
10
The rule now contained in sec. 1053 has undergone a number
of changes since the original enactment of the Federal income tax
in 1913. Although taxpayers were originally required to use a
fair market value basis for determining any gain from the sale or
other disposition of property, see Revenue Act of 1916, ch. 463,
sec. 2(c), 39 Stat. 758, Congress eventually settled on a dual-
basis rule for determining gain or loss with the basis for
determining any gain as the higher of the regular adjusted cost
basis or fair market value of the property as of Mar. 1, 1913.
See Revenue Act of 1934, ch. 277, sec. 113(a)(14), 48 Stat. 706.
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subtitle, adjusted (for the period before March 1,
1913) as provided in section 1016, is less than the
fair market value of the property as of March 1, 1913,
then the basis for determining gain shall be such fair
market value. * * *[11]
Since section 167(g)12 requires the same basis used for
determining gain to be used as the basis for amortization, it
follows that the amortization of an intangible asset held on
March 1, 1913, will be based on the fair market value of the
asset as of that date if that value is higher than the adjusted
11
The regulations indicate that sec. 1053 and related Code
sections provide a dual-basis rule similar to DEFRA sec.
177(d)(2) with respect to property held as of Mar. 1, 1913. The
basis for determining gain is the cost or other basis, adjusted
as provided in sec. 1016 and other applicable provisions of ch. 1
of the Code, or its fair market value as of Mar. 1, 1913,
whichever is greater. Sec. 1.1053-1(a), Income Tax Regs. The
basis for determining loss is the basis determined in accordance
with pt. II (sec. 1011 and following), subch. O, ch. 1 of the
Code, or other applicable provisions of ch. 1 of the Code,
without reference to the fair market value as of Mar. 1, 1913.
Sec. 1.1053-1(b), Income Tax Regs.
12
Sec. 167(g) followed a similar historical path as sec.
1053 in its inclusion in the Code. The rules stated in sec.
167(g) were enacted as sec. 114(a) of the Revenue Act of 1934,
ch. 277, 48 Stat. 710. As its basis for including those rules,
Congress stated that “Since in some cases the basis for
determining gain differs from the basis for determining loss, it
is necessary to specify definitely which of these bases is to be
used for depreciation * * * purposes.” H. Rept. 704, 73d Cong.,
2d Sess., at 29 (1934), 1939-1 C.B. (Part 2) 554, 575; S. Rept.
558, 73d Cong., 2d Sess., at 36 (1934), 1939-1 C.B. (Part 2) 586,
613. It is clear that Congress, in enacting this rule, made a
conscious choice that in the circumstance of a dual-basis rule,
the basis for depreciation (or amortization) is the basis used
for determining gain on the sale or other disposition of
property. It is clear that Congress envisioned the type of
situation, such as sec. 1053 and DEFRA sec. 177(d)(2), wherein
specific legislation provides different bases for purposes of
determining gain or loss.
- 21 -
cost basis in the intangible asset. See sec. 1.1053-1(a), Income
Tax Regs.
We fail to see why these same principles are not analogous
to petitioner’s situation. Congress provided a special adjusted
basis for purposes of determining any gain on petitioner’s
property held as of January 1, 1985. Certainly, Congress was
aware of the rules that developed from the enactment of the
Federal income tax on March 1, 1913, recognized the potential of
a similar application with respect to tangible depreciable
property, and provided a special exception for such property but
did not provide a special exception for intangible property.
This contradicts respondent’s suggestion that Congress could not
have intended the use of a fair market value basis with respect
to petitioner’s alleged intangibles.
Respondent suggests that petitioner’s situation is more
analogous to provisions that pertain to the adjusted basis of
assets belonging to previously exempt organizations. Respondent
points to the repeals of tax exemption for the Blue Cross and
Blue Shield organizations in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L.
99-514, sec. 1012(b), 100 Stat. 2391, and for the Teachers
Insurance Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities
Fund in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-34, sec.
1042, 111 Stat. 939. Unlike DEFRA section 177(d)(2), both of
those enactments provided a fair market value basis for purposes
- 22 -
of determining both gain and loss. Also, unlike our situation,
Congress expressed its intent in the conference reports
accompanying those enactments that the fair market value basis
was not to be used for purposes of determining depreciation or
for other purposes. See H. Conf. Rept. 99-841 (Vol. II), at II-
349 to II-350 (1986), 1986-3 C.B. (Vol. 4) 1, 349-350; H. Conf.
Rept. 105-220, at 566-567 (1997), 1997-4 C.B. (Vol. 2) 1457,
2036-2037. We cannot discern what considerations went into
enacting different basis rules in these enactments or the
statements in the conference reports. However, those rules are
confined to the particular taxable entities involved.
Respondent also argues that Congress did not intend to
provide a basis for the amortization of petitioner’s intangible
assets different from the regular adjusted cost basis determined
under sections 1011, 1012, and 1016, because Congress explicitly
reaffirmed the application of the regular adjusted basis rules in
DEFRA section 177(d)(5). DEFRA section 177(d)(5) provides: “For
purposes of this subsection, the adjusted basis of any asset
shall be determined under part II of subchapter O of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954.” Accepting respondent’s position with
respect to DEFRA section 177(d)(5) would seemingly nullify the
specific adjusted basis rules provided in DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A) and (B). We do not read this provision as
respondent does. Instead, as we explain in greater detail below,
- 23 -
we read DEFRA section 177(d)(5) to provide the rules for purposes
of determining petitioner’s regular adjusted cost basis in its
assets as of January 1, 1985. This regular adjusted cost basis
is then used in various parts of DEFRA section 177(d)(2) as a
comparison to the fair market value of petitioner’s assets for
purposes of determining which of these two amounts should be used
as petitioner’s adjusted basis.
Section 1016(a)(3) generally deals with amortization
sustained in periods where a taxpayer was not subject to tax.
Section 1016(a)(3) provides that proper adjustment in respect of
property shall in all cases be made:
(3) in respect of any period--
(A) before March 1, 1913,
(B) since February 28, 1913, during which
such property was held by a person or an
organization not subject to income taxation under
this chapter or prior income tax laws,
* * * * * * *
for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, amortiza-
tion, and depletion, to the extent sustained;[13]
13
Sec. 1.1016-4, Income Tax Regs., provides:
(a) Adjustments to basis must be made for
exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, amortization,
and depletion to the extent actually sustained in
respect of:
(1) Any period before March 1, 1913,
(2) Any period since February 28, 1913,
(continued...)
- 24 -
Respondent speculates that since section 1016(a)(3) provides a
mechanism to account for amortization that may have occurred when
petitioner was not subject to Federal income taxation, then:
there would have been no reason for Congress to include
some specially tailored provision in * * * [DEFRA] §
177 to account for any depreciation in petitioner’s
assets that may have occurred before 1985, or after
1985; unless, of course, Congress chose to deviate from
the statutory scheme already in place in the Code. * *
* Congress did not so chose [sic] with respect to
intangible assets, only tangible assets.
We disagree with respondent’s interpretation of the interplay of
DEFRA section 177(d)(2) and section 1016(a)(3).
13
(...continued)
during which the property was held by a person or
organization not subject to income taxation under
chapter 1 of the Code or prior income tax laws,
* * * * * * *
(b) The amount of the adjustments described in
paragraph (a) of this section actually sustained is
that amount charged off on the books of the taxpayer
where such amount is considered by the Commissioner to
be reasonable. Otherwise the amount actually sustained
will be the amount that would have been allowable as a
deduction:
(1) During the period described in paragraph
(a)(1) or (2) of this section, had the taxpayer
been subject to income tax during those periods,
* * *
* * * * * * *
In the case of a taxpayer subject to the adjustment
required by subparagraph (1) or (2) of this paragraph,
depreciation shall be determined by using the straight
line method.
- 25 -
For purposes of determining any gain on the sale or other
disposition of property (other than tangible depreciable
property), DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) first requires a
comparison between petitioner’s adjusted cost basis under the
general rules and the fair market value of the property as of
January 1, 1985. DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) mandates that
for purposes of determining any gain, petitioner’s adjusted basis
is the higher of the two. In order to make such a comparison,
petitioner’s adjusted cost basis under the regular rules must
first be determined. It is clear that this adjusted cost basis
is determined under the regular adjusted basis rules of the Code
(i.e., sections 1011-1023), which include section 1016(a)(3).
Indeed, DEFRA section 177(d)(5) provides that “For purposes of
this subsection, the adjusted basis of any asset shall be
determined under part II of subchapter O of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954.”14 It follows that, for purposes of the DEFRA
section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) comparison, the regular adjusted cost
basis of any property held by petitioner would include a section
1016(a)(3) adjustment where appropriate to account for pre-1985
amortization sustained in petitioner’s intangibles. It also
follows that the regular adjusted cost basis rules of the Code
would apply for purposes of amortization allowed (or allowable)
14
Part II of subch. O of the Code is entitled “Basis Rules
of General Application” and consists of secs. 1011 through 1024
(renumbered as secs. 1011 through 1023).
- 26 -
for years after 1984. See sec. 1016(a)(2). It does not follow
that section 1016(a)(3) requires a pre-1985 adjustment where the
higher fair market value basis is prescribed under DEFRA section
177(d)(2)(A)(ii).15 See sec. 1053 (providing a similar rule for
March 1, 1913 property);16 Even Realty Co. v. Commissioner, 1
15
See also Staff of Joint Comm. on Taxation, General
Explanation of the Revenue Provisions of the Deficit Reduction
Act of 1984, at 551 (J. Comm. Print 1984), which states: “For
purposes of determining gain, the basis of any asset held on
January 1, 1985, is to be the higher of (1) the regular adjusted
basis of the asset in the hands of Freddie Mac (as determined
under Code secs. 1011-1023) or (2) the fair market value of the
asset on January 1, 1985.” Of course, the General Explanation is
not prepared by members of Congress, and it is not a part of the
legislative history. See Allen v. Commissioner, 118 T.C. 1, 14-
15 (2002). However, the statements in the General Explanation
are consistent with our reading of DEFRA sec. 177(d) and the
legislative history, and it is therefore entitled to respect.
See Intl. Multifoods Corp. v. Commissioner, 108 T.C. 579, 588
(1997).
16
Sec. 1.1053-1(c), Example, Income Tax Regs., provides:
Example. (i) On March 1, 1908, a taxpayer
purchased for $100,000, property having a useful life
of 50 years. Assuming that there were no capital
improvements to the property, the depreciation
sustained on the property before March 1, 1913, was
$10,000 (5 years @ $2,000), so that the original cost
adjusted, as of March 1, 1913, for depreciation
sustained prior to that date is $90,000. On that date
the property had a fair market value of $94,500 with a
remaining life of 45 years.
(ii) For the purpose of determining gain from the
sale or other disposition of the property on March 1,
1954, the basis of the property is the fair market
value of $94,500 as of March 1, 1913, adjusted for
depreciation allowed or allowable after February 28,
1913, computed on $94,500. Thus, the substituted
basis, $94,500, is reduced by the depreciation
(continued...)
- 27 -
B.T.A. 355 (1925); Atterbury v. Commissioner, 1 B.T.A. 169(1924).
Respondent argues that petitioner’s claimed amortization of
its alleged intangibles at their fair market values as of January
1, 1985, is “precisely contrary to the stated intent of the dual
basis rule. This rule was explicitly intended to avoid taking
pre-1985 appreciation into account for tax purposes; by
amortizing FMVs, petitioner would take such pre-1985 appreciation
into account.” We disagree. Taking amortization deductions
using a fair market value basis does not, in our view, thwart the
congressional purpose stated in the legislative history. Indeed,
as petitioner suggests, recovering pre-1985 appreciation through
amortization assures that pre-1985 appreciation will not be taxed
in much the same way as a recovery of basis does when it is used
as an offset to gain in the sale or other disposition of the
property.17
16
(...continued)
adjustment from March 1, 1913, to February 28, 1954, in
the aggregate of $86,100 (41 years @ $2,100), leaving
an adjusted basis for determining gain of $8,400
($94,500 less $86,100).
17
We recognize that Congress provided a different rule with
respect to tangible depreciable property. Congress did not
express any similar concern with respect to any intangible
property that petitioner might have held on Jan. 1, 1985.
Congress could have provided a similar rule for intangible
property, but did not.
- 28 -
Respondent also focuses on the magnitude of the amortization
deductions that petitioner claims for 1985 through 1990. Those
deductions range from approximately $99 million in 1990 to $117.8
million in 1985. Respondent claims that allowing deductions of
this size would be inconsistent with Congress’s repeal of
petitioner’s tax exempt status, since it virtually eliminates
petitioner’s tax liabilities for the years following January 1,
1985.18 Respondent relies upon certain revenue estimates
contained in Staff of Joint Comm. on Taxation, General
Explanation of the Revenue Provisions of the Deficit Reduction
Act of 1984, at 555 (J. Comm. Print 1984), as follows: “This
provision is estimated to increase fiscal year budget receipts by
$67 million in 1985, $109 million in 1986, $142 million in 1987,
$185 million in 1988, and $240 million in 1989.” Respondent
speculates that given the size of the amortization deductions,
petitioner’s tax liabilities for 1985-90 would fall substantially
short of the revenue estimates.
First, we fail to see how the revenue estimates and the
comparative reductions in petitioner’s tax liabilities are
particularly relevant to the question before us, which involves
18
Respondent contends that allowing deductions of this size
would have allowed petitioner to maintain its competitive
advantage against its chief competitor, the Federal National
Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), a consequence which Congress
sought to avoid. See Staff of Joint Comm. on Taxation, General
Explanation of the Revenue Provisions of the Deficit Reduction
Act of 1984, at 550 (J. Comm. Print 1984).
- 29 -
the interpretation of a particular statute, as well as its
interplay with the regular adjusted basis rules in the Code.
Second, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the factors
that were considered in making such “estimates”.19 See Fort
Howard Corp. v. Commissioner, 103 T.C. 345, 364 (1994) (revenue
estimates have little relevance in interpreting a statute).
Respondent also claims that “with respect to the dual basis
rule provided in * * * [DEFRA] § 177(d)(2)(A), it is not possible
to know which basis rule applies until such time that the asset
is disposed of and the sales price is known.” He contends that
the basis to be used for purposes of determining any gain
“depends entirely on the amount of the sale as well as the fact
of the sale”, since “Until petitioner’s Intangibles are sold or
disposed of, and the sales proceeds are known, it will not be
known whether there will be any ‘gain’ at all for purposes of * *
* [DEFRA] § 177(d)(2)(A)(ii).”
Petitioner’s basis for amortization is not dependent upon
whether the particular property is sold or disposed of or upon
the amount realized in that transaction. Indeed, if respondent’s
argument is correct, the same logic would apply in all cases
where Congress has provided a dual-basis rule for determining
19
We point out that we have not yet decided, in these
proceedings, the appropriate amount of any deductions to which
petitioner is entitled, and, indeed, whether its alleged
intangibles are subject to amortization for tax purposes.
- 30 -
gain or loss. Section 167(g) requires the basis for depreciation
or amortization be the same basis as the basis for determining
gain. Since petitioner’s adjusted cost basis and fair market
value in its assets are ascertainable as of January 1, 1985, and
since DEFRA section 177(d)(2)(A)(ii) provides that the adjusted
basis for determining gain is the higher of those two amounts,
petitioner’s adjusted basis for amortization of its intangibles
is determinable as of that date. Any subsequent sale or
disposition of those intangibles has no bearing on this
comparison.
We hold that petitioner’s adjusted basis for purposes of
amortizing intangible assets under section 167(g) is the higher
of regular adjusted cost basis or fair market value as of January
1, 1985.20
An appropriate order
will be issued.
20
We express no opinion at this time whether petitioner
actually held the claimed intangible assets on Jan. 1, 1985,
their value on that date, or whether such putative assets are
amortizable.