Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. v. Limbach
Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. v. Limbach
Opinion of the Court
The Tax Commissioner contends that the operating agreement is determinative and under it the furnishing of services and parts to Cliffs constituted taxable sales. The BTA was persuaded by the commissioner’s counsel that the terms of the operating agreement required no explanation and, under the best evidence rule and the parol evidence rule, sustained objections to the introduction of such testimony. The decision of the BTA was neither unreasonable nor unlawful and we affirm.
R.C. 5739.01(B) defines “sale” as:
“ ‘Sale’ and ‘selling’ include all of the following transactions for a consideration in any manner, whether absolutely or conditionally, whether for a price or rental, in money or by exchange, and by any means whatsoever:
“(1) All transactions by which title or possession, or both, of tangible personal property, is or is to be transferred, or a license to use or consume tangible personal property is or is to be granted;
(t * * *
“(3) All transactions by which:
“(a) An item of tangible personal property is or is to be repaired * * *;
“(b) An item of tangible personal property is or is to be installed * * * [.]”
Cliffs also argues that the transactions in question were not sales because they were made by “loaned servants.” Without deciding the merits of that issue, this court lacks jurisdiction to consider it because it was not set forth in the notice of appeal to the BTA. Cliffs’ specifications of error do not include “loaned servants.” That concept is not so obscure as to defy identification and Cliffs’ failure to so specify puts the issue beyond the jurisdiction of this court. Osborne Bros. Welding Supply, Inc. v. Limbach (1988), 40 Ohio St.3d 175, 532 N.E.2d 739.
The final issue properly presented is whether the BTA erred in relying upon the best evidence rule or the parol evidence rule to exclude testimony. The operating agreement defined the scope of the transactions performed and was the basis on which the parties conducted their affairs during the audit period. Since the operating agreement appears to be unambiguous, no need exists for explanation or qualification by oral testimony.
The decision of the BTA is affirmed.
Decision affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company v. Limbach, Tax Commr.
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published