Ziegler v. Commissioner
Opinion of the Court
SUMMARY ORDER
Petitioner-appellant Stephen S. Ziegler appeals from a June 27, 2007 decision of the Tax Court concluding that the passive loss limitations rule, 26 U.S.C. § 469, can constitutionally be applied to losses attributable to an investment made by Ziegler before the enactment of the rule. Ziegler v. Commissioner, T.C.M. 23638-04, 2007 WL 1837131 (June 27, 2007). We assume the parties’ familiarity with the facts and procedural history of the case. On appeal, Ziegler argues that (1) the retroactive application of § 469 to his investment violated his right to due process; (2) applying § 469 to his investment resulted in an unconstitutional taking; and (3) the interim relief afforded by 26 U.S.C. § 502 violated his right to equal protection of the laws.
We review the legal conclusions of the Tax Court de novo. See, e.g., Reimels v. Commissioner, 436 F.3d 344, 346 (2d Cir. 2006).
We find no constitutional violation here. We agree with the Tax Court that the application of § 469 was not impermissibly retroactive. By its express terms, § 469’s limitations on passive loss deductions applies to losses incurred in the years following its enactment. See Pub. L. 104-188, § 1704(d)(2). The fact that Ziegler made
For the reasons stated above, the decision of the Tax Court is AFFIRMED.
. At oral argument, Ziegler clarified that he raises an additional challenge, namely that the Tax Court and the Commissioner "coerced” him into abandoning an argument based on the Tax Court’s alleged misinterpretation of the applicable regulations. Any such argument is entirely without merit. The record indicates that there was no improper coercion.
. Ziegler contends that the Tax Court ignored his argument that the change in Internal Revenue Code ‘‘destroye[ed] all of the Tax Incentives” associated with his investment, thereby eliminating any possibility of return. Ziegler has not established before the Tax Court or our Court that his investment has been rendered valueless by § 469. For instance, the Commissioner suggests that Ziegler will realize some value upon the sale of his investment. It is irrelevant, for our purposes, whether the tax benefits Ziegler previously enjoyed were reduced or eliminated altogether; the result is the same. See, e.g., Story v. Green, 978 F.2d 60, 63 (2d Cir. 1992) (concluding that legislation "altering or eliminating" a tax benefit does not violate the Due Process or Takings Clauses of the Constitution).
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Stephen S. ZIEGLER v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE
- Cited By
- 4 cases
- Status
- Published