Kent v. Commissioner

*133 Respondent determined a deficiency in petitioners' Federal income tax for the taxable year ending December 31, 1969, in the amount of $ 4,369.

The sole issue presented for our determination is whether amounts paid by petitioner George B. Kent, Jr., to his former wife, pursuant to a divorce decree, qualify as periodic payments within the provisions of section 71(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, ¹ and are therefore deductible by him under section 215.

*31 FINDINGS OF FACT

Some of the facts have been stipulated. The stipulation of facts and the exhibits attached thereto are incorporated herein by this reference.

Petitioners George B. Kent, Jr., and Sandra Jo Kent, husband and wife, resided in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the time their petition was filed. They filed a joint Federal income tax return for the calendar year 1969 with an office of the Internal Revenue Service. Any reference to "petitioner" hereinafter shall be deemed to mean George B. Kent, Jr.

Prior to April 4, 1967, petitioner was married to Jeanne Diane Kent (hereinafter sometimes referred to as Jeanne).

On or as of March 30, 1967, petitioner and Jeanne, fully represented by counsel, executed a Property Settlement Agreement (agreement) pursuant to divorce proceedings instituted by Jeanne in the Superior *134 Court of the State of Arizona in and for the County of Maricopa. This agreement recites, in pertinent part:

5. * * * that there is no other contract, oral or in writing, existing between the parties hereto relative to the matters herein contained and that all agreements and understandings between the parties are embodied in this Agreement; * * *

On April 4, 1967, Jeanne*32 obtained a Judgment and Decree of Divorce in the aforesaid action which approved and incorporated the agreement of March 30, 1967. The decree provided, inter alia, for a distribution of property, child support, and support and alimony for Jeanne. Specific to the matter herein are the following provisions:

It Is Further Ordered, Adjudged and Decreed, Pursuant to said Property Settlement Agreement, that the defendant shall pay to the plaintiff, through the Clerk of the Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona, the following sums:

* * * *

(b) For a period up to and including the 1st day of September, 1971, the sum of $ 600.00 per month as and for alimony and the support of the plaintiff, payable one-half thereof, or the amount of $ 300.00 on the 1st day of each month, then a like amount on the 15th day of each month, with the first payment commencing on the 1st day of April, 1967.

(c) After the 1st day of September, 1971, all alimony payments provided for herein and hereunder are to cease and the defendant's responsibility for said alimony shall abate and extinguish as of and subsequent to said date.

In 1969, pursuant to the decree, petitioner made 12 monthly payments of*33 $ 600 each to Jeanne for alimony and support. On his Federal income tax return for said year, petitioner claimed as a deduction for alimony, under section 215, the amount of $ 7,500. ²

Jeanne remarried in October 1970 and petitioner, upon notification of the marriage, felt he was no longer obligated to comply with the decree. He thereupon deducted the amount he had paid in October for alimony to Jeanne from the next-due child support payment and thereafter ceased making payment of the alimony award.

Up to and through the date of trial herein, Jeanne has not instituted proceedings in the appropriate court for recovery of the past-due amounts.

In his notice of deficiency, dated October 29, 1971, respondent disallowed the claimed deduction for alimony for the year 1969.

OPINION

Section 215 allows the husband to deduct amounts which are paid to the wife during his taxable year and which are includable in her gross income*34 by virtue of section 71. In pertinent part section 71 provides:

*135 SEC. 71. ALIMONY AND SEPARATE MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS.

(a) General Rule. --

(1) Decree of divorce or separate maintenance. -- If a wife is divorced or legally separated from her husband under a decree of divorce or of separate maintenance, the wife's gross income includes periodic payments (whether or not made at regular intervals) received after such decree in discharge of (or attributable to property transferred, in trust or otherwise, in discharge of) a legal obligation which, because of the marital or family relationship, is imposed on or incurred by the husband under the decree or under a written instrument incident to such divorce or separation.

* * * *

(c) Principal Sum Paid in Installments. --

(1) General rule. -- For purposes of subsection (a), installment payments discharging a part of an obligation the principal sum of which is, either in terms of money or property, specified in the decree, instrument, or agreement shall not be treated as periodic payments.

Petitioner contends that the payments in dispute constitute periodic payments within the meaning of section 71(a)(1). *35 Respondent, on the other hand, maintains that the payments are installment payments as described in section 71(c)(1) and, hence, are not to be considered periodic for purposes of section 71(a).

Specifically, petitioner argues that although provisions of the decree recite a monthly sum payable for an exact term of less than 10 years, ³ from which the gross amount may be determined by mathematical computation, the fact that the total sum is not expressly stated precludes classification of the payments as installment payments under section 71(c)(1). In the alternative, petitioner maintains that even if the payments are initially determined to be installment payments within the general rule of section 71(c)(1), they qualify under the exception specified in section 1.71-1(d)(3)(i) and (ii), Income Tax Regs., ⁴ and, thus, should properly be treated as periodic payments.

*36 *136 We discuss petitioner's initial contention first.

It has long been this Court's view that there is no material difference between a decree where the total amount payable is so stated and one where it is necessary to multiply the payments by a period certain in order to determine the principal sum specified. Estate of Frank P. Orsatti, 12 T.C. 188 (1949); Frank R. Casey, 12 T.C. 224 (1949); Harold M. Fleming, 14 T.C. 1308 (1950). "There is at best only a formal difference between such a decree and one where the total amount is expressly set out." Estate of Frank P. Orsatti, supra at 192.

The decree herein provides for a $ 600 per month payment for 54 months. If we assume, arguendo, that the payments are not subject to any of the contingencies of death of Jeanne or petitioner, remarriage of Jeanne, or change in the economic status of either spouse (any one of which could serve to alter the aggregate amount of the payments), then it is clear that mere mathematics ($ 600 X 54) will ascertain an exact principal sum ($ 32,400) specified in the decree. See sec. 1.71-1 (d)(5), example (3), Income Tax*37 Regs. We are not persuaded by petitioner's argument that a literal compliance with section 71(c)(1) precludes multiplication and accordingly we hold that his initial contention must fail.

Notwithstanding the above, petitioner cloaks himself in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision of Myers v. Commissioner, 212 F. 2d 448 (C.A. 9, 1954), which reversed a Memorandum Opinion of this Court. Petitioner maintains that by virtue of our decision in Jack E. Golsen, 54 T.C. 742 (1970), affd. 445 F.2d 985 (C.A. 10, 1971), certiorari denied 404 U.S. 940 (1971), a decision in the matter before us is controlled by Myers. We disagree.

The Myers controversy originated in this Court (a Memorandum Opinion of this Court dated Nov. 28, 1952) with the issue the same as presented herein -- periodic payments vs. installment payments. The property settlement agreement therein provided for payments of $ 250 per month for a period of 6 years, whether the wife remarried or not. The taxpayer in Myers argued in this Court that the payments were subject to a contingency based on survival of both spouses. ⁵ However, the Tax*38 Court held that the word "obligation," used in section 22(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1939, included obligations subject to contingencies where those contingencies had not arisen and had not voided the obligation during the taxable year. See J. B. Steinel, 10 T.C. 409*137 (1948). The contingency of death was therefore not a factor considered.

The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed our Myers decision in 212 F. 2d 448 (C.A. 9, 1954), but no statement as to the contingency issue was put forth. ⁶ The court stated:

No principal sum was specified in the seventh*39 paragraph of the agreement of June 1, 1945. Therefore the 24 payments mentioned above were not installment payments discharging a part of an obligation the principal sum of which was so specified. * * * [Fn. omitted.]

Notwithstanding that the Ninth Circuit appears to have espoused petitioner's argument, ⁷ we do not feel constrained, under the facts before us, to find Myers controlling. What vitality a literal reading of Myers may have is suspect in view of the development of the law in the 19 years since promulgated.

*40 In 1957, 3 years after the Myers decision, section 1.71-1, Income Tax Regs., was adopted for the purpose of modifying and clarifying the Government's position on questions of interpretation of section 71. 5 Mertens, Law of Federal Income Taxation, sec. 31A.03 (1969). Specific to the matter herein, section 1.71-1(d)(3)(i), Income Tax Regs., takes the approach that where payments are to be made over a term ending 10 years or less from the date of the decree or agreement, a principal sum will not be ascertainable and the payments will therefore be deemed periodic if two conditions are satisfied: (1) Such payments are subject to any one or more of the contingencies of death of either spouse, remarriage of the wife, or change in the economic status of either spouse, and (2) such payments are in the nature of alimony or an allowance for support. Petitioner, by clinging to Myers, is essentially asking us to hold this regulation invalid. This we are loathe to do.

The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Salapatas v. Commissioner, 466 F.2d 79 (C.A. 7, 1971), affirming a Memorandum Opinion of this Court, *41 found section 1.71-1, Income Tax Regs., to be within the reasonable bounds of interpretation of the statute. Specifically, the court upheld the validity of section 1.71-1(d)(3)(i), Income Tax Regs., finding it to serve the purpose for which the statute was enacted. *138 We express our agreement and find this regulation to be reasonable and consistent with section 71. This regulation should not be overruled except for weighty reasons. Bingler v. Johnson, 394 U.S. 741 (1969); Commissioner v. Southwest Texas Co., 333 U.S. 496 (1948).

It is clear from the above that the Ninth Circuit, when deciding Myers in 1954, did not have the opportunity to pass on the validity of the regulation adopted in 1957. This fact, viewed in light of the overwhelming acceptance by this Court and various circuit courts of the principles stated in the regulatory material, see Baker v. Commissioner, 205 F.2d 369 (C.A. 2, 1953), affirming in part and reversing in part 17 T.C. 1610 (1952); Smith's Estate v. Commissioner, 208 F.2d 349 (C.A. 3, 1953), affirming*42 in part and reversing in part a Memorandum Opinion of this Court; Prewett v. Commissioner, 221 F.2d 250 (C.A. 8, 1955), reversing 22 T.C. 270 (1954); Barrett v. United States, 296 F.2d 309 (C.A. 5, 1961); Helen Stewart Cramer, 36 T.C. 1136 (1961), leaves us with no compulsion to find the Myers decision dispositive.

With respect to petitioner's alternative contention regarding his compliance with regulatory exception to installment payments, the decree itself is completely devoid of any explicitly stated contingencies. Therefore, in order for petitioner to prevail, it must be shown that the payments herein are subject to certain contingencies which operate by virtue of applicable local law. See sec. 1.71-1(d)(3)(ii)(a), Income Tax Regs.

Arizona law ⁸ provides that an appropriate local court can, in its discretion, review portions of a divorce decree pertaining to the payment of money for the purpose of modifying an alimony award if the circumstances so warrant. The possibility that such a judicial modification will be made constitutes a contingency imposed by local law and, consequently, *43 the payments will be precluded from classification as installment payments. ⁹

However, Arizona case law indicates that an award which constitutes*44 alimony in gross is excepted from the operation of the Arizona modification provision. Cummings v. Lockwood, 84 Ariz. 335, 327 P.2d 1012 (1958); Bartholomew v. Superior Court, 4 Ariz. App. 50, 417 P.2d 563 (1966); Bennett v. Bennett, 17 Ariz. App. 101, 495 P.2d 871*139 (1972). Generally, alimony in gross is an unqualified monetary award in a decree, payable in a lump sum or installments, intended as a property settlement and/or support, which is a definite and final adjudication of the rights and obligation of the parties involved. Barnett v. Barnett, 95 Ariz. 226, 388 P.2d 433 (1964); Cummings v. Lockwood, supra.See also Earley v. Earley, 6 Ariz. App. 110, 430 P.2d 456 (1967); Porreca v. Porreca, 8 Ariz. App. 394, 446 P.2d 500 (1968).

In Cummings v. Lockwood, supra, an allowance of alimony was awarded to the wife payable at $ 75 per month for a period of 6 months only. Due to economic circumstances, an attempt was made by the former spouse to have this award modified to $ 150 a month until further court*45 order. The Supreme Court of Arizona found the original judgment to be absolute in defining and limiting the rights of the parties so as to be clearly capable of and intended as a present vesting of the award of support and maintenance to the former wife. Therefore, the court held that the award constituted alimony in gross and as such could not be modified under Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. sec. 25-321.

Similarly, in Bartholomew v. Superior Court, supra, the Arizona appellate court, citing the Cummings decision, held that a decree requiring the payment of $ 50 per month for a period of 18 months was an award of alimony in gross and that the modification provision was inapplicable to such an alimony award.

We are unable to see any substantial difference between the payments in Cummings and Bartholomew and the obligation of petitioner herein to pay $ 600 per month for 54 months. We therefore hold that the award in the matter before us meets the definition of alimony in gross and cannot be subsequently modified by means of Arizona statute.

Nonetheless, petitioner further contends that Jeanne's failure to assert any claim in regard*46 to the cessation of alimony payments since her remarriage constitutes a contingency that makes the payments periodic for purposes of section 71(a)(1). We find this argument to be without merit.

Petitioner's belief that the payments were subject to the contingency of remarriage is contrary to the express language of paragraph 5 of the agreement. ¹⁰ Further, the fact that Jeanne has not as yet availed herself of the judicial process to recover the payments has in no way precluded her from initiating such action, ¹¹ nor is it indicative of consent on her part to the nonpayment thereof. ¹²

*47 *140 Moreover, the case of Barnett v. Barnett, supra, is determinative as to the effect of remarriage on an award of alimony in gross. The decree therein provided for a specific sum of alimony payable in monthly installments over a period of time. Within that period the husband ceased making payments on the theory that the wife had remarried and was being adequately supported by her new husband. The Supreme Court of Arizona, upholding Cummings v. Lockwood, supra, held the award to be an absolute judgment which could not be subsequently modified and found the wife's right to continue to receive the installments did not terminate upon her remarriage.

Petitioner, nevertheless, has attempted to counter with a plethora of case law from various States, other than Arizona, to substantiate his position. We find these cases irrelevant to the present matter, as the applicable local law herein is that of Arizona.

Finally, with respect to the question of whether petitioner's payments to Jeanne were contingent upon death, the general rule is that an allowance or award of alimony in gross is a vested right which is not affected by future events, *48 such as the death of either party. 24 Am. Jur. 2d., Divorce and Separation, sec. 614, p. 735; 27A C.J.S., Divorce, sec. 240, p. 1158; 39 A.L.R. 2d 1413. ¹³

We, therefore, conclude that the applicable local law imposes no contingencies on the payments herein that would make the total sum payable by petitioner indefinite and consequently periodic. Arizona law characterizes the unqualified payments of a monthly sum for a specific period of time as alimony in gross which, as shown, cannot be subsequently modified due to a change in the economic status, remarriage, or death of either spouse.

Decision will be entered for the respondent.