Atkinson v. Department of Taxation
Atkinson v. Department of Taxation
Opinion of the Court
The appellant contends that his testimony is competent and that it establishes the fact that there was no joint tenancy as to either the real estate or the government bonds. This testimony is immaterial and the county court was correct in giving it no consideration.
It is difficult to see how he is aggrieved by the order determining that the property in the two names was held by the parties as joint tenants. This order terminates the joint tenancy and makes him the sole owner thereof. That, in effect, is what he is claiming. If he is aggrieved, it is by the order determining that said property was subject to an inheritance tax under the provisions of sec. 72.01 (6), Stats. This statute, so far as it is pertinent in this case, reads as follows:
“(6) Joint interests. Whenever any property, real or personal, is held in the joint names of two . . . persons, . . . upon the death of one of such persons the right of the surviving . . . person ... to the immediate ownership or possession and enjoyment of such property shall be deemed a transfer of one half . . . thereof taxable under the provisions of this chapter in the same manner as though the property to which such transfer relates . . . had been bequeathed or devised to the surviving . . . person ... by will.”
In Estate of Hounsell, supra (p. 143), the court made this statement: “. . . all that is needed to set the statute in motion is to have property in the joint names of the parties.” In view of this interpretation of the statute the county court was correct in determining that an inheritance tax was due. The computation of the tax is not challenged.
By the Court. — The orders are affirmed.
For deletions, see the memorandum on motion for rehearing, post, p. 484. Reporter.
070rehearing
The following memorandum was filed June 20, 1952:
(on motion for rehearing). Upon motion for rehearing, the appellant contends that the doctrine of estoppel should not have been invoked in this case for the reason that it was not briefed or argued. He further contends that equitable estoppel cannot be invoked by the respondent, not a party to the transaction nor a privy of any of the parties, and further that no showing is made that the respondent acted to its .detriment because of any representations made by or conduct of the appellant.
It is true that this question was not briefed or argued. What was said in the opinion in regard thereto was not necessary to a determination of the case, and until the question is duly presented we will withdraw all reference to estoppel in the opinion. Therefore, the following portion of the opinion is hereby deleted:
By the Court. — Motion for rehearing is denied without costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Estate of Atkinson: Atkinson, Executor, Appellant, vs. Department of Taxation, Respondent
- Cited By
- 4 cases
- Status
- Published