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What is the significance of the Lykes v. United States case in the context of US Constitutional law and its implications on due process?

The Lykes v.

United States case (1952) led to the enactment of Section 212(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in 1954, clarifying that expenses incurred in gift tax controversies are not deductible as ordinary and necessary expenses in computing taxable income.

Joseph T.

Lykes, the taxpayer, gave shares of common stock in a family corporation as gifts to his wife and children, which led to a gift tax deficiency assessed by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Supreme Court upheld the tax assessment, holding that Lykes was not entitled to deduct attorney fees paid in contesting the amount of his federal gift tax.

The Lykes v.

United States case involved a 6-3 ruling by the US Supreme Court, with Justices Black, Douglas, and Clark dissenting.

The case originated from the Florida Southern US District Court, which initially ruled in favor of the Internal Revenue Service.

The US Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's ruling, stating that the attorney's fee paid by Lykes was not deductible as an ordinary and necessary expense under Section 23(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Lykes attempted to deduct $11,575 in attorney's fees incurred in contesting the gift tax assessment, which was denied by the IRS.

The Supreme Court's decision in Lykes v.

United States was cited in subsequent cases, including Ward v.

Commissioner of Internal Revenue (1954), to reinforce the principle that attorney fees incurred in gift tax controversies are not deductible.

The Lykes case is significant in the context of US Constitutional law as it pertains to due process, as it highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between tax laws and the Constitution.

The Supreme Court's decision in Lykes was influenced by the 1910 organization of the corporation by Lykes' elder brothers, initially engaged in cattle ranching and meatpacking businesses.

The case demonstrates how tax laws can have far-reaching implications for individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for careful planning and understanding of tax regulations.

The Lykes v.

United States case serves as a precedent for subsequent tax-related cases, emphasizing the importance of legal precedent in shaping the US tax system.

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