Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Summary

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. United States v. Kirby Lumber Company…

At the time of payment the marks had fallen in value, which so far as it went was a gain for the defendant in error, and it was contended by the plaintiff in error that the gain was taxable income. But the transaction as a whole was a loss, and the contention was denied. Here there was no shrinkage of assets and the taxpayer made a clear gain. As a result of its dealings it made available $137,521.30 assets previously offset by the obligation of bonds now extinct. We see nothing to be gained by the discussion of judicial definitions.
Source: Wikisource

Get perspective with Kwize: daily news enlightened by great literature