Petition for Writ of Certiorari — Wolfe v. United States
Supreme Court brief1987
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86-1576 wT ee
Mar 26 1987
NO JOSEPH F. SPANIOL, ;
o
CLERK
IN THE
Supreme Court of the United States
OCTOBER TERM, 1986
CHARLES E. WOLFE,
Petitioner
V.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Respondent.
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI
TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF
APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Attorney for Petitioner:
Jack W. Burnett
Attorney at Law
Suite 206
1300 Avenue C
Billings, MT 59102
(406) 252-4910
eee }
—
1
QUESTIONS PRESENTED FOR REVIEW
1. Does the judicial branch of the U.S. Government have legal authority
to amend the laws of the U.S. Congress?
Stated another way, does a U.S. Court of Appeals have the legal
authority to hold that a Levy served on an American citizen pursuant
to Section 26 U.S.C. 6331(a) is a valid Levy even though such an in-
dividual was never assessed for the taxes in issue and was never served
with a notice and demand for payment of the taxes whereas Section
6331(a) provides that before serving such a Levy an individual must
first be served with a notice and demand for the payment of the taxes
and before serving such a notice and demand for payment of taxes
the individual must first be assessed for the taxes pursuant to 26 U.S.C.
6201(a)(1)?
2. Does a U.S. Court of Appeals have legal authority to overrule a
decision of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Stated another way, the U.S. Supreme Court, in U.S. v. National
Bank of Commerce, 86 L Ed 565 (1985), has clearly and definitely
distinguished between a Levy served pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 6331(a)
and a Notice of Levy served pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 6332(a), whereas
the 9th Circuit, in this case, held that a levy and a notice of levy are
not distinct and in so holding has the 9th Circuit decided a federal ques-
tion in conflict with this Supreme Court case?
3. Cana human being be an ‘‘alter ego’’ of his solely owned corpora-
tion or is this a legal impossibility?
=i at
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
QUESTIONS PRESENTED FOR REVIEW................20ceeeeee 1
OPINION BELOW iin is nheg ts dchuen Reda shady Taste ckaniandiaehoe aa 5
PRIN i iisins sfesirssaiesisiasivancisiea, dcebicicsiaaiaiaiie 5
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
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1. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that the Levy served on
Mr. Wolfe was lawfully served even though Mr. Wolfe had not
been assessed for the taxes im iSSUEC ..............ccccceccecceceeeeess 9
2. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that a Levy and a Notice
of Levy are not distinct and in so doing it has overruled a
decision of the U.S. Supreme Court..................ccccescescescscees 14
3. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that Mr. Wolfe was the
alter ego of his solely owned corporation and that he had to pay
the taxes owed by his corporation ...........:..ccccccscccecseccessceces 15
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TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
Page
Cases:
United States vy. National Bank of Commerce,
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United States Constitution:
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Pe
IN THE
Supreme Court of the United States
OCTOBER TERM, 1986
CHARLES E. WOLFE,
Petitioner
Vv.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Respondent.
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI
TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF
APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Attorney for Petitioner:
Jack W. Burnett
Attorney at Law
Suite 206
1300 Avenue C
Billings, MT 59102
(406) 252-4910
———_—
5
OPINION BELOW
The opinion of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit was
filed on August 29, 1986 (p. 18). An order amending the opinion and
denying a petition for rehearing was filed on December 29, 1986 (p. 24).
JURISDICTION
The date of the opinion of the Ninth Circuit was August 29, 1986,
and the date of the order denying a timely filed petition for rehearing
was December 29, 1986. The jurisdiction of this Court is invoked under
28 U.S.C. 1254(1). Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2101(c), a petition for
certiorari in a civil case can be filed within 90 days after an order denying
a petition for a rehearing by a U.S. Court of Appeals.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS AND STATUTES INVOLVED
United States Constitution
AMENDMENT IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall
not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,
supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place
to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
AMENDMENT V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise
infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury,
except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia,
when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any
person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy
of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without
due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use,
without just compensation.
The following section of 28 U.S.C.:
SECTION 1346. UNITED STATES AS DEFENDANT.
(a) The district courts shall have original jurisdiction, concurrent
with the United States Claims Court, of:
6
(1) Any civil action against the United States for the recovery of
any internal-revenue tax alleged to have been erroneously or illegally
assessed or collected, or any penalty claimed to have been collected
without authority or any sum alleged to have been excessive or in any
manner wrongfully collected under the internal-revenue laws;
The following sections of 26 U.S.C.:
SECTION 6201. ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY.
(a) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY—The Secretary is authorized
and required to make the inquiries, determinations, and assessments
of all taxes (including interest, additional amounts, additions to the tax,
and assessable penalties) imposed by this title, or accuring under any
former internal revenue law, which have not been duly paid by stamp
at the time and in the manner provided by law. Such authority shall
extend to and include the following:
(1) TAXES SHOWN ON RETURN—The Secretary shall assess
all taxes determined by the taxpayer or by the Secretary as to which
returns or lists are made under this title.
SECTION 6301. COLLECTION AUTHORITY.
The Secretary shall collect the taxes imposed by the internal
revenue laws.
SECTION 6303. NOTICE AND DEMAND FOR TAX.
(a) GENERAL RULE— Where it is not otherwise provided by this
title, the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, and within 60 days,
after the making of an assessment of a tax pursuant to section 6203,
give notice to each person liable for the unpaid tax, stating the amount
and demanding payment thereof. Such notice shall be left at the dwelling
or usual place of business of such person, or shall be sent by mail to
such person’s last known address.
SECTION 6331. LEVY AND DISTRAINT.
(a) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY—If any person liable to pay
any tax neglects or refuses to pay the same within 10 days after notice
and demand, it shall be lawful for the Secretary to collect such tax
(and such further sum as shall be sufficient to cover the expenses of
the levy) by levy upon all property and rights to property (except such
property as is exempt under section 6334) belonging to such person
7
or on which there is a lien provided in this chapter for the payment
of such tax. Levy may be made upon the accrued salary or wages of
any officer, employee, or elected official, of the United States, the
District of Columbia, or any agency or instrumentality of the United
States or the District of Columbia, by serving a notice of levy on the
employer (as defined in section 3401(d)) of such officer, employee,
or elected official. If the Secretary makes a finding that the collection
of such tax is in jeopardy, notice and demand for immediate payment
of such tax may be made by the Secretary and, upon failure or refusal
to pay such tax, collection thereof by levy shall be lawful without regard
to the 10-day period provided in this section.
(b) SEIZURE AND SALE OF PROPERTY—The term “‘levy’’ as
used in this title includes the power of distraint and seizure by any
means. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a levy shall
extend only to property possessed and obligations existing at the time
thereof. In any case in which the Secretary may levy upon property
or rights to property, he may seize and sell such property or rights
to property (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible).
SECTION 6332. SURRENDER OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO LEVY.
(a) REQUIREMENT—Except as otherwise provided in subsec-
tion (b), any person in possession of (or obligated with respect to)
property or rights to property subject to levy upon which a levy has
been made shall, upon demand of the Secretary, surrender such
property or rights (or discharge such obligation) to the Secretary,
except such part of the property or rights as is, at the time of such
demand, subject to an attachment or execution under any judicial
process.
SECTION 7422. CIVIL ACTIONS FOR REFUND.
(a) NO SUIT PRIOR TO FILING CLAIM FOR REFUND—No
suit or proceeding shall be maintained in any court for the recovery
of any internal revenue tax alleged to have been erroneously or illegally
assessed or collected, or of any penalty claimed to have been collected
without authority, or of any sum alleged to have been excessive or
in any manner wrongfully collected, until a claim for refund or credit
has been duly filed with the Secretary, according to the provisions of
law in that regard, and the regulations of the Secretary established
in pursuance thereof.
8
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
The facts discussed hereinbelow are contained in a stipulation of
facts and agreed to by the parties.
For several years before and during the tax years involved in this
case (which tax years are 1974, 1975, and 1976), Mr. Wolfe was
engaged in the business of hauling commodities pursuant to authority
from the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). His business was
known as the Evergreen Express. He was also the sole shareholder
and the President of Wolfe & Co., Inc. Said corporation owned trac-
tors and trailers which it leased to Mr. Wolfe and to third parties. The
corporation owned no ICC permits.
The ICC permits were always owned by Mr. Wolfe and the
corporation never owned any ICC permits.
Federal tax returns regarding the taxes in issue and for prior years
were filed by the corporation. Federal income tax returns for the years
1974 thru 1976 and for prior years were filed by the corporation and
also by Mr. Wolfe.
The Arab oil embargo was imposed in the fall of 1973. The price
of fuel oil rose drastically in 1974 and 1975 and Mr. Wolfe was unable
to increase his transportation charges to keep up with the rising fuel
costs.
Both the corporation and Mr. Wolfe became insolvent and all busi-
ness operations were completely terminated before the end of March
1976. Since that time Mr. Wolfe has worked as a laborer and he is
currently working on a crusher and doing some welding for his
employer.
During the taxable years in issue, the corporation filed Federal
employment tax returns, Federal highway use tax returns, and Federal
diesel tax returns, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). it paid
what taxes it could but fell behind and this case involves $80,712.38
of said taxes which the corporation was unable to pay.
The corporation had been assessed for said $80,712.38 of taxes
by the IRS.
The IRS never made an assessment of said taxes against Mr. Wolfe.
On December 2, 1975, the IRS served a Levy on Mr. Wolfe
(p. 26). On the same date, the IRS served on the ICC a Notice of
Levy, naming Mr. Wolfe as the taxpayer (p. 27). On the same date,
the IRS served a Notice of Seizure on the ICC, naming Mr. Wolfe
as the taxpayer (p. 28).
9
In 1976, Mr. Wolfe was negotiating for the sale of his ICC permits
to Hart Motor Express and to C.M. Burns. Prior to the completion
of said sales, the IRS served them with Notices of Levy naming Mr.
Wolfe as the taxpayer (p. 29, 30).
In order to clear the title to his ICC permits, it was necessary for
Mr. Wolfe to pay taxes to the IRS in the sum of $114,472.91 and said
sum was paid by him on January 27, 1977. On the same day, the IRS
released the Levy on all of Mr. Wolfe’s ICC permits (p. 31).
Subsequently, Mr. Wolfe filed timely claims for refunds of the taxes
he paid and later this suit was timely filed in the U.S. District Court
for the District of Montana.
In the court of first instance, the U.S. District Court for the District
of Montana, the parties agreed that federal jurisdiction was invoked
because this is a federal tax refund suit arising under 26 U.S.C. 7422
(p. 7). and 28 U.S.C. 1346(a)(1) (p. 5).
ARGUMENT
1. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that the Levy served
on Mr. Wolfe was lawfully served even though Mr. Wolfe had
not been assessed for the taxes in issue.
Our American system of collecting Federal taxes, including the taxes
involved in this case, is known as the self-assessment system.
Technically, this is not accurate. What our law provides is that certain
persons have a duty to file tax returns. The actual assessment of taxes
is unilaterally made by the IRS. The assessment procedure is con-
tained in the United States Code (Code). Section 6201(a)(1) of the
Code provides that the Secretary is authorized and required to make
the assessments of all taxes imposed by the tax law. Such authoriza-
tion shall include taxes shown on a return. The Secretary shall assess
all the taxes determined by the taxpayer or by the Secretary as to
which returns or lists are made under the law (p. 6).
Rights of taxpayers and rights of the government are involved in
this assessment procedure including statutory collection procedures
and statue of limitations which apply to various possible actions.
When a Federal tax has been assessed, the IRS has the duty to
collect the tax. Code Section 6301 (p. 6).
Code Section 6303 provides that where it is not otherwise provided
by the Code, the IRS shall within 60 days after making an assessment
10
give notice to each person liable for the unpaid tax, stating the amount
and demanding payment thereof (p. 6).
Code Section 6331(a) & (b) provide that if any person liable to pay
any tax neglects or refuses to pay the same within 10 days after notice
and demand, it shall be lawful for the IRS to collect such tax by levy
upen all property belonging to such person and it is provided that the
term ‘‘levy’’ includes the power of distraint and seizure and that the
property levied upon can be sold (p. 6).
Under Code Section 6332(a), a notice of levy may be served on
any person in possession of property subject to levy and such person
must surrender any such property to the IRS (p. 7).
In summary, before taking any statutory collection action pursuant
to Section 6331, the IRS must first assess a tax liability against the
taxpayer. After so doing, if the taxpayer does not pay the tax after
a 10 day notice and demand, the IRS may levy upon all property
belonging to the taxpayer and such property can be sold and the sales
proceeds can be applied to pay the assessed tax.
Now are there any exceptions to these statues? That is, can a Levy
be served on an American citizen by identifying him as the taxpayer
even though he has not been assessed for the tax for which he is alleged
to owe and he has not been served with a notice and demand for pay-
ment of the tax? The statutes contain no exception to the require-
ment that a person upon whom a Levy is served must first be assessed
for the tax and also be served with a notice and demand for payment
of the tax before this statutory collection action can be used against
him. These statutes are very clear in providing that a levy can only
be served after the person has been assessed and no reported case,
other than the Ninth Circuit in this case, has ever approved the filing
of a Levy against anyone who has not been assessed and served with
a notice and demand for payment of the tax. Since Mr. Wolfe was not
assessed for the taxes in issue, the collection procedure used against
him was illegal.
To further substantiate that the IRS’s collection activity was illegal,
an analysis of the documents filed and served in this case is appropriate.
These documents are entitled ‘‘Levy’’ (p. 26), served on Mr. Wolfe,
‘‘Notice of Levy’’ (p. 27), served on the ICC, and ‘‘Notice of Seizure’,
served on the ICC (p. 28). Thereafter, a ‘‘Notice of Levy’’ was served
on C.M. Burns (p. 29), and a ‘‘Notice of Levy’’ was served on Hart
Motor Express (p. 30). The Levy and the notices thereof were served
in order to place a cloud on the title of Mr. Wolfe’s ICC permits.
11
The Levy provides that there is ‘‘Due from Charles E. Wolfe, dba
Evergreen Express, the alter ego, agent, transferee or nominee of
Wolfe & Co., Inc.’’ In the printed portion thereof, it is stated that
Section 6331 of the Code authorizes collection of the taxes by levy
upon all property of the taxpayer to satisfy the unpaid balance of
assessment. The form also states that the person upon whom the Levy
is served has been assessed for the tax in issue and that he has been
served with a notice and demand for payment. The form used in this
case contains false statements because no assessment was made
against Mr. Wolfe and he was not served with a notice the demand
for payment.
Mr. Wolfe was the owner of certain permits issued by the ICC.
As previously noted, a Notice of Levy and a Notice of Seizure were
served on the ICC. The Notice of Levy states that Mr. Wolfe is the
taxpayer and that his property is subject to a lien provided therefore
under Chapter 64 of the Internal Revenue Code and the Notice of
Seizure refers to the Levy cited above: In the Notice of Levy served
on C.M. Burns and in the Notice of Levy served on Hart Motor
Express, it is stated that Mr. Wolfe is the taxpayer and that his property
is subject to a lien provided therefore in Chapter 64 of the Code. The
notices addressed to C.M. Burns and Hart Motor Express were served
on them because Mr. Wolfe was negotiating for the sale of his ICC
permits to them. All of these documents contain false statements
because Mr. Wolfe was never assessed for the taxes in issue nor was
he ever served with a notice and demand for payment.
Because of the filing and serving of the Levy and all of the other
documents discussed above, Mr. Wolfe was forced to pay $114,472.91
claimed to be due from him by the IRS in order to clear the title to
his ICC permits so that he could complete the sale of said permits
to C.M. Burns and Hart Motor Express.
After Mr. Wolfe made the payment of $114,472.91 on January 27,
1977, the IRS released the Levy on his ICC permits. The release states
that Mr. Wolfe is the taxpayer (p. 31).
Thereafter, Mr. Wolfe filed the refund claims involved in this mat-
ter and later filed this action to recover the sum of $114,472.91 paid
by him.
Having decided in 1975 to proceed against Mr. Wolfe on the basis
that he was the taxpayer and then filing a Levy against him, the Govern-
ment is stuck with the consequences of so doing and in failing to secure
12
an assessment against him its collection activity was illegal and also
unconstitutional.
It is well recognized that the administrative levy authorized by Con-
gress in Section 6631 has placed an awesome power in the hands of
the IRS. That is, without prior court approval, the IRS can seize and
sell the property of an American citizen, and apply the proceeds to
the citizen’s assessed tax liability. Compare this power with what others
must do in order to execute on another’s property. That is, a court
action will have to be won before any such action can be taken.
Now in granting this extraordinary power to the IRS, the Congress
imposed 3 mandates which must be complied with before the adminis-
trative levy can be lawfully issued. These are:
First, the person upon whom the [RS serves a Levy must be clearly
identified as the person who owes the taxes;
Second, the IRS must assess such person for the taxes before serv-
ing the Levy; and,
Third, the Levy cannot be served until that person has been served
with a notice and demand for payment of the taxes.
In summary, Congress gave the IRS this immense power but Con-
gress attempted to safeguard an illegal abuse of this power by imposing
these 3 mandates. These mandates prevent the kind of fishing expe-
dition which the IRS has attempted in this case.
All courts, except the Ninth Circuit in this case, have required that
these 3 mandates must be complied with before such a levy is lawful.
In regards to this case:
(1) Has the taxpayer been clearly identified? The answer is ‘‘yes’’.
That is, Charles E. Wolfe is identified as the taxpayer and the Ninth
Circuit’s decision stated that the Levy was served on Mr. Wolfe.
te Was Mr. Wolfe assessed for the taxes in issue? The answer
is ‘ . Therefore, the Levy was illegal.
@) Was Mr. Wolfe served a notice and demand for payment
of the taxes. The answer is “‘no’’. Therefore, again, the Levy was
illegal.
The Ninth Circuit’s opinion states that:
‘““Moreover, under the alter ego theory, the assessment against
the corporation was effective against Wolfe as well.’’
Section 6331 contains no exceptions. The alter ego doctrine is an
equitable doctrine which allows a corporation’s property to be used
to apply against an assessed taxpayer’s tax liability. It in no way oper-
13
ates as an exception to the requirements of Section 6331. To do so
would take an Act of Congress.
It is clear that under the Code the collection activity of the IRS
in this case was illegal because Mr. Wolfe was not assessed for the
taxes and it was mandatory to make such an assessment and also to
serve him with a notice and demand for payment of the tax before
a Levy could lawfully be served against him. The illegal seizure of Mr.
Wolfe’s ICC permits also constituted a violation of the 4th Amend-
ment of the U.S. Constitution which prohibits unreasonable seizures
and the illegal filing and serving of the Levy against him and filing a
Notice of Levy on the ICC and on Mr. Burns and on Hart Motor
Express constitute a violation of the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Con-
stitution which prohibits the taking of property without due process
of law. Therefore, the collection from Mr. Wolfe of $114,472.91 con-
stituted an ‘‘erroneous and illegal’’ collection pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
Section 1346(a)(1).
The parties stipulated that if the court holds that the $114,472.91
is refundable because no assessment was made against Mr. Wolfe,
then he is entitled to judgment against the Government in that amount.
It is submitted that such a judgment should be so ordered because
it is clear that an assessment was required by law before a Levy and
notices thereof could lawfuliy be served and filed against Mr. Wolfe.
The first question presented for review hereinabove is: Does the
judicial branch of the U.S. Government have the legal authority to
amend the laws of the U.S. Congress? Probably everyone would
answer ‘‘of course not’’ since to do so would violate the separation
of powers provisions of the U.S. Constitution. But what has the Ninth
Circuit done in this case? The effect of its decision is to amend Section
6331 in the following manner:
‘ta Levy can be served on an American citizen by alleging that he
is an alter ego of a corporation and by so doing it is not necessary
to assess him for the taxes in issue nor is it necessary to serve him
with a notice and demand for payment of the taxes.’’
It is submitted that the Ninth Circuit exceeded its judicial authority
by adopting this legislative exception to Section 6331 and by so doing
it has so far departed from the accepted and usual course of judicial
proceedings as to call for an exercise of this Court’s power of super-
vision.
14
2. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that a Levy and a Notice
of Levy are not distinct and in so doing it has overruled a
decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.
In its holding, the Court stated (p. 23):
‘‘Wolfe misconstrues section 6331 by arguing that a notice of levy
and a levy are distinct, and that a notice of levy, but not a levy, can
be served on persons against whom assessments have not been made.”’
It is submitted that the Ninth Circuit is in error in not distinguish-
ing between a Levy and a Notice of Levy and its failure to make this
distinction is clearly erroneous and has the effect of overruling the
United States Supreme Court. In a 1985 decision, the U.S. Supreme
Court decided a case in which the levy statutes were discussed in
concise and clear language. The case is U.S. v. National Bank of Com-
merce, 86 L Ed 565 (1985). The Court, at page 569, stated that Internal
Revenue Code Section 6331(a) provides that the Government may
collect taxes of a delinquent taxpayer ‘‘by levy upon all property and
rights to property . . . belonging to such person.’’ The Court then
cited Code Section 6332(a) and stated that ‘‘any person in possession
of . . . property or rights to property subject to levy upon which a
levy has been made, shall upon demand of the Secretary, surrender
such property or rights . . . to the Secretary.’’ In the National Bank
of Commerce case, a Notice of Levy had been served on the respon-
dent bank. The Supreme Court stated, at page 574, ‘‘in a situation
where a taxpayer’s property is held by another, a notice of levy upon
the custodian is customarily served pursuant to Code Section 6332(a).
This notice gives the IRS the right to all property levied upon. . .
and creates a custodial relationship between the person holding the
property and the IRS so that the property comes into the construc-
tive possession of the Government.’’ Although the Court’s opinion
was not unanimous regarding the merits of the case, it is believed that
all of the justices agreed with the procedural matters quoted above.
This Supreme Court case clearly illustrates the illegal collection
procedure used by the IRS in this case. The IRS proceeded against
Mr. Wolfe by filing a Levy against him. This Levy document can only
be filed against a delinquent taxpayer and as the Supreme Court stated,
this document involves Code Section 6331(a). Before Section 6331 (a)
becomes effective, it is mandatory that the taxpayer must first be
assessed for the tax in issue pursuant to Section 6201(a)(1).
When Code Section 6332(a) is applicable, it is not necessary to make
an assessment against such a third person. Only a notice of the levy
15
against the taxpayer need be served on the third party. The reason
why no assessment is necessary is that the IRS is not claiming that
the third person owes any tax. The notice of levy under Section 6332(a)
simply brings the taxpayer’s property in the possession of the third
person into the constructive possession of the IRS.
In this case, Mr. Wolfe always owned the ICC permits and his
corporation, Wolfe & Co., Inc., never owned any ICC permits.
The second question presented for hereinabove is: Does a U.S.
appeals court have legal authority to overrule a decision of this Court?
Probably everyone would say ‘‘of course not’’ but in this case the
Ninth Circuit has, in effect, done so. Why did the Ninth Circuit choose
to ignore the clear language of this Supreme Court case? It didn’t give
any reason.
It is clear that this is a proper case for this Court to grant certiorari
because the Ninth Circuit’s opinion is in direct conflict with this Court’s
decision in the National Bank of Commerce case.
3. The Ninth Circuit erred in holding that Mr. Wolfe was the
alter ego of his solely owned corporation and that he had to
pay the taxes owed by his corporation.
In this case, the IRS officials drafted the Levy and the notices there-
of in reverse of the standard manner of challenging the separate legal
status of a corporation and its shareholders. That is, in a standard case,
it is the corporation which is alleged to be the alter ego if its share-
holders. The term ‘‘alter ego’’ is defined as ‘‘a second self’’. Since
a corporation is by law a fictional person, courts have held that when
the operations of a corporation have not legally measured up to the
standards required of a separate entity, the corporate veil can be
pierced and certain liabi’ ties of the corporation can be imposed upon
the shareholders. That is, the corporation is then classified as the
“‘second self’’ of the shareholders.
However, in this case, the IRS alleged in the Levy and notices
thereof that Mr. Woife was the alter ego of a corporation. This is the
reverse of the standard doctrine. No reported tax case has been found
in which this has been attempted by the IRS. It is submitted that it
is impossible to ‘‘pierce the veil of a human being’’ in order to classify
him as a corporation’s ‘‘second self’’ so as to require that his property
be used to pay a Federal tax liability of a corporation.
No other tax case has been found wherein a court has held that
an American citizen who was a shareholder of a corporation was liable
16
to have his property used to pay Federal corporate taxes on the grounds
that he was the alter ego of the corporation. It is submitted that to
do so would take an Act of Congress.
It is submitted that an allegation that an American citizen is the
alter ego of his solely owned corporation does not make common sense.
This is because such an allegation implies that the corporation is valid
for all purposes and that it is possible to ‘‘pierce the veil of a human
being’’. This is simply not possible either physically or legally. Stated
another way, an individual shareholder of a corporation might so
dominate a corporation by his actions that a court could hold that the
corporation was his ‘‘second self’’, that is, his alter ego. But how could
a fictional person, that is, a corporation, so dominate its individual share-
holder so as to require that the shareholder be classified as the ‘‘second
self’’ of the corporation? Such a result would be irrational.
Not in 200 years of Federal taxation prior to this decision by the
Ninth Circuit has any court rendered such a wierd holding. The alter
ego doctrine should never be applied backwards and the reasons why
no court should ever adopt such a backwards version of the alter ego
doctrine in tax cases are as follows:
(1) It is unreasonable and inconsistent for the IRS to attempt to
use it, since the IRS has accepted the corporate tax returns as filed
and has assessed the taxes against the corporation. Therefore, the
IRS should logically and reasonably have to take the position that the
corporation is a completely valid corporation.
(2) Even if the corporate veil were pierced, the only legal effect
would be to disregard the corporation for the entire transaction including
the filing of corporate tax returns and the assessment of the tax against
the corporation.
(3) A corporation does not own any interest in the property of its
individual shareholders—hence there is no equitabie principle which
would require that the individual’s property be used to pay the corpor-
ation’s tax liability.
(4) To attempt to pierce the veil of a human being and then claim
that he is the alter ego of a corporation is impossible.
(5) It would take an Act of Congress to impose such a law and
Congress has never contemplated such an irrational law.
17
CONCLUSION
Are we a nation of laws? The answer is ‘‘yes’’. Then what should
be the result if the IRS abuses the laws passed by the U.S. Congress?
First, the IRS itself should correct its own mistakes and if it doesn’t
then as American citizens we must rely on the Federal judiciary to
correct such mistakes. In this case, the Ninth Circuit has failed to secure
procedural justice for an American citizen and instead has rendered
an erroneous and regressive decision upholding the illegal and uncon-
stitional collection actions of the IRS. In the name of the civil rights
of American taxpayers, it is requested that the Court grant certiorari
and thereafter reverse the decision of the Ninth Circuit.
Respectfully submitted, .
March 11, 1987
s/ Jack W. Burnett
Jack W. Burnett
18
APPENDIX
For Publication
UNITED STATES COURTS OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Filed August 29, 1986
Cathy A. Catterson, Clerk
U.S. Courts of Appeals
CHARLES E. WOLFE,
No. 85-4027
DC No. Cv 82-227-BLG
OPINION
Plaintiff-Appellant,
vs.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Defendant-Appellee.
ee ee a a ee a
Appeal from the United States District Court
for the District of Montana
Honorable James F. Battin, Chief Judge, Presiding
Argued June 12, 1986—
San Francisco, CA
Submitted July 9, 1986
Before: CHAMBERS and CHOY, Senior Circuit Judges, and
NORRIS, Circuit Judge.
CHOY, Senior Circuit Judge:
Charles E. Wolfe appeals the district court grant of summary judg-
ment, requiring Wolfe, as the alter ego of his corporation (Wolfe &
Company), to pay taxes assessed against the corporation. The court
additionally held that procedures employed by the Government to levy
Wolfe’s property were in compliance with federal tax statutes and regu-
lations. We affirm.
19
I
BACKGROUND
Wolfe was the sole shareholder and president of Wolfe & Company,
(‘‘corporation’’), which leased tractor-trailers. Wolfe also operated
a proprietorship known as Charles E. Wolfe d/b/a Evergreen Express
(‘‘proprietorship’’), an ‘‘over-the-road’’ trucking business.
During the tax years 1974-1976, the corporation incurred
$114,472.91 in federal tax liabilities for employment, fuel, and high-
way use taxes, and for penalties, fees, and interest. The Government
assessed this amount against the corporation, which the corporation
failed to pay after notice and demand. The Government then levied
on Wolfe’s Interstate Commerce Commission permits used in his truck-
ing business by issuing a levy against Wolfe and serving notices of levy
upon the Interstate Commerce Commission and a prospective buyer
of the permits. Wolfe paid the taxes and sued for a refund in district
court, alleging that the levy was invalid since he had not been personally
assessed with the corporation’s tax liabilities.
The parties stipulated to all of the facts and exhibits in the case,
among them, the absence of separate bank accounts and Wolfe’s pay-
ment of corporate employee salaries with proprietorship checks, while
charging wages and employee taxes to the corporation. The parties
also agreed in the pretrial order that no witnesses were necessary
for resolution of the dispute.
The Government subsequently moved to file Wolfe’s deposition.
Wolfe did not oppose the motion, and the court allowed the deposi-
tion to be filed. The district court granted summary judgment against
Wolfe, and Wolfe timely appeals.
II
APPLICABILITY OF ALTER EGO DOCTRINE
Wolfe challenges the application of the alter ego doctrine to require
an individual shareholder to pay the taxes of a disregarded corporated
entity. He argues that the Government cannot, on the one hand, con-
sider a corporation viable for the purpose of assessing corporate taxes,
20
and, on the other hand, disregard the same corporation to reach the
assets of an individual shareholder.'
It is clear that creditors of a corporation may satisfy liabilities from
a shareholder’s assets under the alter ego doctrine. See Laborers Clean-
Up Contract Administration Trust Fund v. Uriarte Clean-Up Services,
Inc., 736 F.2d 516, 524 (9th Cir. 1984) (explicating the test for
determining whether stockholders are personally liable for the debts
of their corporations). However, the question remains whether this
debtor/creditor alter ego theory applies in the tax context, i.e. allow-
ing the Government/creditor to satisfy the corporation's tax liability
from assets of the shareholder. This circuit has not yet considered
this issue.
In Avco Delta Corp. Canada Ltd. v. United States, 540 F.2d 258,
264-65 (7th Cir. 1976), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 1040 (1977), the Seventh
Circuit used the alter ego doctrine to require a corporation to pay the
taxes of its wholly-owned corporate subsidiary. Wolfe argues that Avco
Delta did not require an individual shareholder to pay the taxes of
‘the disregarded corporation. However, this does not appear to be a
material distinction. The essential point to be derived from Avco Delta
is that a subsidiary corporation can be recognized as a corporation for
the purpose of determining the tax, but then disregarded for the pur-
pose of obtaining payment of that amount.
Indeed, despite Wolfe's contentions, it is not necessarily incon-
sistent to view a corporation as viable for the purpose of assessing
a corporation tax, while disregarding it for the purpose of satisfying
that assessment. Only those corporations that were established with
no valid purpose are considered sham corporations, and thus not entitled
to separate taxable status. See Moline Properties v. Commissioner of
Internal Revenue, 319 U.S. 436, 439 (1943). A corporation could have
a valid business purpose (giving it separate tax status), and at the same
time be so dominated by its owner that it could be disregarded under
the alter ego doctrine. Cf. National Carbide Corp. v. Commissioner
of Internal Revenue, 336 U.S. 422, 431-434 & n. 13 (1949) (finding
insignificant, for the purpose of determining whether a subsidiary cor-
poration is entitled to separate taxable status, the fact that the owner
retains direction of the subsidiary’s affairs, provides all of its assets,
‘Whether the alter ego doctrine may be applied to require an individual to pay the
tax owed by his corporation is a question of law which we review de novo. United
States v. McConney, 728 F.2d 1195, 1201 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 105 S. Ct. 101 (1984).
21
taxes all its profits, and exercises complete domination and control
over its business). This view has been adopted by the Fifth Circuit.
See Harris v. United States, 764 F.2d 1126, 1128 (5th Cir. 1985)
(‘‘{w]hether or not [the corporation] was a separate taxable entity is
not the same question as whether it was an alter ego for the purpose
of piercing the corporate veil’’); see also United States v. Creel, 711
F.2d 575, 579 (5th Cir. 1983), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 1044 (1984).
Indeed, in Harris, an individual shareholder’s property was held sub-
ject to a tax lien to satisfy the disregarded corporation’s unpaid
employment taxes. 764 F.2d at 1129.
We conclude that the alter ego doctrine can be employed to require
Wolfe to pay the taxes of his corporation. There has been no asser-
tion that the corporation had no valid business purpose. The Govern-
ment stands in a position analogous to any creditor seeking to collect
debts owed by the corporation.
Ml
WHETHER WOLFE WAS AN ALTER EGO
The question remains whether the district court erred by holding
that Wolfe was in fact the alter ego of his corporation.? Wolfe raises
only two issues regarding the district court's factual conclusion. First,
he contends that the district court failed to find wrongful or fraudulent
conduct by the taxpayer, which he argues is required under the alter
2Because the question whether Wolfe was the alter ego of his corporation is essen-
tially factual, it is generally reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard. United
States v. McConney, 728 F.2d 1195, 1201, (1984), cert. denied, 105 S.Ct. 101 (1985).
For purposes of their cross-motions for summary judgment in this case, the parties
stipulated to ‘‘all pertinent facts and exhibits necessary for the resolution of the issues."’
It is clear that in doing so, the parties intended to submit the case for a bench tral
on stipulated facts. See Starsky v. Williams, 512 F.2d 109, 111 (9th Cir. 1975). Thus,
even though the case is before us on appeal from an award of summary judgment,
the district court’s determination that Wolfe was the alter ego of his corporation is
reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard. See id.
22
ego doctrine. However, under Montana law,* a corporate entity may
be pierced without a positive showing of fraud. See E.C.A. Evntron-
mental Management v. Toenyes, ___. Mont. __, 679 P.2d 213, 219
(1984). Indeed, a corporation will be disregarded where it is used to
evade a public duty, such as the paying of taxes. Commerical Credit
Co. v. O’Brien, 115 Mont. 199, 211, 146 P.2d 637, 643 (1944), cert.
denied, 323 U.S. 665 (1944); accord Valley Finance, Inc. v. United
States, 629 F.2d 162, 171-72 (D.C. Cir. 1980) (‘‘[t]he Government's
inability otherwise to satisfy legitimate federal tax debts clearly may
form a sound basis for such disregard of corporate form’’), cert. denied,
451 U.S. 1018 (1981).
Second, Wolfe argues that the district court improperly relied on
statements he made in a deposition.‘ Wolfe contends that no informa-
tion should have been considered by the district court other than that
contained in the stipulation between Wolfe and the Government, and
that the deposition was never properly admitted into evidence.
We need no determine the merits of Wolfe’s contentions. Even
if use of the deposition was improper, we would nevertheless affirm
the district court judgment in light of the overwhelming evidence
supporting the application of the alter ego doctrine apart from state-
ments made in the deposition. See Purer & Co. v. Aktiebolaget Addo,
410 F.2d 871, 876 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 396 U.S. 834 (1969); accord
Lovett v. Shuster, 633 F.2d 98, 103 (8th Cir. 1980); see also Fed. R.
Civ. Pro. 61. As the district court noted, Wolfe was the sole share-
‘The parties do no dispute the district court's application of Montana's alter ego
doctrine. In determing whether there exists an alter ego from whom the Govern-
ment may satisfy the obligation of a taxpayer, we appear to be bound by state law.
See Aquilino v. United States, 363 U.S. 509, 512-13 (1960); Terrapin Leasing, Ltd.
v. United States, 55 Amer. Fed. Tax Rpts. 2d 85-513, 85-514 (10th Cir. 1981); see
also Van Dorn Co. v. Future Chemical and Oil Corp., 753 F.2d 565, 570-71 (7th
Cir. 1985) (criticizing Avco Delta for failing to inquire into applicable state law in de-
termining that the assets of the principal corporation could be reached to satisfy tax
liability of the subsidiary corporation).
‘The district court states in its memorandum: ‘‘Mr. Wolfe admitted in his deposition
that ‘[a}ll the thing [corporation] amounted to was actually a screen.’ . . . Mr. Wolfe
admitted in his deposition that ‘I don’t really see how a person could go down through
this thing and technically separate the two [the corporation and the proprietorship].’
When asked if he considered the corporation and the proprietorship to be the same
thing, he responded: ‘Yes.’"’ Memorandum Opinion, at 4 (May 22, 1985).
23
holder of the corporation. He was a director and president of the
corporation, and made all corporate decisions without consulting other
directors. The corporation had no bank account. Banking transactions
were conducted through the propietorship’s bank account. The
corporation’s employee was paid by the proprietorship. Some of the
corporation’s equipment was purchased on the proprietorship’s credit.
All of the corporation’s purchases were paid for on a proprietorship
bank account. When the corporation received payment from third
parties, the money was deposited into the proprietorship’s bank
account. These facts have been stipulated to by Wolfe, and are over-
whelmingly sufficient to support the finding by the district court that
Wolfe was the alter ego of his corporation.
IV
NOTICE OF LEVY
Wolfe challenges the levy served upon him as illegal because no
assessment was made against him as a taxpayer. He argues that levies
to collect taxes can be served only upon taxpayers against whom
assessments have been made. This argument is without merit.
Section 6331 of the Internal Revenue Code empowers the Govern-
ment to collect overdue taxes by levying upon the taxpayer’s property.
The regulations to this section provide that a levy can be served upon
any person in possession of property subject to levy, by serving a notice
of levy. 26 C.F.R. SS 301.6331-1 (a) (1) (1985). Thus, levies can be
effected against any person in possession of the taxpayer’s property,
not just against the taxpayer.
Wolfe misconstrues section 6331 by arguing that a notice of levy
and a levy are distinct, and that a notice of levy, but not a levy, can
be served on persons against whom assessments have not been made.
Regulation 301.6331-1 makes clear that a notice of levy is simply a
means of effecting a levy against persons in possession of taxpayer
property.
Moreover, under alter ego theory, the assessment against the
corporation was effective against Wolfe as well. See Harns v. United
States, 764 F.2d at 1129 (under alter ego theory, assessment issued
against corporation was effective as against both shareholder and cor-
24
poration); see also Valley Finance, Inc. v. United States, 629 F.2d at
169 (alter ego of corporation not entitled to separate notice of
deficiency) .®
Wolfe also argues that his interest in the ICC licenses was not tax-
payer property subject to levy. However, property subject to levy
within the meaning of section 6331 and the applicable regulations is
construed broadly and reflects congressional intent that the Govern-
ment be able to reach every interest in property a taxpayer might have.
United States v. National Bank of Commerce, 105 S.Ct. 2919, 2924
(1985). The ICC licenses ostensibly owned by Wolfe could therefore
be levied upon by the Government as property of the taxpayer
corporation, through application of the alter ego theory.
The district court judgment is AFFIRMED.
For Publication
UNITED STATES COURTS OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT
Filed December 29, 1986
Cathy A. Catterson, Clerk
U.S. Courts of Appeals
CHARLES E. WOLFE,
No. 85-4027
Plaintiff-Appellant,
VS.
ORDER AMENDING OPINION,
DENYING PETITION FOR
REHEARING AND REJECTING
SUGGESTION FOR
REHEARING EN BANC
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Defendant-Appellee.
Nee eee eee eee ee Se”
>Wolfe’s reliance on United States v. Coson, 286 F.2d 453 (9th Cir. 1961), in support
of his argument that the Government’s failure to file an assessment against him
invalidated the levy is misplaced. Coson involved partnership tax liability, and since
partners and partnerships, unlike corporations and shareholders, are not separate
taxable entities, the case is distinguishable on that ground. The Coson court invalidated
a levy agains a partner because no assessments, notice or demand had been filed
against him as a taxpayer. Here, on the other hand, the Government issued the
required assessment, notice, and demand against the taxpayer corporation. Coson
does not mandate that assessments be made against third parties in possession of
taxpayer property before levies can be effected.
DC No. Cv 82-227-BLG
ANAEMIC se 2 oti co
25
Before: CHAMBERS and CHOY, Senior Circuit Judges, and
NORRIS, Circuit Judge.
The Opinion filed on August 29, 1986, is amended as follows:
Footnote three, 798 F.2d 1241, 1244 n.3, is replaced by the
following:
The parties do not dispute the district court’s application of Mon-
tana’s alter ego doctrine. The determination of whether to apply state
or federal alter ego doctrine depends on the degree to which the sub-
jedt matter of the case implicates federal interests. See United States
v. Kimbell Foods, Inc., 440 U.S. 715, 728-29 (1979) (setting forth
three-part test to determine whether courts should adopt a uniform
federal rule of decision or follow state law when resolving controversies
affecting the operation of federal programs). Compare Laborers Clean-
Up Contract Administration Trust Fund v. Uriarte Clean-Up Service,
Inc., 736 F.2d 516, 523-25 (9th Cir. 1984) (applying federal substan-
tive law—through looking to state law for guidance—in determining
whether to pierce corporate veil in case involving violations of Labor
Management Relations Act and Employee Retirement Income Security
Act) with U-Haul International, Inc. v. Jartran, Inc., 793 F.2d 1034,
1043 (9th Cir. 1986) (applying state alter ego doctrine in assessment
of damages for Lanham Act violations). State law governs the deter-
mination of whether there exists an alter ego from whom the govern-
ment may satisfy the obligation of a taxpayer. See Aquilino v. United
States, 363 U.S. 509, 512-13 (1960); Terrapin Leasing, Ltd. v. Unit-
ed States, 55 Am. Fed. Tax Rep. 2d 85-513, 85-514 (10th Cir. 1981);
see also Van Dorn Co. v. Future Chemical and Oil Corp., 753 F.2d
565, 570-71 (7th Cir. 1985) (indicating disapproval of Avco Delta for
failing to inquire into applicable state law in determing that assets of
the subsidiary corporation).
The following passages are deleted from the text of the opinion:
798 F.2d at 1244, col. 2, delete: ‘‘, and made ail corporate decisions
without consulting other directors’’
798 F.2d at 1244, col. 2, delete: ‘‘Some of the corporation’s equip-
ment was purchased on the proprietorship’s credit.”’
The full court has been advised of appellant’s petition for rehear-
ing and suggestion for rehearing en banc and the amendments to the
Opinion. No judge of the court has objected to the amendments or
26
requested a vote on the suggestion for rehearing en banc.
Fed. R. App. P. 35(b).
With the Opinion so amended the petition for rehearing is denied
and the suggestion for rehearing en banc is rejected.
LEVY
Due from: Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express, the alter ego, agent, trans-
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
feree or nominee of:
Wolfe & Co., Inc. P.O. Box 212, Billings, MT 59103
Onginating Internal Revenue District (City and State)
: Helena, Montana
KIND OF PERIOD DATE OF IDENTIFYING BALANCE OF STATUTORY TOTAL
TAX ENDED | ASSESSMENT NO. ASSESSMENT ADDITIONS
941 6-30-74 | 1l- 4-74 81-0290829 $27,686.55 $1,630.26 $
2,260.09 31,572.90
941 9-30-74 | 12-30-74 26,095.76 1,375.65
1,843.71 29,315.12
941 12-31-74 3-24-75 1,273.35 72.66 1,346.01
941 3-31-75 6-23-75 4,020.55 118.37
168.78 4,307.70
720 9-30-74 2-24-75 3,678.40 154.46
: 224.42 4,057.28
720 12-31-74 6- 2-75 3,905.26 104.15
175.97 4,185.38
720 6-30-75 | 10-27-75 3,778.82 33.97
44.17 3,856.96
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $78,641.35
There is now due, owing, and unpaid with respect to the above-named account, the amounts set
forth herein for internal revenue taxes for which notice and demand has been made for payment.
Section 6331, Internal Revenue Code, authorizes collection of taxes by levy upon all property or
rights to property of a taxpayer (except property that is exempt under section 6334) or on which
the lien provided by section 6321 exists. Therefore, under the provisions of section 6331, so much
of the property or rights to property, either real or personal, as may be necessary to satisfy the
unpaid balance of assessment set forth herein together with additions provided by law, including fees,
costs, and expenses of this levy, are hereby levied upon in order to satisfy the taxes and additions.
(T/P or T/P’s representative's name)
Dated at Billings, MT this 2nd day of December, 1975
Signed: D.L. Leifert, Revenue Officer
SPS SEIZURE FILE
was presented inventory.
C) Yes
® No
ioe name
URN
Date: November 26, 1975
TO: Interstate Commerce Commission
Room 222
Post Office Building
NOTICE OF LEVY
2602 First Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Originating District: Helena, Montana
You are hereby notified that there is now due, owing, and unpaid to the United States of America, from
the taxpayer whose name appears below, the sum of $78,641.35
TAX UNPAID
KIND OF | PERIOD DATE OF IDENTIFYING BALANCE OF STATUTORY TOTAL
TAX ENDED | ASSESSMENT NO. ASSESSMENT ADDITIONS
941 6-30-74 | ll- 4-74 81-0290829 $27,686.55 $3,890.35 $31,572.90
941 9-30-74 | 12-30-74 af 26,095.76 3,219 36 29,315.12
941 12-31-74 3-24-75 1,273.35 72.66 1,346.01
720 9-30-74 2-24-75 3,678.40 378.88 4,057.28
720 12-31-74 6- 2-75 3,905.26 280.12 4,185.38
720 6-30-75 | 10-27-75 3,778.82 78.14 3,856.96
941 3-31-75 6-23-75 4,020.55 287.15 4,307.70
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $78,641.35
You are further notified that demand has been made for the amount set forth herein upon the taxpayer
who has neglected or refused to pay, and that such amount is stil due, owing, and unpaid from this
taxpayer. Accordingly, you are further notified that all property, rights to property, moneys, credits,
and bank deposits mow in your possession and belonging to this taxpayer (or with respect to which
you are obligated) and all sums of money or other obligations owing from you to this taxpayer, or
on which there is a lien provided under Chapter 64, Internal Revenue Code, are hereby levied upon
and seized for satistaction of the aforesaid tax, together with all additions provided by law, and demand
is hereby made upon you for the amount necessary to satisfy the liability set forth herein, or for
such lesser sum as you may be indebted to him to be applied as a payment on his tax liability. Checks
or money orders should be made payable to the Internal Revenue Service.
Signed: D.L. Leifert, Revenue Officer, Billings, Montana
Phone: 245-6711, ext. 6265
Name and Address of Taxpayer:
Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express,
the alter ego, agent, transferee or nominee of
Wolfe & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 212
Billings, MT 59103
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this notice of levy was served by delivering a copy of it to the person name below.
Name: Paul Labane
Title: Department Supervisor
Date and Time: 12-2-75 — 10:30 a.m.
Signature of Revenue Officer or Service Representative: D.L. Leifert
\
28
NOTICE OF SEIZURE
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Name and Address:
Interstate Commerce Commission
Room 222
Post Office Building
2602 1st Ave. No.
Billings, MT 59101
Pursuant to the authority in section 6331 of the Internal Revenue Code and by virtue of a levy placed in
my hands for execution by the District Director of Internal Revenue of the district shown below, I have seized
the following described property for nonpayment of delinquent internal revenue taxes:
Due from: Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express, the alter ego, agent, trans-
feree or nominee of:
Wolfe & Co. Inc., P.O. Box 212, Billings, MT 59103.
In the amount of: $78,641.35
Internal Revenue District (City & State):
Helena, MT
Description of Property
Interstate Commerce Commission Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity, Number
MC129350 Sub 1
* ? ” ? * , ? Sub 4
” ” ” ? ? ” ? 5
Total of Thirteen Certificates
Signature of Revenue Officer:
D.L. Leifert
Address: 711 Central Ave., Billings, MT
Date: 12-2-75
29
NOTICE OF LEVY
Date: August 19, 1976
To: C.M. Burns
dba Western Trucking
Baker, Montana
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Originating District: Helena, Montana
You are hereby notified that there is now due, owing, and unpaid to the United States of America, from
the taxpayer whose name appears below, the sum of $117,151.81
TAX UNPAID
KIND OF | PERIOD DATE OF IDENTIFYING BALANCE OF STATUTORY TOTAL
TAX ENDED | ASSESSMENT NO. ASSESSMENT ADDITIONS
941 6-30-74 | 11- 4-74 81-0290829 $27,686.55 $6,410.66 $34,093.21
941 9-30-74 | 12-30-74 = 26,095.76 5,610.71 31,706.47
941 12-31-74 3-24-75 471.50 101.74 573.24
941 3-31-75 6-23-75 i 4,020.55 674.23 4,694.78
941 12-31-74 6- 2-75 ty 462.60 18.07 480.67
941 9-30-75 | 12- 8-75 sj 26,929.65 2,580.28 29,509.93
941 12-31-75 3-29-75 - 672.10 19.95 692.05
720 9-30-74 2-24-75 = 3,670.40 707.64 4,378.04
720 12-31-74 6- 2-75 x 3,905.26 637.95 4,543.21
720 6-30-75 | 10-27-75 i 3,778.82 425.47 4,204.29
720 9-30-75 2-16-76 ‘ 1,780.72 125.41 1,906.13
2290 6-30-75 9- 8-75 360.12 9.67 369.79
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE /$117,511.81
You are further notified that demand has been made for the amount set forth herein upon the taxpayer
who has neglected or refused to pay, and that such amount is stil due, owing, and unpaid from this
taxpayer. Accordingly, you are further notified that all property, rights to property, moneys, credits,
and bank deposits now in your possession and belonging to this taxpayer (or with respect to which
you are obligated) and all sums of money or other obligations owing from you to this taxpayer, or
on which there is a lien provided under Chapter 64, Internal Revenue Code, are hereby levied upon
and seized for satisfaction of the aforesaid tax, together with all additions provided by law, and demand
is hereby made upon you for the amount necessary to satisfy the liability set forth herein, or for
such lesser sum as you may be indebted to him to be applied as a payment on his tax liability. Checks
or money orders should be made payable to the Internal Revenue Service.
Signed: D.L. Leifert, Revenue Officer, Billings, Montana
Phone: 245-6711, ext. 6265
Name and Address of Taxpayer:
Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express,
the alter ego, agent, transferee or nominee of
Wolfe & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 212 Q
Billings, MT 59103
30
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this notice of levy was served by delivering a copy of it to the person named below.
Name: John R. Davidson
Title: Attorney for C.M. Burns
Date and Time: 9-1-76 — 2:45 p.m.
Signature of Revenue Officer or Service Representative:
D.L. Leifert
NOTICE OF LEVY
Date: December 29, 1976
To: Hart Motor Express
c/o John Davidson
Midland Bank Building
Billings, Montana
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Originating District: Helena, Montana
You are hereby notified that there is now due, owing, and unpaid to the United States of America, from
the taxpayer whose name appears below, the sum of $114,968.02
TAX UNPAID
KIND OF} PERIOD DATE OF IDENTIFYING BALANCE OF STATUTORY TOTAL
TAX ENDED | ASSESSMENT NO. ASSESSMENT ADDITIONS
941 6-30-74 | ll- 4-74 81-0290829 $20,557.55 $7,405.31 $27,962.86
941 9-30-74 | 12-30-74 ™ 26,099.76 6,720.26 32,820.02
941 12-31-74 3-24-75 45 471.50 113.56 585.06
941 3-31-75 | 6-23-75 4,020.55 853.01 4,873.56
941 6-30-75 | 9-15-75 462.60 29.61 492.21
941 9-30-75 | 12- 8-75 26,938.65 3,756.18 30,693.83
941 12-31-75 | 3-29-75 672.10 36.72 708.82
720 9-30-74 2-24-75 ‘- 3,670.40 850.85 4,530.25
720 12-31-74 6- 2-75 i 3,905.26 803.48 4,708.74
720 6-30-75 | 10-27-75 3,778.82 686.28 4,365.10
720 9-30-75 2-16-76 1,780.72 202.86 1,983.58
2290 6-30-75 9- 8-75 3 360.12 18.78 378.90
2290 6-20-76 9- 8-75 ve 820.42 ~ 44.67 865.09
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE _ {$114,968.02
You are further notified that demand has been made for the amount set forth herein upon the taxpayer
who has neglected or refused to pay, and that such amount is stil due, owing, and unpaid from this
taxpayer. Accordingly, you are further notified that all property, rights to property, moneys, credits,
and bank deposits now in your possession and belonging to this taxpayer (or with respect to which
you are obligated) and all sums of money or other obligations owing from you to this taxpayer, or
on which there is a lien provided under Chapter 64, Internal Revenue Code, are hereby levied upon
and seized for satisfaction of the aforesaid tax, together with all additions provided by law, and demand
is hereby made upon you for the amount necessary to satisfy the liability set forth herein, or for
such lesser sum as you may be indebted to him to be applied as a payment on his tax liability. Checks
or money orders should be made payable tothe Internal Revenue Service.
Signed: D.L. Leifert, Revenue Officer, Billings, Montana
Phone: 245-6711, ext. 6265
Name and Address of Taxpayer:
Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express,
31
the alter ego, agent, transferee or nominee of
Wolfe & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 212
Billings, MT 59103 |
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that this notice of levy was served by delivering a copy of it to the person named below.
Name: John R. Davidson
Title: Attorney for Hart Motor Express
Date and Time: 12-29-76 — 11:20 a.m.
Signature of Revenue Officer or Service Representative:
D.L. Leifert
RELEASE OF LEVY
Account of: Charles E. Wolfe, dba Evergreen Express, the alter ego, agent, trans-
feree or nominee of:
_ Wolfe & Co. Inc., P.O. Box 212, Billings, MT 59103.
On the 2nd day of December, 1975, certain property or rights to property belonging to the above-named
taxpayer were levied upon pursuant to levy dated December 2, 1975.
Under the provisions of section 6343 of the Internal Revenue Code, the following property or rights to
property are hereby released from the levy upon execution by the recipient of the official receipt provided
on the reverse:
Interstate Commerce Commission Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity, Number
MC129350 Sub 1
= Sub 4
Total of Thirteen Certificates
Dated at Billings, Montana this 27th day of January, 1977.
‘Signed: D.L. Leifert, Revenue Officer
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.