Just prior to his death, Jameson, a prominent attorney, was sued by a former client. The suit alleged malpractice on the part of Jameson and requested damages of $90 million. On filing the Form 706, the executor of Jamesons estate claimed a 2053 deduction of $30 million as to the lawsuit. The $30 million amount was based on one of the many appraisals rendered by experts regarding the probable liability of the estate on the date of Jamesons death. Other appraisals varied by as much as $11 million. Upon audit of the Form 706 by the IRS, a deduction of $1 was allowed. After prolonged litigation and during appeal, the malpractice lawsuit was settled for $289,000.

Partial list of research aids: Reg. 20.20531(b)(4) and 4(a)(2) and (b)(2). Estate of Gertrude H. Saunders, 136 T.C. 406 (2011).