Case ID: nys_29/html/0396-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "COFFIN, S.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

(8 Misc. Rep. 144.)
    In re PLATT’S ESTATE.
    (Surrogate’s Court, Westchester County.
    April, 1894.)
    Transfer Tax—Relief from Penalty.
    Relief from the penalty for nonpayment of the transfer tax on a decedent’s estate will not be granted, on the application of executors, where the only ground stated is that petitioners were ignorant of the law.
    Application by Henry W. Birby and another, as executors of the-will of Louisa S. Pratt, deceased, for relief from penalty imposed for nonpayment of collateral inheritance tax on the estate of decedent, on the ground that petitioners were ignorant of the law relating to-such taxes.
    Denied.
    Strong & Cadwalader, for the motion.
    John Hoag, County Treasurer, in pro. per.
   COFFIN, S.

By section 15 of the act of 1887 it is provided that the surrogate’s court of the proper county shall have jurisdiction to-hear and determine all questions in relation to the tax arising under the provisions of that act. Here, such a question having arisen, it is proper for this court to determine it, the county treasurer-having no judicial power on the subject. His duty is doubtless to demand the penalty of 10 per cent, in this case, and it is a fair-question as to whether or not the liability exists. It might be that facts could be shown which, under the provisions of section 5, would' relieve the estate from liability for the penalty. These facts should be adjudicated where the question arises by the court. However much hardship to persons may spring from the exaction of the-penalty in this or any other case, yet the provisions of the statute-must be enforced. No reason is furnished here other than such hardship resulting from ignorance of the law. It is an old legal maxim that “ignorantia legis neminem excusat.” The application,, therefore, is denied.