Nix v. Hedden one of the first companies to ship produce from Virginia, Florida, and Bermuda to New York. In 1883, President Chester A. Arthur signed the Tariff Act of March 3, 1883, requiring a tax to be paid on imported vegetables, but not fruit. The John Nix & Co. company filed a suit against Edward L. Hedden, Collector of the Port of New York, to recover back duties paid under protest. They argued against the tariff by pointing out that, botanically, a tomato is a fruit due to its seed-bearing structure growing from the flowering part of a plant. At the trial,
Commissioner v. Duberstein for taxation purposes was the same as "gift" in common law terms. "Duberstein" at 285. The Court also rejected the premise that there is a bright line as to what constitutes a gift for taxation purposes. "Id" at 287. Instead, when determining whether something is a gift for taxation purposes, the critical consideration is the transferor's intention. "Duberstein" at 285-286 (citing "Bogardus v. Commissioner", ). This is a question of fact that must be determined on a "case-by-case basis". "Duberstein" at 290. The body that levies the tax must conduct an objective inquiry that looks to "the mainsprings of human