- indebtedness
- The aggregate of a person's debts. A single debt. The state of being obligated upon a debt or debts. For the purpose of deducting interest in computing net income for tax purposes:–an unconditional obligation. Gilman v Commissioner (CA8) 53 F2d 47, 80 ALR 209; Johnson v Commissioner (CA8) 108 F2d 104. The term in former constitutional or statutory provisions imposing personal or superadded liability upon stockholders of a corporation was said not to include a claim for unliquidated damages. 19 Am J2d Corp § 779. As the word appears in a constitutional provision limiting the amount of indebtedness of a municipal corporation:–every obligation contracted for which there is no present means of payment. 38 Am J1st Mun Corp § 410. Tax liabilities have frequently been held included in agreement for assumption or payment of another's indebtedness. Anno: 4 ALR2d 1315. See bonded indebtedness; debt; involuntary indebtedness.
Ballentine's law dictionary. Anderson, W.S.. 1998.