Ross William Bruner - Page 8

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          for 1987 or 1988, nor has he shown that any of the statutory                
          exceptions are applicable in this case.  We therefore hold that             
          petitioner is liable for the section 6654(a) additions to tax for           
          1987 and 1988.                                                              
               The fifth issue for decision is whether we should impose a             
          penalty on petitioner pursuant to section 6673(a).                          
               Whenever it appears to this Court that proceedings before it           
          have been instituted or maintained by the taxpayer primarily for            
          delay or the taxpayer's position in such proceeding is frivolous            
          or groundless, the Court, in its discretion, may require the                
          taxpayer to pay to the United States a penalty not in excess of             
          $25,000.  Sec. 6673(a)(1)(A) and (B).  A position maintained by a           
          taxpayer in the Tax Court is frivolous "if it is contrary to                
          established law and unsupported by a reasoned, colorable argument           
          for change in the law."  Coleman v. Commissioner, 791 F.2d 68, 71           
          (7th Cir. 1986).  A penalty is properly imposed when the taxpayer           
          knew or should have known that his claim or argument was                    
          frivolous.  Hansen v. Commissioner, 820 F.2d 1464, 1470 (9th Cir.           
          1987).                                                                      
               The amended petition filed in this case alleges that                   
          respondent erred in the statutory notices of deficiency "in                 
          holding that or proceeding as if the Petitioner is a person made            
          liable to the income tax imposed by the Code."                              
               The other allegations of fact listed in petitioner's amended           
          petition and the arguments contained in his trial memorandum                




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