- 21 - peril." United States v. Mastropieri, supra at 785 (quoting Holland v. United States, supra at 139). We conclude that respondent's agents conducted a reasonable investigation of leads to possible sources of nontaxable income. We conclude that respondent's net worth computations meet the standards set forth in Holland v. United States, supra, and United States v. Massei, supra. We conclude that petitioners had unreported income of $105,205.26 in 1984, $70,214.39 in 1985, and $31,204.29 in 1986. We now turn to respondent's fraud determinations. Fraud The Commissioner has the burden of proving fraud by clear and convincing evidence. Sec. 7454(a); Rule 142(b). First, the Commissioner must prove the existence of an underpayment. Parks v. Commissioner, 94 T.C. 654, 660 (1990). The Commissioner may not rely upon the taxpayer's failure to carry the burden of proof as to the underlying deficiency. Id. at 660-661; Petzoldt v. Commissioner, 92 T.C. 661, 700 (1989); Estate of Beck v. Commissioner, 56 T.C. 297, 363 (1971). Second, the Commissioner must show that the taxpayer intended to evade taxes by conduct intended to conceal, mislead, or otherwise prevent tax collection. Stoltzfus v. United States, 398 F.2d 1002, 1004 (3d Cir. 1968); Parks v. Commissioner, supra at 661; Rowlee v. Commissioner, 80 T.C. 1111, 1123 (1983). Petitioner's convictionPage: Previous 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011