- 18 - expenditures that appear lavish or unusual when compared to the family's past levels of income, standard of living, and spending pattern; and (4) the culpable spouse's evasiveness and deceit concerning the couple's finances. Kistner v. Commissioner, 18 F.3d 1521, 1525 (11th Cir. 1994), revg. T.C. Memo. 1991-463; Stevens v. Commissioner, supra. The foregoing factors are considered "because, ordinarily, they predict what a prudent person would realize regardless of the other spouse's evasiveness or deceit". Bliss v. Commissioner, 59 F.3d 374, 379 (2d Cir. 1995), affg. T.C. Memo. 1993-390. Petitioner did not have a college education. She never had any formal courses in bookkeeping or accounting. She was, however, the owner of her own business, Lake Clarke Beauty Salon. Petitioner began at the beauty salon as a "junior operator" and eventually purchased the business with her first husband. As owner of the beauty salon, petitioner kept records and ensured that tax returns for the business were filed. Petitioner managed the beauty salon on her own after separating from her first husband and continued to do so after she married Emmens. In addition, petitioner also kept records for rental property which she owned. Therefore, in considering her level of education, we find that petitioner had a practical education in business. Petitioner was also intimately involved in the family's financial affairs. She had access to the family bank accounts;Page: Previous 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Next
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