- 13 - inadequate books and records, (3) failing to file tax returns, (4) giving implausible or inconsistent explanations of behavior, (5) concealing assets, (6) failing to cooperate with taxing authorities, (7) engaging in illegal activities, (8) attempting to conceal illegal activities, (9) dealing in cash, and (10) failing to make estimated tax payments. Recklitis v. Commissioner, 91 T.C. 874, 910 (1988). Although no single factor is necessarily dispositive on the issue of fraud, the existence of several indicia is persuasive circumstantial evidence. Petzoldt v. Commissioner, supra at 700. We proceed by addressing the indicia of fraud that are relevant to the case at hand. Respondent has affirmatively shown various indicia of fraud committed by petitioner. First, petitioner's understatement of income in 1984 and 1985 indicates fraud. Through the deemed admitted facts, respondent has established that over a 2-year period petitioner engaged in a pattern of concealing substantial amounts of income. Petitioner received substantial income from his involvement in the investment scheme in 1984 and 1985 which he failed to report on his 1984 and 1985 Federal income tax returns. This is strong evidence of an intent to evade tax. Merritt v. Commissioner, 301 F.2d 484, 487 (5th Cir. 1962), affg. T.C. Memo. 1959-172. Second, the handling of one's affairs in such a way as to avoid making records usual in transactions, the concealment ofPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
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