- 8 - 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 memorandumPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
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