- 62 - during late December 1983 or early 1984, Hund notified Hitchens of a search planned for his residence. Hund instructed Hitchens to leave $5,000, supposedly for Wilson, on his dresser and to be present at the house. Wilson did not know Hitchens had been warned. Wilson, Ryan, Cattalo, Hund, and Grove searched the residence. During the search, Hund appropriated the money from the dresser. Respondent asserts that Grove received $5,000 from Hitchens in December 1983. Grove was convicted of bribery and conspiracy for this payment. We find that Grove received the $5,000. II. Fraud For the years in issue, section 6653(b) imposes an addition to tax of 50 percent of the underpayment of tax if any part of the underpayment is due to fraud, plus an amount equal to 50 percent of the interest on the portion of the underpayment attributable to fraud. Respondent has the burden of proving fraud by clear and convincing evidence. Sec. 7454(a); Rule 142(b); Estate of Mazzoni v. Commissioner, 451 F.2d 197, 201 (3d Cir. 1971), affg. T.C. Memo. 1970-37; Cochrane v. Commissioner, 107 T.C. 18 (1996). Absent a finding of fraud, section 6501 precludes the assessment and collection of the alleged deficiencies in and additions to tax for the years in issue. For the addition to tax under section 6653(b)(1) to apply, the Commissioner must establish (1) an underpayment of taxes for each year and (2) that some part of the underpayment is due toPage: Previous 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 Next
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