- 60 - Commissioner, 79 T.C. 995, 1006 (1982), affd. 748 F.2d 331 (6th Cir. 1984). The fraudulent intent of an executor is treated as that of the estate. See Estate of Pittard v. Commissioner, 69 T.C. 391 (1977); see also Estate of Fox v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1995-30, affd. without published opinion 100 F.3d 945 (2d Cir. 1996); Estate of Edens v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1981- 557, affd. without published opinion 696 F.2d 989 (4th Cir. 1982). Courts have relied on certain indicia of fraud in deciding whether a taxpayer had the requisite fraudulent intent. Indicia of fraud include: (1) Understating income, (2) maintaining inadequate records, (3) failing to file tax returns, (4) giving implausible or inconsistent explanations of behavior, (5) concealing assets, (6) failing to cooperate with tax authorities, (7) engaging in illegal activities, (8) attempting to conceal illegal activities, and (9) dealing in cash. Recklitis v. Commissioner, 91 T.C. 874, 910 (1988); see also Bradford v. Commissioner, 796 F.2d 303, 307-308 (9th Cir. 1986), affg. T.C. Memo. 1984-601; Lee v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1995- 597. These "badges of fraud" are nonexclusive. Niedringhaus v. Commissioner, 99 T.C. 202, 211 (1992). The taxpayer's education and business background are also relevant to the determination of fraud. Id. Bearing these general principles in mind, we turn to the indicia of fraud that are relevant to the instant case.Page: Previous 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011