- 24 - which petitioner was sole owner at the time of trial) and has resumed his medical practice, which is the couple’s primary source of income. Petitioner “continues to enjoy the lifestyle and financial security that are largely attributable to her husband’s assets and income.” Von Kalinowski v. Commissioner, supra; see Lauer v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1994-579. On the basis of all the evidence, we conclude that denial of relief from joint and several liability will not result in economic hardship for petitioner. There is no suggestion in the record of spousal abuse or duress. These considerations support our conclusion that it would not be inequitable to deny petitioner the requested relief from joint and several liability. Accordingly, we hold that petitioner is not entitled to relief under section 6015(b). IV. Relief Under Section 6015(f) Petitioner contends that respondent abused his discretion in denying her request for relief from joint and several liability under section 6015(f). Where relief is unavailable to an individual under section 6015(b), the Secretary may provide relief under section 6015(f) if “taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the individual liable for any unpaid tax or any deficiency (or any portion of either)”. Sec. 6015(f). Essentially the same language appears in the equities test of section 6015(b)(1)(D). Butler v. Commissioner, 114 T.C. at 291. Having concluded, in light of all the facts and circumstances,Page: Previous 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Next
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