- 10 - then the other individual shall be relieved of liability for tax (including interest, penalties, and other amounts) for such taxable year to the extent such liability is attributable to such understatement. These requirements are expressed in the conjunctive, and a requesting spouse must satisfy all the requirements of section 6015(b)(1). Subparagraph (C) requires that the requesting spouse “did not know, and had no reason to know, that there was * * * [an] understatement” of tax. Sec. 6015(b)(1)(C).9 Mrs. Haggart seeks relief from the self-employment taxes imposed as a result of Mr. Haggart’s business because, according to the Form 12507, Innocent Spouse Statement, she submitted to respondent, she “maintained separate employment” and “had no role in the operation or control” of Mr. Haggart’s “self-employment and business.”10 But, section 6015(b)(1)(C) requires an analysis of 9 As part of the RRA, supra, sec. 3201(a), 112 Stat. 734, Congress repealed sec. 6013(e) and enacted sec. 6015(b). The language of sec. 6015(b)(1)(C) is similar to the language in former sec. 6013(e)(1)(C). Both provisions require that the requesting spouse “did not know, and had no reason to know” that there was an understatement of tax. H. Conf. Rept. 105-599, supra at 249, 1998-3 C.B. at 1003. Accordingly, the case law interpreting the language under sec. 6013(e) will be applied in interpreting the same language under sec. 6015(b). Butler v. Commissioner, 114 T.C. 276, 283 (2000). 10 It is important to note that Mrs. Haggart’s position as to whether she understood Mr. Haggart to be self-employed or an employee of Roman is inconsistent. On Form 12507, Innocent Spouse Statement, and the petition filed with this Court, she indicated that Mr. Haggart was self-employed. At trial, however, she testified that she understood Mr. Haggart was an employee of Roman because he got “a paycheck every two weeks * * *. He just went from one job, and I always thought he was an employee.” In any event, Mrs. Haggart’s belief as to Mr. Haggart’s employment classification has no bearing on our analysis of sec. 6015(b).Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
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