- 20 - petitioner’s position would have been put on notice by Mr. Ohrman’s evasion and deception with respect to the Dean Witter account statements. Petitioner was well aware of the extent of Mr. Ohrman’s past gambling and that he needed access to money in order to continue gambling. Even though petitioner had knowledge of these facts, she did not keep close watch over the Dean Witter account. Although petitioner also suffered difficult personal circumstances during 1999, she was able to retain control of other aspects of the family finances. Therefore, when we consider the entire record of this case, we conclude that petitioner has not established that she had no reason to know of the understatement when she signed the joint 1999 return. We also conclude that petitioner has not satisfied the requirements of subparagraph (D) of section 6015(b)(1). Taking into account all the facts and circumstances of petitioner’s case, it is not inequitable to hold her liable for the 1999 tax deficiency because the tax-avoidance purpose of the separation agreement is apparent from the evidence. First, a proposed tax liability of nearly $43,000 prompted petitioner to meet with Rackner for advice in early June 2001. Second, petitioner told Rackner about the proposed tax deficiency during this meeting, and Rackner informed her that relief from joint and several liability might be available. Third, with the knowledge that relief from joint and several liability might be available toPage: Previous 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Next
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