- 44 - petitioners have submitted credible evidence; i.e., evidence which, after critical analysis, is sufficient on which to base a decision sustaining the ad hoc committee’s calculations regarding the portion of the monthly service fees that is allocable to medical care under the percentage method.27 Accordingly, we hold that respondent bears the burden of proof regarding the portions of the monthly service fees paid by petitioners in 1997 and 1998 that are allocable to medical care under the percentage method.28 However, with respect to the claimed deductions for medical use of the pool, spa, and exercise facilities, we find that petitioners have not submitted credible evidence. The financial information discussed above, as further explained below, does not contain specific figures or calculations by Mr. Dalton or AFVW relating to expenditures for the facilities that are sufficient 27See Forste v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2003-103 (holding that taxpayers produced credible evidence in the form of draft proposal offers and final settlement agreement that was sufficient to show that a payment was made in settlement of tort or tort-type claim for personal injury). 28On brief, petitioners argue that respondent’s reliance on Mr. Powell’s report and use of the actuarial method constitutes a new matter. Petitioners may be correct, especially in light of the fact that any appeal in this case would normally lie to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. See, e.g., Estate of Harper v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2002-121 (discussing recent decisions by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit regarding burden of proof). However, because we have already held that respondent has the burden of proof, we need not reach this issue.Page: Previous 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Next
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