Mary A. George - Page 21

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          of $150,000.  Petitioner could have used, but did not, these                
          resources to pay the liabilities.  Moreover, we note that, had              
          Mr. George paid the joint liabilities during his lifetime, the              
          funds petitioner received from Mr. George at his death would have           
          been reduced by those payments.  Consequently, petitioner                   
          received a significant benefit beyond normal support.                       
               The lack of economic hardship negative factor weighs against           
          relief.  As noted above, we do not believe that petitioner will             
          experience economic hardship if relief is not granted.                      
               The tax law noncompliance negative factor weighs against               
          relief.  The record indicates that petitioner had not filed tax             
          returns for 2000 or 2001 as of April 20, 2002.                              
               The requesting spouse’s legal obligation negative factor               
          does not weigh against relief.  As noted above, petitioner did              
          not enter an agreement with Mr. George with regard to payment of            
          the liability.                                                              
               Taking into account all the facts and circumstances, we                
          conclude that it would not be inequitable to hold petitioner                
          liable for the unpaid liability.  Petitioner has not carried her            
          burden to establish that respondent’s denial of equitable relief            
          pursuant to section 6015(f) was an abuse of discretion.10  We               
          have considered all of petitioner’s arguments and contentions               


               10That the facts of the instant case were fully stipulated             
          does not relieve petitioner of the burden of proof.  Rule 149(b).           





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