James M. Robinette - Page 15

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          v. Commissioner, 122 T.C. 32, 39 (2004); see also Woodral v.                
          Commissioner, 112 T.C. 19, 23 (1999).  Review for abuse of                  
          discretion includes “any relevant issue relating to the unpaid              
          tax or the proposed levy”, including “challenges to the                     
          appropriateness of collection actions” and “offers of collection            
          alternatives” such as offers in compromise.  Sec. 6330(c)(2)(A).            
          Questions about the appropriateness of the collection action                
          include whether it is proper for the Commissioner to proceed with           
          the collection action as determined in the notice of                        
          determination, and whether the type and/or method of collection             
          chosen by the Commissioner is appropriate.  See, e.g., Swanson v.           
          Commissioner, 121 T.C. 111, 119 (2003) (challenge to                        
          appropriateness of collection reviewed for abuse of discretion).            
               Abuse of discretion is the proper standard of review in this           
          case.  The introductory language of section 6330(c)(2)(A)                   
          encompasses the situation at bar.  Mr. Talbott’s conclusion that            
          respondent had acted properly in declaring petitioner’s offer-in-           
          compromise in default and that issuing a notice of determination            
          was proper is a “relevant issue relating to the unpaid tax or the           
          proposed levy”.  Further, offers in compromise are a specifically           
          mentioned collection alternative.  Sec. 6330(c)(2)(A)(iii).                 
          Additionally, whether respondent may proceed with collection of             
          petitioner’s unpaid liability is a challenge to the                         








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