Gregory S. Robinette - Page 5

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          290 U.S. 111, 115 (1933).  In pertinent part, Rule 142(a)(1)                
          provides the general rule that “The burden of proof shall be upon           
          the petitioner”.  In certain circumstances, however, if the                 
          taxpayer introduces credible evidence with respect to any factual           
          issue relevant to ascertaining the proper tax liability, section            
          7491 places the burden of proof on the Commissioner.  Sec.                  
          7491(a)(1); Rule 142(a)(2).  Credible evidence is “‘the quality             
          of evidence which, after critical analysis, * * * [a] court would           
          find sufficient * * * to base a decision on the issue if no                 
          contrary evidence were submitted’”.1  Baker v. Commissioner, 122            
          T.C. 143, 168 (2004) (quoting Higbee v. Commissioner, 116 T.C.              
          438, 442 (2001)).  Section 7491(a)(1) applies only if the                   
          taxpayer complies with substantiation requirements, maintains all           
          required records, and cooperates with reasonable requests by the            
          Commissioner for witnesses, information, documents, meetings, and           
          interviews.  Sec. 7491(a)(2).  Although neither party alleges the           
          applicability of section 7491(a), we conclude that the burden of            
          proof has not shifted to respondent with respect to any of the              
          issues in the present case.                                                 
               Moreover, deductions are a matter of legislative grace and             
          are allowed only as specifically provided by statute.  INDOPCO,             

          1We interpret the quoted language as requiring the                          
          taxpayer’s evidence pertaining to any factual issue to be                   
          evidence the Court would find sufficient upon which to base a               
          decision on the issue in favor of the taxpayer.  See Bernardo v.            
          Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2004-199.                                          





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