Cynthia K. Beatty - Page 38




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          returns for the years at issue, as to which she had constructive            
          knowledge, would be paid.  It would be inequitable to allow                 
          petitioner to turn a blind eye to the tax shown due in each such            
          return.  The amount of such tax was large enough as to put peti-            
          tioner on notice that further inquiry should be made as to                  
          whether it would be paid.  She failed to do so.  Petitioner thus            
          failed to present any evidence to the IRS and to the Court with             
          respect to whether the tax shown due in each of the respective              
          joint returns for the years at issue would be paid.  We find that           
          the knowledge or reason to know factor weighs against granting              
          petitioner relief under section 6015(f).                                    
               With respect to the legal obligation factor set forth in               
          section 4.03(2)(a)(iv) of Revenue Procedure 2003-61, the parties            
          agree on brief that that factor is neutral.                                 
               However, the notice of determination stated in pertinent               
          part:                                                                       
               Non-requesting spouse’s legal obligation to pay                        
               A stipulation in the property settlement or a decree of                
               divorce must be evidenced that requires the non elect-                 
               ing spouse to assume responsibility for the unpaid                     
               income taxes for the periods at issue.  Since the par-                 
               ties are still married and living together a marital                   
               agreement such as this does not exist.                                 
               As we understand it, the Appeals Office concluded in the               
          notice of determination that the legal obligation factor weighed            
          against granting petitioner relief under section 6015(f).  We               
          reject that conclusion as unfounded.  We agree with the parties’            






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