George Ray Flanigan - Page 6

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               In an answer filed June 7, 2006, respondent conceded to                
          petitioner’s deduction of $22,349 as alimony for the “unallocated           
          family support payments.”  However, respondent raised new issues            
          by alleging that petitioner is not entitled to the two claimed              
          dependency exemption deductions and to the child tax credit.                
                                     Discussion                                       
          I.  Burden of Proof                                                         
               Generally, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer.  Rule               
          142(a)(1). Under section 7491, the burden of proof may shift to             
          the Commissioner if the taxpayer produces credible evidence with            
          respect to any factual issue relevant to ascertaining the                   
          taxpayer’s liability.  Sec. 7491(a)(1).                                     
               Where the Commissioner raises a new matter or claims an                
          increase in the deficiency, however, the burden of proof remains            
          upon the Commissioner.  Rule 142(a)(1); Achiro v. Commissioner,             
          77 T.C. 881, 889-890 (1981); Burris v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo.             
          2001-49; Jamerson v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1986-302.                     
               Thus, the burden of proof is on respondent with respect to             
          the new issues raised in the answer filed with the Court (i.e.,             
          the dependency exemption deductions and the child tax credit).              
          Nonetheless, our findings and ultimate decision in this case are            
          based on a preponderance of the evidence.                                   









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