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RICHARD H. GLEASON, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent; LORI A. GLEASON, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, RespondentGleason v. Comm'rDocket Nos. 980-09, 1043-09.
United States Tax Court T.C. Memo 2011-154; 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151; 101 T.C.M. 1743;June 29, 2011, Filed2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*151Decisions will be entered under
Rule 155 .R determined deficiencies in income tax and additions to tax under
secs. 6651(a)(1) ,(2) , and(3) and6654(a), I.R.C. , for Ps' 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years that were based on R's determination that Ps failed to report taxable income. Ps argue that they did not receive the taxable income as determined by R. P-W further argues that to the extent there was unreported taxable income, it was P-H's sole and separate property, not community property.Held : Ps received taxable income in 2001, 2002, and 2003 which they failed to report. The unreported taxable income is community property, not P-H's sole and separate property.Held, further , Ps are subject to the additions to tax to the extent redetermined herein.Richard H. Gleason and Lori A. Gleason, Pro se.Kimberly A. Santos andKathryn A. Meyer , for respondent.WHERRY, Judge.WHERRYMEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION WHERRY,
Judge : These consolidated cases are before the Court on petitions for redetermination of deficiencies and additions to tax determined by respondent for petitioners' 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years. After concessions by the parties, 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*152 the issues for decision are:(1) Whether respondent is barred from assessing income tax deficiencies against petitioner Richard Gleason for his 2002 and 2003 tax years;
(2) whether petitioners received unreported taxable income during their 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years;
(3) if petitioners received unreported taxable income during their 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years, whether this income was Mr. Gleason's 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*153 sole and separate property or community property;
(4) whether petitioners are liable for additions to tax under
section 6651(a)(1) for failure to file their 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax returns;section 6651(a)(2) for failure to pay his 2001, 2002, and 2003 taxes;(6) whether Mrs. Gleason is liable for additions to tax under either
section 6651(a)(2) or(3) for failure to pay her 2001, 2002, and 2003 taxes;(7) whether Mr. Gleason is liable for additions to tax under
section 6654(a) for failure to make estimated tax payments for his 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years; and(8) whether Mrs. Gleason is liable for additions to tax under
section 6654(a) for failure to make estimated tax payments for her 2001 and 2003 tax years.FINDINGS OF FACT Some of the facts have been stipulated. The stipulations of the parties, with accompanying exhibits, are incorporated herein by this reference. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason were married in 1975 and since then have resided 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*154 at all times in California, a community property State.
1. Gleason Supply The major issues in this case stem from petitioners' business, Gleason Supply, and Mrs. Gleason's involvement in Gleason Supply. In 1983 Mr. Gleason applied to be a Mac Tools, Inc. (Mac Tools) distributor. Mac Tools distributors buy tools from Mac Tools at a wholesale distributor rate and then have the exclusive right to sell the tools to third-party retailers located in a designated distributorship territory. Mac Tools establishes suggested retail prices for its tools, and on the basis of these suggested retail prices, distributors make an average profit margin of 37 percent.
Mac Tools requires distributors to meet minimum purchase amounts each month or risk termination of their distributorship contract. Mac Tools distributors are independent contractors, not employees, and Mac Tools does not issue tax information forms such as Form 1099 to its distributors.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gleason signed the Mac Tools application, although Mrs. Gleason signed only that part of the application that gave Mac Tools permission to perform a credit check on her and Mr. Gleason. Mac Tools approved the application and Mr. Gleason began 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*155 operating a Mac Tools distributorship in 1984 under the name Gleason Supply Company (Gleason Supply) and with a distributorship number of 29427. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*156 evidence that she helped with Gleason Supply even after 1997. Bank of America Joint Account
In 1996, using a false taxpayer identification number of "999-99-9999", Mr. Gleason opened a joint bank account at Bank of America (BA joint account) which remained open during the years in issue.
In addition to the BA joint account, Mrs. Gleason maintained a separate bank account during the years at issue. Mrs. Gleason received wages from third parties of $3,320 in 2001 and $11,635 in 2003. Mrs. Gleason indicates that she cashed payroll checks for these amounts.
3. Community Property Agreement On June 16, 1997, Mr. and Mrs. Gleason 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*157 executed a legally valid postnuptial agreement entitled "Community Property Declaration and Agreement" (community property agreement). Essentially, the community property agreement provided that each spouse was divesting himself or herself of any rights he or she had in any community property acquired by the other spouse's "own labor and/or initiative." The community property agreement provided that such property was "separate and personal property" of the spouse who earned it instead of community property. It also contained provisions for separate bank accounts as well as a joint checking account for the purpose of paying Mr. Gleason's "marital support obligations" to Mrs. Gleason. There were no specific provisions regarding income generated from communal efforts.
After the community property agreement was executed, both Mr. and Mrs. Gleason continued to have access to the BA joint account. While Mrs. Gleason argued she had access only for "spousal and family support", she deposited numerous checks written to her, including her 2003 payroll checks, into the BA joint account and wrote checks, including ones to her church and an individual who cared for her mother, on the account. After 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*158 the community property agreement was executed, Mrs. Gleason endorsed and deposited checks written to Gleason Supply and signed for certified mail on behalf of Gleason Supply, and customers of Gleason Supply wrote checks to Mrs. Gleason for their purchases from Gleason Supply.
4. Audit and Investigation Mr. Gleason and Mrs. Gleason are habitual nonfilers. They failed to timely file tax returns and report their income for all years at issue. Initially, respondent contacted the Gleasons and attempted to convince them to file tax returns or explain and provide records as to why they did not have to file tax returns. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason did not do so, and the agent initially assigned to their case prepared substitutes for their tax returns, as authorized by
section 6020(b) , on July 29, 2004, for Mr. Gleason's 2002 tax year and on September 20, 2005, for Mr. Gleason's 2003 tax year.A Form 1099, Miscellaneous Income, that Collateral Recovery Services, an independent debt collection business hired by Mac Tools, had issued to "Mac Tools Richard Gleason" in 2002 and provided a copy of to respondent led Revenue Agent Andrew Ortiz (RA Ortiz), the agent assigned to the Gleasons' audit and examination, 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*159 to the existence of Gleason Supply.
Fifth Amendment . While the Gleasons did verify that they were legally married and resided in Downey, California, they were otherwise uncooperative, refusing to answer even simple questions such as what Mrs. Gleason's maiden name was, what their educational background was, whether they rented or owned their home, and whether they were involved with programs such as the American Rights Litigators Promotion, We the People, We the People Sovereignty Pure 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*160 Trust, or Liberty International.Because of the Gleasons' lack of cooperation, RA Ortiz relied solely on third-party information to reconstruct the income from Gleason Supply. As elaborated below, RA Ortiz reconstructed the income from Gleason Supply using two indirect methods: (1) Bank deposit analysis method and (2) unit and volume method.
Under the first method used to reconstruct the income from Gleason Supply, the bank deposit analysis method, RA Ortiz obtained from Collateral Recovery Services copies of checks issued to Gleason Supply. Some of these checks had been cashed and some had been deposited into the BA joint account. RA Ortiz then issued a summons to Bank of America requesting copies of the bank statements for any account the Gleasons maintained at Bank of America. Bank of America provided statements (BA statements) with regard to the BA joint account. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*161
Using the BA statements, RA Ortiz performed a bank deposit analysis. RA Ortiz calculated the total amount of taxable deposits and examined the statements to see whether any of the deposits were nontaxable. He could find no indication that any of the deposits were nontaxable and although given an opportunity to do so, the Gleasons failed to provide evidence that any of the deposits were nontaxable. In total, RA Ortiz determined taxable income of $23,955.71, $13,634.24, and $34,692.34 for 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively.
RA Ortiz's second indirect method, the unit and volume method, also reconstructed the income from Gleason Supply. When a Mac Tools distributor orders products from Mac Tools, the Mac Tools accounting department uses the distributor's number to keep track of what that person has purchased, what has been shipped, and what has been paid for.
Mac Tools provided RA Ortiz with the payment and sales history, including the cost and suggested retail price, of items sent or sold to Gleason Supply during the 2001 and 2002 tax years up until termination. With this information, RA Ortiz used retail price 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*162 to determine gross income and gave credit for the cost of goods sold for each tool. In total, RA Ortiz determined taxable income under the unit and volume method of $47,492 and $11,412 for 2001 and 2002, respectively.
Combining the income computed under both the bank deposit analysis and the unit and volume method, RA Ortiz determined taxable income of $71,447.71, $25,046.24, and $34,692.34 for 2001, 2002, and 2003 respectively.
In response to letters from RA Ortiz regarding her potential tax liability, on March 23, 2008, respondent received Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for Mrs. Gleason's 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years. The 2001 Form 1040 showed $3,320 of income and no taxes owed. The 2002 Form 1040 showed no income and no tax owed. The 2003 Form 1040 showed $11,635 of income and no tax owed. While respondent argues that he did not accept the Forms 1040, his own Exhibits 22-R through 24-R indicate he did accept and file the Forms 1040. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*163 Mr. Gleason never filed a tax return for any of the years in issue.
On October 8, 2008, respondent prepared updated examination reports and substitutes for returns for Mr. Gleason's 2002 and 2003 tax years as well as one for his 2001 tax year. On the basis of these 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*164 substitutes for return, on October 14, 2008, respondent issued a notice of deficiency to Mr. Gleason showing the following deficiencies and additions to tax:
Additions to Tax Tax Year Deficiency Sec. 6651(a)(1) Sec. 6651(a)(2) Sec. 6654 2001 $12,559 $2,825 $3,139 $501 2002 3,009 677 752 100 2003 4,850 1,091 1,212 125 Also on October 14, 2008, respondent issued a notice of deficiency to Mrs. Gleason showing the following deficiencies and additions to tax:
Additions to Tax Tax Year Deficiency Sec. 6651(a)(1) Sec. 6651(a)(2) 2001 $5,174 $206 $1,292 2002 963 --- 240 2003 3,935 101 983 Petitioners timely petitioned this Court. Respondent thereafter conceded issues including that the community property agreement was valid and pursuant to it, Mr. Gleason is not liable for one-half of the wage income earned by Mrs. Gleason in the 2001 and 2003 tax years.
On the basis of the community property agreement and additional alleged facts, in his answers filed on March 19, 2009, respondent sought increased deficiencies and additions to tax against both petitioners. Respondent's answer to Mr. Gleason's petition showed the following asserted deficiencies and additions to tax:
Additions to Tax Tax Year Deficiency Sec. 6651(a)(1) Sec. 6651(a)(2) Sec. 6654 2001 $19,090 $4,294.58 $4,771.75 $762.78 2002 3,780 850.5 945 126.31 2003 5,472 1,231.20 1,368 141.17 Respondent's 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*165 answer to Mrs. Gleason's petition showed the following asserted deficiencies and additions to tax:
Additions to Tax Tax Year Deficiency Sec. 6651(a)(1) Sec. 6651(a)(2) Sec. 6654 2001 $5,628 $1,265.63 $1,406.25 $224.17 2002 963 216.68 240 -- 2003 4,805 1,081.13 1,201.25 123.97 The cases were consolidated for trial, briefing, and opinion on February 22, 2010. Trial was held on February 23, 2010, in Los Angeles, California.
OPINION I. Preliminary Evidentiary Matters At trial respondent introduced into evidence Exhibits 32-R and 33-R, which, according to respondent, were Mr. Gleason's purchase history from Mac Tools for 2001 and 2002 up until termination. Respondent used the information in Exhibits 32-R and 33-R to reconstruct income under the unit and volume method.
RA Ortiz testified that he called Mac Tools and asked for Mr. Gleason's purchase history. A representative of Mac Tools spoke to RA Ortiz over the telephone and later emailed RA Ortiz, attaching the requested purchase histories to the email. A copy of the email was identified as Exhibit 31-R and admitted into evidence. RA Ortiz testified that Exhibit 32-R was Mr. Gleason's purchase history for 2001, that Exhibit 33-R was Mr. Gleason's purchase history 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*166 from January 2002 up until termination, and that both had been attached to the email. RA Ortiz further testified that Exhibits 32-R and 33-R were accurate representations of the information provided by Mac Tools and that the exhibits matched Exhibit 10-R, Mr. Gleason's distributorship file, which had been admitted into evidence.
When respondent moved to have Exhibits 32-R and 33-R admitted into evidence, Mr. Gleason objected on the grounds of hearsay and lack of authentication. At trial, this Court, concerned among other things about the hearsay aspects, the authentication, and the chain of custody of Exhibits 32-R and 33-R, reserved ruling on the admissibility of Exhibits 32-R and 33-R.
The rules of evidence applicable to Tax Court proceedings are the rules applicable in trial without jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. These include the Federal Rules of Evidence. See
Rule 143(a) ;Vallone v. Commissioner , 88 T.C. 794">88 T.C. 794Rule 901(a) of the Federal Rules of Evidence provides that the requirement of authentication is satisfied "by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims". The authenticity of 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*167 Exhibits 32-R and 33-R is supported by RA Ortiz's testimony that the exhibits represent Mr. Gleason's purchase history from Mac Tools and that RA Ortiz received the information in Exhibits 32-R and 33-R after requesting it from Mac Tools and talking to a representative over the telephone. Their authenticity is also supported by Exhibit 31-R, the email from the Mac Tools representative, which states that she attached the purchase and payment history for 2001-2002 for "Gleason". Their authenticity is further supported by comparing them to Exhibit 10-R. We find that the disputed documents were properly authenticated. SeeIoane v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2009-68Alexander Dawson, Inc. v. NLRB , 586 F.2d 1300">586 F.2d 1300We now turn to petitioners' hearsay objection.
Rule 801(c) of the Federal Rules of Evidence defines "Hearsay" as "a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted." Hearsay is generally excluded 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*168 from evidence unless an exception applies. SeeFed. R. Evid. 801 and802 ;Snyder v. Commissioner , 93 T.C. 529">93 T.C. 529Exhibits 32-R and 33-R are both spreadsheets containing columns of numbers; and other than RA Ortiz's testimony, there is no indication where these numbers came from. No certification or affidavit was attached to either exhibit, and neither "Mac Tools" nor any other identifier is present reflecting authorship of the spreadsheets. While RA Ortiz testified that a representative of Mac Tools provided the spreadsheets to him, respondent did not call the representative to testify. Both Exhibits contain handwritten notes we presume to have been made by RA Ortiz although it is unclear. We find that Exhibits 32-R and 33-R are hearsay; and respondent did not offer an exception to the hearsay rules, nor can this Court ascertain one.
Respondent argues that in the event this Court finds that Exhibits 32-R and 33-R are inadmissible hearsay, we should admit them for the limited purpose of showing the reasonableness of respondent's deficiency determinations. For the reasons set forth
infra note 11, we agree and admit Exhibits 32-R and 33-R for the limited purpose of showing the 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*169 reasonableness of respondent's determination.II. Whether Respondent Is Barred From Assessing Deficiencies Against Mr. Gleason for His 2002 and 2003 Tax Years Mr. Gleason asserts that respondent may no longer assess any deficiency for his 2002 or 2003 tax years because the period during which assessment can be made has expired. We disagree. The period of limitations on assessment begins to run only after a taxpayer files a return. See
sec. 6501(a) . Where, as here, the taxpayer fails to file any return at all for the years at issue, "the tax may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such tax may be begun without assessment, at any time".Sec. 6501(a) ,(c)(3) ; see alsoTaylor v. Commissioner , 43 F.3d 1483">43 F.3d 1483T.C. Memo. 1993-529 .Mr. Gleason argues that the substitutes for returns prepared by respondent on July 29, 2004, for his 2002 tax year and on September 20, 2005, for his 2003 tax year constitute the filing of a return and caused the limitations period for assessment to begin to run. Mr. Gleason is incorrect. Substitutes for returns prepared by the Commissioner do "not start the running of the period of limitations 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*170 on assessment and collection."
Sec. 6501(b)(3) .Because Mr. Gleason did not file a return for 2002 or 2003, the period for assessing deficiencies for these years remains open.
III. Whether Petitioners Received Unreported Taxable Income A. Burden of Proof As a general rule, the Commissioner's determination of a taxpayer's liability in the notice of deficiency is presumed correct, and the taxpayer bears the burden of proving that the determination is improper. See
Rule 142(a) ;Welch v. Helvering , 290 U.S. 111">290 U.S. 111Rule 142(a)(1) , respondent bears the burden of proof for the increased deficiencies asserted in his answers to both petitions. SeeGefen v. Commissioner , 87 T.C. 1471">87 T.C. 1471Rule 142(a)(1) does not shift the burden of proof to respondent as to this issue. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*171However, in unreported income cases, the presumption of correctness does not attach unless the Commissioner first establishes an evidentiary foundation linking the taxpayer to the alleged income-producing activity.
Weimerskirch v. Commissioner , 596 F.2d 358">596 F.2d 358, 596 F.2d 358">360-362 (9th Cir. 1979)67 T.C. 672">67 T.C. 672 (1977). The requisite evidentiary foundation is minimal and need not include direct evidence. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*173 SeeBanister v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2008-201418 Fed. Appx. 637">418 Fed. Appx. 637 , 107 AFTR 2d 2011-1156, 2011-1 USTC par. 50,257 (9th Cir. 2011);Curtis v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2001-30873 Fed. Appx. 200">73 Fed. Appx. 200 (9th Cir. 2003).The Ninth Circuit has made it clear * * * that once the government has carried its initial burden of introducing some substantive evidence linking the taxpayer with income-producing activity, the taxpayer has the burden to rebut the presumption of correctness of respondent's deficiency determination by establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the deficiency determination is arbitrary or erroneous. * * *
Petzoldt v. Commissioner , 92 T.C. 661">92 T.C. 661Hardy v. Commissioner , 181 F.3d 1002">181 F.3d 1002T.C. Memo. 1997-97 ;Rapp v. Commissioner , 774 F.2d 932">774 F.2d 932Respondent has established the requisite evidentiary foundation linking Mr. Gleason with an income-producing activity, here Gleason Supply. Respondent introduced evidence that Mr. Gleason operated a distributorship up until termination in April 2002. For the remainder of 2002 and 2003, respondent introduced evidence including witnesses and canceled checks demonstrating that Mr. Gleason continued to sell tools even after the termination of his distributorship.
The Court finds 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*174 that respondent has established the requisite minimal evidentiary foundation linking Mr. Gleason with an income-producing activity for all years in issue and therefore Mr. Gleason bears the burden of proving the deficiency determination arbitrary or erroneous. See
Palmer v. IRS , 116 F.3d 1309">116 F.3d 1309Banister v. Commissioner, supra B. Analysis Taxpayers bear the responsibility to maintain books and records that are sufficient to establish their income. See
sec. 6001 ;DiLeo v. Commissioner , 96 T.C. 858">96 T.C. 858959 F.2d 16">959 F.2d 16 (2d Cir. 1992). When a taxpayer fails to keep adequate books and records, the Commissioner is authorized to determine the existence and amount of the taxpayer's income by any method that clearly reflects income.Sec. 446(b) ;Mallette Bros. Constr. Co. v. United States , 695 F.2d 145">695 F.2d 145Parks v. Commissioner , 94 T.C. 654">94 T.C. 65492 T.C. 661"> . Because of Mr. Gleason's utter lack of cooperation and refusal to provide any books or records, respondent was forced to use indirect methods to reconstruct Mr. Gleason's taxable income.Petzoldt v. Commissioner, supra at 686-687The Commissioner is afforded great latitude in determining a taxpayer's liability and is entitled to use any reasonable method to reconstruct a taxpayer's income, especially where a taxpayer files no returns and refuses to cooperate in ascertaining income.
92 T.C. 661"> ;Petzoldt v. Commissioner, supra at 693Giddio v. Commissioner , 54 T.C. 1530">54 T.C. 1530Taylor v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2006-6792 T.C. 661"> ;Petzoldt v. Commissioner, supra at 687Schroeder v. Commissioner , 40 T.C. 30">40 T.C. 30A.J. Concrete Pumping, Inc. v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2001-42116 F.3d 1309"> .Palmer v. IRS, supra at 1312Mr. Gleason failed to keep books or records, failed to file tax returns, and refused to cooperate with respondent. While both of the methods respondent used to reconstruct Mr. Gleason's taxable income are established methods accepted by this Court, 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*177 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*178 we are here faced with the more difficult question of whether respondent's using both methods together and then totaling the separate results is reasonable. We conclude, on the facts and circumstances of this particular case, that the use of both methods together is reasonable and respondent's determination is not arbitrary or necessarily per se erroneous.
Respondent maintains that both methods were necessary "Because of petitioners' refusal to provide any testimony 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*179 or documents regarding any sources of income they had during the tax years at issue * * * although not exact, * * * [use of both methods] was necessary to determine all income generated from the tool selling business". Mr. Gleason, relying solely on this Court's vocal concern at trial that using both methods might lead to duplication, argues that we should "accept only one method".
If respondent had used only the bank deposit analysis method to reconstruct taxable income, cash transactions and checks deposited into other bank accounts would not have been counted. If respondent had used only the unit and volume method to reconstruct taxable income, the inventory Mr. Gleason had on hand as of January 1, 2001, and which was subsequently sold would not have been counted.
Mr. Gleason could have timely filed tax returns. Mr. Gleason could have complied with RA Ortiz's requests. When summoned, Mr. Gleason could have cooperated, instead of refusing to provide any information and continuously pleading the
Fifth Amendment . Mr. Gleason could have introduced evidence at trial to prove double-counting, yet he did not. "The rule is well established that the failure of a party to introduce evidence 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*180 within his possession and which, if true, would be favorable to him, gives rise to the presumption that if produced it would be unfavorable."Wichita Terminal Elevator Co. v. Commissioner , 6 T.C. 1158">6 T.C. 1158, 6 T.C. 1158">1165 (1946)162 F.2d 513">162 F.2d 513 (10th Cir. 1947).We acknowledge that stacking both methods may potentially result in double-counting in the event items bought from Mac Tools in 2001 or 2002 were subsequently sold to a third party who paid by check deposited into the BA joint account. However Mr. Gleason does not point to any instance of duplication. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*181
We acknowledge the troubles inherent with respondent's use of two different methods to reconstruct Mr. Gleason's income, yet we are not persuaded that respondent's determination was arbitrary or capricious in view of Mr. Gleason's utter lack of cooperation, failure to provide documents or records, and failure to point to any specific duplication. See
Petzoldt v. Commissioner , 92 T.C. 661">92 T.C. 693-694King v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 1998-69182 F.3d 903">182 F.3d 903 (3d Cir. 1999)."We are troubled by * * * [the Commissioner's] method of reconstruction. * * * Nevertheless, * * * [the Gleasons] did not present any evidence that persuades us that * * * [the Commissioner's] determination was arbitrary or without foundation. * * * On balance, we are more troubled by the * * * [Gleason's lack of evidence] than by * * * [the Commissioner's] method."
Maltese v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 1988-322"A married individual is taxable on the earnings of his or her spouse to the 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*183 extent that the laws of the state of residence grants that individual a vested property or ownership interest in the spouse's earnings."
Edwards v. Commissioner , 680 F.2d 1268">680 F.2d 1268United States v. Mitchell , 403 U.S. 190">403 U.S. 190Cal. Fam. Code sec. 760 (West 2004);United States v. Malcolm , 282 U.S. 792">282 U.S. 792There is a statutory presumption that property acquired by the spouses during marriage other than by gift or inheritance is community property.
In re Marriage of Rossin , 172 Cal. App. 4th 725">172 Cal. App. 4th 725Katz v. United States , 382 F.2d 723">382 F.2d 723In re Duncan's Estate , 9 Cal. 2d 207">9 Cal. 2d 207In re Jolly's Estate , 196 Cal. 547">196 Cal. 54770 P.2d 174"> .In re Duncan's Estate, supra at 179However, it is also well established that married taxpayers may by agreement change community property to separate property and vice versa, with or without consideration.
Cal. Fam. Code sec. 850 (West 2004);382 F.2d 723"> . "A transmutation is an interspousal transaction or agreement that works a change in the character of the property".Katz v. United States, supra at 729172 Cal. App. 4th 725"> . The principal issue here is Mr. and Mrs. Gleason's 1997 community property agreement and whether the agreement transmuted Gleason Supply and the income therefrom into Mr. Gleason's sole and separate property. Respondent has conceded that the agreement is valid, and therefore the issue is the effect of the agreement, not its validity.In re Marriage of Rossin, supra at 734The community property agreement provides in part:
Lori Ann Gleason, wife, voluntarily divest [sic] herself of any right, interest, or claim she may have to, or in, any community property considered interest income, stocks, bonds, dividends, wages, income, rental income or other earnings, and all realty 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*185 and personal vehicles which Richard H. Gleason acquired by and through his own labor and/or initiative which Lori Ann Gleason, wife, may have acquired by and through the marriage.
The community property agreement contains no provisions regarding income generated from communal efforts.
Mr. Gleason initially capitalized Gleason Supply with checks written on the couple's joint account and by taking out a second mortgage on the community home. He used a truck purchased with community funds. Mrs. Gleason cosigned on the credit check Mac Tools ran against Mr. Gleason. Mrs. Gleason admitted that she dealt with Gleason Supply up until at least 1997 but does not offer proof that her involvement ended in 1997.
Mrs. Gleason asserts she had nothing to do with Gleason Supply during 2001—2003, the years in issue. Yet during this period, checks for tools purchased from Gleason Supply were written solely to Lori Gleason. Checks issued to Gleason Supply were deposited into the couple's BA joint account, and Mrs. Gleason herself endorsed several of the checks.
On the record before us and petitioners' lack of evidence to the contrary, we do not find that the income from Gleason Supply was separate income 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*186 attributed solely to Mr. Gleason. Mrs. Gleason provided no evidence to this Court to support her claims that she did not actively participate in Gleason Supply. Accordingly, we find that the income from Gleason Supply was community income and sustain respondent's determination with regard to this issue. Additions to Tax
Respondent bears the burden of production with regard to the additions to tax.
sec. 7491(c) ;Higbee v. Commissioner , 116 T.C. 438">116 T.C. 438116 T.C. 438"> . However, respondent does not have to produce evidence of substantial authority, the lack of reasonable cause, or lack of willful neglect. SeeHigbee v. Commissioner, supra at 446id. ;Davis v. Commissioner , 81 T.C. 806">81 T.C. 806767 F.2d 931">767 F.2d 931 (9th Cir. 1985).A. Section 6651(a)(1) Generally, "any person made liable for any tax * * * shall make a return or statement according to the forms and regulations prescribed by the Secretary."
Sec. 6011(a) .Section 6651(a)(1) , in the case of a failure to file a return on time, imposes an addition to tax of 5 percent of the tax required to be shown on the return for each month or fraction thereof for which there is a failure to file, not to exceed 25 percent in the aggregate. The penalty will not apply if it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.Petitioners did not timely file their 2001, 2002, or 2003 tax return. Respondent has thus met his burden of production. See
Wheeler v. Commissioner , 127 T.C. 200">127 T.C. 200section 6651(a)(1) ), affd.521 F.3d 1289">521 F.3d 1289 (10th Cir. 2008). Further, petitioners have not presented any evidence that their failure to file was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Accordingly, we sustain the additions to tax undersection 6651(a)(1) for petitioners' 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years.B. Mr. Gleason— Section 6651(a)(2) Respondent determined Mr. Gleason is liable for additions to tax under
section 6651(a)(2) for failure to pay his 2001, 2002, and 2003 taxes.Section 6651(a)(2) provides for an addition to tax of .5 percent per month up to 25 percent for failure to pay the amount shown on a return unless it is shown that the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.section 6651(a)(2) addition to tax requires that the Commissioner introduce evidence that a return showing the taxpayer's tax liability was filed for the year in question. In a case such as this where the taxpayer did not file a return, the Commissioner must introduce evidence that 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*189 an SFR [substitute for return] satisfying the requirements ofsection 6020(b) was made. SeeCabirac v. Commissioner , * * *[120 T.C. 163">120 T.C. 163 , 120 T.C. 163">170 (2003)]. * * *127 T.C. 200"> .Wheeler v. Commissioner, supra at 210Under
section 6651(g)(2) , a return prepared by the Secretary pursuant tosection 6020(b) is treated as a return filed by the taxpayer for the purpose of determining the amount of an addition to tax undersection 6651(a)(2) . To constitute asection 6020(b) return, "the return must be subscribed, it must contain sufficient information from which to compute the taxpayer's tax liability, and the return form and any attachments must purport to be a 'return'."Spurlock v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2003-124Substitutes for returns were filed on Mr. Gleason's behalf for his 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years. The substitutes for returns consisted of Forms 4549-A, Income Tax Examination Changes, Forms 886-A, Explanation of Changes, and Forms 13496, IRS
Section 6020(b) Certification. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*190 Mr. Gleason argues that the substitutes for returns fail because they do not contain Forms 1040.Mr. Gleason is incorrect. The Forms 4549-A contained his name, address, and Social Security number and sufficient information to compute tax liability. Therefore, the substitutes for returns filed for Mr. Gleason constitute
section 6020(b) tax returns and are treated as returns filed by him for purposes ofsection 6651(a)(2) . See, e.g.,Rivera v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2009-215section 6020(b) certification constituted a valid return for purposes ofsection 6651(a)(2) ); see alsoHawkins v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2008-168Mr. Gleason did not pay his 2001, 2002, or 2003 taxes. Respondent has thus met his burden of production. Mr. Gleason has not presented any evidence that such failure to pay was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Consequently, we sustain respondent's additions to tax under
section 6651(a)(2) for Mr. Gleason's 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years.C. Mrs. Gleason— Section 6651(a)(2) or (3)Respondent asserts that Mrs. Gleason is liable for additions to tax under
section 6651(a)(2) for 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*191 failure to pay her 2001, 2002, and 2003 taxes and that if this Court finds she filed tax returns for the 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years, she is liable undersection 6651(a)(3) for failure to pay her 2001, 2002, and 2003 taxes.First, respondent accepted the Forms 1040 filed on March 23, 2008, for Mrs. Gleason's 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years. Because respondent accepted the Forms 1040 as valid returns, we reject respondent's determination that Mrs. Gleason is liable for
section 6651(a)(2) additions to tax for her 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years. SeeCabirac v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2008-142Second,
section 6651(a)(3) imposes an addition to tax for failure to pay any amount not shown but required to be shown on a return within 21 days of notice and demand (within 10 days if over $100,000). SeeBurke v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2009-282section 6303 and "follows the making of an assessment".Id. Assessment cannot be made until this Court's decision has been made final.Sec. 6503(a)(1) . Therefore, the predicates for the imposition of an addition to tax undersection 6651(a)(3) have not been satisfied and assessment is premature. SeeCommissioner v. McCoy , 484 U.S. 3">484 U.S. 3C. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*192 Section 6654(a) Respondent determined that Mr. Gleason was liable for additions to tax under
section 6654(a) for his 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years and that Mrs. Gleason was liable for additions to tax undersection 6654(a) for her 2001 and 2003 tax years.Section 6654(a) imposes an addition to tax where prepayments of tax, either through withholding or by making estimated quarterly tax payments during the course of the year, do not equal the percentage of total liability required under the statute. However, the addition to tax will not apply if one of the several statutory exemptions applies. SeeGrosshandler v. Commissioner , 75 T.C. 1">75 T.C. 1The
section 6654(a) addition to tax is calculated by applying thesection 6621 underpayment interest rate to the amount of each underpayment from the due date of each installment until April 15 following the close of the taxable year (for calendar year taxpayers).Sec. 6654(a) ,(b)(2) . The amount of each underpayment is the amount of "the required installment" less "the amount (if any) of the installment paid on or before the due date for the installment."Sec. 6654(b)(1) . The "required installment" is due at four times during the year 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*193 and is 25 percent of the "required annual payment."Sec. 6654(c)(1) ,(d)(1)(A) . For individual taxpayers whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year is $150,000 or less, a "required annual payment" is equal tothe lesser of—
(i) 90 percent of the tax shown on the return for the taxable year (or, if no return is filed, 90 percent of the tax for such year), or
(ii) 100 percent of the tax shown on the return of the individual for the preceding taxable year.
Clause (ii) shall not apply if the preceding taxable year was not a taxable year of 12 months or if the individual did not file a return for such preceding taxable year.
Sec. 6654(d) (1) (B) . Unless a statutory exception applies, thesection 6654(a) addition to tax is mandatory.Sec. 6654(a) ,(e) ;Recklitis v. Commissioner , 91 T.C. 874">91 T.C. 874Section 6654 does not contain a general exception for reasonable cause or absence of willful neglect.75 T.C. 1"> .Grosshandler v. Commissioner, supra at 21To meet his burden of production with regard to the
section 6654(a) addition to tax, respondent must at a minimum produce evidence necessary to enable the Court to conclude that Mr. Gleason had a required annual payment for 2001, 2002, and 2003, 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*194 and that Mrs. Gleason had an annual payment for 2001 and 2003. SeeWheeler v. Commissioner , 127 T.C. 200">127 T.C. 211Respondent has met the burden of production with respect to the
section 6654(a) additions to tax for Mr. Gleason's 2002 and 2003 but has failed to meet his burden of production with respect to Mr. Gleason's 2001 tax year. Mr. Gleason did not make his required estimated tax payments for either 2002 or 2003. He does not qualify for any of the exceptions listed insection 6654(e) . Respondent introduced no evidence about his 2000 tax return or whether he failed to file his 2000 tax return. Without this information, we cannot calculate the required estimated annual payment for his 2001 tax year, if any.Because Mr. Gleason failed to file Federal income tax returns for 2001 and 2002, Mr. Gleason's required annual payment of estimated tax for 2002 and 2003 was 90 percent of his tax for each year. See
127 T.C. 200"> ; see alsoWheeler v. Commissioner, supra at 211-212Rivera v. Commissioner, supra Walzer v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2009-200section 6654 additions to tax for his 2002 and 2003 tax years.As with Mr. Gleason, respondent never introduced evidence regarding Mrs. 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151">*195 Gleason's 2000 tax return. Additionally, we have held that a taxpayer's estimated tax liability is based upon the taxpayer's tax liability as stated on the original tax return as filed, and not upon the notice of deficiency amount or the ultimate tax liability. See
Mendes v. Commissioner , 121 T.C. 308">121 T.C. 308section 6654 addition to tax is calculated on a "required annual payment" which is equal to the lesser of "90 percent of the tax shown on the return for the taxable year" or 100 percent of the tax shown on the previous year's return.Sec. 6654(d) (1) (B) (i) . As 90 percent of zero is zero, the lesser of the two will be zero and therefore Mrs. Gleason is not liable for asection 6654 addition to tax for her 2001 or 2003 tax year.The Court has considered all of petitioners' contentions, arguments, requests, and statements. To the extent not discussed herein, we conclude that they are meritless, moot, or irrelevant.
To reflect the foregoing,
Decisions will be entered under .Rule 155 Footnotes
1. The parties agree that: (1) The wage income earned by and taxable to petitioner Lori Gleason in the 2001 and 2003 tax years was $3,320 and $11,635, respectively, and was her sole and separate property none of which is taxable to Richard Gleason as originally determined by respondent; (2) petitioner Richard Gleason is not obligated to report $8,304 of alleged cancellation of debt income for the 2003 tax year; (3) Mrs. Gleason is not obligated to report $4,152 of alleged cancellation of debt income for the 2003 tax year; (4) Mrs. Gleason is not obligated to report interest income for the 2002 and 2003 tax years of $8.50 and $14, respectively; (5) petitioners are entitled to married filing separate filing status for all tax years at issue; and (6) Mrs. Gleason is entitled to the two dependency exemptions for the couple's two children.
2. All section references are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect for the years at issue. All Rule references are to the Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure.↩
3. Gleason Supply Co. was listed on the Mac Tools distributorship application as the name Mr. Gleason intended to use. Although Mr. Gleason used other names including Mac Tools and Richard Gleason Mac Tools, for ease of reference and to distinguish between Mac Tools, Inc., and the distributorship operated by Mr. Gleason, we shall refer to Mr. Gleason's distributorship as Gleason Supply.↩
4. After 1997 Mrs. Gleason endorsed checks made out to Gleason Supply and signed certified mail on behalf of Gleason Supply, and customers wrote checks to "Lori Gleason" for their purchases from Gleason Supply.↩
5. Respondent transferred Mr. Gleason's case from the initial agent assigned to RA Ortiz in November or December 2005. RA Ortiz eventually audited both Mr. Gleason's and Mrs. Gleason's returns.↩
6. While there is no evidence of the existence of any bank accounts during the years in issue other than the BA joint account and Mrs. Gleason's separate account, Mr. Gleason's use of a fraudulent Social Security number to open the BA joint account and the Gleasons' refusal to answer the question of whether they had any other bank accounts leaves open the possibility that other bank accounts existed.
7. We acknowledge there is conflicting evidence as to whether respondent accepted Mrs. Gleason's Forms 1040. On the Form 4549-A, Income Tax Discrepancy Adjustments, attached to the notice of deficiency issued to Mrs. Gleason, respondent, on the line entitled "Taxable Income Per Return or as Previously Adjusted", lists "0.00" for all 3 tax years. In his answer, respondent admits to receiving the Forms 1040 but "denies that tax returns for [Mrs. Gleason's] 2001, 2002, and 2003 [tax years] were duly filed and accepted by respondent". However, certified Account Transcripts prepared by respondent for Mrs. Gleason's 2001, 2002, and 2003 tax years indicate returns were filed on Mar. 24, 2008, for all 3 years. And on Apr. 10, 2008, respondent noted on all three Account Transcripts that the "IRS can assess tax until 03-24-2011" thus giving the impression he had accepted the returns and the statute of limitations on assessment had started running. We find that the Account Transcripts, certified and prepared contemporaneously, are presumptively correct and better evidence than the notice of deficiency. Respondent's answer is simply a pleading and not evidence in this case.
8. The increased deficiencies were based on respondent's allegation that Mr. Gleason received cancellation of indebtedness income, which respondent has conceded; and that Mrs. Gleason was entitled to dependency exemptions for the couple's two children and that Mrs. Gleason's income was her sole and separate property, not community property, neither of which petitioners dispute.
9. In
Tokarski v. Commissioner , 87 T.C. 74">87 T.C. 7410. Pursuant to
sec. 7491(a) , the burden of proof on factual issues that affect the taxpayer's tax liability may shift to the Commissioner where the "taxpayer introduces credible evidence with respect to * * * such issue." The burden will shift only if the taxpayer has, inter alia, complied with applicable substantiation requirements and "cooperated with reasonable requests by the Secretary for witnesses, information, documents, meetings, and interviews".Sec. 7491(a)(2) . Petitioners did not raise the burden of proof issue, did not introduce any credible evidence, and failed to comply with the substantiation requirements. Accordingly,sec. 7491(a) does not shift the burden of proof to respondent.11. For purposes of determining whether petitioners received unreported taxable income, we refer solely to Mr. Gleason. We reserve the issue pertaining to Mrs. Gleason's involvement for later under our discussion of the effect of petitioners' community property agreement on their taxable income.↩
12. "The use of the bank deposit method for computing income has long been sanctioned by the courts."
Estate of Mason v. Commissioner , 64 T.C. 651">64 T.C. 651566 F.2d 2">566 F.2d 2 (6th Cir. 1977). "When a taxpayer keeps no books or records, has large bank deposits, and offers no plausible explanation of such deposits, the Commissioner is not arbitrary or capricious in resorting to the bank deposit method for computing income."64 T.C. 651"> . "A bank deposit is prima facie evidence of income and respondent need not prove a likely source of that income."Id. at 657Tokarski v. Commissioner , 87 T.C. 74">87 T.C. 7464 T.C. 651"> ). The bank deposit method of reconstruction assumes that all of the money deposited into a taxpayer's account is taxable income unless the taxpayer can show that the deposits are not taxable; however, the IRS must take into account any nontaxable items or deductible expenses of which it has knowledge.Estate of Mason v. Commissioner, supra at 656-657Clayton v. Commissioner , 102 T.C. 632">102 T.C. 632DiLeo v. Commissioner , 96 T.C. 858">96 T.C. 858959 F.2d 16">959 F.2d 16 (2d Cir. 1992).The unit and volume method is an established method accepted by this Court.
Key v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2001-166Park v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 1994-343As stated above, this Court is admitting Exhibits 32-R and 33-R for the limited purpose of showing the reasonableness of respondent's determinations. Respondent used Exhibits 32-R and 33-R to help reconstruct income under the unit and volume method. Respondent may determine a deficiency on the basis of hearsay or other inadmissible evidence, and otherwise inadmissible evidence may be used to show the reasonableness of respondent's actions. See
Cebollero v. Commissioner , 967 F.2d 986">967 F.2d 986Jackson v. Commissioner , 73 T.C. 394">73 T.C. 394T.C. Memo. 1990-618 ;Avery v. Commissioner , 574 F.2d 467">574 F.2d 467T.C. Memo. 1976-129 ;Wapnick v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2002-45967 F.2d 986"> (admitting testimony about what a revenue agent was told when she called and asked for a list of prices from the taxpayer's supplier for the purpose of verifying markup figures and showing the reasonableness of the revenue agent's method).Cebollero v. Commissioner, supra↩ at 99313. We note that "'Arithmetic precision was originally and exclusively in * * * [Mr. Gleason's] hands, and he had a statutory duty to provide it . . . [H]aving defaulted in his duty, he cannot frustrate the Commissioner's reasonable attempts by compelling investigation and recomputation under every means of income determination.'"
Page v. Commissioner , 58 F.3d 1342">58 F.3d 1342Rowell v. Commissioner , 884 F.2d 1085">884 F.2d 1085T.C. Memo. 1988-410 ), affg.T.C. Memo. 1993-398↩ .14. This Court, in examining the exhibits, found duplication in three instances, all involving Mrs. Gleason depositing her 2003 payroll checks into the BA joint account. Ex. 9-R, Bates Numbers 92, 109, and 150. The parties have conceded that Mrs. Gleason should be taxed on her 2003 wages, and therefore these three items will be removed from respondent's bank deposit analysis.
We do this despite Mrs. Gleason's testimony that she cashed her payroll checks. Since the parties conceded that the 2003 wages were Mrs. Gleason's sole and separate property and that she was liable for the taxes, we do not reach the issue of whether Mrs. Gleason's deposits into the BA joint account affect the status of the wages as either her sole and separate property or community property.↩
15. Gleason Supply was a sole proprietorship, and the income therefrom is "self-employment income" subject to self-employment tax. See
secs. 1401 ,1402↩ .16. Because we hold that the income from Gleason Supply was community income, we do not reach the issue of, if it was initially Mr. Gleason's sole and separate property, whether it was subsequently commingled and became community property. We note, however, the use of community funds to operate Gleason Supply and Mrs. Gleason's seemingly unrestricted access to the BA joint account.↩
17. While we recognize that respondent bears the burden of proof with regard to the increased deficiencies asserted in his answer, see
Garrison v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo 2010-261supra↩ note 8, we find this of no consequence as either respondent has conceded the liabilities giving rise to the increased deficiencies or petitioners agree to the increased deficiencies.18. The
sec. 6651(a)(1) addition to tax is reduced by the amount of thesec. 6651(a)(2) addition to tax for any month (or fraction thereof) to which an addition to tax applies under bothsec. 6651(a)(1) and(2) . Seesec. 6651(c)(1)↩ .
Document Info
Docket Number： Docket Nos. 980-09, 1043-09.
Citation Numbers： 101 T.C.M. 1743, 2011 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 151, 2011 T.C. Memo. 154
Judges： WHERRY
Filed Date： 6/29/2011
Precedential Status： Non-Precedential
Modified Date： 4/17/2021