T.C. Memo. 2010-155
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
ARNOLD FREEDMAN, Petitioner v.
COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
Docket No. 7471-08. Filed July 21, 2010.
Arnold Freedman, pro se.
Michelle L. Maniscalco, for respondent.
MEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION
WELLS, Judge: Respondent determined a deficiency of $2,0251
in petitioner’s Federal income tax for his 2005 tax year. After
concessions,2 the issues for decision are: (1) Whether the Court
1
All amounts have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
2
Respondent concedes that petitioner is entitled to deduct
(continued...)
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may look behind the notice of deficiency to determine whether it
is valid; (2) whether petitioner or respondent bears the burden
of proof pursuant to sections 7491(a)3 and 6201(d); (3) whether
petitioner is entitled to deductions, pursuant to section 213,
for medical and dental expenses of $9,871, subject to the 7.5-
percent-of-adjusted-gross-income limitation of section 213(a), as
itemized deductions for tax year 2005; (4) whether petitioner is
entitled to deductions, pursuant to section 170, for charitable
contributions of $3,314 as itemized deductions for tax year 2005;
and (5) whether petitioner is entitled to a deduction, pursuant
to section 67(b), for miscellaneous expenses of $3,791 as a
miscellaneous itemized deduction, subject to the 2-percent
adjusted gross income limitation of section 67(a), for tax year
2005.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Some of the facts and certain exhibits have been stipulated.
The stipulations of fact are incorporated in this opinion by
reference and are found accordingly.4
2
(...continued)
$1,833 in unreimbursed employee expenses related to education
costs for taxable year 2005.
3
Unless otherwise indicated, all Rule references are to the
Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure, and all section
references are to the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and in
effect for the year in issue.
4
Respondent reserved relevancy and materiality objections to
(continued...)
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Petitioner is employed by respondent as a taxpayer service
contact representative in respondent’s Brookhaven Service Center.
At the time he filed the petition, petitioner lived in
Holtsville, New York.
Petitioner filed his 2005 Federal income tax return and
claimed deductions on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, totaling
$21,504. During 2007 respondent audited petitioner’s 2005
return. On September 20, 2007, Revenue Officer Robles (Ms.
Robles) requested information regarding petitioner’s deductions
for medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions, and
other itemized deductions. On September 27, 2007, petitioner
responded stating that he would need a month to gather
information from his insurance company. On October 17, 2007, Ms.
Robles sent petitioner Form 8111, Employee Notification Regarding
Union Representation. Petitioner never provided any of the
4
(...continued)
the examining officer’s activity report and a letter sent by
petitioner to Ms. Robles, the examining officer. Fed. R. Evid.
402 provides the general rule that all relevant evidence is
admissible, while evidence which is not relevant is not
admissible. Fed. R. Evid. 401 defines relevant evidence as
“evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact
that is of consequence to the determination of the action more
probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.”
We find that the examining officer’s activity report and
petitioner’s letter meet the threshold definition of relevant
evidence because they explain Ms. Robles’ investigation of
petitioner’s 2005 tax return, an issue in the instant case, and
therefore, are admissible.
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requested documentation to Ms. Robles, and on November 20, 2007,
she closed the case.
Petitioner worked in the same building as Ms. Robles, knew
of Ms. Robles, but did not have a personal relationship with Ms.
Robles.
On January 11, 2008, respondent issued petitioner a notice
of deficiency disallowing petitioner’s deductions claimed on
Schedule A for medical and dental expenses of $9,871, charitable
contributions of $3,314, and miscellaneous expenses of $3,791.
Petitioner timely filed a petition with this Court.
OPINION
Generally, the Commissioner’s determination of a deficiency
is presumed correct, and the taxpayer has the burden of proving
it incorrect. Rule 142(a); Welch v. Helvering, 290 U.S. 111, 115
(1933).
Deductions are a matter of legislative grace, and taxpayers
bear the burden of proving their entitlement to the deductions
they claim. See Rule 142(a); INDOPCO, Inc. v. Commissioner, 503
U.S. 79 (1992); New Colonial Ice Co. v. Helvering, 292 U.S. 435
(1934). Taxpayers are required to maintain records that are
sufficient to enable the Commissioner to determine their correct
tax liabilities. See sec. 6001; sec. 1.6001-1(a), Income Tax
Regs. In addition, taxpayers bear the burden of substantiating
the amounts and purposes of their claimed deductions. See
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Hradesky v. Commissioner, 65 T.C. 87, 90 (1975), affd. per curiam
540 F.2d 821 (5th Cir. 1976).
Petitioner argues that respondent failed to follow proper
procedures outlined in the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) for
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees and therefore that his
notice of deficiency is invalid. Petitioner also cites Scar v.
Commissioner, 814 F.2d 1363 (9th Cir. 1987), revg. 81 T.C. 855
(1983), for the proposition that failure to follow IRM procedures
invalidates a notice of deficiency. Finally, petitioner cites
section 7491(a) and section 6201(d), contending that respondent’s
“failure” to follow IRM procedures shifts the burden of proof on
all issues to respondent. Respondent argues that the notice of
deficiency is proper, that Scar is not applicable, and that
petitioner bears the burden of proof on all issues.
As a general rule, the Court will not look behind a notice
of deficiency to examine the evidence used, the propriety of the
Commissioner’s motives, or administrative policy or procedure
used in making the determination. Riland v. Commissioner, 79
T.C. 185, 201 (1982); Greenberg’s Express, Inc. v. Commissioner,
62 T.C. 324, 327 (1974). This Court has recognized an exception
to the general rule when there is substantial evidence of
unconstitutional conduct on the Commissioner’s part and the
integrity of the judicial process would be impugned if we were to
let the Commissioner benefit from such conduct. Greenberg’s
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Express, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at 328. However, in the
circumstances where the exception applies, the Court will not
declare the notice of deficiency null and void. Id.; Lamport v.
Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1983-629.
The IRM sets forth procedures that should be followed during
audits of IRS employees. IRM pt. 4.2.6.2 (June 1, 2007).
Standard procedures relating to examinations will apply to IRS
employees to the same extent that they apply to all other
taxpayers. Id. Additionally, IRS employees should not be given
preferential treatment, nor held to a higher standard. Id. pt.
4.2.6.2.5(1). Employee audits differ from regular audits in that
employee files are separated using an orange folder, the examiner
attaches an employee information sheet, and Form 8111 is included
with the initial letter contacting the employee. Id. pt.
4.2.6.2.5(3). Additionally, examiners must ensure independence
and impartiality when examining an employee return, and examiners
should discuss any concerns with their immediate supervisors for
possible reassignment. Id. pt. 4.2.6.2.2(1). Finally, there is
a prohibition of the classification of employee returns by
subordinates, associates, or coworkers in the same post of duty.5
Id. pt. 1.2.13.1.7(4) (May 3, 1994).
5
“Classification is the process of determining whether a
return should be selected for examination, what issues should be
examined, and how the examination should be conducted.” IRM pt.
4.1.5.1(2) (Oct. 24, 2006).
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Petitioner alleges that Ms. Robles’ examination of his
return violated the IRM, as she is his coworker at the Brookhaven
Service Center. Additionally, petitioner argues that Ms. Robles’
“failure” to provide Form 8111 with the notice of deficiency
voids the notice of deficiency.
Petitioner testified that Ms. Robles “may have known me,”
but “she may not have known me.” Ms. Robles did not testify. If
Ms. Robles felt that her impartiality and independence were in
question, she should have spoken with her supervisor to determine
whether she should be removed from the case. See IRM pt.
4.2.6.2.2(1). However, a reassignment is not automatic. Id.
Moreover, the section of the IRM prohibiting subordinates,
associates, or coworkers from dealing with an employee return
goes to the classification of a return, not an examination, as
occurred in the instant case. See id.; id. pt. 1.2.13.1.7(4)
(May 3, 1994). Petitioner did have the opportunity for union
representation. While Form 8111 was not sent with Ms. Robles’
initial contact letter as required by the IRM, petitioner did
receive a Form 8111 before the case was closed. The record does
not establish that respondent’s conduct rose to the level of a
constitutional violation or impugned the integrity of the
judicial process. See Greenberg’s Express, Inc. v. Commissioner,
supra at 328. Accordingly, we will not look behind the notice of
deficiency.
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Scar v. Commissioner, supra, is distinguishable. In Scar,
the Commissioner sent the taxpayer a notice of deficiency that
had no direct connection with the taxpayer and was not based on
an inspection of the taxpayer’s Federal income tax return. The
notice of deficiency was held to be invalid on its face because
the Commissioner did not determine a deficiency as required under
section 6212(a). Id. at 1368-1369. The facts of the instant
case are distinguishable from those of Scar. In the instant
case, the adjustments in the notice of deficiency all relate to
petitioner’s 2005 income tax return. Moreover, petitioner claims
that Ms. Robles reviewed his return but did not follow proper
procedures. Finally, Scar involved a violation of a statutory
provision, while petitioner alleges a violation of the IRM, which
does not have the force and effect of law. See Valen
Manufacturing Co. v. United States, 90 F.3d 1190, 1194 (6th Cir.
1996); United States v. Horne, 714 F.2d 206, 207 (1st Cir. 1983).
Accordingly, Scar v. Commissioner, supra, does not apply to the
instant case.
Section 7491(a)(1) provides that, if, in any court
proceeding, the taxpayer introduces credible evidence with
respect to factual issues relevant to ascertaining the taxpayer’s
liability for a tax (under subtitle A or B), the burden of proof
with respect to those factual issues will be placed on the
Commissioner. For the burden to be placed on the Commissioner,
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however, the taxpayer must comply with the substantiation and
recordkeeping requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. See
sec. 7491(a)(2)(A) and (B). Additionally, section 7491(a)
requires that the taxpayer cooperate with reasonable requests by
the Commissioner for “witnesses, information, documents,
meetings, and interviews”. Sec. 7491(a)(2)(B). The taxpayer has
the burden of establishing that the requirements of section
7491(a)(2) have been met. See sec. 7491(a); Higbee v.
Commissioner, 116 T.C. 438, 440-441 (2001).
Petitioner has not offered credible evidence regarding his
claimed deductions. “Credible evidence is evidence that, after
critical analysis, a court would find constituted a sufficient
basis for a decision on the issue in favor of the taxpayer if no
contrary evidence were submitted.” Ocmulgee Fields, Inc. v.
Commissioner, 132 T.C. 105, 114 (2009). Petitioner offered only
a theory that Ms. Robles might have known him and therefore she
did not follow proper procedures. Moreover, petitioner offered
no testimony and insufficient documentation regarding his claimed
deductions, as discussed below. Because petitioner failed to
offer evidence that “a court would find constituted a sufficient
basis for a decision on the issue in favor of the taxpayer”, we
conclude that the burden has not shifted pursuant to section
7491. See Ocmulgee Fields, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra at 114.
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Consequently, petitioner bears the burden of proof on all
issues.6
As to petitioner’s claimed deductions for tax year 2005 for
medical expenses pursuant to section 213, petitioner submitted a
statement from his health insurance company. It is unclear from
that statement whether petitioner made any payments. Petitioner
offered no testimony regarding that statement and conceded at
trial that respondent’s determination was correct. Accordingly,
we sustain respondent’s deficiency determinations regarding the
medical expenses petitioner claimed for tax year 2005.
As to petitioner’s claimed deduction for charitable
contributions, section 170(a) allows a deduction for charitable
contributions made by a taxpayer. A taxpayer claiming a
charitable contribution of money is generally required to
6
Sec. 6201(d) also does not shift the burden of proof to
respondent. Sec. 6201(d) provides:
In any court proceeding, if a taxpayer asserts a reasonable
dispute with respect to any item of income reported on an
information return filed with the Secretary * * * by a third
party and the taxpayer has fully cooperated with the
Secretary (including providing, within a reasonable period
of time, access to and inspection of all witnesses,
information, and documents within the control of the
taxpayer as reasonably requested by the Secretary), the
Secretary shall have the burden of producing reasonable and
probative information concerning such deficiency in addition
to such information return.
See Arberg v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2007-244. The deficiency
in the instant case is based on disallowed deductions, not on
items of income reported on third-party information returns.
Accordingly, sec. 6201(d) is not applicable.
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maintain for each contribution a canceled check, a receipt from
the donee charitable organization showing the name of the
organization and the date and amount of the contribution, or
other reliable written records showing the name of the donee, the
date, and amount of the contribution. Sec. 1.170A-13(a)(1),
Income Tax Regs. Factors that indicate reliability include, but
are not limited to, the contemporaneous nature of the writing,
the regularity of the taxpayer’s recordkeeping procedures, and
the existence of any other evidence from the donee charitable
organization evidencing receipt. Sec. 1.170A-13(a)(2), Income
Tax Regs. In addition, no deduction is allowed, for any
contribution of $250 or more unless the taxpayer substantiates
the contribution by a contemporaneous written acknowledgment by a
qualified donee organization.7 Sec. 170(f)(8)(A).
7
Separate contributions of less than $250 are not subject to
the requirements of sec. 170(f)(8), regardless of whether the sum
of the contributions made by a taxpayer to a donee organization
during a taxable year equals $250 or more. Sec. 1.170A-13(f)(1),
Income Tax Regs.
Pursuant to sec. 170(f)(17), as enacted in 2006, no
deduction for a contribution of money in any amount is allowed
unless the donor maintains a bank record or written communication
from the donee showing the name of the donee organization, the
date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution.
This provision is effective for contributions made in tax years
beginning after Aug. 17, 2006. Pension Protection Act of 2006,
Pub. L. 109-280, sec. 1217, 120 Stat. 1080.
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Petitioner submitted a list of purported donations made
during tax year 2005.8 Petitioner offered no testimony regarding
the contemporaneous nature of the document, the regularity of his
recordkeeping activities, or other evidence from the donee
charitable organization showing receipt of funds. See sec.
1.170A-13(a)(2), Income Tax Regs. Accordingly, we do not find
petitioner’s records reliable. Moreover, petitioner conceded at
trial that respondent’s determinations were correct.
Consequently, we sustain respondent’s deficiency determinations
regarding petitioner’s claimed charitable contributions for tax
year 2005.
As to petitioner’s claimed deduction for tax year 2005 for
miscellaneous expenses, petitioner conceded at trial that he had
no documentation of any of his claimed expenses aside from those
respondent conceded; and petitioner offered no proof of such
expenses. Accordingly, except as conceded by respondent, we
sustain respondent’s deficiency determinations regarding the
miscellaneous itemized expenses petitioner claimed for tax year
2005.
The Court has considered all other arguments made by the
parties and, to the extent we have not addressed them herein, we
consider them moot, irrelevant, or without merit.
8
Respondent did not stipulate the truth of petitioner’s list
of purported charitable contributions.
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To reflect the foregoing,
Decision will be entered
under Rule 155.