IN RE: PETERSEN, Cite as 109 AFTR 2d 2012-XXXX, 05/25/2012
In re Michael PETERSEN, Debtor.
Case Information:
Code Sec(s):
Court Name: United
States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Florida,
Docket No.: Bankruptcy
No. 10-26600-BKC-LMI; Adversary No. 10-3795-BKC-LMI,
Date Decided:
05/25/2012.
Disposition:
HEADNOTE
.
Reference(s):
OPINION
James B. Miller, Esq., Miami, FL, for Plaintiff.
Rachael Amy Kamons, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Mara A. Strier,
Thomas K. Vanaskie, Washington, DC, for Defendant.
United States Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Florida,
MEMORANDUM OPINION ON FINAL JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF THE
DEFENDANT
Judge: LAUREL M. ISICOFF, United States Bankruptcy Judge.
The Debtor, Michael L. Petersen, filed this adversary
proceeding seeking a determination that his tax liabilities for tax years 1994,
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 are dischargeable. The Defendant,
the United States Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”),
asserts that the Debtor willfully evaded payment of his taxes for the years in
question. After reviewing all of the evidence presented during a two day trial
conducted March 29 and 30, 2012, the stipulated facts, and applicable law, I
find that the Debtor's tax obligations for tax years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998,
1999, 2000 and 2001 are not dischargeable and that the IRS is entitled to
judgment in its favor.
FACTS 1.
Michael Petersen (the “Debtor”) graduated college from the
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse in 1983 with a degree in marketing. In
October 1984, the Debtor opened a tanning salon in Janesville, Wisconsin. The
tanning salon was called Sunset Tan. Although initially the Debtor worked with
a partner, from 1986 to its eventual sale in 2007, the Debtor was the sole
owner of the tanning salon. In 1994, Debtor opened a second location in West
Allis, Wisconsin. The second salon was called Pro Tan.
Prior to 1992, the Debtor filed Form 1040 individual federal
income tax returns and reported his income from the tanning salon on his 1040
returns.
I. The 1992–1995 Taxes
In 1994, the Debtor was solicited by trust promoters to set
up trusts that would limit his personal liability against job related lawsuits
and limit his tax liability. Four trusts (Eagle Enterprises, Sunset Holdings,
Sunlight Equipment, and Nova Unit Disbursement) were established so that the
income and expenses from Sunset Tan and Pro Tan ran through these trusts.
The IRS conducted an examination of the Debtor's returns for
years 1992 to 1995 and requested that the Debtor collapse the trusts. Thus, on
September 17, 1996, the Debtor's accountant prepared and submitted the Debtor's
1992–1995 tax returns as a sole proprietor, along with a check for payment for
his 1994–1995 tax obligations as reported on the September 17, 1996 returns. On
September 29, 1998, the IRS sent the Debtor a notice of deficiency for his
1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 federal income tax returns. On December 29, 1998, the
Debtor filed a petition in Tax Court contesting the IRS's proposed deficiency
assessments.
On February 6, 2001the Debtor and the IRS entered into a
stipulated Tax Court decision concerning his 1994–1995 tax returns (the
“1994–1995 Stipulation”). Pursuant to the 1994–1995 Stipulation, the Debtor
agreed to the following:
Year Tax Addition Late Filing Accuracy-Related
Penalty 26 U.S.C. Penalty
26 U.S.C.
Sec. 6651(a)(1) Sec. 6662(a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1994
$40,357.00 $10,089.00 $8,071.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
$117,867.00 $29,466.75 $23,573.40
The Debtor did not pay his tax debt for 1994 and 1995 in
2001 when he entered into the stipulated Tax Court decision. 2.
Tax Year Date Credit/Payment Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1994
4/15/1995 Withholding
Credit 2,092.00
9/19/1996 Payment 5,363.00
4/15/2004 Overpaid Credit for
2003 12,241.53
4/15/2006 Overpaid Credit for 2005 1,774.00
4/15/2007 Overpaid Credit for
2006 11,605.61
4/15/2007 Interest
Credited 4.39
1/22/2008 Payment 53,040.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
4/15/1996 Withholding
Credit 1,123.00
9/19/1996 Payment 7,659.00
4/15/2005 Overpaid Credit for
2004 720.00
II. The 1996–2001 Taxes
In September 2002, the Debtor received a notice of
deficiency from the IRS for tax years 1996–2000. The Debtor, through his
accountant Donald Clark, filed his 1996 through 2001 federal income tax returns
on December 24, 2002. Thereafter, the IRS audited the filed returns for years
1996–2001, and on December 12, 2003, sent a notice of deficiency to the Debtor
for years 1996–2001. On March 17, 2004, the Debtor filed a petition in Tax
Court contesting the proposed assessments for tax years 1996–2001.
On May 6, 2005, the Tax Court entered a stipulated decision
for the Debtor's 1996–2001 federal income tax liabilities based on the
agreement signed by the IRS and the Debtor's counsel (the “1996–2001
Stipulation”).
Pursuant to the 1996–2001 Stipulation, the Debtor agreed to
the following:
Year Tax Addition Late Filing Penalty Accuracy-Related
26 U.S.C. Sec. Penalty 26
U.S.C.
6651(a)(1) Sec.
6662(a)
1996
$47,586.00 $11,718.00 $4,758.60
1997
$42,473.00 $14,971.25 $4,247.30
1998
$115,374.00 $28,386.00 $19,398.10
1999 $17,317.00 $11,246.75 $1,731.70
2000
$17,085.00 $5,046.75 $1,708.00
2001
$7,405.00 $18,636.75 $740.50
The Debtor has partially paid his tax liabilities for
1996–2001 tax years. 3.
III. Subsequent Attempts at Resolution
On May 9, 2005, the Debtor's attorney requested a collection
due process hearing. The Debtor's attorney withdrew his request for a hearing
on October 17, 2005. On November 18, 2005, the Debtor submitted an offer in
compromise to the IRS in the amount of $345,000 to settle his outstanding tax
liability for years 1994 through 2001, which totaled over $1 million. The IRS
sent the Debtor a rejection letter on October 10, 2006. The Debtor's
representative then appealed the IRS's rejection on November 9, 2006. The IRS
sustained the rejection of the offer-in-compromise on February 15, 2007.
IV. Sale of the Tanning Salons and Move to Miami
On September 15, 2007, the Debtor sold Sunset Tan and Pro
Tan to Tanning Acquisitions, LLC for $53,040. Tanning Acquisitions is owned by
the Debtor's friend, Randy Richter. The Debtor asked Mr. Richter if he would
purchase the tanning salons. The Debtor and Mr. Richter entered into an Asset
Purchase Agreement for the two salons. Attached to the Asset Purchase
Agreement, as Exhibit A, is a list of the assets with corresponding market
values totaling $53,040 for the equipment and goodwill.
In December 2008, the Debtor moved to Miami, Florida and
began renting an apartment for $2,450 a month. A year later, the Debtor moved
to a different apartment in Miami with a rent of $2,200 a month. In early 2009,
the Debtor began working for Ashley Lynn's, Inc. as a consultant. The Debtor's
salary at Ashley Lynn's is $24,000 a year.
In March 2009, the Debtor opened a bank account at Dade
County Federal Credit Union. The Debtor does not normally carry a large balance
over from month to month. His account statements show direct deposits from
Ashley Lynn's reflecting his $24,000 a year salary. The Debtor deposits cash in
his account as needed to pay his bills. The Debtor will keep this cash on hand
at his house and deposit the money into his bank account as needed to pay bills.
ANALYSIS
I. When Taxes are Non-Dischargeable
Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(1) 4. an individual cannot
receive a discharge of certain taxes including a tax “with respect to which the
debtor ... willfully attempted in any manner to evade or defeat such tax.” 11
U.S.C. § 523(a)(1)(C).
To establish that a debtor willfully attempted to evade or
defeat a tax, the IRS must prove two elements by a preponderance of evidence:
first, that the debtor engaged in evasive conduct, and second, that the
debtor's mental state is “consistent with willfulness.” In re Mitchell, 633
F.3d 1319, 1327 [107 AFTR 2d 2011-979] (11th Cir.2011).
In order to prove that the debtor engaged in evasive conduct
the IRS must prove that “the debtor engaged in affirmative acts to avoid payment
or collection of taxes, either through commission or culpable omission.” Id.
Failure to pay taxes and failure to file tax returns satisfies this
requirement, even if the taxes are filed later.
In order to demonstrate that a debtor acted willfully, the
IRS must prove that “the debtor's attempt to avoid tax liability is done
voluntarily, consciously, or knowingly, and intentionally.” Id. The IRS may
meet its burden by proving that the debtor “(1) had a duty under the law, (2)
knew he had that duty, (3) voluntarily and intentionally violated the duty.”
Id. (citations omitted). However, the IRS does not need to prove that the
debtor acted with fraudulent intent. “The government need only show the debtor
acted knowingly and deliberately,” as opposed to unwittingly.Id. at 1328
(citations omitted),
II. The Debtor's 1994–2001 Tax Liabilities are Not
Dischargeable
There are several facts upon which the IRS relies in support
of its position that the 1995–2001 tax liabilities are not dischargeable
including the Debtor's failure to file timely returns for many years, the
Debtor's underpayment of taxes, the Debtor's failure to own assets upon which
an IRS lien could attach, the Debtor's sale of his business for a suspiciously
low amount and the Debtor's decision to make significant discretionary
expenditures instead of paying his tax liabilities even after he entered into
stipulations for the payment of those taxes.
The Debtor clearly had and has an obligation to pay his
taxes. The Debtor has acknowledged that he had a duty to pay his taxes, which
acknowledgement is reaffirmed by the 1994–1995 Stipulation and by the 1996–2001
Stipulation. Thus, the only issue I must decide is whether the IRS has proven,
by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Debtor voluntarily and
intentionally violated his duty to pay his taxes.
a) Making Discretionary Expenditures Instead of Paying Taxes
The first and most significant impediment to the Debtor's
entitlement to a discharge is his church contributions totaling over $414,682
after he entered into the 1994–1995 Stipulation, 5. including $388,575 paid
before the Debtor entered into the 1996–2001 Stipulation 6. and $26,107 after
he entered into that second stipulation. 7. A donation to a charitable
organization, including a religious institution, is a discretionary expenditure
8. even if it is one that the contributor feels morally compelled to make, as
the Debtor testified he felt compelled.
Year Amount of Donation to Church
---------------------------------------
2002 $127,003.00
---------------------------------------
2003 $208,352.00
---------------------------------------
2004 $9,220.00
---------------------------------------
2005 $44,000.00
---------------------------------------
2006 $5,000.00
---------------------------------------
2007 $21,107.07
The payment of discretionary expenditures instead of paying
taxes that a tax payer knows are owed has been found to be a voluntary and
intentional violation of a debtor's duty to pay taxes. In re Gardner, 360 F.3d
551, 561 [93 AFTR 2d 2004-1327] (6th Cir.2004) (a debtor willfully avoided his
tax liabilities where he acknowledged his legal responsibility to pay taxes and
could have used some of his earnings to do so but made a conscious decision not
to). Moreover, even if the contribution is small in relation to the amount
owed, the payment of the discretionary expenditure instead of paying taxes is
evidence of willful evasion. See In re Jacobs, 490 F.3d 913, 926 [100 AFTR 2d
2007-5013] (11th Cir.2007). 9.
In this case, the Debtor made voluntarily contributions to
his church totaling $414,682 when he had already committed to pay $158,224 in
taxes pursuant to the 1994–1995 Stipulation. The Debtor testified that he did
not pay the taxes because he thought he would have enough money to pay the
taxes later, since he was making good money. The Debtor argues that because he
believed he would have money to pay the taxes later that it was okay for him to
instead pay several hundred thousand dollars to his church. The Debtor relies
on Rhodes v. United States (In re Rhodes), 356 B.R. 229 [98 AFTR 2d 2006-7175]
(Bankr.M.D.Fla.2006) (“Rhodes”) and In reLindros , 459 B.R. 842 [108 AFTR 2d
2011-7067] (Bankr.M.D.Fla.2011) (“Lindros”) in support of this argument.
In Rhodes the debtor, Michael R. Rhodes, owned a consulting
business and was also heavily invested in technology stocks. 356 B.R. at 231.
In light of his current and projected financial success, in 2000, during a one
year period, Mr. Rhodes purchased and leased luxury cars, made significant home
improvements, and incurred other discretionary expenditures. 10. When the tech
bubble burst in 2000, Mr. Rhodes' stock investments were wiped out and after
the September 1, 2001 attacks his business rapidly declined. Id. Mr. Rhodes,
once his financial situation tightened, liquidated his luxury vehicles, but
continued to pay for certain business expenses, college tuition for one of his
daughters, and for his families' medical expenditures. Id. at 232. But during
the same time period, the court found, Mr. Rhodes at all times intended to pay
his taxes and acted accordingly. Id. at 234. The court in Rhodes ultimately
found that Mr. Rhodes' discretionary expenditures in the face of pending tax
liability did not constitute a willful evasion of payment because, as soon as
Mr. Rhodes financial situation changed, and shortly after the taxes were due, Mr.
Rhodes continuously tried to pay his taxes, filed extensions, withheld taxes,
tried to compromise with the IRS, and relied in good faith on the advice of his
accountant.Id. at 234–35.
Similarly in Lindros, the debtor, Mark Wade Lindros, traded
stock in 2000 and realized a high return. 459 B.R. at 845. Mr. Lindros, like
Mr. Rhodes, had numerous discretionary expenses after the stock sale. Id. Again
because of the tech bubble bursting and the September 11, 2001 attacks, the
value of Mr. Lindros' stocks subsequently plummeted. Id. at 846. As soon as Mr.
Lindros realized the magnitude of his losses he immediately curbed his
expenses. Id. The Lindros court found that Mr. Lindros' expenditures were not
inappropriate and the taxes were dischargeable. Id. at 848.
The Rhodes and Lindros cases are both factually similar to
each other and both clearly distinguishable from this case. In Rhodes
andLindros both debtors invested in the stock market, had great gains followed
by great losses all within a one year period, subsequently found out that those
losses would not offset the gains realized in previous years, and shortly after
failing to resolve their respective disputes with the IRS filed for bankruptcy.
Further and possibly most important, theRhodes and Lindros debtors curbed their
expenditures as soon as they realized the gravity of their situation, and all
within a year of the time the taxes were originally due.
In this case, the Debtor chose to catch up on his tithing
rather than pay taxes that had been owed for several years, and the liability
for which the Debtor was aware for years prior to when the 1994–1995
Stipulation was signed. To compound the problem, even after the Debtor's
financial fortune had turned, he continued to make payments to his church without
paying the IRS the taxes the Debtor agreed he owed in the 1994–1995
Stipulation, and even after he entered into the 1996–2001 Stipulation. 11.
In addition to making voluntary contributions to his church
rather than pay his taxes, the Debtor also went on several vacations after he
entered into the 1994–1995 Stipulation, after he entered into the 1996–2001
Stipulation, and after his fortunes turned. While the Debtor testified that he
did not spend a great deal of money on these family or church vacations, he did
spend money on these trips, to venues including Hawaii, Haiti, Israel, Turkey,
Costa Rica, including cruises and periodic travel to and from Wisconsin. 12.
All of these trips took place after the 1996–2001 Stipulation was entered and
after the Debtor claimed he could no longer afford to pay his taxes. 13.
The Debtor argues that, because he made some payment of
taxes during this time period 14. it was not inappropriate for him to make
these expenditures. However, as the court pointed out inJacobs “paying some of
the tax liability owed does nothing to show that a debtor's failure to make
full payment was not voluntary or intentional.” 490 F.3d at 927.
Thus, the IRS has proven by a preponderance of the evidence
that the Debtor voluntarily and knowingly chose to pay discretionary
expenditures instead of paying his taxes.
b) Failing to file Tax Returns When Due
If a debtor fails to file tax returns when due, this is an
additional basis upon which courts find that a debtor has willfully evaded the
payment of taxes. In reMitchell 633 F.3d at 1327.
The IRS argues that the Debtor failed to file his 1996–2001
returns until late 2002 and thus is not entitled to have those taxes
discharged. The Debtor claims that his accountant was told by the IRS not to
file the 19962001 returns until the IRS and the Debtor had determined how to
treat the 1994 and 1995 tax returns, which were going through the
individual/trust/individual transformation. There is nothing in the record to
support this argument other than the Debtor's testimony, which is based
primarily on conversations that the Debtor testifies he had with his
accountant. Contrary evidence provided by the IRS, however, shows that the
Debtor was repeatedly sent deficiency notices advising him that the returns had
not been filed and were due. Def's Ex. J–K. Moreover, even if the Debtor's
understanding of the delay is correct, that is, that the accountant and agent
were waiting for a resolution of the 1994 and 1995 taxes, the Debtor has
provided no credible explanation why he waited from February 6, 2001 when the
1994–1995 Stipulation was signed, until December 24, 2002, a period of almost
two years, before he filed his 1996–2001 returns.
The Debtor claims that he didn't receive a deficiency notice
for the 19962001 returns until December 2002, 15. however the Debtor did not cite
to any law, statutory or otherwise, that directs that a taxpayer does not have
to file a return until the taxpayer receives a deficiency notice. Indeed, I can
take judicial notice that taxpayers are required to pay taxes every year if
due, whether or not notice is received—taxes are due every April 15 (unless
modified due to a weekend or holiday) and those taxes are due at that time,
unless an extension is requested from, and granted by, the IRS. No notice is
ever given to a taxpayer as a condition precedent to a tax payer's obligation
to file his or her or its annual return and pay any taxes due. 16.
Thus, the IRS has proven by a preponderance of the evidence
that the Debtor did not timely file his 1996–2001 returns. 17.
c) Sale of the Business and Use of the Business Account
Proceeds
In 2007 the Debtor sold his two tanning salons to his
friend, Randy Richter, an electrician. The sale price was based on what the
Debtor claims is an appraisal of the property. However, the Debtor did not
present the testimony of whomever it is that appraised the business assets; the
Debtor did not even provide a copy of the appraisal. All the Debtor provided
was a copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement that had an unsigned list of the
assets sold, including goodwill, appended as an exhibit. 18. The total value of
the assets on the list, including $5,000 for goodwill, totaled $53,040, which
Mr. Richter paid to the Debtor, and which the Debtor turned over to the IRS on
account of his 1994 tax liability. In addition, the Debtor introduced copies of
the Debtor's tax return 19. for 2007 which indicates that in July 2007 the
tanning salon purchased equipment valued, according to the return, at $43,395.
The 2007 return also schedules the book value of the balance of the tanning salon
equipment, after allowed depreciation at $122,909. 20. Yet, on the “appraisal”
attached to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September, 2007, only two
months after the purchase of equipment valued at $43,395, no single piece of
equipment was valued at over $17,000. More significantly, the difference
between the value of the July, 2007 purchased equipment of $43,395 and the
$5,000 goodwill and the $53,040 purchase price, leaves only $4,645 allocable
value for the equipment valued on the 2007 return at $122,000. It strains
credulity to accept the $53,040 purchase price as an accurate reflection of
value.
As further indication that the tanning salons were sold at
an artificially reduced value, even though the tanning salon business had
decreased significantly over time, in 2007, the year the Debtor sold the
tanning salons to Mr. Richter, the Debtor reported income of $95,712 from the
salons. 21. Thus, it appears that the Debtor sold the tanning salons for an
amount significantly less than they were worth. 22.
Finally, at the time of the sale, the Debtor took over
$67,000 in cash from the tanning salon corporate bank accounts, which funds the
Debtor claims he used to live on but he testified he is unable to account for
any of the expenses he claims he paid and is not able to explain exactly what
he spent the money on, other than, “for living expenses.” 23.
Courts consider the “totality of the circumstances” in
determining whether a debtor willfully attempted to defeat a tax obligation.
Hamm v. United States ( In reHamm) , 356 B.R. 263, 276 (Bankr.S.D.Fla.2006)
(“Hamm”). The Hamm court prepared a non-exhaustive list of indicia of willful
tax evasion:
((i)) understatement of income for more than one year;
((ii)) implausible or inconsistent behavior;
((iii)) extensive dealings in cash;
((iv)) failure to cooperate with the IRS;
((v)) inadequate record keeping;
((vi)) transfer of assets to a family member;
((vii)) transfers of assets for inadequate consideration;
((viii)) transfers that greatly reduce assets subject to IRS
execution;
((ix)) transfers made in the face of serious financial
difficulties;
((x)) failure to acquire significant assets relative to a
Debtor's earnings; and
((xi)) any other conduct that is likely to mislead or
conceal.
Id.
The Debtor practically gave away his only substantial asset
to a friend for inadequate consideration and while facing serious financial
difficulty. Further the Debtor deals primarily in cash and keeps inadequate
records. The Debtor has also failed to explain how he incurs yearly expenses of
$60,000 with a yearly salary of $24,000. The Debtor's payment of discretionary
expenditures instead of his taxes, his failure to timely file returns, his sale
of the tanning salon for an unreasonably low price, and his continuing
expenditures well in excess of his resources, all support the IRS's claim that
the Debtor has willfully evaded payment of his tax obligations.
CONCLUSION
Based on all of the foregoing 24. I find that the IRS has
satisfied its burden of proving the Debtor willfully evaded payment of his
taxes, and accordingly judgment shall be entered in favor of the Defendant in
this adversary proceeding. The IRS is directed to submit a final judgment
consistent with this ruling.
1.
These facts were
stipulated to by the parties in advance of the trial.
2.
The following
payments/credits have been applied to the Debtor's 1994 and 1995 tax
liabilities.
3.
The following
payments/credits have been applied to the Debtor's 1996–2001 tax liabilities:
Date Credit/Payment Amount
1996
1/12/1997 Estimated Tax
Payment 5,800.00
4/15/1997 Withholding
Credit 1,327.00
1997
4/15/1998 Withholding
Credit 1,970.00
1998
4/15/1999 Withholding
Credit 1,830.00
1999
4/15/2000 Withholding
Credit 1,967.00
2000
4/15/2001 Payment 74,000.00
4/15/2001 Withholding
Credit 2,138.00
12/24/2002 Payment with Return 3,102.00
2001
4/18/2001 Estimated Tax
Payment 19,284.00
4/15/2002 Withholding
Credit 2,112.00
12/24/2002 Payment with
Return 67,142.00
4.
11 U.S.C § 523(a)
states that:
((a)) A discharge under section 727, 1141, 1228(a), 1228(b), or 1328(b) of this title does not
discharge an individual debtor from any debt—
((1)) for a tax or a customs duty—
((A)) of the kind and for the periods specified in section 507(a)(3) or 507(a)(8) of this title,
whether or not a claim for such tax was filed or allowed;
((B)) with respect to which a return, or equivalent report
or notice, if required—
((i)) was not filed or given; or
((ii)) was filed or given after the date on which such
return, report, or notice was last due, under applicable law or under any
extension, and after two years before the date of the filing of the petition;
or
((C)) with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent
return or willfully attempted in any manner to evade or defeat such tax;
5.
On February 6, 2001
the Tax Court entered the 1994–1995 Stipulation
6.
On May 6, 2005 the
Tax Court entered the 1996–2001 Stipulation.
7.
Summary of the
Debtor's donations to his church.
8.
In reJacobs , 490
F.3d 913, 926 [100 AFTR 2d 2007-5013] (11th Cir.2007) (“Section 523(a)(1)(C)'s
conduct requirement is further satisfied by Mr. Jacobs's large discretionary
expenditures. In 2000 and 2001, Mr. Jacobs donated approximately $12,152 to the
Place of Encouragement, and in 1997 he paid $12,000 to the Amelia Island
Chapel.”).
9.
Mr. Jacobs owed
approximately $800,000 to the IRS. In re Jacobs, 2006 WL 2691516 [98 AFTR 2d
2006-6824] at 1 (M.D.Fla. Sept. 19, 2006).
10.
Id. Mr. Rhodes had
an income of $1.8 million dollars during 2000.
11.
The Debtor argues
that, because he paid some amounts towards the taxes he owed, the fact that he
also made payments to the church should not be assessed against him. However,
the total amount of taxes the Debtor paid (or was credited) to the IRS on
account of his 1994 and 1995 taxes totals $95,622.53. After the Debtor entered
into the 1996–2001 Stipulation, agreeing that he owed an additional $369,829.7
in taxes, the Debtor paid or was credited a total of $180,672 towards that
liability. The total payments to the IRS are dwarfed by the Debtor's $414,682
church contributions.
12.
The IRS also
complains that the Debtor spent over $16,000 in nutritional supplements over a
period of 4 1/2 years. However, the Debtor testified that he lives on nutritional
supplements because he doesn't cook much. I do not find these expenditures to
be inappropriate in light of the Debtor's explanation.
13.
The Debtor continues
to travel back and forth to Wisconsin—during the summer, according to Randall
Richter, at least once a month, notwithstanding that the Debtor does not appear
to have enough money to live on.
14.
See supra notes 2–3.
15.
Trial Tr. Vol. 1,
42:23–25, March 29, 2012.
16.
The IRS also argues
that when those 1996–2001 returns were filed the amounts due in each return
were grossly understated, leading to assessment of almost $ 1 million in taxes
and penalties. The Debtor did successfully fight that assessment as reflected
in the 1996–2001 Stipulation that reduced the amount still owing to
$369,829.70.
17.
The IRS also argues
that the 1994 and 1995 returns were not timely filed, but the facts regarding
those returns—the trusts, collapse of the trust, etc.—are such that I find the
IRS did not meet its burden as to those returns being untimely.
18.
Def's. Ex. GG.
19.
The tanning salons
were operated as S corporations so all the tanning salon expenses and income
appeared on the Debtor's personal tax returns.
20.
The Debtor's 2007
tax return also shows that in July 2006 the Debtor purchased $40,108 in
equipment.
21.
No tax return is in
evidence for 2006, but in the Debtor's 2005 income tax return, the Debtor
reported a profit of $93,603 from the business.
22.
The IRS speculates
that the Debtor is getting money from Mr. Richter to live on as ongoing payment
of the true purchase price of the tanning salons. While the Debtor claims Mr.
Richter is only giving him gifts, Mr. Richter testified in his deposition that
he has not given the Debtor more than a “couple thousand” dollars six or seven
times in the last 3 years. Randall Richter Dep. 19:2–25 August 22, 2011. While
it is unbelievable that the Debtor is able to maintain the lifestyle he
maintains on his $24,000 a year salary (from the company that runs the tanning
salons for Mr. Richter), and that it is clear that the Debtor has sources of
funds other than the gifts he claims to have received from his brother (who
also testified the gifts do not total more than $30,000 during the last 3
years) or Mr. Richter, it was the IRS's burden to prove that the Debtor has
been receiving income under the table, from Mr. Richter or from elsewhere, and
not reporting it. This the IRS has failed to do. Mere speculation does not rise
to the level of proof necessary to deny the Debtor his discharge. However, I do
find it extremely suspect that the Debtor lives as he lives based on the amount
of money he claims to make ($24,000) compared to his expenses (last year over
$60,000 was deposited in the bank).
23.
Tr. Vol. 1, 230.
24.
The IRS relied on
several other grounds in support of its argument that the taxes in dispute are
non-dischargeable. However, either the grounds are cumulative (e.g., consistent
underpayment of taxes), or the IRS has been unable to persuade me that the
facts support judgment in the IRS's favor (e.g., the Debtor's failure to own
anything on which a tax lien can attach
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