Cir

Au v. Commissioner

Good Law
482 F. App'x 289
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitSeptember 21, 201211-70270California260 words

Opinion

Opinion

MEMORANDUM

Phu M. and Yvonne D. Au appeal pro se from the Tax Court’s decision, following a bench trial, upholding the Commissioner of Internal Revenue’s deficiency and additions for tax year 2006. We have jurisdiction under 26 U.S.C. § 7482 (a). We review de novo the Tax Court’s legal conclusions, and for clear error its factual findings. Johanson v. Comm’r, 541 F.3d 973, 976 (9th Cir.2008). We affirm.

The Tax Court properly upheld the tax deficiency because the Aus’ gambling losses could only be deducted from gambling winnings. See 26 U.S.C. § 165 (d) (“[ljoss-es from wagering transactions shall be allowed only to the extent of gains from such transactions”)

The Tax Court did not clearly err by finding that the Aus were subject to the accuracy-related penalty for negligence under 26 U.S.C. § 6662 (b) where they made no inquiry to confirm that their substantial deductions were allowable. See Sparkman v. Comm’r, 509 F.3d 1149, 1161 (9th Cir.2007) (“The Tax Court’s determination on a negligence penalty is reviewed for clear error.”).

The Tax Court did not abuse its discretion in declining to appoint counsel where the Aus did not request counsel until the day of the trial and…

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