What is the test for a good faith misunderstanding defense in a tax case?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Trevino, 419 F.3d 896 (9th Cir. 2005):

requires negating [1] a defendant's claim of ignorance of the law or [2] a claim that because of a misunderstanding of the law, he had a good-faith belief that he was not violating any of the provisions of the tax laws. This is so because one cannot be aware that the law imposes a duty upon him and yet be ignorant of it, misunderstand the law, or believe that the duty does not exist.

Cheek v. United States, 498 U.S. 192, 202, 111 S.Ct. 604, 112 L.Ed.2d 617 (1991) (emphasis added).

There is, then, a difference between an "ignorance" defense and a "good faith misunderstanding" defense. In order to rely on a good faith defense, the defendant must in fact have some "belief;" either that her own understanding was correct, or that she in good faith relied on the tax advice of a qualified tax professional. See United States v. Bishop, 291 F.3d 1100, 1106-07 (9th Cir.2002).

Other Questions


Is entrapment the defense defense defense theory? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any case law where the prosecution improperly disparaged the defense by characterizing the defense argument as "o]ctopus squirting ink"? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does the prosecution have a burden of proving its case against the defense in the context of the prosecution's argument that the defense had framed the prosecution on behalf of the defence? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What federal injunctive relief is needed in a civil case brought by a defendant in a criminal case brought in good faith under a statute of doubtful constitutional validity? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for the doctrine of good faith as a defense in a criminal case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the good faith defense in the context of a civil case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does denial pre preclude defense in cases where denial precludes defense? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for objective reasonableness in the good faith defense in a tax evasion case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is good faith a defense in a mail fraud case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any case law where a defense counsel has never worked on a capital case before? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.