Opinion
The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without oral argument. See Fed. R.App. P. 34(a)(2). Accordingly, appellants' request for oral argument is denied.
NOT FOR PUBLICATION. (See Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure Rule 36-3)
Internal Revenue Service moved for judgment based on settlement agreement with taxpayers. The United States Tax Court Norman H. Wolfe, Special Trial Judge, granted motion, and taxpayers appealed. The Court of Appeals held that entry of judgment pursuant to parties' stipulated agreement was not abuse of discretion.
Affirmed.
Page 796.
Appeal from the United States Tax Court; Norman H. Wolfe, Special Trial Judge, Presiding. Tax Ct. No. 8282-98.
Before BEEZER, O'SCANNLAIN, and KLEINFELD, Circuit Judges.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as may be provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.
Michael R. and Sheila Olsen ("Olsens") appeal pro se the Tax Court's order granting the Internal Revenue Service's ("IRS") motion for entry of judgment based upon the parties' settlement agreement in the Olsens' action for redetermination of a tax deficiency in 1995. We have jurisdiction pursuant to I.R.C. § 7482(a)(1). We affirm.
The Tax Court's enforcement of a stipulation is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. See Bail Bonds by Marvin Nelson, Inc. v. Commissioner, 820 F.2d 1543, 1547 (9th Cir.1987). A stipulation is treated as a conclusive admission by the parties to the stipulation unless otherwise permitted by the court or agreed upon by those parties. See Tax Ct. R. 91(e). The Tax Court will not permit a party to a stipulation to qualify, change, or contradict a stipulation in whole or in part, unless manifest injustice will result. See Bail Bonds, 820 F.2d at 1546.
Here, the Olsens negotiated the terms of, and stated that they agreed to, the stipulations that were read into the Tax Court's record. In addition, the Olsens presented insufficient evidence that their consent was procured by fraud, coercion, or any misconduct by the government. Moreover, the Olsens presented no evidence of any other condition that would render enforcement of the stipulated agreement manifestly unjust. Accordingly, the Tax Court did not abuse its discretion by entering the decision pursuant to the stipulated agreement. See Bail Bonds, 820 F.2d at 1548.
AFFIRMED.