Opinion
18884-23
12-19-2023
SLONE PEARSON, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
ORDER
Kathleen Kerrigan Chief Judge
The petition filed to commence this case served on December 1, 2023, was not properly executed in that it did not bear the original signature of petitioner or of a practitioner admitted and recognized to practice before the Tax Court, as required by the Rule 23(a)(3), Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure. Instead, the petition was signed by Emily Bludworth on behalf of petitioner. A review of the record shows that petitioner's non-attorney representative is also not admitted to practice before this Court. The United States Tax Court, which is separate and independent from the Internal Revenue Service, has certain requirements that must be met before an individual can be recognized as representing petitioners before the Court. The Tax Court, unlike the Internal Revenue Service, does not recognize power of attorneys. See Rules 24(a), 200; see also Ruggere v. Commissioner, 78 T.C. 979, 989 (1982). At this juncture, Emily Bludworth will not be associated with this case, and we encourage petitioner's representative to review the Court's admissions requirements.
The Court has prepared Q&A's on the subject "Representing a Taxpayer Before the U.S. Tax Court. A copy of these Q&A's are attached to this order. The Court also encourages practitioners and non-attorneys seeking admission to practice before the Court to consult "Guidance for Practitioners" on the Court's website at www.ustaxcourt.gov/practitioners.html.
Therefore, in order for this Court potentially to acquire jurisdiction to consider this case, it is necessary to obtain a Ratification of Petition bearing petitioner's original signatures and ratifying the petition previously filed. Upon due consideration and for cause, it is
ORDERED that on or before January 31, 2024, petitioner shall file with the Court a Ratification of Petition ratifying and affirming the filing of the Petition on his behalf. It is further
ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court is directed to attach to this Order a form that petitioner may use to comply with this Order. It is further
ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court is directed to attach to the copy of this Order the Court's Q&As on the subject "Representing a Taxpayer Before the U.S. Tax Court." It is further
ORDERED that, in addition to regular service, the Clerk of the Court shall serve a copy of this Order on Emily Bludworth at the address listed for her in the petition.