Jasper and Crewella Dahvill were married in year 0. They filed
joint tax returns in years 1 and 2. In year 3, their relationship
was strained and Jasper insisted on filing a separate tax return.
In year 4, the couple divorced. Both Jasper and Crewella filed
single tax returns in year 4. In year 5, the IRS audited the
couple’s joint year 2 tax return and each spouse’s separate year 3
tax returns. The IRS determined that the year 2 joint return and
Crewella’s separate year 3 tax return understated Crewella’s
self-employment income, causing the joint return year 2 tax
liability to be understated by $8,000 and Crewella’s year 3
separate return tax liability to be understated by $6,500. The IRS
also assessed penalties and interest on both of these tax returns.
Try as it might, the IRS has not been able to locate Crewella, but
they have been able to find Jasper. What amount of tax can
the IRS require Jasper to pay for the Dahvill’s year 2 joint
return?