1997 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 440">*440 Decision will be entered for petitioner.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
FOLEY,
Petitioner did not file a Federal income tax return for his 1991 tax year. He was subsequently audited and, on August 13, 1994, respondent issued a notice determining deficiencies based on unreported income. Additions to tax were also determined. The petition was filed on August 18, 1994.
A trial was held on April 28, 1997, in Boston, Massachusetts. At trial, respondent1997 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 440">*442 conceded that there was no deficiency in petitioner's 1991 Federal income tax and that no additions to tax were due. Petitioner did not dispute respondent's concession, but contends that he should be allowed to file a joint return with his ex-wife, Patricia. Patricia, for her 1991 tax year, had filed a Federal income tax return electing married filing separately status. Petitioner and Patricia obtained a decree of divorce providing that they would file a joint return for the 1991 tax year and that petitioner would be entitled to receive the expected refund. According to petitioner, Patricia refused to file the joint return when the Internal Revenue Service asserted deficiencies against him. Now that respondent has conceded that no deficiencies exist, however, petitioner believes Patricia will agree to file a joint return. Petitioner contends that if he and Patricia are allowed to file jointly, they will be entitled to a refund. Respondent contends that petitioner is not entitled to file a joint return, because such an election would be untimely. At the time of trial, petitioner and his wife had not filed a joint return.
Petitioner's request is, essentially, a request for a declaratory1997 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 440">*443 judgment that he is entitled to file a joint return in the future. See
All other arguments made by the parties are either irrelevant or without merit.
To reflect the foregoing and 1997 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 440">*444 respondent's concessions,