Tax Deficiency: You are a federal judge hearing the case of a defendant who is being charged with tax evasion. The defendant is a musician who has earned a large amount of money over the last two years and who has paid some taxes but not enough to cover her total income. She pleads ignorance of the tax laws and explains that she had hired an inept accountant who misinformed her about her total income. She provides proof that the accountant told her she would have to pay a much smaller amount than what she actually owed. She is willing to pay what she owes but does not feel that she should be penalized in any way.

1) Is ignorance of tax law an adequate defense?

2) Is the accountant liable in any way, and does his inefficiency contribute to her defense?

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