- 10 - rules or regulations. The term "negligence" includes any failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the statute, and the term "disregard" includes any careless, reckless, or intentional disregard. Sec. 6662(c). The penalty does not apply to any portion of an underpayment for which there was reasonable cause and with respect to which the taxpayer acted in good faith. Sec. 6664(c). Respondent's imposition of the section 6662(a) penalty is presumptively correct, and petitioners bear the burden of proving that they are not liable for the accuracy-related penalty under section 6662(a). Rule 142(a); cf. Welch v. Helvering, 290 U.S. 111, 115 (1933); Bixby v. Commissioner, 58 T.C. 757, 791-792 (1972). Petitioners have conceded all of the adjustments made in the notice of deficiency, which adjustments gave rise to respondent's imposition of the accuracy-related penalty. They have offered no evidence or explanation of the circumstances surrounding the filing of their 1990 Federal income tax return, other than it was prepared by Roger G. Cotner. Respondent argues that as an attorney, Roger G. Cotner should have known that certain of the deductions claimed on the 1990 Form 1040 were "blatantly wrong", evidenced by their concessions in this case. We note that as a practicing attorney, Roger G. Cotner is held to a higher standard of care than other taxpayers. Tippin v. Commissioner, 104 T.C. 518 (1995). Petitioners' failure to explain the circumstances surrounding the preparation and filing of their 1990 FederalPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011