- 5 - respondent. Although the underlying transaction in the instant case is essentially identical to the transaction considered in the test case, petitioners maintain that their case is factually different from the test case. After concessions, however, the sole issue for our determination is whether petitioners are liable for the additions to tax for negligence under section 6653(a)(1) and (2) for taxable year 1984. Section 6653(a)(1) provides for an addition to tax equal to 5 percent of any underpayment if any part of the underpayment is due to negligence or intentional disregard of rules or regulations. Section 6653(a)(2) provides for an addition to tax of 50 percent of the interest on that portion of the underpayment attributable to negligence. Negligence is defined as a lack of due care or the failure to act as a reasonable person would act under similar circumstances. Chamberlain v. Commissioner, 66 F.3d 729, 732 (5th Cir. 1995), affg. in part and revg. in part T.C. Memo. 1994-228; Heasley v. Commissioner, 902 F.2d 380, 383 (5th Cir. 1990), revg. T.C. Memo. 1988-408; Neely v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 934, 947 (1985). Petitioners bear the burden of proving that no part of the underpayment for the year at issue is due to negligence or intentional disregard of rules or regulations. Rule 142(a); Bixby v. Commissioner, 58 T.C. 757 (1972). The negligence addition under section 6653 is correctly assessed in cases where claimed deductions are not supported by the facts. Sandvall v. Commissioner, 898 F.2d 455 (5th Cir.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011