Section 6662(a) and (b)(2) imposes an accuracy-related penalty equal to 20 percent of any portion of an underpayment that is attributable to a substantial understatement of income tax. An underpayment is defined as the excess of the tax imposed pursuant to the Code over the amount of tax shown on the return plus amounts not shown but previously assessed, less rebates. Sec. 6664(a). A substantial understatement is one that exceeds the greater of 10 percent of the tax required to be shown on the taxpayer's return for the taxable year or $5,000. Sec. 6662(d)(1)(A). An understatement is defined as the excess of the amount of tax required to be shown on the return over the amount of tax which is shown on the return, reduced by any rebate. Sec. 6662(d)(2)(A). The amount of an understatement is reduced by the portion of the understatement attributable to the tax treatment of any item for which, inter alia, there is or was substantial authority for the treatment. Sec. 6662(d)(2)(B)(i). The substantial authority standard is objective and involves an analysis of the law and application of the law to relevant facts. Sec. 1.6662-4(d)(2), Income Tax Regs. Substantial authority exists for the tax treatment of an item where, considering all relevant authorities, the weight of authorities supporting the tax treatment of an item is substantial in relation to the weight of authorities supporting contrary treatment. Antonides v. Commissioner, 91 T.C. 686, 702 (1988), affd. 893 F.2d 656 (4th Cir. 1990); sec. 1.6662-4(d)(3)(i), Income Tax Regs. The weight accorded an authority depends on its relevance andPage: Previous 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011