- 38 - cause is not defined in the Code, the regulations state: “If the taxpayer exercised ordinary business care and prudence and was nevertheless unable to file the return within the prescribed time, then the delay is due to a reasonable cause.” Sec. 301.6651-1(c)(1), Proced. & Admin. Regs. Willful neglect has been defined as a “conscious, intentional failure or reckless indifference.” United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 245 (1985). In the instant case regarding Michoff, Jr., we have found that he did have income sufficient to require the filing of a return in both the 1986 and 1987 tax years. The unverified belief of Michoff, Jr., that he had no taxes owing does not constitute reasonable cause of the sort that will allow him to escape the addition to tax under section 6651(a)(1). See Olsen v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1993-432. We sustain respondent on this issue. Failure To Pay Estimated Tax Respondent determined an addition to tax for failure to pay estimated tax for the 1986 and 1987 tax years for Michoff, Jr. Section 6654 imposes an addition to tax for failure to pay estimated income tax. Michoff, Jr., contends that he did not have sufficient income in 1986 or 1987 to require him to pay estimated taxes. Michoff, Jr., bears the burden of proving that he is not liable for this penalty. Rule 142(a). Michoff, Jr., contends that he had a loss carryover from his business in 1985 and, thus, did not have sufficient income in 1986 or 1987 to require him to pay estimated taxes. Michoff, Jr., offered noPage: Previous 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011