- 8 - deficiencies, plus interest, were assessed, and then paid by petitioner. With respect to the claimed charitable contribution deductions, respondent determined that petitioner is liable for additions to tax for negligence under section 6653(a) for 1985 and 1986. Section 6653(a)(1) (section 6653(a)(1)(A) for 1986) provides that if any part of any underpayment of tax is due to negligence or intentional disregard of rules or regulations, there shall be added to the tax an amount equal to 5 percent of the underpayment. Section 6653(a)(2) (section 6653(a)(1)(B) for 1986) provides for an addition to tax in the amount of 50 percent of the interest payable on the portion of the underpayment of tax attributable to negligence. Negligence is defined as lack of due care or failure to do what a reasonable and ordinarily prudent person would do under the circumstances. Neely v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 934, 947 (1985). Petitioner bears the burden to prove that respondent's determinations are in error. Rule 142(a); Bixby v. Commissioner, 58 T.C. 757, 791 (1972). Reasonable and good faith reliance on the advice of an accountant or attorney may offer relief from the imposition of the negligence addition. United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 250-251 (1985). However, reliance on professional advice is not an absolute defense to negligence, but rather a factor to bePage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011