- 4 - inapplicable, however, if the taxpayer shows that the failure to file the return was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Sec. 6651(a)(1). To prove "reasonable cause", a taxpayer must show that he exercised ordinary business care and prudence and still was unable to file the return within the statutorily prescribed time. Crocker v. Commissioner, 92 T.C. 899, 913 (1989). Whether the elements which constitute reasonable cause or willful neglect are present in any given situation is a question of fact. United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 249 n.8 (1985). In the present case, petitioner admitted that he had failed or refused to file a tax return for 1994. His argument in justification was that allegedly he had been treated poorly by representatives of the IRS during a prior audit with respect to other years. Petitioner's argument is not adequate to show reasonable cause; his position is patently unreasonable and has no basis in the tax law. On its face, petitioner's argument is a statement of his willfulness in refusing to file a return for 1994. Respondent's determination of an addition to tax for 1994 under section 6651(a) is sustained. Petitioner asserted during trial that he is entitled to a jury trial by reason of the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution, which provides: "In suits at common law, when the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved." It has long been held thatPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011