-21- As a result, Reorganization Plan section 102(a) provides the DOL with "all authority" for "regulations, rulings, opinions, and exemptions under section 4975" subject to specified exceptions, including the exception that Reorganization Plan section 102(a) does not grant the DOL authority over section 4975(a) and (b). The IRS retains control over the enforcement of the section 4975 excise tax. Reorg. Plan secs. 102(a), 105. Pursuant to its authority to enforce the excise taxes of section 4975(a) and (b), the IRS made a determination that petitioner participated in a transaction prohibited under section 4975(c)(1). Petitioner contends that the DOL has exclusive authority to make the determination whether a transaction is prohibited under section 4975(c)(1).12 In enacting section 4975(c)(1), Congress specifically enumerated six categories of prohibited transactions. Leib v. Commissioner, 88 T.C. at 1478. This provides a detailed definition of a prohibited transaction, and we are satisfied that the IRS, in the exercise of its power to enforce the excise tax, had authority to determine that petitioner engaged in such a transaction. 12 In making his argument, petitioner relies on ERISA sec. 502(i), 29 U.S.C. sec. 1132(i) (1988), which provides that the Secretary of Labor may assess a civil penalty against a party in interest. While this clearly gives the DOL authority over the civil penalties for violation of the rules in ERISA against prohibited transactions, sec. 4975 deals with an excise tax, not a civil penalty.Page: Previous 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011