- 8 - is presumed correct, and petitioner bears the burden of proving that it is erroneous. Rule 142(a); Siebert v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1997-6. Petitioner has failed to produce any evidence on the issue of his liability for self-employment taxes. Therefore, we sustain respondent's determination that petitioner is liable for self-employment taxes for 1989 and 1990. The last issues to be addressed concern whether petitioner is liable for the additions to tax under sections 6651(a)(1) and 6654(a) proposed by respondent. Section 6651(a)(1) provides an addition to tax for failure to file a Federal income tax return by its due date (determined with regard to extensions), unless the taxpayer shows that such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. The taxpayer bears the burden of proving both. United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 245 (1985). A showing of reasonable cause requires that the taxpayer demonstrate that he exercised ordinary business care and prudence but nevertheless was unable to file the return within the prescribed time. Sec. 301.6651-1(c)(1), Proced. & Admin. Regs.; see also United States v. Boyle, supra at 246. Petitioner stipulated that he did not file individual income tax returns for the years 1989 and 1990 but claims to have reasonable cause because of the destruction of his records in the truck accident previously discussed. However, the destruction of his records in February 1992 does not constitute reasonable cause for failing to file returns for 1989 and 1990, which were due onPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
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