- 5 - reasonable explanation for his failure to file. Therefore, we sustain respondent's determination with respect to the addition to tax for delinquent filing. Section 6654(a) imposes an addition to tax for underpayment of estimated tax by an individual. The amount of this addition to tax is equal to the amount of the underpayment multiplied by the underpayment rate established under section 6621 for the period of the underpayment. The addition to tax under section 6654(a) is mandatory unless petitioner can prove that he complies with one of the exceptions contained in section 6654(e). See Baldwin v. Commissioner, 84 T.C. 859, 871 (1985); Grosshandler v. Commissioner, 75 T.C. 1, 20-21 (1980). Since petitioner has failed to introduce evidence on this issue, and the record does not indicate that any of the exceptions in section 6654(e) applies, we sustain respondent's determination concerning the addition to tax under section 6654. Section 6673(a)(1) allows this Court to award a penalty not in excess of $25,000 when proceedings have been instituted or maintained primarily for delay, or where the taxpayer's position is frivolous or groundless; i.e., it is contrary to established law and unsupported by a reasoned, colorable argument for a change in the law. See Coleman v. Commissioner, 791 F.2d 68, 71 (7th Cir. 1986). In our opinion, such is the case here, and we believe that a penalty is appropriate. The positions argued byPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011