Neonatology Associates, P.A., et al - Page 89




                                               - 89 -                                                  
                  We disagree with all of petitioners’ assertions as to the                            
            accuracy-related penalties determined by respondent under section                          
            6662(a) and (b)(1).  Section 6662(a) and (b)(1) imposes a 20-                              
            percent accuracy-related penalty on the portion of an                                      
            underpayment that is due to negligence or intentional disregard                            
            of rules or regulations.  Negligence includes a failure to                                 
            attempt reasonably to comply with the Code.  See sec. 6662(c).                             
            Disregard includes a careless, reckless, or intentional                                    
            disregard.  See id.  An underpayment is not attributable to                                
            negligence or disregard to the extent that the taxpayer shows                              
            that the underpayment is due to the taxpayer’s reasonable cause                            
            and good faith.  See secs. 1.6662-3(a), 1.6664-4(a), Income Tax                            
            Regs.                                                                                      
                  Reasonable cause requires that the taxpayer have exercised                           
            ordinary business care and prudence as to the disputed item.  See                          
            United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241 (1985); see also Hatfried,                            
            Inc. v. Commissioner, 162 F.2d 628, 635 (3d Cir. 1947); Girard                             
            Inv. Co. v. Commissioner, 122 F.2d 843, 848 (3d Cir. 1941);                                
            Estate of Young v. Commissioner, 110 T.C. 297, 317 (1998).  The                            
            good faith reliance on the advice of an independent, competent                             
            professional as to the tax treatment of an item may meet this                              
            requirement.  See United States v. Boyle, supra; sec. 1.6664-                              
            4(b), Income Tax Regs.; see also Hatfried, Inc. v. Commissioner,                           
            supra at 635; Girard Inv. Co. v. Commissioner, supra at 848;                               






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