- 15 - to properly substantiate items constitutes negligence. Sec. 1.6662-3(b)(1), Income Tax Regs. In addition, negligence is strongly indicated where a taxpayer fails to include on an income tax return an amount of income shown on an information return. Sec. 1.6662-3(b)(1)(i), Income Tax Regs. C. Addition To Tax Under Section 6651(a)(1) Finally, we consider whether petitioners are liable for an addition to tax under section 6651(a)(1). Section 6651(a)(1) imposes an addition to tax for failure to timely file an income tax return. The addition to tax may be avoided if the failure to timely file is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. “Reasonable cause” contemplates that the taxpayer exercised ordinary business care and prudence and was nonetheless unable to file a return within the prescribed time. United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 246 (1985); sec. 301.6651-1(c)(1), Proced. & Admin. Regs. “Willful neglect” means a conscious, intentional failure or reckless indifference. United States v. Boyle, supra at 245. Section 7491(c) places on the Commissioner the burden of production with respect to a taxpayer’s liability for any penalty or addition to tax. However, as previously mentioned, the taxpayer still has the burden of proving that the Commissioner's determination of the addition to tax is erroneous. Rule 142(a); INDOPCO, Inc. v. Commissioner, supra; Welch v. Helvering, supra;Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011