Indeck Energy Services, Inc., and Subsidiaries - Page 56




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          concluded that those cases are distinguishable, we are satisfied            
          that they constitute substantial authority for Indeck’s                     
          treatment.  Accordingly, to the extent Indeck’s understatement of           
          tax is attributable to its deduction of $4,856,922 of the                   
          settlement payment, it is reduced pursuant to section                       
          6662(d)(2)(B)(i).  See sec. 1.6662-4(d)(3)(ii), Income Tax Regs.            
               Respondent asserts in the alternative that Indeck is liable            
          for a section 6662(a) penalty because the underpayment arising              
          from Indeck’s disallowed interest deduction is attributable to              
          negligence or disregard of rules or regulations.  See sec.                  
          6662(b)(1).  In this context, “negligence” includes a failure to            
          make a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of the              
          internal revenue laws or to exercise ordinary and reasonable care           
          in the preparation of a tax return, and “disregard” is                      
          characterized as any careless, reckless, or intentional                     
          disregard.  Sec. 6662(c); sec. 1.6662-3(b)(1) and (2), Income Tax           
          Regs.  A position with respect to an item is attributable to                
          negligence if it lacks a reasonable basis.  Sec. 1.6662-3(b)(1),            
          Income Tax Regs.  Respondent’s regulations applicable to Indeck’s           
          return for the taxable year ended in 1994 do not provide a                  
          definition of reasonable basis, but provide that it is a standard           
          that is significantly higher than the “not frivolous” standard              
          applicable under section 6694 and defined in section 1.6694-                








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