- 56 - 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-Page: Previous 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 Next
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