- 6 - OPINION Issue 1. Whether Petitioner Is Liable for the Fraud Penalty Pursuant to Section 6663(a) Respondent contends that petitioner is liable for the fraud penalty under section 6663(a) for 1991-94. Section 6663(a) imposes a penalty in an amount equal to 75 percent of the portion of any underpayment of tax (required to be shown on a return) that is attributable to fraud. In addition, if respondent establishes that any portion of the underpayment is attributable to fraud, the entire underpayment is treated as attributable thereto, except to the extent that petitioner establishes otherwise. Sec. 6663(b). Respondent bears the burden of proving the applicability of the civil fraud penalty by clear and convincing evidence. Sec. 7454(a); Rule 142(b). To sustain this burden, respondent must establish both (1) that there was an underpayment of tax for each taxable year in issue and (2) that at least some portion of the underpayment for each year was due to fraud. DiLeo v. Commissioner, 96 T.C. 858, 873 (1991), affd. 959 F.2d 16 (2d Cir. 1992); Parks v. Commissioner, 94 T.C. 654, 660-661 (1990); Petzoldt v. Commissioner, 92 T.C. 661, 699 (1989). 1. Underpayments of Tax An underpayment of tax will exist where unreported gross receipts exceed the costs of goods sold and deductible expenses. Where the Commissioner provides clear proof of unreportedPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011