- 46 - was not filed until September 1998. Respondent determined the addition to tax for late filing for the Gownis because, although the Gownis were granted an extension to file until October 15, 2000, the Gownis’ 1999 return was not filed until November 2000. To escape the addition to tax for filing late returns, petitioners have the burden of proving that the failure to file did not result from willful neglect and that the failure was due to reasonable cause. See United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 245 (1985). Because petitioners failed to present any explanation as to their late filing, they remain liable under section 6651. Respondent determined accuracy-related penalties with respect to petitioners under section 6662(a) for one or more of the following reasons: (1) Negligence or disregard of rules or regulations or (2) any substantial understatement of income tax. Petitioners argue that the accuracy-related penalties should not be imposed because of their reliance on Bradshaw. Under section 6662(a), a taxpayer may be liable for a penalty of 20 percent on the portion of an underpayment of tax due to, inter alia, negligence or disregard of the rules or regulations or any substantial understatement of income tax. Sec. 6662(b)(1) and (2). The term “negligence” includes any 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. Sec.Page: Previous 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011