- 11 - petitioner would have remained liable for the attorney's fees that the State court awarded to Ms. Seyler even if she had died before entry of a final divorce decree. Commissioner v. Estate of Bosch, supra; Berry v. Commissioner, supra; Adler v. Adler, 418 So. 2d 1007 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1982). The requirement of section 71(b)(1)(D) has not been met. Respondent is sustained on this issue. The second issue is whether petitioner is liable for the addition to tax under section 6651(a)(1) for failing to file a timely return for the year 1995. Section 6651(a)(1) provides for an addition to tax if a tax return is not filed timely unless the taxpayer establishes that the failure to file did not result from willful neglect and that the failure to file was due to reasonable cause. Reasonable cause generally requires a taxpayer to demonstrate that he or she exercised ordinary business care or prudence. Sec. 301.6651-1(c)(1), Proced. & Admin. Regs. Willful neglect has been construed to mean a conscious, intentional failure or reckless indifference. United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 245-246 (1985). Section 7491(c) places the burden of production on the Commissioner in court proceedings with respect to the liability of any individual for any penalty, addition to tax, or additionalPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011