- 15 - required to be shown on the return over the tax actually shown on the return. Sec. 6662(d)(2)(A). Whether the accuracy-related penalty is applied because of negligence or disregard of rules or regulations or a substantial understatement of tax, the accuracy-related penalty does not apply to any portion of the underpayment if it is shown that there was reasonable cause for the taxpayer’s position and that the taxpayer acted in good faith with respect to that portion. Sec. 6664(c)(1); sec. 1.6664-4(b), Income Tax Regs.; see United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 242 (1985). The determination of whether a taxpayer acted with reasonable cause and in good faith is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all the pertinent facts and circumstances. Sec. 1.6664-4(b)(1), Income Tax Regs. Relevant factors include the taxpayer’s effort to assess the taxpayer’s proper tax liability for such year, including the taxpayer’s reasonable and good faith reliance on the advice of a professional such as an accountant. Id. To show good faith reliance on the accountant who prepared the taxpayer’s return, the taxpayer must demonstrate that (1) he or she provided the correct information to the accountant, and (2) the item incorrectly claimed, omitted, or reported in the return was a result of the accountant’s error. Westbrook v. Commissioner, 68 F.3d 868, 881 (5th Cir. 1995), affg. T.C. Memo. 1993-634; Weiss v. Commissioner, 94 T.C. 473, 487 (1990).Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011