- 26 - return. Petitioner failed to argue that the failure was the result of reasonable cause. Because the 1989 return was 5 months late under section 6651(a)(1), we find that petitioner is liable for an addition to tax equal to 25 percent of the amount required to be shown on the return in 1989, as determined by respondent. V. Section 6661--Substantial Understatement Section 6661(a), as in effect for 1988, provides that “If there is a substantial understatement of income tax for any taxable year, there shall be added to the tax an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of any underpayment attributable to such understatement.” There is a substantial understatement of income tax if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater of (1) 10 percent of the tax required to be shown on the return for the taxable year or (2) $5,000. Sec. 6661(b)(1)(A). An “understatement” means the excess of the amount of tax required to be shown on the return for the taxable year over the amount of tax that is shown on the return. Sec. 6661(b)(2)(A). The amount of the understatement shall be reduced by any item adequately disclosed on the return or supported by substantial authority. Sec. 6661(b)(2)(B). The taxpayer bears the burden of proving that the Commissioner erred in imposing the addition to tax under section 6661(b). Rule 142(a); Hamilton v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2004-66.Page: Previous 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011