Michael Byer - Page 12

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               The final issue is respondent’s determination that                     
          petitioners are liable for the section 6662(a) accuracy-related             
          penalty.                                                                    
               Section 6662(a) imposes an accuracy-related penalty in the             
          amount of 20 percent on any portion of an underpayment of tax               
          that is attributable to causes set forth in subsection (b).                 
          However, under section 6664(c), no penalty shall be imposed under           
          section 6662(a) with respect to any portion of an underpayment if           
          it is shown that there was a reasonable cause for the                       
          underpayment and that the taxpayer acted in good faith with                 
          respect to the underpayment.                                                
               The determination of whether a taxpayer acted with                     
          reasonable cause and in good faith is made on a case-by-case                
          basis.  Sec. 1.6664-4(b), Income Tax Regs.  The most important              
          factor is the extent of the taxpayer’s effort to assess the                 
          taxpayer’s proper tax liability.  See id.  An honest                        
          misunderstanding of fact or law that is reasonable in light of              
          the experience, knowledge, and education of the taxpayer may                
          indicate reasonable cause and good faith.  Remy v. Commissioner,            
          T.C. Memo. 1997-72.  Here, petitioner is an attorney with a                 
          specialized degree in tax law who was employed as an auditor by             
          the IRS for several years.  His education, knowledge, and                   
          experience in that field place him in a category that few                   







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