# Best IRS CPA — Full text > Serving North and South Carolina _Part 2 of 7. Generated from the site’s Markdown renderings._ --- title: "Tax Controversy CPA" type: "post" published_at: "2018-09-21T23:33:58+00:00" modified_at: "2018-09-21T23:33:58+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-controversy-cpa-2/" excerpt: "J. Frank Best a Tax Controversy CPA with locations in Raleigh & Wilmington, NC and North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as a United States Tax Court Litigator..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-controversy-cpa-2.md" --- - Post published:September 21, 2018 J. Frank Best a **Tax Controversy CPA**with locations in Raleigh & Wilmington, NC and North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as a United States Tax Court Litigator licensed in all States works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. Telephone 800.230.7090 Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com Web: bestirscpa.com Tags: [Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[Wilmington NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/wilmington-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "U.S.TAX COURT LITIGATOR" type: "post" published_at: "2018-08-14T04:16:41+00:00" modified_at: "2018-08-14T04:16:41+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "J. Frank Best a U.S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington & Raleigh, NC and licensed in all States is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:August 14, 2018 J. Frank Best a **U.S. Tax Court Litigator** with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington & Raleigh, NC and licensed in all States is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as a **U.S.Tax Court Litigator** works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. Telephone 800.230.7090 Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com Web: bestirscpa.com Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[US Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/us-tax-court-litigation/),[Wilmington NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/wilmington-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Tax Controversy CPA" type: "post" published_at: "2018-08-13T22:22:37+00:00" modified_at: "2018-08-13T22:22:37+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-controversy-cpa/" excerpt: "J. Frank Best a Tax Controversy CPA with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington & Raleigh, NC is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as a United States Tax Court Litigator..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-controversy-cpa.md" --- - Post published:August 13, 2018 J. Frank Best a **Tax Controversy CPA**with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington & Raleigh, NC is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and as a United States Tax Court Litigator licensed in all States works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. Telephone 800.230.7090 Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com Web: bestirscpa.com Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Tax Return Preparer Penalties" type: "post" published_at: "2018-08-13T19:08:11+00:00" modified_at: "2018-08-13T19:08:11+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-return-preparer-penalties/" excerpt: "A recent District Court decision was reported dealing with Tax Return Preparer Penalties. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC & Raleigh and Wilmington, NC works to..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/tax-return-preparer-penalties.md" --- - Post published:August 13, 2018 A recent District Court decision was reported dealing with**Tax Return Preparer Penalties**. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC & Raleigh and Wilmington, NC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for clients. J. Frank Best is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin. **Tax Return Preparer Penalties** In Taylor v. Comm’r, 2018 PTC 236 (9th Cir. 2018), the Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court’s dismissal for lack of jurisdiction of an action by a tax return preparer seeking an abatement of **Tax Return Preparer Penalties** after rejecting the taxpayer’s argument that an exception in Code Sec. 6694(c) relieved him of his obligation to pay the penalties in full before bringing a refund suit in the district court. The court noted that, while Code Sec. 6694(c) confers district court jurisdiction when a tax return preparer has paid at least 15 percent of a penalty if the refund action is begun within 30 days after the earlier of the IRS’s denial of the refund claim or the expiration of six months after the day on which the refund claim is filed, the taxpayer did not file within those time limits and thus was not eligible to bring suit in the district court for **Tax Return Preparer** **Penalties**. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[US Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/us-tax-court-litigation/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "North Myrtle Beach, SC Tax Controversy CPA" type: "post" published_at: "2018-08-11T06:20:13+00:00" modified_at: "2020-08-14T22:26:45+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/sc-coastal-area-tax-controversy-cpa/" excerpt: "J. Frank Best a North Myrtle Beach, SC Tax Controversy CPA is authorized to represent clients before the IRS in resolving Tax Controversies in all states and with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington &..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/sc-coastal-area-tax-controversy-cpa.md" --- - Post published:August 11, 2018 J. Frank Best a North Myrtle Beach, SC **Tax Controversy CPA** is authorized to represent clients before the IRS in resolving Tax Controversies in all states and with locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington & Raleigh, NC is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin. Tax Controversies are very Complex. Experience and Qualifications dictate. As a **United** **States Tax Court Litigator** licensed in all states J. Frank Best works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared to commence and to proceed with litigation for our clients before the United States Tax Court. This designation is held by only a few certified public accountants. Telephone 800.230.7090 Web: bestirscpa.com Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "No Tax Court Jurisdiction Over Employment Tax Liability" type: "post" published_at: "2018-08-08T23:52:57+00:00" modified_at: "2018-08-08T23:52:57+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/no-tax-court-jurisdiction-over-employment-tax-liability/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Tax Court Jurisdiction. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/no-tax-court-jurisdiction-over-employment-tax-liability.md" --- - Post published:August 8, 2018 A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Tax Court **Jurisdiction**. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for clients No**jurisdiction**was determined by the Eighth Circuit and the Eight Circuit affirmed the dismissal of an S corporation’s Tax Court petition challenging an IRS determination that the compensation paid to the sole owner and officer of the S corporation was unreasonable. The Eighth Circuit found that there was no actual controversy under Code Sec. 7436 as to the determination of the S corporation shareholder’s employment status for Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax purposes and thus Code Sec. 7436 did not come into play. Azarian v. Comm’r, 2018 PTC 229 (8th Cir. 2018). Under Code Sec. 7436(a)(1), the Tax Court has **jurisdiction** over a petition if there is an actual controversy involving a determination that an individual performing services is an employee for FICA tax purposes. Thus, the issue was whether there was an actual controversy involving a determination that Azarian was an employee for FICA tax purposes. The Eighth Circuit affirmed the Tax Court’s dismissal for lack of **jurisdiction**. The Eighth Circuit found that even if there was an actual controversy, it did not involve a determination that Azarian was an employee for FICA tax purposes as required under Code Sec. 7436(a)(1). The court determined that by reporting wages to Azarian each year, the S corporation claimed Azarian was an employee, so the IRS did not make a determination on that issue. Instead, the IRS relied on the S corporation’s classification. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[Charleston SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/charleston-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Columbia SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/columbia-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Morehead City NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/morehead-city-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Improvements to Rental Home/Contact Best Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-31T22:45:56+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-31T22:45:56+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/improvements-to-rental-home-contact-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Improvement to Rental Home. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/improvements-to-rental-home-contact-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 31, 2018 A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with**Improvement to Rental Home**. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for clients **Couple Can’t Deduct Cost of Improvements to Home Allegedly Rented to Relatives:**In Perry v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-90, the Tax Court held that a couple did not establish that they rented their second home to relatives and that, even if the court were to find that the couple did in fact rent the house to their relatives, the couple failed to carry their burden of establishing **improvements to rental** that they rented such home at fair rental value. Thus, the court denied the couple’s deduction for improvements made to that home. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[Morehead City NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/morehead-city-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[New Bern NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/new-bern-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[US Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/us-tax-court-litigation/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Settlement Proceeds Taxable: Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-30T19:36:43+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-30T19:36:43+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-wilmington-n-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Settlement Proceeds. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-wilmington-n-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach.md" --- - Post published:July 30, 2018 A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with **Settlement Proceeds**. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for clients. **Discrimination and Hostile Work Environment Settlement Is Taxable:**In Zinger v. Comm’r, T.C. Summary 2018-33, the Tax Court held that the $20,000 from **Settlement** **Proceeds** received by the taxpayer was not excludable from income under Code Sec. 104(a)(2). The court concluded that the settlement payment was for the resolution and withdrawal of the taxpayer’s discrimination and hostile work environment claims and not on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[Burlington NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/burlington-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[Charleston SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/charleston-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Charlotte NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/charlotte-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "IRS Disallows Dependents. Can We Assist You? Raleigh, Wilmington-N. Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-25T18:36:46+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-25T18:36:46+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/dependents-raleigh-wilmington-n-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Dependents. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/dependents-raleigh-wilmington-n-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach.md" --- - Post published:July 25, 2018 A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with **Dependents**. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. **Parents Who Lost Custody of Children Could Not Claim Them as Dependents or Take Child Tax Credit or EITC** The Tax Court held that the biological parents of two **dependent** children who were adopted by, resided with and received primary financial support from their maternal aunt during the entire year at issue were not entitled to claim the children as dependents and, as a result, could not take the child tax credit or the earned income credit. The Tax Court reasoned that, although the children visited with their parents when not in school, the children did not share a principal place of abode with their parents, making the parents ineligible to claim the children as dependents or take the credits. Jusino v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2018-112. Tags: [Columbia SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/columbia-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Dependents](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/dependents/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "United States Tax Court Decision of the Week-Underpayment Penalties" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-25T00:03:50+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-25T00:03:50+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/underpayment-penalties/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Underpayment Penalties and additional tax. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/underpayment-penalties.md" --- - Post published:July 25, 2018 A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with **Underpayment Penalties** and additional tax. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. **Couple That Relied Entirely on Tax Prep Software Can’t Avoid Underpayment Penalties:**In Ayissi-Etoh v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-107, the Tax Court held that a couple was liable for additional taxes for (1) underreporting certain income and not substantiating certain deductions, and (2) underreporting self-employment income from the International Monetary Fund that was subject to self-employment tax. In addition, the court held that the couple was liable for **penalties** for substantially understating their tax liabilities because the couple did not seek advice from a qualified tax professional but relied entirely on tax preparation software and their tax deficiency amounts exceeded both $5,000 and 10 percent of the amounts required to be shown on their returns. The issues for decision are whether petitioners: (1) underreported a taxable refund of State income tax; (2) are entitled to deductions claimed on Schedules C, Profit or Loss From Business; (3) are entitled to deductions claimed on Schedules A, Itemized Deductions, for charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses; (4) are liable for self-employment tax on wages received from an international organization; and (5) are liable for accuracy-related penalties. We resolve all issues in respondent’s favor. Tags: [Additions to Tax](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/additions-to-tax/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[Underpayment Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/underpayment-penalties/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Restitution Payment- J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-24T20:32:09+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-24T20:32:09+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/restitution-payment-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "Restitution Payments A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Restitution Payments as Part of a Criminal Sentence. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/restitution-payment-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 24, 2018 **Restitution Payments** A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with **Restitution Payments** as Part of a Criminal Sentence. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients. The Tax Court held that a taxpayer was not entitled to a miscellaneous itemized deduction for a $400,000 **restitution payment** made in 2014. The court concluded that (1) the taxpayer did not show that the **restitution payment** promoted or protected his trade or business of being an employee; (2) the taxpayer did not present any evidence that the primary purpose or motive for the payment was other than that he was required to make the payment as part of a criminal sentence; and (3) the taxpayer did not enter into the **restitution** transaction with the intention of making a profit. Washburn v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-110. Conclusion The Tax Court held that Washburn could not deduct the**restitution payments** as a miscellaneous itemized deduction in 2014. The court began by noting that the **restitution** **payments** would be deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction if they constituted expenses attributable to the performance of services as an employee under Code Sec. 162(a), losses related to the performance of services as an employee under Code Sec. 165(c)(1), or losses incurred in a transaction entered into for profit under Code Sec. 165(c)(2). Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[Civil Fraud](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/civil-fraud/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "“Serious IRS Problem Resolution”/J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-24T17:39:44+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-24T17:39:44+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/serious-irs-problem-resolution-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "Serious IRS Problem Resolutions J. Frank Best is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and is a United States Tax Court Litigator licensed in all States and works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/serious-irs-problem-resolution-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 24, 2018 **Serious IRS Problem Resolutions** **J. Frank Best is rated in the Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin and is a United States Tax Court Litigator licensed in all States and works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **Telephone 800.230.7090 Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com Web: bestirscpa.com** Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[IRS Tax Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-tax-collection/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Business Expenses-J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-23T17:44:02+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-23T17:44:02+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/business-expenses-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Business Expenses. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/business-expenses-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 23, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Business Expenses. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **Couple Can’t Deduct Entire Grocery Bill for Household That Includes Foster Individuals:**In Kho v. Comm’r, T.C. Summary 2018-32, the Tax Court denied a couple a deduction for total grocery expenses as **business expense** where they provided foster care for two men with developmental disabilities, one of which required a gluten-free diet. The court noted that any excess cost to the couple in providing gluten-free meals to their client had already been accounted for in the amount that the IRS allowed as a deductible expense for groceries and that the couple could not deduct their entire grocery bill as **business expenses** because such costs were personal expenses. The Tax Court also concluded that petitioners are liable for the penalty imposed under section 6662(a) with respect to the portions of the underpayments attributable to the adjustments that were sustained in this case. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Best IRS Problem Resolution](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-problem-resolution/),[Business Expenses](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/business-expenses/),[IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-penalties/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "IRS FRIVOLOUS ARGUMENT PENALTY-RALEIGH & WILMINGTON, NC NORTH MYRTLE BEACH & MYRTLE BEACH, SC" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-22T22:22:32+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-22T22:22:32+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/irs-frivolous-argument-penalty-raleigh-wilmington-nc-north-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach-sc/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/irs-frivolous-argument-penalty-raleigh-wilmington-nc-north-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach-sc.md" --- - Post published:July 22, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully Informed and prepared for our clients.** **J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA is rated in the top 5 Tax Controversy CPA/Profiles Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/title/tax-controversy-cpa** **EMAIL: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com** **PHONE: 1-800-230-7090** Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[US Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/us-tax-court-litigation/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "IRS Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty/J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-22T21:30:22+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-22T21:30:22+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/frivolous-arguments-penalty-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/frivolous-arguments-penalty-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 22, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **IRS Supervisor Approval Not Required for Tax Court to Assess Frivolous Arguments’ Penalty** The Tax Court held that its authority to impose a **frivolous argument penalty** under Code Sec. 6673 for making a frivolous argument before the Tax Court is not subject to the IRS supervisor approval requirement in Code Sec. 6751(b)(1). The Tax Court found that (1) Congress’s intent in enacting the supervisor approval requirement was to prevent IRS agents from threatening unjustified penalties to encourage taxpayers to settle, while Code Sec. 6673 is designed to deter bad behavior in the Tax Court and conserve judicial resources, and (2) Code Sec. 6751(b)(1) was clearly not intended as a mechanism to restrain the Tax Court. Williams v. Comm’r, 151 T.C. No. 1 (2018). The Tax Court concluded that Code Sec. 6751(b)(1) was not intended as a broad restraint mechanism on the federal judiciary. In the court’s view, Congress did not intend for the statute to cover the imposition of penalties that could be imposed by courts because of misbehavior by a litigant during the course of a judicial proceeding. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[IRS Frivolous Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-frivolous-penalties/),[IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-penalties/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Innocent Spouse Relief/J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-07-15T18:42:19+00:00" modified_at: "2018-07-15T18:42:19+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/innocent-spouse-relief-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Innocent Spouse Relief. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/innocent-spouse-relief-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:July 15, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Innocent Spouse Relief. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **No Innocent Spouse Relief for Widow Who Failed to Report Insurance Proceeds on Form 8857** The Tax Court held that a widow was not entitled to innocent spouse relief from tax liabilities that arose over several years in which she and her husband filed joint returns but did not pay taxes owed. The court cited the fact that, after her husband’s death, the widow invested the proceeds of life insurance policies purchased by her husband without her knowledge in several savings accounts opened in her parents’ names and did not report the proceeds to the IRS when she requested relief. Hale v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-93. Analysis Spouses filing joint tax returns are generally jointly and severally liable for any taxes owed. However, Code Sec. 6015(f) allows a spouse to be relived from liability if it would be inequitable to hold the spouse liable. Rev. Proc. 2013-34 lists seven factors to consider if certain threshold conditions do not apply. The factors are: (1) whether the couple is still married, (2) whether economic hardship would arise if relief is not granted, (3) whether the requesting spouse had reason to know that the taxes would not be paid, (4) whether either spouse had a legal obligation to pay the taxes, (5) whether the requesting spouse significantly benefitted from the unpaid taxes, (6) whether the requesting spouse made a good faith effort to comply with the income tax laws in subsequent years, and (7) whether the requesting spouse was in poor health at the time the returns were filed. The Tax Court held that it would not be inequitable to deny relief to Mrs. Hale. The court explained that a simple toting up of the seven factors would support granting relief, because Mrs. Hale’s lack of knowledge and mental health weighed in her favor and strictly applied, no factor weighed against relief. However, the court noted that the factors are nonexclusive, the degree of importance of each factor varies depending on the facts and circumstances, and that the court was not bound by the IRS’s published guidelines. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Carolina IRS Tax Attorney](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-carolina-irs-tax-attorney/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. 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Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-06-30T22:29:02+00:00" modified_at: "2018-06-30T22:29:02+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/divorce-irs-legal-fees-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with IRS Divorce Legal Fees. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/divorce-irs-legal-fees-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:June 30, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with IRS Divorce Legal Fees. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **Legal Fees Relating to Status of Investment Fund Distributions in Divorce Were Not Deductible Business Expenses** The Tax Court held legal fees that a taxpayer incurred in a divorce proceeding to defend his ownership of investment fund distributions, which he received after his former wife had filed for divorce but before the date the divorce was granted, were not deductible as expenses related to a business or income producing activity. The Tax Court applied the “origin of the claim” test under U.S. v. Gilmore, 372 U.S. 39 (1963) and found that the fees were personal and nondeductible because the former wife’s claim to the distributions originated entirely from the marriage. Lucas v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-80. **Tax Court’s Decision** The Tax Court held that Mr. Lucas’s legal and professional fees were nondeductible personal expenses. The court reasoned that but for the marriage, Ms. Lucas would have had no claim to Mr. Lucas’s interest in Vicis. The court further found that Hahn did not apply because, while the fees in that case were business connected, Mr. Lucas’s legal fees had no connection to Vicis’s investment advisory business. Rather, they were incurred defending his ownership and distributions from equitable distribution in the divorce. Mr. Lucas failed to demonstrate that the expenses were otherwise deductible, in the Tax Court’s view. The court concluded that Mr. Lucas was neither pursuing alimony nor resisting an attempt to interfere with his ongoing business activities as in Liberty Vending. The court found that Mr. Lucas engaged in little trade or business activity in 2010 or 2011, as Vicis began liquidating in 2009 and thereafter he engaged in no business activity other than a limited management role with Vicis. Mr. Lucas did not, in the view of the Tax Court, establish that Ms. Lucas’s claim related to the winding down of Vicis, or that the fees incurred to defeat her claim were ordinary and necessary to his trade or business. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[North Carolina IRS Tax Attorney](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-carolina-irs-tax-attorney/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[Unpaid Taxes](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/unpaid-taxes/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. 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Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator" type: "post" published_at: "2018-06-10T22:01:15+00:00" modified_at: "2018-06-10T22:01:15+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/offer-in-compromise-j-frank-best-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Offer-in-Compromise and IRS Abuse of Discretion. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/offer-in-compromise-j-frank-best-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:June 10, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Offer-in-Compromise and IRS Abuse of Discretion. J.****Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U. S. Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **Lawyer’s Failure to Provide Required Info Precludes Offer-in-Compromise:**In Solny v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2018-71, the Tax Court sustained a proposed collection action by the IRS against a lawyer who had outstanding tax liabilities of almost $200,000. The court noted that at his collection due process hearing, the lawyer sought a collection alternative but did not supply any of the required forms or necessary financial information and thus it was not an abuse of discretion for the IRS to reject collection alternatives and sustain the collection action. The Tax Court Concluded: Finding no abuse of discretion in any respect, the Tax Court will granted summary judgment for respondent and affirm the proposed collection action. The Court noted that petitioner is free to submit to the IRS at any time, for its consideration and possible acceptance, a collection alternative in the form of an offer-in compromise or Installment Agreement, supported by the necessary financial information. Tags: [Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Carolina IRS Tax Attorney](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-carolina-irs-tax-attorney/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[South Carolina IRS Tax Attorney](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/south-carolina-irs-tax-attorney/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. 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Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "TRADE OR BUSINESS, BUT FAILED TO SUBSTANTIATE EXPENSES-J. FRANK BEST, TAX CONTROVERSY CPA/U.S. TAX COURT LITIGATOR" type: "post" published_at: "2018-06-06T20:27:37+00:00" modified_at: "2018-06-06T20:27:37+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/u-s-tax-court-decision-trade-or-business-but-failed-to-substantiate-expenses-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator/" excerpt: "Entertainment Company Was a Trade or Business, but Failed to Substantiate Expenses The Tax Court held that an entertainment company that signed artists and produced, promoted and distributed their work was engaged in a trade or business for profit because,..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/u-s-tax-court-decision-trade-or-business-but-failed-to-substantiate-expenses-j-frank-best-tax-controversy-cpa-u-s-tax-court-litigator.md" --- - Post published:June 6, 2018 **Entertainment Company Was a Trade or Business, but Failed to Substantiate Expenses** The Tax Court held that an entertainment company that signed artists and produced, promoted and distributed their work was engaged in a trade or business for profit because, although the company never earned a profit during the years at issue, the owner had prior business successes in the music industry, ran the company in a businesslike manner, and devoted significant capital to make it a profitable business. However, the owner’s losses from the business were denied because the court found that the company’s bank statements, which were the only evidence of the expenses produced by the owner, were insufficient to establish the amounts and business purpose of the expenses. Barker v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2018-67. Cecile Barker is an experienced aerospace engineer with a background in music. In the mid-1960s he formed the group Peaches & Herb, which achieved considerable commercial success, and in 1973 he co-produced a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Barker left the music business and formed an aerospace engineering company in the 1970s. In 2001, he sold that company and decided to reenter the music business. Barker formed SoBe Entertainment International LLC in 2002. He contributed all of SoBe’s capital and owned 95 percent of its profits and losses. His son, Yannique, and daughter, Angelique, split the other five percent. SoBe is an independent entertainment company that signs artists and celebrities, produces music and videos, and promotes its artists and distributes their work. As SoBe’s chief executive officer (CEO) and managing member, Barker devoted 40 to 60 hours per week to the business. He consulted music industry professionals before forming SoBe, and hired several high profile producers to bolster SoBe’s chances of success. SoBe employed a marketing professional and, at one time, chief financial officer (CFO). In total, SoBe had eight employees and regularly hired independent contractors. Yannique Barker was one of SoBe’s signed artists. SoBe had several artist contracts and renewed at least one. SoBe also contracted with producers and writers to work with its artists. SoBe also entered into a distribution agreement with Universal Music to distribute music digitally. SoBe advertised online and through its websites in addition to placing ads in print magazines. SoBe was also a member of the trade organization Record Industry Association of America. Barker saw stars like Adele and Taylor Swift as examples of how one artist could make his company profitable. Although none of his artists had achieved such a level of success, they had each contributed to the catalog of songs that SoBe owned. SoBe’s catalog had value in March 2016 and it placed a song in a TV show on ABC. SoBe was founded at a time of major change to the music industry, as online platforms made it possible to buy or sell music at low cost or share it for free. SoBe cut costs as a result of the effects of these platforms, reducing its employees from 17 to 8, and moving its recording studio to a less expensive location. SoBe had never earned a profit and its cumulative losses increased from year to year. SoBe employed John McQuagge as its CFO and controller from 2006 through 2010. McQuagge used Quickbooks software to produce SoBe’s general ledger and journals. SoBe had two separate bank accounts, one used as a primary operating account and the other used for payroll. McQuagge balanced the accounts against monthly bank statements. While SoBe kept records of the checks it used to pay its expenses from 2006-2010, other expenses recorded in SoBe’s general ledger were paid by credit card or cash, for which no documentation existed other than bank statements. SoBe had two outside accounting firms prepare its tax returns for 2003-2011. SoBe provided its accountants with all of its Quickbooks records. Accountant Stanley Foodman prepared SoBe’s returns for 2006-2009. Foodman also prepared Barker’s personal income tax returns for 2005-2011. Foodman calculated Barker’s net operating losses (NOLs) and total capital contributions to SoBe for 2002-2011 and listed each of his individual capital contributions to SoBe in 2006-2009. Foodman determined that Barker made over $45 million in capital contributions to SoBe from 2002-2011. This calculation was based on the Schedules K-1, Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. from SoBe, supplemented by SoBe’s general ledger and bank statements. Barker reported income from sources other than SoBe, mostly capital gains, interest and dividends. His 2011 income came mostly from Mistral, a defense contractor Barker helped found. Foodman calculated Barker’s income or loss after taking into account Barker’s interest and dividend income, net capital gains and losses, and share of gain or loss reported on the Schedules K-1 from SoBe and other businesses in which he held an interest. Barker was the victim of identity theft when someone filed a tax return for 2011 using his social security number. Barker eventually filed his 2011 Form 1040 in August 2016. His return showed a loss from SoBe of over $800,000 and an NOL carryover of $19.6 million for 2011. The IRS issued a notice of deficiency in June 2014, determining various adjustments to Barker’s income and deductions. The notice showed that Barker owed approximately $1.2 million in tax for 2011 and that a 25 percent addition to tax applied for Barker’s failure to file his return on time. Barker challenged the notice in the Tax Court. The IRS asserted that SoBe did not incur any operating losses (and thus, no losses flowed through to Barker) because SoBe was a hobby rather than a trade or business. In the IRS’s view, Barker lacked the actual and honest objective of making a profit. The IRS also argued that Barker could not substantiate the expenses giving rise to SoBe’s operating losses. Barkley contended that SoBe was run as a business from its formation and that making a profit was always its primary objective. He also challenged the addition to tax by arguing that his late filing was due to the identity theft. The Tax Court held that, under the facts and circumstances, Barker operated SoBe as a trade or business with the actual and honest objective of making a profit. The Tax Court found that Barker had prior business successes in the music industry and had run successful defense contracting businesses, having helped to turn one of them around after several years without a profit. In the court’s view, Barker leveraged his experience and contacts in the music industry as he prepared for SoBe’s formation. He also ran SoBe in a businesslike manner, working there full time and devoting significant capital to it. Although SoBe had never been profitable, the court found that it had positioned itself to make a profit by amassing a catalog of songs that it had been able to monetize. The court also took into account the turmoil in the music industry and the difficulties faced by artists and producers during the years at issue. The fact that Barker’s son, Yannique, was a SoBe artist did not mean that SoBe was merely a vehicle to fund Yannique’s musical aspirations, according to the Tax Court, because SoBe had other artists and did not devote most of its resources to Yannique. Nor did the fact that Barker enjoyed the creative aspects of the music industry, and had income from other sources. prevent SoBe from being engaged in a trade or business, given the other factors indicating a profit motive. Although SoBe was engaged in a trade or business for profit, the Tax Court found that Barker failed to provide evidence on which the Tax Court could determine or even estimate the amount of SoBe’s business expenses for all prior years of its operation. The court found that the only documentation to support SoBe’s business expense deductions for previous years were SoBe’s bank statements. Those statements, in the court’s view, did not document the amounts of SoBe’s expenses paid by cash or credit card, nor did they describe the business purpose of the expenditures. The court found that Barker had produced SoBe’s general ledger only for 2005-2009 and that his testimony was insufficient to fill in the gaps. The Tax Court reasoned that Barker had access to additional documentation, including SoBe’s general ledger for all years of its existence, but failed to produce it; therefore the court presumed that such documentation would be unfavorable to Barker. The Tax Court also held that Barker failed to provide enough evidence for it to determine his NOL deduction for 2011. Barker failed to substantiate SoBe’s income and business expenses for all prior years and, in turn, the amount of losses for which he claimed a deduction for 2011. If the court could not estimate the amount of SoBe’s operating losses, it could not know how much flowed through to Barker. Moreover, even if Barker had substantiated SoBe’s expenses, the court could not determine how much of those losses were absorbed by Barker’s other income in the years before 2011, because Barker did not produce his returns for 2002-2004 and those that he produced for later years were missing crucial information. The Tax Court also upheld the penalty assessment after rejecting Barker’s argument that his identity theft issue excused his failure to file his 2011 return on time. The court reasoned that Barker was a sophisticated businessman who should have known that he was required to file his return, and that his accountants and return preparers could have made inquiries. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Carolina IRS Tax Attorney](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-carolina-irs-tax-attorney/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Notice of Deficiency](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/notice-of-deficiency/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-wilmington-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) #### Categories - [Appeals & Hearings](https://bestirscpa.com/category/appeals-hearings/) - [Failure to File](https://bestirscpa.com/category/failure-to-file/) - [Frivolous Argument Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/frivolous-argument-penalty/) - [Innocent Spouse](https://bestirscpa.com/category/innocent-spouse/) - [IRS Abuse of Discretion](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/) - [IRS Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-collection/) - [IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-penalties/) - [IRS Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-problems/) - [Non-Filers & Delinquent](https://bestirscpa.com/category/non-filers-delinquent/) - [Tax Audits](https://bestirscpa.com/category/tax-audits/) - [Trust Fund Recovery Penalty](https://bestirscpa.com/category/irs-abuse-of-discretion/trust-fund-recovery-penalty/) - [U.S. Tax Court Litigation](https://bestirscpa.com/category/us-tax-court-litigation/) - [Worker Classifications](https://bestirscpa.com/category/worker-classifications/) #### Archives Archives Select Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 January 2017 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 --- title: "Trust Fund Recovery Penalty & IRS Abuse of Discretion/J. Frank Best, CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator-Raleigh & Wilmington, NC North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC" type: "post" published_at: "2018-04-22T20:35:32+00:00" modified_at: "2018-04-22T20:35:32+00:00" url: "https://bestirscpa.com/trust-fund-recovery-penalty-irs-abuse-of-discretion-raleigh-wilmington-nc-north-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach-sc/" excerpt: "Trust Fund Recovery Penalty & IRS Abuse of Discretion. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator. Rated in Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin.com. More than 30 years experience. Representation for NC, SC, & All States. PHONE. 800.230.7090..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/trust-fund-recovery-penalty-irs-abuse-of-discretion-raleigh-wilmington-nc-north-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach-sc.md" --- - Post published:April 22, 2018 Trust Fund Recovery Penalty & IRS Abuse of Discretion. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator. Rated in Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin.com. More than 30 years experience. Representation for NC, SC, & All States. PHONE. 800.230.7090 WEB: bestirscpa.com Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-north-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-myrtle-beach-sc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Wilmington, NC/ J. 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J. Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh, Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/united-states-tax-court-decision-for-the-week-trust-fund-recovery-penalty-irs-abuse-of-discretion.md" --- - Post published:April 22, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Trust Fund Recovery Penalty and IRS Abuse of Discretion. J.****Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh, Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** **Hearing Officer Not Required to Substantively Analyze Supervisor’s Approval of Trust Fund Recovery Penalty. No IRS Abuse of Discretion.** The Tax Court held that there was no abuse of discretion by a settlement officer (SO) in a collections due process hearing where the SO determined that a computer-generated IRS record showing a supervisor’s printed name but not the supervisor’s signature was sufficient evidence of IRS supervisory approval. The Tax Court found that the SO was not required to analyze the thought process of the approving supervisor but only to verify that the supervisor approved in writing the initial determination of the penalty. Blackburn v. Comm’r, 150 T.C. No. 9 (2018). Beginning in 2000, Emergency Response Training, Inc. (ERT) fell behind on its employment tax liabilities. Specifically, ERT failed to file a number of Forms 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, or satisfy numerous self-reported employment tax liabilities during 2000 through 2011. In 2012, Scott Blackburn and another individual were determined by the IRS to be responsible persons and an IRS revenue officer asserted trust fund recovery penalties (TFRPs) against them. At the time, Senior Revenue Officer Janet Reed was the manager of the officer who made the initial TFRP determination. Later in 2012, the revenue officer changed her determination regarding the second individual’s TFRP liability and submitted a request for supervisory approval to assert TFRP liabilities against Blackburn. A Form 4183, Recommendation re: Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Assessment, was generated showing Reed’s approval of the TFRP determination against Blackburn. The computer-generated Form 4183 did not contain Reed’s signature but showed her name in the supervisor signature block. In November 2012, the IRS assessed TFRP liabilities against Blackburn for the fourth quarter of 2003 and the fourth quarter of 2004. After a collections due process hearing, a settlement officer (SO) upheld the TFRP assessment. Blackburn appealed the SO’s decision in the Tax Court. He did not contest his liability for the TFRP, but argued that the SO had failed to fulfill the requirement under Code Sec. 6330(c)(1) to verify that the IRS had fulfilled all of its legal and procedural requirements. Blackburn reasoned that under Code Sec. 6751(b)(1), the IRS may not assess a penalty unless an IRS supervisor has personally approved the determination in writing; supervisory approval is part of the IRS’s burden of production under Graev v. Comm’r, 149 T.C. No. 23 (2017). According to Blackburn, the SO’s verification responsibility required a meaningful review, including a factual analysis of the supervisor’s thought process, and he argued that by relying solely on the Form 4183 to verify that a supervisor approved the TFRP determination, the SO did not fulfill the Code Sec. 6330(c)(1) verification requirement. The IRS filed for summary judgment, arguing that Code Sec. 6751(b)(1) does not apply to a TFRP assessment and that even if it did, the Form 4183 fulfilled that requirement. The Tax Court ruled in favor of the IRS, finding that the SO properly verified the assessment of the TFRP. The Tax Court held that Code Sec. 6330(c)(1) does not require an analysis of the thought process of the approving supervisor under Code Sec. 6751(b), but rather verification that the supervisor approved in writing the initial determination of the penalty. The Tax Court explained that, because it found no abuse of discretion regarding verification of compliance with Code Sec. 6751(b), it did not need to address the legal question of whether Code Sec. 6751(b) applies to the TFRP. In the Tax Court’s view, Blackburn was arguing that the SO’s verification responsibility under Code Sec. 6330(c)(1) included making a determination of a meaningful approval of the merits of the liability. The Tax Court found no case law support for requiring a substantive review of the SO’s thought process. Rather, the court found that the SO’s review of the administrative steps taken before assessment is accepted as adequate under Code Sec. 6330 as long as there is supporting documentation in the administrative record. Imposing the requirement of a substantive review on the SO would, in the view of the Tax Court, allow the taxpayer to avoid the limitations of pursuing the underlying liability in a CDP hearing and apply a level of detail in the verification process that had never previously been required. The Tax Court found that the treatment of Form 4340, Certificate of Assessment and Payments, as presumptive evidence that a tax was validly assessed was an apt parallel to the issue regarding Form 4183. Form 4340 is used to prove that an assessment has been made and is considered presumptive proof of a valid assessment. The Tax Court explained that the IRS may rely on Form 4340 where the taxpayer has not shown any irregularity in the assessment procedure that would raise a question about the validity of an assessment. An assessment requires a signature and is made by an IRS officer’s signing the summary record of assessments; the officer’s signature is not required on the Form 4340. In the court’s view, even though Form 4183 does not have an actual signature, in the context of a review for abuse of discretion, its mere existence in the administrative record supports the SO’s verification. The Tax Court found that it had consistently held in prior decisions that reliance on standard administrative records was acceptable to verify assessments. The court reasoned that Form 4183 was similar to Form 4340, which had previously been found to be an IRS record that reflected compliance with administrative procedures. Form 4183, in the court’s view, provided a similar mechanism to demonstrate supervisory approval. The Tax Court concluded that, regardless of whether supervisory approval was required before the TFRP assessment, a record of such prior approval was present in this case. Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[IRS Abuse of Discretion NC SC](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-abuse-of-discretion-nc-sc/),[IRS Penalties](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-penalties/),[IRS Tax Collection](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-tax-collection/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. 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J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator. Rated in Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin.com. More than 25 years experience. Representation for NC, SC, & All States. PHONE. 800.230.7090 WEB: bestirscpa.com Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com " markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/innocent-spouse-raleigh-wilmington-nc-north-myrtle-beach-myrtle-beach-sc.md" --- - Post published:March 11, 2018 IRS Innocent Spouse Relief. J. Frank Best, Tax Controversy CPA/U.S. Tax Court Litigator. Rated in Top 5 Tax Controversy CPA Profiles/Linkedin.com. More than 25 years experience. Representation for NC, SC, & All States. PHONE. 800.230.7090 WEB: bestirscpa.com Email: bestcpa@bestirscpa.com Tags: [Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/),[Wilmington NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/wilmington-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. 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J. Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh, Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/united-states-tax-court-decision-for-the-week-innocent-spouse.md" --- - Post published:March 11, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Innocent Spouse. J.****Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator in Raleigh, Wilmington, NC & North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** UNITED STATES TAX COURT T.C. Summary Opinion 2018-1 January 4, 2018. COLIN C. BISHOP, Petitioner, AND LISA BISHOP, Intervenor v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent Docket No. 22108-16S. Michael S. Sterner , for petitioner. Jan R. Pierce and Myla Sepulveda (specially recognized), for intervenor. Jeffrey D. Rice , for respondent. SUMMARY OPINION COHEN, Judge : This case was heard pursuant to the provisions of section 7463 of the Internal Revenue Code in effect when the petition was filed. Pursuant to section 7463(b), the decision to be entered is not reviewable by any other court, and this opinion shall not be treated as precedent for any other case. Respondent determined a $3,545 deficiency in petitioner’s Federal income tax for 2014. The issue for decision is whether petitioner should be relieved from liability for all or part of the deficiency that resulted from failure to report on a joint return a distribution from intervenor’s separately owned retirement account. The resolution depends on whether petitioner had actual knowledge of the distribution, or any portion thereof, for purposes of section 6015(c). Unless otherwise indicated, all section references are to the Internal Revenue Code in effect for 2014. Background Some of the facts have been stipulated, and the stipulated facts are incorporated in our findings by this reference. Respondent and petitioner have agreed that petitioner is not liable for the deficiency after application of section 6015(c). Intervenor, however, objects to that conclusion. Petitioner and intervenor were married on October 31, 2007. They were temporarily separated twice during 2014, finally separated in June 2015, and divorced in 2016. At the time his petition was filed, petitioner resided in Washington. At the time her notice of intervention was filed, intervenor resided in Oregon. Intervenor inherited a retirement account from her father in 2009. The account was maintained at Edward D. Jones & Co. (Edward Jones) in intervenor’s name. Taxable distributions were received before 2014, ranging from $4,000 to $48,000, and were reported on joint Federal income tax returns filed by petitioner and intervenor. During 2014 and until the time of the permanent separation in 2015, petitioner and intervenor maintained a joint checking account into which their payroll checks were deposited. They made transfers to and from other accounts, and family expenses were paid out of the joint account. Petitioner and intervenor both had access to the funds in the joint account by the use of debit cards. During 2014 intervenor received a $15,068 distribution from the Edward Jones retirement account. Edward Jones withheld $2,712 from the distribution and reported both of those amounts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). On August 1, 2014, $6,000 was deposited into the joint checking account that petitioner and intervenor maintained. The balance of the distribution was used for the benefit of intervenor’s daughter. As they had in prior years, petitioner and intervenor together provided information to the preparer of a joint tax return for 2014. They did not report the Edward Jones distribution on that return. Before the petition was filed, petitioner filed a Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, with the IRS. Intervenor provided information during the review process. The IRS determined that petitioner was not entitled to relief under section 6015(b) because he had constructive knowledge of the distribution but was entitled to relief under section 6015(c) because of the absence of proof of actual knowledge. Neither petitioner nor intervenor disputes the amount of the deficiency. Petitioner contends that he is entitled to relief from the full amount of the deficiency and in the alternative that at most he should be liable for the deficiency relating to the $6,000 deposited into the joint bank account. Intervenor requests that petitioner be held liable for tax on $7,080, which intervenor infers was the portion of the distribution plus withheld tax reflected in the $6,000 deposit. Discussion Section 6013(d)(3) provides the general rule that if spouses make a joint return the liability for the tax shall be joint and several. Subject to other conditions, section 6015(c) allows a divorced or separated spouse to elect to limit his or her liability for a deficiency assessed with respect to a joint return to the portion of such deficiency allocable to him or her under subsection (d). Pursuant to section 6015(d)(3)(A), “any item giving rise to a deficiency on a joint return shall be allocated to individuals filing the return in the same manner as it would have been allocated if the individuals had filed separate returns for the taxable year.” Further, “\[e\]rroneous items of income are allocated to the spouse who was the source of the income.” Sec. 1.6015-3(d)(2)(iii), Income Tax Regs.; see also Agudelo v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2015-124, at \*16. Denial of relief requires evidence that the requesting spouse had “actual knowledge, at the time such individual signed the return, of any item giving rise to a deficiency (or portion thereof) which is not allocable to such individual.” Sec. 6015(c)(3)(C); see also sec. 1.6015-3(c)(2), Income Tax Regs. Section 6015(c) differs from the relief provisions of subsections (b) and (f), under which relief may be denied if the party requesting relief had constructive knowledge of the item giving rise to the deficiency. See Culver v. Commissioner , 116 T.C. 189, 197 (2001); Richard v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2011-144. A question exists as to where the burden of proof lies in cases when, as here, the IRS favors granting relief and the nonrequesting spouse intervenes to oppose it. The Court has resolved such cases by determining whether actual knowledge has been established by a preponderance of the evidence as presented by all parties. See Pounds v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2011-202; Knight v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2010-242; McDaniel v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2009-137; Stergios v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2009-15. To determine whether the requesting spouse had actual knowledge, the IRS considers “all of the facts and circumstances.” Sec. 1.6015-3(c)(2)(iv), Income Tax Regs. Similarly, the Court looks to the surrounding facts and circumstances for “an actual and clear awareness (as opposed to reason to know)” of the items giving rise to the deficiency. See Cheshire v. Commissioner , 115 T.C. 183, 195 (2000), aff’d , 282 F.3d 326 (5th Cir. 2002); Pounds v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2011-202. In this case, petitioner denies actual knowledge of the distribution although he admits that he knew about the retirement account and about withdrawals made in other years for various family expenditures. He argues that intervenor deliberately deceived him, but he relies on her silence and does not identify any specific misrepresentations by her. He acknowledges that he was at fault for not checking the records on the joint bank account maintained by him and intervenor. Intervenor disputes petitioner’s credibility. She argues that he had actual knowledge of the 2014 distribution because it was deposited in their joint bank account about seven months before the return was prepared and petitioner continued to write checks from the account and use debit cards accessing funds in the account. Intervenor does not claim that she specifically told petitioner about the distribution when it was received or at the time that the return was prepared or point to any evidence that petitioner had “an actual and clear awareness (as opposed to reason to know)” of the items giving rise to the deficiency. Intervenor testified that they both forgot about the distribution at the time the return was prepared. The history of withdrawals from the retirement account used by the parties over a period of years and the transactions by petitioner with reference to the joint bank account support a conclusion that petitioner should have known about the distribution. The amount was very large in relation to the average balances and other transactions in the account. There is no evidence, however, that petitioner saw the bank records before the joint return for 2014 was filed. His denials are not incredible, implausible or contradicted by direct evidence. See Culver v. Commissioner , 116 T.C. 189; Richard v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2011-144. Regardless of the strong indications of constructive knowledge, the evidence falls short of establishing actual knowledge of any specific amount of the distribution in 2014. While the parties make other arguments about “equitable” factors, the absence of proof of actual knowledge is determinative in this case. Therefore, Decision will be entered for petitioner . Tags: [Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/best-irs-cpa/),[IRS Innocent Spouse Relief](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/irs-innocent-spouse-relief/),[Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[North Myrtle Beach SC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/north-myrtle-beach-sc-irs-tax-problems/),[Raleigh NC IRS Tax Problems](https://bestirscpa.com/tag/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-problems/) #### Recent Posts - [Raleigh, NC| IRS Tax Controversy CPA|Best IRS CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/raleigh-nc-irs-tax-controversy-cpa-best-irs-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – Raleigh, NC/ J. Frank Best, CPA](https://bestirscpa.com/irs-tax-controversy-cpa-litigation-raleigh-nc-j-frank-best-cpa/) - [IRS Tax Controversy CPA & Litigation – North Myrtle Beach, SC/ J. 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J. Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we..." markdown_url: "https://bestirscpa.com/united-states-tax-court-decision-for-the-week-civil-fraud-by-cpa.md" --- - Post published:January 13, 2018 **A recent Tax Court decision was reported dealing with Civil Fraud by a CPA. J.****Frank Best, Certified Public Accountant and United States Tax Court Litigator works to stay current on all IRS decisions concerning tax litigation to ensure we are fully informed and prepared for our clients.** UNITED STATES TAX COURT T.C. Memo. 2018-1 January 8, 2018. CURTIS EUGENE ANKERBERG, Petitioner v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent Docket No. 21104-16. Curtis Eugene Ankerberg, pro se. Jeffery D. Rice and Erik W. Nelson , for respondent. MEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION COHEN, Judge : Respondent determined deficiencies of $13,247, $29,800, and $17,207; accuracy-related penalties under section 6662(a) of $1,029, $646.80, and $1,193.20; and fraud penalties under section 6663 of $6,076.50, $19,699.50, and $8,093.25, for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. In the answer respondent asserts for all three years larger penalties than those determined in the notice of \[\*2\] deficiency. Respondent asserts that the section 6663 fraud penalty should apply to the entire amount of the deficiency determined for each year and, in the alternative, asserts that the section 6662(a) accuracy-related penalty should apply to the entire amount of each deficiency. The issue for decision is whether petitioner is liable for penalties under either section 6663 or section 6662(a) for the years in issue. He contends that medical problems he suffered constitute reasonable cause for his underpayments under section 6664(c)(1). All section references are to the Internal Revenue Code in effect for the years in issue, and all Rule references are to the Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure. FINDINGS OF FACT Some of the facts have been stipulated, and the stipulated facts are incorporated in our findings by this reference. Petitioner resided in Oregon when he filed his petition. Petitioner received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University at Los Angeles. He was licensed as a certified public accountant (C.P.A.) in Oregon in 1994 and practiced continuously through the years in issue. He satisfied continuing education requirements to keep his license active through the years. He worked for various public accounting firms until \[\*3\] 2005, when he started practicing on his own without any employees. During the years in issue petitioner operated his business out of his home. Through the years in issue, petitioner prepared tax returns, gave tax advice to clients, and represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He prepared over 70 returns for clients in 2012, over 60 in 2013, and over 50 in 2014. He prepared returns for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. He drove a car during each year, and he ran for local office nine times in nine years, including the years in issue. Petitioner prepared his own individual tax returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014. He underreported gross receipts and claimed excessive deductions on Schedules C, Profit or Loss from Business, in the amounts now stipulated as set forth below. He claimed 50% of his personal residence expenses as deductions on each Schedule C, but he did not attach a Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use of Your Home, to any of his filed returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014. On his return for 2013 filed in October 2014, petitioner reported gross receipts of $26,150 from his business. The IRS commenced an examination of petitioner’s returns for 2012 and 2013 (and later expanded the examination to include 2014). On October 5, 2015, the IRS sent petitioner a notification of proposed changes proposing additional tax attributable to identified omissions of \[\*4\] $8,850 in income for 2013, which were reported to the IRS on information returns by petitioner’s clients. Petitioner paid the proposed amount of additional tax. However, the amount of unreported gross receipts that petitioner agreed to was less than his actual unreported gross receipts for 2013. Petitioner signed his 2014 return on October 14, 2015. The examination of petitioner’s returns was conducted at petitioner’s residence, and the examining agent observed and inspected the areas that petitioner claimed were used as his office. Petitioner referred to documents in his possession but failed to turn over documents requested by the examining agent. He gave several alternative explanations for repeated delays and failures to cooperate with the examining agent, including: he was scheduled for cataract surgery (which occurred in July 2015); he wanted to await the outcome of a Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) complaint that he had made; records had been lost; and his liability for 2013 had been closed when he accepted the proposed adjustment attributed to the unreported income reported by his clients. He explained that he had not attached the form required to claim business use of the home expenses because that “would be a red flag for an audit.” Although petitioner claimed to have bank statements when first interviewed, he declined to turn them over, contending that he could not see them. Because \[\*5\] petitioner failed to turn over records, the examining agent summoned petitioner’s bank account records and analyzed deposits into the account for each year. The agent determined unreported income for each year. He also obtained information about the number of filed returns in each year identifying petitioner as the preparer. Before trial, the parties entered into a stipulation in which petitioner conceded unreported gross receipts of $20,423, $69,960, and $20,983 for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Petitioner also conceded the disallowance of deductions for unsubstantiated insurance, taxes and licenses, office expenses, repairs and maintenance, utilities, mortgage interest, car and truck expenses, depreciation and business use of the home, and other expenses reported on his returns for the years in issue. The disallowed and conceded deductions exceeded $29,000 for 2012, $14,000 for 2013, and $24,000 for 2014. The omitted income and disallowed deductions resulted in an underpayment attributable to a substantial understatement of income tax for each year, the precise amounts of which will require computations under Rule 155. OPINION The fraud penalty is a civil sanction provided primarily as a safeguard for the protection of the revenue and to reimburse the Government for the heavy \[\*6\] expense of investigation and the loss resulting from the taxpayer’s fraud. See Helvering v. Mitchell , 303 U.S. 391, 401 (1938). The Commissioner has the burden of proving fraud by clear and convincing evidence. Sec. 7454(a); Rule 142(b). To impose the 75% penalty provided by section 6663, the Commissioner has the burden of proving for each relevant year (1) an underpayment of tax and (2) that the underpayment was due to fraud. See, e.g. , May v. Commissioner , 137 T.C. 147 (2011), aff’d per order , 2013 WL 1352477 (6th Cir. Feb. 19, 2013); Sadler v. Commissioner , 113 T.C. 99, 102 (1999); Parks v. Commissioner , 94 T.C. 654, 660-661 (1990). The latter burden is met if it is shown that the taxpayer intended to evade taxes known to be owing by conduct intended to conceal, mislead, or otherwise prevent the collection of such taxes. DiLeo v. Commissioner , 96 T.C. 858, 874 (1991), aff’d , 959 F.2d 16 (2d Cir. 1992). Petitioner has conceded unreported income and the disallowance of substantial Schedule C deductions for each year. Respondent’s burden of proving the underpayments for each year thus has been met. As to respondent’s second burden, fraud may be proven by circumstantial evidence, and the taxpayer’s entire course of conduct may establish the requisite fraudulent intent. Rowlee v. Commissioner , 80 T.C. 1111, 1123 (1983). In \[\*7\] determining whether petitioner’s underpayment was due to fraud, we apply long-recognized “badges of fraud” evolved from cases analyzing section 6663 or former section 6653(b)(1). See, e.g. , Niedringhaus v. Commissioner , 99 T.C. 202, 211 (1992); see also Bradford v. Commissioner , 796 F.2d 303, 308 (9th Cir. 1986), aff’g T.C. Memo. 1984-601. Badges of fraud include (but are not limited to) a pattern of understated income, inadequate records, implausible or inconsistent explanations of behavior, concealing assets, failure to cooperate with tax authorities, filing of false documents, and lack of credibility. Bradford v. Commissioner , 796 F.2d at 307; Toussaint v. Commissioner , 743 F.2d 309, 312 (5th Cir. 1984), aff’g T.C. Memo. 1984-25. Misstatements during an audit, even by an unsophisticated taxpayer, may support a finding of fraud. See, e.g. , Ruark v. Commissioner , 449 F.2d 311 (9th Cir. 1971), aff’g T.C. Memo. 1969-48. Petitioner’s education and experience may be considered in determining whether he acted with fraudulent intent. See Scallen v. Commissioner , 877 F.2d 1364, 1370-1371 (8th Cir. 1989), aff’g T.C. Memo. 1987-412; Solomon v. Commissioner , 732 F.2d 1459, 1461 (6th Cir. 1984), aff’g T.C. Memo. 1982-603; Wright v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2000-336, slip op. at 14. The evidence establishes a pattern of unreported income and overstated deductions, failure to keep or produce records, and failure to cooperate with the \[\*8\] IRS. As a C.P.A. and tax professional, petitioner knew what the tax laws required in relation to his tax reporting for the years in issue. Petitioner claims that the understated income, overstated deductions, and loss of records are attributable to his various serious medical problems during the years in issue, which constitute reasonable cause under section 6664(c)(1). However, he has not overcome the clear and convincing evidence of fraud in this case. The most telling additional badge of fraud is the lack of credibility in petitioner’s attribution of the “mistakes” on his returns to medical problems, particularly those affecting his eyesight. During the years in issue, he continued to prepare scores of returns for clients and to prepare his own returns without seeking assistance. He continued to drive a car. He prepared his return for 2014, which continued the pattern of omissions and erroneous deductions, after he had cataract surgery. His admissions and misrepresentations to the examining agent are further evidence of fraud. We do not accept his explanations, and we conclude that respondent has established fraudulent intent for each year by clear and convincing evidence. To allow for necessary computations, Decision will be entered under Rule 155 . 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