Soni v. Comm'r of Internal Revenue ( 2023 )

22-829-ag
Soni v. Comm’r of Internal Revenue
In the
United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit
AUGUST TERM 2022
No. 22-829-ag
OM P. SONI and ANJALI SONI,
Petitioners-Appellants,
v.
COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE,
Respondent-Appellee.
On Appeal from the United States Tax Court
ARGUED: APRIL 26, 2023
DECIDED: JULY 27, 2023
AMENDED: AUGUST 4, 2023
Before: CABRANES, LYNCH, and LOHIER, Circuit Judges.
Om P. Soni and Anjali Soni challenge the post-trial rulings of the
United States Tax Court (Elizabeth A. Copeland, Judge) regarding their
tax obligations for the 2004 tax year. The Sonis argue that the Tax
Court erroneously concluded that (1) they filed a valid joint return, (2)
the Internal Revenue Service issued a statutory notice of deficiency
before the limitations period for a tax assessment under I.R.C.
§§ 6501(a) and (c)(4) expired, (3) they owed a $28,836 penalty pursuant
to I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1) for filing a late tax return, and (4) they owed a
$128,526 penalty pursuant to I.R.C. § 6662 for filing an inaccurate tax
return. We disagree and accordingly AFFIRM the Tax Court’s January
7, 2022 decision.
JOHN MARK LANE (James O. Druker, on the
brief), Lane Crowell LLP, Larchmont, N.Y.,
for Petitioners-Appellants.
IVAN C. DALE (Jacob Christensen, on the
brief), on behalf of David A. Hubbert, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Tax Division,
Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., for
Respondent-Appellee.
JOSÉ A. CABRANES, Circuit Judge:
Om P. Soni and Anjali Soni challenge the post-trial rulings of the
United States Tax Court (Elizabeth A. Copeland, Judge) regarding their
2
tax obligations for the 2004 tax year. The Sonis argue that the Tax
Court erroneously concluded that (1) they filed a valid joint return, (2)
the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) issued a statutory notice of
deficiency (the “Deficiency Notice”) before the limitations period for a
tax assessment 1 under Internal Revenue Code (“I.R.C.”) §§ 6501(a) and
(c)(4) expired, (3) they owed a $28,836 penalty pursuant to I.R.C.
§ 6651(a)(1) for filing a late tax return, and (4) they owed a $128,526
penalty pursuant to I.R.C. § 6662 for filing an inaccurate tax return.
We disagree and accordingly AFFIRM the Tax Court’s January 7, 2022
decision. 2
I. BACKGROUND 3
A. The Sonis
Om and Anjali Soni have been married for more than four
decades and live in New York with their son, Kunal. During the
1 A tax assessment “is ‘essentially a bookkeeping notation’ of what the
taxpayer is required to pay the Government.” Chai v. Comm'r, 851 F.3d 190, 218 (2d
Cir. 2017) (quoting Laing v. United States, 423 U.S. 161, 170 n.13 (1976)); see I.R.C.
§ 6201(a) (“The Secretary is authorized and required to make the inquiries,
determinations, and assessments of all taxes (including interest, additional
amounts, additions to the tax, and assessable penalties) imposed by this title, or
accruing under any former internal revenue law, which have not been duly paid by
stamp at the time and in the manner provided by law.”).
2The Tax Court issued its January 7, 2022 decision “[p]ursuant to the
determination of the [Tax] Court as set forth in its Memorandum Opinion filed
December 1, 2021.” Spec. App’x 42 (internal citation omitted).
3We recite pertinent facts drawn from the record on appeal, which are
undisputed unless indicated otherwise.
3
relevant time period, Om worked as a businessman, while Anjali “took
care of the home.” 4 Kunal worked for his father.
Om handled his family’s finances. Anjali did “not take part in
the financial matters of the home” and “fully expected and trusted her
husband to handle all financial affairs, including all the tax matters.” 5
Anjali was “generally aware of U.S. tax return filing requirements,”
but “never signed a tax return or asked anyone to sign a tax return for
her.” 6 The Sonis assert that “Om would often give documents to
Kunal” that required Anjali’s signature, and Kunal would sign them. 7
All of the Sonis’ tax returns from 1999 through 2003, and from 2005
through 2014, were filed as joint returns.
B. The Sonis’ 2004 Tax Return
The tax return at issue in this case is the Sonis’ 2004 tax return
(the “Return”). It claimed a loss deduction in excess of $1.7 million in
association with the Beauville Corporation (“Beauville”), a Subchapter
S corporation, 8 in which Om held an ownership interest but for which
4 Soni v. Comm’r, 122 T.C.M. (CCH) 358, 2021 WL 5630890, at *1 (2021).
5Id. at *2; see J.A. 937 (Anjali testifying that she has trusted and will continue
to “trust [her] husband to handle all [of] [her] tax matters”).
6 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *2.
7 Id. For example, Kunal signed the Sonis’ 2009–2014 joint returns on
Anjali’s behalf.
8 “Subchapter S [of the I.R.C.] allows shareholders of qualified corporations
to elect a ‘pass-through’ taxation system under which income is subjected to only
one level of taxation.” Gitlitz v. Comm’r, 531 U.S. 206, 209 (2001). Subchapter S
4
he failed to keep records. On the basis of that deduction, the Return
claimed a $73,470 refund. Om personally signed the Return. Although
Anjali’s signed name appears on the Return, the parties stipulated that
she did not “personally” sign it. 9 The Return was filed 24 days late. 10
C. The Extensions
The IRS began to “examine” 11 the Return and repeatedly sought
the Sonis’ consent to extend the date by which it had to complete its
examination. A taxpayer can consent to such an extension through a
Form 872, Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Tax, or one of its
corporations therefore permit corporate-level profits, losses, and deductions to
“pass through directly to its shareholders on a pro rata basis and are reported on
the shareholders’ individual tax returns.” Id.9 J.A. 119 (listing stipulated facts).
The Return was due on October 17, 2005, but it was not mailed until
10
November 10, 2005. See I.R.C. § 7502(a)(1) (stating that the date a return is
postmarked “shall be deemed to be the date of delivery or the date of payment”).
11 I.R.C. § 7602(a) (“For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any
return, making a return where none has been made, determining the liability of any
person for any internal revenue tax or the liability at law or in equity of any
transferee or fiduciary of any person in respect of any internal revenue tax, or
collecting any such liability, the Secretary is authorized . . . (1) [t]o examine any
books, papers, records, or other data which may be relevant or material to such
inquiry.”); see also id. § 6501(c)(4)(A) (“Where, before the expiration of the time
prescribed for the assessment of any tax imposed by this title . . . both the Secretary
and the taxpayer have consented in writing to its assessment after such time, the
tax may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon.
The period so agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing
made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.”).
5
variants. A representative can consent on behalf of a taxpayer through
Form 2848. 12
On March 20, 2008, the IRS received two documents pertaining
to its examination of the Return: (1) a Form 2848, authorizing Alan
Grossman—Beauville’s accountant—to act as the Sonis’ representative
throughout the examination, and (2) a signed Form 872 that the IRS
had previously sent to the Sonis seeking an extension of the
examination period (the “First Form 872”). The Form 2848, signed on
April 10, 2006, contained the signatures for Om, Anjali, and Grossman.
Anjali did not personally sign it, and the parties dispute whether Om
personally signed it. 13 Although the First Form 872, signed by
Grossman as the Sonis’ representative, was dated March 20, 2006, an
IRS appeals officer noted during his review of the Return that
Grossman “actually signed in 2008.” 14
In total, the IRS received eight signed extension forms, facially
extending the limitations period for examining the Return from
November 14, 2008, to December 31, 2015. Grossman signed his name,
Om’s name, and Anjali’s name on a second extension form (the
12 See, e.g., Madison Recycling Assocs. v. Comm’r, 295 F.3d 280, 283, 286 (2d Cir.
2002).
As discussed post, the Tax Court found that Om personally signed the
13
Form 2848, despite his protestations to the contrary. Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *9.
Id. (“Appeals Officer Gerard Fitzgerald found that Mr. Grossman actually
14
signed in 2008.”) (internal quotation marks omitted). As discussed post, the Tax
Court found that March 20, 2006, was a “scrivener’s error,” and that the intended
date was March 20, 2008. Id. at *11.
6
“Second Form 872”). The remaining six extension forms bore only Om
and Anjali’s signatures, although Kunal had signed Anjali’s name.
D. The Statutory Notice of Deficiency
Following its examination of the Return, the IRS concluded that
the Sonis failed to produce evidence supporting the Return’s claimed
$1.78 million loss from Beauville. 15 The IRS therefore determined that
the Sonis were not entitled to claim the loss and issued the Deficiency
Notice on March 12, 2015. The Deficiency Notice informed the Sonis
that they were jointly and severally liable for (1) an additional $642,629
in tax for 2004 due to the disallowance of the $1.78 million loss from
Beauville claimed by the Sonis, and (2) a $28,835 penalty under I.R.C.
§ 6651(a)(1) 16 for their failure to timely file the Return.
On June 15, 2015, the Sonis timely filed a petition in the Tax
Court disputing the Deficiency Notice. 17 In an amended answer, the
Specifically, Om was unable to provide documentation verifying his basis
15
in Beauville. A shareholder can only “take corporate losses and deductions into
account on his personal tax return to the extent such items exceed his basis in the
stock and debt of the S corporation.” Gitlitz, 531 U.S. at 209.
16Section 6651(a)(1) provides in relevant part that “[i]n case of failure . . . to
file any return . . . on the date prescribed therefor (determined with regard to any
extension of time for filing), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable
cause and not due to willful neglect, there shall be added to the amount required
to be shown as tax on such return 5 percent of the amount of such tax if the failure
is not more than 1 month.” I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1).
Although the Sonis checked the box on the petition form for disputing a
17
“Notice of Determination Concerning Your Request for Relief” rather than a
7
IRS asserted that the Sonis owed an additional $128,526 “accuracy-
related penalty” pursuant to I.R.C. § 6662 that was not previously part
of the Deficiency Notice. 18
E. The Tax Court’s Decision
On March 14, 2019, the Tax Court held a single-day bench trial
at which counsel represented the Sonis and witnesses testified and
were cross examined. It subsequently ruled that (1) the Return was
jointly filed, (2) the IRS issued the Deficiency Notice before the
limitations period on the assessment of tax under I.R.C. §§ 6501(a) and
(c)(4) expired, (3) the Sonis were subject to a late-filing penalty of
$28,836 under I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1), and (4) the Sonis were subject to an
accuracy-related penalty of $128,526 pursuant to I.R.C. § 6662. The
Sonis timely appealed.
II. DISCUSSION
On appeal, the Sonis contend that the Tax Court erroneously
decided that (1) the Return was jointly filed, (2) the IRS issued the
Deficiency Notice before the expiration of the limitations period, (3)
“Notice of Deficiency,” the petition only references the IRS’s Deficiency Notice of
March 12, 2015. J.A.18.
18 Section 6662 imposes an “accuracy-related penalty on underpayments” of
“20 percent of the portion of the underpayment.” I.R.C. § 6662(a). As relevant,
Section 6662 applies only to the “portion of any underpayment which is attributable
to . . . [n]egligence or disregard of rules or regulations” or a “substantial
understatement of income tax.” Id. § 6662(b)(1)–(2). It does not apply “if it is shown
that there was a reasonable cause for such [underpayment] and that the taxpayer
acted in good faith with respect to such [underpayment].” Id. § 6664(c)(1).
8
they were subject to the late-filing penalty under I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1),
and (4) they were subject to the accuracy-related penalty under I.R.C.
§ 6662.
We address each argument in turn, “review[ing] the legal
rulings of the Tax Court de novo and its factual determinations for clear
error.” 19
A. Joint Return
We first consider whether the Tax Court clearly erred in
determining that the Sonis filed a valid joint tax return. “It is well
settled in this Circuit that the determination that income tax returns
are joint is a factual issue of the intention of the parties and must be
affirmed unless clearly erroneous.” 20 And “[w]hile a [spouse]’s failure
to sign the return does not preclude a finding of a joint return, it
removes the presumption of correctness ordinarily attaching to the
[IRS’s] determination of jointness.” 21 Where, as here, 22 the return
excludes one spouse’s signature, the IRS bears the “burden of
producing additional evidence on the issue” of “the intention of the
parties.” 23
19 Scheidelman v. Comm’r, 682 F.3d 189, 193 (2d Cir. 2012).
20 O’Connor v. Comm’r, 412 F.2d 304, 309 (2d Cir. 1969) (citation omitted).
21 Id. (citation omitted).
22 Both parties agree that Anjali never signed the return.
23 O’Connor, 412 F.2d at 309.
9
Evidence of intent will vary depending on the circumstances
presented. For example, in O’Connor v. Commissioner of Internal
Revenue, we concluded that a married couple intended to file jointly—
despite the absence of one spouse’s signature on several returns—
where the IRS produced evidence that (1) the non-signing spouse
knew “that a return had to be filed”; 24 (2) the non-signing spouse knew
of the signing spouse’s “expert knowledge of the requirements for
preparing and filing tax returns”; 25 (3) the spouses filed a “joint
petition in the Tax Court”; 26 (4) the spouses asserted only a “delay[ed]”
challenge to the IRS’s characterization of a return as “joint”; 27 (5) the
“return in [one spouse’s] name alone actually included both [spouses’]
income and deductions”; 28 and (6) the non-signing spouse had
“substantial gross income.” 29
At least the first four circumstances we identified as probative
of the taxpayers’ intent in O’Connor are present here. First, Anjali
knew “a return had to be filed” 30 because “[s]he was generally aware
24 Id.25 Id.26 Id. at 309.
27 Id. at 309–10.
28 Id. at 309. We emphasized that this factor, “standing alone,” would not
satisfy the IRS’s burden. Id.29 Id.30 Id.10
of the U.S. tax system but chose not to engage.” 31 Second, Anjali knew
of Om’s “expert knowledge” 32 because he was an experienced
businessman and she “chose to trust [his] handling of their family’s
finances, which included [the] preparation and filing of their returns,
including the [Return].” 33 Third, the Sonis filed a joint petition in the
Tax Court. And fourth, Anjali only belatedly challenged the IRS’s
characterization of the Return as “joint,” not having “disavow[ed]” its
“joint status” until trial. 34 Beyond the circumstances present both in
O’Connor and here, the fact that the Sonis filed a joint tax return for
every year from 1999 through 2003, and from 2005 through 2014,
further supports a finding that the Sonis intended to file jointly.
Based on the above-mentioned circumstances, the Tax Court did
not err, much less clearly err, in finding that the Sonis intended to file
the Return jointly. 35
31 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *7.
32 O’Connor, 412 F.2d at 309.
33 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *6.
34 Id. at *7.
35 The Sonis principally argue that because Anjali did not sign her name on
the Return, it was clear error for the Tax Court to find that the Sonis intended to file
a joint return. That argument misses the mark. The issue is not whether Anjali was
aware that someone signed her name for her; it is whether she (and Om) intended
to file the Return jointly.
11
B. The Deficiency Notice
We next consider whether the Tax Court erred in ruling that the
IRS issued the Deficiency Notice before the limitations period expired.
After receiving a taxpayer’s return, the IRS may examine the
return and “determine whether the taxpayer understated his tax
obligation and should be assessed a deficiency.” 36 As a “[g]eneral
rule[,] . . . the amount of any tax imposed . . . shall be assessed within
3 years after the return was filed.” 37 “An exception to this limitations
period is provided where the [IRS] and the taxpayer consent in writing
to an extension of time.” 38 The IRS must obtain the taxpayer’s consent
before the limitations period expires. It does so by having either the
taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative sign a Form 872
or one of its variants. 39 In the context of a joint return, “each [taxpayer]
ha[s] the authority to extend the period of limitations on assessment
and collection of a tax independent of action by the other.” 40
36 Bufferd v. Comm'r, 506 U.S. 523, 527 (1993).
37 I.R.C. § 6501(a).
38 Bufferd v. Comm’r, 952 F.2d 675, 676–77 (2d Cir. 1992), aff’d, 506 U.S. 523(1993).
39 I.R.C. § 6501(c)(4)(A); see, e.g., Madison Recycling Assocs., 295 F.3d at 283,
286.
40 Tallal v. Comm’r, 77 T.C. 1291, 1295 (1981), aff’d, 778 F.2d 275 (5th Cir. 1985).
12
Accordingly, if one of the taxpayers does not consent, then the
limitations period may expire as to that taxpayer. 41
The IRS bears the burden “to show that a valid extension of the
period of limitations was executed.” 42 Here, the Tax Court decided
that the IRS satisfied that burden. The IRS received eight Forms 872
within the limitations period, facially extending the limitations period
for examining the Return to December 31, 2015. And it issued the
Deficiency Notice on March 12, 2015, well within that limitations
period.
Because the IRS satisfied its burden “to show that a valid
extension of the period of limitations was executed,” 43 the burden
shifted to the Sonis to prove that the limitations period had in fact
expired before the IRS issued the Deficiency Notice. 44 Contrary to the
Tax Court’s finding, the Sonis contend that they satisfied their burden.
They raise a litany of arguments in support of this contention. One set
of arguments pertains to the initial two extensions. The other set
pertains to the later six extensions. We address each set in turn.
41Id. at 1295–96 (concluding that the extension signed by only one spouse
was invalid as to the non-signing spouse).
42 Hernandez v. Comm’r, 75 T.C.M. (CCH) 1714, 1998 WL 44090, at *4, on
reconsideration, 76 T.C.M. (CCH) 440 (1998); see also Madison Recycling Assocs., 295
F.3d at 286 (referring to “the burden of production [on] . . . the Commissioner to
show that the bar of the limitations period is not applicable”).
43 Hernandez, 1998 WL 44090, at *4.
44 Id.13
1. The First Two Extensions
We begin with Om’s arguments that the first two extensions
were invalid as to him and then address Anjali’s arguments that they
were invalid as to her.
a) The First Two Extensions as to Om
Om contends that Grossman (1) “forged” 45 his signature on the
Form 2848 authorizing Grossman to act on Om’s behalf, and (2) that,
in any event, Grossman had no authority to sign the First Form 872 on
his behalf because it predates the Form 2848.
First, as to the alleged “forgery,” the Tax Court made a factual
finding that Om personally signed the Form 2848 authorizing
Grossman to act as his representative. Although Om denies signing
the Form 2848, the Tax Court found Om not credible. 46 We owe
“particularly strong deference” to the Tax Court’s credibility
determinations. 47 Moreover, the Tax Court determined that “Om’s
signature on the Form 2848 is similar to those he admits are his.” 48 We
find no error, much less clear error, in the Tax Court’s factual finding
45 Pet’rs’ Br. 23.
46 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *9 n.17.
47 Am. Valmar Int’l Ltd., Inc. v. Comm’r, 229 F.3d 98, 101 (2d Cir. 2000) (quoting
Mathie v. Fries, 121 F.3d 808, 812 (2d Cir. 1997)).
48 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *9.
14
that Om signed the Form 2848. Accordingly, we agree with the Tax
Court that Grossman had authority to act as Om’s representative.
Second, the Tax Court found that Grossman signed the First
Form 872 after he had authority to act as Om’s representative pursuant
to the Form 2848. The Form 2848 is dated April 10, 2006. But because
Grossman’s signature on the First Form 872 is dated March 20, 2006, it
appears to predate the executed Form 2848. Based on this sequence,
the Sonis contend that Grossman had no authority to sign the First
Form 872 extending the limitations period.
The Tax Court, however, concluded that the date on the First
Form 872 was a “scrivener’s error,” in which Grossman “mistakenly
dated his signature” March 20, 2006, “when he meant March 20,
2008.” 49 The Tax Court reasoned that the First Form 872 was sent to
the Sonis on May 16, 2007, and it was thus “factually impossible for
Mr. Grossman to have signed it in 2006.” 50 We find no clear error in
that factual finding and affirm the Tax Court’s conclusion that
Grossman had the authority to act as Om’s representative when he
signed both the First and Second Forms 872.
In sum, Om failed to carry his burden to prove that the first two
extensions were invalid as to him.
49 Id. at *11.
50Id. The Sonis’ contention that the scrivener’s error determination was
“pure speculation” ignores the evidence cited by the Tax Court supporting its
“scrivener’s error” finding. See Pet’rs’ Br. 26–27.
15
b) The First Two Extensions as to Anjali
The parties agree that Anjali did not personally sign the Form
2848. Anjali argues that, as a result, the First and Second Forms 872
are invalid as to her because Grossman lacked authority to sign those
forms as her representative. As we explain below, the Tax Court’s
ruling that, under agency principles, Grossman was authorized to sign
these forms as Anjali’s representative was not erroneous. 51
An agency relationship exists if there are “facts sufficient to
show (1) the principal’s manifestation of intent to grant authority to
the agent, and (2) agreement by the agent.” 52 If an agency relationship
exists, then “the authority of an agent ‘is the power of the agent to do
an act or to conduct a transaction on account of the principal which,
with respect to the principal, he is privileged to do because of the
51The Tax Court also determined that the first two extensions were valid as
to Anjali because she ratified Grossman’s representation. Soni, 2021 WL 5630890,
at *10–12. Because we affirm the Tax Court’s ruling that Grossman had authority
to act as Anjali’s representative under agency principles, we do not address its
ratification conclusion.
52 Com. Union Ins. Co. v. Alitalia Airlines, S.p.A., 347 F.3d 448, 462 (2d Cir.
2003).
“Whether an agency relationship exists is a mixed question of law and fact.”
Id. We review “mixed questions of law and fact in a case on review from the Tax
Court . . . de novo to the extent that the alleged error is in the misunderstanding of a
legal standard and clear error to the extent the alleged error is in a factual
determination.” Diebold Found., Inc. v. Comm’r, 736 F.3d 172, 174 (2d Cir. 2013).
16
principal’s manifestations to him.” 53 The agent’s “authority may be
express or implied, but in either case it exists only where the agent may
reasonably infer from the words or conduct of the principal that the
principal has consented to the agent’s performance of a particular
act.” 54
First, we affirm the Tax Court’s conclusion that an agency
relationship existed between Om and Anjali. As the Tax Court found,
Anjali (1) “was generally aware of U.S. tax return filing requirements”
and that she and Om “were paying tax”; (2) “never signed a tax return
or asked anyone to sign a tax return for her”; and (3) “fully expected
and trusted [Om] to handle all financial affairs, including all tax
matters.” 55 In addition, “Om handled all financial affairs” and “did
not discuss financial, business, or tax issues with Anjali.” 56 These
factual findings—which the Sonis do not contest 57—are “sufficient to
show” that Anjali intended for her husband to handle her tax matters
and that Om agreed to do so. 58 Accordingly, the Tax Court correctly
Minskoff v. Am. Express Travel Related Servs. Co., Inc., 98 F.3d 703, 708 (2d
53
Cir. 1996) (quoting Restatement (Second) of Agency § 7 cmt. a (Am. L. Inst. 1958)).
54 Id.
55 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *2.
56 Id. at *1.
57 See Pet’rs’ Br. 28–33.
58 Com. Union Ins., 347 F.3d at 462.
17
determined that Om was Anjali’s agent with regard to all matters
pertaining to the Return. 59
Second, we affirm the Tax Court’s conclusion that Om had
implied authority to appoint Grossman to act on Anjali’s behalf. True,
Anjali never expressly authorized Om to appoint Grossman to act on
her behalf. But it is not disputed that Anjali “relied on her husband to
handle financial and tax matters.” 60 That is, Anjali gave Om implied
authority to handle any tax matter pertaining to her. Based on this
implied authority, Om could “reasonably infer” that Anjali would
consent to his appointment of Grossman to act on Anjali’s behalf with
regard to the Return. 61 In sum, Anjali failed to carry her burden to
prove that the first two extensions were invalid as to her.
59 The Sonis contend that the Tax Court erred by improperly extending the
“tacit consent rule” to find an agency relationship between Om and Anjali. Pet’rs’
Br. 32. The Tax Court, however, did not rely on the tacit consent rule to find an
agency relationship between Om and Anjali. It is apparent that the Tax Court used
the term “tacit consent” interchangeably with “implied authority.” See Soni, 2021
WL 5630890, at *11 (“Anjali gave her husband tacit consent to take care of the tax
matters, and we might be able to rely on that authority to conclude Om authorized
Mr. Grossman’s representation for Anjali.” (emphases added)).
60 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *13.
61See Restatement (Third) Agency § 3.15 cmt. c (Am. L. Inst. 2006) (“An
agent has actual authority to create a relationship of subagency when the agent
reasonably believes, based on a manifestation from the principal, that the principal
consents to the appointment of a subagent. . . . A principal’s consent to the
appointment of a subagent may be express or implied.”); see also Soni, 2021 WL
5630890, at *6 n.12 (recounting Anjali’s testimony that, “when asked if she trusted
her husband to handle all of the tax issues,” she responded, “I did. I do. I will.”).
18
2. The Later Six Extensions
We turn now to the later six extensions.
As to Om, the parties agree that he personally signed each of the
remaining Forms 872. As a result, the later six extensions are valid as
to him.
As to Anjali, Kunal signed the remaining six Forms 872 for her.
Anjali maintains that, like the first two extensions, these later six
extensions were invalid as to her because “[t]here was no evidence at
trial that [she] consented in any way to have her name signed . . . to
any . . . document.” 62 We have already concluded that the first two
extensions were valid as to Anjali based on Om’s implied authority to
handle all tax matters on Anjali’s behalf. The same principle militates
in favor of the conclusion that the later six extensions are also valid.
Anjali does not explain why Om could not have tasked Kunal (as he
had tasked Grossman) with ensuring that necessary tax-related
paperwork was completed. 63
62 Pet’rs’ Reply Br. 4; see also Pet’rs’ Br. 33.
63 See note 61, ante.
19
C. The Late-Filing Penalty
We next consider whether the Tax Court erred in determining
that the Sonis are subject to a late-filing penalty of $28,836 under I.R.C.
§ 6651(a)(1). 64
“A failure to file a tax return on the date prescribed leads to a
mandatory penalty unless the taxpayer shows that such failure was
due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.” 65 The IRS
bears the initial burden of production to show that the return was filed
after the due date. 66 Here, the IRS established—and the Sonis do not
dispute—that the Sonis filed the Return 24 days late. 67 Because the IRS
satisfied its burden, the Sonis bore the “heavy burden” to prove both
that the failure (1) “was ‘due to reasonable cause’” and (2) “did not
result from ‘willful neglect.’” 68
64 See note 16, ante (providing relevant text of § 6651(a)(1)).
65 McMahan v. Comm’r, 114 F.3d 366, 368 (2d Cir. 1997) (citing I.R.C.
§ 6651(a)(1)).
66 I.R.C. § 7491(c) (“Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the
Secretary shall have the burden of production in any court proceeding with respect
to the liability of any individual for any penalty, addition to tax, or additional
amount imposed by this title.”).
The Return was due on October 17, 2005, but it was not mailed until
67
November 10, 2005.
United States v. Boyle, 469 U.S. 241, 245 (1985) (quoting I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1)).
68
“Whether a factor constitutes ‘reasonable cause’ for late filing under § 6651(a)(1) is
reviewed de novo. Whether a factor is present in a particular case is reviewed for
20
A taxpayer establishes “reasonable cause” if the taxpayer
“exercised ordinary business care and prudence and was nevertheless
unable to file the return within the prescribed time.” 69 Here, the Tax
Court found that the Sonis “thought no harm no foul” for a late filing
“because they would have zero tax due.” 70 We agree with the Tax
Court that, in the circumstances presented here, this explanation “is
not a reasonable cause for the delay” and that, “[c]onsequently, no
reasonable cause exists.” 71
We may affirm the Tax Court’s conclusion that the Sonis are
liable for the late-filing penalty on the basis that the Sonis failed to
establish “reasonable cause” for their delay. In any event, the Sonis
also failed to prove that their delayed return “did not result from
‘willful neglect.’” 72 They merely argue that the Tax Court committed
reversible error because it “did not even purport to find . . . willful
neglect.” 73 But under the Internal Revenue Code, it was the Sonis’
clear error.” Marrin v. Comm’r, 147 F.3d 147, 152 (2d Cir. 1998) (quoting McMahan,
114 F.3d at 369)).
69 Treas. Reg. § 301.6651(c)(1) (2022); see also Boyle, 469 U.S. at 245.
70 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890, at *13.
71 Id.72 Boyle, 469 U.S. at 245 (quoting I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1)).
73 Pet’rs’ Br. 45–46.
21
burden to prove lack of willful neglect. 74 The Tax Court had no
obligation to “find” willful neglect. 75
We accordingly affirm the Tax Court’s conclusion that the Sonis
are subject to a Section 6651(a)(1) late-filing penalty of $28,836.
D. The Inaccuracy Penalty
Finally, we turn to the question of whether the Tax Court erred
in concluding that the Sonis are subject to a penalty of $128,526 for
filing an inaccurate tax return under I.R.C. § 6662.
Section 6662 imposes “a 20% accuracy-related penalty on any
portion of an underpayment that is attributable to, inter alia, (1)
‘[n]egligence or disregard of rules or regulations’ or (2) ‘[a]ny
substantial understatement of income tax.’” 76 Under I.R.C.
§ 6664(c)(1), however, a taxpayer is not subject to the penalty if the
taxpayer “show[s] that there was a reasonable cause [for the
74 See Boyle, 469 U.S. at 245 (“To escape the penalty, the taxpayer bears the
heavy burden of proving both (1) that the failure did not result from ‘willful
neglect,’ and (2) that the failure was ‘due to reasonable cause.’” (quoting I.R.C.
§ 6651(a)(1))).
75“As used [in Section 6651(a)(1)], the term ‘willful neglect’ may be read as
meaning a conscious, intentional failure or reckless indifference.” Boyle, 469 U.S. at
245. Before the Tax Court, the Sonis only conclusorily stated that their late filing
was not due to willful neglect. See Pet’rs’ T.C. Opening Br. 23–24; Pet’rs’ T.C.
Answering Br. 21–22.
76Curcio v. Comm’r, 689 F.3d 217, 224 (2d Cir. 2012) (alterations in original)
(quoting I.R.C. § 6662(b)(1)–(2)).
22
inaccuracy] and that the taxpayer acted in good faith.” 77 “Under
[Treasury] regulations, the existence of reasonable cause is determined
‘on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all pertinent facts and
circumstances,’” 78 including “the experience, knowledge, and
education of the taxpayer.” 79 Reasonable reliance upon the advice of
a tax professional may establish reasonable cause and good faith. 80
On appeal, the Sonis argue that they are not subject to the
penalty because they established reasonable cause for the inaccuracy
and they acted in good faith by relying on the advice of accountants. 81
77 Id. at 225 (quoting I.R.C. § 6664(c)(1)). “We review the tax court’s factual
determinations of whether a taxpayer qualifies for the reasonable cause exception
for clear error[,] . . . but we review de novo whether those determinations were
sufficient to satisfy the elements of reasonable cause.” Thompson v. Comm’r, 499
F.3d 129, 134 (2d Cir. 2007) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
78 Id. (quoting Treas. Reg. § 1.6664-4(b)(1)).
79 Treas. Reg. § 1.6664-4(b)(1).
80 Id. § 1.6664-4(c); see also Thompson, 499 F.3d at 135 (“[R]eliance on an
expert’s opinion ‘may not be reasonable or in good faith if the taxpayer knew, or
reasonably should have known, that the advisor lacked knowledge in the relevant
aspects of Federal tax law.’” (quoting Treas. Reg. § 1.6664–4(c)(1))).
81 The Sonis separately argue that “[t]here are no findings or conclusions at
all relating to Anjali to support the imposition of an accuracy-related penalty as
against her.” Pet’rs’ Br. 47. That argument fails because it was Anjali’s burden to
“show[] that there was a reasonable cause for [the inaccuracy] and that [she] acted
in good faith.” Curcio, 689 F.3d at 225; see also ATL & Sons Holdings, Inc. v. Comm’r,
152 T.C. 138, 154 n.8 (2019) (“Once the [IRS] carries the burden of production, the
taxpayer must come forward with persuasive evidence that the [IRS’s] determination is
incorrect or that the taxpayer had an affirmative defense, such as reasonable cause
and good faith.” (emphases added)).
23
We disagree. The inaccuracy did not have a reasonable cause. As the
Tax Court observed, Om, an experienced, educated businessman,
knew “he should have kept records of the Beauville Corp.” 82 Yet, as
Om admitted, he failed to do so. The inaccuracy was also not the
product of reasonable reliance upon the advice of a tax professional.
As the Tax Court also found, the Sonis failed to provide their
accountants “necessary and accurate information.” 83 Moreover, the
record includes evidence that Om disregarded the advice of
accountants who warned him that he would need proof to substantiate
the claimed loss.
On these facts, the Tax Court did not err in concluding that the
Sonis are subject to an inaccuracy penalty of $128,526 pursuant to
I.R.C. § 6662.
III. CONCLUSION
To summarize, we hold as follows:
(1) The Tax Court did not clearly err in its finding that the Sonis
intended to jointly file the Return.
(2) The IRS issued the Deficiency Notice within the limitations
period for the tax assessment.
82 Soni, 2021 WL 5630890 at *14.
83 Id.
24
(3) The Sonis are subject to a $28,836 late-filing penalty under
I.R.C. § 6651(a)(1).
(4) The Sonis are subject to a $128,526 accuracy-related penalty
under I.R.C. § 6662.
The Tax Court’s decision of January 7, 2022 is therefore
AFFIRMED.
25