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Area I: Ethics & Tax ProceduresREGEthicsPreparer Penalties

CPA · Question 02 · Area I: Ethics & Tax Procedures

A tax return preparer is engaged to prepare a return for a client who has engaged in a transaction that lacks economic substance but generates a substantial tax loss. The preparer determines there is no 'substantial authority' for the position, but there is a 'reasonable basis' for it. The client refuses to disclose the position on Form 8275. If the preparer signs the return, which penalty is the preparer MOST likely subject to?

Answer options:

A.

Penalty for understatement due to an unreasonable position (IRC §6694(a)).

B.

Penalty for willful or reckless conduct (IRC §6694(b)).

C.

No penalty, because a reasonable basis exists.

D.

Penalty for aiding and abetting understatement (IRC §6701).

How to approach this question

Recall the matrix of authority: Undisclosed = Substantial Authority required. Disclosed = Reasonable Basis required. Tax Shelters = More Likely Than Not.

Full Answer

A.Penalty for understatement due to an unreasonable position (IRC §6694(a)).✓ Correct
A
Under IRC §6694(a), a position is considered 'unreasonable' if there is no substantial authority for the position, and the position was not disclosed. If disclosed, a 'reasonable basis' is sufficient. Since the client refused disclosure and the preparer only had a reasonable basis (not substantial authority), the preparer is subject to the penalty for an unreasonable position.

Common mistakes

Confusing the taxpayer standard (substantial authority) with the preparer standard (substantial authority OR reasonable basis + disclosure).

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