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What is a frivolous return penalty?

If you choose to file a so-called frivolous tax return — or let someone else do it on your behalf – you’ll pay a $5,000 penalty for the privilege. You could also face accuracy-related penalties, a civil fraud penalty, and an erroneous refund claim penalty among others, according to the IRS.

What is the penalty for filing a frivolous tax return as a tax protest?

In general, if the IRS finds your argument or tax position to be frivolous, it can mean a 20% accuracy-related penalty (under Internal Revenue Code section 6662); and a whopping 75% civil fraud penalty (section 6663).

What is a purported tax return?

The purported return is based on a frivolous position or reflects an attempt to delay or impede administration of the tax laws.

Is there a penalty for filing a frivolous tax return?

The section 6702 penalty should not be assessed against a taxpayer who encloses with, or attaches to, an otherwise accurate and complete tax return, documents articulating frivolous arguments.

What should be included in a frivolous tax return?

Frivolous returns often: Contain on the face of the tax return or on attachments to the tax return arguments about the obligation to file or pay tax. Include altered forms or jurats containing frivolous arguments. include verbiage that attempts to impede or circumvent the administrative processing of the tax return.

What did the Supreme Court say about frivolous tax arguments?

Tedder, 787 F.2d 540, 542 (10th Cir. 1986), the court stated that, “although Treasury regulations establish voluntary compliance as the general method of income tax collection, Congress gave the Secretary of the Treasury the power to enforce the income tax laws through involuntary collection . . . .

Is the filing of a federal tax return voluntary?

Contention: The filing of a tax return is voluntary. Some taxpayers assert that they are not required to file federal tax returns because the filing of a tax return is voluntary. Proponents of this contention point to the fact that the IRS tells taxpayers in the Form 1040 instruction book that the tax system is voluntary.