95-1200

Special Fuel

Signed 12/22/95

 

BEFORE THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION

____________________________________

XXXXX, )

:

Petitioner, : ORDER

:

v. : Appeal No. 95-1200

:

COLLECTION DIVISION OF THE : Account No. XXXXX

UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION, :

:

Respondent. : Tax Type: Special Fuel

_____________________________________

STATEMENT OF CASE

This matter came before the Utah State Tax Commission for an Initial Hearing pursuant to the provisions of Utah Code Ann. §59-1-502.5, on XXXXX. Gail Reich, Administrative Law Judge, heard the matter for and on behalf of the Commission. Present and representing Petitioner was XXXXX. Present and representing Respondent was XXXXX.

This appeal involves a waiver request for penalties imposed in XXXXX, XXXXX and XXXXX of XXXXX for late filing and payment of special fuel dealer tax. The XXXXX tax was due on XXXXX and was filed and paid on XXXXX. The XXXXX tax was due XXXXX and was filed and paid XXXXX. The XXXXX tax was due XXXXX and was paid on XXXXX and filed on XXXXX.

At the hearing, Petitioner explained that the circumstances were the result of misdeeds of a bookkeeper who had lied to her superiors about her bookkeeping activities. Respondent indicated that the Petitioner has the responsibility to pay its taxes in a timely fashion and the circumstances surrounding this case do not rise to the level of reasonable cause as set forth by the Tax Commission. In response to Petitioner’s indication that payment of this penalty will be precluded due to financial hardship, the procedure of Offer and Compromise was explained to Petitioner as an available option separate and apart from the Appeal process.

APPLICABLE LAW

The Tax Commission is granted the authority to waive, reduce, or compromise penalties and interest upon a showing of reasonable cause. (Utah Code Ann. §59-1-401(10).)

DECISION AND ORDER

The Commission has reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this case and does not find reasonable cause to exist to waive the penalty.

Based upon the information presented at the hearing, and the records of the Tax Commission, the Commission finds sufficient cause not been shown to waive the penalties assessed for the periods in issue.

This decision does not limit a party's right to a Formal Hearing. However, this Decision and Order will become the Final Decision and Order of the Commission unless any party to this case files a written request within thirty (30) days of the date of this decision to proceed to a Formal Hearing. Such a request shall be mailed to the address listed below and must include the Petitioner's name, address, and appeal number:

Utah State Tax Commission

Appeals Division

210 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84134

Failure to request a Formal Hearing will preclude any further administrative action or appeal rights in this matter.

DATED this 22nd day of December, 1995.

BY ORDER OF THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION.

W. Val Oveson Roger O. Tew

Chairman Commissioner

Joe B. Pacheco Alice Shearer

Commissioner Commissioner

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