95-1496

Income

Signed 2/29/96

 

 

BEFORE THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION

____________________________________

XXXXX,

Petitioner, : ORDER

:

v. : Appeal No. 95-1496

:

COLLECTION DIVISION OF THE : Account No. XXXXX

UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION, :

:

Respondent. : Tax Type: Income

_____________________________________

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 the XXXXX income tax year. The return was filed timely but amended on XXXXX. Interest has accrued in the amount of approximately $$$$$. Respondent indicated that no penalties have been imposed yet but are to be imposed for the period in issue. Petitioner’s representative explained that Petitioner’s husband was murdered during the relevant period and documentation was not available to Petitioner to file an accurate return for XXXXX. Petitioner’s condition subsequent to her husband’s death did not allow her to rationally respond to her obligations. Based on the circumstances, Respondent has recommended that any penalties imposed be waived. Respondent further explained to Petitioner’s representative that an Offer In Compromise process is available regarding the interest, since Petitioner’s representative indicated that financial hardship was a factor in paying off the interest. It was explained to Petitioner’s representative that the Offer In Compromise process is available to Petitioner separate and apart from the outcome of this appeal.

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

Based upon the information presented at the hearing, and the records of the Tax Commission, the Commission finds sufficient cause has been shown to waive any penalty imposed for the period in issue but not the interest assessed for the period 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 29 day of February, 1996.

BY ORDER OF THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION.

W. Val Oveson Roger O. Tew

Chairman Commissioner

Joe B. Pacheco Alice Shearer

Commissioner Commissioner

^^