96-0373

Withholding

Signed 6/5/96

 

 

BEFORE THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION

____________________________________

 

XXXXX,

Petitioner, ) ORDER

:

v. ) Appeal No. 96-0373

:

COLLECTIONS DIVISION OF THE ) Account No. XXXXX

UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION, :

)

Respondent. : Tax Type: Withholding Tax

_____________________________________

 

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 S. 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 penalties of $$$$$ imposed for withholding tax from XXXXX through XXXXX for late filing and late payment. Interest has accrued in the approximate amount of $$$$$. Petitioner indicated that the problem resulted from a bookkeeper who had forged checks. The Petitioner provided a police report to support the fact that charges had been pressed against the former employee. Under the circumstances, the Respondent has recommended that the penalties be waived, but not the interest. Since Petitioner and not the Respondent had the benefit of the funds until final payment, no reasonable grounds exist to waive the interest.

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 the penalties but not the interest 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 5 day of June, 1996.

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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