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IRS Penalties
The most common IRS penalties are calculated on the amount of tax that is due but unpaid. For example, if you file an income tax return late, the law says you must pay 5% per month (up to 25%) of the "net amount due." (So if there is no net amount due, there is no penalty.) The other common penalties are late payment (1/2% per month at first, then increasing to 1%), estimated taxes, and bad check penalty. For businesses, the most common penalties are for failure to pay over the payroll taxes. Generally, you must show "reasonable cause" and/or "ordinary care and prudence" in order to avoid or abate penalties. These are shown by a full presentation of all facts and circumstances. An example is a serious illness that prevented you from filing a tax return on time. Another might be a severe, unexpected cash flow crunch (such as from a natural disaster or terrorist attack). However, be aware that the Internal Revenue Manual and hundreds of cases have interpreted these phrases. Each type of penalty comes with its own standards that must be explicitly addressed, in detail. Yes. In fact, the law requires that interest be charged on tax, and on penalties, and on interest. This "interest on interest" feature arises because interest is compounded daily. |
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