In last week’s blog, I discussed my concerns regarding the failure of the IRS Office of Appeals (Appeals) and Wage & Investment (W&I) to adequately identify the particular frivolous position prompting mailing of a notification letter. This letter provides taxpayers with 30 days to withdraw the frivolous position included on an income tax return or in a submission to the IRS, and thereby avoid application of the $5,000 frivolous return penalty imposed by IRC § 6702. The lack of clear identification regarding the objectionable issue, however, can sometimes make it very difficult for taxpayers to timely determine and correct the frivolous position.

Read More