English Español
/305/374/5544

Ruling in Farhy v. Commissioner Shakes Up IRS Penalty Assessments

August 31, 2023
Weisberg Kainen Mark, PL

The Farhy v. Commissioner case marked a groundbreaking moment in the U.S. Tax Court’s history, potentially reshaping how the IRS handles international information return penalties. This case revolved around a critical question: does the IRS possess the authority to impose certain penalties as stipulated by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)? This case specifically applied to the IRC reporting obligations tied to financial transactions involving foreign entities. Failing to comply with these obligations can trigger fines and significant legal consequences. However, the Tax Court’s ruling definitively declared that the IRS, in fact, lacks the power to assess penalties based on IRC Section 6038b.

How Did We Get Here?

The crux of the Farhy v. Commissioner case revolves around international entrepreneur Alon Farhy’s failure to file IRS Form 5471 between 2003 and 2010 for two Belizean corporations under his ownership. Once the IRS discovered the discrepancy, they attempted to impose penalties of $10,000 for every instance he failed to file IRS Form 5471 and the additional assessment of $50,000 per year as continuation penalties for those tax years. 

IRS Form 5471, or the Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Corporations, is required to be filled out by U.S. citizens, residents, and even certain non-residents who have ownership or control over a foreign corporation. This includes individuals who own a certain amount of shares or have important roles in these foreign companies. The form is a way for the IRS to keep track of financial activities and transactions involving these foreign corporations and make sure that all applicable tax laws are followed.

The important thing to note in this case is that the IRS was not attempting to penalize Farhy for illicit financial transactions or tax evasion, but rather, for simply failing to file a form. Naturally, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars due to administrative oversight is not something anyone would take lightly, so Farhy pushed back against the IRS. 

In an unexpected twist, the Tax Court sided with Farhy. 

The Future of IRS Penalties

The court’s verdict was a resounding reminder that the IRS doesn’t have the power to penalize for just anything; it’s confined to penalties that the Internal Revenue Code and Congress explicitly permit. This was a triumph for U.S. taxpayers with foreign business interests. Simple mistakes regarding Form 5471 will not immediately lead to financial ruin. Before raining penalties down on taxpayers, the IRS must first issue a notice of deficiency, and give taxpayers the chance to contest the penalties before being forced to pay them.

However, the Farhy decision carries implications that extend beyond Form 5471 penalties. The ruling may change the way the IRS imposes penalties altogether. It could also result in additional future Tax Court challenges for the IRS in collecting penalties not authorized by the IRC.

Facing Your Own IRS Penalties

For taxpayers, the Farhy decision is a reminder to be aware of their rights. If the IRS delivers penalty assessments to you or your company, there may be new opportunities for legal strategies that protect your interests. At Weisberg Kainen Mark, we help individuals and companies understand the complexities of tax law. If you are facing IRS penalties, reach out to our office at (305) 374-5544 for a consultation.

The following two tabs change content below.

Weisberg Kainen Mark, PL

As experienced trial lawyers with a passion for justice, our firm provides clients with compelling advocacy, attorney availability, and creative solutions to your tax or criminal law matters.

Latest posts by Weisberg Kainen Mark, PL (see all)