What is an example of reasonable cause for FTB?

Asked by: Mr. Jerrell Langworth  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)

Some examples of reasons provided by a taxpayer that may be accepted as reasonable cause, if substantiated, are 1) the business records were destroyed by fire, 2) the taxpayer was mentally incompetent, and 3) the dishonored payment was due to a bank error.

What are some examples of reasonable causes?

Fires, natural disasters or civil disturbances. Inability to get records. Death, serious illness or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or immediate family. System issues that delayed a timely electronic filing or payment.

What is reasonable cause for taxes in California?

Reasonable cause may be established if a taxpayer can show that failure to comply with the law occurred despite the exercise of ordinary business care and prudence. For more information on reasonable cause, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for reasonable cause.

What is the reasonable cause exception?

Reasonable cause

This relief is based on all the facts and circumstances in a taxpayer's situation. The IRS will consider this relief when the taxpayer can show they tried to meet their obligations, but were unable to do so.

What is an example of reasonable cause for late filing 8832?

This statement is required when filing a late election relief request. Here are key things the reasonable cause statement should include: A clear explanation of why you did not file Form 8832 by the deadline. For example, you may have been unaware of the filing requirement or you received incorrect professional advice.

FTB Penalty Abatements - Explained by a Tax Attorney

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What does the FTB consider to be reasonable cause?

In order for a penalty to be canceled, reasonable cause must exist. Reasonable cause means the act occurred despite the exercise of ordinary business care and prudence and the failure was due to events beyond the filer's control.

What is a good cause for late filing?

Good cause includes things like:
  • A serious illness prevented you from contacting the appeals reviewer.
  • You had a death or serious illness in your immediate family.
  • Important records were destroyed or damaged by fire or other event, like a hurricane, earthquake or flood.

How do I write a reasonable cause letter to the IRS?

When requesting abatement of penalties for reasonable cause, your statement should include supporting documentation and address the following items: The reason the penalty was charged. The daily delinquency penalty may be charged for either a late filed return, an incomplete return, or both.

What is the most important factor in determining if the reasonable cause and good faith exception to the substantial understatement penalty is appropriate?

Generally, the most important factor is the extent of the taxpayer's effort to assess the taxpayer's proper tax liability.

What is the definition of reasonable cause?

Definition. A standard of proof that is applied to a set of facts or actions to prove whether a reasonable person would have come to the same conclusion or acted in the same way given the totality of the circumstances.

What is reasonable cause for not paying taxes?

The IRS will consider any sound reason for failing to file a tax return, make a deposit, or pay tax when due. Sound reasons, if established, include: Fire, casualty, natural disaster or other disturbances. Inability to obtain records.

What is good cause for termination in California?

Legal reasons to terminate contracted employees include the employee willfully breaching a contract, habitually neglecting his/her employment duties, or being unable to perform duties. Verbal and written contracts qualify under state laws.

What is the 183 day rule in California?

In fact, the purpose of time spent in California may have more weight in determining legal residency than the actual number of days spent. To classify as a nonresident, an individual has to prove that they were in the state for less than 183 days and that their purpose for being in the state was temporary.

What are reasonable examples?

Our boss has reasonable expectations of his employees. The team has a reasonable chance of winning. He makes a reasonable amount of money. The store's prices are reasonable.

How to get tax penalty waived?

Respond to a penalty assessment by making a formal waiver request by writing to the IRS, explaining your situation, and including your supporting documents. If your initial waiver request is denied, you can appeal by providing additional information or clarification.

What is an example of a non willful statement?

Example 1: David is a second year lawful permanent resident who began working with a CPA this year for the first time. David learned for the first time that in his prior year he should have reported his foreign bank accounts. This would be an example of non-wilfulness.

What is good faith probable cause?

If probable-cause support for a search warrant is clearly lacking in the view of a well-trained officer, then the 'good faith' exception will not apply even though the warrant is issued by a magistrate. The proper execution of a warrant is required before the 'good faith' exception applies.

What happens if you file your taxes late but don't owe anything?

Those individuals will not face a penalty for filing their taxes late. This is assuming that you eventually do file your taxes, since failing to file entirely can be seen as tax evasion. Just because you won't be penalized does not mean you shouldn't attempt to be timely on your tax filings.

What is the maximum number of tax refunds that may be deposited into a single financial account?

No more than three electronic refunds can be deposited into a single financial account or pre-paid debit card. Taxpayers who exceed the limit will receive an IRS notice and a paper refund.

What are some examples of reasonable cause?

According to the IRS, “reasonable cause” means that, based on all of the facts and circumstances, a taxpayer used all ordinary business care and prudence to meet his/her tax obligations but were nevertheless unable to do so (e.g., due to fire, death, serious injury, reliance on a tax professional, etc.).

How do you write a reasonable letter?

Elements:
  1. full mailing address of the sender.
  2. date on which letter is written.
  3. address of person to whom letter is addressed.
  4. subject line.
  5. salutation.
  6. body (the main message)
  7. complimentary closing.
  8. signature line (be sure to sign your letter)

What is the IRS one time forgiveness?

First Time Abate relief and unpaid tax

Example: You didn't fully pay your taxes in 2021 and got a notice with the balance due and penalty charges. You call us requesting penalty relief and we give you First Time Abate. We remove the penalty up to the date of your request.

What is a good reason for filing late?

your partner or another close relative died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline. you had an unexpected stay in hospital that prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs. you had a serious or life-threatening illness. your computer or software failed while you were preparing your online return.

Can I skip a year of filing taxes?

It's illegal. The law requires you to file every year that you have a filing requirement. The government can hit you with civil and even criminal penalties for failing to file your return.

What is IRS' reasonable cause?

Reasonable cause is relief IRS may grant when a taxpayer exercises ordinary business care and prudence in determining their tax obligations but is unable to comply with those obligations due to circumstances beyond their control.