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IRS Tax Attorney: 6672 case - willfulness issue - did not know
KOCZYLAS v. U.S., Cite as 110 AFTR 2d 2012-XXXX, 12/03/2012
SKOCZYLAS, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendant and Counter-Claimant, v. BREEN, et al. Counter-Defendants.
Court Name: UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
Docket No.: 09 Civ. 2035 (ILG) (RML),
Date Decided: 12/03/2012.
Section 6672(a) provides, in relevant part, that:
“[U]nder section 6672(a), an individual may be held liable for unpaid withholding taxes if: (1) he or she was a “responsible person” for collection and payment of the employer's taxes; and (2) he or she “willfully” failed to comply” with statutory withholding tax requirements. Winter v. United States, 196 F.3d 339, 344 [84 AFTR 2d 99-6892] (2d Cir. 1999). “The assessment of the tax creates a prima facie case of liability, and the person against whom the penalty is levied bears the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that at least one of the two elements of section 6672 liability does not exist.” Schwinger v. United States, 652 F. Supp. 464, 466 [59 AFTR 2d 87-546] (E.D.N.Y. 1987).
Although “[n]o single factor is dispositive in evaluating whether an individual” is a “responsible person” within the meaning of § 6672(a), “the determinative question is whether the individual has significant control over the enterprise's finances.” Winter, 196 F.3d at 345 (internal quotation omitted). To answer this question, the Second Circuit has developed a seven-factor test that directs courts to look at whether the individual:
“Even a responsible person may not be held personally liable under section 6672(a) unless his or her failure to collect, account for, or remit withholding taxes was willful.” Id. “The principal component of willfulness is knowledge: a responsible person acted willfully within the meaning of § 6672(a) if he [or she] (a) knew of the company's obligation to pay withholding taxes, and (b) knew that company funds were being used for other purposes instead.” United States v. Rem, 38 F.3d 634, 643 [74 AFTR 2d 94-6649] (2d Cir. 1994). “Willful conduct may also include a reckless disregard for obvious and known risks as well as a failure to investigate after having notice that withholding taxes have not been remitted to the Government.” Winter, 196 F.3d at 345 (quotations omitted). However, a responsible person will not be held personally liable under § 6672(a) if he or she reasonably believed that taxes were being paid. Id. at 345–36 (discussing a limited ““reasonable cause” exception to section 6672(a) liability”).
Summary judgment is appropriate “if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). “An issue of fact is genuine if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party. A fact is material if it might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law.” Fincher v. Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., 604 F.3d 712, 720 (2d Cir. 2010) (internal quotation omitted).
The moving party bears the burden of establishing the absence of any genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). When the burden of proof at trial would fall on the non-moving party, it ordinarily is sufficient for the movant to point to a lack of evidence to go to the trier of fact on an essential element of the non-movant's claim. Id. at 322–23. To defeat a motion for summary judgment, the non-moving party “must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts,” Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586–87 (1986)), and cannot “rely on conclusory allegations or unsubstantiated speculation.” Brown v. Eli Lilly & Co., 654 F.3d 347, 358 (2d Cir. 2011) (internal quotation omitted). However, under § 6672(a), “[t]he person against whom the IRS assesses a § 6672 tax penalty has the burden of disproving [the tax liability], by a preponderance of the evidence.” Fiataruolo v. United States, 8 F.3d 930, 938 [72 AFTR 2d 93-6550] (2d Cir. 1993).
A court deciding a motion for summary judgment must “construe the facts in the light most favorable to the non-moving party and must resolve all ambiguities and draw all reasonable inferences against the movant.” Brod v. Omya, Inc., 653 F.3d 156, 164 (2d Cir. 2011) (internal quotation omitted). “Credibility determinations, the weighing of the evidence, and the drawing of legitimate inferences from the facts are jury functions, not those of a judge.” Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S. 133, 150 (2000).
“In the context of a section 6672(a) dispute, ... summary judgment is appropriate where there are no genuine questions as to the assessed individual's control of company funds and decision making authority, his or her knowledge of the deflection of company funds to payees other than the IRS, or the existence or reasonableness of his or her belief that the taxes were, in fact, being paid.” Winter, 196 F.3d at 346. “A court may grant summary judgment as to willfulness “only when the facts are undisputed and application of the law to those facts will reasonably support only one ultimate conclusion.”” Reiff v. United States, 461 F. Supp. 2d 142, 154 [98 AFTR 2d 2006-7566] (S.D.N.Y. 2006) (quoting Winter, 196 F.3d at 347). While the individual has the burden of proof, if “the individual's position makes his [or her] claim of ignorance of nonpayment plausible and there are no other indicia of knowledge,” Rem, 38 F.3d at 644, then “a question of fact exists as to willfulness.” Reiff, 461 F. Supp. 2d at 154.
A. Dvora Skoczylas
Skoczylas argues that she is not a “responsible person” under § 6672 and that even if the Court finds otherwise, it should still grant summary judgment in her favor “because she did not willfully fail to pay over LIHAC's trust fund taxes.” Pl.'s Mem. at 1. The government contends that Skoczylas is a “responsible person” who willfully failed to pay LIHAC's taxes, so the Court should deny Skoczylas' motion and grant summary judgment in the government's favor. Gov't's Opp'n at 1; Gov't's Mem. at 18–19, 23–24. The Court finds the existence of genuine disputes as to material facts and denies both parties' motions.
1. “Responsible Person”
Under the Second Circuit's seven-factor test, two factors weigh in favor of the government, two factors weigh in favor of Skoczylas, and three factors turn on disputed issues of material fact. Therefore, summary judgment for either party under § 6672 is not appropriate.
i. Officer or Member of the Board of Directors
The parties agree that Skoczylas was a member of the Board of Directors and President of LIHAC. Gov't's 56.1 Opp'n ¶¶ 15, 17. Although they dispute the reach of the title “President” and the importance of how frequently the Board met or that Skoczylas' position was unpaid, Pl.'s Mem. at 6–9; Gov't's Opp'n at 5–6; Pl.'s Reply at 4, the dispute is irrelevant because the issue is whether Skoczylas “is an officer or member of the board of directors.” Winter, 196 F.3d at 345 (emphasis added). Because it is undisputed that Skoczylas was a director of LIHAC, this factor weighs in favor of finding that Skoczylas is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a).
ii. Owns Shares or Possesses an Entrepreneurial Stake in the Company
The parties agree that Skoczylas was the 100% controlling shareholder at all times relevant to this case. Pl.'s 56.1 Opp'n ¶¶ 9–10. Although Skoczylas argues that she “was never a bona fide owner” and merely held the “ceremonial title[] of shareholder,” Pl.'s Mem. at 14, she “concede[s] that she held legal title to the shares of LIHAC during the periods at issue.” Pl.'s Reply at 4. Because it is undisputed that Skoczylas was the sole shareholder of LIHAC, this factor weighs in favor of finding that Skoczylas is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a).
iii. Actively Manages Day-to-Day Operations
The parties agree that “Skoczylas does not appear to have been active in the management of the day-to-day affairs of LIHAC.” Gov't's Opp'n at 6. Although the government notes that Skoczylas was “kept apprised of [the] financial health of the hospital,” this is a far cry from active day-to-day management. Therefore, this factor weighs against finding that Skoczylas is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a).
iv. Has the Ability to Hire and Fire Employees
The parties dispute whether Skoczylas, as a director, had the ability to hire and fire employees. The government argues that Skoczylas had this power because she participated in Board meetings that granted physicians hospital privileges and approved the hiring and firing of various executives. Gov't's Opp'n at 7–8. Skoczylas responds that the Board did not have real power to hire and fire because LIHAC was actually run by the Parties in Interest during the bankruptcy, not the Board. Pl.'s Reply at 5–6. Skoczylas also asserts that “granting privileges to physicians at a hospital is not hiring or firing employees.” Id. at 5. Skoczylas is correct that granting a physician hospital privileges does not constitute an employment contract. Lobel v. Maimonides Med. Ctr., 835 N.Y.S.2d 28, 29 (1st Dep't 2007) (citing Engelstad v. Virginia Mun. Hosp., 718 F.2d 262 (8th Cir. 1983)). 6 The parties also dispute whether the Board or the Parties in Interest ran LIHAC during the bankruptcy, so there are genuine disputes as to material facts regarding this factor.
v. Decides Which, When, and in What Order Debts and Taxes Will Be Paid
The parties agree that Skoczylas lacked the power to decide which, when, and in what order debts and taxes will be paid. However, the government contends that because Skoczylas maintained signature power over LIHAC's corporate checking accounts, she “possessed final veto power” over paying payroll, debts, and taxes. Gov't's Opp'n at 8. That contention is unpersuasive given the Second Circuit's cautionary language that “section 6672(a) is not meant to ensnare those who have mere “technical authority.”” Winter, 196 F.3d at 345. Therefore, this factor weighs against finding that Skoczylas is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a).
vi. Exercises Control over Daily Bank Accounts and Disbursement Records
The parties dispute whether Skoczylas exercised control over daily bank accounts. The government contends, and Skoczylas does not appear to dispute, that “Skoczylas maintained check-signing authority on all of LIHAC's corporate checking accounts,” “her signature was printed on all issued payroll checks,” and she “exercised her signatory authority from time-to-time on LIHAC's operating account.” Gov't's Opp'n at 8. However, Skoczylas argues that she “did not have possession or control of LIHAC's checkbook”; she “simply performed the ministerial act of signing the checks in an emergency.” Pl.'s Reply at 9. The Second Circuit has held that “section 6672(a) was not intended to apply to an individual who lacks actual control over an employer's finances, even though he or she has technical authority by virtue of title or ownership interest.” Winter, 196 F.3d at 346 (citation omitted). Therefore, this factor depends on whether Skoczylas possessed actual control over LIHAC's checkbook and bank accounts, which is a disputed material fact.
vii. Has Check-Signing Authority
This factor turns on the same disputed material facts discussed above.
Skoczylas relies heavily on Simpson v. United States, 664 F. Supp. 43 [62 AFTR 2d 88-5008] (E.D.N.Y. 1987) (Glasser, J.), to argue that she should be granted summary judgment because the seven factors weigh against finding that she is a “responsible person.” In Simpson, this court held that the members of the Board of Trustees of a hospital were not “responsible persons” under § 6672(a), denied the government's motion for summary judgment, and granted the Trustees' motion. Id. at 48–50. Skoczylas analogizes her case to Simpson and emphasizes that, like here, the Trustees in Simpson were unpaid and did not take the leading role in running the hospital. Pl.'s Mem. at 6. While the Court recognizes the “social value in having individuals agree to serve on the boards of hospitals,” it also cautions that “unpaid service on the board of a not-for-profit institution should not confer automatic immunity from the strictures of section 6672.” Simpson, 664 F. Supp. at 49. In Simpson, the Court found that the Trustees “did not sign checks” and “did not hire and fire employees,” whereas here the Court finds genuine disputes as to material facts for both factors. Id. Therefore, Simpson, is distinguishable.
A more apt analogue is Winter v. United States. In Winter, the government introduced evidence that Rita Romer was an officer, director, and shareholder who possessed check-signing authority and was involved in important operations decisions. 196 F.3d at 346. In response, Romer introduced evidence that “she held her ownership interest and her titles merely as a convenience to her husband, who exercised effective control over her interest in the company,” while “she had no decision-making authority.” Id. Faced with this conflicting evidence, the court concluded that “there exists a genuine issue of fact as to whether she exercised “significant control” over [the company's] finances or merely enjoyed a “titular designation” at the company,” so summary judgment was not appropriate. Id. Here, the government has introduced evidence that Skoczylas was a director and sole shareholder of LIHAC who may have possessed hiring, firing, and check-signing authority. Conversely, Skoczylas has introduced evidence that she possessed little, if any, control over management, operations, or finances. As in Winter, this raises genuine issues of material fact that cannot be resolved at the summary judgment stage in favor of either party.
Under the totality of the circumstances, the seven-factor test does not warrant granting summary judgment to either Skoczylas or the government. Accordingly, on the issue of whether Skoczylas is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a), both Skoczylas' and the government's motions are DENIED.
“The principal component of willfulness is knowledge,” United States v. Rem, 38 F.3d 634, 643 [74 AFTR 2d 94-6649] (2d Cir. 1994), and, as discussed supra, the parties dispute Skoczylas' knowledge and involvement throughout the relevant period. Although Skoczylas bears the burden of proof, she presents sufficient evidence of being unaware of LIHAC's failure to pay withholding taxes. For example, Hung testified:
Q: So as far as you know, Ms. Skoczylas had no idea of the delinquency?
A: Correct. I didn't say anything to her.
Reiser Decl., Ex. 7 (Hung Dep.), at 197. Conversely, the government presents evidence that Skoczylas had access to, and at times even signed, documents that showed LIHAC's tax delinquencies. Gov't's Mem. at 23–24. In light of these genuine disputes as to material facts, the issue of Skoczylas' willfulness cannot be resolved at the summary judgment stage. Accordingly, both Skoczylas' and the government's motions are DENIED. 7
B. John Breen
Breen concedes that he is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a) for most of the relevant time period, but argues that he is entitled to summary judgment because “there is no evidence that he acted willfully in causing any LIHAC payroll tax deficiency.” Breen's Opp'n at 77. The government contends that it is entitled to summary judgment because “Breen willfully failed to collect, truthfully account for or pay over LIHAC's withheld employment taxes to the IRS.” Gov't's Mem. at 24–26. The Court finds that Breen is a “responsible person” under § 6672(a) for most, but not all, of the relevant time period, but finds that there are genuine disputes as to material facts regarding Breen's willfulness. Accordingly, it grants Breen's motion in part and denies Breen's motion in part, and grant's the government's motion in part and denies the government's motion in part.
Breen's status as a “responsible person” turns on the precise timeline of events. As discussed supra, it is undisputed that LIHAC did not fully pay federal payroll taxes for the first three quarters of 2002 and the first two quarters of 2003. It is also undisputed that Breen was COO during the first quarter of 2002, was promoted to CEO during the second quarter of 2002, and was CEO for all subsequent quarters in 2002 and 2003.
The parties appear to agree that Breen was not a “responsible person” in the first quarter of 2002 when he was COO, and was a “responsible person” in the third quarter of 2002 and first two quarters of 2003 when he was CEO. Breen's Opp'n at 34–36; Gov't's Reply to Breen at 2, 5–6. But, they dispute whether Breen was a “responsible person” in the second quarter of 2002. Breen argues that he was not a “responsible person” in the second quarter of 2002 because he was still COO for most of the quarter. Breen's Opp'n at 34–36. The government responds that Breen became CEO with 30 days left in the second quarter of 2002, so “there was sufficient time remaining ... for Breen to determine the status of LIHAC's unpaid federal employment tax liability accruing during the second quarter”; therefore, Breen was a “responsible person” in the second quarter of 2002. Gov't's Reply to Breen at 2, 5–6. Since Breen was promoted to CEO partway through the second quarter of 2002, the Court finds that the extent of Breen's responsibility in the second quarter of 2002 raises genuine disputes as to material facts. Accordingly, on the issue of whether Breen is a “responsible person,” Breen's motion is GRANTED for the first quarter of 2002, and DENIED for all subsequent quarters, and the government's motion is GRANTED for the third quarter of 2002 and all subsequent quarters, and DENIED for all previous quarters.
Summary judgment is not appropriate on the issue of willfulness because the issue is a matter of credibility, which is a determination made at trial. As discussed supra, Breen testified that he was unaware of the tax liabilities until September 2003, while Hung testified that he informed Breen in 2002. Similarly, the government argues that Breen was aware of the tax liabilities in September 2002 based on the minutes of a meeting of the Parties in Interest, while Breen contends that he was discussing state employment taxes. Gov't's Reply to Breen at 10–11. Finally, Breen contends that he did not read the tax information appended to the MORs he signed and, even if he had read it, he would not have understood it. The government responds that even if Breen could not understand the tax information appended to the MORs, he showed a reckless disregard for the “known risk that LIHAC's employment tax liabilities would not be paid over to the United States” because “he utterly failed to conduct any investigation to assure himself that employment taxes were being paid over to the IRS.” Id. Such factual disputes cannot be adjudicated at the summary judgment stage, so both Breen's and the government's motions are DENIED. 8
For the foregoing reasons, Skoczylas' motion is DENIED, the government's motion against Skoczylas is DENIED, Breen's motion is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, and the government's motion against Breen is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part.
After LIHAC declared bankruptcy, it experienced management changes in 2000 and 2001 and attempted to attain not-for-profit status, which has no relevance to this action. Gov't's 56.1 Opp'n ¶¶ 87, 89, 92–94, 100, 122–23.
IRS Form 941 is an employer's quarterly federal tax return. Employers are required to withhold payroll taxes from employees and report them quarterly on Form 941. See 26 U.S.C. §§ 3102(a), 7501(a); 26 C.F.R. § 31.6011(a)-4.
Although Local Civil Rule 56.1 does not require a reply statement of facts by the movant, it also does not forbid it. Therefore, the Court will consider reply statements of facts.
The Complaint refers to “Trust Fund
Recovery Penalties” because payroll taxes that employers deduct from employees' wages are held by the employer in a special trust fund for the government's benefit. See 26 U.S.C. § 7501.
Breen's motion for summary judgment, despite spanning 79 pages, does not contain a statement of material facts in numbered paragraphs as required by Local Civil Rule 56.1(a). “Failure to submit such a statement may constitute grounds for denial of the motion.” Local Civ. R. 56.1(a). Nonetheless, for the sake of efficiency and in light of the voluminous record, the Court will decide Breen's motion in conjunction with the other parties' motions.
Although Skoczylas does not cite to any authority, LIHAC is governed by New York contract and employment law because it is a New York hospital.
The government also contends that, in the alternative, Skoczylas should be held strictly liable. Gov't's Mem. at 26–27. The government appears to base its argument on the allegation that LIHAC possessed unencumbered funds and chose not to use them to pay taxes, Gov't's 56.1 ¶ 45, but offers no evidence to support the fact that the funds were unencumbered. Breen's 56.1 Opp'n ¶ 45. The government's theory of strict liability is contradicted by the text of the statute, which only applies to an individual who “willfully fails to collect such tax ... or willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat such tax.” 26 U.S.C. § 6672(a) (emphasis added). Moreover, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that “the statute cannot be construed to impose liability without fault” because it “does not impose an absolute duty.” Slodov v. United States, 436 U.S. 238, 254 [42 AFTR 2d 78-5011] (1978). The government's attempts to distinguish Slodov are unavailing, Gov't's Reply to Pl. at 10–12, because the weight of authority holds that “[a]ttaining the status of a “responsible person” does not ... encompass strict liability for a company's tax delinquency.” Michaud v. United States, 40 Fed. Cl. 1, 23 [80 AFTR 2d 97-8007] (Fed. Cl. 1997).
As with Skoczylas, the government also contends that, in the alternative, Breen should be held strictly liable. Gov't's Mem. at 26–27. The Court rejects the government's argument for the same reasons.
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