Appellate Powers: authority to modify assessments and penalties subject to a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
The appellate authorities may confirm, reduce, enhance, or annul assessments and may confirm, cancel, or vary penalty orders; the Commissioner (Appeals) alone may set aside assessments and remit for fresh assessment in specified cases. Any enhancement of assessment or penalty or reduction of refund requires a reasonable opportunity for the appellant to show cause. The appellate authority may consider and decide any matter arising from the proceedings, and must take into account materials produced before the Settlement Commission where proceedings abate.