- 11 - Respondent determined that petitioner was not entitled to deductions for expenses related to interns petitioner had hired to help him with various legal projects. Petitioner has shown that by hiring these interns he was able to be a better public defender than if he had not hired them. Petitioner has not, however, shown that he was required by the public defender's office to hire these interns or that the expense of hiring them was otherwise ordinary and necessary to his employment.4 Respondent also determined that petitioner was not entitled to various other expenses such as automobile expenses,5 meals and entertainment,6 travel,7 and other business expenses.8 Petitioner has failed to establish that these expenses were ordinary and necessary expenses for his trade or business as an employee with the public defender's office. 4 On cross-examination, petitioner stated “They [the public defender's office] didn't require me to contact these students. * * * They didn't require me to set up the research project.” 5 Petitioner deducted automobile expenses which included gasoline, DMV renewal, registration fees, repairs, and tires. 6 Petitioner deducted meals and entertainment expenses which included meals with co-workers to discuss case strategy. Mr. Armstrong testified that such expenses would not have been reimbursable. 7 Petitioner's travel expenses included luggage which petitioner admitted had elements of personal use. 8 Petitioner deducted, among other items, expenses for candy, flowers, cable television, computer supplies, books, plaques, an answering machine, telephone bills, and a magazine rack.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011