Steven S. and Lisa J. Bogue - Page 11




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          or where he might go next.  It was not foreseeable that he would            
          be able to return to Minneapolis at any time due to the seniority           
          system.  Thus, we conclude there was no business reason for                 
          petitioners to maintain a home in the Minneapolis area.                     
          Petitioners kept the family residence in the Minneapolis area for           
          purely personal reasons.  Petitioners have failed to prove that             
          Mr. Bogue had a tax home in 2003.  Accordingly, Mr. Bogue was not           
          away from home in Detroit, Washington, New York, and Milwaukee,             
          and the expenses he incurred while there are not deductible.                
          Substantiation of Expenses                                                  
               We next turn to the substantiation issues to determine                 
          whether petitioners are entitled to deduct any remaining                    
          expenses.  We begin by noting the fundamental principle that the            
          Commissioner’s determinations are generally presumed correct, and           
          the taxpayer bears the burden of proving that these                         
          determinations are erroneous.4  Rule 142(a); INDOPCO, Inc. v.               
          Commissioner, 503 U.S. 79, 84 (1992); Welch v. Helvering, 290               
          U.S. 111 (1933).  Moreover, deductions are a matter of                      
          legislative grace, and the taxpayer has the burden to prove he or           
          she is entitled to any deduction claimed.  Rule 142(a); Deputy v.           
          du Pont, 308 U.S. 488, 493 (1940); New Colonial Ice Co. v.                  


               4Petitioners do not claim the burden of proof shifted to               
          respondent under sec. 7491(a).  Petitioners also did not                    
          establish they satisfy the requirements of sec. 7491(a)(2).  We             
          therefore find that the burden of proof remains with petitioners.           





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