- 7 - then each such occupation or employment constitutes a separate trade or business. Davis v. Commissioner, 65 T.C. 1014, 1019 (1976). In applying the test, we have found different trades or businesses within the same general field. See, e.g., Reisinger v. Commissioner, 71 T.C. 568, 577 (1979) (physician's assistant different from licensed practical nurse); Glenn v. Commissioner, 62 T.C. 270, 275 (1974) (certified public accountant different from licensed public accountant). Petitioners bear the burden to prove that they are entitled to the deductions in question. Rule 142(a); Welch v. Helvering, 290 U.S. 111, 115 (1933). Petitioners must prove that the education expenses neither qualify petitioner for a new trade or business nor are necessary to meet the minimum requirements for qualification as a music therapist. Petitioner's trade or business prior to her studies at the University of Central Oklahoma and Texas Women's University was that of a professional pianist and piano teacher. After retirement from the faculty of the University of Oklahoma in 1988, her teaching activities for 1988 and 1989 consisted of private piano lessons given in her own home. After her studies at the two universities, petitioner was qualified to work as a music therapist. In their trial memorandum, petitioners explain the tasks and activities of a music therapist as follows:Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011