Donald J. and Lillian Joy Miravalle - Page 12

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          underlying deficiencies, petitioners have the burden of proving             
          respondent's determination incorrect.  Rule 142(a); DiLeo v.                
          Commissioner, 96 T.C. at 869.                                               
               Petitioners' position is that they were not "in business"              
          during the years at issue, that they were preparing in late 1983            
          for their opening on January 1, 1984, and that, although they may           
          have sold a few experimental models, they certainly did not make            
          a profit.  They also assert that some of the deposits were                  
          reimbursements for items which they purchased at a discount for             
          others.                                                                     
               In 1979, petitioners opened their business bank account at             
          Park Bank and rented space to build marine air conditioners.                
          They advertised regularly during 1982 and 1983.  During 1981,               
          1982, and 1983, they made regular deposits of business receipts.            
          We find they were engaged in business activities during the years           
          at issue.  In calculating petitioners' business receipts,                   
          respondent has allowed for nontaxable transfers between                     
          petitioners' bank accounts.  Petitioners have presented no                  
          evidence to counter respondent's determinations as to the amounts           
          of petitioners' receipts.  Thus, we sustain those determinations,           
          except that, since petitioners jointly operated their business              
          but are considered to be filing their tax returns separately,6              

               6  Since petitioners failed to file any tax returns for the            
          years at issue and have filed their petition with the Court, they           
          are precluded from being treated on the basis of joint return               
                                                             (continued...)           




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