- 16 - attributable to the trade or business, plus certain items not relevant here. Sec. 1402(a). The term "trade or business" for purposes of the self-employment tax generally has the same meaning it has for purposes of section 162. Sec. 1402(c). Thus, to be engaged in a trade or business within the meaning of section 1402(a), an individual must be involved in an activity with continuity and regularity, and the primary purpose for engaging in the activity must be for income and profit. Commissioner v. Groetzinger, 480 U.S. 23 (1987). Whether an individual is carrying on a trade or business requires an examination of all the facts in each case. Higgins v. Commissioner, 312 U.S. 212, 217 (1941). These provisions are to be broadly construed to favor treatment of income as earnings from self-employment. Hornaday v. Commissioner, 81 T.C. 830, 834 (1983). Clearly Mr. Ortiz received unreported self-employment income in 1991 and 1992 from his wholesale used car business. Having found that the amounts were $17,390 and $49,163, respectively, it follows that he is liable for self-employment taxes under section 1401 on those earnings. However, he is entitled to corresponding increases in his self-employment tax deductions for 1991 and 1992. These adjustments are computational. Issues 5 and 6. Fraud Penalties Respondent determined that both petitioners are liable for fraud penalties pursuant to section 6663 for the years in issues.Page: Previous 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Next
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