- 13 - if the taxpayer engages in some business activities at the destination. Id. Whether travel is primarily business related or personal is a question of fact. Sec. 1.162-2(b)(2), Income Tax Regs. Travel expenses must also be adequately substantiated under the provisions of section 274(d). See Fast v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1998-272. Mr. Popov usually depended on his mother to place the ads for him. However, since she was in the United States for 3 months, Mr. Popov had to perform that task himself. This was also an opportune time for Mr. Popov to focus on his business and travel to Bulgaria, since it was his summer break from law school. Mr. Popov wanted to place ads in other newspapers outside of Sofia and investigate setting up an office. Mr. Popov does not have any friends remaining in Bulgaria, and from the numerous advertisements presented at trial, it appears that Mr. Popov did a substantial amount of work. We find that Mr. Popov’s trip to Bulgaria was primarily business related and bore a reasonable and proximate relationship to his Bulgarian/American dating service. The requirements of section 274(d) have been satisfied. Accordingly, petitioners are entitled to deduct the travel expense of $1,180. Accuracy-Related Penalty Respondent determined an accuracy-related penalty under section 6662(a). Section 6662(a) imposes a penalty of 20 percent on any portion of an underpayment of tax that is attributable toPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011