Katia V. and Peter Popov - Page 13

                                       - 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 to            




Page:  Previous  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  Next

Last modified: May 25, 2011