- 32 - indicative of the requisite intent. Nonetheless, because of the complete absence of evidence to show that the profits resulted from any conscious efforts or calculation on the part of petitioner, the apparent fortuitous nature of the positive returns is not overcome. The financial status factor is likewise not supportive of petitioner’s claims. Adjusted gross income from other sources totaled over $300,000 in both of the years for which losses were disallowed. Petitioner could afford and benefit taxwise from the loss. Finally, it is unlikely that petitioner owned, maintained, and flew a personal aircraft without finding some pleasure in the activity. Also, the much greater percentage of time that the aircraft was devoted to personal rather than business use (given that the ranch failed to qualify as a business) indicates that personal motives predominated over profit motives. Thus, as with the cattle-ranching enterprise, section 183 precludes petitioners from deducting losses related to the aircraft-rental business. Respondent’s determinations of deficiencies are therefore sustained as to both activities. Penalty Issue The final issue we must decide is whether petitioners are liable, as respondent contends, for accuracy-related penalties based on negligence. Section 6662(a) and (b)(1) imposes anPage: Previous 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011