- 32 - conduct of a business, the taxpayer must have had more than a generalized expectation of deriving income or a specific business benefit at some indefinite future time from those entertained. Walliser v. Commissioner, supra at 441. Even if such expenses are business related within the meaning of section 162, however, they must be substantiated pursuant to section 274(d) and the regulations thereunder. Sec. 1.274-1, Income Tax Regs. Beck's Liquors did not comply with the detailed substantiation requirements of section 274 and the regulations thereunder. Beck's Liquors deducted meal expenses because some topic related to the liquor store was always discussed. Mr. Beck testified that, during the meals, he was entertaining clients or discussing business with an employee or supplier. A taxpayer's general testimony that business was always discussed during the entertainment is not sufficient to establish a business purpose. The fact that there was a general discussion of the liquor store does not establish a business purpose directly related to the business of Beck's Liquors. Rutz v. Commissioner, 66 T.C. 879, 884 (1976); Leon v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1978-367. c. Cost of Tickets To Various Sporting Events Beck's Liquors purchased tickets to various sporting events for promotional purposes and deducted the cost as an entertainment expense. Respondent allowed all but $200 of the cost of the tickets as a deductible expense. Respondent did notPage: Previous 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Next
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