Stephen and Sara Galligan - Page 3




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          the Minnesota State law library.  She was admitted to the bar in            
          Minnesota on May 7, 1999.                                                   
               Although the courses taken to obtain her law degree improved           
          or maintained her skills in her position as a law librarian, Mrs.           
          Galligan’s employer did not require her to obtain a law degree or           
          attend law school.  The job posting for Mrs. Galligan’s position            
          as Law Library Manager only indicated that a “[law degree] or at            
          least two years of professional experience in a law library is              
          strongly preferred.”                                                        
               During 1996 and 1997, petitioners claimed deductions of                
          $13,313 and $14,998, respectively, for Mrs. Galligan’s legal                
          educational expenses.                                                       
               Petitioners argue that they are permitted to deduct the                
          expenses incurred by Mrs. Galligan while attending law school               
          because the legal educational expenses improved and maintained              
          her skills as a law librarian.  Respondent contends that                    
          petitioners are not entitled to deduct Mrs. Galligan’s legal                
          educational expenses because the expenses led to her                        
          qualification for a new trade or business.                                  
               Because the burden of proof does not affect the result in              
          this case, we find that section 7491 has no bearing on the                  
          determination of the legal issues before us.                                
               Section 162 allows a deduction for ordinary and necessary              
          expenses incurred in carrying on a trade or business.  Section              






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