- 13 - do not find to be reliable.4 Petitioners did not produce a single item of corroborating evidence, such as a ledger, time log, bank account record, receipt, or invoice. Petitioners have not shown that petitioner and SFIS were involved in any activity with continuity and regularity, and they have not shown that any of the objective factors enumerated above demonstrate an intent to profit. We therefore find that SFIS was not engaged in a trade or business and is not entitled to any business expense deductions. Sec. 162(a); Commissioner v. Groetzinger, supra. With no underlying trade or business, SFIS is limited to the deductions allowed by respondent pursuant to section 183(b). Sec. 183(a), (c). Negligence In the notice of deficiency, respondent determined that petitioners are liable for accuracy-related penalties under section 6662(a) of $595 in 1996 and $704.40 in 1997. This determination is based upon the adjustments made with respect to the disallowed SFIS losses. By amended answer, respondent seeks to increase the penalties to $1,071 in 1996 and $1,270 in 1997. This increase is based upon the unreported income from the litigation proceeds. 4Petitioner testified that SFIS has been engaged in a variety of activities, including real estate and sales of pre- paid calling cards, gold coins, “a vitamin-type product that kind of replaces Viagra”, and a “program for debt freedom”.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011