Robert & Diane Schwartz - Page 15




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          nonexclusive, and the number of factors for or against the                  
          taxpayer is not necessarily determinative, but rather all facts             
          and circumstances must be taken into account, and more weight may           
          be given to some factors than to others.  Id.; cf. Dunn v.                  
          Commissioner, supra.                                                        
               As an initial matter, we found petitioners’ testimonies                
          regarding the yacht activity to be credible.  Other witnesses               
          corroborated their testimonies.                                             
          Manner in Which Petitioners Carry On the Activity                           
               The fact that a taxpayer carries on the activity in a                  
          businesslike manner and maintains complete and accurate books and           
          records may indicate a profit objective.  Sec. 1.183-2(b)(1),               
          Income Tax Regs.  A change of operating methods, adoption of new            
          techniques, or abandonment of unprofitable methods in a manner              
          consistent with an intent to improve profitability may also                 
          indicate a profit motive.  Id.                                              
               Petitioners carried on the activity in a businesslike                  
          manner.  A separate banking account for Diane Racing was                    
          maintained during the years in issue.  Mrs. Schwartz did the                
          paperwork for Diane Racing, including paying the bills,                     
          maintaining the bank account, and sending out correspondence.  At           
          trial and attached to the stipulation of facts, canceled checks             
          relating to expenses paid for the Diane during the years in issue           








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Last modified: May 25, 2011