-11- inexactitude is of his or her own making. Cohan v. Commissioner, 39 F.2d 540, 543-544 (2d Cir. 1930). For the Cohan rule to apply, however, a basis must exist on which this Court can make an approximation. Vanicek v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 731, 742-743 (1985). Without such a basis, any allowance would amount to unguided largesse. Williams v. United States, 245 F.2d 559, 560 (5th Cir. 1957). Certain business expenses may not be estimated because of the strict substantiation requirements of section 274(d). See sec. 280F(d)(4)(A); Sanford v. Commissioner, 50 T.C. 823, 827 (1968), affd. per curiam 412 F.2d 201 (2d Cir. 1969). For such expenses, only documentary evidence will suffice. We now address whether petitioner is allowed to deduct any amounts beyond those he reported on his returns. We find that he may not. Petitioner has not introduced evidence to substantiate the additional deductions he claims. He has simply stated in his brief that he is entitled to these deductions. Statements in briefs and exhibits attached to briefs are not evidence.8 See Rule 143(b); Shepherd v. Commissioner, 115 T.C. 376, 399 n.22 (2000), affd. 283 F.3d 1258 (11th Cir. 2002). As petitioner has introduced no evidence regarding these claimed deductions, we cannot estimate the amounts of the deductions under the Cohan rule. See Cohan v. Commissioner, supra. Accordingly, petitioner 8In his reply brief, petitioner also requests additional time to supply information regarding the lease of equipment. Evidence pertaining to petitioner’s claims should have been introduced at trial. See Rule 143. Petitioner may not introduce any further evidence. See id.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011