- 11 - with self-serving and incredible testimony. Because petitioner did not introduce credible evidence with respect to those factual issues, the burden of proof does not shift to respondent under section 7491(a)(1).7 Accordingly, we need not decide whether petitioner has complied with the applicable requirements of section 7491(a)(2). The burden of proof rests with petitioner to prove that he qualifies for a theft loss deduction in excess of the amount respondent allowed in the notice of deficiency. Section 165(a) allows a deduction for “any loss sustained during the taxable year and not compensated for by insurance or otherwise.” Concerning theft losses, section 165(a) is applicable for the year “in which the taxpayer discovers such loss.” Sec. 165(e). For purposes of section 165(e), theft includes embezzlement. Sec. 1.165-8(d), Income Tax Regs. To carry his burden, petitioner must establish that the alleged theft loss occurred and that the requirements of section 165 have been met. See Allen v. Commissioner, 16 T.C. 163, 166- 167 (1951). Petitioner must establish, inter alia, the existence of a theft within the meaning of section 165 and the amount of the claimed theft loss. See Elliott v. Commissioner, 40 T.C. 304, 311 (1963). Whether certain actions constitute theft for 7We note that, although the burden of proof did not shift, respondent did produce a full source and applications analysis of petitioner’s business and personal income. The analysis shows no missing funds.Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next
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