- 19 - the activity exceeds the deductions permitted by section 183(b)(1). Section 183(c) defines an activity “not engaged in for profit” as any activity other than one for which deductions are “allowable * * * under section 162 or under paragraph (1) or (2) of section 212.” Essentially the test for determining whether an activity is engaged in for profit is whether the taxpayer engages in the activity with the primary objective of making a profit. Antonides v. Commissioner, 893 F.2d 656, 659 (4th Cir. 1990), affg. 91 T.C. 686 (1988). Although the expectation need not be reasonable, the expectation must be bona fide. Hulter v. Commissioner, 91 T.C. 371, 393 (1988). Furthermore, in resolving the question, greater weight is given to the objective facts than to the taxpayer’s statement of intent. Thomas v. Commissioner, 84 T.C. 1244, 1269 (1985), affd. 792 F.2d 1256 (4th Cir. 1986). In general, the Commissioner’s determination in the notice of deficiency is presumed correct. Rule 142(a); Welch v. Helvering, 290 U.S. 111 (1933). Under certain circumstances, the burden of proof shifts to the Commissioner. Sec. 7491(a)(1). Petitioner does not contend that section 7491 is applicable, nor did he establish that the burden of proof should shift to respondent. Accordingly, petitioner bears the burden of establishing that he engaged in his fishing activity for profitPage: Previous 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 NextLast modified: November 10, 2007