Activity Engaged in for Profit Archives

Activity Engaged in for Profit

Walters v. Commissioner
(T.C. Memo. 2022-17)

On March 7, 2022, the Tax Court issued a Memorandum Opinion in the case of Walters v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo. 2022-17). The primary issue presented in Walters v. Commissioner was whether the petitioners’ mutually owned partnership was engaged in for-profit activities in constructing “green” homes. Background to Walters v. Commissioner Petitioner Jessica Walters (petitioner daughter) resided in North Carolina when she timely filed her petition, and petitioners David Walters (petitioner husband) and Jean Walters (petitioner

Scott St. Amand May 26, 2022

Activity Engaged in for Profit

Skolnick v. Commissioner
T.C. Memo. 2021-139

On December 16, 2021, the Tax Court issued a Memorandum Opinion in the case of Skolnick v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo. 2021-139). The primary issue presented in Skolnick was whether the petitioner’s “horse activity,” undertaken through his LLC, was an activity not engaged in for profit within the meaning of IRC § 183 during 2010-2013. Held: Petitioners were just horsing around, but they had reasonable cause to avoid the accuracy-related penalties. On Horse Breeding and Miniature

Scott St. Amand April 25, 2022

2% Floor for Itemized Deductions

Gregory v. Commissioner
T.C. Memo. 2021-115

On September 29, 2021, the Tax Court issued a Memorandum Opinion in the case of Gregory v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo. 2021-115). The primary issue presented in Gregory v. Commissioner was whether the claimed deductions permitted under IRC § 183(b) for activities not engaged in for profit are not subject to the 2% floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions set forth in IRC § 67(a). Background to Gregory v. Comissioner During the years at issue, 2014 and 2015, the

Scott St. Amand October 18, 2021

Activity Engaged in for Profit

The Test for Profit Motive: Allowance of Deductions under IRC § 183 Test

What factors aid the Tax Court in deciding when an activity is entered into with a “profit motive” (with allowable ordinary and necessary expenses) versus a hobby (where losses may be taken only up to the amount of profit received)? Taxpayers can deduct all ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred in carrying on a trade or business,[1] for the production or collection of income,[2] or for the management, conservation, or maintenance of property held

Scott St. Amand July 15, 2021

Activity Engaged in for Profit

Whatley v. Commissioner
T.C. Memo. 2021-11

On January 28, 2021, the Tax Court issued a Memorandum Opinion in the case of Whatley v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo. 2021-11). The issue presented in Whatley v. Commissioner was whether the petitioner’s tree or cattle farm (he can’t seem to decide which) was a trade or business during the years at issue. A Note on my Favorite Jurist, Judge Holmes The opinion begins by describing the petitioner as “a proud Auburn alumnus” who made the

Scott St. Amand January 28, 2021