Janice Kay Haskins & Julian William Haskins v. Commissioner ( 2019 )

T.C. Memo. 2019-87
UNITED STATES TAX COURT
JANICE KAY HASKINS AND JULIAN WILLIAM HASKINS, Petitioners v.
COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Respondent
Docket No. 25667-15. Filed July 11, 2019.
Janice Kay Haskins and Julian William Haskins, for themselves.
Donielle A. Holmon and Horace Crump, for respondent.
CONTENTS
FINDINGS OF FACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
OPINION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1. Foreign-earned-income exclusions for 2011 and 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2. Deductions for business expenses for 2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
a. $1,100 for a metal brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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[*2] b. $264 for a paint sprayer and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
c. $194 for an air compressor and attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
d. $489 for a power generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
e. $54 for painting supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
f. $354 for circular saw blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
g. $66 for reciprocating saw blade sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
h. $345 for LegalZoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
i. $210 for liability insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
j. $400 for cellular-telephone service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
k. $1,023 for Ms. Haskins’ laptop computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
l. $1,610 for travel expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3. Section 6662(a) penalty for 2012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
MEMORANDUM FINDINGS OF FACT AND OPINION
MORRISON, Judge: On July 22, 2015, the respondent (hereafter the IRS)
mailed a notice of deficiency to the married petitioners, Ms. Janice Kay Haskins
and Mr. Julian William Haskins.1 The notice reflected the following
determinations:
Penalty
Year Deficiency sec. 6662(a)
2011 $4,184 $836.80
2012 25,034 4,979.40
1
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to sections are to the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect for tax years 2011 and 2012. All
references to Rules are to the Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure.
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[*3] The Haskinses filed a timely petition for redetermination of the deficiencies
and penalties, as they were permitted to do under section 6213(a). We have
jurisdiction under section 6214(a).
After concessions by the parties, there are three issues to be decided.
1. Is Ms. Haskins eligible for the foreign-earned-income exclusion under
section 911(a) for 2011 and 2012? We hold she is not eligible. See infra
part 1.
2. Are the Haskinses entitled to deduct $7,440 that they reported on their 2012
return for unreimbursed employee business expenses? In their brief, the
Haskinses address the issue by arguing that they are entitled to $6,109 of
business-expense deductions for $6,109 of alleged payments. Of the $6,109
of alleged payments, we hold:
! $609 is business-expense deductions for 2012,2 comprising:
" $54 for painting supplies (see infra part 2(e))
" $345 for LegalZoom service (see infra part 2(h))
" $210 for liability insurance (see infra part 2(i))
2
None of the $609 of deductions are miscellaneous itemized deductions
under sec. 67(b).
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[*4] ! $1,558 of payments is capital expenses that give rise to depreciation
deductions over multiple years. The first year of depreciation is
2012. Later years of depreciation are not at issue in this case. The
amount of depreciation deduction for 2012 will be computed under
Rule 155.3 The $1,558 in payments giving rise to these depreciation
deductions comprises:
" $1,100 for a metal brake (see infra part 2(a))
" $264 for a paint sprayer and parts (see infra part 2(b))
" $194 for an air compressor and parts (see infra part 2(c))
! $3,942 is not deductible, comprising:
" $489 for a power generator (see infra part 2(d))
" $354 for circular saw blades (see infra part 2(f))
" $66 for reciprocating saw blade sets (see infra part 2(g))
" $400 for cellular-telephone service (see infra part 2(j))
" $1,023 for a laptop computer (see infra part 2(k))
" $1,610 for travel expenses (see infra part 2(l))
3
None of the depreciation deductions for 2012 are miscellaneous itemized
deductions under sec. 67(b).
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[*5] 3. Are the Haskinses liable for a penalty for 2012 under section 6662(a)?
Section 6662(a) and (b)(2), in relevant part, imposes a 20% penalty on the
portion of an underpayment that is attributable to a substantial
understatement of income tax. We hold that the underpayment for 2012 is
attributable to a substantial understatement of income tax if computations
under Rule 155 show that there is a substantial understatement for 2012.
See infra part 3. We also hold that for no portion of the underpayment for
2012 did the Haskinses have reasonable cause or act in good faith. See infra
part 3.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Mr. and Ms. Haskins resided in Florida when the petition was filed.4
In September 2011, Ms. Haskins retired from the U.S. Army. Immediately
before her retirement she had been stationed in Afghanistan working in Army
intelligence. The record does not reveal how long she had been stationed in
Afghanistan or where she had been stationed before Afghanistan. Before she
worked in Army intelligence, Ms. Haskins had worked as an x-ray technician both
in and out of the Army, but the record does not reveal where.
4
Thus the venue for any appeal of the decision in this case will be the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, unless the parties stipulate otherwise.
See sec. 7482(b).
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[*6] When Ms. Haskins retired from the Army in September 2011, Mr. Haskins
and the Haskinses’ two children were living in the family home in Arizona. After
retiring, Ms. Haskins traveled from Afghanistan to Arizona where her family
lived.
On September 26, 2011, Ms. Haskins began working for Science
Applications International Corp. (SAIC). Initially she had a short training
assignment in the Washington, D.C., area. During this training she attended a tax
briefing by SAIC. One of the subjects of the tax briefing was the section 911
foreign-earned-income exclusion.
On October 29, 2011, still an SAIC employee, Ms. Haskins began working
in Afghanistan again. While in Afghanistan, Ms. Haskins lived and worked on
U.S. military bases. She spent all of her time on the bases. As she explained: “I
was not allowed off of the military base. I was sequestered there. I didn’t go
outside.” Her food and lodging in Afghanistan were supplied by the U.S.
government. She paid to have cellular-telephone service and internet service in
Afghanistan. She had an Army Post Office mailing address while in Afghanistan
that she used to send and receive mail. She kept her U.S. bank account while in
Afghanistan. Her SAIC paychecks were deposited into this account. While in
Afghanistan, she remained registered to vote in Arizona. Ms. Haskins’ family--her
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[*7] husband and two children--did not have the option of moving to Afghanistan
with her.
The U.S. Department of Defense issued Ms. Haskins a letter of
authorization, which is a travel document that shows where the holder is permitted
to travel and what government services the holder may access there. The letter
authorized Ms. Haskins to work in Afghanistan and certain other countries in the
Middle East from October 23, 2011, to December 31, 2012.
On April 20, 2012, Ms. Haskins took a 22-day vacation to visit her family in
the United States. She and her family vacationed in Florida during that time.
On May 11, 2012, at the end of the vacation, she traveled from Florida back
to Afghanistan.
On June 10, 2012, while in Afghanistan, Ms. Haskins wrote an email to
SAIC employee Robin Ludi. The email said:
I need clarification on couple of things. The main one could you find
out when I can come back without getting in trouble with the IRS? I
have heard so many different numbers and R&R counts or doesn’t
count toward those days. I am so miserable at this new FOB [forward
operating base] ... my other FOB I loved. Husband and I talked about
me extending for another year because I enjoyed it. I also found out
in February my Mom has cancer * * *
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[*8] On June 11, 2012, Ms. Ludi forwarded Ms. Haskins’ email to Eric
Studnicki, an SAIC program manager. On the same day, Mr. Studnicki emailed a
response to Ms. Haskins:
Hope your mother is ok.
You are not eligible for tax free status until you hit the 330 day mark
in country.
Your year did not begin until the date you arrived in theater - I am
tracking 29 OCT 11. You are not eligible for a completion bonus
until 29 OCT 12.
If you could be moved to another area would you reconsider
extending?
The record does not contain Ms. Haskins’ response to Mr. Studnicki’s email.
Meanwhile in Arizona, Mr. Haskins was employed as a construction worker
by L D Greer Builders & Trim where he had worked since before 2006. He
worked for the company during the year 2011, but he went into business for
himself in the first half of 2012. During 2011, he earned $17,292 in wages from L
D Greer Builders & Trim, and during 2012, $9,081.
In August 2012, Mr. Haskins moved from Arizona to Florida. He was
accompanied by the Haskinses’ daughter and the Haskinses’ household goods.
The move was paid for by the Army. The Haskinses’ son remained in Arizona.
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[*9] Ms. Haskins was still in Afghanistan during this move. Mr. Haskins did not
immediately find work in Florida.
In October 2012, while in Afghanistan, Ms. Haskins prepared the joint
return for herself and her husband for the 2011 year. The return reported that Ms.
Haskins earned $37,703 from the Army and $36,597 from SAIC and that she
qualified for the foreign-earned-income exclusion. The line “List your tax
home(s) during the tax year and date(s) established” was left blank. The return
reported that Ms. Haskins was in a foreign country at least 330 days of a 12-month
period that the return identified as October 1, 2011, to October 4, 2012.5 It
reported that her foreign earned income was $36,597, which was the amount she
was paid by SAIC during the year, and that the exclusion was limited to $23,411
by section 911(b)(2)(A).
On November 6, 2012, Ms. Haskins left her job at SAIC. She traveled from
Afghanistan to Arizona, where the Haskinses’ son was, then to Florida to live in
the family home. The record does not indicate when exactly she traveled from
5
The period identified on the return is slightly over 12 months.
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[*10] Arizona to Florida. Nor does the record contain any other information about
the trip.6
Sometime in early 2013, Mr. Haskins found work in Florida. He started
doing construction work of the type he had done in Arizona.
In 2013, while in Florida, Ms. Haskins prepared the joint return for herself
and her husband for the 2012 year. The return reported that Ms. Haskins earned
$171,527 from SAIC and that she qualified for the foreign-earned-income
exclusion. The line “List your tax home(s) during the tax year and date(s)
established” was left blank. The return reported that Ms. Haskins was present in a
foreign country at least 330 days of a 12-month period that the return identified as
October 28, 2011, to November 10, 2012.7 The return reported that her foreign
earned income was $171,527, which was the amount she was paid by SAIC during
the year and that the exclusion was limited to $90,916 by section 911(b)(2)(A).
The return reported that the Haskinses were entitled to deduct $7,440 for
6
In the Haskinses’ brief they explained that Ms. Haskins and the Haskinses’
son traveled from Arizona to Florida in November 2012 and that they brought
with them several family vehicles, including a recreational vehicle. The IRS does
not contest this.
7
The period identified on the return is slightly more than 12 months.
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[*11] unreimbursed employee business expenses, which consisted of the following
amounts:
Union dues $12
Uniforms for work 1,260
Small tools for work 1,750
Job supplies 2,808
Travel expenses while away from home
overnight, excluding meals and entertainment 1,460
Meals and entertainment (50% of $300 under sec.
274(n)(1)). 150
Total 7,440
The $7,440 in deductions for unreimbursed employee business expenses was the
only type of miscellaneous itemized deductions reported on the 2012 return. By
law, miscellaneous itemized deductions are allowed only to the extent the total
miscellaneous itemized deductions for the year exceed 2% of adjusted gross
income. Sec. 67(a). The Haskinses reported that their adjusted gross income was
$92,033. They reported that the amount of their miscellaneous itemized
deductions, after application of the 2% floor, was
$7,440 & (2%)($92,033)
= $7,440 ! $1,840.66
= $5,599 (rounded to the nearest dollar).
On July 22, 2015, the IRS mailed the Haskinses a notice of deficiency for
2011 and 2012 making various adjustments to the income and deductions reported
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[*12] on the Haskinses’ returns for 2011 and 2012. The notice of deficiency also
determined that the Haskinses were liable for section 6662(a) accuracy-related
penalties for negligence or disregard of rules or regulations or substantial
understatements of income tax for 2011 and 2012. Concessions by the parties
have narrowed the issues for decision. We describe the concessions for each year
below.
2011. For 2011, the Haskinses conceded adjustments related to $2 of
unreported dividend income and $27 of unreported interest income. The IRS
conceded a $6,609 adjustment for canceled-debt income. The IRS also conceded
the section 6662(a) penalty. These concessions for 2011 leave only one issue for
decision for 2011, which is Ms. Haskins’ entitlement to the foreign-earned-income
exclusion.
2012. For 2012, the Haskinses conceded adjustments related to $72 of
unreported dividend income; $95 of unreported interest income; $1,844 of
deductions for taxes on Schedule F (a schedule entitled, “Profit or Loss From
Farming”); $9,541 of deductions for mortgage interest claimed on Schedule F;
$6,999 of wage income; $1,558 of home-mortgage interest deduction; and $461 of
deductions for other taxes. The parties agreed that the Haskinses are entitled to a
$137 credit for income-tax withholding. This amount had been allowed by the
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[*13] notice of deficiency as a pro-taxpayer adjustment. The IRS conceded the
negligence component of the section 6662(a) penalty. These concessions for 2012
leave the following three issues for decision for 2012: (1) Ms. Haskins’
entitlement to the foreign-earned-income exclusion; (2) the deduction of $7,440
for unreimbursed employee business expenses; and (3) the Haskinses’ liability for
the substantial understatement component of the section 6662(a) penalty.
OPINION
As a general rule, the taxpayer has the burden of proving that the IRS’s
determinations in the notice of deficiency are erroneous. Rule 142(a); Welch v.
Helvering, 290 U.S. 111, 115 (1933). However, section 7491(a) imposes the
burden of proof on the IRS as to any factual issue relevant to a taxpayer’s liability
for tax if certain conditions are met. The Haskinses do not contend that these
conditions are met, nor does the record show that these conditions are met.
Therefore, the Haskinses have the burden of proof regarding all factual issues
related to the amount of the deficiency. We discuss the burden of proof regarding
the Haskinses’ liability for the penalty separately. See infra part 3.
1. Foreign-earned-income exclusions for 2011 and 2012
Section 911(a) provides that a qualified individual may elect to exclude
foreign earned income, as defined in section 911(b)(1)(A), from gross income for
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[*14] any taxable year. The amount of foreign earned income excluded under
section 911(a) is limited to the amount calculated under section 911(b)(2)(A).
Section 911(d)(1) defines a qualified individual as
an individual whose tax home is in a foreign country and who is--
(A) a citizen of the United States and establishes to the
satisfaction of the Secretary [of Treasury] that he has been a
bona fide resident of a foreign country or countries for an
uninterrupted period which includes an entire taxable year, or
(B) a citizen or resident of the United States and who,
during any period of 12 consecutive months, is present in a
foreign country or countries during at least 330 full days in
such period.
Section 911(d)(1) requires the individual to have a tax home in a foreign country.
The Code does not expressly set forth the period during which the existence of a
foreign tax home is tested. Section 1.911-2(a)(1), Income Tax Regs., provides that
for a person to have a tax home in a foreign country, the person’s tax home must
be in a foreign country “throughout” either of the two following periods:
! the period described in section 911(d)(1)(A), or
! the 330 days described in section 911(d)(1)(B).
The definition of a tax home is found in section 911(d)(3), which provides:
“The term “tax home” means, with respect to any individual, such individual’s
home for purposes of section 162(a)(2) (relating to traveling expenses while away
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[*15] from home). An individual shall not be treated as having a tax home in a
foreign country for any period for which his abode is within the United States.”
Section 162(a)(2) allows a deduction for ordinary and necessary expenses paid
during the taxable year in carrying on a trade or business, including travel
expenses incurred while away from home in the pursuit of a trade or business. For
purposes of section 162(a)(2), a taxpayer’s home is generally “the vicinity of the
taxpayer’s principal place of employment and not where his or her personal
residence is located.” Mitchell v. Commissioner, 74 T.C. 578, 581 (1980).
Under the second sentence of section 911(d)(3), a person is not treated as
having a tax home in a foreign country while the person’s abode is in the United
States. Section 1.911-2(b), Income Tax Regs., provides guidance for determining
whether an individual’s abode is in the United States:
Temporary presence of the individual in the United States does not
necessarily mean that the individual’s abode is in the United States
during that time. Maintenance of a dwelling in the United States by
an individual, whether or not that dwelling is used by the individual’s
spouse and dependents, does not necessarily mean that the
individual’s abode is in the United States.
In section 911 cases, we have compared a person’s domestic ties (i.e., his or her
familial, economic, and personal ties to the United States) with his or her ties to
the foreign country in which he or she claims a tax home in order to determine
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[*16] whether his or her abode was in the United States during a particular period.
See, e.g., Harrington v. Commissioner, 93 T.C. 297, 307-308 (1989). Even though
a person may have some limited ties to a foreign country during a particular
period, if the person’s ties to the United States remain strong, we have held that
his or her abode remained in the United States, especially when his or her ties to
the foreign country were transitory or limited during that period. Id. at 308.
Foreign earned income is defined by section 911(b)(1)(A) as income that is
(1) earned income, (2) received by the individual from foreign sources, and
(3) attributable to services performed by the individual during the period described
in section 911(d)(1)(A) or (B), whichever is applicable. Earned income is defined
as amounts paid for compensation for personal services actually rendered. Sec.
911(d)(2)(A). Earned income is considered to have been received from foreign
sources if the income is attributable to services performed by an individual in a
foreign country. Sec. 1.911-3(a), Income Tax Regs.
To be a qualified individual, Ms. Haskins must meet the tax-home test of
section 911(d)(1) and either the residency test in section 911(d)(1)(A) or the 330-
day test in section 911(d)(1)(B). The Haskinses concede that Ms. Haskins was not
a resident of Afghanistan and therefore does not meet the residency test in section
911(d)(1)(A). The IRS concedes that Ms. Haskins meets the 330-day test in
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[*17] section 911(d)(1)(B). Therefore, Ms. Haskins is a qualified individual if her
tax home was in Afghanistan. Ms. Haskins’ tax home was in Afghanistan if
(1) her principal place of employment was in Afghanistan and (2) her abode was
not in the United States. See secs. 911(d)(3), 162(a)(2); Mitchell v.
Commissioner, 74 T.C. 581. It is uncontested that Ms. Haskins’ principal place
of employment during the relevant periods was in Afghanistan. Therefore, her tax
home was in Afghanistan unless her abode was in the United States. See sec.
911(d)(3).
Ms. Haskins had strong ties to the United States during the relevant period.8
Her husband and two children lived in the family home, which was in Arizona
until August 2012 and in Florida after that. (The son lived in Arizona by himself
8
The location of an individual’s tax home (and abode) is evaluated for each
day of the 330 days described in sec. 911(d)(1)(B). Sec. 1.911-2(a)(1)(ii), Income
Tax Regs. Although the parties have agreed that Ms. Haskins was physically
present during the requisite sets of 330 days for each of the tax years 2011 and
2012, they have not taken a position regarding which particular days make up each
set of 330 days. (There are two sets of 330 days. One set is for the purpose of
determining eligibility for the foreign-earned-income exclusion for 2011. The
other set is for 2012.) The Haskinses reported on their tax returns that the two sets
of 330 days were within the period October 1, 2011, to November 10, 2012. The
IRS has not disputed that the two sets of 330 days are within the period October 1,
2011, to November 10, 2012. We hold that Ms. Haskins’ abode was in the United
States every day of the period October 1, 2011, to November 10, 2012. It is
unnecessary to determine which days within this period make up the two sets of
330 days.
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[*18] from August to November 2012, however.) Though Ms. Haskins had lived
in Afghanistan during a portion of her time with the Army and then from October
2011 through November 2012 while working for SAIC, she did not have strong
nonwork ties to Afghanistan. When she was with SAIC in Afghanistan, she
worked and lived on forward operating bases. These bases were often under
attack by rocket-propelled grenades and suicide bombers. She could not leave the
bases. See Daly v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2013-147, at *3-*4, *11-*13
(holding that where taxpayer worked for a defense contractor in Afghanistan and
Iraq from August 29 to December 12, 2007, and from January 25 to April 28,
2008; he lived and worked on U.S. military bases and could not go off base; and
his family and family home were in the United States, abode was in the United
States); cf. Eram v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2014-60, at *2-*9, *18-*20
(holding that where taxpayer was born in Iraq and lived there until age 19, then
moved to the United States; from early 2008 to July 2009 worked as an interpreter
for a defense contractor in Iraq; lived and worked exclusively in the Green Zone
when not on missions; had family in both the United States and Iraq; and had no
family home in the United States, abode was not in the United States). When her
mother was diagnosed with cancer, Ms. Haskins returned to the United States.
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[*19] We conclude that Ms. Haskins’ abode was in the United States during the
relevant period. See supra note 8. It follows that she did not have a foreign tax
home and that she was not a qualified individual. None of her income is
excludable under section 911(a) for tax years 2011 and 2012.
2. Deductions for business expenses for 2012
On their 2012 return, the Haskinses claimed $7,440 of deductions for
unreimbursed employee business expenses. In their brief they conceded that the
deductions they seek consist of business expenses totaling $6,109. We will
discuss the types of deductions set forth in the Internal Revenue Code that are
potentially applicable to the $6,109 list.
The income tax is a function of taxable income. Sec. 1(a)(1). Taxable
income is equal to gross income minus certain deductions. Sec. 63(a). Personal,
living, or family expenses are not deductible as a general rule. Sec. 262(a).
Section 162(a) allows a deduction for the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or
incurred during the taxable year in carrying on a trade or business. The
performance of services as an employee is considered a trade or business. Primuth
v. Commissioner, 54 T.C. 374, 377-378 (1970).
A payment to buy an asset that has a useful life exceeding one year is a
capital expenditure and cannot be immediately deducted. See sec. 263(a); Ellis
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[*20] Banking Corp. v. Commissioner, 688 F.2d 1376, 1379 (11th Cir. 1982),
aff’g in part, remanding in part T.C. Memo. 1981-123. However, section 167(a)
allows a depreciation deduction for a reasonable allowance for exhaustion, wear
and tear, and obsolescence of property if the taxpayer uses such property in a trade
or business (including the trade or business of being an employee, see Rutledge v.
Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1993-613, 66 T.C.M. 1696, 1697 (1993)). For
tangible property, the amount of the deduction under section 167(a) is determined
using the rules of section 168. See sec. 167(b). These rules set forth the
applicable depreciation method, the applicable recovery period, and the applicable
convention. Sec. 168(a). To be entitled to a depreciation deduction, the taxpayer
must establish the property’s depreciable basis by showing its cost. See sec.
167(c); Cluck v. Commissioner, 105 T.C. 324, 337 (1995). The applicable
recovery period depends on the particular class of tangible property. Sec. 168(c).
Section 179 permits a taxpayer to elect to treat the cost of certain types of
tangible property not as a capital expense but as a deduction for the year in which
the property is first placed in service, up to specified dollar limits. See secs.
179(a) and (b), 263(a)(1)(G). An election to treat the cost of property as
deductible under section 179 must be made on the tax return. Sec. 179(c)(1).
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[*21] Section 217(a) allows a deduction for “moving expenses paid or incurred
during the taxable year in connection with the commencement of work by the
taxpayer as an employee or as a self-employed individual at a new principal place
of work.” Moving expenses are defined as “the reasonable expenses--(A) of
moving household goods and personal effects from the former residence to the
new residence, and (B) of traveling (including lodging) from the former residence
to the new place of residence.” Sec. 217(b)(1). The moving expenses of a
member of the taxpayer’s household are also deductible under section 217(a).
Sec. 217(b)(2). The expenses of meals are not deductible under section 217(a).
Sec. 217(b)(1). No deduction is allowed under section 217(a) unless (A) the
taxpayer is a full-time employee at the new principal place of work during the 12-
month period following the taxpayer’s arrival in the general location of the new
principal place of work for at least 39 weeks or (B) during the 24-month period
following the taxpayer’s arrival in the general location of the new principal place
of work, the taxpayer is a full-time employee (or performs services as a self-
employed individual on a full-time basis) in such general location during at least
78 weeks, of which not fewer than 39 weeks are during the 12-month period
immediately following arrival in the general location of the new principal place of
work. Sec. 217(c)(2).
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[*22] Section 67(a) provides that miscellaneous itemized deductions are allowed
only to the extent that the total amount of such deductions exceeds 2% of adjusted
gross income. A deduction under section 162(a), 167(a), or 179 is a miscellaneous
itemized deduction if it is related to the business of performing services as an
employee. Secs. 67(b), 63(d), 62(a). (A deduction related to the business of
performing services as an employee is referred to as an unreimbursed employee
business expense.) A deduction under section 162(a), 167(a), or 179 is not a
miscellaneous itemized deduction if it is related to a business other than
performing services as an employee. Secs. 67(b), 63(d), 62(a)(1). A section
217(a) moving-expense deduction is not a miscellaneous itemized deduction.
Secs. 67(b), 63(d), 62(a)(15).
If a taxpayer establishes that a deductible expense has been paid but is
unable to substantiate the precise amount, we may estimate the amount of the
deductible expense, bearing heavily against the taxpayer. See Cohan v.
Commissioner, 39 F.2d 540, 543-544 (2d Cir. 1930). This principle is known as
the Cohan rule. We cannot estimate deductible expenses, however, unless the
taxpayer presents evidence sufficient to provide some reasonable basis upon
which estimates may be made. See Williams v. United States, 245 F.2d 559, 560-
561 (5th Cir. 1957); Vanicek v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 731, 743 (1985).
- 23 -
[*23] Furthermore, section 274(d) provides that no deduction is allowable under
section 162 for any traveling expenses, including meals and lodging while away
from home, or with respect to listed property, defined in section 280F(d)(4) to
include computers but not cellular telephones,9 unless the taxpayer complies with
strict substantiation rules. See sec. 274(d)(1), (4). To wit, the taxpayer must
substantiate the amount, time, place, and business purpose of these expenses “by
adequate records or by sufficient evidence corroborating the taxpayer’s own
statement”. Sec. 274(d); see sec. 1.274-5T(b) and (c), Temporary Income Tax
Regs., 50 Fed. Reg. 46014, 46016 (Nov. 6, 1985). These strict substantiation rules
of section 274(d) supersede the Cohan rule. See Sanford v. Commissioner, 50
T.C. 823, 827-828 (1968), aff’d per curiam, 412 F.2d 201 (2d Cir. 1969); sec.
1.274-5T(a), Temporary Income Tax Regs., 50 Fed. Reg. 46014 (Nov. 6, 1985).
a. $1,100 for a metal brake
On June 29, 2012, Ms. Haskins paid $1,100 for a metal brake for her
husband to use in his business. A metal brake is a tool that bends sheet metal. It
9
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009, cellular telephones
are no longer included in the definition of listed property under sec. 280F(d)(4),
which was amended by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-240,
sec. 2043(a), 124 Stat. at 2560. As a result of this amendment, an expense for
cellular telephone use for taxable year 2012 is not subject to the strict
substantiation rules of sec. 274(d). Computers are listed property for the years at
issue. Secs. 280F(d)(4)(iv), 168(i)(2)(B).
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[*24] is used for roof construction. The payment of the $1,100 is substantiated by
Ms. Haskins’ written check to the seller and by an email from the seller
confirming the price. The IRS contends that a deduction is not allowable with
respect to the metal brake (and with respect to all tools and supplies purchased for
Mr. Haskins) because Mr. Haskins was not an employee at the time of the
purchase.
The Haskinses cannot immediately deduct the metal brake under section
162(a) because it has a useful life of more than one year.
The Haskinses did not make a section 179 election.
We next consider whether there is a depreciation deduction for the metal
brake under section 167(a) for property used in a trade or business. The record
(including the testimony of Mr. Haskins) establishes that the metal brake was
purchased for Mr. Haskins’ own business of construction, not for his business of
performing services as an employee of L D Greer Builders & Trim.10 The fact that
the metal brake was not purchased for the business of performing services as an
10
The Haskinses reported various payments as unreimbursed employee
business expenses on their 2012 return. These payments reported on the tax return
include some or all of the $6,109 of payments the Haskinses alleged at trial are
deductible. Thus, the tax return suggests that some or all of the $6,109 of
payments are expenses of an employee, not a self-employed individual. Ms.
Haskins acknowledged in her testimony that she was mistaken in reporting all of
the payments as unreimbursed employee business expenses.
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[*25] employee does not preclude a deduction under section 167(a). Mr. Haskins
placed the metal brake in service in 2012. Therefore, the Haskinses are entitled to
a depreciation deduction under section 167(a) with respect to the metal brake for
2012.
With some exceptions, section 168(k) allows an additional 50%
depreciation deduction for the year in which property is placed in service if the
property (1) has a recovery period of 20 years or less; (2) was first used by the
taxpayer after December 31, 2007; (3) was acquired by the taxpayer after
December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2013; and (4) was placed in service by
the taxpayer before January 1, 2014. On the basis of the record, we conclude that
the metal brake is eligible for the additional 50% depreciation deduction for 2012.
We also need to consider (1) the classification of the property, (2) the basis
for depreciation, (3) the recovery period, (4) the convention, and (5) the method.
See secs. 167 and 168. On the basis of the record, we conclude that (1) the metal
brake is seven-year property, see sec. 168(e)(3)(C)(v)(I); (2) the basis for
depreciation is $1,100, see secs. 167(c)(1), 1011, 1012, 1016; (3) the recovery
period is seven years, see sec. 168(c); (4) the half-year convention is applicable,
see sec. 168(d)(1); and (5) the applicable depreciation method is the 200%-
declining-balance method, see sec. 168(b)(1)(A).
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[*26] Furthermore, the record shows that the expense was not an employee
business expense or any other miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2%
floor of section 67(a).
b. $264 for a paint sprayer and parts
The Haskinses contend that Mr. Haskins bought a paint sprayer and parts.
The record shows that the Haskinses paid in 2012 the following amounts:
! $234 for a paint sprayer;
! $8 for a roller hop for the paint sprayer; and
! $22 for a bladder to hold paint for the paint sprayer and an extension
cord for the paint sprayer.
We refer to the paint sprayer and parts, hereafter, as the paint sprayer.
A section 162(a) deduction is not allowable for the paint sprayer because it
has a useful life of more than one year and because the Haskinses did not make a
section 179 election.
The fact that the paint sprayer was purchased for Mr. Haskins’ own
business, rather than his activities as an employee, does not preclude a
depreciation deduction under section 167(a). Mr. Haskins placed the paint sprayer
in service in 2012. Therefore, the Haskinses are entitled to a depreciation
deduction with respect to the paint sprayer for 2012.
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[*27] With some exceptions, section 168(k) allows an additional 50%
depreciation deduction for the year in which property is placed in service if the
property (1) has a recovery period of 20 years or less; (2) was first used by the
taxpayer after December 31, 2007; (3) was acquired by the taxpayer after
December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2013; and (4) was placed in service by
the taxpayer before January 1, 2014. On the basis of the record, we conclude that
the paint sprayer is eligible for the additional 50% depreciation deduction for
2012.
We also need to consider (1) the classification of the property, (2) the basis
for depreciation, (3) the recovery period, (4) the convention, and (5) the method.
See secs. 167 and 168. On the basis of the record, we conclude that (1) the paint
sprayer is seven-year property, see sec. 168(e)(3)(C)(v)(I); (2) the basis for
depreciation is $264, see secs. 167(c)(1), 1011, 1012, 1016; (3) the recovery
period is seven years, see sec. 168(c); (4) the half-year convention is applicable,
see sec. 168(d)(1); and (5) the applicable depreciation method is the 200%-
declining-balance method, see sec. 168(b)(1)(A).
Furthermore, the record shows that the cost of the paint sprayer was not an
employee business expense or any other miscellaneous itemized deduction subject
to the 2% floor of section 67(a).
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[*28] c. $194 for an air compressor and attachments
The Haskinses contend that Mr. Haskins bought an air compressor and
attachments for his work. On June 29, 2012, Mr. Haskins bought an air
compressor from Lowe’s for $179. He later bought $15 of attachments for the
compressor. We refer to the air compressor and the attachments, hereafter, as the
air compressor.
A section 162(a) deduction is not allowable for the air compressor because
it has a useful life of more than one year.
The Haskinses did not make a section 179 election.
We now consider whether the purchase of the air compressor gives rise to a
depreciation deduction under section 167(a). The fact that the air compressor was
purchased for Mr. Haskins’ own business, rather than his activities as an
employee, does not preclude a depreciation deduction under section 167(a). Mr.
Haskins placed the air compressor in service in 2012. Therefore, the Haskinses
are entitled to a depreciation deduction with respect to the air compressor for
2012.
With some exceptions, section 168(k) allows an additional 50%
depreciation deduction for the year in which property is placed in service if the
property (1) has a recovery period of 20 years or less; (2) was first used by the
- 29 -
[*29] taxpayer after December 31, 2007; (3) was acquired by the taxpayer after
December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2013; and (4) was placed in service by
the taxpayer before January 1, 2014. On the basis of the record, we conclude that
the air compressor is eligible for the additional 50% depreciation deduction for
2012.
We also need to consider (1) the classification of the property, (2) the basis
for depreciation, (3) the recovery period, (4) the convention, and (5) the method.
See secs. 167 and 168. On the basis of the record, we conclude that (1) the air
compressor is seven-year property, see sec. 168(e)(3)(C)(v)(I); (2) the basis for
depreciation is $194, see secs. 167(c)(1), 1011, 1012, 1016; (3) the recovery
period is seven years, see sec. 168(c); (4) the half-year convention is applicable,
see sec. 168(d)(1); and (5) the applicable depreciation method is the 200%-
declining-balance method, see sec. 168(b)(1)(A).
Furthermore, the record shows that the air compressor was not an employee
business expense or any other miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2%
floor of section 67(a).
d. $489 for a power generator
Mr. Haskins credibly testified that he purchased a power generator in 2012
for his construction work when he moved from Arizona to Florida. However, he
- 30 -
[*30] did not testify how much he paid for the generator. Nor does any
documentary evidence show how much he paid. Although the Haskinses’ brief
states that the price of the power generator was $489, this assertion is not
supported by any evidence. There is no reasonable basis in the record for
determining the cost of the generator. Therefore, the Haskinses have not proven
their entitlement to any type of deduction related to the cost of the generator,
including a depreciation deduction. See Cluck v. Commissioner, 105 T.C. 337.
They are not entitled to a deduction related to the generator.
e. $54 for painting supplies
The record shows that Mr. Haskins made the following purchases of
painting supplies in 2012:
! $11 for a paint brush;
! $5 for a bamboo pole for holding paint brushes;
! $3 for masking tape;
! $7 for an eight-in-one painter’s tool;
! $19 for a wooster two-inch brush;
! $5 for a drop cloth; and
! $4 for silicone.
- 31 -
[*31] The IRS contends that no business-expense deduction should be allowed for
these supplies because Mr. Haskins did not buy the supplies for his work as an
employee of L D Greer Builders & Trim. But deductible business expenses
include both the expenses of working as an employee and the expenses of one’s
own business. The record demonstrates that the supplies were purchased for Mr.
Haskins’ own business. Furthermore, the cost of the supplies is not a capital
expense because, on this record, we determine that the useful life of the supplies is
less than one year. The Haskinses are therefore entitled to a $54 deduction for
painting supplies for the 2012 year. And the expense is not an employee business
expense deduction or any other miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the
2% floor.
f. $354 for circular saw blades
The Haskinses contend that Mr. Haskins bought “circular saw blades”
costing $59 per pack and that he bought a pack every 2 months on average. Thus,
they contend he paid a total of $354 for 2012, equal to $59 × 6. Although Ms.
Haskins testified vaguely that her husband bought “saw blades” from Lowe’s and
Home Depot, the record does not indicate how many circular saw blades he
bought or how much he paid for them. The Haskinses have not provided any
evidentiary basis for applying the Cohan rule to the expenses of Mr. Haskins’
- 32 -
[*32] circular saw blades for 2012. See Vanicek v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 742-
743 (citing Williams, 245 F.2d 559). They are not entitled to a deduction for
circular saw blades.
g. $66 for reciprocating saw blade sets
The Haskinses contend on brief that Mr. Haskins bought “reciprocating saw
blade sets” costing $22 per pack and that he bought a set three times a year. This
would be a total expense of $66, equal to $22 × 3. Although Ms. Haskins testified
vaguely that her husband bought “saw blades” from Lowe’s and Home Depot, the
record does not indicate how many reciprocating saw blade sets he bought or how
much he paid for them. The Haskinses have not provided any evidentiary basis for
applying the Cohan rule to the expenses of Mr. Haskins’ reciprocating saw blade
sets for 2012. See Vanicek v. Commissioner, 85 T.C. 742-743 (citing Williams,
245 F.2d 559). They are not entitled to a deduction for reciprocating saw blade
sets.
h. $345 for LegalZoom
Ms. Haskins testified that she paid $345 in 2012 to LegalZoom (an online
legal service) to acquire a workers’ compensation exemption certificate to allow
Mr. Haskins to work in Florida. Exhibit 27, page 4, shows that on October 9,
2012, Ms. Haskins paid LegalZoom $345.95. The Haskinses argue that there
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[*33] should be a $345 deduction for the payment. The IRS contends that the fact
of payment is unsupported by the record. However, as we explained above, the
fact of payment is supported by Ms. Haskins’ testimony and by documentary
evidence. We conclude that the $345 payment is a deductible business expense
under section 162(a) for 2012. And the expense is not an employee business
expense or any other miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% floor of
section 67(a).
i. $210 for liability insurance
The Haskinses contend that they paid $210 for liability insurance, equal to
$70 per month for three months, and that such insurance was necessary for Mr.
Haskins to work in Florida. The IRS contends that the $210 deduction should be
disallowed for three reasons. First, the IRS observes that the only document in the
record relating to the liability-insurance expense is a monthly invoice from the
insurance company for $70. The IRS contends that the invoice proves only that
the expense was invoiced, not that the expense was paid. Second, the IRS argues
that by the date of the invoice--November 15, 2012--Mr. Haskins had stopped
working as an employee for L D Greer Builders & Trim. Third, the IRS argues
that the Haskinses had not claimed the $210 deduction on their return.
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[*34] We hold that the $210 expense is deductible under section 162(a) for 2012.
An invoice normally shows only that a payment was demanded, not that a payment
was made. But this invoice has a handwritten notation that $70 was paid every
month for three months in 2012. From this handwritten annotation and from Ms.
Haskins’ testimony that the Haskinses paid liability-insurance premiums, we find
that the Haskinses paid $210 for liability insurance for 2012.
The fact that the payments were made for the period after Mr. Haskins was
an employee does not preclude a deduction. A taxpayer may deduct the expenses
of the taxpayer’s own business conducted not as someone else’s employee. See
sec. 162(a). Mr. Haskins credibly testified that to conduct his construction
business in Florida he had to have liability insurance.
A taxpayer’s failure to claim a deduction on a return does not preclude a
deduction.
The $210 expense is deductible under section 162(a). Also, the expense is
not an employee business expense or another miscellaneous itemized deduction
subject to the 2% floor of section 67(a).
j. $400 for cellular-telephone service
Ms. Haskins credibly testified that Mr. Haskins had a cellular telephone that
he used for work. The Haskinses contend that they paid $400 for service for Mr.
- 35 -
[*35] Haskins’ cellular telephone, corresponding to 8 months at the rate of $50 per
month. The IRS disputes that there is evidence showing that the Haskinses paid
$400 for service to Mr. Haskins’ cellular telephone.
We need not determine whether the record shows that the Haskinses paid
$400 for service to Mr. Haskins’ cellular telephone. Even if the record showed
these payments were made, the Court does not have a reasonable basis for
determining how much he used his cellular telephone for business purposes as
opposed to personal purposes. It is a fact of life that people often use their cellular
telephones for personal purposes. Mr. Haskins did not testify that he used his
cellular telephone for only business purposes--or, alternatively, how much he used
the cellular telephone for business purposes versus personal purposes. The
Haskinses have not provided any evidentiary basis for applying the Cohan rule to
the expense of Mr. Haskins’ cellular-telephone service for 2012. See Vanicek v.
Commissioner, 85 T.C. 742-743 (citing Williams, 245 F.2d 559). The
Haskinses are not entitled to a deduction for this expense.
k. $1,023 for Ms. Haskins’ laptop computer
On January 12, 2012, the Haskinses’ son bought Ms. Haskins a laptop
computer for $1,023 and shipped it to her in Afghanistan. Ms. Haskins credibly
testified that she used the computer for submitting timesheets to her employer.
- 36 -
[*36] This was a business use. However, the record shows that she also used the
laptop for the following personal uses: social media, shopping for personal items,
and paying household bills. She testified that she estimated that she used the
laptop 60% for business use and 40% for personal use.
A taxpayer must satisfy the strict substantiation requirements of section
274(d) in order to deduct expenses attributable to listed property, including
computers. Sec. 280F(d)(4)(A)(iv). Regulations specify that, with respect to
listed property, the taxpayer must substantiate the following elements: (1) the
amount of the expenditure for each individual item of listed property; (2) the
amount of each business use and total annual use of the property; (3) the date of
the expenditure or use with respect to listed property; and (4) the business purpose
of the expenditure or use. Sec. 1.274-5T(b)(1), (6), Temporary Income Tax Regs.,
50 Fed. Reg. 46014, 46016 (Nov. 6, 1985). Each element can be substantiated by
either (1) adequate records or (2) sufficient evidence corroborating the taxpayer’s
own statement. See sec. 274(d). Listed property includes computers. Secs.
280F(d)(4)(A)(iv), 168(i)(2)(B).
The only evidence of the business use of the laptop computer was Ms.
Haskins’ testimony. This testimony is her “own statement”. Therefore, the
Haskinses have not satisfied the strict substantiation requirements of section
- 37 -
[*37] 274(d) with respect to the laptop computer. They are not entitled to deduct
the expense of the laptop computer.
l. $1,610 for Ms. Haskins’ travel expenses
The Haskinses argue that Ms. Haskins paid $1,460 in lodging and $300 for
food for the trip she took from Arizona to Florida in late 2012. As noted earlier,
the Haskinses claimed a deduction for $1,460 in lodging expenses and for half of
the $300 food expense (i.e., $150). The IRS contends that because the Haskinses
did not adduce any documentary evidence supporting the trip expenses, the strict
substantiation requirements are not met.
The Haskinses originally reported that this expense was an unreimbursed
employee business expense. However, they have failed to prove that the trip is the
expense of the business of performing services as an employee. Nor have they
proven that the trip is the expense of a business of a self-employed individual.
They have provided no documentary evidence regarding the trip or the expenses
- 38 -
[*38] related to it.11 Thus, the Haskinses have failed to meet the strict
substantiation requirements with respect to the expense.
Section 217(a) allows a taxpayer to deduct moving expenses. The
deduction is available for the moving expenses of members of the taxpayer’s
household. Sec. 217(b)(2). No deduction is allowed under section 217(a) unless
the taxpayer engages in full-time work for 39 weeks of the 12-month period
following the taxpayer’s arrival at the new location. Sec. 217(c)(2). Mr. Haskins
arrived in Florida in August 2012. Therefore the 12-month period after his arrival
in Florida started in August 2012 and ended in August 2013. Mr. Haskins was not
working when he arrived in Florida in August 2012. This period of
unemployment extended into 2013. Because of the length of this period of
unemployment, which included over 17 weeks from September 1 to December 31,
2012, Mr. Haskins did not work more than 39 weeks of the 12-month period from
August 2012 to August 2013. Consequently, he does not satisfy the 39-week test
for deducting moving expenses. Similarly, Ms. Haskins’ move to Florida does not
11
Attached to the Haskinses’ reply brief is a copy of a U-Haul equipment
contract showing that Ms. Haskins rented a trailer hitch on November 8, 2012, and
returned the trailer hitch on November 14, 2012. However, an attachment to a
brief does not constitute admissible evidence and may not be considered by the
Court. Kwong v. Commissioner, 65 T.C. 959, 967 n.11 (1976); Perkins v.
Commissioner, 40 T.C. 330, 340 (1963).
- 39 -
[*39] justify a deduction for moving expenses for her as the taxpayer. This is
because there is no evidence Ms. Haskins had full-time work in Florida. Thus,
section 217(a) does not allow a deduction for the expenses of the trip.
We hold that there is no deduction for the expenses of the trip.
3. Section 6662(a) penalty for 2012
We next determine whether the Haskinses are liable for the penalty under
section 6662(a) for 2012. Section 6662(a) imposes a 20% penalty on the portion
of an underpayment of tax attributable to any of the causes listed in section
6662(b). These causes include (1) a substantial understatement of income tax and
(2) negligence or disregard of rules or regulations. Sec. 6662(a) and (b)(1)
and (2).
An understatement of income tax is the excess of (1) the correct tax over
(2) the tax reported minus any rebate (within the meaning of section 6211(b)(2)).
Sec. 6662(d)(2)(A). An understatement of income tax is substantial if two
conditions are met: (1) the understatement exceeds 10% of the correct tax and
(2) the understatement exceeds $5,000. Sec. 6662(d)(1)(A).
An underpayment is the amount by which the correct tax exceeds the excess
of (1) the sum of (a) the tax reported plus (b) amounts not so reported that were
previously assessed (or collected without assessment) over (2) any rebates made
- 40 -
[*40] (where a rebate is defined as so much of an abatement, credit, refund or
other repayment, as was made on the ground that the correct tax was less than the
excess of amount (1) over rebates previously made). Sec. 6664(a).
Section 6664(c)(1) provides that the penalty under section 6662(a) does not
apply to any portion of the underpayment to the extent that the taxpayer had
reasonable cause for that portion of the underpayment and acted in good faith with
respect to that portion. Section 1.6664-4(b)(1), Income Tax Regs., provides:
Generally, the most important factor is the extent of the taxpayer’s
effort to assess the taxpayer’s proper tax liability. Circumstances that
may indicate reasonable cause and good faith include an honest
misunderstanding of fact or law that is reasonable in light of all of the
facts and circumstances, including the experience, knowledge, and
education of the taxpayer. * * * Reliance on * * * the advice of a
professional tax advisor * * * does not necessarily demonstrate
reasonable cause and good faith. * * * Reliance on * * * professional
advice * * * constitutes reasonable cause and good faith if, under all
the circumstances, such reliance was reasonable and the taxpayer
acted in good faith. * * *
To establish reasonable cause and good faith through reliance on professional
advice, the taxpayer must show that three tests are satisfied: “(1) [t]he adviser was
a competent professional who had sufficient expertise to justify reliance, (2) the
taxpayer provided necessary and accurate information to the adviser, and (3) the
taxpayer actually relied in good faith on the adviser’s judgment.” Neonatology
Assocs., P.A. v. Commissioner, 115 T.C. 43, 99 (2000), aff’d, 299 F.3d 221 (3d
- 41 -
[*41] Cir. 2002). To satisfy the third test, the taxpayer must show that the tax
professional “opine[d] on the legitimacy” of the aspects of the return that were
later challenged by the IRS. Id. at 100.
The IRS bears the initial burden of production regarding the applicability of
the section 6662(a) penalty. Sec. 7491(c). Once the IRS meets its burden of
production, the taxpayer must come forward with persuasive evidence that the
section 6662(a) penalty is inapplicable, for example because a portion of the
underpayment is due to reasonable cause and the taxpayer acted in good faith with
respect to the portion. Higbee v. Commissioner, 116 T.C. 438, 446-447 (2001).
Section 6751(b) provides that the initial determination to impose certain
penalties, including the section 6662(a) penalty, must be personally approved in
writing by the immediate supervisor of the person making the determination. See
Graev v. Commissioner, 149 T.C. 485, 493 (2017) (holding that the IRS’s burden
of production under section 7491(c) includes establishing compliance with section
6751(b)), supplementing and overruling in part 147 T.C. 460 (2016).
The Haskinses conceded at trial that the supervisory-approval requirement
of section 6751(b) has been met. Should the Rule 155 computations show a
substantial understatement of income tax for 2012, the IRS will have met its
burden of production for the section 6662(a) penalty.
- 42 -
[*42] The remaining issue for us to decide is whether there is any portion of the
underpayment for 2012 that is due to reasonable cause and for which the
Haskinses acted in good faith.
The Haskinses contend that there are four reasons showing that they had
reasonable cause for, and acted in good faith with respect to, claiming the foreign-
earned-income exclusion for 2012.
First, they contend that, at the SAIC tax briefing in the fall of 2011, Ms.
Haskins was told that she needed to satisfy only the 330-day test to qualify for the
foreign-earned-income exclusion. About this briefing, she testified that “the
company SAIC had told me if you meet the 330 days in country, then you
qualify.” The proposition that the 330-day test is the only requirement for
claiming the foreign-earned-income exclusion is contrary to the text of section
911. Section 911(d)(1) requires an individual to both have a tax home in a foreign
country and satisfy the 330-day test (or alternatively the residency test). More
generally, the Haskinses have not proven that her participation in the SAIC tax
briefing justifies the conclusion that she made a reasonable attempt to comply with
the provisions of section 911. The record leaves unanswered several important
questions about the SAIC tax briefing. Were the persons who gave the tax
- 43 -
[*43] briefing knowledgeable enough to give tax advice to Ms. Haskins? Did they
know facts specific to Ms. Haskins? What exactly did they tell Ms. Haskins?
Second, the Haskinses contend that the June 11, 2012 email from Mr.
Studnicki confirmed that Ms. Haskins was entitled to the foreign-earned-income
exclusion. Although Mr. Studnicki’s email discussed the 330-day requirement for
the foreign-earned-income exclusion, the email did not say this was the only
requirement for claiming the exclusion. There is no reason to think that Mr.
Studnicki was qualified to give tax advice anyway. The Haskinses have not
proven that the exchange of emails in June 2012 justifies the conclusion that Ms.
Haskins made a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of section 911.
Third, the Haskinses contend that, when Ms. Haskins used the website
taxslayer.com in October 2012 to prepare the 2011 return, the website asked her
questions about her eligibility to claim the foreign-earned-income exclusion and
determined that she was eligible. Yet Ms. Haskins did not say what questions
were posed by the website, what answers she gave in response, or what specific
advice the website supplied. Furthermore, the record does not reveal whether she
was communicating with an actual person or with an automated process. The
Haskinses have not proven that the communications Ms. Haskins had with the
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[*44] taxslayer.com website justify the conclusion that she made a reasonable
attempt to comply with the requirements of section 911.
Fourth, Ms. Haskins claimed that she knew other contractors in Afghanistan
who had claimed the foreign-earned-income exclusion on their returns and were
not audited. This factual claim is made on brief and is not supported by the
record. We do not consider it. See Bialo v. Commissioner, 88 T.C. 1132, 1140
(1987).
Reliance on professional advice may constitute reasonable cause and good
faith. Sec. 1.6664-1(b)(1), Income Tax Regs. However, none of the
communications discussed above (i.e., the advice given at the SAIC tax briefing,
the email from Mr. Studnicki, and the communications from taxslayer.com) meets
the three tests for reliability as professional advice. See Neonatology Assocs.,
P.A. v. Commissioner, 115 T.C. 99. First, the Haskinses did not prove that any
of the communications were made by a knowledgeable, experienced adviser.
Second, the Haskinses did not prove that they gave all the information necessary
to evaluate entitlement to the foreign-earned-income exclusion. Third, they did
not prove that anyone actually arrived at the judgment or gave the opinion that Ms.
Haskins was entitled to the foreign-earned-income exclusion.
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[*45] The Haskinses argue that Ms. Haskins did not have access to a real tax
professional when she prepared the 2011 return because she was in Afghanistan.
Ms. Haskins was in Afghanistan from October 2011 to November 2012. This
period includes October 2012 when she prepared the 2011 return. However, Ms.
Haskins was in the United States in 2013 when she prepared the 2012 return. Ms.
Haskins did not consult a tax professional regarding the 2012 return. Nor did she
do any research on her own to determine whether she was entitled to the foreign-
earned-income exclusion. As she credibly testified: “[I]t was not until I received
the notice from the IRS saying I did not meet the requirements, that I started doing
research to find out what the actual requirements were.”
Thus, Ms. Haskins did not get professional advice on the matter. Nor did
she do research herself.
The Haskinses did not have reasonable cause for, or act in good faith with
respect to, claiming the foreign-earned-income exclusion. Therefore they did not
have reasonable cause for, or act in good faith with respect to, the portion of the
underpayment corresponding to their claim of the foreign-earned-income
exclusion. As we previously observed, the Haskinses do not argue that they had
reasonable cause for, or acted in good faith with respect to, any other portions of
the underpayment.
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[*46] The Haskinses are liable for the accuracy-related penalty under section
6662(a) for 2012 to the extent there was a substantial understatement of income
tax for that year.
To reflect the foregoing,
Decision will be entered under
Rule 155.