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Deduction Estimate (When Can It Be Used)–Cohan Rule for Expats

The general rule, when dealing with the IRS, is that taxpayers must be able to substantiate all deductions. The burden of proof falls on the taxpayer. Under certain circumstances, a court may waive this requirement and allow the use of a deduction estimate. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the case of G.M. Cohan established that under certain circumstances, a deduction estimate may be used.

George M. Cohan was a 1920′s theatrical figure who wrote the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Mr. Cohan was audited and unable to produce receipts that showed the actual amount he spent for certain business expenses, such as travel expenses. The IRS disallowed his deductions but in the end the Appeals Court allowed him to prove his deductions based on testimony and approximations of the amounts incurred.

Use Of A Deduction Estimate – The “Cohan Rule”

This rule is known as the Cohan Rule. However, acceptance of the Cohan Rule approximations is always discretionary with a court; a taxpayer is not automatically entitled to make an approximation in a tax matter. For this rule to apply, the taxpayer must convince the court by oral and/or written statements that:

  • Expenses were incurred, and that
  • There is a reasonable basis for the deduction estimate

Expect a compromise, rather than a full allowance of the approximated expenses.

In short, taxpayers may use deduction estimates when they can show that there is some factual foundation on which to base a reasonable approximation of the expense. However, it is crucial to keep in mind, that you can expect the IRS to put up a fight as to the proper amount of the allowable expense, so it is always a best practice to retain documentation to substantiate your deductions.

Our goal at Tax Samaritan is to provide the best counsel, advocacy and personal service for our clients. We are not only tax preparation and representation experts, but strive to become valued business partners. Tax Samaritan is committed to understanding our client’s unique needs; every tax situation is different and requires a personal approach in providing realistic and effective solutions.

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Tax Samaritan is a team of Enrolled Agents with over 25 years of experience focusing on US tax preparation and representation. We maintain this tax blog where all articles are written by Enrolled Agents. Our main objective is to educate US taxpayers on their tax responsibilities and the selection of a tax professional. Our articles are also designed to help taxpayers looking to self prepare, providing specific tips and pitfalls to avoid.

When looking for a tax professional, choose carefully. We recommend that you hire a credentialed tax professional such as Tax Samaritan that is an Enrolled Agent (America’s Tax Experts). If you are a US taxpayer overseas, we further recommend that you seek a professional who is experienced in expat tax preparation, like Tax Samaritan (most tax professionals have limited to no experience with the unique tax issues of expat taxpayers).

Randall Brody is an enrolled agent, licensed by the US Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS for audits, collections and appeals. To attain the enrolled agent designation, candidates must demonstrate expertise in taxation, fulfill continuing education credits and adhere to a stringent code of ethics.

Every effort has been taken to provide the most accurate and honest analysis of the tax information provided in this blog. Please use your discretion before making any decisions based on the information provided. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for seeking professional tax advice based on your individual needs.

All About Randall Brody
Randall is the Founder of Tax Samaritan, a boutique firm specializing in the preparation of taxes and the resolution of tax problems for Americans living abroad, as well as the other unique tax issues that apply to taxpayers. Here, they help taxpayers save money on their tax returns.

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