MORRISON, Judge: Marc S. Barnes and Anne M. Barnes filed a joint income-tax return for tax year 2003. At all relevant times, the Barneses were husband and wife.

On June 3, 2008, respondent ("the IRS") issued the Barneses a statutory notice of deficiency, determining a deficiency in tax of $54,486, a section 6662(a)¹ accuracy-related penalty of $10,897, and a section 6651(a)(1) late-filing addition to tax of $5,691 with respect to their 2003 return. The deficiency was based on the following adjustments: (1) disallowance of a $123,006 loss claimed on Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss; (2) allowance of $319 in automobile expenses, in addition to those claimed on the return; (3) allowance of $150 in "promoters expenses", in addition to those claimed on the return; (4) disallowance of $28,592 in talent expenses; (5) allowance of $3,679 in travel expenses, in addition to those claimed on the return; (6) allowance of $6,067 in advertising expenses, in addition to those claimed on the return; and (7) computational 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*81 adjustments to self-employment tax, the self-employment tax deduction, itemized deductions, and exemptions. The Barneses agreed to the adjustments to automobile expenses, "promoters expenses", talent expenses, travel expenses, and advertising expenses.

On August 19, 2008, the Barneses timely petitioned the Tax Court for a redetermination of their income-tax deficiency for 2003. Their petition challenged four determinations made by the IRS: (1) the disallowance of a $123,006 Schedule E loss attributable to the Barneses' interest in Whitney Restaurants, Inc. ("Whitney"), an S corporation; (2) the rejection of the Barneses' assertion that they overreported, by $30,000, the gross receipts of a sole proprietorship reported on Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business; (3) the determination that the Barneses are liable for a section 6662(a) accuracy-related penalty; and (4) the determination that the Barneses are liable for a section 6651(a)(1) late-filing addition to tax. At the time the case was 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*82 submitted for decision, the Barneses conceded liability for the section 6651(a)(1) late-filing addition to tax.

Therefore, the issues remaining for decision are: (1) whether the Barneses were entitled to claim as a deduction $123,006 in passthrough losses from Whitney (we find that they were not so entitled); (2) whether the Barneses overreported Schedule C gross receipts by $30,000 (we find that they did not); and (3) whether the Barneses are subject to a section 6662(a) accuracy-related penalty attributable to a substantial understatement of income tax (we find that they are).

We have jurisdiction pursuant to section 6214 to redetermine the deficiency and penalty determined in the notice of deficiency. Seesec. 6214(a).

The parties have submitted this case fully stipulated for decision under Rule 122. SeeRule 122(a). We adopt their stipulations.

Marc S. and Anne M. Barnes are Washington, D.C.-based entrepreneurs. During tax year 2003 the Barneses were engaged in several different lines of business, including restaurants, nightclubs, and event promotion. They engaged in these various businesses through several different business entities, including two S corporations (one of 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*83 which was Whitney Restaurants, Inc.), and a wholly owned subchapter C corporation. The subchapter C corporation, Influence Entertainment, Inc., engaged in the business of event promotion. The Barneses also engaged in the business of event promotion via an unincorporated sole proprietorship whose earnings were reported directly on the Barneses' 2003 income-tax return.

The Barneses' 2003 joint income-tax return was prepared by an employee of the firm Sakyi & Associates.

Whitney, known until 2001 as R.G.B., Inc., operated the Republic Gardens restaurant in Washington, D.C. The parties disagree over the Barneses' correct basis in their Whitney stock for tax year 2003 and whether their basis was sufficient to claim the disallowed $123,006 as a Schedule E deduction on their 2003 return. The IRS alleges that the Barneses erred in two respects when calculating basis: (1) they erroneously calculated an increase in basis of $22,282 for 1996 and (2) they failed to calculate a reduction in basis of $136,228.50 for 1997.

We begin with a brief overview of the relevant rules governing taxation of S corporation shareholders. In determining the tax liability of an S corporation 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*84 shareholder for a particular year, one preliminary step is to calculate the shareholder's basis in S corporation stock for the purposes of section 1366(d)(1). That section places a limit on the amount of passthrough S corporation losses that are deducted or other otherwise taken into account in determining the shareholder's income in a given year. The limit is equal to the shareholder's basis in the S corporation stock. ^{22012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*85} Sec. 1366(d)(1)(A). For this purpose, the basis calculation starts with the basis at the end of the preceding year, after all adjustments to basis for the preceding year. The basis from the preceding year is then adjusted for certain transactions that occur during the year of the loss. Sec. 1.1366-2(a)(3)(i), Income Tax Regs. One such adjustment is that basis is increased by all contributions of capital by the shareholder to the corporation. Seesecs. 1012, 351(a), 358(a)(1). At this stage, no adjustment is made for losses passed through to the shareholder in the year for which the limitation on losses is being calculated. Sec. 1.1366-2(a)(3)(i), Income Tax Regs.

Having ascertained the loss limit for the year, the next step is to determine how the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's income or loss is taken into account in determining the shareholder's income. The S corporation is required to report to the shareholder his or her pro rata share of the S corporation's tax items, including income or loss, on a Schedule K-1, Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc. Seesec. 6037(b). If the Schedule K-1 is incorrect, the shareholder must report the correct pro rata share of passthrough tax items. Seesec. 1366(a)(1); Henn v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2002-261, 2002 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 270">2002 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 270, *2002 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 270">13, n.2. If the S corporation had income for the year, the shareholder's gross income will be increased by his or her share of the S corporation's income. Seesec. 1366(a)(1), (c). If the S corporation had a loss for the year, the shareholder's income will take into account the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's loss, seesec. 1366(a)(1), to 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*86 the extent of the limitation in section 1366(d)(1). As noted before, that section provides that a shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's loss is taken into account only to the extent of the shareholder's basis in his or her S corporation stock. Sec. 1366(d)(1)(A). If the shareholder's pro rata share of the loss exceeds the shareholder's basis, the shareholder must incorporate into his or her income calculation for the year an amount of the loss equal to his or her basis in the S corporation stock. ³Seesec. 1366(a)(1), (d)(1). The portion of the shareholder's pro rata share of losses that exceeds basis is not taken into account, as a deduction or otherwise, in the current year in computing the shareholder's taxable income. Seesec. 1366(d)(1). Losses in excess of basis, which we refer to here as "suspended losses", are deemed to be incurred in the following year with respect that shareholder. Seesec. 1366(d)(2).

S corporation shareholders must make further adjustments to basis to account for the pro rata share of income or loss 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*87 required to be taken into account by the shareholder in calculating his or her tax liability. If the shareholder had passthrough income from the S corporation, basis is increased by the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's income. Seesec. 1367(a)(1)(A) and (B). An exception to this rule provides that no increase in basis is made for any amount of passthrough income that was required to be reported by the shareholder and included in gross income but that the shareholder failed to report on his or her return. Sec. 1367(b)(1). If the shareholder had a passthrough loss from the S corporation, basis is reduced (but not below zero) by the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's loss, to the extent that it was required to be taken into account in computing the shareholder's income, as a deduction or otherwise. Seesec. 1367(a)(2)(B) and (C). Basis is not reduced by losses that were not taken into account because of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation. See id. Thus, S corporation shareholders do not reduce basis by the amount of suspended loss that was not taken into account in calculating the shareholder's income because of insufficient basis. Seesecs. 1366(d)(1), 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*88 1367(a)(2)(B) and (C). With these additional adjustments, a final basis figure is reached. This is the amount that is used to calculate the section 1366(d)(1) limit on passthrough losses for the next year.

Aside from two exceptions, the parties do not dispute this description of the relevant statutory provisions. The Barneses offer the following interpretations of the applicable rules: (1) basis increases for amounts reported by a shareholder as his or her pro rata share of passthrough S corporation income, even where the reported income amount is not actually the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's income for that year; and (2) basis is not reduced for passthrough S corporation losses that the shareholder did not report on his or her return and did not claim as a deduction, despite being required to do so by section 1366(a)(1). As we decide below, the Barneses' interpretations are incorrect.

In 1995 the Barneses acquired a 50% interest in Whitney by making a $44,271 contribution of capital. No other transactions affected the Barneses' basis in their Whitney stock for the purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation for 1995. Consequently, at the end of 1995, and for 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*89 the purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation on passthrough losses for 1995, the Barneses had a basis of $44,271 in their Whitney stock. Whitney operated at a loss in 1995. The Barneses' pro rata share of that loss, as reported on a Schedule K-1 Whitney issued to the Barneses, was $66,553. The parties do not dispute that $66,553—the amount reported on the Schedule K-1—is the Barneses' correct pro rata share of Whitney's losses for 1995. The parties also agree that, for 1995, the correct amount of the Barneses' deduction for passthrough losses from Whitney was $44,271 (the amount of their basis in the Whitney stock). ^{42012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*90} They agree that this deduction required a $44,271 reduction in stock basis, leaving the Barneses with a basis in their Whitney stock, after reduction, of zero. ⁵ The parties agree that, at the end of 1995, the Barneses had a suspended loss attributable to their interest in Whitney of $22,282. ⁶

In 1996, the Barneses made no contributions of capital to Whitney. No other transactions took place that affected the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation for 1996. Consequently, the parties agree that the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock for the purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation was zero. ⁷ Whitney reported a loss for 1996. The Barneses' pro rata share of that loss, as reported on a Schedule K-1 Whitney issued to the Barneses, was $136,228.50. The parties do not dispute that the $136,228.50 amount reported on the Schedule K-1 is the Barneses' correct pro rata share of Whitney's 1996 loss. However, the Barneses reported on their 1996 return that they had a pro rata 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*91 gain from Whitney of $22,282. ^{82012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*92} Because the Barneses had a basis in the Whitney stock of zero for the purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation, their deduction for their share of the $136,228.50 passthrough loss for 1996 was limited to zero. Because the Barneses could not deduct the $136,228.50 loss for lack of basis, there was a suspended loss for 1996 of $136,228.50. ⁹ Calculated correctly, the Barneses' basis in their Whitney stock at the end of 1996 did not increase for the $22,282 of phantom gain they reported on their 1996 return. Such basis was also not adjusted for the zero passthrough losses taken into account pursuant to section 1366(a)(1) and (d)(1) in 1996. Basis, therefore, remained zero. The Barneses had a combined suspended loss at the end of 1996 of $158,510.50, consisting of the $22,282 loss suspended in 1995 and the $136,228.50 loss suspended in 1996. ¹⁰

The Barneses agree that they made no contributions of capital to Whitney in 1996; that no other transactions took place that would have affected their basis in the Whitney stock for purposes 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*93 of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation for 1996; that their basis in the Whitney stock, for purposes of the loss limitation for 1996, was zero; and that they had a 1995 suspended loss of $22,282. The Barneses also do not dispute that the $136,228.50 passthrough loss reported on the Schedule K-1 was their correct pro rata share of Whitney's 1996 losses. However, as we noted above, the Barneses reported income from Whitney of $22,282 on their 1996 income-tax return. Basis calculations the Barneses submitted in their brief suggest they calculated that their basis increased by the $22,282 they reported as income from Whitney on their 1996 return. ¹¹ The same calculations suggest that they calculated that their basis was then reduced by the $22,282 loss suspended in 1995. ¹² Thus, according to the Barneses' basis calculations, the net effect of these adjustments was that their basis in the Whitney stock, at the end of 1996 and after all adjustments for the year, was zero and that they had no suspended loss. ¹³ Correctly calculated, however, the Barneses' basis did not increase by $22,282 because that amount does not represent the Barneses' pro rata share of Whitney's passthrough income for 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*94 1996.

The parties agree that at the beginning of 1997 the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock was zero. In 1997 the Barneses made a $278,000 contribution of capital to Whitney. As a result of this contribution, the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock, for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation on the deduction of losses for 1997, was $278,000 (equal to zero, increased by the amount of the $278,000 contribution). Both parties agree that no other transactions affected the Barneses' basis in their Whitney stock for 1997 for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation. According to the 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*95 Schedule K-1 Whitney issued to the Barneses, their pro rata share of Whitney's 1997 loss was $52,594. The parties do not dispute that $52,594—the amount reported on the Schedule K-1—is the Barneses' correct pro rata share of Whitney's losses for 1997 and that the same amount—$52,594—is the correct amount of the Barneses' deduction for Whitney's 1997 loss. In addition, the $22,282 suspended loss for 1995 and the $136,228.50 suspended loss for 1996 were deemed to be incurred with respect to the Barneses for 1997. The Barneses claimed a deduction for $52,594 in passthrough losses attributable to Whitney on their 1997 tax return. On their 1997 return the Barneses did not claim a deduction for the $22,282 loss suspended in 1995 ¹⁴ or for the $136,228.50 loss suspended in 1996, despite the fact that they had sufficient stock basis to do so. They also made no adjustments to basis to account for the 1996 loss. ¹⁵ However, as the IRS contends, the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock was reduced for 1997 by $136,228.50, even though they did not report the loss on their 1996 return or claim the amount of the carried-forward loss as a deduction on their 1997 return. ¹⁶ The Barneses' correct basis, 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*96 at the end of 1997 and after all adjustments (i.e. a $52,594 reduction for the 1997 loss, a $136,228.50 reduction for the 1996 suspended loss, and a $22,282 reduction for the 1995 suspended loss) was $66,895.50. ¹⁷ The Barneses contend that they "are not required to reduce their basis for losses that were never claimed or deducted." They argue that their correct basis in the Whitney stock, at the end of 1997 and after all adjustments, was $225,406. ¹⁸ Both parties agree that the Barneses had no suspended losses attributable to Whitney at the end of 1997.

For the next five years the Barneses continued to make contributions of capital and Whitney continued to report almost exclusively 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*97 losses. The following table summarizes the Barneses' contributions and their pro rata share of Whitney's income or loss for tax years 1998 through 2002:

¹As reported on Schedules K-1 Whitney issued to the Barneses. The parties do not dispute that the shares of income or loss reported on the Schedules K-1 are correct. There is also no dispute that the Barneses correctly reported their pro rata share of income and loss from Whitney on their income-tax returns for tax years 1998 through 2002 ^{192012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*98} and that no other transactions—besides contributions of capital and pro rata shares of income and loss taken into account—affected basis in the Whitney stock for those years. However, because the parties disagree as to the Barneses' correct basis in the Whitney stock at the end of 1997, they also disagree as to the correct end-of-year adjusted basis for tax years 1998 through 2002. ²⁰

At the beginning of 2003, as the IRS contends, the Barneses had a basis of $107,282.93 in their Whitney stock and no suspended losses attributable to Whitney. ²¹ The Barneses contend that their opening basis for 2003 was $265,793.43 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*99 and that they had no suspended losses. ²² Both parties agree that during 2003 the Barneses made a $46,000 contribution of capital, resulting in a $46,000 increase in stock basis. No other transactions affected the Barneses' basis in their Whitney stock for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation on losses for 2003.

For 2003 Whitney reported a large loss. According to the Schedule K-1 Whitney issued to the Barneses for that year, their share of the loss was $276,289. Neither party disputes that the amount reported on the Schedule K-1 is the Barneses' correct pro rata share of the loss. On Schedule E of their 2003 income-tax return, the Barneses deducted $276,289 in passthrough losses attributable to their interest in Whitney. In its notice of deficiency, the IRS determined that $123,006 of the deduction was not permissible because the Barneses had insufficient basis. According to IRS calculations, the Barneses' basis, for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation for 2003, was $153,282.93. Therefore, the IRS argues, the Barneses had sufficient basis to deduct only $153,282.93 of the 2003 loss. The remainder—$123,006, rounded to the nearest 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*100 whole number—was disallowed. The Barneses dispute this determination. They claim their 2003 stock basis, for purposes of the section 1366(d)(1) limitation, was $311,793.43. ²³ Therefore, they contend, the correct deduction for their share of the 2003 Whitney loss was $276,289.

By way of summary, the IRS correctly contends that the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock for each of the years 1995 through 2003 is properly calculated as follows:

¹Contributions of capital are added to initial basis, increasing initial basis by the amount of the contribution.

²Basis, after being increased by the amount of any capital contribution, is then adjusted for passthrough items of income and 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*101 loss. Items of income and loss for each year match income and loss items on the Schedules K-1 issued to the Barneses.

³This amount, rounded to the nearest dollar, is equal to the amount of loss the IRS disallowed in its notice of deficiency.

The Barneses disagree. They claim that their basis in the Whitney stock is properly calculated as follows:

¹Contributions of capital are added to initial basis, increasing initial basis by the amount of the contribution.

²Basis, after being increased by the amount of any capital contribution, is then adjusted for items of income and loss. Items of income and loss here are items of income and loss attributable to Whitney that the Barneses reported on their income-tax 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*102 returns for each respective year.

³Income in this amount was not indicated on the Schedule K-1 that Whitney issued to the Barneses for 1996. The parties stipulated that the Schedule K-1 for that year reflected a loss of $136,228.50.

During 2003, the Barneses engaged in the business of event promotion ^{242012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*103} via two separate ventures. The first event-promotion business we refer to as the "sole proprietorship". It is an unincorporated business venture conducted directly by Marc Barnes, with assistance from Anne Barnes, and its income was reported on a Schedule C attached to the Barneses' 2003 return. In 2003, the sole proprietorship reported gross receipts of $168,997. The Barneses did not submit any evidence regarding how gross receipts for the sole proprietorship were calculated or what items were included in the $168,997 total.

The second event-promotion business was conducted by Anne Barnes's wholly owned C corporation, Influence Entertainment, Inc. We refer to this entity as "Influence Entertainment". On its Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, for 2003, Influence Entertainment reported gross receipts of $619,666. The Barneses did not submit any evidence regarding how Influence Entertainment calculated its gross receipts or what items were included in the $619,666.

During 2003 Influence Entertainment organized a concert series called "Latin Rock en Espanol" at Dream Nightclub in Washington, D.C. Influence Entertainment signed a related sponsorship agreement with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. According to the agreement, dated April 21, 2003, Influence Entertainment would be paid a sponsorship fee of $30,000 to advertise Anheuser-Busch as the "exclusive alcohol and non-alcohol malt beverage sponsor" at a minimum of six "Latin Rock" concerts. Influence Entertainment received a $60,000 check, dated June 4, 2003, from Anheuser-Busch, Inc. The Barneses contend that half of this amount, $30,000, was payment 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*104 for services rendered by Influence Entertainment, and that the remaining $30,000 was payment for services rendered by the sole proprietorship. According to the Barneses, the full amount of the payment, $60,000, was erroneously included in gross receipts of the sole proprietorship, resulting in a $30,000 overstatement of its gross receipts. The IRS disputes this contention.

In proceedings before the Tax Court, the taxpayer generally bears the burden of proving that the IRS's determinations in a notice of deficiency are erroneous. SeeRule 142(a); Welch v. Helvering, 290 U.S. 111">290 U.S. 111, 290 U.S. 111">115, 54 S. Ct. 8">54 S. Ct. 8, 78 L. Ed. 212">78 L. Ed. 212, 1933-2 C.B. 112 (1933). This burden is satisfied by a preponderance of the evidence. See Estate of Gilford v. Commissioner, 88 T.C. 38">88 T.C. 38, 88 T.C. 38">51 (1987). If the evidence is in equipoise, the taxpayer has not met his burden and the determination of the IRS will be sustained. See Elliott v. Commissioner, 40 T.C. 304">40 T.C. 304, 40 T.C. 304">311 (1963). Section 7491 imposes the burden of proof on the IRS with respect to any factual issue relevant to determining the taxpayer's tax liability, provided the taxpayer has (1) complied with all substantiation requirements, (2) maintained all required records, (3) cooperated with all 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*105 reasonable requests for information from the IRS, and (4) introduced credible evidence with respect to the factual issue relevant to ascertaining the taxpayer's tax liability. Sec. 7491(a)(1) and (2); Higbee v. Commissioner, 116 T.C. 438">116 T.C. 438, 116 T.C. 438">440-441 (2001). "Credible evidence" is evidence that, after critical analysis, would constitute a sufficient basis for deciding the issue in favor of the taxpayer if no contrary evidence were submitted. Ocmulgee Fields, Inc. v. Commissioner, 132 T.C. 105">132 T.C. 105, 132 T.C. 105">114 (2009), aff'd, 613 F.3d 1360">613 F.3d 1360 (11th Cir. 2010). The taxpayer bears the burden of proving that all the requirements of section 7491 have been satisfied. Rolfs v. Commissioner, 135 T.C. 471">135 T.C. 471, 135 T.C. 471">483 (2010), aff'd, 668 F.3d 888">668 F.3d 888 (7th Cir. Feb. 8, 2012).

On April 29, 2009, the Barneses filed a motion to shift burden of proof, requesting that the burden be imposed on the IRS pursuant to section 7491. On May 11, 2009, we denied that motion without prejudice. When the case was called for trial on June 10, 2009, the Barneses renewed their motion. We deny this motion because the Barneses have not presented credible evidence with respect to any factual issue. Whether the Barneses had sufficient basis in their 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*106 S corporation stock to claim as a Schedule E deduction $123,006 in passthrough losses from Whitney is a legal question that we resolve by applying the law to the stipulated facts. Consequently, the allocation of the burden of proof has no bearing on that legal issue. As for the Barneses' other claims—that their failure to claim as a deduction for 1997 a $136,228.50 passthrough loss from Whitney gives rise to an NOL that is available to offset gross income in 2003, see infra pp. 34-37, and that they overstated gross receipts of the sole proprietorship by $30,000, see infra pp. 37-38—the Barneses have not presented credible evidence within the meaning of section 7491 with respect to the factual elements of those issues. As explained infra, the evidence the Barneses submitted does not give us a sufficient factual basis to resolve either of those issues in their favor. Therefore, we find that the Barneses have not satisfied the requirements of section 7491 and the burden of proof will not be imposed on the IRS pursuant to that provision.

In its notice of deficiency the IRS disallowed $123,006 of Schedule E losses attributable to the Barneses' 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*107 interest in Whitney. It determined that, after properly adjusting basis in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, the Barneses did not have sufficient basis in their Whitney stock in 2003 to deduct the disallowed $123,006 portion of Whitney's 2003 passthrough losses.

The Barneses offer several theories as to why the IRS's determination is incorrect. We address each argument in turn.

First, the Barneses dispute the IRS's determination that they lacked sufficient basis to claim as a deduction their full $276,289 pro rata share of passthrough losses from Whitney on their 2003 income-tax return. According to the IRS, the Barneses made two errors in calculating basis in their Whitney stock before tax year 2003: (1) in 1996 the Barneses increased basis by $22,282 in putative passthrough income, despite the fact that the Schedule K-1 Whitney issued to them for that year reflected a passthrough loss of $136,228.50; and (2) in 1997 the Barneses failed to reduce basis to account for $136,228.50 in passthrough losses that they were required to take into account in that year but failed to claim as deduction on their return.

The IRS takes 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*108 the position that the Barneses' basis in the Whitney stock did not increase by $22,282 in 1996. It contends that, under section 1367, there is no upward basis adjustment for amounts that are erroneously reported by the shareholder as passthrough income but that do not correspond to the shareholder's actual pro rata share of passthrough income. The Barneses seem to argue, without citation of authority, that the upward basis adjustment was appropriate because they reported $22,282 in passthrough income on their 1996 return. We agree with the position of the IRS.

Pursuant to section 1366(a)(1)(A), S corporation shareholders take into account their "pro rata share" of the S corporation's income when calculating their income-tax liability. A shareholder's pro rata share of income is equal to the S corporation's income multiplied by the proportion of the corporation's total shares owned by the shareholder during the year in which the income was earned. Seesec. 1377(a)(1). The S corporation is required to inform shareholders of their annual pro rata share of income, which it does by issuing the shareholders Schedules K-1. Seesec. 6037(a) and (b).

Under section 1367(a)(1)(A), an S corporation 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*109 shareholder increases basis in S corporation stock by his or her pro rata share of passthrough income for the year, i.e. the income items described in section 1366(a)(1)(A). Whitney issued a Schedule K-1 to the Barneses for tax year 1996, the accuracy of which the Barneses do not dispute. That Schedule K-1 does not reflect any 1996 passthrough income. It reports a loss, of which the Barneses' pro rata share was $136,228.50. Therefore, we hold that the Barneses had no passthrough income items attributable to Whitney in 1996, but, instead, had a passthrough loss of $136,228.50 for that year. The fact that they reported $22,282 of passthrough income on their return is irrelevant. Section 1367(a)(1)(A) provides only for basis adjustments which correspond to the shareholder's pro rata share of income. It does not provide for basis to be adjusted for passthrough items reported by shareholders on their returns. Because the Barneses had no passthrough income from Whitney for 1996, their basis did not increase by $22,282 in that year.

Recall that the Barneses' basis, for purposes of the limitation on deduction of passthrough losses from Whitney 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*110 for 1997, was $278,000 and that there was a passthrough loss from Whitney to the Barneses for 1997 of $52,594, and a suspended loss carried forward from 1996 of $136,228.50. ²⁵ Instead of claiming a deduction for Whitney losses of $188,822.50 (which is the sum of $52,594 and $136,228.50), the Barneses reported a deduction of only $52,594 on their return.

Pursuant to section 1366(a)(1)(A), shareholders of an S corporation take into account a pro rata share of the S corporation's losses in calculating their annual tax liabilities. A shareholder's "pro rata share" of losses is equal to the S corporation's loss multiplied by the proportion of the S corporation's total shares owned by the shareholder during the year in which the loss was incurred. Seesec. 1377(a)(1). The S corporation 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*111 is required to report the shareholder's pro rata share of the S corporation's loss to the shareholder on a Schedule K-1. Seesec. 6037(a) and (b). Section 1366(d)(1) provides that losses taken into account in computing a shareholder's income pursuant to section 1366(a)(1) cannot exceed the shareholder's basis in the S corporation stock and the basis of any debt owed to the shareholder by the corporation. ²⁶ Any passthrough losses that are disallowed currently because a shareholder lacks sufficient basis to take them into account as a deduction carry forward and are treated as incurred in the subsequent tax year with respect to that shareholder. Seesec. 1366(d)(2).

S corporation shareholders must make various adjustments to basis in their S corporation stock. When a shareholder makes a contribution of capital to the S corporation, the shareholder increases basis in the S corporation stock by the amount of the contribution. Seesecs. 351(a), 358(a), 1012. With respect to loss, section 1367(a)(2)(B)2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*112 requires the shareholder to reduce basis, but not below zero, by the amount of any losses described in section 1366(a)(1)(A) (generally, the shareholder's pro rata share of passthrough losses).

According to the IRS, section 1367(a)(2)(B) requires an S corporation shareholder to reduce basis by any losses that he or she is required to take into account under section 1366(a)(1)(A). Basis is reduced, the IRS contends, even if the shareholder does not actually claim the passthrough losses on his or her return. Therefore, the IRS argues, the Barneses' basis was reduced by $136,228.50 for 1997 because of the $136,228.50 loss suspended in 1996 that the Barneses were required to take into account as a deduction for 1997. ^{272012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*113} The Barneses' basis calculations did not incorporate this reduction. Therefore, says the IRS, their basis calculations for subsequent years were inaccurate.

The Barneses offer a different interpretation of the applicable statutes. Section 1367(a)(2)(B), they argue, requires basis reduction only for losses that the S corporation shareholder reports on his or her tax return and claims as a deduction when calculating tax liability. Because they did not report the $136,288.50 loss for 1996 and they did not claim it as a deduction on their return for 1997 when they had adequate basis, the theory goes, the Barneses' basis was never reduced by the amount of that loss. According to the Barneses' calculations, see supra p. 20, they had sufficient basis in 2003 to deduct their full, $276,289 share of Whitney's passthrough losses on their 2003 return. ²⁸

The plain language of sections 1366 and 1367 supports the IRS's interpretation.

Section 1367(a)(2)(B) provides that basis in S corporation stock is reduced 2012 Tax Ct. Memo LEXIS 80">*114 by "items of loss and deduction described in subparagraph (A) of section 1366(a)(1)". Section 1366(a)(1) provides as follows:

SEC. 1366(a). Determination of Shareholder's Tax Liability.—

(1) In general.—In determining the tax under this chapter of a shareholder for the shareholder's taxable year in which the taxable year of the S corporation ends * * * there shall be taken into account the shareholder's pro rata share of the corporation's—