Monthly Archives: May 2005

SB757: Let’s Drive Out Business (Again)

Posted on May 30, 2005 by Russ

Lurching its’ way through the Legislature is SB757, introduced by Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego). The bill has an innocuous title, “The Oil Conservation, Efficiency, and Alternative Fuels Act.” It is an efficient bill—if passed, this analysis indicates that 80,000 jobs … Continue reading →

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We Make the Journal of Accountancy

Posted on May 29, 2005 by Russ

In the June (2005) issue of the Journal of Accountancy, Eva Lang wrote an article entitled “Would You, Could You, Should You Blog?” The article gives good background if you’re considering starting a blog. Unfortunately, Ms. Lang gets my credential … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | 1 Comment

IRS Closing Taxpayer Assistance Offices // Sending Taxes Overseas

Posted on May 27, 2005 by Russ

According to a report in the Tax Analyst, the IRS will close some taxpayer assistance offices. The Wall Street Journal reported that 70 offices will be closed in order to handle a 1% drop in funding for taxpayer assistance. Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

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A Tale of Two Computers

Posted on May 25, 2005 by Russ

In eWeek Magazine, the Florida Department of Revenue’s (FDOR) computer system, “SUNTAX,” is highlighted. The system is modern, integrated, and allows FDOR agents to quickly access records across the system. By all accounts, a successful project that replaced several antiquated … Continue reading →

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The End of the AMT?

Posted on May 24, 2005 by Russ

According to published reports, several Senators plan on introducing legislation to repeal the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax). While every tax preparer I know would jump for joy if this happens, the chances are about the same as it snowing tomorrow … Continue reading →

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A New (Generally Dumb) Rule, Take Two

Posted on May 20, 2005 by Russ

The Treasury Department revised the new Circular 230 rules yesterday. The changes, detailed here, make some minor clarifications to the new rules. They also correct a problem that would have occurred with text-based emails (the requirement that the font size … Continue reading →

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No Unsettling the Settlement

Posted on May 20, 2005 by Russ

Yesterday, the Tax Court decided Slojewski v. Commissioner. In this case, the respondent (Slojewski) and the IRS settled before a scheduled trial in Tax Court. A hearing to finalize the matter was scheduled a month later. All seems well. Then … Continue reading →

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Bad Paperwork from the FTB

Posted on May 17, 2005 by Russ

For those of you in California, a warning. The Franchise Tax Board is having some computer issues, at least based on paperwork that my clients and I have recently received. One client recently received a two page bill from the … Continue reading →

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If at First You Fail…

Posted on May 15, 2005 by Russ

Fail, fail again. Yes, I know that’s supposed to be “try, try again.” But for this story, “fail, fail again” is so much more appropriate. >From the Baltimore Sun we have the story of John Baptist Kotmair, Jr. Back in … Continue reading →

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A New (Generally Dumb) Rule

Posted on May 14, 2005 by Russ

Here’s some text you will be seeing if you get any emails from your EA or CPA (and will probably be in every tax article you read): This opinion is limited to the one or more Federal tax issues addressed … Continue reading →

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