Monthly Archives: February 2008

The New Standard for Preparers

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Russ

In years past, if I took a position on a tax return it needed “Substantial authority.” That’s equivalent to about a 30% chance of being upheld. Congress changed the law; now in order for me to take a position it … Continue reading →

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Sweden Goes After Poker Players

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

The Swedish tax agency, Skatteverket, is targeting online poker players and affiliates. Skatteverket uses an online “spider,” or web crawler, to find web sites that appear to be income producing. They then investigate to see if they’ve reported income and/or … Continue reading →

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If You Lose, Try 66 More Times….

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

There are losing streaks and then there are really long losing streaks. Larry Harvey has not had a good year battling IRS attorney Randall Preheim. Yesterday, as Joe Kristan noted, Mr. Harvey lost his 64th and 65th cases. Today, that … Continue reading →

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Computer Notices Should be Reviewed

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

Tax agencies love computerized notices. The computer does the work, finds probable tax scofflaws, and the notices are mailed in an automated fashion. This saves the agencies money. Assuming the tax debt is real, it’s a good bargain for everyone. … Continue reading →

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Election Day, Part 1 of 3

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Russ

Today is the first of three election days in 2008 in California. If you’re in Orange County, you can find your precinct here. If you’re elsewhere in California, the Secretary of State’s website can direct you to your county’s registrar … Continue reading →

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Do Not Try This Yourself

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

Wesley Snipes wasn’t the only individual who learned his fate last week. Here are three more cases of tax evasion which all share a common theme. First, from Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania comes the story of a couple who put business … Continue reading →

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D’Angelo Pleads Guilty

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

Back in November we reported on Robert D’Angelo. Mr. D’Angelo, the former head of the Madison, Wisconsin Overture Center, was facing a variety of charges based on him running two side businesses using city facilities and not reporting the income … Continue reading →

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A Bong Tax

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

If a Maryland State Senator has his way, buyers of bongs in Maryland will soon have to pay a special tax. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Geoerge’s County) introduced two bills on Wednesday that would add a $20 tax for all … Continue reading →

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Final Thoughts on the Snipes Trial

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

Why was Wesley Snipes found not guilty of tax fraud charges? Was it a repeat of the OJ Simpson case? Is this a huge victory for tax protesters? It’s interesting that both prosecutors and defense attorneys praised the jury in … Continue reading →

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Snipes: Guilty on Three Counts of Tax Evasion

Posted on February 1, 2008 by Russ

Wesley Snipes was acquitted of conspiracy to defraud the IRS but found guilty on three of six counts of not filing a tax return (tax evasion) according to news reports. Snipes faces up to one year at ClubFed on each … Continue reading →

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