Monthly Archives: November 2008

Be Thankful

Posted on November 30, 2008 by Russ

At the end of the four-day Thanksgiving weekend we should ponder who we should give thanks to. Perhaps the following individuals—mainly from overseas—who have less to be thankful for. We’ll start in Lucerne, Switzerland. I haven’t been keeping close tabs … Continue reading →

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Blinders Here, Blinders There

Posted on November 26, 2008 by Russ

The dysfunctional California legislature was unable to resolve the budget fiasco yesterday. Democrats proposed a plan that would have tripled the car tax and made a few symbolic budget cuts; Republicans refused to vote for it because they want a … Continue reading →

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2009 Mileage Rates

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Russ

The IRS released the 2009 standard mileage rates today: $0.55/mile for business $0.24/mile for medical/moving $0.14/mile for charity Note that you should keep a written mileage log. The current business mileage rate is $0.585/mile (it was $0.505/mile through June).

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Tax Payment Relief for Fire Victims

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

If you are a victim of the recent fires in Southern California, both the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board have given you an extension on tax payments. Both agencies said that impacted taxpayers who were required to make payments, … Continue reading →

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Lots of Fraud Before Your Turkeys

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

With Thanksgiving coming this week many look forward to a short work-week. We do need to remember all the things that we should be thankful for—our families, our friends, our health, and our country. Here are some stories about individuals … Continue reading →

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On the Bozo Side of Things…

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

Lots of fraud this weekend. Let’s start with the Bozo side of tax fraud, with yet another Bozo preparer. DaJuan Jackson was one of two preparers at a branch office of American Tax Associates in District Heights, Maryland. His methods … Continue reading →

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Omozee Sentenced

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

In August we wrote about Bozo accountant Henry Omozee. Mr. Omozee underreported his own income on his tax returns. Patrick Brown of the IRS emailed me to let me know that Mr. Omozee was sentenced to 27 months at ClubFed, … Continue reading →

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As the Budget Churns

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

California’s continuing budget crisis may be buried towards the back of newspapers but if you’re a Californian you should start paying attention. It looks pretty clear to me that some taxes are going to go up eventually. Negotiators are debating … Continue reading →

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Rangel’s Tax Troubles Mount

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Russ

Charles Rangel (D-NY) is the chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee. All tax legislation is supposed to start in that committee. Congressman Rangel has been battling tax troubles over the past year. His troubles have apparently worsened. … Continue reading →

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Fire Relief from the FTB

Posted on November 19, 2008 by Russ

The Franchise Tax Board announced today that disaster relief is available to impacted taxpayers. Taxpayers who are amending their returns should write “Southern California Wildfires 2008” in red ink on the top of their return so that it is expedited. … Continue reading →

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