Monthly Archives: October 2009

Definitely not a Treat for California Wage Earners

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Russ

The latest gimmick of the legislature goes into effect on Monday, November 2nd for California wage earners. California income tax withholding has been increased by 10%. The goal of the increase is to have more money coming into state coffers. … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | Comments Off on Definitely not a Treat for California Wage Earners

Just Like the Last Time…

Posted on October 28, 2009 by Russ

When the first paragraph of a Tax Court decision ends, “Mr. Oropeza’s position is, in a word, “frivolous.” Just like we held it was the last time he was in Tax Court,” it’s likely the case is worth reading—if only … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Court | Comments Off on Just Like the Last Time…

“The Producers” Doesn’t Work in Real Life

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Russ

One of my favorite movies of all time is Mel Brooks’ The Producers with Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock and Gene Wilder as accountant Leo Bloom. They decide to produce the worst possible Broadway play–Springtime for Hitler–and sell several hundred … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on “The Producers” Doesn’t Work in Real Life

The Responsibilities of a Tax Preparer

Posted on October 25, 2009 by Russ

Robert Flach has published two excellent posts on the responsibilities of a preparer (post 1, post 2). In general, I agree with everything that Mr. Flach states. Some excerpts: “In order to make sure that you pay the absolute least … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged | 1 Comment

Beat It, or It’s Human Nature to Evade

Posted on October 25, 2009 by Russ

Eugene Cappello owns Connecticut Marketing and Consulting. The company sells Chinese made Michael Jackson memorabilia to the exclusive rightsowner of Michael Jackson products, Bravado. Given the untimely passing of Michael Jackson earlier this year, I’d expect that Mr. Cappello’s business … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Beat It, or It’s Human Nature to Evade

Lockyer Spanks the Legislature

Posted on October 24, 2009 by Russ

Bill Lockyer is the elected Treasurer of California. He’s a Democrat, but after a year in office he understands the fiscal realities of the Bronze Golden State: Excerpt: It’s impossible for this legislature to reform the pension system, and if … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged , | Comments Off on Lockyer Spanks the Legislature

You Could Always be in Michigan

Posted on October 22, 2009 by Russ

I do complain about California’s politics from time to time (that might be an understatement) but it could be worse. I could be in Michigan. Now, for my Michigan clients (and I have a few) I think that Michigan is … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan | Tagged , | Comments Off on You Could Always be in Michigan

I Survived!

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

There’s a show on Discovery called I Survived. The show features individuals who survive situations that could lead to death. Nothing like that for me (thankfully), but another tax season has come and gone. I can put 2008 to bed … Continue reading →

Posted in California, IRS, Taxable Talk | Tagged , , | Comments Off on I Survived!

Hatch Freed

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

Richard Hatch, a tax blogger’s best friend, is out of ClubFed. Mr. Hatch, convicted of tax evasion when he didn’t report his $1 million winnings from Survivor was freed on Friday. He will be on probation for three years and … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Hatch Freed

How Not to Prepare Returns

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

With the 2008 Tax Season finally having drawn to a close, here’s a primer on what not to do. Just claim business losses for all of your clients, even those without businesses. Your clients will be happy and you’ll get … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on How Not to Prepare Returns