Monthly Archives: January 2010

Donations to Haiti Relief Via Online Gambling Websites

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Russ

I’ve received quite a few inquiries asking about making a donation to Haiti earthquake relief via an online gambling website. Here’s the latest: An online poker site is saying that if I transfer funds to a specific account, they’ll use … Continue reading →

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Government 2, Democrat 0, Republican 0

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

Roger Corbin was a founding member of the Nassau County (Long Island, New York) Legislature. He was arrested last year and accused of filing false federal tax returns and lying to agents of the FBI and IRS. He allegedly received … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey, New York, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

Are Registered Warrants (IOUs) in California’s Future…Again?

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

California’s Controller, John Chiang, called California’s cash situation “precarious.” Mr. Chiang called on the legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger to act on the $9 billion of budget cuts by March. The alternative is that California will run out of cash. If … Continue reading →

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Why Is Iowa Looking at Allowing Major Poker Tournaments?

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

Iowa House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines) is proposing legislation to allow large poker tournaments in ballrooms at the state’s 17 licensed casinos. Given my vocation and avocation I’m always happy to see an expansion of poker in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, Iowa | 1 Comment

A Hole in 365

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

Golfer Jim Thorpe was sentenced last week to one year at ClubFed. As we reported last year, Mr. Thorpe pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion. Mr. Thorpe has agreed to make complete restitution to the IRS of the … Continue reading →

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Payroll Tax Companies & Registration of Tax Professionals

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

The IRS came out with a FAQ on the new regulations of tax professionals. Among the nuggets on the FAQ is that payroll tax companies will have to register (though they may not have to take the competency exam) and … Continue reading →

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New York: $1 Billion in New Taxes Proposed

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Russ

The headline says it all: Yet another politician who doesn’t understand what voters want. New York governor David Paterson (D) proposed a $134 billion budget that contains $1 billion in new taxes: A $1 increase in the cigarette tax to … Continue reading →

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Kansas: E-File or Wait for Godot

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Russ

Kansas announced that if you file a paper return, you could wait 16 weeks for your refund. The Sunflower State is having budget troubles, and the Kansas Department of Revenue responded by not hiring temporary workers for this tax season. … Continue reading →

Posted in Kansas | 1 Comment

Are the Democrats in Sacramento that Blind?

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Russ

There was an election in Massachusetts on Tuesday. As I’m sure you’re aware, Republican Scott Brown is the new Republican Senator from Massachusetts. Apparently, Democrats in Sacramento are blind to the obvious. The voters in Massachusetts, a state more liberal … Continue reading →

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Senate Passes Haiti Charitable Contributions Bill

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Russ

As expected, the Senate quickly and unanimously passed a bill allowing Americans who make charitable contributions to Haitian earthquake relief to take those charitable contributions on their 2009 tax returns. I expect President Obama to sign the measure very quickly. … Continue reading →

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