Yearly Archives: 2015

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Phone Calls

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Russ

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released this morning an analysis of the 2015 filing season. There is both good news and bad news in the report. First, some good news. The IRS has improved the detection of … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

A 0% Chance of Success Didn’t Deter Him!

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Russ

Ronald Reagan said, “Facts are stupid things.” Well, one fact that I’ve mentioned in the past is that IRS Criminal Investigations looks at all allegations of employment tax fraud. The reason is obvious: The IRS doesn’t like the idea of … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

The NAEA Won’t Like This Post

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Russ

I’m a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Generally, I’m supportive of their policies. However, I am not a fan of mandatory preparer regulation. Other than giving the IRS more money and getting rid of the lowest hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Defalcations Send Randolph Scott to ClubFed

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Russ

When I hear the name Randolph Scott, I think of the late actor. He played leading men (generally heroes in Westerns) during his long and illustrious career. This Randolph Scott is anything but a hero. Randolph Scott of Doylestown, Pennsylvania … Continue reading →

Posted in Estate Tax, Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | 2 Comments

How Should Multiple Buy-Ins for a Poker Tournament be Handled on a W-2G?

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Russ

Poker tournaments today have various forms. Some are “freeze-outs,” where you can only buy into the tournament once. Some have rebuys and add-ons, where if you lose all your chips you can rebuy into the tournament and if you’re in … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | 2 Comments

Ghost Hunter, Pheasant Hunter, or Deduction Hunter: No Matter, He Loses at Tax Court

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Russ

My favorite Tax Court judge, Mark Holmes, is out with an opinion where Ghostbusters makes an appearance. And once again keeping records would win the day but perhaps that would take a supernatural effort from today’s petitioner. David Laudon is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Family that Commits Tax Evasion Together Goes to ClubFed Together

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Russ

You own a payroll company with your son. It’s been a good year, so you decide to give yourself a bonus from the corporation. There’s nothing wrong with that–it’s your company, and you certainly can pay yourself whatever you feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

IRS Removes Social Security Number from Some Notices But…

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Russ

The IRS has begun removing social security numbers from some IRS notices in the header (leaving just the last four digits, such as xxx-xx-1234). The reason for this is the problem of identity theft. And I give kudos to the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Hospital’s Closing; Who Will Notice the Missing Charity Money?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Russ

Irvine, California used to have Irvine Regional Hospital. The hospital closed back in 2009 (but has since reopened as Hoag Hospital Irvine). When I lived in Irvine one of my doctors has his office in the medical building that’s attached … Continue reading →

Posted in Irvine, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

Sergeant Schultz to the Rescue!

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Russ

Back in the 1960s there was a television show called Hogan’s Heroes. The comedy was set in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany during World War II. One of the characters on the show was Sergeant Schultz. Here’s an excerpt via … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment