Author Archives: Russ

When Two Intelligent Individuals Reach the Opposite Conclusion…

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Russ

…You know there’s a problem. Welcome to the brave new world of signature documents. Jason Dinesen has a post where he believes that I am wrong about the conclusions I’ve drawn on signature documents. Jason might be right or I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A Better Idea on Identity Theft

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Russ

As I wrote yesterday, the IRS announced new rules on tax professionals regarding electronic filing. Based on my reading of these rules, the IRS should expect a significant increase in paper-filed returns. Why? Because the new rules likely violate state … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Yes, Mom, I Need to See Your ID

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Russ

UPDATE: The IRS released a new version of Publication 1345 on November 18th that clarified that a Form 8878 or 8879 signed in ink and hand delivered, faxed, mailed, emailed, or uploaded via a web portal is not an electronic … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Once Again, Bring Me the Usual Suspects: 2014 Small Business Tax Index

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Russ

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council recently released their “Small Business Tax Index 2014.” You may remember that last October I wrote about their “Small Business Policy Index 2013.” Congratulations are in order for my home state, the Silver State, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Nevada | 1 Comment

The Scamsters Haven’t Stopped

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Russ

One of my clients called me first thing this morning (we’ll call him Joe from Richmond, Virginia; all names and cities have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty). Joe said he got a phone call from David. David … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Scams | Tagged | Comments Off on The Scamsters Haven’t Stopped

A Little Housekeeping

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Russ

We’re in the process of updating our website and the look of the blog. For now, we’re using the “default” WordPress format. This may change in the next few weeks as we make other (more important) changes.

Posted in Taxable Talk | Comments Off on A Little Housekeeping

It’s Probably Not Good for Your Case When the Court Considers Sanctioning Your Attorney

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Russ

The Tax Court had a routine decision today in a collection matter. The case itself (Best v. Commissioner) isn’t particularly interesting; the Court upheld the IRS’s collection efforts. It’s the last page and a half of the decision that caught … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Court | 2 Comments

Toyota Living Up to Their Slogan: They’re Going Places (to Texas from California)

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Russ

Toyota’s current slogan is “Let’s go places.” And they are–Toyota is leaving the Bronze Golden State and moving to the Lone Star State. While Toyota isn’t saying anything about why they might move roughly 5,000 employees from Torrance to Dallas, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Nevada, Texas | Comments Off on Toyota Living Up to Their Slogan: They’re Going Places (to Texas from California)

Your Dependents do have to be Your Dependents…

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Russ

One of my clients is expecting their first child at any moment. Their new baby will be their first dependent for their 2014 tax returns. Mahamadou Daffe of Queens, New York had other ideas about dependents. Mr. Daffe stole identities … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

There Is No Tax Fairy (Yet Again)

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Russ

Joe Kristan has the story of two CPAs who told clients that there is a wonderful Tax Fairy, that mythical creature who turns income into deductions or credits through alchemy and magic. Unfortunately, the Tax Fairy doesn’t exist, and clients … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on There Is No Tax Fairy (Yet Again)