Author Archives: Russ

Nifty Scheme Lands Five at ClubFed

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Russ

Last year I reported on the inventive scheme used by the owners of Nifty Fifty’s, a Philadelphia area restaurant chain. Back in 1986, the restaurant was founded. The chain is themed on the 1950s; the owners apparently longed for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | 2 Comments

It’s All Greek to Me

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Russ

In reading through the poker world today, news from Greece pushed to the forefront: The Greek government has implemented an up to 20% “Player Withholding Tax” on online gambling. It doesn’t sound like much, but like everything the devil is … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, International | Tagged | 1 Comment

Pass the Popcorn, Please, II

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Russ

As ObamaCare and its troubles dominate the news, lurking in the background is the IRS scandal. The Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) wrote an op-ed on FoxNews that noted the lawsuit filed by the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , | Comments Off on Pass the Popcorn, Please, II

Pass the Popcorn, Please

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Russ

When I last wrote about Instant Tax Service it appeared that the end of that firm was upon us. After all, a judge ordered ITS to close shop because of a myriad of sins. ITS is appealing and is now … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on Pass the Popcorn, Please

It’s How They Earned the $1.46 Million of Tax Refunds that’s the Problem

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Russ

I’d like to convince my clients to start adding gratuities when they pay me. I did have one client just add $10 to his payment (and yes, I’ll be claiming that on my tax return); I appreciated it and told … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

He Only Got 35 Months This Time

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Russ

There are two pieces of good news for Michael Carlow of Pittsburgh. First, he only get 35 months at ClubFed (he served eight years previously). And second, the statute of limitations expired on the IRS on $5 million of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on He Only Got 35 Months This Time

It Only Took Six Years to Get an Answer….

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Russ

I currently have an audit reconsideration case that’s been on hold for eighteen months. I guess I have nothing to complain about, though. One unlucky attorney waited over six years to get an answer from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network … Continue reading →

Posted in FINCEN | Comments Off on It Only Took Six Years to Get an Answer….

Full Tilt Remission Deadline is Today

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Russ

Today, November 16th, is the deadline for making a remission claim from Full Tilt Poker. (There are two exceptions noted below.) If you were not an affiliate of Full Tilt Poker or a Red Pro, you must file your claim … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | Comments Off on Full Tilt Remission Deadline is Today

Dan Walters with Another Example of California Dreamin’

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Russ

When I resided in California, I always read Dan Walters’ columns in the Sacramento Bee. He knows his California politics very well. Yesterday he expounded on why California’s Senate Bill 30 (SB 30) ended up failing. SB 30 would have … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dear Mr. IRS

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Russ

I must commend CPA Tony Nitti on his “Request for Urgent Business Relationship.” It’s hilarious…but horribly sad. Why? TIGTA–the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration–came out with what is (for me) a scathing report on identity theft and phony tax … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on Dear Mr. IRS