Author Archives: Russ

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Another Film Tax Credit Scandal

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Russ

There have been plenty of scandals regarding tax credits for the film industry in recent years (see, for example, Iowa). A new one has just arisen, this time in California. The Los Angeles Times reported back on Halloween that State … Continue reading →

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No Instant Replay Here

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Russ

There’s an etiquette involved in sending emails: You don’t use all capital letters in most cases. The same is true when you write; it’s poor form. Yet when Judge Timothy Black wrote about ITS Financial, LLC (aka Instant Tax Service) … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Colorado Voters Reject Tax Increase

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Russ

Colorado voters had a chance to increase taxes drastically. Amendment 66, which would have made Colorado’s taxes very progressive (with far higher taxes impacting most citizens), was defeated. With about half the votes cast, the no’s were leading by 66% … Continue reading →

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