Author Archives: Russ

Coming Attractions: When the IRS Writes New Law When They’re Not Allowed To

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Russ

The IRS is part of the Executive Branch of government. The Executive Branch can’t write law–they can issue regulations based on laws passed by the legislative branch (Congress) and then only when Congress authorizes it. There’s an issue percolating in … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Legislation | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sigh: 2014 Tax Season to be Delayed up to Two Weeks

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Russ

Just the news that every tax professional wants to hear: The 2014 tax season (2013 tax returns filed next year) will be delayed one to two weeks. It appears the start date for processing will be sometime between January 28th … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

One Down, One to Go: DOJ Gets an Injunction, Asks for Another

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Russ

One of the more humorous (to me) aspects of the Loving case was hearing the IRS argue that it has no means of disciplining rogue tax preparers. That’s just not true. If I deliberately prepare a bad return, I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged | 2 Comments

Can an Indian Tribe Open a Casino on Non-Tribal Land that the Tribe Purchases?

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Russ

The Bay Mills Indian Community (Tribe) has a reservation on Michigan’s upper peninsula. The tribe decided to open a casino in Vanderbilt, Michigan–over 100 miles from the reservation. Is that legal? The tribe purchased the land and argues that since … Continue reading →

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44 Days

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Russ

44 days isn’t much time. It’s about a month and a half. Yet in the bizarre world of the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare), it’s a big deal. Over the coming weeks I’m going to be looking at various provisions … Continue reading →

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Coloradans Have a Chance to Increase Business…In Utah, Idaho and Other Neighboring States

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Russ

It’s an off year for elections, but Coloradans have a chance to help neighboring states: Amendment 66 on the state ballot would increase taxes in Colorado. Colorado’s current income tax is a flat 4.63%; the ballot initiative would increase this … Continue reading →

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When They Can’t Get You for the Real Crime, There’s Always Tax Evasion

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Russ

One of my clients a few days ago asked me jokingly–she’s been a client for years, so I know when she’s joking, “If I had a stream of illegal cash income, do I have to declare it on my tax … Continue reading →

Posted in Nevada, Tax Evasion | Comments Off on When They Can’t Get You for the Real Crime, There’s Always Tax Evasion

It’s One Minute Before Midnight…

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Russ

…for most of us who file tax returns. The deadline is Tuesday, October 15th at midnight for those on extension. That’s it–there’s no tomorrow (well, there is…but not for filing) with three exceptions (noted below). So what should you do? … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

The 2014 State Business Tax Climate Index: Bring Me the Usual Suspects

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Russ

The Tax Foundation released its 2014 State Business Tax Climate Index. In what will shock few readers of this blog, the usual suspects remain at both the top and bottom of the list. First, let’s look at the top states–the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Legislation, Nevada | Tagged | 1 Comment

Yet Another Reminder that a License Doesn’t Always Mean Ethical Behavior

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Russ

While we wait for the Loving appeal decision to come out, yet another reminder that not all licensed tax professionals are ethical. Here, we just have allegations of fraud, so it is definitely possible that the alleged villain of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Tax Fraud | 1 Comment