Author Archives: Russ

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 →

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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

Sometimes, Pigs Do Fly (California Repeals FTB’s QSB Tax Grab)

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Russ

I look out the window of my office, and I saw the pig that flies: [The Flying Pig is via a Creative Commons license, from Wikipedia. And, no, I didn’t see one flying by my office in Las Vegas.] California … Continue reading →

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Some Things Still Work; Others Don’t (IRS Shutdown)

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Russ

With the IRS being basically closed, some services are still available. Tonight I was able to log into e-services and print a transcript for a client–a client I already had a Power of Attorney for. Yesterday, a new client came … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

The FBAR Has Changed

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Russ

Tax professionals can now file FBARs (Form TD F 90-22.1) for clients. We have to have our client sign Form 114a authorizing the preparer to efile the FBAR. Today, when I went to file an FBAR for a client, I … Continue reading →

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