Author Archives: Russ

The Law and Regulations vs. IRS Publications

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Russ

Let’s say that the Tax Code (which is law) said, “Every tax return must be signed in red ink.” If that were the case, we’d all be using red ink to sign returns. The Tax Code is law, passed by … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | 1 Comment

What If Your Tax Professional Vanishes?

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Russ

Yesterday, a new client called me. It seems that his tax professional (we’ll call her Jane Doe) vanished. She’s not answering phone calls (nor returning messages–and her voice mail is now full), nor returning mail, nor returning faxes. My client … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | 1 Comment

IRS Scandal Update

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Russ

More news this week on the IRS scandal. First, Tax Analysts has sued the IRS. “On May 21, Tax Analysts sent a FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] request to the IRS seeking all materials used since 2009 to train IRS … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

California Goes After Flow-Throughs with Passive Investments in California

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Russ

Let’s say you’re the manager of a business in Florida. Your business has some excess capital, so you decide to invest in the RussFox Fund, LLC. Your investment makes up a whopping 0.02% of the fund. (Put another way, you … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | 1 Comment

Massachusetts Has a New Software Sales Tax

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Russ

Taxachusetts, er, Massachusetts has had for years a reputation of being a high tax state. Lately, Massachusetts has become a somewhat better locale (based on taxes). It’s not that Massachusetts has improved; rather, other nearby states have enacted or increased … Continue reading →

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Full Tilt Poker Remission Claims to Begin in Mid-September

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Russ

The Garden City Group (GCG) posted the following information on the Full Tilt Poker Claims Administration website yesterday: Important Update About the Start of the Claims Process Starting on September 16, 2013, GCG will email a Notice with instructions on … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | 1 Comment

Nite Moves Asks Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Taxing Pole Dances in New York

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Russ

When I think of “Night Moves” I think of a Bob Seger song. That’s not what this post is about. It seems that the upstate New York adult entertainment facility named Nite Moves isn’t happy with a New York state … Continue reading →

Posted in New York, Sales Tax | Tagged | 1 Comment

Once Again, Registration of a Tax Preparer Doesn’t Stop Him from Bad Behavior

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Russ

With tonight’s season premier of Breaking Bad, it feels apropos to note a tax “professional” who is accused of bad behavior. The US Department of Justice filed suit against Michael Turner of San Diego. Mr. Turner is alleged to have, … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Preparation | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Ledyard 3, Mashantucket Pequots 0

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Russ

Back in mid-July the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on an interesting case regarding tribal sovereignty at Indian casinos. The case pitted the country’s largest casino, Foxwoods, against the town of Ledyard and the State of Connecticut. The issue: … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecticut, Gambling | Tagged | Comments Off on Ledyard 3, Mashantucket Pequots 0

IRS Postpones August 30th Furlough Day

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Russ

The IRS will be open for business on Friday, August 30th (the Friday before the Labor Day weekend). The IRS postponed the scheduled furlough day, noting: “We have made substantial progress in cutting costs. … Our progress is such that … Continue reading →

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