Author Archives: Russ

Mexican Land Trusts Aren’t Trusts

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Russ

One of the things that I am asked at least once a year is about question 8 at the bottom of Schedule B of Form 1040: “During 2012, did you receive a distribution from, or were you the grantor of, … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | 1 Comment

The Answer Is in Washington

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Russ

A lot has happened with the IRS scandal. A week has gone by, and there haven’t been any new Congressional hearings (because Congress was out of session last week). That will change this week. The White House is still stating … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 3 Comments

The Big Questions Remain Unanswered (IRS Scandal Update)

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Russ

NBC News reported that they were shown proof that others besides two (or four) rogue Cincinnati IRS employees were involved in the scandal. The entire story should be read, as it appears to put an end to the first explanation … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Why I’m an Amicus Curiae

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Russ

This hasn’t been a good year for the IRS. Everyone is aware of the current scandal involving the IRS’s regulating tax-exempt 501(c)(4) organizations. However, only the tax preparer community and regulators have generally followed Loving et. al. v. IRS et. … Continue reading →

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Not Working for the Weekend

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Russ

It’s just about to be the Memorial Day Weekend. However, that weekend already started for the IRS. Tomorrow, Friday, May 24th, is the first of five “sequester” days off. All offices and employees of the IRS will be closed. Additionally, … Continue reading →

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Ms. Lerner Knows the Fifth (IRS Scandal Update)

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Russ

I did catch a portion of the Senate Finance Committee hearing this morning. More interesting will be tomorrow’s House hearing where Lois Lerner will be testifying but taking the Fifth Amendment (“I refuse to answer the question on the grounds … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

The IRS Scandal Reaches the White House

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Russ

The IRS scandal is now linked into the White House. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that a “senior White House official” was told around April 22nd of the results of the TIGTA audit (note: Link is for subscribers of … Continue reading →

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Elected Officials In Tax Trouble

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Russ

A pair of reports from the South about elected officials (well, in one case former elected officials) in tax trouble. A longtime state representative allegedly took from charities while a former mayor may not have reported interest he received on … Continue reading →

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Receiving Stolen Refunds Leading to ClubFed

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Russ

While the IRS is receiving criticism that’s well justified for the current scandal, IRS criminal investigation and the Department of Justice are slowly increasing their efforts on identity theft. Glenn Powell, Jr. of Alabama found that out. Mr. Powell opened … Continue reading →

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A Planted Question, Targeting, and Early Knowledge

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Russ

Some news came out of the first of what will be many Congressional hearings on the IRS scandal. First, the question that occurred just one week ago and started the controversy–yes, it’s only been one week–was planted. The question came … Continue reading →

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