Author Archives: Russ

California Leads the Way (as Worst State for Business)

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Russ

If anyone wonders why I left the Bronze Golden State, yet another survey has come out regarding places to do business. Chief Executive Magazine rated all 50 states from top to bottom. Before focusing on the dismal state of California’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Texas | 1 Comment

Reversing Two Penalties That Should Never Have Been Charged

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Russ

When are tax returns due? For most individuals, its April 15th. However, if you are outside of the United States on April 15th for purposes of employment or self-employment you get an extra two months (until June 15th) to file … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

How Not to Deduct 85,491 Miles

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Russ

Having resided in Southern California, I know you can put a lot of miles on your car in that area. One engineering teacher learned the hard way from Tax Court that a written mileage log is essential if you want … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Court | Tagged | 1 Comment

1700 Miles and a 7% Difference

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Russ

One of the most difficult things to explain to a non-tax practitioner is the tax concept of domicile. For most individuals, your domicile is your residence. I reside in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s my only home. In my case, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Minnesota | 3 Comments

Use EFTPS If You Use a Payroll Service

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Russ

Most payroll services are reputable. They help companies comply with the myriad of laws and regulations in payroll by preparing payroll checks, paperwork, and even sending the withheld payroll taxes to the IRS and state tax agencies. Of course, where … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes | Tagged , | Comments Off on Use EFTPS If You Use a Payroll Service

Kudos to Kenneth Ryskamp

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Russ

Who is Kenneth Ryskamp? He’s a Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Ryskamp was born in 1932, and has been a US District Court Judge since 1986 (and a Senior Judge … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , | Comments Off on Kudos to Kenneth Ryskamp

Bayern Munich Head Reports Self for Tax Evasion

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Russ

Uli Hoeness is the president of Bayern Munich. Who? Well, if you asked a resident of Bavaria this question, you’d get shocked looks–the same as you would get from a New Yorker asking about the Yankees. Bayern Munich is a … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 1 Comment

IRS Gives Extra Three Months for Filing and Payments to Boston-Area Taxpayers; Massachussetts Deadline Should be the Same

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Russ

As I’m still not really working, here’s the press release from the IRS: WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a three-month tax filing and payment extension to Boston area taxpayers and others affected by Monday’s explosions. This relief … Continue reading →

Posted in Massachusetts | 1 Comment

When a Day Late Isn’t a Dollar Short

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Russ

I’m in zombie mode — it’s midnight and the last of the work is done (for a short time). I’ll be out the rest of today (Tuesday). Tax Day is over. One place where it’s sort of not over is … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | Comments Off on When a Day Late Isn’t a Dollar Short

Bozo Tax Tip #1: Don’t Be Suspicious!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Russ

As I write this (in March), I just got off the phone with one of my clients. He just did very well in a poker tournament, and won just over $11,000. He took the money in cash (rather than a … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , | 1 Comment