Author Archives: Russ

IRS Targeted Tea Party Groups Beginning in 2011: Scandal Gets Worse (for the IRS)

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Russ

Yesterday I wrote about the scandal with tax exempt organizations at the IRS. Basically, “low-level employees” according to Lois Lerner of the IRS independently decided to target tax exempt groups with “Tea Party,” “Conservative,” or “Patriot” in their names. Of … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on IRS Targeted Tea Party Groups Beginning in 2011: Scandal Gets Worse (for the IRS)

Sometimes the Cynics Are Right (The IRS Targeted Conservative Groups During the 2012 Campaign)

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Russ

Last year, tea party and conservative groups complained that the IRS was blocking their ability to become tax-exempt organizations. Some organizations complained that the IRS was asking for lists of donors. Last year, then IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman denied that … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on Sometimes the Cynics Are Right (The IRS Targeted Conservative Groups During the 2012 Campaign)

How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Returns For?

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Russ

A question I’m asked every year is how long should I keep my tax returns? And how long should I keep the backup documentation for the returns? The first question is easy to answer; the second one isn’t. (James Maule’s … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

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