Author Archives: Russ

The Supreme Court Takes Up a Wealth Tax; You May Need to File a Protective Claim for Refund

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Russ

At the end of 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).  This complex measure added some deductions (such as the Deduction for Qualified Business Income), added restrictions on other deductions (such as the $10,000 limit on taxes … Continue reading →

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The Flu Strikes

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Russ

On Monday, I went home around 1pm.  I felt awful.  When I got home I discovered why: I had a fever of 100.  It peaked at 103, but I’m still in triple digit land.  Worse, I appear to be a … Continue reading →

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When the IRS Computer Sends Out Lots of Bad Notices…

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Russ

Almost everyone in California has an extension for filing and paying their taxes until October 16th (a result of the flooding in the state in January).  The IRS certainly know about this: they issued multiple announcements on the extensions.  Thus, … Continue reading →

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WSOP and Taxes: 2023 Update

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Russ

The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) began yesterday here in Las Vegas at the Paris and Horseshoe hotels (the hotels are linked). There are also several other tournament series that have either begun or will soon begin at the … Continue reading →

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Colorado: Let’s Implement a 1207800% Marginal Tax Rate!

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Russ

Consider two taxpayers who enjoy gambling; both are single and residents of Colorado.  Both are amateur gamblers who earn $100,000 of wage income and rent.  Joe Unlucky broke dead even in his gambling, winning $299,000 (using the session method) and … Continue reading →

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Why Were California Returns Extended Again from May to October? (A Theory)

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Russ

Back in January, severe winter storms impacted California.  Much of the state was declared a federal disaster area; these declarations are always county-by-county.  As of today, only two counties in California (both in the northeastern corner of the state) are … Continue reading →

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Why You Use Certified Mail When Mailing Items to Tax Agencies

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Russ

My mother passed away last year (after a long and fruitful life).  I filed her final tax returns–and money was due to both the IRS and California.  I could not use IRS Direct Pay, nor could I have the funds … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Everyone Gets the Employee Retention Credit, Right?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Russ

“Russ,” a client began, “Don’t I qualify for that Employee Retention Credit (ERC) that I keep hearing about?”  I told him he didn’t–his business grew during the Pandemic and he didn’t meet the requirements.  Yes, it’s not free money for … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #2: Cash Isn’t Taxable

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Russ

I haven’t run this Bozo Tax Tip in a few years, but it reared its head again just a couple of weeks ago (as you read this). A new client came into my office for the preparation of his tax … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #3: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Basis

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Russ

If there’s one issue in tax that tax professionals have trouble explaining to clients it’s basis. Your basis in an entity is, generally, the total of your investment in an entity plus income it generated less any distributions from it. … Continue reading →

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