Author Archives: Russ

Did the IRS Write Law?

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Russ

I received a special e-news for tax professionals. It states the following: Federal budget sequestration has resulted in required cuts to certain credits and awards, effective March 1. These required cuts include a reduction to the refundable portion of the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

IRS Opens for All

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Russ

The IRS announced this morning that they are now accepting all forms for all returns. All of those delayed forms (including passive activities and a host of tax credit forms) are now being supported through both electronic filing and paper … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

A Sure-Fire Way to Get Indicted

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Russ

There are many ways to get in trouble with tax law. As I have said in the past, if you want to get indicted it’s a bit harder. It helps to be a celebrity, have a very large tax debt, … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

It’s 6,219 Miles from Calumet City to Amman

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Russ

What does Calumet City, Illinois have in common with Amman, Jordan? To be honest, not very much at all. However, this story begins in Calumet City and takes a detour through Amman before ending in Chicago (with a probable side … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Sales Tax | Comments Off on It’s 6,219 Miles from Calumet City to Amman

There’s No Fraud Like Giant-Sized Fraud

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Russ

When I read of a sentence that includes eight years at ClubFed and restitution of $190 million, that gets my interest. Donna Guerin is the former attorney who was sentenced yesterday in New York. Ms. Guerin was an attorney who … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on There’s No Fraud Like Giant-Sized Fraud

News From California Regarding QSBS

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Russ

Two pieces of news out of California regarding the Qualified Small Business Stock situation. For those who aren’t aware, a court last year ruled that California couldn’t discriminate against out-of-state Qualified Small Business Stock (QSB). The Franchise Tax Board interpreted … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged , | Comments Off on News From California Regarding QSBS

Important Court Ruling for Entities Owned by Californians Located Outside of California

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Russ

Let’s say you have a business entity, Widgets, Inc. It’s a Nevada corporation; the corporation is located in Las Vegas. The business has no operations in California but it is a corporation with one owner who resides in California. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Illinois’ Pension Problems Get Worse; Lottery Checks Bounce

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Russ

Two stories out of Illinois that are, perhaps, linked. First, the Illinois Lottery forgot to send some money to their bank. While a spokesperson for the Illinois Lottery said it was a mistake, one would think that balancing the checkbook … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Pensions | 1 Comment

Hurry Up and Wait: What the New Jersey Online Gambling Bill’s Passage Really Means

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Russ

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill authorizing online gambling in New Jersey. I’ve seen tweets from friends saying things like, “Great! Christie legalizes online poker in New Jersey.” Well, that’s not exactly what happened. While I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, New Jersey | Comments Off on Hurry Up and Wait: What the New Jersey Online Gambling Bill’s Passage Really Means

Mailbag

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Russ

We get mail: I moved to California in 2012, and earned just $5,000 while in California versus a lot of money outside of the state. Yet those robbers want me to pay based on my overall income. This can’t be … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Gambling | Tagged , | Comments Off on Mailbag