Author Archives: Russ

“The IRS Has Failed to Provide Effective and Timely Assistance to Victims of Identity Theft”

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Russ

That’s not just my opinion, it’s the opinion of the National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olson. Most tax professionals who have run into identity theft can relate horror stories. Jason Dinesen, an Enrolled Agent in Iowa, has been dealing with an … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

IRS Announces Tax Season to Start on January 30th

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Russ

The IRS announced today in an email that tax filing season will begin on Wednesday, January 30th. That’s a delay of about two weeks and is caused by Congress’s delay in enacting the “fiscal cliff” tax extender legislation (including the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Problem with PEOs

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Russ

Sometimes I have the right idea but don’t consider the full spectrum of issues. That’s the definition of a blind spot, and with my post on the $7 million tax fraud yesterday, I had a big blind spot. Thankfully, some … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes | 2 Comments

What’s $7 Million Among Freinds?

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Russ

Arthur Weiss had a successful business running various professional employer organizations (PEOs). For a fee, his business would pay employees, remit taxes to the IRS and states, file tax returns, and provide workers compensation insurance. It turns out his fee … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes, Tax Fraud | 2 Comments

American Rights Litigators Has a Cameo Appearance

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Russ

Do you remember American Rights Litigators (ARL)? They were the outfit that counseled Wesley Snipes so successfully that he’s now enjoying three years at ClubFed. A couple who also believed the snake oil that ARL peddled is likewise about to … Continue reading →

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Your Mileage Log: Start It Now!

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Russ

Today is the first business day of the new year. You may have resolved to keep good records this year (at least, we hope you have). Start with keeping an accurate, contemporaneous written mileage log. Why, you ask? Because if … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

House Passes Tax Bill; Most Things Stay the Same for 2012

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Russ

This evening, the House passed by a 257-167 vote the tax compromise. Here’s what this bill means: Income Tax – For 2013 forward, the Bush tax cuts were permanently extended except for the “wealthy.” That’s defined as $400,000 for individuals, … Continue reading →

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A Podcast to Start the New Year

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Russ

On the day the world didn’t end, I was interviewed for the Thinking Poker podcast. The interview ran about an hour, and it was a lot lighter than most discussions on taxes and gambling. You can download the episode through … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, Taxable Talk | Tagged | 1 Comment

Fiscal Cliff Compromise Deal?

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Russ

Last night the Senate approved on a compromise deal that averts the “fiscal cliff.” Supposedly, most tax provisions that were to expire are extended in the deal (including the deduction for state income tax, a permanent indexing for the AMT, … Continue reading →

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2012 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Russ

It’s time once more for that prestigious award, the 2012 Tax Offender of the Year. To be considered for this award you must do more than cheat on your taxes. It has to be special; it really needs to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | Tagged , | 2 Comments