Author Archives: Russ

Phil Mickelson Yells “Fore” to California

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Russ

Phil Mickelson has overcome a chronic illness (psoriatic arthritis) and continues to be one of the best golfers in the world. However, Mr. Mickelson golf game may be felled by something that his home state of California and the US … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Texas | Tagged | 1 Comment

Institute for Justice 2, IRS 0

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Russ

Back in December I noted the Institute for Justice’s lawsuit challenging the IRS’ regulations of unenrolled tax professionals (preparers who are not CPAs, Enrolled Agents, or attorneys). The IRS had publicly stated that the lawsuit was without merit. They better … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Farmers & Fishermen Get Relief From Catch-22 Situation

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Russ

The IRS announced relief today for a Catch-22 situation for farmers and fishermen. Normally, farmers and fishermen who choose not to make quarterly estimated tax payments are not subject to a penalty if they file their returns and pay the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Walking Dead Come Back

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Russ

No, this isn’t a post on the next zombie movie. Yes, Las Vegas does have a Zombie Apocalypse Store (humorously, near one of my clients). But I digress…. Instead, we’re going to focus on a CPA from Northridge, California (in … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | 1 Comment

California Supreme Court Takes Gillette Case

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Russ

As expected, the California Supreme Court has accepted Gillette vs. Franchise Tax Board. While no date has been announced for the arguments, I’d expect the case to be heard this Spring or Summer, with a decision sometime before year-end. The … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | 1 Comment

Is A Simplified Home Office Deduction Better?

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Russ

Today the IRS announced a simplified option for claiming the home office deduction (Form 8829). The deduction will allow some to take $5 per square foot of home office (up to a maximum of 300 square feet). This new “simplified” … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Entrepreneur Rant on FTB’s Retroactive QSB Ruling

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Russ

Back in December, I reported on how the Franchise Tax Board (California’s income tax agency) would interpret the Cutter decision. I didn’t spend much time on it, as the subject of Qualified Small Business stock (QSB) doesn’t impact many of … Continue reading →

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What $4.95 Buys These Days

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Russ

Living in Las Vegas gives me, at times, a very jaded perspective on life. I see individuals who otherwise pinch pennies spend $100 on bottle service at a club (or $4.95 for a thimble-sized amount of alcohol). You can still … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey, Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on What $4.95 Buys These Days

Estimated Tax Payment Deadline Is January 15th

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Russ

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15th is the deadline for making your fourth quarter 2012 estimated tax payments. This is a postmark deadline, so if you are mailing your estimated payments, go to the post office and spend the few dollars to … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

“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