Author Archives: Russ

Why Rob Banks?

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Russ

Question: “Why do you rob banks, Mr. Sutton?” Answer: “Because that’s where the money is.” It’s debatable whether or not legendary bank robber Willie Sutton ever said that. However, the idea of only robbing something that has money is a … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Fraud | Tagged | 2 Comments

One Year In

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Russ

One year ago, I announced my move from, as Joe Kristan put it, “the perfumed air and divine weather of Orange County to the desert wastes of Nevada.” A friend asked me to expound on my move, both the good … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Taxable Talk | Comments Off on One Year In

Nominations Due for 2012 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Russ

With just under a month to go before 2012 is complete, it’s time again for anyone to submit a nominee for the Tax Offender of the Year. To be considered for the Tax Offender of the Year award, the individual … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | 2 Comments

Chiropractor Will Adjust to ClubFed

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Russ

A Cadillac, Michigan chiropractor thought he had the perfect method of saving on taxes. He created two sets of books. One accurately reported his income and expenses; the other underreported income and overreported expenses. (I have always wondered if in … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Chiropractor Will Adjust to ClubFed

Another South Carolina Politician Guilty of Tax Charges

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Russ

There must be something in the water in the Palmetto State: Yet another politician in South Carolina forgot about filing his taxes. This time it was a Democrat, State Representative Harold Mitchell (D-Spartanburg) who claimed he just filed late. He … Continue reading →

Posted in South Carolina, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

Can We Kill the Death Master File?

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Russ

Years ago, having the Social Security Administration publish a “Death Master File” was probably necessary. This may have been the only manner for various government agencies and insurance companies to learn that individuals had passed on. Today, though, the information … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Utah | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Shameless Self Promotion

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Russ

When Tax Season is over, tax practitioners tend to go on vacation. That didn’t happen for me this year for a good reason: What’s in Tax Strategies for the Small Business Owner? The book is a practical guide to taxes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Taxable Talk | 2 Comments

Sweden Goes After Poker Players…For Real

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Russ

The Swedish tax agency, Skatteverket, sent police into some poker players’ homes across Sweden on Tuesday. Under Swedish law gambling winnings within the European Economic Area are not taxed; however, gambling winnings from outside the European Economic Area are taxable. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, International | Tagged , | Comments Off on Sweden Goes After Poker Players…For Real

IRS Announces 2013 Standard Mileage Rates

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Russ

This morning the IRS announced the 2013 standard mileage rates. The rates are up one cent per mile from 2012 (except for charitable mileage, which is set by a statute). The new mileage rates are: $0.565 per mile for business … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on IRS Announces 2013 Standard Mileage Rates

Squeezy and Illinois

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Russ

Sometimes you can’t make this stuff up. The video (below) is a real video from Governor Quinn of Illinois: Governor Quinn gives an excellent history of pensions but I notice there’s something missing from the video: solutions. Perhaps it’s because … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Pensions | Comments Off on Squeezy and Illinois