Author Archives: Russ

IRS Upgrade This Weekend; Many Services Unavaiable Until Tuesday

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Russ

Every year over Labor Day weekend the IRS upgrades their computer and electrical systems. Beginning later this evening, the IRS will be taking systems down. Here’s a partial list of what will be going down: – The ability to apply … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

Math Is Hard

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Russ

Here’s a math question: What’s 15 +13? It’s 28, of course. Unfortunately, the Santa Clara Valley Water District (near San Jose, California) didn’t check their work. They added 15 years to 2013 and got 2029, not 2028. Oops. It’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Legislation | Comments Off on Math Is Hard

Illinois Casino Expansion Bill Vetoed

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Russ

Governor Pat Quinn (D) vetoed a casino expansion bill that would have added five casinos, including one in Chicago. His veto message stated that the biggest problem with the bill, “[I]s the absence of strict ethical standards and comprehensive regulatory … Continue reading →

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Ohio Gamblers: Don’t Forget Your City Income Tax

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Russ

Ohio has (or will soon have) four casinos: one in each of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. The good news for Ohio gamblers is that beginning in 2013 Ohioans can deduct gambling losses on their state income taxes. The bad … Continue reading →

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A Story of Identity Theft; Why Is the Death Master File Still Available?

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Russ

My father died almost six years ago. It’s something that’s inevitable for all of us. My mother was lucky in one respect: No one stole my father’s identity at death. Unfortunately, such identity thefts are becoming far more common. Jason … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

MTA (MCTMT) Tax Ruled Unconstitutional; Appeal Certain

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Russ

I prepare a number of New York tax returns for self-employed individuals. One of the more annoying tax returns is the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax in the New York City metropolitan area. It’s not a large tax by any … Continue reading →

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German Court to Decide Whether Poker Is Taxable for a Professional

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Russ

In 2011, Pius Heinz of Germany won the main event of the World Series of Poker and a nice tax-free $8,715,638. Well, maybe it’s not tax-free. Via @Taxdood and @Taxnews1 comes word that a German court in Cologne will be … Continue reading →

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Sheer Stupdity in the Bronze State

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Russ

Sometimes I read a story and wonder if I’m reading actual news or something from The Onion. Such was the case this morning when I looked at an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal/ on Democrats’ plan to mandate a … Continue reading →

Posted in California | 1 Comment

Not Only Were the Employees Outsourced, The Taxes Went Away, Too

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Russ

From San Antonio comes word of a company that allegedly took care of small businesses’ taxes in a way that’s, well, arresting. John Bean apparently owned a professional employer organization named “Synergy Personnel.” Most PEOs become the actual employer and, … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

Shock! Moody’s Reviewing California Municipal Finances

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Russ

In what is not shocking to me but is apparently shocking to Democrats in Sacramento, Moody’s announced it will be performing a comprehensive review of California municipal finances. So far this year three California cities have declared bankruptcy: Stockton, Mammoth … Continue reading →

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