Author Archives: Russ

Another Survey, Another “F” for California

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Russ

While Governor Brown and others in the Bronze Golden State continue to debate how to increase taxes, perhaps they’ll look at yet another survey which shows that California is at the bottom for business (among US states). With thanks to … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Nevada, Texas | 2 Comments

Hint: If You’re in Politics, Skimming Money Isn’t a Good Idea

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Russ

Politicians and anyone else in the public eye are far more likely than others to find themselves audited than others. Take Richard Rober and his wife Averill. Mrs. Rober owned Gator Water and Wastewater Management, Inc. The business was sold, … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Hint: If You’re in Politics, Skimming Money Isn’t a Good Idea

Ex-Eagle Sues Co-Defendants

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Russ

It seems we’re stuck in the football motif. Freddie Mitchell played for the Philadelphia Eagles and is most remembered for this play: Earlier this year, he found himself indicted for tax fraud along with two others, Jamie Russ-Walls and Richard … Continue reading →

Posted in Pennsylvania, Tax Fraud | Tagged , | Comments Off on Ex-Eagle Sues Co-Defendants

Vikings Score Late TD; New Stadium Appears Certain

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Russ

Pity the poor football fans in Los Angeles. They’re stuck watching the NFL on television, or watching USC at the L.A. Coliseum. The latest team that was looking at possibly heading west was the Minnesota Vikings. Earlier today, the Minnesota … Continue reading →

Posted in Minnesota | Tagged | 1 Comment

What Does Weaving Have to do With Taxes?

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Russ

I can’t answer the question I just posed: As far as I know they have nothing to do with each other. Of course, I’m often wrong, and this is one of those times. Here, the connection is that the owner … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

Damiani Turns on Wirth

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Russ

Holly Damiani was married to real estate developer Jeffrey Wirth. They were divorced and then the roof fell in: Mr. Wirth, Ms. Damiani and their accountant, Michale Murry, are accused of various tax evasion charges. Ms. Damiani pleaded guilty in … Continue reading →

Posted in Minnesota, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 1 Comment

It Only Works Until You Get Caught

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Russ

One of the recurring themes of this blog is that a business owner must pay his payroll taxes. The government considers Trust Fund taxes to be their money and they will always investigate payroll tax crimes. Similarly, workers compensation is … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes, Tax Fraud | 2 Comments

Texas #1, California #50 in Business Location Survey

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Russ

Another week, another survey of which state is best for business. For the eighth straight year, Chief Executive magazine ranked Texas as the best state in the union as to where to conduct business. Unsurprisingly, California is at the bottom. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas | Comments Off on Texas #1, California #50 in Business Location Survey

Eight Sacked, Including Two from the NFL

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Russ

The storefront in North Miami cashed checks. There’s nothing that unusual in that. However, there were two major differences between the storefront in Miami and most check cashing locations: The store charged very high fees (35%-45%) but didn’t ask questions … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, IRS | Tagged | 3 Comments

Franchise Tax Board v. Hyatt to be Argued on May 7th

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Russ

The oral arguments in the appeal by California’s Franchise tax Board in Gilbert Hyatt’s lawsuit against the Board will be heard on May 7th in Carson City by the Nevada Supreme Court. The FTB is appealing the nearly $500 million … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged | 1 Comment