Author Archives: Russ

Bozo Tax Tip #7: Withhold, but Don’t Remit, Your Employment Taxes!

This Bozo Tax Tip—and do remember, these are things you really, really, really shouldn’t try—is aimed at the business owner who is having troubles. Business owners, unlike the federal government, can’t just print money. So let’s assume our hypothetical business … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #8: Use a Foreign Trust to Avoid Taxes!

One of the worst tax schemes in the view of the IRS are offshore (foreign) trusts. In fact, trusts of all sorts—domestic and foreign—are regularly abused. First, not all trusts are bad. Many trusts serve a legitimate purpose, such as … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #9: Nevada Corporations or LLCs

As we continue with our Bozo Tax Tips–things you absolutely, positively shouldn’t do but somewhere someone will try anyway–it’s time for an old favorite. Given the business and regulatory climate in California, lots of businesses are trying to escape taxes … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #10: Email Your Social Security Number or EIN!

It’s time for our annual rundown of Bozo Tax Tips, strategies that you really, really, really shouldn’t try. But somewhere, somehow, someone will try these. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! This is a repeat for the tenth year in … Continue reading

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No Foolin’: New York State Not Conforming to IRS Extension for Blizzard Disaster Zones

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance decided not to extend taxpayers impacted by the December blizzards to May 15th; impacted taxpayers still must either file their tax returns by April 18th or file a valid extension (meaning … Continue reading

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Mississippi Counties Impacted by Tornadoes Have Until July 31st to File

The IRS announced this morning that four Mississippi counties impacted by tornadoes have until July 31st to file.  The extension, for Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey counties, covers all tax forms and estimated tax payments due between now and July … Continue reading

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Certain New York Storm Victims Get an Extra Month to File with the IRS

The IRS announced today that individuals (and businesses) in five New York counties have an extra month (to May 15th) to file and pay tax returns; this relates to the winter storm that hit between December 23rd and December 28th.  … Continue reading

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Today Is the Partnership & S-Corporation Deadline

You know what today is, right?  Yes, the Ides of March–and the US tax filing deadline for partnerships and S-Corporations.  If your entity isn’t ready to file, download Form 7004 (the extension request) and mail it using certified mail today.  … Continue reading

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California (Franchise Tax Board) Conforms to Extension to October 16th

The Franchise Tax Board announced late yesterday that California is officially conforming to the IRS extension until October 16th for all tax returns due from January 10th through October 15.  Almost all of California is covered by the extension; only … Continue reading

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FBAR Non-Willful Penalty Is Per Report, Not Per Account

Let’s assume you have a non-willful violation of filing the FBAR (Form 114, the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts).  Is the maximum penalty ($10,000) per account or per report?  The Circuit Courts of Appeal had split on this … Continue reading

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