Author Archives: Russ

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 →

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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

Amazon Tax Tossed in Colorado

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Russ

Taxdood has had a good series of posts on the Amazon tax. Amazon.com has negotiated with several states regarding collecting sales tax on purchases made from the online retailer. Amazon will begin to collect sales tax in Texas (beginning July … Continue reading →

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Your Tax Dollars NOT at Work: 293 Ultra Low Mileage Priuses in Miami

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Russ

My partner, Aaron, has a Toyota Prius (actually, two of them, if you count his wife’s car). I like the car a lot, and I’m certain Aaron won’t misplace his car. Aaron, though, does not manage the vehicle fleet of … Continue reading →

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Vikings May be Tossed for a Loss

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Russ

The Minnesota Vikings play at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The Vikings have played in the stadium since 1982, and the stadium used to host the Minnesota Twins and the University of Minnesota football team. Before playing at the Metrodome, … Continue reading →

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Hatch Finds a Job! (But Buyer Beware: Firm Linked to Roni Deutch & Another Accused Attorney)

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Russ

Congratulations to Richard Hatch, winner of the first Survivor and my favorite tax-challenged celebrity. Courtesy of Kelly Erb we find out that Mr. Hatch now has a job. Yes, it appears to be another penny on the dollars firm. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Scams | Tagged | 1 Comment

California Tax Revenues Lag

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Russ

In what is, for me, the biggest non-surprise, California looks to be facing a $9 billion deficit. Reports are that income tax collections in April have severely lagged behind estimates. Given that the economy remains in the doldrums, only bureaucrats … Continue reading →

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Hurry Up and Wait: FullTilt/PokerStars/Group Bernard Tapie Update

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Russ

This post has nothing to do with taxes, but everything to do with online poker. You’ve been forewarned. Today came news that Group Bernard Tapie has backed out of the deal to acquire the assets of FullTilt Poker. That is … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged , | 1 Comment

For Sale: 24,000-26,000 Square Foot Home with an Interesting History

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Russ

The house has 24,414 square feet. At least that much, as it was also measured at 26,828. It has lots of bedrooms: 16, 17, or 18 (depending on who does the counting). And it will soon be for sale, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Ohio | Tagged | 1 Comment