Author Archives: Russ

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

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

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Best States for Entrepreneurs: South Dakota, Texas, and Nevada Lead the Way

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council released last Monday their 2012 Business Tax Index. There aren’t many surprises when you look at the list of best and worst (at least, for regular readers of this blog). The top seven states … Continue reading

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He Should Have Known Better

It’s one thing if someone makes an honest mistake in preparing his tax returns. It’s another thing if an attorney makes an honest mistake. It’s quite a different thing if the attorney makes dishonest mistakes and obstructs justice. I expect … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Get Out of Town, Fast

There’s an old saying: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Well, with Bozos things work differently. “Oh my,” a Bozo thinks. “Tax Day is just a couple of days away. I’m completely unprepared. I know: I’ll go … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #2: Use a Bozo Accountant

Here’s another Bozo Tax Tip that keeps coming around. The problem is, the Bozos don’t change their stripes. In any case, here are some signs your accountant might be a Bozo: – He’s never met a deduction that doesn’t fit … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #3: Procrastinate!

Today is April 11th. The tax deadline is just four days away. Well, six, actually, since April 15th is a Sunday and April 16th is a holiday in the District of Columbia. What happens if you wake up and it’s … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #4: Foreign Trusts

By far 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

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Bozo Tax Tip #5: 300 Million Witnesses Can’t be Right

For tax bloggers like myself, Richard Hatch has been a godsend. His antics have been, well, remarkable. While he’s no longer at the top of my Bozo Tax Tips (he’s been strangely silent since his release from prison last December), … Continue reading

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California Property Tax Payments Due

The second half of California property tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 10th. That’s a postmark deadline (US postmarks only). Your local assessor may also accept online payments, but it is time for you to make those property tax … Continue reading

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Bozo Tax Tip #6: Nevada Corporations

A repeat for the fifth year follows, but it’s one again getting a lot of play due to business conditions in California. While I’m focusing on California and Nevada, the principle applies to any pair of states. Nevada is doing … Continue reading

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