Author Archives: Russ

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

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

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Russ

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

Posted on April 22, 2012 by Russ

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

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Russ

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

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Russ

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!

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Russ

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

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Russ

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