Author Archives: Russ

Politics First, Solving Problems Second: Dems to Schedule Vote on “Buffet Rule” for April 15th

Today on CBS’s Face the Nation, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that Democrats will schedule a vote on the “Buffet Rule” for April 15th. The so-called Buffet rule would raise income tax rates on anyone making $1 million or more … Continue reading

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On Wednesday the Rabbi Will Go to ClubFed

I’ve reported on Spinka before. The Grand Rabbi of Spinka, Naftali Tzi Weisz, was jailed for two years for his part in a charitable donation (but not really charitable donation) tax fraud scheme. Apparently, there’s more to investigate. A Grand … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | 1 Comment

Another One Bites the Dust

Yet another late night infomercial house has fallen into trouble. As Janet Novack on Forbes reported, “Owe The IRS? TaxMasters Bankruptcy Shows Why Not To Get Help From TV Pitchmen.” TaxMasters, like all of the late night infomercial firms, says … Continue reading

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

What’s $146.3 Million Among Friends?

I can answer that question! $146.3 million is the additional amount of tax collections that California projected but did not receive in February. What’s worse is that the shortfall in the fiscal year-to-date is $1.3 billion. I’ve been preparing plenty … Continue reading

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I Was #254

Investors Business Daily has an article today on the Sick Man of America: California: In 2011, more businesses (254) quit California than the year before (202), which was a high-water mark over 2009 (51). Last year, roughly five businesses left … Continue reading

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When Buying a Business in Texas…

…ask for the Certificate of No Tax Due from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Alan Sherman of the Texas State & Local Tax Law Blog explains why.

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Mailbag Update

We get mail: I got married last June and my wife says we need to file as single because we weren’t married for the whole year. Can you set her straight? Your marital status on December 31st is your marital … Continue reading

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Corporate Tax Deadline is Thursday, March 15th

The first big tax filing deadline of the year is upon us: The deadline for calendar year corporations (both C Corporations and S Corporations) to file their tax returns is Thursday, March 15th. What if you have a corporation and … Continue reading

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Confidence…Make that Confidence Man

A former IRS employee decided to head to Thailand after bilking investors in a Ponzi scheme. That country wasn’t a great choice, as there is an extradition treaty to the US. Adding to his woes was his general disdain for … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Fraud | Comments Off on Confidence…Make that Confidence Man

I Hope You Like Florence, Colorado

Kevin Small has had a decidedly interesting career. He has had 30 arrests for all sorts of crimes (including violent crimes). While enjoying Pennsylvania’s state prisons, he decided to commit tax fraud from the IRS. He was “caught” after obtaining … Continue reading

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