Author Archives: Russ

$89,000 or $5.79

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Russ

While on vacation I spoke with a good friend of mine from Illinois. A couple of years ago his firm had a sales tax issue with the Illinois Department of Revenue. The Illinois DOR accused his firm of not paying … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Take It With You When You’ve Already Given It Away

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Russ

If I give my brother $100, do I still have that $100? Of course not: My brother has that. The same holds true for any gift I give him; that property is now his and I have to live with … Continue reading →

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No Longer a Bully, Now a Tax Evader

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Russ

As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of rap. My best friend considers my musical taste to be quite boring. That said, we both pay our taxes. It appears that rappers are having problems remembering to do this. Beanie … Continue reading →

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While I Was Out…

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Russ

…Nothing much happened, right? (I’m ignoring that AAA/AA+ thing, of course.) The IRS announced that Form 8939 for estates for 2010 will be due on November 15th. However, the form has yet to be released. Joe Kristan noted that the … Continue reading →

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Vacation

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Russ

It’s time for my annual vacation. If something earth-shattering in the tax world happens while I’m relaxing, I’ll take time out to post on it. Otherwise, enjoy the fine bloggers listed in the blogroll on the right. I’ll be back … Continue reading →

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Speaking of California’s Use Tax…

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Russ

A couple posts ago, I reported on the Board of Equalization having a Use Tax Table available for next year’s filing season. An article in today’s Orange County Register reminded me how California regulations hurt small businesses and bring in … Continue reading →

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The FTB Would Like Some Help from California Tax Professionals

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Russ

If you’re a tax professional in California, the Franchise Tax Board is asking for some help to improve their website. We need tax professionals’ help to test webpages and online applications (such as MyFTB Account) and provide feedback to us. … Continue reading →

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BOE Approves Use Tax Table for Indviduals

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Russ

The Board of Equalization approved a tax table that individuals can use (if they wish) to report Use Tax for their 2011 tax returns (filed in 2012). Use Tax is owed by individuals and businesses when they buy products where … Continue reading →

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I Spilled my Coffee Thanks to Joe Kristan

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Russ

This morning, Joe Kristan posted about an Iowa couple who had a unique method of preparing tax returns. I made the mistake of reading the actual court decision while drinking my morning coffee: According to [the defendants], if you believe … Continue reading →

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Class Action Approved for Los Angeles Phone Tax Lawsuit

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Russ

The City of Los Angeles’ telephone tax used to be based on the Federal telephone excise tax. The federal tax, collection of which began to fund the Spanish-American War (Remember the Maine?), ended when almost every circuit Court of Appeal … Continue reading →

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