Author Archives: Russ

Four Weeks of Freedom Could Cost Ten Years at ClubFed

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Russ

I’ve reported on Tony and Micaela Dutson before. The couple, who were nominated for my prestigious Tax Offender of the Year award (but did not win in 2010), apparently wanted to try again in 2011. Back In June 2010 I … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | 2 Comments

It Turns Out They Weren’t Brothers from Another Planet

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Russ

It may be the High Holy Days for Jews around the world, but it appears that every day is a holy day for the Office of the Patriarch of the Gathering of the House of Israel. You never heard of … Continue reading →

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News Report: Full Tilt Sold

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Russ

PokerFuse is reporting that Full Tilt Poker has been sold to Group Bernard Tapie. The deal is conditional on factors including a favorable resolution with the US Department of Justice. PokerFuse reports that the deal calls for repayment of all … Continue reading →

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Draft Instructions Released for Son of FBAR; Gambling Accounts Will Not be Reportable

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Russ

The draft instructions for the new Son of FBAR (Form 8938) were released today. (Here is a link to my discussion of the form itself.) Here are some highlights from a first skimming of the instructions: For unmarried taxpayers living … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Full Tilt Poker: $238 Million (54%) May Have Gone to Pay Taxes

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Russ

As I noted last week, Full Tilt Poker allegedly paid their owners $440 million, much of that money supposedly coming from player deposits. One question I’ve been asked is, where did that money go? Well, I don’t know where all … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, Scams | Tagged | 2 Comments

Tax Evader to be Head NBA Referee

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Russ

Well, there might not be an NBA season, but if there is one I’m sure the NBA will have fair officiating this year…. Hat Tip: Joe Kristan

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Diamonds in the Fraud

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Russ

There’s a new theory in the world of tax fraud promoters: Redemption. Joe Kristan had a post last week on some Kansas City fraudsters who used this method. The “idea” behind this is (as best as I can determine) that … Continue reading →

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In Regulators We Trust

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Russ

That might be the state motto of California. An excellent article by Mike Perrault of the Desert Sun looks at what has happened to the entrepreneurial spirit in the Bronze Golden State. It contains the news that: A Vietnamese restaurant … Continue reading →

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California Leads the Way: Worst State for Business

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Russ

Another survey, another “winner” for California. Every three years Development Counsellors International publishes a survey: A View from Corporate America: Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing. Among the many results in the survey are the five best and worst states … Continue reading →

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New Math: California Missed August Revenue Forecast

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Russ

Just over one week ago, I wrote that California tax collections in August exceeded the budget. It turns out that California Controller John Chiang apparently had $75 million of insurance tax in August that was actually received in September. Thus, … Continue reading →

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