Author Archives: Russ

FBAR Delayed for Some Corporate Signers

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Russ

I, along with other tax professionals, liken the FBAR to going after jaywalkers with shotguns. Well, a few fewer jaywalkers need worry about the FBAR for this year. The IRS announced today that individuals in two categories will not need … Continue reading →

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Just Say No, Sacramento Style

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Russ

It’s been a while since I’ve reported on the California budget situation, but it seem apropos given that June is right around the corner and with it the constitutional deadline for California to have a balanced budget. Democratic Governor Jerry … Continue reading →

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Staking and the WSOP: 2011 Update

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Russ

Back in 2007, I wrote this post regarding staking and the World Series of Poker. Generally, nothing has changed. Caesar’s (formerly Harrah’s) still runs the WSOP and still refuses to obey IRS rules regarding Form 5754. That means that a … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | 6 Comments

How May We Not Serve You Today?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Russ

This post has nothing to do with taxes, but everything to do with customer mis-service. You’re forewarned. On Tuesday, May 10th, I logged on to my blog and attempted to write a post. I was unable to save the post … Continue reading →

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We’re Almost Back to Normal

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Russ

If you can see this post, you’re seeing Taxable Talk hosted by my new hosting company.  New posts are coming tomorrow (Thursday), along with a rather scathing review of a certain hosting company. That post could be titled, “Indian Customer … Continue reading →

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We’re Going Down to Come Back Like a Phoenix

Posted on May 8, 2011 by Russ

My current hosting company has decided they don’t want my business. I am being forced to switch companies (something I’ll write about next week). For now, we will likely be going down and then reappearing like the proverbial Phoenix and … Continue reading →

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Hawaii Likely to Increase Film Credits; What Could Go Wrong?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Russ

Do you like Hawaii Five-0? No matter, it’s very likely you will see far more films and television productions made in Hawaii in the near future. The legislature in Hawaii is considering increasing the film credit rate from 15% to … Continue reading →

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Radio Russ

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Russ

I am once again the guest on Bart Hanson’s Deuce Plays podcast this week. We discuss “Black Friday” in the online poker world, and its probable impact on taxes, and the possible future of online gambling in the United States. … Continue reading →

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One Down, Two to Go

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Russ

This afternoon, PokerStars announced that they are now ready to return balances in Americans’ accounts back to them. Depending on the balance, this can be done by check, electronic funds transfer, or wire transfer (only balances of $50,000 or more … Continue reading →

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FTB’s Top 250 Delinquencies Not a Minor Affair

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Russ

Right at the end of the tax season, the Franchise Tax Board released its list of the top 250 delinquencies. There is still a celebrity or two on the list, but the new list is a bit more mundane than … Continue reading →

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