Author Archives: Russ

The Giants Face the Taxman

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Russ

Football season is over, but the New York Giants are still in a fight. The Giants faced off against East Rutherford, New Jersey in state tax court last week. The battle is over whether or not the Giants should pay … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey, Property Taxes | Tagged | Comments Off on The Giants Face the Taxman

Wesley Snipes Petitions the Supreme Court

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Russ

Wesley Snipes has submitted his petition for writ of certiorari to the US Supreme Court. Mr. Snipes would like to have his conviction reversed. As best as I can determine, Mr. Snipes is arguing that the case shouldn’t have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Wesley Snipes Petitions the Supreme Court

IRS Publishes Annual List of Frivolous Tax Arguments

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Russ

As many times as I say don’t submit a frivolous tax argument to the IRS, some Bozo will do so. For those Bozos who want to try something new, the IRS has kindly published its list of frivolous tax arguments … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on IRS Publishes Annual List of Frivolous Tax Arguments

Time Was On His Side

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Russ

Sometimes I have to be careful about jumping to conclusions. When I first looked at Charlton v. Commissioner I expected the taxpayer to lose. It wasn’t hard to jump to that conclusion when I read, Throughout his career, Jeffrey pursued … Continue reading →

Posted in Scams, Tax Court | Tagged | Comments Off on Time Was On His Side

Spending More Than You Have Doesn’t Work

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Russ

If you make $100,000, but you’re spending $200,000, you’re either going to use up your savings or go bankrupt. Individuals and families know this; we all live within our budgets. However, that fiscal discipline seems to be an afterthought for … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on Spending More Than You Have Doesn’t Work

Paper, Money, and Chips: How to Cause Problems with Poker Satellites in Florida

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Russ

From the standpoint of taxes, if I you win a poker tournament and I pay you in cash, a check, or casino chips, there’s no difference. All are negotiable (or fungible) monetary instruments. That’s basic. But what happens when you … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Comments Off on Paper, Money, and Chips: How to Cause Problems with Poker Satellites in Florida

FBARs No Longer Required for Poker Accounts

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Russ

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) published revised regulations for the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) in the Federal Register today. Poker accounts were reportable because they were pooled accounts with the money held in one central … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, IRS | Tagged | 9 Comments

Hint: If There’s a Chance You’ll be Arrested, Don’t Change Planes in the U.S.

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Russ

A few years ago, David Carruthers, a citizen of the United Kingdom, needed to get to San Jose, Costa Rica from London. He booked a flight through Dallas-Fort Worth. That was a mistake, as Mr. Carruthers was an executive for … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on Hint: If There’s a Chance You’ll be Arrested, Don’t Change Planes in the U.S.

Ciavarella Guilty of 12 of 39 Counts

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Russ

Back in 2009, I reported on what I called, “One of the worst cases I’ve read about.” I like putting humor in posts, but that post was just matter of fact. I had not read before of such horrendous corruption … Continue reading →

Posted in Scams, Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Ciavarella Guilty of 12 of 39 Counts

PAIN: Why Your Productivity is Suffering

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Russ

When I was vacationing in the Bahamas earlier this year, I took three books on fitness and nutrition to read. As I sat around in the sun doing next to nothing, I decided when I got back home it would … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Comments Off on PAIN: Why Your Productivity is Suffering