Author Archives: Russ

A Budget Deal Is Reached But…

…No one knows what’s in it. AP and the Sacramento Bee are reporting that a budget deal has been reached. Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick (R-Carlsbad) released a statement stating, “Legislative leaders and the Governor have finally reached an agreement … Continue reading

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There’s No Budget like California’s Budget…

Ethel Merman sang about how appealing show business is. She wouldn’t be singing about how good California’s budget situation is. There’s basically nothing to report. In theory, there will be negotiations tomorrow (October 1st), but I remain pessimistic. There’s no … Continue reading

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Foreign Corporations, a Doctor, and Alleged Sham Losses: Boy, This Sounds Familiar

You know how some recipes always say to add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of sugar? It’s the same way when you read stories about foreign trusts and taxes. One quick glance at the headline and I already … Continue reading

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Making Lives Miserable in the Pacific Northwest

I used to reside in Kent, Washington. The Pacific Northwest is (during clear weather) one of the most beautiful places in the country. The combination of the Cascades, the ocean, Puget Sound, and Lake Washington makes the Seattle area a … Continue reading

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Russ’ PTIN Adventure, Part 2

This morning, I attempted again to re-register my PTIN. I used an email address that didn’t go through my server and, voila, success. I was able to re-enter all my information (except for my PTIN) on the IRS PTIN registration … Continue reading

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Online PTIN Application Now Available, But…

The IRS released the final regulations for the new PTIN process for tax professionals. There’s an FAQ available, too. The first step of the process is too sign up for an account with the PTIN system. If my experience is … Continue reading

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No Budget Yet

There’s no budget, but negotiations are scheduled to continue tomorrow. This story in the San Jose Mercury leads me to believe we’re still a couple of days away from an agreement, and likely at least a week from a vote. … Continue reading

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Budget Framework Reportedly Reached

News reports state that a “framework for a budget deal has been reached” and that the Big Five (Governor Schwarzenegger and the Democratic and Republican legislative leaders) plan on working through the weekend to hammer out the details. The goal … Continue reading

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Sacramento Bound

California doesn’t have a budget. When I return home from Sacramento on Sunday, California will not have a budget. It’s probable that when we vote in the mid-term elections in 40 days that California will not have a budget. Why … Continue reading

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Congress, Obama, and Small Business

I’m a small business owner. I’m now reasonably successful, but I look warily at what’s coming down the pipeline in Washington (and Sacramento, for that matter) and don’t like what I see. Today, I read a great post on the … Continue reading

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