Author Archives: Russ

You Can Possibly Help Eliminate the Draconian FBAR Penalties

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Russ

Phil Hodgen, a tax attorney in Pasadena, has been approached by a reporter who is working on a story dealing with the draconian nature of FBAR penalties. From Phil’s post: A certain large American publication is working on a story … Continue reading →

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Brother, Can You Spare $30 Billion?

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Russ

The analysis is out and California has another Bad Budget™. Let’s see what’s in this “Let’s Defer to Tomorrow What We Don’t Want to Address Today” piece of cheese: The budget assumes $5.4 billion in federal funds.  That seems fine … Continue reading →

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Congressman’s Wife to Plead Guilty to Tax Charges

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Russ

For those who don’t watch television, listen to the radio, or get mail, yes, there’s an election in less than a month. And for one Congressman in Massachusetts, there’s some bad news. Congressman John Tierney represents Salem and surrounding areas … Continue reading →

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I Think I’ve Seen This Before

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Russ

You go on a reality television show, and you manage to win a prize. Along with your check the producers hand you a Form 1099-MISC. Do you: (a) Report the winnings on your taxes, as the IRS will have those … Continue reading →

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“Threatens to Bankrupt [California]”

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Russ

That line was used by the Orange County Register to describe the California Center for Public Policy’s report on Pensions and Employee Compensation. That’s scary. Here’s a quote from the Register: The report says that the state’s tax-paid pensions have … Continue reading →

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That Was the Week That Was

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Russ

A very interesting week has past, featuring PTIN madness, a new California budget that is yet another bad budget, and what not to do if you’re unhappy with your tax refund. First, Joe Kristan linked to the Bad Lawyer Blog. … Continue reading →

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Bills Vetoed and Signed

Posted on October 2, 2010 by Russ

Lots of bills signed and vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Most of these do not have tax implications though a few do. Here goes: SB 1244 was signed into law. This fixes a major conformity issue between federal and California law … Continue reading →

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A Budget Deal Is Reached But…

Posted on October 2, 2010 by Russ

…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…

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Russ

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

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Russ

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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