Author Archives: Russ

Off the Farm

Posted on April 25, 2010 by Russ

There’s tax evasion, and there’s big-time tax evasion. Bill Melot, of Hobbs, New Mexico, committed really big-time evasion. Mr. Melot had a farm near Hobbs. The news report doesn’t indicate what he grew, but he did get farm subsidies from … Continue reading →

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North Carolina Has a Use for Amazon

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Russ

Via the Volokh Conspiracy comes the news that North Carolina is seeking the names of everyone who has bought anything from Amazon.com since 2003. Now, why in the world would the North Carolina Department of Revenue want to know what … Continue reading →

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At Least, He’s Doing Well…

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Russ

Who is Halsey Minor? He happens to top the California Franchise Tax Board’s semi-annual listing of tax delinquents. I may not have heard of Mr. Minor, but many others have; he is the founder of CNET. Mr. Minor told c-ville.com … Continue reading →

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Who Runs California: The Legislature or the SEIU?

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Russ

If anyone wonders why California is in trouble, wonder no more. Here’s a clip from a recent legislative hearing: So should our legislators do what’s good for the people of California or what’s good for the SEIU? Well, we know … Continue reading →

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Aloha! Hawaii Repeals Gambling Loss Prohibition

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Russ

Last summer Hawaii enacted a tax, err, the elimination of the ability to take gambling losses as an itemized deduction. This made our fiftieth state even less of a good place for gamblers to reside. Today, Governor Linda Lingle signed … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Procrastinate!

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Russ

It’s April 16th. There was a deadline yesterday? Well, this post was supposed to appear yesterday morning, but apparently I clicked on the 16th rather than the 15th when I wrote it. What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, you … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #2: Be Suspicious!

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Russ

Another repeat, but one that is a continual issue with cash business. It may be “cash and carry,” but cash is taxable in all ways. And cash reporting (or lack thereof) can be a problem. Our #1 Bozo Tax Tip … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #3: Trustless Trusts

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Russ

Another repeat from last year, but just as apropros. Only last week I was offered the “Deal of a Lifetime” to invest in the guacamole fund. I’d rather eat my guacamole, thank you. Anyway: Just today someone sent me an … Continue reading →

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Property Tax Payments Due on Monday

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Russ

If you’re a Californian, it’s time to make your second half 2009-2010 Property Tax Payment. We received two extra days (April 10th fell on a weekend) but you do need to pay by April 12th. Your payment must be made … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #4: Nevada Corporations

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Russ

A repeat for the third year follows, but it’s one again getting a lot of play due to business conditions here in California. While I’m focusing on California and Nevada, the principle applies to any pair of states. Nevada is … Continue reading →

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