Author Archives: Russ

Haiti Charitable Tax Deduction Legislation Likely

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans plan on introducing joint legislation to allow Americans to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions to Haiti earthquake relief in 2009 though the deductions are made in 2010. I expect … Continue reading →

Posted in California, IRS | 2 Comments

How to Go to ClubFed for Tax Evasion

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

If you really, really want to go to ClubFed for committing tax evasion, do what Tom Daugherty of Fort Myers, Florida did. Mr. Daugherty, a commercial real estate broker, bought $2.19 million of cashier’s checks from Orion Bank. He also … Continue reading →

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Is Oregon at the Tax Crossroads?

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

The Wall Street Journal editorializes on Friday that Oregon is at the tax crossroads. The Oregon Legislature, dominated by Democrats, voted to increase the state’s top personal income tax bracket to 11% from 9%; they also voted to increase the … Continue reading →

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IRS Tips on Choosing a Tax Preparer

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

The IRS has come out with its annual list of tips in choosing a tax professional: 1. Check the person’s qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources … Continue reading →

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37 More Years for Ed Brown

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

Tax protester Ed Brown received 63 months for tax evasion. You may remember that he decided to barricade himself in his New Hampshire home, fill it with weapons, and tell the government to go somewhere else. As Joe Kristan notes, … Continue reading →

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Phony Notes but Real Evasion

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

If you’re ever accused of a criminal offense, and you’re under bond (bail), you should show up at your trial. If you don’t, you are certain to find yourself in even worse trouble. Add in allegedly committing tax evasion and … Continue reading →

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For Sale With Mold

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

Mold inside a building can be a major health issue. Unfortunately, California’s Board of Equalization is housed in such a building. The 24-story building is in a prime, downtown Sacramento location. But leaks and mold abound, and the $15 million … Continue reading →

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A Layover of 33 Months

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Russ

In July 2006 I reported on David Carruthers. Mr. Carruthers needed to fly from London to San Jose, Costa Rica. No nonstops were available, so he flew through DFW. The 2-hour layover ended up being 33 months. Mr. Carruthers happened … Continue reading →

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Traficant: Let’s Abolish the IRS

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Russ

Convicted felon and former (and possibly soon-to-be) Congressman James Traficant hit the airwaves. Mr. Traficant was on the radio in Cleveland. While he still hasn’t decided which Congressional race he’ll enter, he did call himself a “bitter man.” CQ Politics … Continue reading →

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Educated in Tax Fraud, Not Education

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Russ

Sometimes you just don’t need to embellish a story. The former Education Dean of the University of Louisville pleaded guilty last Friday to nine charges of embezzlement and tax fraud. Robert Felner embezzled $1.7 million from the University of Rhode … Continue reading →

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