Author Archives: Russ

“The Producers” Doesn’t Work in Real Life

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Russ

One of my favorite movies of all time is Mel Brooks’ The Producers with Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock and Gene Wilder as accountant Leo Bloom. They decide to produce the worst possible Broadway play–Springtime for Hitler–and sell several hundred … Continue reading →

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The Responsibilities of a Tax Preparer

Posted on October 25, 2009 by Russ

Robert Flach has published two excellent posts on the responsibilities of a preparer (post 1, post 2). In general, I agree with everything that Mr. Flach states. Some excerpts: “In order to make sure that you pay the absolute least … Continue reading →

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Beat It, or It’s Human Nature to Evade

Posted on October 25, 2009 by Russ

Eugene Cappello owns Connecticut Marketing and Consulting. The company sells Chinese made Michael Jackson memorabilia to the exclusive rightsowner of Michael Jackson products, Bravado. Given the untimely passing of Michael Jackson earlier this year, I’d expect that Mr. Cappello’s business … Continue reading →

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Lockyer Spanks the Legislature

Posted on October 24, 2009 by Russ

Bill Lockyer is the elected Treasurer of California. He’s a Democrat, but after a year in office he understands the fiscal realities of the Bronze Golden State: Excerpt: It’s impossible for this legislature to reform the pension system, and if … Continue reading →

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You Could Always be in Michigan

Posted on October 22, 2009 by Russ

I do complain about California’s politics from time to time (that might be an understatement) but it could be worse. I could be in Michigan. Now, for my Michigan clients (and I have a few) I think that Michigan is … Continue reading →

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I Survived!

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

There’s a show on Discovery called I Survived. The show features individuals who survive situations that could lead to death. Nothing like that for me (thankfully), but another tax season has come and gone. I can put 2008 to bed … Continue reading →

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Hatch Freed

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

Richard Hatch, a tax blogger’s best friend, is out of ClubFed. Mr. Hatch, convicted of tax evasion when he didn’t report his $1 million winnings from Survivor was freed on Friday. He will be on probation for three years and … Continue reading →

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How Not to Prepare Returns

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

With the 2008 Tax Season finally having drawn to a close, here’s a primer on what not to do. Just claim business losses for all of your clients, even those without businesses. Your clients will be happy and you’ll get … Continue reading →

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Stranded at ClubFed

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Russ

When I last wrote about Todd Strand he had pleaded guilty to tax fraud and related charges. Mr. Strand had worked for Renaissance, the Tax People as National Marketing Director. Renaissance promoted a system that allowed you to deduct personal … Continue reading →

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An Interesting Gambling Case

Posted on October 17, 2009 by Russ

Here’s the one post that didn’t make the move from the old host. Note that “today” (in the below post) means October 1st, not October 17th. The Tax Court looked at an interesting case today. A recreational gambler (playing slot … Continue reading →

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