Author Archives: Russ

Another Battle in the Spanish-American War?

Posted on August 9, 2009 by Russ

Remember the Maine? That was the battle cry for the Spanish-American War. That war was fought in 1898 and was funded by an excise tax on a then luxury, telephone service. Move forward 90 years. The excise tax was still … Continue reading →

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Las Vegas 2, Sacramento 0

Posted on August 9, 2009 by Russ

The Nevada Development Authority is Southern Nevada’s government agency that attempts to draw new businesses to the Las Vegas area. They’ve got a new campaign aimed at California. Why? Well, the California Legislature is making the NDA’s job easy. Here’s … Continue reading →

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Catching Up on the Past

Posted on August 6, 2009 by Russ

We’ve got some catching up to do. A few miscreants that we reported on have recently reappeared in the news, so here goes. First, our 2008 Tax Offender of the Year, Robert Beale, had his appeal heard earlier this year. … Continue reading →

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Dust in the Wind

Posted on August 5, 2009 by Russ

I appear to have returned from my vacation full of classic rock. Tonight’s selection is Kansas’ Dust in the Wind. Here’s an excerpt: [Now] Don’t hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky It slips away, and all … Continue reading →

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Welcome to the Hotel California

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Russ

The Eagles song Hotel California remains a classic rock hit. During my recent vacation I walked through a Hotel California—the California Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. The California has a Hawaiian theme, and the hotel is popular with … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, Hawaii | 1 Comment

Vacation

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Russ

It’s time for my annual vacation. I’ll be back on Tuesday, August 4th. While on vacation I may post if there’s significant news on the California budget; otherwise, until I return you can catch up on taxes from the bloggers … Continue reading →

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Tax Changes in the California Budget

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Russ

The California budget deal will likely be voted on today or tomorrow. There are a number of tax changes in it that will impact Californians: Estimated Taxes Accelerated (Again). Under federal law, taxpayers make four equal (25%) estimated tax payments … Continue reading →

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Federal Toilet Paper Tax?

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Russ

Via Watts Up With That comes news of Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s (D-OR) proposed Water Resources Protection Act. Buried in this legislation are four new taxes [link opens a Word document] – 3% excise tax on items disposed of in wastewater, … Continue reading →

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It’s Official, But the Details Are Lacking

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Russ

California has a budget deal. That said, the devils is always in the details and those are lacking this morning. What’s known is that local governments (counties and cities) will face a $5 billion cut, the plan includes borrowing and … Continue reading →

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Budget Deal Done

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Russ

The Flash Report said this evening that a budget deal is done. “Lots of cuts, lots of borrowing, lots of gimmicks. But from the briefings I have had so far, the cuts are substantial, with mega-billions that are permanent.” The … Continue reading →

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