Author Archives: Russ

The Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act and Online Gambling

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Russ

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and others introduced the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act on Monday. The Act targets financial transactions into (or out of) jurisdictions that are considered to be tax havens. Senator Levin has posted a summary of the … Continue reading →

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Louisiana Bar Owner and Poker Player Accused of 505 Counts

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Russ

I usually don’t report on state tax fraud, but when I see someone accused of 505 counts, that gets my attention. From Lafayette, Louisiana, comes the story of Eric Cloutier. Mr. Cloutier is a former professional hockey player, and also … Continue reading →

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Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow, But Sticky Fingers…

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Russ

The inscription on the New York City General Post Office is actually, Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Yet one postman serving the Bronx is, … Continue reading →

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Castroneves’ Trial to Begin

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Russ

Helio Castroneves, the race car driver who is accused of being fast and loose with his tax returns, goes on trial tomorrow in Miami. Mr. Castroneves is accused of using a Panamanian shell company to hide $5.5 million in income. … Continue reading →

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A Bad Week for Bozo Tax Preparers

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Russ

I try hard to help my clients pay the lowest tax possible—legitimately. These Bozos skip that last word. Let’s start in Valdosta, Georgia. Back in November I reported on the scheme of Pamela and Clinton Hughes to claim fraudulent tax … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud, Tax Preparation | Tagged | 1 Comment

2008 Tax Offender of the Year Gets Four More Years

Posted on February 25, 2009 by Russ

Robert Beale won the coveted Tax Offender of the Year award for 2008. Mr. Beale was being tried for tax evasion and he came up with what is clearly a Bozo idea: arresting the judge. After his conviction on tax … Continue reading →

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IRS Street Addresses

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Russ

A reader emailed me today and said, “Why haven’t you posted your list of IRS street addresses this year?” Well, the answer is that none have changed. Still, it’s time again for the list. Most taxpayers use the Postal Service … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 4 Comments

When You Admit to $200 Milliion in Fraud, It’s Hard to Deny Fraud

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Russ

Walter Anderson was a successful telecommunication entrepreneur. However, he ran afoul of the law. In 2006 he agreed to plead guilty to two counts of tax evasion and one count of fraud after admitting to $200 million of tax evasion. … Continue reading →

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What’s Next for California

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Russ

Now that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed the bad budget bill, what’s next for the Bronze Golden State? Will taxpayers receive their tax refunds? What’s this about a special election in May? And what’s going to happen with the 2009-2010 budget? … Continue reading →

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Troutman Gets Four Years

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Russ

Former Chicago Alderman Arenda Troutman was sentenced to four years at ClubFed last week. Ms. Troutman had started the 20th Ward Women’s Auxiliary to hide money. At sentencing, Ms. Troutman told Judge Ruben Castillo, “With God as my witness I … Continue reading →

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