Author Archives: Russ

Bozo Tax Tip #8: The Shell

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Russ

I was talking with a friend who is an attorney in the Midwest. She told me about an individual who decided to use ten layers of shell companies to hide his income. It worked so well that the Bozo had … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #9: Only Foreign Income Is Taxable

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Russ

Another repeat from 2008, mainly because people still try to peddle this snake oil. This conversation took place just yesterday. Two prospective clients came into my office (husband and wife). I showed them my Engagement Letter first, and they wanted … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #10: Use Consecutive SSNs When Cheating the IRS

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Russ

It’s time for our annual rundown of Bozo Tax Tips, strategies that you really, really, really shouldn’t try. But somewhere, somehow, someone will try these. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Here’s a repeat for the third year: Let’s thank … Continue reading →

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Pre-April 15th Hiatus

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Russ

It’s that time of year again. I’ve written my top ten Bozo Tax Tips to help people like Richard Hatch in his quest to prove 300 million witness wrong. Those tips will start posting automatically beginning this coming Wednesday. Until … Continue reading →

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Hatch Again Asks for Freedom

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Russ

Richard Hatch, the Survivor winner who decided he didn’t have to pay taxes on his $1 million of winnings, is again asking a court to free him. He’s filed a motion with the US District Court in Rhode Island that … Continue reading →

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A Good Blog to Visit

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Russ

Peter Pappas, proprietor of the Tax Lawyer’s Blog, reminded me that I have forgotten to include him on my blogroll. Well, that’s an error I was happy to correct. Mr. Pappas’ blog is excellent, and we share annoyance over an … Continue reading →

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There’s Lots of Waste in California’s Government

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Russ

That’s the only conclusion I can draw after perusing this morning’s Orange County Register. A headline reads, “State Considers Ban on Big-Screen TVs.” No, it’s not April 1st—the headline is for real. The California Energy Commission—that’s the same group of … Continue reading →

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Where’s the Refund

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Russ

A good barometer of when others will receive their California tax refunds is when I will receive mine. My return was filed on February 15th. The Franchise Tax Board has a webpage to check on the status of your refund. … Continue reading →

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Not Pressed for Time Any More

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Russ

We’ve got some lowlights from the tax fraud world. A dentist and a doctor from West Virginia are in trouble. And we’ll take a look at what could happen if your 1031 Exchange uses a dishonest Qualified Intermediary. First, let’s … Continue reading →

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Three More Questions from the Mailbag

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Russ

Three more questions from the mailbag this week. We’ll take a look at pensions, extensions, and putting money aside for 2009 taxes. First, a Californian asks: If I retire with a government pension (Calpers) from California, will I have to … Continue reading →

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