Author Archives: Russ

Tanning and Other Phony Deductions

Three Bozo tax preparers are in trouble this week. Two are the target of a Department of Justice lawsuit to shut them down; the other finds himself facing tax evasion charges. Let’s start in Clive, Iowa. Jill Schwartz-Musin and her … Continue reading

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One of the Worst Cases I’ve Read About

I like to poke some humor on tax fraud cases. This case has none of that, and I’m really disgusted about the facts of the case. Two judges in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania had a nice racket going. Judges Mark Ciavarella and … Continue reading

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Marlins Vote Delayed

The Florida Marlins play at Joe Robbie Pro Player Dolphins Stadium in South Florida. It’s a football stadium, and with the usual afternoon showers that plague South Florida it’s not an ideal place for baseball. Add in the heat and … Continue reading

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1.5 Votes Away

The California budget crisis continues. As of this writing, the Legislature is locked in at the Capitol. There are apparently the votes to pass the budget in the Assembly, but Senate Democrats need to convince either one or two Republicans … Continue reading

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The “Stimulus” and Taxes

The Stimulus bill which will soon pass Congress is one of the largest spending bills ever. It’s pork, pure and simple, with a veneer of stimulus. But forget the veneer, it appears to me to just be spend, spend, spend. … Continue reading

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A Bad Budget Deal Struck?

Various reports from Sacramento hint that a budget deal has been struck. UPI’s report states (from the Sacramento Bee) Sources close to the negotiations told the newspaper that the tax provisions include an across-the-board hike in the income tax, higher … Continue reading

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Is It Time to Leave California?

I like living in Irvine. It’s a great community, I have lots of friends, and I enjoy my home. But is the state so broken that no business can succeed here long-term? It’s not that I’m upset with the budget … Continue reading

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Lots of Fraud This Week

Plenty of fraud to digest this week, with stories that span the globe. We even have what looks like a case that we reported on two years ago where the alleged perpetrator won’t be prosecuted after all. Let’s start in … Continue reading

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Is There Something in the Water in Illinois?

Suppose you’re a tax preparer, and your new client owes quite a bit. Being the ever helpful kind of person that you are, you suggest to him that he add some additional business losses, charitable contributions and child care expenses, … Continue reading

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No Progress in Sacramento

I heard while driving last week that global warming enthusiasts predicted a severe drought this year in California. Of course, the dry weather of January promptly changed to a rainy pattern that is now predicted to last for at least … Continue reading

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