Author Archives: Russ

The FTB Losing Streak Continues

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Russ

The Franchise Tax Board’s battle against Gilbert Hyatt continues in Las Vegas. Mr. Hyatt, as you may recall, moved from California to Las Vegas in the early 1990s a few months before he received a patent settlement in the millions. … Continue reading →

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Paging President Obama and Secretary Geithner

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Russ

Today the Tax Court decided Taylor v. Commissioner, a case involving a lien and a levy. While the case itself is interesting (the petitioner is a famous singer), it’s the Court’s conclusion that interested me: Both petitioner and respondent repeatedly … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Court | 1 Comment

Francis Sent Home

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Russ

Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis was released from ClubFed this afternoon. Francis slept through his Monday morning court hearing. He has stated that he was suffering from the flu. He’s been ordered to get a doctor’s note, and present … Continue reading →

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Francis Gets to Sample ClubFed

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Russ

Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis faces felony tax evasion charges. This morning he was supposed to appear in Federal Court in downtown Los Angeles at 8:30a.m. He didn’t show up. After a phone call to his home wasn’t answered, … Continue reading →

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Another Thing to Try at the Next Audit or Appeal

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Russ

I’m learning a whole bunch of new strategies to use in my representation work, all courtesy of President Obama’s Cabinet appointees. I already have the “I Forgot” defense from Treasury Secretary Geithner. Next is the “Forget ClubFed and Penalties” defense … Continue reading →

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A Punter, a Pimp, and Two Executives

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Russ

With the Super Bowl having just ended, perhaps it’s appropriate that a former NFL punter makes the tax beat this week. He’s joined by a pimp and two executives in a potpourri of tax fraud. Let’s start in nearby Upland, … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

Three Fewer Bozo Tax Preparers on the Loose

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Russ

>From the East Coast comes two tales of Bozo tax preparers. They’re joined by one from the heartland. Together, it’s a trifecta of what not to do. First, Henderson Joseph of Clarksburg, Maryland used to own Triad Business Services. Mr. … Continue reading →

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And the Band Played On…

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Russ

California continues to limp towards fiscal Armageddon, with no change in the positions of either the Republicans (“cut spending now”) and the Democrats (“increase taxes now”). Meanwhile, a Sacramento judge ruled that Governor Schwarzenegger’s mandatory furloughs are legal. Many state … Continue reading →

Posted in California | 1 Comment

Another Headache for Young Gamblers

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Russ

Many online gamblers are college students and may be considered dependents. You can be claimed as a dependent if your parent(s) provide at least 50% of your support and you are under 18 or a full-time college student under age … Continue reading →

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Online Casinos Are Foreign Financial Institutions

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Russ

Casinos in the United States fall under the same currency requirements as banks and other financial institutions. Congress and the IRS recognized that money laundering and other currency shenanigans could occur at a casino. I’ve always felt that one day … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | 6 Comments