Author Archives: Russ

GOP Lawsuit A Bit Early

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Russ

Republican legislators joined with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association in a lawsuit attempting to stop the “user fee” tax increases. If you remember, Democrats tried a back door method of increasing taxes. Normally, a tax increase in California requires a … Continue reading →

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Three From the FTB and BOE

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Russ

Michelle Steele, a member of the Board of Equalization, in her newsletter reminded everyone that the BOE will be conducting Use Tax audits of small businesses. Use Tax is the equivalent of sales tax on purchases where sales tax is … Continue reading →

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The Great Money Pit

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Russ

Other than noting local elections I haven’t really written much on this blog about local politics. Irvine has a favorable business climate, and the city hasn’t had revenue problems. Unfortunately, I think change is on the horizon, and it’s not … Continue reading →

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Western Tax Service Rears Its Head…But in a Good Way

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Russ

Every so often I think that the saga of Western Tax Service has come to an end. Western, as you may remember, was the Anaheim-based tax preparation firm that thought that no deduction was too trivial to take for its … Continue reading →

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A Cow Tax?

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Russ

My mother wrote a book called Cindy Lou about a cow that gave chocolate milk. It’s now out of print but it’s a wonderful book for children. I will admit my bias. The book is set on a family farm. … Continue reading →

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It’s That Time of the Year

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Russ

I’ve sent out all of my Tax Organizers for the year. If you’re my client and have not received your Organizer let me know. You do not have to use the Organizer but it is a very useful tool for … Continue reading →

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The End of the Line for the Tulsa Nine

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Russ

Diana Joubert (aka Diana Brice) of Tulsa, Oklahoma had the not-so-bright idea that submitting phony tax returns would be a good way to make a living. She worked with eight others, including Samuel Willis (owner of Willis Tax & Financial … Continue reading →

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ClubFed for Janine James

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Russ

Last August I reported on Janine James, aka Janine Lindemulder. Ms. James appeared in numerous adult movies and adult magazines. She decided that a down payment on a new home was more important than paying the IRS. That led to … Continue reading →

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A Slight Improvement in Michigan

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Russ

Michigan has one of the worst business tax climates in the country. Legislators in the state made a slight improvement in their tax situation last week when they unanimously approved a bill that would stop Michigan businesses from paying tax … Continue reading →

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Oregon Looking at a Mileage Tax

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Russ

Among the many taxes that we pay is the gasoline tax. Oregon, which has no sales tax, uses the gasoline tax as its primary funding for road repairs. Governor Ted Kulongoski wants to change that. “As Oregonians drive less and … Continue reading →

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