Author Archives: Russ

Lots of Fraud This Week

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Russ

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?

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Russ

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

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Russ

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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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 →

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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 →

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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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