Author Archives: Russ

Bozo Tax Tip #7: Use a Foreign Trust to Avoid Taxes!

Posted on May 6, 2021 by Russ

By far the worst tax schemes in the view of the IRS are offshore (foreign) trusts. In fact, trusts of all sorts—domestic and foreign—are regularly abused. First, not all trusts are bad. Many trusts serve a legitimate purpose, such as … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #8: The Shell

Posted on May 5, 2021 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: Nevada Corporations

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Russ

As we continue with our Bozo Tax Tips–things you absolutely, positively shouldn’t do but somewhere someone will try anyway–it’s time for an old favorite. Given the business and regulatory climate in California, lots of businesses are trying to escape taxes … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #10: Email Your Social Security Number!

Posted on May 3, 2021 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! This is a repeat for the eighth year in … Continue reading →

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IRS Reminds Taxpayers of April FBAR Deadline. So What!

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Russ

The IRS sent out a press release this morning noting the FBAR deadline remains April 15th.  The FBAR is the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FinCEN Form 114), and must be filed if you have $10,000 aggregate in … Continue reading →

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If You Used Poloniex and Did Not Report Your Crypto…

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Russ

…now is a very good time to amend your tax returns to include those cryptocurrency gains and losses.  The Department of Justice announced that a federal court in Massachusetts ordered Circle Internet, the former parent company of Poloniex, and Poloniex … Continue reading →

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25 Million (and Counting)

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Russ

Today is April Fool’s Day.  I wish this post were a joke–and I guess in one way it is.  Unfortunately, what I’m reporting is true. Yesterday, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins told a webinar that 25 million tax returns need … Continue reading →

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More IRS Correspondence Follies

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Russ

Two more examples came in yesterday’s mail regarding the IRS’s troubles with correspondence.  First, clients received an Automated Underreporting Unit (AUR) notice in late December (2020) regarding income allegedly not included on their return.  It was included, and we faxed … Continue reading →

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Miccouskees Reach End of the Road

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Russ

The Miccouskee Tribe runs a very successful casino outside of Miami.  The tribe itself is a sovereign nation and is exempt from federal taxation.  However, its members are US citizens and owe tax on all their income.  The tribe offered … Continue reading →

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Commissioner Rettig, Come Clean and Stop the B.S.

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Russ

Last week I wrote a post titled 18 Months and Counting.  As promised, here’s the follow-up and it can be summed up with a simple line, “The IRS is lying to everyone about correspondence.” Commissioner Rettig today said he is … Continue reading →

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