Author Archives: Russ

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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Governator Preparing the 2009 Budget

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Russ

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released details of next year’s budget. Full details aren’t available but it appears that this budget would cut the number of state employees, increase the sales tax by 1.5%, add new taxes on alcoholic beverages, and cut … Continue reading →

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Do I Owe 5¢ Or Am I Owed 4¢?

Posted on January 3, 2009 by Russ

I’m sure I have lifetime employment, and this story is yet another confirmation of that. A Detroit attorney received a bill for 5¢ from the IRS. He then received a letter noting that he was owed a 4¢ refund, but … Continue reading →

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No Love for Dinosaur Land; the Hovinds Lose Their Appeal

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Russ

I’ve written several times about the saga of Kent and Jo Hovind. The Hovinds are evangelists who formed Dinosaur Adventure Land, a theme park that mixed dinosaurs and the Bible. They also weren’t believers in the IRS, and used a … Continue reading →

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