Author Archives: Russ

Not So Fast, New York

Posted on December 28, 2008 by Russ

New York’s attempt to tax cigarettes sold on Indian reservations in the Empire State hit a roadblock last week. Judge Rose Sconiers issued a temporary restraining order against New York and barred collection of the sales tax. A hearing on … Continue reading →

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Let’s Party Like It’s 1999

Posted on December 28, 2008 by Russ

I think that phrase comes from a song by the artist formally known as Prince. It’s also another way of looking at how dysfunctional California’s government has become. Meanwhile, nothing appears to be stopping the budget train from falling over … Continue reading →

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Two Gambling Cases at the Tax Court

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Russ

The Tax Court looked at two gambling related tax cases today. In the first case the petitioners thought there was discrimination; in the second case the question was whether or not the petitioners were professionals or amateurs. In the first … Continue reading →

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Not Vital In Vitro

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Russ

The Tax Court today looked at the case of a man who deducted in vitro fertilization (IVF) expenses. There was just a few problems: he wasn’t married, had no medical conditions, and the IRS objected. So why did the petitioner … Continue reading →

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Custer’s Last Stand

Posted on December 22, 2008 by Russ

No, not that Custer. Earlier this month the Tax Court looked at the case of Richard Custer. Mr. Custer, a pilot, hadn’t filed his 2004 tax return. The IRS sent him a notice of deficiency. Mr. Custer then filed a … Continue reading →

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Two Entrants for Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 22, 2008 by Russ

Joe Kristan has two stories today which show Bozo-sized stupidity. That’s definitely a prerequisite to being proclaimed the Tax Offender of the Year. First, from Tampa, Florida comes the case of Randy Nowak. Mr. Nowak was going through an IRS … Continue reading →

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Nominations for Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 22, 2008 by Russ

Yesterday was the first day of winter. For those of you suffering in the cold, I should point out that it is a little cold this morning in Orange County. As I write this it’s 53 F, with light rain. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion, Taxable Talk | Tagged | 1 Comment

Pre-Holiday Fraud

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

Lots of new tax evasion reported this week. I’m going to focus on a psychologist, contractors, a restaurant owner, a skydiver, and instant cameras. A psychologist finds herself in trouble rather than her patients. Dr. Linda Luther-Starbird is a psychologist … Continue reading →

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Man Who “Confused” a Lincoln Town Car With Sewing Machine Sentenced

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

Earlier this year I wrote how it would be difficult to confuse a Lincoln Town Car with a Singer Sewing Machine. Yet Charles Edkins managed to do it. Of course, he was committing tax evasion by deducting personal expenses as … Continue reading →

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Two Fewer Bozo Tax Preparer Schemes

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

A few fewer Bozo tax preparers are on the loose. From Greenville, South Carolina comes the first story. Appropriately named Brian Bobo and his wife Latoya thought they had a foolproof scheme. Latoya would take identification information from her job … Continue reading →

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