Author Archives: Russ

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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Blagojevich Crony Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

Speaking of governors having troubles there’s Governor Blagojevich of Illinois. Christopher Kelly was a fundraiser for Governor Blagojevich until he was indicted on 12 counts of tax fraud. Last week Mr. Kelly changed his plea to guilty from not guilty. … Continue reading →

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Budget Vetoed; What’s Next?

Posted on December 21, 2008 by Russ

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the Democrats’ end-run budget on Friday, and the veto stands no chance of being overridden (it would take a 2/3 vote, and it’s certain that no Republicans would vote for it). So what’s next? First, Governor Schwarzenegger … Continue reading →

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Constitution? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Constitution

Posted on December 18, 2008 by Russ

Democrats in the California legislature announced that they would vote this morning on a budget plan that would balance the budget by hiking taxes but doesn’t need a ⅔ vote to pass. (The state constitution requires a ⅔ vote for … Continue reading →

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New York Governor Looks to Increase 88 Taxes and User Fees

Posted on December 16, 2008 by Russ

New York already already has the second worst tax climate in the country according to the Tax Foundation. Governor David Paterson today announced a budget that seeks to add or increase 88 taxes and user fees. User fees are just … Continue reading →

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The CPA Added Phony Deductions. Who Owes the Tax?

Posted on December 16, 2008 by Russ

The Tax Court looked today at the case of an unlucky taxpayer who used a Bozo CPA. The Bozo CPA added phony deductions (completely unbeknownst to the taxpayer). The IRS found out and assessed the tax rightly owed and penalties. … Continue reading →

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Strip Clubs and Sushi

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Russ

Lots of fraud this week, so we’ll start with a couple favorites of mine. First, from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota comes the story of Lawrence Kladek. Mr. Kladek owns King of Diamonds Gentlemen’s Club. Mr. Kladek had an ATM installed … Continue reading →

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Like Sands Through an Hourglass…

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Russ

…So goes the budget fiasco in Sacramento. Nothing’s changed at all. Democrats don’t want to cut programs and Republicans don’t want to add new taxes. Governor Schwarzenegger now estimates the deficit at over $14 billion, and that the state could … Continue reading →

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Global Cooling, California Style

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Russ

My friends know that I’m a skeptic on global warming. I don’t think that there’s proof today that anthropogenic (man-cause) global warming is a factor in the higher temperatures of recent years. Additionally, temperatures have fallen the last couple years. … Continue reading →

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New York 4, Indians 3

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Russ

In New York state there’s been a festering battle between state government and Indian tribes regarding cigarette sales. There were several developments last week. Judge Kenneth Fisher of the state Supreme Court (equivalent to a district court in California) ruled … Continue reading →

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