Author Archives: Russ

Proposition 2: Farm Animals

Proposition 2 would change animal agriculture, a major industry in California. It would impact not only cattle and chickens but eggs and some other industries. Proposition 2 would require more “humane” handling of animals. This sounds innocuous, but it’s not. … Continue reading

Posted in Legislation | Comments Off on Proposition 2: Farm Animals

Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bonds

It’s time to begin our study of the ballot measures on California’s ballot in two weeks. I will be continuing my series on the presidential candidates—my article on John McCain will be up later this week. For now, let’s look … Continue reading

Posted in Legislation | Comments Off on Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bonds

Too Much Fraud

I counted over thirty interesting tax evasion stories from the last few days. There’s no way I’m going to put them all in a post so here are the highlights. First, let’s head to Gallatin County, Montana. Ruth Amande knew … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Fraud | Comments Off on Too Much Fraud

California Budget Problems

Surprise, surprise: California’s budget, assembled with smoke, mirrors, and lots of hope is already in trouble. Analysts already see a $1 billion deficit and think that $3 billion is a more likely number…and we’re still in October. The fiscal year … Continue reading

Posted in California | Comments Off on California Budget Problems

2009 Inflation Adjustments

Now that 2007 tax returns are complete it’s time to begin thinking about 2008 and 2009. The IRS announced this past week inflation adjustments for 2009: – Personal exemptions will increase from $3350 in 2007 to $3500 in 2008 to … Continue reading

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on 2009 Inflation Adjustments

Survivor: Morgantown Renewed for 12 Months

Richard Hatch, the Survivor winner who was convicted of tax evasion, won’t be leaving the Morgantown, West Virginia Federal Correctional Institution anytime soon. The US Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal today. Mr. Hatch had charged that the trial … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on Survivor: Morgantown Renewed for 12 Months

Two Days Away

The deadline for filing tax returns on extension is this Wednesday, October 15th. That’s also the deadline for funding your SEP IRAs. If you procrastinate beyond this date you will be hit with the failure to file penalty (if you … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Preparation | Comments Off on Two Days Away

A Bit More Evasion

The tax evaders were out in force this week. I could have filled several posts with their escapades. Here are the lowlights. Let’s start with a Bozo tax preparer. First, from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania comes the story of Nyon Geleh-Saylee. … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Evasion | Comments Off on A Bit More Evasion

Escort to Evasion

Christina Warthen appeared to have everything. She’s a graduate of Stanford Law School. She’s married to the founder of Ask Jeeves (now Ask.com). She’s also allegedly a tax evader who ran a high priced escort service called TouchofBrazil.net. Back in … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

We Get Questions on Gambling Income

Over the past few weeks we received a couple of questions. Here they are with answers. Timing of Online Gambling Income Question—What if you are gambling on an online site over the course of a year and you win some … Continue reading

Posted in Gambling | 1 Comment