Author Archives: Russ

We’re Number 4

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Russ

Congratulations, California. The Tax Foundation released its list of when each state celebrates Tax Freedom Day. On average, it’s April 23rd. But not here in the Bronze Golden State. For us, it’s April 30th. What that means is from January … Continue reading →

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The IRS Enters the YouTube Age

Posted on March 26, 2008 by Russ

Linda Stiff, Deputy Commissioner of the IRS, speaks to Americans that they may need to file a tax return in order to get the stimulus/rebate payment. Here’s the video:

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A Real Bozo “Tax Preparer”

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Russ

I really am an Enrolled Agent. In fact, hanging on the wall behind me is my Certificate of Enrollment (and my license is in my wallet). Do you believe that anyone would impersonate a Certified Public Accountant? And would then … Continue reading →

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The Nevada Development Authority Strikes Again

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Russ

With California having a $16 billion deficit, and the Democrats in California’s Legislature saying that the only solution to the problem is to increase taxes, it was only a matter of time until the Nevada Development Authority struck. Here’s their … Continue reading →

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Adult Entertainment Facilities Also Have Tax Troubles in Canada

Posted on March 23, 2008 by Russ

There’s something about adult entertainment enterprises that somehow attracts tax troubles. Could it be the plentiful cash and the slightly sleazy nature of some of the business operators? If it’s good enough for a New York Governor…. In any case, … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Preparers Strike Again!

Posted on March 23, 2008 by Russ

The Bozo side of my profession has had a busy week. Yeah, it’s tax season, but we have some pretty bad tax preparers highlighted here. First, we go to Queens, New York. Tommasina (a/k/a Tammy) Paolino operated Titan Enterprises in … Continue reading →

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What If You Win the Big One

Posted on March 23, 2008 by Russ

We get mail. Now, I don’t answer all of it, but this weekend I got quite a bit of interesting email. A reader asks, “I caught your appearance on the Ante Up podcast last week, so I thought I’d take … Continue reading →

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A Bad Exchange

Posted on March 20, 2008 by Russ

Section 1031 Exchanges are a tool to defer taxes. Properly done, using a reputable qualified intermediary, they’re a very useful tool in tax planning. Of course, some intermediaries aren’t as reputable as others. Edward Okun owned 1031 Tax Group LLP, … Continue reading →

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Fake Children Are Hard to Prove

Posted on March 20, 2008 by Russ

Bringing up children is tough. A Bozo tax preparer allegedly had a way to make it slightly easier. She supposedly created phony children to use as tax deductions. Hey, at least they didn’t yell about getting their rooms clean! Paulina … Continue reading →

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Heffner Gets 18 Months

Posted on March 19, 2008 by Russ

Last July I reported on the case of Timothy Heffner of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Heffner had pleaded guilty to fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion in a scheme where he “purchased” rare chemicals from Sigma-Aldrich for next to nothing and then … Continue reading →

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