Author Archives: Russ

Propositions 94, 95, 96, and 97

Posted on January 27, 2008 by Russ

It’s time to look at the last four propositions on the February 5, 2008 California ballot. Propositions 94 – 97 would allow four tribes to dramatically expand their Indian casinos in California (each proposition is for one of the four … Continue reading →

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A Pathological Gambler’s Deductions

Posted on January 24, 2008 by Russ

Today the Tax Court looked at the case of a “pathological gambler.” This isn’t a problem gambler. As the Court noted, “A pathological gambling disorder is a type of impulse control disorder and mental illness, not an “addiction”. This disorder … Continue reading →

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Dotting the I’s

Posted on January 23, 2008 by Russ

The last two days of the Wesley Snipes trial on tax evasion and conspiracy charges has been full of paper. The government has been entering into evidence numerous documents that they claim show proof that Mr. Snipes has evaded taxes. … Continue reading →

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Odds On Snipes

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Russ

An online betting site has posted odds on whether Wesley Snipes will find his way to ClubFed or not. According to Gambling911.com, BetCris.com has posted these odds on Mr. Snipes: Will Wesley Snipes be convicted of tax fraud? Yes 1/10 … Continue reading →

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IRS: Audits, Customer Satisfaction Up

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Russ

The IRS released the statistics on the most recent tax season last week. The good: customer satisfaction with the IRS toll-free telephone line (for answering tax questions) has risen to 94%. Do note that there is still a significant chance … Continue reading →

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A Bozo Diversion

Posted on January 21, 2008 by Russ

One of my links is to the Bozo Criminal of the Day. During tax season I need all the humor I can get. Today’s Bozo Criminal entry is one that I passed on, and involves two Miami gang members who … Continue reading →

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Snipes Trial: Week One Recap

Posted on January 20, 2008 by Russ

If you believe Robert Barnes, one of the attorneys for Wesley Snipes, the first week of Snipes’ trial went well. Mr. Barnes told the Ocala Star-Banner, “I think what they [jurors] saw was that Mr. Snipes openly, honestly engaged the … Continue reading →

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Some Fraud to Digest

Posted on January 20, 2008 by Russ

There’s been plenty of tax fraud activity besides Wesley Snipes over the past few days. Here are some of the more interesting cases. From Las Vegas comes the case of a truly Bozo plan. Keith Carthon created some phony W-2s, … Continue reading →

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The Snipes Case Is Starting to Look Like the Hatch Case

Posted on January 18, 2008 by Russ

Remember Richard Hatch, the Survivor winner who decided not to report his $1 million in winnings? Mr. Hatch, who is now residing at ClubFed, went to his accountant and was told he had to pay taxes on his winnings. He … Continue reading →

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All Your Thermostats Are Not Belong To Us

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Russ

Even bureaucrats can eventually be persuaded that a stupid idea is stupid. The California Energy Commission announced on Tuesday that they are dropping the requirements for radio-controlled thermostats from the Title 24 regulations. The public outcry was fairly intense; it … Continue reading →

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