Author Archives: Russ

Another Bozo Tax Preparer Caught

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Russ

Anthony Pendleton ran Payless Tax Services of Inglewood, California. Mr. Pendleton allegedly had an interesting way to ensure that his clients got refunds: He allegedly invented employers for his clients, generated phony W-2s, and fabricated educational expenses. It’s a trifecta … Continue reading →

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Wesley Snipes in Tax Trouble…Again

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Russ

Right after Wesley Snipes found out that he’ll be sentenced on April 24th, news came out that Wesley Snipes owes $70,000 in back property taxes for his home in Alpine, New Jersey (in suburban Bergen County). The home is in … Continue reading →

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The New Standard for Preparers

Posted on February 10, 2008 by Russ

In years past, if I took a position on a tax return it needed “Substantial authority.” That’s equivalent to about a 30% chance of being upheld. Congress changed the law; now in order for me to take a position it … Continue reading →

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Sweden Goes After Poker Players

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

The Swedish tax agency, Skatteverket, is targeting online poker players and affiliates. Skatteverket uses an online “spider,” or web crawler, to find web sites that appear to be income producing. They then investigate to see if they’ve reported income and/or … Continue reading →

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If You Lose, Try 66 More Times….

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

There are losing streaks and then there are really long losing streaks. Larry Harvey has not had a good year battling IRS attorney Randall Preheim. Yesterday, as Joe Kristan noted, Mr. Harvey lost his 64th and 65th cases. Today, that … Continue reading →

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Computer Notices Should be Reviewed

Posted on February 6, 2008 by Russ

Tax agencies love computerized notices. The computer does the work, finds probable tax scofflaws, and the notices are mailed in an automated fashion. This saves the agencies money. Assuming the tax debt is real, it’s a good bargain for everyone. … Continue reading →

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Election Day, Part 1 of 3

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Russ

Today is the first of three election days in 2008 in California. If you’re in Orange County, you can find your precinct here. If you’re elsewhere in California, the Secretary of State’s website can direct you to your county’s registrar … Continue reading →

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Do Not Try This Yourself

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

Wesley Snipes wasn’t the only individual who learned his fate last week. Here are three more cases of tax evasion which all share a common theme. First, from Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania comes the story of a couple who put business … Continue reading →

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D’Angelo Pleads Guilty

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

Back in November we reported on Robert D’Angelo. Mr. D’Angelo, the former head of the Madison, Wisconsin Overture Center, was facing a variety of charges based on him running two side businesses using city facilities and not reporting the income … Continue reading →

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A Bong Tax

Posted on February 3, 2008 by Russ

If a Maryland State Senator has his way, buyers of bongs in Maryland will soon have to pay a special tax. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Geoerge’s County) introduced two bills on Wednesday that would add a $20 tax for all … Continue reading →

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