Author Archives: Russ

Two Less Bozo Tax Preparers To Deal With

Did you use Archie’s Tax and Accounting Service in Jamaica (Queens), New York? If you did, you’re likely to be getting a call from the IRS soon. The proprietors of Archie’s, Archie and Theodore Pugh, have been permanently barred from … Continue reading

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Lots of Evasion to be Thankful For

After all, Thanksgiving comes on Thursday, so we should thank these miscreants and alleged miscreants for helping make a blogger’s life easy. Let’s start in Manhattan. James Ortenzio used to be the chairman of the New York County (Manhattan) Republican … Continue reading

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Snipes Sent Funds Overseas, Feds Allege

The Department of Justice filed a motion this past week in Ocala, Florida accusing Wesley Snipes of using overseas bank accounts in Switzerland, the Isle of Man, and Antigua to hide his funds. They’ve also accused Snipes of “selling” a … Continue reading

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$20 Billion Deficit for California?

Last week I reported that California’s legislative analyst believed that the Bronze Golden State was looking at a $10 billion deficit. State Senator Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) thinks that’s wrong. Unfortunately, he thinks California is looking at a $20 billion … Continue reading

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Chicago: The Taxing City

Back in September, I reported that Cook County was looking at increasing its sales tax. That hasn’t happened yet. However, the City of Chicago decided that one good tax increase deserves another. Chicago’s City Council passed a $0.05/bottle water tax … Continue reading

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It’s Time for Earmark Reform

Pork has gotten ridiculous in Congress. My Congressman, John Campbell, is one of the few who has said he will not ask for any earmarks for his district. Meanwhile, David Obey (D-WI), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said … Continue reading

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For The Birds

One of the vexing matters for tax professionals are side businesses. If they’re profitable, it’s usually not an issue. It’s another Schedule C for the return. However, when they are unprofitable problems can arise if the IRS scrutinizes the return. … Continue reading

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Bonds Indicted for Perjury and Obstruction of Justice

Barry Bonds was indicted this afternoon on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Bonds was not indicted on any tax charges. I’m sure this indictment will gets lots of play in the media, and on sports websites such as … Continue reading

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Spitzer Abandons Internet Tax

It hasn’t been a good year for Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY). First, he’s been accused of using state troopers to spy on political opponents. Next, he proposes to give illegal aliens drivers licenses—a measure that’s overwhelmingly not supported by New … Continue reading

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New York Tries to Tax the Internet

Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) is leading the way. But it’s a taxing way. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance says that any company that has an affiliate program that has any affiliates in New York must charge sales … Continue reading

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