Author Archives: Russ

Dallas City Hall Scandal Features Tax Evasion

A 166-page indictment was unsealed today in Dallas charging 16 individuals with bribery, receiving kickbacks, and tax evasion. The individuals, including State Representative Terri Hodge (D-Dallas), former Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Hill, and others face long terms at ClubFed if convicted … Continue reading

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Michigan: Jobs Leave, Taxes Rise

When an economy is having problems and jobs are leaving your state, the normal thing to do is to help businesses. Michigan has other ideas. The Detroit Free Press’ headline screams, “Chaos averted with deal to raise income tax, add … Continue reading

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Unaccountable Business Services?

Another alleged bozo tax preparation firm has apparently been put out of business. From Gilbert, Arizona (suburban Phoenix) come the story of Accountable Business Services. If you’ve read this blog before, and have noted the tale of Western Tax Service, … Continue reading

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Traylor Gets Probation

Earlier this year I noted the sad tale of Robert “Tractor” Traylor, the former NBA player with Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte, and New Orleans. On Friday, Traylor was sentenced to three years probation for aiding and assisting in the preparation of … Continue reading

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Another Bozo Tax Preparer Out of a Job

Having had to deal with a few refugees from Western Tax Service, I’ve seen the damage that a bozo tax preparer can do. But this story is, well, ridiculous. >From Oronogo, Missouri, comes the story of Carrie Shafer. Ms. Shafer … Continue reading

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Put Not Your Trust

I just finished re-reading Murder by the Book. Written in the 1950’s by Rex Stout, the Nero Wolfe novel deals with four deaths and what a certain book (“Put Not Your Trust”) has to do with them. If you’ve never … Continue reading

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Western Tax Service Raises Its Head…Again

In February 2006, I wrote about the “end of the sage” for Western Tax Service. Western Tax Service, for those who don’t remember, had inventive but illegal methods for getting refunds for its’ clients: phony deductions for employee business expenses, … Continue reading

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Never Too Old for Fraud

I am rarely surprised when I write about tax crime. I remember reading on Fark about a 91 year old bank robber with the headline never too old to steal. Today’s subject is a little younger, but still one of … Continue reading

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Renaissance Refugee Targeted

At least three times I’ve written about Renaissance, the Tax People. The company, now out of business, was a multi-level marketing firm that promoted deducting personal expenses as business expenses. The latter is why they’re out of business, with the … Continue reading

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Adult Businesses & Taxes

The Houston Chronicle has an interesting article about US Attorneys using the tax laws to go after adult business owners. Pornography, excuse me, adult businesses, are not liked by the government. Back in 2005, then US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales … Continue reading

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