Author Archives: Russ

War Tax Proposal DOA

Posted on October 4, 2007 by Russ

Three Congressmen proposed on Monday a war surtax—a measure that would increase income tax rates from between 2% and 15% (the top tax bracket would become 50% if enacted). The move is a publicity stunt that has no chance of … Continue reading →

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Evade, and then Skip Out

Posted on October 4, 2007 by Russ

Karen and Charles Petersen of Nowthen, Minnesota were indicted back in 2005 for tax evasion. The government alleged that they hid their income in a trust, and then used the trust to pay personal and business expenses. After they were … Continue reading →

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Bozo Fraud Gets Real Jail Time

Posted on October 4, 2007 by Russ

I must admit that I laughed when I read this story. From Canton, Georgia comes the tale of Larry Black. Mr. Black decided to set up a booth at a check-cashing store in suburban Atlanta. He said he was a … Continue reading →

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Dallas City Hall Scandal Features Tax Evasion

Posted on October 1, 2007 by Russ

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

Posted on October 1, 2007 by Russ

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?

Posted on October 1, 2007 by Russ

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

Posted on October 1, 2007 by Russ

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

Posted on September 27, 2007 by Russ

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

Posted on September 27, 2007 by Russ

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

Posted on September 26, 2007 by Russ

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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