Author Archives: Russ

Humorous Mail During Tax Time

Posted on April 26, 2007 by Russ

It’s always amazing to read the mail. I’ve received several items (mainly by email) that are interesting. So let’s take a look at some of the mail. Of course, none of the answers are specific tax advice; anyone needing specific … Continue reading →

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Setting A Sterling Example….Not

Posted on April 26, 2007 by Russ

I’ve reported on the shenanigans committed by Renaissance, the Tax People, before. Today, former IRS District Director Jesse Cota pleaded guilty to defrauding the U.S. out of $1.3 million while he was with Renaissance. He also admitted to earning more … Continue reading →

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The Fiction Strikes Back

Posted on April 25, 2007 by Russ

I haven’t blogged about the arrest, conviction, and sentencing of Ed & Elaine Brown. “Ed and Elaine Brown insist tax laws do not exist and have holed up in their hilltop home in Plainfield, which has a watchtower, concrete walls … Continue reading →

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Ex Parte Means Ex Parte

Posted on April 24, 2007 by Russ

Yesterday, the Tax Court decided Industrial Investors v. Commissioner. Industrial Investors, a corporation in Santa Monica, California, had fought the IRS in Tax Court. The case was then appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. After the case was … Continue reading →

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Some More Fraud

Posted on April 23, 2007 by Russ

Crime doesn’t pay, especially when you get caught. As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve got another full slate for you tonight. We’ll start with some garden variety fraud in Georgia. Stephen Taylor operated 20/20 Payroll Solutions, and he made sure that … Continue reading →

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A List You Don’t Want to Be On

Posted on April 23, 2007 by Russ

There are many ways to catch tax scofflaws. California is trying something new—publicizing the worst offenders. Will shame cause payments? The Board of Equalization collects sales and use tax in California. Under a law passed last year, both the BOE … Continue reading →

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A Tax That’s Typical California

Posted on April 22, 2007 by Russ

California’s legislature has plenty of warped ideas. Now there’s a piece of legislation that would tax big vehicles to subsidize small vehicles. Under the “Clean Car Discount” bill, big vehicles that emit lots of Carbon Dioxide would pay a tax … Continue reading →

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Back at Work…To See Some Fraud

Posted on April 22, 2007 by Russ

I’ve recovered from Tax Day, and am back at work. While I’ve been gone, there’s been a lot of fraud. That’s typical for this time of year, as the government loves letting people know that tax fraud is bad. Indeed, … Continue reading →

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Two Extra Days in the Northeast

Posted on April 17, 2007 by Russ

Because of the storm in the Northeast U.S., the IRS has, according to an email I just received, extended the due date for returns for impacted taxpayers only until April 19th. Taxpayers who are impacted and take advantage of the … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Only Foreign Income is Taxable

Posted on April 16, 2007 by Russ

This sounds ludicrous (and it is, of course), but some tax protesters came up with this argument. And a very famous actor apparently bought it. Wesley Snipes, star of Blade and Passenger 57, went to an accountant who believes this. … Continue reading →

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