Author Archives: Russ

Anderson Gets Nine Years

Posted on March 28, 2007 by Russ

Walter Anderson, the former telecommunications executive who pleaded guilty to engaging in a $200 million tax fraud, received nine years in prison when sentenced on Tuesday. But Mr. Anderson did get lucky in one respect. Because the plea agreement was … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on Anderson Gets Nine Years

No Alchemy for Lottery Winnings…Again

Posted on March 28, 2007 by Russ

The 2nd Circuit joined the 3rd, 9th, and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeal today and won’t allow a lottery winner to turn ordinary income into a long-term capital gain. We’ve written about this before (see here and here). The question … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Comments Off on No Alchemy for Lottery Winnings…Again

Neteller and Constructive Receipt

Posted on March 27, 2007 by Russ

As the saga of Neteller, the Isle of Man based financial intermediary, drags on, I’ve gotten many questions regarding the money that’s tied up. For those who are unaware, some of the Neteller money was seized by the US government … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | Comments Off on Neteller and Constructive Receipt

The Curves Are Less Dangerous

Posted on March 27, 2007 by Russ

There’s something about strip clubs that brings out the worst in taxpayers. They’re a mecca for tax fraud. In January I brought you the story of Dangerous Curves, a Philadelphia area strip club whose owners were accused of tax fraud. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on The Curves Are Less Dangerous

A Win for Nguyen

Posted on March 27, 2007 by Russ

Once the judge ruled, this headline was inevitable. After all, Janet Nguyen was up by seven votes (that’s right, 7) over Trung Nguyen. So a Nguyen was going to win. Janet Nguyen was down by seven votes and asked for … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on A Win for Nguyen

The Renaissance Is Dead

Posted on March 26, 2007 by Russ

“Renaissance, the Tax People”, was, as I previously reported, a multi-level marketing firm specializing in tax. That was the legal part of the business. The illegal part, according to the Department of Justice (and the six individuals who have pleaded … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on The Renaissance Is Dead

Put Not Your Trust

Posted on March 26, 2007 by Russ

I’m a big fan of Rex Stout, the creator of fictional detective Nero Wolfe. Murder by the Book is prototypical Stout, and is one of my favorites. As a published author, I’ve gotten to see some of the workings of … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Comments Off on Put Not Your Trust

Some Fraud

Posted on March 25, 2007 by Russ

This weekend’s edition of the fraud post features a bozo tax preparer, a contractor who built his dream house with the money he was supposed to send to the IRS, and a temp agency owner who allegedly did a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Comments Off on Some Fraud

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.

Posted on March 25, 2007 by Russ

With the Democrats now in control in Congress, it’s time to watch our wallets. My district in Congress happens to be represented by one of the few accountants in Congress, John Campbell. Congressman Campbell is a CPA, and he’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Legislation | Comments Off on Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.

No Sale for Palfrey

Posted on March 22, 2007 by Russ

Pity the poor madam escort service operator accused of being a madam. She has but one tangible asset, or so she says, a phone list of her well-to-do clients in Washington, DC. Why not sell the list to finance her … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on No Sale for Palfrey