Author Archives: Russ

A Dose of Evasion for the Weekend

Posted on May 5, 2007 by Russ

I’ve been on the road this week, and am enjoying the nice weather in the upper Midwest. The individuals I’m going to profile are probably not enjoying much, including the weather. In Flint, Michigan, Linda Cochran prepared tax returns. She … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Preparer Stymied

Posted on May 2, 2007 by Russ

Taxes have (justifiably) a bad reputation. It doesn’t help matters when a bozo tax preparer is on the loose. >From Lake Worth, Florida, comes the story of bozo tax preparer Louis Wayne Ratfield. Mr. Ratfield operated LWR Accounting and Tax … Continue reading →

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Tax Day Up North

Posted on April 29, 2007 by Russ

Tomorrow is Tax Day in Canada. The Edmonton Journal has an article about how Revenue Canada (their equivalent to the IRS) is not feared though it perhaps should be. There’s an interesting quiz at the end of the article. The … Continue reading →

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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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