Author Archives: Russ

Bozo Tax Tip #6: Add Some Phony Deductions

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Russ

A few years ago, a prospective client came to me. He had used Western Tax Service, and the IRS was about to audit him. Western, for those unfamiliar with them, had a great way of attracting clients: they invented phony … Continue reading →

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The Legislature Likes New Taxes

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Russ

One of the blogs that I read is the FlashReport, a blog on California’s politics. They’ve alerted me to some of the tax proposals being circulated in the Legislature. Not surprisingly, all are being sponsored by Democrats. Global Warming/Greenhouse Gases … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #7: Barter Your Way to No Taxes

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Russ

Have you heard about Kyle McDonald, the guy who bartered his way from one red paperclip to a house in Saskatchewan? Yes, barter can do that for you. Say you have a box of binders you don’t need. Meanwhile, your … Continue reading →

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Crime Blog

Posted on April 8, 2007 by Russ

Another week, some more bites out of crime in the tax world. We’ll hit both coasts today, and even have some pot tax news. First, a man in Racine, Wisconsin apparently liked my Bozo Tax Tip #8. Yep, he allegedly … Continue reading →

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Illinois Casino Tax Ruled Unconsitutional

Posted on April 8, 2007 by Russ

Last year, Illinois added a new tax to help the horse racing industry. The tax required Chicago-area casinos that make over $200 million a year to remit 3% of their gross revenues to a fund benefiting Illinois’ nine horse racing … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #8: Use Consecutive SSN’s When Cheating the IRS

Posted on April 8, 2007 by Russ

Let’s thank Michael Graham of Queens, New York for coming up with this gem. Mr. Graham decided to file phony tax returns with the IRS. He used consecutive social security numbers on his tax returns. He did get one tax … Continue reading →

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New York Loves Gamblers

Posted on April 8, 2007 by Russ

New York is known as a high-tax state. Those who live in New York City or Yonkers must pay state and city income tax. That’s bad. The amateur gambler is in for a surprise, too. While New York allows itemized … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #9: Only Income Earned in the US Is Taxable

Posted on April 7, 2007 by Russ

This is definitely an issue I’m aware of because of my practice areas. I deal with plenty of individuals who earn their living while residing abroad or through foreign sources of income. “It’s tax exempt, isn’t it?” They’re not happy … Continue reading →

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Problems at Jackson Hewitt

Posted on April 5, 2007 by Russ

Many taxpayers use chains such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt to prepare their returns. One Jackson Hewitt franchisee is in trouble having been accused of multiple charges of tax fraud. The IRS alleges that 125 Jackson Hewitt stores in … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #10: Deduct the Dog

Posted on April 5, 2007 by Russ

With just twelve days until Tax Day, it’s time to present our annual list of things not to do. All of the items on this list have been done by bozo taxpayers. Some have been successful while others have had, … Continue reading →

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