Author Archives: Russ

First Property Tax Payment Due Today

Posted on December 11, 2006 by Russ

Just a reminder that the first installment of property taxes for Californians must be postmarked today. Alternatively, most County Assessor/Treasurer offices will remain open late for you to make payments.

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On the Road Again

Posted on December 10, 2006 by Russ

I’m hitting the road again tomorrow, heading to Valencia and then to Palm Springs. Posting will be light to nonexistent until Thursday.

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The New York Times Mentions Taxing Virtual Worlds

Posted on December 10, 2006 by Russ

This morning’s New York Times has a brief piece on taxing income producing transactions of virtual worlds. The Times notes that a precedent does exist for taxing such activities: barter. Indeed, back in the 1970s the IRS implemented regulations on … Continue reading →

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Hatch Appeals

Posted on December 10, 2006 by Russ

Richard Hatch, the Survivor winner who is now a convicted tax offender, has formally appealed his conviction from earlier this year. The Associated Press reports that Hatch caught the producers of Survivor cheating (they allegedly gave food to other contestants); … Continue reading →

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Murphy’s Law

Posted on December 8, 2006 by Russ

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals today ruled on the appeal of Glen Murphy, a Wisconsin Chiropractor, who had earlier been convicted of seven counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of not filing tax returns. After being … Continue reading →

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Snipes Surrenders

Posted on December 8, 2006 by Russ

Wesley Snipes is a fugitive no longer. According to the Associated Press, Snipes surrendered to federal authorities in Florida today. He was later released on a $1 million bond. Snipes will be allowed to return to Namibia to finish the … Continue reading →

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Cleaning Up the Tax Code?

Posted on December 7, 2006 by Russ

I really believe that I have lifetime employment. I just can’t see Congress implementing meaningful tax reform in my lifetime (as much as I’d like to see it). But every so often a ray of sunshine is seen. The Captain’s … Continue reading →

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Taxing the Virtual World, Redux

Posted on December 6, 2006 by Russ

I’ve previously written about taxing the virtual world. Let’s say you’re playing an online game, one of those that have their own worlds, such as EverQuest or SecondLife. I own Russ’ Gold Depot, and you agree to purchase those 100 … Continue reading →

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Hot Air in More Ways than One

Posted on December 6, 2006 by Russ

VaporTech is a Livermore (California) company that uses steam, vapor, and high pressure to clean toxic soils or increase oil production from old wells. Its CEO used to be John Frances Griffin. I say ‘used to be’ because Mr. Griffin, … Continue reading →

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Philanthropist, or Tax Evader?

Posted on December 6, 2006 by Russ

Joe Mammana owns the Yardley Egg Farm in Ohio. He’s pledged millions to crack down on criminals. There’s just one little problem, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office: Mr. Mammana hasn’t paid his own taxes. The Associated Press reports that … Continue reading →

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