Author Archives: Russ

If You Admit Fraud…(Part 2)

Posted on September 19, 2006 by Russ

A little over a month ago we wrote about a Tax Court case where the petitioners had admitted fraud, but wanted to get out of paying the §6663 penalty for fraud. At that time we said, “For once you say … Continue reading →

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“Should You Blog?”

Posted on September 18, 2006 by Russ

A welcome to those Enrolled Agents who are discovering blogging for the first time. The cover story of the September-October EA Journal is my article, “Should You Blog?” Here’s some brief background on the article, and on tax blogging. Back … Continue reading →

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Another New Jersey Conviction

Posted on September 18, 2006 by Russ

I almost labeled this post, “The Shock! The Horror!” Yes, another New Jersey corruption arrest. But my sarcasm quotient is slim when I’m low on sleep (I’m just back from Dallas), and I discover that Jack Westlake, a partner of … Continue reading →

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Taking a Bite Out of Tax Crime

Posted on September 17, 2006 by Russ

Over the weekend there were several stories about tax scofflaws. They fought the law and the law won. First, a tax preparer in Georgia filed returns electronically. There’s no problem with that. However, she filed returns for people who had … Continue reading →

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California Propositions: Proposition 1A

Posted on September 14, 2006 by Russ

Californians will have a long ballot to wade through this November. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to review all of the tax-related propositions on the ballot, beginning with Proposition 1A. This is one of five propositions that Governor … Continue reading →

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When You’re Not Feeling Charitable

Posted on September 13, 2006 by Russ

The Tax Court was not in a charitable mood today. Five cases dealing with charitable deductions, all from Pennsylvania, were decided. In all of them, the petitioners were unable to provide proof of the donations and they all lost their … Continue reading →

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The AMT Is Unfair, But You Still Have to Pay It

Posted on September 12, 2006 by Russ

Like clockwork, about once a month someone challenges in Tax Court the Alternative Minimum Tax. It’s unfair, it’s too complex, it’s just plain old mean…those are just some of the arguments used against the AMT. There’s jut one problem: The … Continue reading →

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Remember…

Posted on September 11, 2006 by Russ

Today is the fifth anniversary of 9/11. Remember those who serve our country in the Armed Forces. Remember those who have given their lives fighting a tyrannical foe over the last five years. Remember those who lost their lives on … Continue reading →

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“The U.S. Marines Couldn’t Keep Me Away”

Posted on September 10, 2006 by Russ

So said Conrad Black, also known as Lord Black of Crossharbour. Lord Black waived extradition from Canada (his native home) or Great Britain (where he is a Lord) and will face a March 2007 trial on fraud, racketeering, and tax … Continue reading →

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How to be a Millionaire, Illegal Style

Posted on September 10, 2006 by Russ

There are lots of ways to become a millionaire. You can build a successful business, have real estate appreciate, and of course inherit money. You can win the lottery. Or you can do it illegally. One way is to collect … Continue reading →

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