Author Archives: Russ

Washington 4, Indians 0

Posted on August 5, 2006 by Russ

If you’re a Native American and reside in California on a reservation, you’re exempt from California personal income tax. However, you’re not exempt from federal income tax. And that’s where this story begins. The Chumash tribe runs a very successful … Continue reading →

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Shameless Self Promotion

Posted on August 2, 2006 by Russ

There’s nothing at all about tax in this post. You’re all forewarned. Instead, this post focuses on my avocation—writing. My second book has just been released. Written with my good friend Scott Harker, it’s called Why You Lose at Poker. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | 3 Comments

Tax Havens Under Attack

Posted on August 2, 2006 by Russ

With an estimated $40 to $70 billion in taxes lost each year because of tax havens, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee was naturally quite interested in plugging this hole. Yesterday the panel heard testimony from IRS Commissioner … Continue reading →

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I Can Lower Your Taxes By Magic!

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Russ

I can’t, but Joe Kristan of Roth Tax Updates has the story of yet another interesting case from the Tax Court today. If your business is grossing $2.5 million to $3 million each year, and you’re paying about $45,000 in … Continue reading →

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In God We Trust, But You Better Pay Up

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Russ

A few years ago, there were two Tax Court cases resolved by closing agreements (a closing agreement is a settlement agreement of the case): God’s Helping Hands Living Estate Plan Trust, John M. & Thelma Smoll, Trustees v. Commissioner, docket … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Court | 3 Comments

But The IRS Told Me It Wasn’t Taxable…

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Russ

Assume that you’re going on permanent disability. You and your employer reach an agreement, with payments structured as though they were from workers compensation (nontaxable to the recipient). Suddenly, your employer backs out and threatens litigation—litigation that would likely take … Continue reading →

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Soccer and Crocodiles

Posted on July 27, 2006 by Russ

I promised that I wouldn’t write about soccer anymore. Well, I’m going to try not to, but I can’t help myself. Dutch soccer coach Guus Hiddink will be prosecuted for tax fraud according to this story. And many Americans will … Continue reading →

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Zeros = Three Years in Prison

Posted on July 25, 2006 by Russ

George “Nick” Jesson was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday for filing false state tax returns between 1997 and 1999. The former tax protester and gubernatorial candidate had earlier pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Bill Overtoom, quoted in the Orange County … Continue reading →

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M Is For More Taxes

Posted on July 25, 2006 by Russ

The Orange County Transportation Authority unanimously voted yesterday to ask the Board of Supervisors to put a 30-year extension of Measure M, Orange County’s 0.5% sales tax that funds transportation improvements, on the November ballot. Given that all fives supervisors … Continue reading →

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Survivor: Oklahoma City; Is Victorville Next?

Posted on July 25, 2006 by Russ

Earlier this year I speculated that Richard Hatch, Survivor winner and now convicted tax cheat, might spend some of his 51 months in prison in beautiful Victorville (where it was 115 F yesterday). Well, Hatch has just been moved from … Continue reading →

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