Author Archives: Russ

Miami Vice

Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell will begin serving his 2 1/2 year sentence on August 21st. Campbell’s request to stay free while appealing his sentence was denied last week by Judge Richard Story. Story noted that Campbell “as not shown … Continue reading →

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Congress Fiddles…

One day, sometime in the future, Congress will complete all their work on appropriation and tax measures before the August recess. But it won’t be this year (and it probably won’t be for many years). On Thursday the Senate failed … Continue reading →

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Washington 4, Indians 0

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

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 →

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Tax Havens Under Attack

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!

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

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 →

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But The IRS Told Me It Wasn’t Taxable…

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

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

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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