Author Archives: Russ

Into the Swamp (New Jersey Update)

Posted on June 26, 2006 by Russ

I joke with my writing partner about New Jersey being one giant swamp. At least the Garden State’s politics are fun to watch—at a distance. Today, the New York Times reports that a few Democrats are now supporting Governor Corzine’s … Continue reading →

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Attorney and Activist in Tax Trouble

Posted on June 26, 2006 by Russ

Civil rights attorney Stephen Yagman has been indicted on tax evasion, fraud, and money laundering charges. The charges stem from Yagman not paying all the tax he owed in the mid-1990s and accruing significant interest charges and penalties. Additionally, he … Continue reading →

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Will They Ever Wise Up?

Posted on June 26, 2006 by Russ

States have seen tax revenues flourish this year, leading to budget surpluses of various sizes. So, if you have a budget surplus what do you do? Do you: (a) Increase spending, to help the people who supported you or groups … Continue reading →

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When Is a Tax Increase Not a Tax Increase?

Posted on June 26, 2006 by Russ

My parents live in the San Fernando Valley, an area within the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Daily News has an interesting story on how Los Angeles increased the trash pickup fee by 254% without having to take … Continue reading →

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Two Tax Increases for November Ballot

Posted on June 21, 2006 by Russ

Californians have signed enough petitions so that two tax measures will be on the November ballot. One would increase the cigarette tax to make it the most expensive in the state; the other would add an ‘oil severance’ tax, taxing … Continue reading →

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Independent Contractor or Employee?

Posted on June 21, 2006 by Russ

That’s one of the most vexing questions for the business owner. Is your staff employees, or can they be classified as independent contractors? The IRS has a webpage devoted to helping taxpayers make the classification choice. Employers must withhold payroll … Continue reading →

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End of Phone Tax Impacts California

Posted on June 18, 2006 by Russ

The end of the phone tax that funded the Spanish-American War may impact California. According to this story in the San Jose Mercury-News, many local entities in California tied their telecommunications tax to the federal tax. Some of the ordinances … Continue reading →

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Crime Blog

Posted on June 18, 2006 by Russ

There’s going to be a week when I won’t be able to find a tax cheat. That will be the week I’m on vacation…. We start in Tucson, Arizona, where a California man took elderly Tucson residents as clients of … Continue reading →

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What You Do in Salem Won’t Stay in Salem…

Posted on June 15, 2006 by Russ

It’s a nice, Spring day, and you’re relaxing in your office at the Oregon Department of Revenue. All that’s on your desk is a stack of tax returns. So why not browse some pornography on the Internet? Well, you’re now … Continue reading →

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Campbell Gets 2 1/2 Years

Posted on June 13, 2006 by Russ

We previously reported the sad case of William Campbell. The ex-Mayor of Atlanta was sentenced today to 2 1/2 years in prison for tax evasion. Campbell plans on appealing the sentence. News Story: MSNBC

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