Author Archives: Russ

Some Interesting Tax Court Cases

Posted on April 26, 2006 by Russ

Yesterday, there were three interesting Tax Court decisions. Joe Kristan of Roth Tax Updates has an excellent post on the first case. In that case, Merlo v. Commissioner, the unlucky taxpayer found out the “gotcha” of incentive stock options. If … Continue reading →

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How Big Is the Tax Gap?

Posted on April 26, 2006 by Russ

The “Tax Gap” is difference between the amount of tax that the IRS should collect if everyone followed the law and the amount that it actually collects. There are three components of the gap: nonfiling, under-reporting, and underpayment. Of course, … Continue reading →

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Crime Blog Time

Posted on April 21, 2006 by Russ

It’s Friday, and Tax Day has come and gone. But the memory lingers, so let’s look at some scofflaws as the week ends: Louis Ratfield of Lake Worth, FL has been in trouble with the government before. The IRS secured … Continue reading →

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An Affair in Tax Court

Posted on April 20, 2006 by Russ

The scene is the doctor’s office, where the doctor is romancing his patient. Just a little problem: the patient is married to a policeman. The policeman finds out and vows to sue the doctor, or get paid a large sum. … Continue reading →

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T-Day

Posted on April 17, 2006 by Russ

Today is the deadline. You have until midnight tonight to file your taxes. The question were asked every year (usually around 9pm) is, “We just realized that we need to file our taxes…What do we do?” The answer is to … Continue reading →

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Facing the Music

Posted on April 13, 2006 by Russ

Last October, I inched my way towards the 21st Century and bought an iPod. I find it wonderful, because when I’m at the gym I can listen to music that I like, not the techno-garbage that my gym plays. iPods … Continue reading →

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PayPal Users Better Watch Out

Posted on April 12, 2006 by Russ

The digital age has spawned numerous successful companies and industries. One industry that did not exist ten years ago is online auctions, such as those on eBay. A company that sprung up to facilitate payment transfers for eBay is PayPal. … Continue reading →

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It’s Time To Vote (Again)

Posted on April 11, 2006 by Russ

Tuesday, April 11th is election day in Orange County. If you live in the 35th State Senatorial district, you will vote on the replacement for John Campbell. You can find your polling place here. Remember to vote!

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A Scam a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Posted on April 10, 2006 by Russ

One of my clients today asked me about reporting of offshore (foreign) bank accounts. I reminded him that if you have $10,000 or more at any time in a foreign bank account or accounts, they must be reported by checking … Continue reading →

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Nevada Ups the Ante

Posted on April 10, 2006 by Russ

As I perused this morning’s Orange County Register, I was surprised to see the Nevada Development Authority advertising in the Register. You can find the ad on page 7 of the business section. It reads: “California Business Profits After: Worker’s … Continue reading →

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