Author Archives: Russ

You Get Your Money’s Worth

Posted on April 5, 2006 by Russ

The Government Accountability Office (formerly known as the General Accounting Office) (GAO) released a study yesterday titled, “Paid Tax Return Preparers: In a Limited Study, Chain Preparers Made Serious Errors.” The study was also mentioned in today’s Wall Street Journal … Continue reading →

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Mom and Dad Said I Didn’t Have to Pay Taxes

Posted on April 4, 2006 by Russ

No joking, that’s the argument a taxpayer used in Tax Court. Joe Kristan of Roth Tax Updates has the humorous details here. This Tax Court case is yet another entry in the “Don’t Try This Yourself” log. When you’re an … Continue reading →

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Protestor Strikes Out

Posted on April 3, 2006 by Russ

Many years ago, when I was running west coast operations for a telecommunications company, my office manger approached me with a problem. “There’s a gentleman out here who’s perfect for the in-house tech job, but he’s handed me these sheets … Continue reading →

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Stupid Sales Tax Tricks, California Style

Posted on April 3, 2006 by Russ

You’re a business owner, and you’ve just won a nice contract with the State of California. Don’t forget to add sales tax. Yes, if you’re selling to the State of California, you must charge California sales tax. Let’s look at … Continue reading →

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Reiner Resigns; Baca Supports Vegas, Denver & Phoenix

Posted on March 31, 2006 by Russ

Rob Reiner resigned as head of the First-5 Commission on Wednesday, as more pressure mounts to do a thorough investigation. Indeed, as the Chronicle story notes, both Democrats and Republicans believe something’s fishy with how the Commission spent money raised … Continue reading →

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M Madness

Posted on March 31, 2006 by Russ

I live and work in beautiful Orange County, California. Several years ago the voters of this county passed a 0.5% sales tax increase to fund transportation issues (such as the widening of Interstate 5 through Orange County). That sales tax … Continue reading →

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CTEC: A Bit Behind The Times

Posted on March 30, 2006 by Russ

CTEC, the California Tax Education Council, released a press release reminding taxpayers of the automatic extension available (Form 4868). The press release noted that the extension, which is an extension of time to file, not pay, is for four months. … Continue reading →

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States Where Gambling Is a Bigger Gamble

Posted on March 28, 2006 by Russ

Let’s say you went to the casino last April, and were lucky, and won $1,000. Last August, you went to the casino, and you weren’t so lucky, and you lost $1,000. What are the tax implications? For federal taxes (IRS), … Continue reading →

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Breast Tax

Posted on March 26, 2006 by Russ

If you’re a plastic surgeon, and you use breast implants as part of your work, do you have to pay sales tax on the implants you use? Yes, in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Revenue recently took a doctor to … Continue reading →

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Vegas to CA: Humorous Ads Score

Posted on March 25, 2006 by Russ

I previously wrote about Las Vegas’ attempt to draw more businesses from California. A few days ago I saw one of the ads: A giant peanut crushed a Californian, akin to California’s huge tax burden crushing a business. One Los … Continue reading →

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