Author Archives: Russ

That Direct Deposit from “IRS TREAS 310” Is Legitimate

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Russ

Taxpayers who filed after April 15th are being paid interest on their refunds. The IRS issued a press release earlier this week, stating: This week the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service will send interest payments to about 13.9 … Continue reading →

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Burying Your Head in the Sand

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Russ

One of my favorite sayings (and I am not the one who came up with it) is “The Tax Code Giveth, The Tax Code Taketh Away.” It’s not fair, but we have to live with it as it is, not … Continue reading →

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Deja Vu Again, and Again,…

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Russ

Multiple clients of ours filed tax returns near the July 15th deadline and mailed payments to the IRS. And, as usual, these clients received IRS CP14 notices stating they hadn’t paid their taxes (when they had). What should they do? … Continue reading →

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IRS: DFS Sites Liable for Excise Tax on Wagering

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Russ

Back in 2015, I asked and answered the question on whether the DFS sites were liable for the excise tax on wagering. I came to the conclusion they were. In late July, the IRS came to the same conclusion: DFS … Continue reading →

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Charitable Organizations and the Election

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Russ

Unless you’re hiding under a rock you know that in less than three months there will be an election for President (and many other offices). EideBailly has a timely reminder today that a 501(c)(3) organization (a charitable organization) cannot support … Continue reading →

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How High Is Too High?

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Russ

California, like many states, has financial difficulties because of the Covid pandemic. So is the legislature looking at cutting spending? A little. How about raising taxes? Definitely, especially on the rich. California’s top marginal tax rate today is 13.3% (on … Continue reading →

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Signed, Mickey Mouse

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Russ

The General Treasurer of Rhode Island is Seth Magaziner. When the state pays its bills, his signature (along with that of State Controller Peter Keenan) appears on the checks that are issued. Imagine the surprise when some business owners received … Continue reading →

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Taking Some Bites Out of Tax Crime

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Russ

Many cities have cuisines that they are noted for. New Orleans is famous for the excellent Cajun food. I think of seafood and lobster with Boston. And cheesesteaks–a mixture of chopped steak with grilled onions and cheese on a roll–goes … Continue reading →

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Phony Donations Yield Real Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Russ

Have I got a deal for you! You can give me a donation of, say, $500,000, and I’ll give you $450,000 back! Yet get a write-off on your tax return for all $500,000 but you really only spent $50,000. Isn’t … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Move Without Moving!

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Russ

Nearly nine years ago, we moved from Irvine, California to Las Vegas. The home in Irvine was sold, a home was purchased in Las Vegas, and the belongings went from the Golden State to the Silver State. Cars were re-registered, … Continue reading →

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