Author Archives: Russ

Your Tax Dollars at Work: Spiritual Counselor for Sewage

Posted on July 21, 2005 by Russ

Luckily, I’m not served by the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). That’s because the Orange County Register disclosed that the OCSD has been paying a “spiritual counselor” $15,000 per month (or $180,000 per year). The Register reported on July 12th … Continue reading →

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A Property that Dropped in Value in California

Posted on July 21, 2005 by Russ

Yes, it is possible for a piece of property to drop in value in California. The San Francisco Giants ballpark, SBC Park (formerly PacBell Park), has dropped in value by $88 million between 2001 and 2003, according to the Assessment … Continue reading →

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Tax Court Releases Clarifying Statements in Kanter Case

Posted on July 21, 2005 by Russ

According to Tax Analysts, the Tax Court has released clarifying statements in the Kanter and Ballard cases. However, the statements are not available on the Tax Court’s website. Tax Analysts is reporting that Chief Judge Joel Gerber released statements outlining … Continue reading →

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Tax Court: The AMT Is Unfair, But You’ve Got to Pay

Posted on July 19, 2005 by Russ

The Tax Court today decided a case where the petitioner’s complain that the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) shouldn’t apply to them because of “equitable grounds.” The petitioners did not have any tax preference items. They aren’t the high income millionaires … Continue reading →

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Frivolous Then, Frivolous Now

Posted on July 14, 2005 by Russ

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled on the appeal of Leonard Gittinger of his case from the US Tax Court. In its’ unpublished ruling, the Court noted, “…his arguments are completely and utterly frivolous, generally relating to the … Continue reading →

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The Incredible Shrinking Deficit

Posted on July 14, 2005 by Russ

As reported in Tax Analysts, the projected Federal deficit for 2005 has shrunk by nearly 25% from $424 billion to $333 billion. The reason? Tax collections (revenues) are up, across the board, by about 14%.

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Tax Court Lifts Veil

Posted on July 12, 2005 by Russ

As I previously noted, the Tax Court had a secrecy rule that prevented, in certain circumstances, litigants from knowing what the judge felt the ruling should be. This “star chamber” provision became clear when the Kantar case was decided by … Continue reading →

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California Has a Budget; Moody’s Raises Debt Rating

Posted on July 12, 2005 by Russ

…and still has a $5 Billion deficit projected for next year. Oh, the Governator signed the budget. Moody’s Investment Services followed up by raising California’s Debt Rating from A3 (bad) to A2 (not as bad). Perhaps I’m being a bit … Continue reading →

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When You Bury Your Head in the Sand…

Posted on July 11, 2005 by Russ

…You’re stuck, and look fairly stupid. At least once a week, the Tax Court tells a tax protester that, “Yes, Virginia, there is an income tax, and you must pay it.” And your arguments that (a) it’s unconstitutional, (b) you … Continue reading →

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What’s Progress? A Semi-Balanced Budget.

Posted on July 7, 2005 by Russ

As reported yesterday, California will soon have its’ new 2005-06 budget. Dan Weintraub, a columnist with the Sacramento Bee, reports on more of the specifics (missing from yesterday’s report). Some highlights: —Education funding increases, despite what you may hear from … Continue reading →

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