Author Archives: Russ

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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Six Days Late, We Have a Budget

Posted on July 6, 2005 by Russ

California’s legislature and the Governator agreed on a budget last night that, supposedly, increases spending (a little) without increasing taxes (or implementing new taxes). That doesn’t mean there won’t be new fees, including new court filing costs, and who knows … Continue reading →

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Why You Spend the $4.42

Posted on July 5, 2005 by Russ

I’m amazed that some of my clients don’t want to spend the $4.42 for certified mail (return receipt requested) when communicating with the IRS. Today the Tax Court released a case where a filing got misplaced in the mails; however, … Continue reading →

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“Mr. Divorce” Guilty of Tax Evasion

Posted on July 4, 2005 by Russ

A Campbell, California attorney who advertises as Mr. Divorce was found guilty of tax evasion according to this story in the San Francisco Chronicle (one-time registration required). Demetrious Eugenios made the mistake of going through a divorce from his ex-wife, … Continue reading →

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Let’s Raise Taxes….

Posted on June 27, 2005 by Russ

They’re at it again. The California Public Employees Unions are, according to this story in the San Jose Business Journal, gathering signatures on an initiative that would cause all non-residential property to be reassessed annually. While this would be a … Continue reading →

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Psssst: I’ve Got a Secret…

Posted on June 27, 2005 by Russ

After being gone over the weekend, I discover that the World’s Greatest Newspaper (the Chicago Tribune) ran a story on the infamous Kanter case. In this case, the US Tax Court’s Chief Judge apparently reversed the finding’s of the trial … Continue reading →

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Define “Tax Evasion” and Win $10,000!

Posted on June 24, 2005 by Russ

The above headline is not a joke. It seems that in Russia tax evasion may mean whatever the prosecutorgovernment wants it to mean. The recent Yukos case is a good example of this. In any case, the Russian Presidential Administration … Continue reading →

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