Author Archives: Russ

We Get Noticed

Posted on February 13, 2005 by Russ

Thanks to Roth & Company’s Tax Notes for noticing this blog. I especially like the pictures from Newport Beach (taken before the rain of Friday & Saturday) and the snow in Des Moines. By the way, I heartily recommend their … Continue reading →

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California’s Tax Amnesty

Posted on February 13, 2005 by Russ

For those who didn’t file, or those that California thinks didn’t file, there is a tax amnesty underway. To accountants’ dismay, the filing period is concurrent with the tax season (February 1st – March 31st). An excellent article on the … Continue reading →

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HSAs: Will California Conform

Posted on February 13, 2005 by Russ

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are an excellent vehicle for saving money on health care and have tax advantages for your Federal tax returns. But California has yet to conform and, based on last year’s experience, probably won’t. According to this … Continue reading →

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Board of Minutes and Resolutions (Scam Alert)

Posted on February 13, 2005 by Russ

Having returned from four days in computer netherworld, I ventured to get the mail from my PO Box and found a letter from the “Board of Minutes and Resolutions, Compliance Division.” For just $175, this “Board” promises to do your … Continue reading →

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Farrago a la Evasion

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

Our thanks to Roth & Company’s Tax Updates for this article to a Tax Court decision on a frivolous appeal, or, as the Tax Court put it: Petitioner filed a timely petition in which he sets out a farrago of … Continue reading →

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Flat Tax

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

Does anyone believe our tax system is fair and easy to comprehend? I’m a professional tax preparer, and there are sections of the Tax Code that I don’t understand completely (when I run across such an issue, I get help). … Continue reading →

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“Fired” Judge Gets Last Laugh

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

If you’re ever in court, hopefully you won’t insult the judge. It might come back to bite you. According to the Arlington (TX) Star-Telegram, Charles Ford and his wife Bivian Brumley were found guilty of tax evasion. Presiding at the … Continue reading →

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The Times’ Bias

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

I no longer subscribe to the Los Angeles Times. The Times still has some solid points in its’ favor: a great sports section, and excellent coverage of the entertainment industry. But the bias in its’ political coverage is rampant. Take … Continue reading →

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Mississippi Gambling Taxes May Increase

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

One of my practice areas is gambling. It appears that the Mississippi legislature is looking at increasing taxes on casinos, according to this report in the Casino City Times. This will probably be good news for Louisiana’s casinos.

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Thompson Convicted on Tax Evasion Counts

Posted on February 9, 2005 by Russ

The “tax honesty” movement claimed that you didn’t have to pay US income taxes because the IRS was misapplying the law. Al Thompson was the leader of one group of protesters. Note the use of “was.” His new home will … Continue reading →

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