Author Archives: Russ

Let’s Increase Taxes.

Posted on February 24, 2005 by Russ

Assemblywoman Wilma Chan (D-Alameda) introduced AB6. This would increase the state’s top income tax rates by 0.7%. Most Californians would pay 10% income tax rates under this bill, up from 9.3%. This bill does require a 2/3 vote, and passage … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on Let’s Increase Taxes.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Posted on February 22, 2005 by Russ

The New York Times has for years editorialized against corporations “abusing the Tax Code.” But does the Times practice what they preach? Of course not— that would be fiscally irresponsible. As Allan Sloan reports in today’s Washington Post (hat tip: … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Brain Drain?

Posted on February 21, 2005 by Russ

Today’s Orange County Register editorializes on a brain drain [registration required]: the high cost of doing business in the Golden State has led corporate planners to locate elsewhere. I wrote last week that liberals would like California to increase taxes … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on Brain Drain?

Let’s “Improve” California’s Business Climate by Raising Taxes

Posted on February 19, 2005 by Russ

That’s what syndicated columnist Thomas Elias suggests in today’s Pasadena Star-News. That’s not how Mr. Elias puts it; rather, he states that increasing property taxes on businesses is the “obvious solution” to California’s budget problems. It’s not. The obvious solution … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on Let’s “Improve” California’s Business Climate by Raising Taxes

If It Sounds Too Good to be True…

Posted on February 17, 2005 by Russ

…It usually is. The New York Times today has a story on tax shelters (free registration required). It’s good reading, and brings up the basic issues that you need to consider about any tax shelter: – Is there a purpose … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on If It Sounds Too Good to be True…

Stupid Budgeting Trick

Posted on February 16, 2005 by Russ

This evening I attended continuing education (required for professional tax preparers) and heard about changes in California tax law. As I was reading the material, I thought there was a typographical error on one item: “Seventy-five percent of punitive damage … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Comments Off on Stupid Budgeting Trick

Tax by the Mile?

Posted on February 15, 2005 by Russ

Over the past few months, there have been stories (trial balloons?) on replacing the gasoline tax with a “per mile” road tax. As this story from CBS notes, Oregon is testing the idea. For a large number of reasons, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon | Comments Off on Tax by the Mile?

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 →

Posted in Taxable Talk | Comments Off on We Get Noticed

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 →

Posted in California | Comments Off on California’s Tax Amnesty

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 →

Posted in California | 2 Comments