Author Archives: Russ

Vacation

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Russ

It’s time for my annual vacation. If something earth-shattering in the tax world happens while I’m relaxing, I’ll take time out to post on it. Otherwise, enjoy the fine bloggers listed in the blogroll on the right. I’ll be back … Continue reading →

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Here’s a Step-by-Step Manual of How to Go to Prison for Taxes

Posted on July 30, 2017 by Russ

Do note that I absolutely, positively, do not recommend you follow the procedures done below. But if you want to go to ClubFed for a tax crime, it’s a superb illustration. You start a home health care business. (The business … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

The 2017 Real Winners at the World Series of Poker (London Calling, Again)

Posted on July 23, 2017 by Russ

The main event of the World Series of Poker has completed: 7,221 ponied up $10,000 to enter. The final nine players began competing on Thursday; last night the winner was crowned. How much of his winnings does he get to … Continue reading →

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“I Ain’t Got It, So You Can’t Get It” Doesn’t Generally Apply to the IRS

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Russ

Ain’t never gave nothin to me But everytime I turn around Cats got they hands out wantin something from me I ain’t go it so you can’t get it… So goes part of the lyrics of “X Gon’ Give It … Continue reading →

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The IRS Gives Good Suggestions on Handling an IRS Notice

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Russ

Earlier this week the IRS sent out “Tips on How to Handle an IRS Letter or Notice:” Tips on How to Handle an IRS Letter or Notice The IRS mails millions of letters every year to taxpayers for a variety … Continue reading →

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Helping the Las Vegas Economy Isn’t a Good Excuse for Not Paying Employment Taxes

Posted on July 9, 2017 by Russ

I’m a resident of Las Vegas, so things that help the local economy are generally good. Of course, I have a bias: A good Nevada economy will help keep taxes down. Richard Tatum, Jr. of Houston helped the Las Vegas … Continue reading →

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Truth In Advertising Isn’t Always a Good Idea

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Russ

There are laws mandating that advertisements be accurate. Sometimes, though, you can get in trouble for being ‘truthful.’ Michael Raymond Martinez of Fullerton, California did himself no favors by his advertisements. Mr. Martinez was a tax professional in Fullerton (Orange … Continue reading →

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Boston Bruins 2, IRS 0

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Russ

The United States Tax Court today looked at whether pregame road meals for a National Hockey League (NHL) team are “meals and entertainment” expense (which would be deductible at 50% of cost) or a “de minimis fringe” and deductible at … Continue reading →

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If You Want to Get In Tax Trouble as a Business…

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Russ

…simply do not deposit your payroll taxes. As best as I can tell, the IRS investigates 100% of such violations. One Missouri business owner pleaded guilty last week to failing to pay the IRS more than $1.4 million in payroll … Continue reading →

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2016 Tax Offender of the Year Gets 34 Months at ClubFed

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Russ

Last April, a husband and wife from Minnesota were indicted on tax evasion charges. There wasn’t anything unusual about what they allegedly did; besides lying to their tax professional and the IRS they deducted personal expenses as business expenses. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Court, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on 2016 Tax Offender of the Year Gets 34 Months at ClubFed