Author Archives: Russ

Fraudster Tries Alchemy; Will Have 20 Years to Think That Over

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Russ

I have a degree in chemical engineering. As an undergraduate, I did research into the catalyzed production of methane (CH4) from graphite (Carbon, C) and Hydrogen (H2) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. That was real chemistry. Alchemy is … Continue reading →

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1099 Time for 2016

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Russ

It’s time for businesses to send out their annual information returns. These are the Form 1099s that are sent to to vendors when required. Let’s look first at who does not have to receive 1099s: Corporations (except attorneys) Entities you … Continue reading →

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Substance Over Form

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Russ

The Tax Court looked today at a worker in Hollywood. He thought he was a contractor; the IRS felt he was an employee. Who was correct? Our favorite judge of the Tax Court, Judge Mark Holmes, authored the opinion so … Continue reading →

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IRS Errs on Identity Theft PIN Letters

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Russ

One would think that the IRS proofed important letters and notices before they’re finalized. That didn’t happen with IRS Notice CP 01A, the notice used when sending out an Identity Theft PIN (personal identification number). The IRS announcement is reproduced … Continue reading →

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My Day on Jury Duty

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Russ

Around Thanksgiving I received a summons for jury duty here in Las Vegas. I was asked to report on a day I had an Appeal scheduled (which had taken lots of negotiating to find a date that worked for everyone), … Continue reading →

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It’s Only Wrong by Three Days

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Russ

Friday’s Las Vegas Review-Journal included a free calendar (with a retail price of $2). Remember the cliche, “You get what you pay for”? Well, that was definitely the case with this free calendar. Highlighted on Friday, April 15 is “Tax … Continue reading →

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Yes, Start Your 2016 Mileage Log Now!

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Russ

I’m going to start the new year with a few reposts of essential information. Yes, you do need to keep a mileage log: Monday is the first business day of the new year for many. You may have resolved to … Continue reading →

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FTB Wins Gillette Appeal

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Russ

California’s Franchise Tax Board won the appeal of Gillette v. Franchise Tax Board. This opinion covers taxation of multi-state entities in California prior to 2012. Gillette (and several other companies) argued that the FTB’s weighing of the “sales” factor higher … Continue reading →

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2015 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Russ

Once more it’s time to award that prestigious award, the 2015 Tax Offender of the Year. The winner of this award must do more than just cheat on his or her taxes. It has to be special; it really needs … Continue reading →

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IRS: We’ll Trust You on Health Insurance for 2015 Because…

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Russ

Earlier today I saw a tweet from Joe Kristan: New Notice 2016-4 extends deadline to provide employee 1095-B and -C copies from 2/1/16 to 3/31/16; 2/29 IRS copy deadline moved to 5/31/16 — Joe Kristan (@joebwan) December 28, 2015 The … Continue reading →

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