Author Archives: Russ

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 →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on IRS Errs on Identity Theft PIN Letters

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 →

Posted in Las Vegas | Tagged | Comments Off on My Day on Jury Duty

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 →

Posted in IRS, Las Vegas | Comments Off on It’s Only Wrong by Three Days

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Yes, Start Your 2016 Mileage Log Now!

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 →

Posted in California | Tagged | Comments Off on FTB Wins Gillette Appeal

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 →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on 2015 Tax Offender of the Year

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 →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on IRS: We’ll Trust You on Health Insurance for 2015 Because…

Last Chance for Nominees for 2015 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Russ

In just four days (December 31st) I’ll be announcing this year’s winner of the prestigious “Tax Offender of the Year” award. Remember, To be considered for the Tax Offender of the Year award, the individual (or organization) must do more … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | Tagged | Comments Off on Last Chance for Nominees for 2015 Tax Offender of the Year

Harvesting Capital Losses: Act Quickly on Shorts!

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Russ

One of the common techniques at year-end to reduce taxes is to harvest capital losses. Let’s say you own 100 share of some stock that hasn’t done well. If you sell it on or before December 31st, you can use … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | Comments Off on Harvesting Capital Losses: Act Quickly on Shorts!

Are Tips (Gratuities) at the Poker Table Deductible?

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Russ

You win a poker tournament, and the floorperson asks you, “Do you want to leave anything for the dealers?” That’s a tip (or gratuity). I was recently asked, “Is that tax deductible? And what about when you’re playing a cash … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Comments Off on Are Tips (Gratuities) at the Poker Table Deductible?