Author Archives: Russ

Uber and Under-the-Table Kickbacks

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Russ

The ride sharing services Uber and Lyft are now active here in Las Vegas. There’s an interesting article on Buzzfeed about how Uber and Lyft got into Nevada. One of my clients asked me a question: Does he have to … Continue reading →

Posted in Las Vegas | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Uber and Under-the-Table Kickbacks

IRS Computers Won’t be Completely Shutting Down Over Columbus Day Weekend

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Russ

Next Monday, October 12th, is Columbus Day. That’s a federal holiday. In prior years the IRS computer systems completely shut down over the three-day weekend. There was no efiling, no pulling of transcripts, no anything in dealing with the IRS. … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on IRS Computers Won’t be Completely Shutting Down Over Columbus Day Weekend

TIGTA: “IRS Can’t Track International Correspondence.” IRS: “So What.”

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Russ

The nature of my practice is such that I have a relatively large number of clients who live outside the United States. When one of my expatriate clients gets an IRS notice, I shudder. The IRS offices that handle international … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

How to Wynne Your Money Back in Maryland

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Russ

Earlier this year the US Supreme Court ruled that Maryland had to issue full tax credits–including the county add-on tax–to individuals facing double taxation (typically, Maryland residents who earned income taxed in other states). Kay Bell in Don’t Mess With … Continue reading →

Posted in Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin | Tagged | 1 Comment

Neymar Tax Evasion Investigation Continues; Judge Freezes $48 Million of Assets

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Russ

Neymar is one of the world’s best soccer players. Given an injury to fellow Barcelona player Lionel Messi, there’s pressure on Neymar and his teammates to step up. Earlier this year it was disclosed that Neymar was being investigated for … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 1 Comment

Cash & Carry Your Way to Tax Evasion

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Russ

Kasia’s Bakery is a very successful bakery in New Britain, Connecticut. Its owner, Marian Kobryn, emigrated from Poland to the US to escape political oppression. He opened the bakery, and it’s been a great success. The bakery operates on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecticut, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

Are Turf Rebates Taxable?

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Russ

The Los Angeles Times has an article asking this question. Because of the drought in California, the Metropolitan Water District had a $340 million incentive program so that homeowners would replace grass (which takes a lot of water) with bark, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Nevada | 23 Comments

Kiplinger’s Tax-Friendly and Least Tax-Friendly States: Bring Me (Mostly) the Usual Suspects

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Russ

Kiplinger has come out with their list of most tax-friendly and least tax-friendly states. There aren’t many surprises on the list, and readers of this blog definitely won’t be shocked with the least friendly state. The most friendly state was … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Delaware, Nevada | Tagged | 1 Comment

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Phone Calls

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Russ

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released this morning an analysis of the 2015 filing season. There is both good news and bad news in the report. First, some good news. The IRS has improved the detection of … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

A 0% Chance of Success Didn’t Deter Him!

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Russ

Ronald Reagan said, “Facts are stupid things.” Well, one fact that I’ve mentioned in the past is that IRS Criminal Investigations looks at all allegations of employment tax fraud. The reason is obvious: The IRS doesn’t like the idea of … Continue reading →

Posted in Payroll Taxes, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment