Author Archives: Russ

The NAEA Won’t Like This Post

I’m a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Generally, I’m supportive of their policies. However, I am not a fan of mandatory preparer regulation. Other than giving the IRS more money and getting rid of the lowest hanging … Continue reading

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Defalcations Send Randolph Scott to ClubFed

When I hear the name Randolph Scott, I think of the late actor. He played leading men (generally heroes in Westerns) during his long and illustrious career. This Randolph Scott is anything but a hero. Randolph Scott of Doylestown, Pennsylvania … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Tax, Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | 2 Comments

How Should Multiple Buy-Ins for a Poker Tournament be Handled on a W-2G?

Poker tournaments today have various forms. Some are “freeze-outs,” where you can only buy into the tournament once. Some have rebuys and add-ons, where if you lose all your chips you can rebuy into the tournament and if you’re in … Continue reading

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | 2 Comments

Ghost Hunter, Pheasant Hunter, or Deduction Hunter: No Matter, He Loses at Tax Court

My favorite Tax Court judge, Mark Holmes, is out with an opinion where Ghostbusters makes an appearance. And once again keeping records would win the day but perhaps that would take a supernatural effort from today’s petitioner. David Laudon is … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Family that Commits Tax Evasion Together Goes to ClubFed Together

You own a payroll company with your son. It’s been a good year, so you decide to give yourself a bonus from the corporation. There’s nothing wrong with that–it’s your company, and you certainly can pay yourself whatever you feel … Continue reading

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment

IRS Removes Social Security Number from Some Notices But…

The IRS has begun removing social security numbers from some IRS notices in the header (leaving just the last four digits, such as xxx-xx-1234). The reason for this is the problem of identity theft. And I give kudos to the … Continue reading

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Hospital’s Closing; Who Will Notice the Missing Charity Money?

Irvine, California used to have Irvine Regional Hospital. The hospital closed back in 2009 (but has since reopened as Hoag Hospital Irvine). When I lived in Irvine one of my doctors has his office in the medical building that’s attached … Continue reading

Posted in Irvine, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

Sergeant Schultz to the Rescue!

Back in the 1960s there was a television show called Hogan’s Heroes. The comedy was set in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany during World War II. One of the characters on the show was Sergeant Schultz. Here’s an excerpt via … Continue reading

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

When Even IRS Employees Are Tempted to Commit Identity Theft…

…you know there’s a huge problem. Especially given that the employee should realize that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) does look at alleged criminal activities by IRS employees. Yet it happens. Take Kenneth Goheen of Austin. Mr. … Continue reading

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You Will EFile and Electronically Remit to California’s EDD

Beginning in 2017, all California employers with ten or more employees will be required to electronically file all withholding tax reports and electronically remit all payments to California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). Beginning in 2018, all California employers, regardless of … Continue reading

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