Author Archives: Russ

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

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Russ

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

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Russ

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…

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Russ

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?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Russ

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!

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Russ

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…

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Russ

…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

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Russ

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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Will the Last One Out Turn the Lights Off?

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Russ

An interesting op-ed in the Orange County Register talks about how Democrats in the California legislature are considering a long list of taxes. The author, Joseph Vranich, is a business relocation consultant based in my old homestead of Irvine, California. … Continue reading →

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How to Commit Tax Fraud 101

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Russ

The Florida Center for Investigative Reporting (FCIR) has an article spotlighting tax return fraud. That in itself isn’t surprising given that Florida is the hotbed for this crime. What is depressing is how easy it is to commit the crime. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | Tagged | 1 Comment

Former Oklahoma State Senator Embezzled $1.2 Million & Committed Tax Fraud

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Russ

Ricky Brinkley used to be a State Senator in Oklahoma; he represented Tulsa and nearby areas. He resigned last week and then pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud | 1 Comment