Category Archives: California

Mr. Hyatt Goes to Washington…Again

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Russ

The saga of Gilbert Hyatt and the Franchise Tax Board, California’s income tax agency, continues. As you may remember, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled last September that the FTB committed fraud against Mr. Hyatt (false representation and intentional infliction of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Supreme Court | Tagged | 1 Comment

Honesty Is Usually a Good Policy

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Russ

Ronald Jerome Boyd is the Chief of the Los Angeles Port Police. The Port Police are responsible for policing Los Angeles Harbor (which is one of the busiest in the country). Mr. Boyd has been Chief since November 2004 (and … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Tax Evasion | 2 Comments

Bozo Tax Tip #5: Ignoring California

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Russ

Perhaps I should call this Bozo Tax Tip “Forming a California Trust.” Why? Let me explain. Let’s assume John and Jane, two California residents, form a trust to benefit their children, Ann and Bob. Ann lives in Florida; Bob resides … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Florida, Nevada | 1 Comment

Bozo Tax Tip #6: Nevada Corporations

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Russ

As we continue with our Bozo Tax Tips–things you absolutely, positively shouldn’t do but somewhere someone will try anyway–it’s time for an old favorite. Given the business and regulatory climate in California, lots of businesses are trying to escape taxes … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Nevada | 1 Comment

Gilbert Hyatt Loses in Federal Court

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Russ

A federal court in Sacramento ruled against inventor Gilbert Hyatt last week. Mr. Hyatt is involved in a 22-year old battle with California’s Franchise Tax Board (the state’s income tax agency). This all stems over when Mr. Hyatt moved to … Continue reading →

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Taxes Impacting the Giants

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Russ

The San Francisco Giants have been one of baseball’s more successful teams; they’re the current world champions. But they haven’t been as freewheeling in spending money as other teams. Their General Manager blames California taxes. The top tax rate for … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Illinois | Tagged | 1 Comment

California at Bottom of Small Business Entrepreneurship Rankings

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Russ

While I was on vacation, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council released its 19th annual “Small Business Policy Index 2014: Ranking the States on Policy Measures and Costs Impacting Small Business and Entrepreneurship.” (Hat Tip: Joe Kristan) The listing measures … Continue reading →

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The 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index: Not Much Has Changed

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Russ

I guess I could have called this, “Bring me the usual suspects,” but I’ve been using that phrase over and over. Yet not much has changed, so the usual suspects have good tax climates and the usual suspects have bad … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Legislation, Nevada, New York | Tagged | 1 Comment

Copying Steven Martinez’s Idea Is Not a Good Choice

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Russ

I’m on the road this weekend, but a story from the San Francisco Bay Area caught my eye. Charles Waldo was already in jail. He was arrested on a 50-count indictment for insurance fraud, tax evasion, felony vandalism, and a … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Tax Evasion | Tagged | 2 Comments

California Mandates E-Filing of Business Returns

Posted on September 27, 2014 by Russ

The California legislature passed a law mandating e-filing of most business returns beginning with 2014 returns filed in 2015. This legislation was signed into law. Exemptions are available but must be requested from the Franchise Tax Board. Although not mentioned … Continue reading →

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