Category Archives: California

There’s Lots of Waste in California’s Government

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Russ

That’s the only conclusion I can draw after perusing this morning’s Orange County Register. A headline reads, “State Considers Ban on Big-Screen TVs.” No, it’s not April 1st—the headline is for real. The California Energy Commission—that’s the same group of … Continue reading →

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Where’s the Refund

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Russ

A good barometer of when others will receive their California tax refunds is when I will receive mine. My return was filed on February 15th. The Franchise Tax Board has a webpage to check on the status of your refund. … Continue reading →

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Three More Questions from the Mailbag

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Russ

Three more questions from the mailbag this week. We’ll take a look at pensions, extensions, and putting money aside for 2009 taxes. First, a Californian asks: If I retire with a government pension (Calpers) from California, will I have to … Continue reading →

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Budgeting 101, Sacramento Democrat Style

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Russ

You’re facing yet another $4 – $8 billion deficit. You’re in the middle of a recession. So do you cut back on spending, or do you propose billions more in new programs which would have to be funded through even … Continue reading →

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Weekend Mailbag

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Russ

Three questions of interest this weekend. The first deals with moving to Nevada, the second with the requirement to report foreign financial accounts, and the third deals with deducting clothing. First, a reader asks: I want to move to Nevada. … Continue reading →

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A Billion Here and a Billion There…

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Russ

A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon it adds up to real money.—Senator Everett Dirksen Well, a billion dollars is just about the amount that February collections by California were under budget. It’s going to get worse. April is … Continue reading →

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Just Below the Surface

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Russ

As a tax professional I get to observe first-hand what taxpayers think of the current tax climate. I think Howard Beale put it well: Somewhere between 8,000 and 15,000 protested in nearby Fullerton yesterday. These weren’t the usual left-wing protesters … Continue reading →

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The Checks Are in the Mail

Posted on March 6, 2009 by Russ

California Controller John Chiang announced today that California state income tax refunds have been released, and those on hold (generally, those processed two or more weeks ago) will start going out the door. Refunds through the mail should start hitting … Continue reading →

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What’s Next for California

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Russ

Now that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed the bad budget bill, what’s next for the Bronze Golden State? Will taxpayers receive their tax refunds? What’s this about a special election in May? And what’s going to happen with the 2009-2010 budget? … Continue reading →

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Budget Passes State Legislature; Expected to be Signed on Saturday

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Russ

State Senator Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) broke ranks with the rest of the California Senate Republican Caucus and voted for the bad budget bill. With his vote, the 2/3 majority was obtained and the budget was sent to the State … Continue reading →

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