Category Archives: IRS

Bozo Tax Tip #6: Just Don’t File

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Russ

We’re running some repeats, but there is some new Bozo material coming. It’s just that people keep trying the same things over and over again. It’s tough to avoid the tax system. There are currency transaction reports (cash transactions of … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #6: Just Don’t File

Bozo Tax Tip #8: The Shell

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Russ

I was talking with a friend who is an attorney in the Midwest. She told me about an individual who decided to use ten layers of shell companies to hide his income. It worked so well that the Bozo had … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #8: The Shell

Bozo Tax Tip #9: Only Foreign Income Is Taxable

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Russ

Another repeat from 2008, mainly because people still try to peddle this snake oil. This conversation took place just yesterday. Two prospective clients came into my office (husband and wife). I showed them my Engagement Letter first, and they wanted … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #9: Only Foreign Income Is Taxable

Bozo Tax Tip #10: Use Consecutive SSNs When Cheating the IRS

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Russ

It’s time for our annual rundown of Bozo Tax Tips, strategies that you really, really, really shouldn’t try. But somewhere, somehow, someone will try these. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Here’s a repeat for the third year: Let’s thank … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #10: Use Consecutive SSNs When Cheating the IRS

A Good Blog to Visit

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Russ

Peter Pappas, proprietor of the Tax Lawyer’s Blog, reminded me that I have forgotten to include him on my blogroll. Well, that’s an error I was happy to correct. Mr. Pappas’ blog is excellent, and we share annoyance over an … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on A Good Blog to Visit

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 →

Posted in California, IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on Where’s the Refund

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 →

Posted in California, Gambling, IRS | Comments Off on Three More Questions from the Mailbag

When a Gambler Loses…

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Russ

The Tax Code is anything but fair towards gamblers. This is especially true for professional gamblers; they’re in one of the few professions where you can’t lose. Section 165(d) states that losses from wagering (gambling) transactions are only allowable up … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on When a Gambler Loses…

Good News from the IRS on Madoff and NOLs

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Russ

This week the IRS handed some beleaguered taxpayers good news. First, the IRS announced that the new NOL provision (a five-year carryback) can be used for 2008 returns. This new NOL provision applies to certain partnerships and S Corporations. And, … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in California, Gambling, IRS, Nevada | Tagged | Comments Off on Weekend Mailbag