Category Archives: Massachusetts

The Almost-End of the 2023 Tax Season

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Russ

It’s been a while since I posted: family issues, tax deadlines, and paper in every direction has made me concentrate on serving my clients, and not the blog.  I’ll have a recap of the 2023 Tax Season soon, but today … Continue reading →

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Maine & Massachusetts Conform to IRS Hurricane Extension

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Russ

In the US we have a dual system of taxation: federal and state taxes.  Of course, you can be a resident of a state without state income tax like me and not have to deal with state income taxes, but … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #5: Procrastinate!

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Russ

Today is April 11th. The tax deadline is just seven days away. What happens if you wake up and it’s April 18, 2022, and you can’t file your tax? File an extension. Download Form 4868, make an estimate of what … Continue reading →

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Out With the Fed Mandate; In With State Mandates

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Russ

Once upon a time there was the federal mandate to have health insurance; per the US Supreme Court, a “tax.” Well, beginning with 2019 tax returns (filed in 2020) the federal mandate is no more. Unfortunately, tax professionals and taxpayers … Continue reading →

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Can a California or Massachusetts Professional Gambler Take a Business Loss on His or Her State Tax Return?

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Russ

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) eliminated the ability of a professional gambler to take a loss on his Schedule C based on his business expenses; Congress specifically overrode the Mayo v Commissioner decision. But what about state taxes? … Continue reading →

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Boston Bruins 2, IRS 0

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Russ

The United States Tax Court today looked at whether pregame road meals for a National Hockey League (NHL) team are “meals and entertainment” expense (which would be deductible at 50% of cost) or a “de minimis fringe” and deductible at … Continue reading →

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Update on the Future of Daily Fantasy Sports

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Russ

So far, I’ve been accurate on my predictions. Back in February 2014 I wrote, Unfortunately, many states look at just an element of chance to determine if something is gambling. And there’s no doubt that daily fantasy sports have such … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, Massachusetts, New York | Tagged | 2 Comments

State Financial Health: Alaska, Dakotas on Top, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut on the Bottom

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Russ

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University released a study today ranking the 50 states on their financial health. Here are the top six states: 1. Alaska (8.26) 2. North Dakota (2.97) 3. South Dakota (2.84) 4. Nebraska (2.75) 5. … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Has a New Software Sales Tax

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Russ

Taxachusetts, er, Massachusetts has had for years a reputation of being a high tax state. Lately, Massachusetts has become a somewhat better locale (based on taxes). It’s not that Massachusetts has improved; rather, other nearby states have enacted or increased … Continue reading →

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IRS Gives Extra Three Months for Filing and Payments to Boston-Area Taxpayers; Massachussetts Deadline Should be the Same

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Russ

As I’m still not really working, here’s the press release from the IRS: WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a three-month tax filing and payment extension to Boston area taxpayers and others affected by Monday’s explosions. This relief … Continue reading →

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