Category Archives: Tax Evasion

Supreme Court Litigator, High-Stakes Poker Player, and Tax Felon?

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Russ

This morning, a friend texted me, “Russ, you MUST read this!” with a link to this story about Supreme Court litigator Tom Goldstein.  Mr. Goldstein was indicted on numerous tax-related charged regarding how he handled his high-stakes poker playing. Mr. … Continue reading →

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Nominations Due for 2023 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Russ

It’s that time of year–the season of giving.  Unlike gifts for your family and friends (where everyone, hopefully, has been nice), I’m looking for the naughty.  Once again, I’m seeking nominations for this year’s Tax Offender of the Year.  To … Continue reading →

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The 2022 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Russ

It’s time once more for that super prestigious award I give out, the Tax Offender of the Year.  One year there will be no candidates, but 2022 absolutely isn’t the year.  Let’s look first at some who didn’t make the … Continue reading →

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The 2021 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2021 by Russ

It’s time once more for that (not really) most prestigious of prestigious awards, the Tax Offender of the Year.  One year I’ll find that I don’t have many deserving winners (probably the year after I retire); however, there were plenty … Continue reading →

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Nominations Due for 2021 Tax Offender of the Year!

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Russ

In just over two weeks it will be time for me to hand out the annual Tax Offender of the Year award.  I suspect that once again there are too many deserving nominees.  If you have a suggestion, feel free … Continue reading →

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Ignoring W-2Gs and $482,000 of Income Led to a Sub-Optimal Result

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Russ

Bluffing in poker can work quite well. However, if your opponent will always call, bluffing cannot work. One poker player learned that the IRS always call your bluffs (especially when they have evidence). Guy Smith owns an interior construction business … Continue reading →

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Taking Some Bites Out of Tax Crime

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Russ

Many cities have cuisines that they are noted for. New Orleans is famous for the excellent Cajun food. I think of seafood and lobster with Boston. And cheesesteaks–a mixture of chopped steak with grilled onions and cheese on a roll–goes … Continue reading →

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Phony Donations Yield Real Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Russ

Have I got a deal for you! You can give me a donation of, say, $500,000, and I’ll give you $450,000 back! Yet get a write-off on your tax return for all $500,000 but you really only spent $50,000. Isn’t … Continue reading →

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This Name Looks Vaguely Familiar

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Russ

I’m a tax nerd. I read Tax Court decisions. Today, one caught my eye: W.T. Snipes v. Commissioner. This name looks vaguely familiar. Yes, it’s the Wesley Snipes. Mr. Snipes, for those who don’t remember, visited ClubFed for failing to … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #7: Only Income Earned Outside the US Is Taxable

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Russ

A few days ago I was explaining to a client the basics of the US Tax Code: All income is taxable unless Congress exempts it; nothing is deducible unless Congress allows it. That’s the basics. My office is in Las … Continue reading →

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