Category Archives: Tax Evasion

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

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

Posted in Gambling, Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Leave a comment

Nominations Due for 2023 Tax Offender of the Year

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

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on Nominations Due for 2023 Tax Offender of the Year

The 2022 Tax Offender of the Year

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

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on The 2022 Tax Offender of the Year

The 2021 Tax Offender of the Year

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

Posted in International, IRS, Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on The 2021 Tax Offender of the Year

Nominations Due for 2021 Tax Offender of the Year!

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

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Tagged | Comments Off on Nominations Due for 2021 Tax Offender of the Year!

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

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

Posted in Connecticut, Gambling, Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Ignoring W-2Gs and $482,000 of Income Led to a Sub-Optimal Result

Taking Some Bites Out of Tax Crime

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

Posted in Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Taking Some Bites Out of Tax Crime

Phony Donations Yield Real Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

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

Posted in Tax Evasion, Tax Fraud | Comments Off on Phony Donations Yield Real Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

This Name Looks Vaguely Familiar

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

Posted in Tax Court, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on This Name Looks Vaguely Familiar

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

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

Posted in International, Tax Evasion | Tagged | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #7: Only Income Earned Outside the US Is Taxable