Category Archives: Tax Preparation

A Bad Week for Bozo Tax Preparers

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Russ

I try hard to help my clients pay the lowest tax possible—legitimately. These Bozos skip that last word. Let’s start in Valdosta, Georgia. Back in November I reported on the scheme of Pamela and Clinton Hughes to claim fraudulent tax … Continue reading →

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Tanning and Other Phony Deductions

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Russ

Three Bozo tax preparers are in trouble this week. Two are the target of a Department of Justice lawsuit to shut them down; the other finds himself facing tax evasion charges. Let’s start in Clive, Iowa. Jill Schwartz-Musin and her … Continue reading →

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Is There Something in the Water in Illinois?

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Russ

Suppose you’re a tax preparer, and your new client owes quite a bit. Being the ever helpful kind of person that you are, you suggest to him that he add some additional business losses, charitable contributions and child care expenses, … Continue reading →

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Three Fewer Bozo Tax Preparers on the Loose

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Russ

>From the East Coast comes two tales of Bozo tax preparers. They’re joined by one from the heartland. Together, it’s a trifecta of what not to do. First, Henderson Joseph of Clarksburg, Maryland used to own Triad Business Services. Mr. … Continue reading →

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Selling Dependents?

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Russ

If you’re a tax preparer and you want to help your clients save money, one way would be to invent a dependent or two for them. Sure, you’re violating a law (or two), but your clients will save money. Not … Continue reading →

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Tax Season May Start In Mid-February This Year

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Russ

If you want to make an accountant unhappy all you need to do is tell him that tax season will be compressed. Funneling more work into fewer days does not brighten an accountant’s day. The IRS today officially recognized what … Continue reading →

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Selecting a Professional Tax Preparer

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Russ

We all know what assume means. “Do you remember the old episode of tv’s ODD COUPLE when Felix explains to Oscar what happens when you assume? We all must know by now that when you assume you make an ass … Continue reading →

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It’s That Time of the Year

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Russ

I’ve sent out all of my Tax Organizers for the year. If you’re my client and have not received your Organizer let me know. You do not have to use the Organizer but it is a very useful tool for … Continue reading →

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The CPA Added Phony Deductions. Who Owes the Tax?

Posted on December 16, 2008 by Russ

The Tax Court looked today at the case of an unlucky taxpayer who used a Bozo CPA. The Bozo CPA added phony deductions (completely unbeknownst to the taxpayer). The IRS found out and assessed the tax rightly owed and penalties. … Continue reading →

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Bozo Preparers Running Rampant in New York

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Russ

There are good tax preparers and bad ones. There appear to be plenty of the latter in the Empire State. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance sent some undercover inspectors to various tax professionals in New York. What … Continue reading →

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