Category Archives: Tax Preparation

Don’t Try This at Home

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Russ

Thomas Thorndike was a tax preparer in Waterbury, Connecticut. I use “was” because earlier this year he was sentenced to six years at ClubFed for cheating on his own taxes and for helping clients obtain refunds using false deductions. Here’s … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Preparation | 1 Comment

Pass the Popcorn, Please

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Russ

When I last wrote about Instant Tax Service it appeared that the end of that firm was upon us. After all, a judge ordered ITS to close shop because of a myriad of sins. ITS is appealing and is now … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on Pass the Popcorn, Please

One Down, One to Go: DOJ Gets an Injunction, Asks for Another

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Russ

One of the more humorous (to me) aspects of the Loving case was hearing the IRS argue that it has no means of disciplining rogue tax preparers. That’s just not true. If I deliberately prepare a bad return, I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged | 2 Comments

What If Your Tax Professional Vanishes?

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Russ

Yesterday, a new client called me. It seems that his tax professional (we’ll call her Jane Doe) vanished. She’s not answering phone calls (nor returning messages–and her voice mail is now full), nor returning mail, nor returning faxes. My client … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | 1 Comment

Once Again, Registration of a Tax Preparer Doesn’t Stop Him from Bad Behavior

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Russ

With tonight’s season premier of Breaking Bad, it feels apropos to note a tax “professional” who is accused of bad behavior. The US Department of Justice filed suit against Michael Turner of San Diego. Mr. Turner is alleged to have, … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Preparation | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Bozo Tax Tip #3: Use a Bozo Accountant!

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Russ

Here’s another Bozo Tax Tip that keeps coming around. The problem is, the Bozos don’t change their stripes. In any case, here are some signs your accountant might be a Bozo: – He’s never met a deduction that doesn’t fit … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Bozo Tax Tip #10: Report Income That You Didn’t Earn

Posted on March 31, 2013 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! The story you are about to read is true. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged , | 1 Comment

What $4.95 Buys These Days

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Russ

Living in Las Vegas gives me, at times, a very jaded perspective on life. I see individuals who otherwise pinch pennies spend $100 on bottle service at a club (or $4.95 for a thimble-sized amount of alcohol). You can still … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey, Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on What $4.95 Buys These Days

Excellent Fraud?

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Russ

Two Georgia tax preparers may have prepared their last returns. Larry Heath and Andy Heath are brothers. Both own and operate tax preparation businesses in northern Georgia. Both have prepared lots of returns, and they likely have very satisfied customers. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Fraud, Tax Preparation | Tagged | Comments Off on Excellent Fraud?

Bozo Tax Tip #2: Use a Bozo Accountant

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Russ

Here’s another Bozo Tax Tip that keeps coming around. The problem is, the Bozos don’t change their stripes. In any case, here are some signs your accountant might be a Bozo: – He’s never met a deduction that doesn’t fit … Continue reading →

Posted in Tax Preparation | Tagged , | Comments Off on Bozo Tax Tip #2: Use a Bozo Accountant