Category Archives: Tax Preparation

Another California Tax Preparer Ignores Her Continuing Education

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Russ

I say that because of news that comes from the small (California) Central Valley town of Livingston. The Department of Justice announced that Nohemi Villarreal Noriega of Patterson has been arrested on charges of tax evasion and structuring. Ms. Noriega … Continue reading →

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An Intuit of a Problem

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Russ

I have more information on the coding issue: The problem lies with my software company, not the IRS. It seems that in a limited number of cases, my software (ProSeries, made by Intuit) returns a code “5” indicating that an … Continue reading →

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The TaxSlayer.com Bowl?

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Russ

I enjoy college football. Today, my school won a thrilling game in overtime. Way back when, there were only a few college bowl games. And their names were simple: Rose, Sugar, Cotton, and Orange. The second tier games also had … Continue reading →

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I Spilled my Coffee Thanks to Joe Kristan

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Russ

This morning, Joe Kristan posted about an Iowa couple who had a unique method of preparing tax returns. I made the mistake of reading the actual court decision while drinking my morning coffee: According to [the defendants], if you believe … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #3: Honey, You Don’t Exist!

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Russ

Ah, Spring is in the air. And with that come the inevitable wedding invitations. I was supposed to be in a wedding this weekend, but the three extra days of tax season put an end to that. With weddings comes … Continue reading →

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How to be a Receptionist Without Trying at All

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Russ

I’m happy doing what I do. As my brother says, someone’s got to enjoy preparing tax returns. One thing that I’m not, though, is a receptionist. Neither is one Bakersfield woman. However, Bakersfield tax preparer Bertha Vaughn listed her as … Continue reading →

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IRS Tips on Choosing a Tax Preparer

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

The IRS has come out with its annual list of tips in choosing a tax professional: 1. Check the person’s qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources … Continue reading →

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More on Tax Preparer Licensing

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Russ

I was at an audit this afternoon at the Laguna Niguel IRS office. The return (prepared by an unenrolled preparer) had gross errors. Frankly, any competent preparer should have caught these errors. Unfortunately, the individual who prepared the original return … Continue reading →

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Licensing of Tax Preparers Is Coming

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Russ

The IRS announced this morning that it will soon require registration and exams for most tax preparers who are not regulated. The report in the Wall Street Journal notes that the changes “will take several years to implement and will … Continue reading →

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1099 Time

Posted on January 3, 2010 by Russ

It’s time for businesses to send out their annual information returns. These are the Form 1099s that are sent to to vendors when required. Let’s look first at who does not have to receive 1099s: Corporations (except attorneys) Entities you … Continue reading →

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