Category Archives: Tax Preparation

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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Bad Advice: Holding the Check ’til 2010

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Russ

Most of the advice given in the tax blogosphere is good. However, I saw this posted today: My business had a really profitable month. Do you have any ideas on last minute expenses to help lower my taxable income? Depending … Continue reading →

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Mailbag: How to Get Both Sides Upset with You (Poker Coaches & 1099s)

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Russ

Like most tax professionals, I send out a newsletter for my clients. In my most recent newsletter, I included the following: Under federal law, a business owner (this includes those of you who file a Schedule C — a sole … Continue reading →

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The Responsibilities of a Tax Preparer

Posted on October 25, 2009 by Russ

Robert Flach has published two excellent posts on the responsibilities of a preparer (post 1, post 2). In general, I agree with everything that Mr. Flach states. Some excerpts: “In order to make sure that you pay the absolute least … Continue reading →

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Russ Enters a Debate

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Russ

Two tax bloggers who I respect, Robert Flach (The Wandering Tax Pro) and Peter Pappas (The Tax Lawyer’s Blog) have been debating Peter’s 5 Slam Dunk IRS Audit Red Flags. Robert responded, Peter replied, and Robert made his rebuttal. All … Continue reading →

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No Liberty

Posted on June 21, 2009 by Russ

Liberty Tax Service is America’s third largest tax preparation chain. Back in 2007, Liberty advertised that they could have your refund to you in one day. Sounds great, but there’s a problem with that: You can’t get refunds that fast. … Continue reading →

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Should Tax Preparers be Regulated?

Posted on June 21, 2009 by Russ

A debate is heating up among tax bloggers on whether or not tax preparers should be regulated. Some bloggers, such as Peter Pappas, think they should be. Others, including Joe Kristan, think they shouldn’t be. I happen to practice in … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #4: Use a Bozo Accountant

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Russ

I’ve come to the conclusion that everything in life is normally distributed. You may remember the normal distribution from a class you took on probability theory. It’s the bell curve. Most things are in the middle, but some are outliers … Continue reading →

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Two From the Bozo Tax Preparer Front

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Russ

Suppose you’re a tax “professional” and a client comes in who needs to file back tax returns. He presents his record of income for those years. You look at it and realize your client is going to owe a lot … Continue reading →

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

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 →

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